So it has finally arrived , and I seriously cannot believe how fast it came, tomorrow I leave to DC for MARATHON WEEKEND. Whooooo Hooooo!. I am super excited for a mini getaway, but I am so so petrified of the run. I keep telling myself you trained hard and now its time for action. Its like that big meeting you have been preparing for and now its time for the presentation. I have almost finished packing but I think I am one of the most horrible packers in the world. In addition, the weather is going bizurks. Saturday's weather ranges from low 53 to high 78. That is a major jump. I have packed lots of warmer weather clothing so lets hope I don't freeze, and that I brought a good variety of items. I am most concerned about overdressing for the race. I packed several tank tops, a short sleeve shirt, a running jacket and two capris with pockets. I also packed a long sleeve shirt that I can take off and throw to the side. They donate all items left to charity. I put together items for tomorrow's breakfast and Saturday's breakfast. i will have oatmeal with banana and almond milk. I am going to try to pick up some peanut butter somewhere to help sustain me a little longer through the race. I also packed 2 energy gels.I will finish my last minute Items in the morning. I am heading out around 6:15 to pick up my friend and head to our meet up location. There are five of us girls going. we will pile in my car and head off. hopefully we will arrive by 11, head to the expo, grab lunch and then explore. We have some errands to do before we check in and plan dinner. The guys should arrive by 8 or 9. Hopefully we an make it an early night. i need some sleep after this week, and the long days we have ahead
Well, I am going to head off to finish a couple of things. Look for my race recap!!!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Products I Love!
I am always looking for great products out of my normal go to's and usually find amazing things when I am least expecting. There are times I am looking for something specific and other times I randomly stumble upon something good. Most often I read about something, and then search and search for a good brand of the product. There have been several new finds and some go to products I have been waiting to share. Soooo here they are:
Tart cherry juice
After my laproscopic gallbladder surgery, I was so swollen I couldn't fit in my jeans for almost 2 weeks. I was about 4 inches swollen around my stomach. I was looking for anything to help reduce the swelling and it took almost 6 weeks or little more to get back to my normal size. During this time I discovered the joy of tart cherry juice. Through reading several magazine articles I have been introduced to this great little helper, which was recommended to help with a flat belly.
I am sure many of you know, heard of or can imagine the toll running takes on your body, esepcially during any type of training. Day after day you run sometimes without complete recovery. In the past I suffered from runner's knee and more recently my hip has been hurting leading me to believe I had bursitis of the hip. This product really helps to reduce inflammation and help your joints, and muscles recover from vigorous activity. I believe it works, and that it is a contributor to reduced pain in my hips, and body post weight training and running.
I have used both the type that is already mixed and then the juice concentrate. I think both are helpful but the already mixed one seemed to alleviate my pain a little more and a little faster. For the price and convenience of purchasing I love trader joe's tart cherry juice. Its a tad pricey at 3.99 for 4 servings but not too bad for its amazing benefits.
A product that many great runners swear by and usually list as one of their must have products is compression socks. I have given reviews of my experience of their success. Well which ones do I use. My first pair were the recovery sock which I think are my favorite. And recently I puchased the ones below from running skirts. They both work. However I think the purple ones are little tighter around the calf giving good compression. I didn't like that there didn't seem like there was any compression in the foot portio,. I love the style of the ones from rs but I prefer my lovely pink ones from the recovery sock. I think they offer just enough compression on the foot and calf without feeling restrictive.
Belgian chocolate Little Bites
So as I am a sweets addict I am always looking for something yummy but somewhat healthy. Chocolate is one of my favorite things ever. And for a while now I have been on a mission to find the best chocolate. On one of my nvigations of whole foods I found this:
Petite chocolate. They are small but big enough to be satisfying! You get 5 pieces for only 120 calories and 9 grams of sugar. I think the fact that they are super sweet helps give a more satisfying chocolate taste. I really enjoyed them, I finiahed them some time ago and am itching to go to whole foods to pick up another box. They good as a treat as they are $5 for 3 servings. Sorry, but I ate them all before I could snap a picture of the actual chocolate :( .
So for something extremely yummy, but now so healthy that I was introduced to at my annual christmas dinner was trader joe's Cookie butter. O man this stuff is good. I literally eat it out the jar. It was a limited product but it was brought back because its delicious. It taste like cookies but its hard to explain the taste so if your near a trader joe's I reccomend picking some up.
And here is a sneak peek at some of my daily go to products!
Better 'n Peanut Butter
Almond breeze milk ( it comes in so many varieties, I stick to the plain unsweetened)
Tart cherry juice
After my laproscopic gallbladder surgery, I was so swollen I couldn't fit in my jeans for almost 2 weeks. I was about 4 inches swollen around my stomach. I was looking for anything to help reduce the swelling and it took almost 6 weeks or little more to get back to my normal size. During this time I discovered the joy of tart cherry juice. Through reading several magazine articles I have been introduced to this great little helper, which was recommended to help with a flat belly.
 |
| Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate |
 |
| Trader Joe's Tart Cherry Juice- Ready to Drink |
I am sure many of you know, heard of or can imagine the toll running takes on your body, esepcially during any type of training. Day after day you run sometimes without complete recovery. In the past I suffered from runner's knee and more recently my hip has been hurting leading me to believe I had bursitis of the hip. This product really helps to reduce inflammation and help your joints, and muscles recover from vigorous activity. I believe it works, and that it is a contributor to reduced pain in my hips, and body post weight training and running.
I have used both the type that is already mixed and then the juice concentrate. I think both are helpful but the already mixed one seemed to alleviate my pain a little more and a little faster. For the price and convenience of purchasing I love trader joe's tart cherry juice. Its a tad pricey at 3.99 for 4 servings but not too bad for its amazing benefits.
A product that many great runners swear by and usually list as one of their must have products is compression socks. I have given reviews of my experience of their success. Well which ones do I use. My first pair were the recovery sock which I think are my favorite. And recently I puchased the ones below from running skirts. They both work. However I think the purple ones are little tighter around the calf giving good compression. I didn't like that there didn't seem like there was any compression in the foot portio,. I love the style of the ones from rs but I prefer my lovely pink ones from the recovery sock. I think they offer just enough compression on the foot and calf without feeling restrictive.
 |
| Pink Recovery Socks |
 |
| Super Cute heart ones from Running Skirts |
Belgian chocolate Little Bites
So as I am a sweets addict I am always looking for something yummy but somewhat healthy. Chocolate is one of my favorite things ever. And for a while now I have been on a mission to find the best chocolate. On one of my nvigations of whole foods I found this:
Petite chocolate. They are small but big enough to be satisfying! You get 5 pieces for only 120 calories and 9 grams of sugar. I think the fact that they are super sweet helps give a more satisfying chocolate taste. I really enjoyed them, I finiahed them some time ago and am itching to go to whole foods to pick up another box. They good as a treat as they are $5 for 3 servings. Sorry, but I ate them all before I could snap a picture of the actual chocolate :( .
So for something extremely yummy, but now so healthy that I was introduced to at my annual christmas dinner was trader joe's Cookie butter. O man this stuff is good. I literally eat it out the jar. It was a limited product but it was brought back because its delicious. It taste like cookies but its hard to explain the taste so if your near a trader joe's I reccomend picking some up.
And here is a sneak peek at some of my daily go to products!
Better 'n Peanut Butter
Almond breeze milk ( it comes in so many varieties, I stick to the plain unsweetened)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Dedication, Motivation, and Perseverance!
Happy March!!! Its March 2nd, where in the world has the time gone? Where in the world is Carmen San Diego (O, I truly enjoyed that show). I really cannot believe we are in March and that the Marathon is in 15 days. Craziness! The month of march kind of annoys me because its very uneventful, no days off from work, no holidays, not many events lol. Luckily, I have been off the last 2 days and today, and will be taking off a couple of days for the Marathon. I love making my own holidays. Anyway, I have so much to share with everybody, since I have been slacking with my blogging. But I will be breaking it up in several posts, so your not reading forever. Look for the following posts shortly.
In this post:
1. An update on compression socks
2. Recap of my longest run ever, and my last long training run.
Separate Posts:
3. Products I am Falling for
4. Recipes I created/ attempted haha.
Compression Socks: Does it Really Help- Update:
Previously, I gave my opinion on compression socks. You may read my previous review. http://runningonsweets.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-is-secret.html.
I would like to update a couple of things, to give a more accurate review. As most runners would agree, every run you have is different whether doing 3 miles or 20 miles. So just to make a disclosure, this is just my experience, my experience really could have nothing to do with the socks and just a result of other factors, but I seem to think its because of the socks. In my prior post I said I am a believer in compression socks, and really believe they work, whether you wear them during or after a run. I didn't notice a great difference wearing them during my run, but recommended you wear them after running. However, I sort of changed my opinion. I think it all depends what you are looking for them to do. When I wear my compression socks during my run, my run never feels easier and almost harder; it may be due to the circulation of the blood and the compression to your legs. I still do not like running in them from my experience, but I will say if you wear them during a run I find the recovery time for your legs is quicker than just wearing them after. I wore my socks during on one or two of my runs and each time I took them off as soon as I got home, to rush and do some errands. I didn't wear them at all the rest of the day (since they were dirty). The next day my calves weren't an ounce sore. Normally, I wear my socks all day after my run and sometimes even to sleep. They make my legs feels so much better, but the next day my calves are usually not really sore but I can still feel the pressure. So if you truly want a fast recovery, my suggestion is to wear compression socks during your run. If you have a little more time to recover like a full day or 2 and do not want to compromise your run, wear them after your run. I still continue to wear them primarily after my runs, but that is just my preference. So i would suggest doing your own experiment and see what works for you!
BTW, I just purchased new compression socks and cannot wait to wear them. My friend Vanessa also purchased them, (she is my sock buddy. I bought her, her first pair as a secret Santa gift) and she has already used them. She gave them a good review. So hopefully they are great. They are really pretty! O, How I love new running gear!
Running, Running, Running, Forever!
About a week and a half ago I had one of my fastest runs on my own. I really have a hard time going fast when not on a treadmill or at a race. But on February 21, I ran 5.61 miles in 44:35. That is an average of 7:57 minute miles, Whoo Hoo. Right under 8 minutes :) .
Ok, on to more important running talk. This past weekend, I set out to run 20-22 miles, aiming for 22 miles. I winded up running 23 miles and I was super pleased. I got through the whole run with no potty breaks which is an accomplishment in itself. I cracked open my energy gel at about mile 14, and I felt pretty strong through most of the run. The thing I am most afraid of is going out too fast and not being able to hold on. I struggle keeping a steady pace. I notice a pattern, I tend to speed up, go steady, slow down and repeat. I think part of it depends on the terrain, scenery, car traffic, people traffic, my music, and my thoughts at any given point. I am so easily distracted. I now see what people say about getting past 20 miles once I hit the 21 mile marker it just feels like, why am I am still running haha. Running such a long distance is not only physical but mental as well. It is all about motivation, dedication, and perseverance. You just have to tell yourself no stopping to we get to the end. You should the mantra's and peep talks i sometimes give myself haha (I will write about that one day). Sooooo, now to the results....drum role please.....23.09 miles/ 3:18:23 = 8 min 35 sec miles. I am very pleased, with the results. If i maintained that for the whole marathon I would finish in approx. 3 hrs and 45 min., which is what I will probably finish in and is a good goal for me. My overachievers goal is 3:30 but as long as I finish before 4 hrs, I will be happy. I have to admit, as much as I love running I am happy this was my last super long run, and now the tapering begins. The thought of tapering makes me antsy, I know you have to let your body recover but to decrease so much for 2 weeks and then jump into 26.2 miles makes butterflies in my tummy.
But my theory is, if all the great runners do it I guess it must work. I think the next 2 weeks I will work on speed and strength. I finally purchased a car (Yipeee), and will now alternate gym workouts with outside workouts. No more running in the freezing cold or the rain for this girl, lol.
Something New for You
These past two weeks I changed up my cross training to incorporate intervals and tabata. If you have never heard of tabata workouts they are short, super intense and great. It consists of a high intensity exercise for 20 seconds with a 10 second recovery and you repeat it eight times. You can do 1 round which is about 4 minutes or choose several exercises and make a 20- 30 min workout. You will do eights rounds of each 20/10 rep and then a minute break in between rounds. Give it try. if you nee some guidance check out Motion Traxx, they have a great podcast you can download that will instruct you. I will give a further information about the greatness of Motion Traxx in my coming post Products I love!!!. Its like one of the greatest things ever.
Marathon Training
Week 12- February 20-26 ( plan and update all in one) : BTW I did not do a good job of tracking my mileage these week.
Mon- 5 miles (8.17 miles- 1:09:10 ) I was off, so Mon and Tues were switched. Not completely sure on the mileage
Tues- 8 miles (5.32 miles- 44) Not sure on the time
Wed- 5 miles (5.61 miles- 44:35) Not completely sure on the mileage
Thurs- cross train (abs/interval workout/ tabata workout)
Fri- 5 miles (I did a little over 5 miles, if i remember correctly I did 5.61 miles but I don't remember the time :( )
Sat- 20-22 miles (23.09 miles- 3:18:23)
Sun- rest
Marathon Training: Week 13- February 27- March 4th
Mon- 5 miles (5.48 miles- 44.50 (time a little off) and quick outdoor leg workout)
Tues- 6 miles, thought it said 8 (7. 75 miles- 1:02:36)
Wed- 5 miles ( (cross trained instead)abs/interval workout/ tabata workout/ stretch)
Thurs- cross train ( 5.85 miles- 51:50 (time is a little off) )
Fri- 4miles (4:35 miles- 35:15/ arms/ yoga)
Sat- 12 miles
Sun- rest
(What I actually did)
In this post:
1. An update on compression socks
2. Recap of my longest run ever, and my last long training run.
Separate Posts:
3. Products I am Falling for
4. Recipes I created/ attempted haha.
Compression Socks: Does it Really Help- Update:
Previously, I gave my opinion on compression socks. You may read my previous review. http://runningonsweets.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-is-secret.html.
I would like to update a couple of things, to give a more accurate review. As most runners would agree, every run you have is different whether doing 3 miles or 20 miles. So just to make a disclosure, this is just my experience, my experience really could have nothing to do with the socks and just a result of other factors, but I seem to think its because of the socks. In my prior post I said I am a believer in compression socks, and really believe they work, whether you wear them during or after a run. I didn't notice a great difference wearing them during my run, but recommended you wear them after running. However, I sort of changed my opinion. I think it all depends what you are looking for them to do. When I wear my compression socks during my run, my run never feels easier and almost harder; it may be due to the circulation of the blood and the compression to your legs. I still do not like running in them from my experience, but I will say if you wear them during a run I find the recovery time for your legs is quicker than just wearing them after. I wore my socks during on one or two of my runs and each time I took them off as soon as I got home, to rush and do some errands. I didn't wear them at all the rest of the day (since they were dirty). The next day my calves weren't an ounce sore. Normally, I wear my socks all day after my run and sometimes even to sleep. They make my legs feels so much better, but the next day my calves are usually not really sore but I can still feel the pressure. So if you truly want a fast recovery, my suggestion is to wear compression socks during your run. If you have a little more time to recover like a full day or 2 and do not want to compromise your run, wear them after your run. I still continue to wear them primarily after my runs, but that is just my preference. So i would suggest doing your own experiment and see what works for you!
BTW, I just purchased new compression socks and cannot wait to wear them. My friend Vanessa also purchased them, (she is my sock buddy. I bought her, her first pair as a secret Santa gift) and she has already used them. She gave them a good review. So hopefully they are great. They are really pretty! O, How I love new running gear!
 |
| Don't you just love the heart? I do : ) |
Running, Running, Running, Forever!
About a week and a half ago I had one of my fastest runs on my own. I really have a hard time going fast when not on a treadmill or at a race. But on February 21, I ran 5.61 miles in 44:35. That is an average of 7:57 minute miles, Whoo Hoo. Right under 8 minutes :) .
Ok, on to more important running talk. This past weekend, I set out to run 20-22 miles, aiming for 22 miles. I winded up running 23 miles and I was super pleased. I got through the whole run with no potty breaks which is an accomplishment in itself. I cracked open my energy gel at about mile 14, and I felt pretty strong through most of the run. The thing I am most afraid of is going out too fast and not being able to hold on. I struggle keeping a steady pace. I notice a pattern, I tend to speed up, go steady, slow down and repeat. I think part of it depends on the terrain, scenery, car traffic, people traffic, my music, and my thoughts at any given point. I am so easily distracted. I now see what people say about getting past 20 miles once I hit the 21 mile marker it just feels like, why am I am still running haha. Running such a long distance is not only physical but mental as well. It is all about motivation, dedication, and perseverance. You just have to tell yourself no stopping to we get to the end. You should the mantra's and peep talks i sometimes give myself haha (I will write about that one day). Sooooo, now to the results....drum role please.....23.09 miles/ 3:18:23 = 8 min 35 sec miles. I am very pleased, with the results. If i maintained that for the whole marathon I would finish in approx. 3 hrs and 45 min., which is what I will probably finish in and is a good goal for me. My overachievers goal is 3:30 but as long as I finish before 4 hrs, I will be happy. I have to admit, as much as I love running I am happy this was my last super long run, and now the tapering begins. The thought of tapering makes me antsy, I know you have to let your body recover but to decrease so much for 2 weeks and then jump into 26.2 miles makes butterflies in my tummy.
 |
| Just picture them fluttering around, hehe! |
But my theory is, if all the great runners do it I guess it must work. I think the next 2 weeks I will work on speed and strength. I finally purchased a car (Yipeee), and will now alternate gym workouts with outside workouts. No more running in the freezing cold or the rain for this girl, lol.
Something New for You
These past two weeks I changed up my cross training to incorporate intervals and tabata. If you have never heard of tabata workouts they are short, super intense and great. It consists of a high intensity exercise for 20 seconds with a 10 second recovery and you repeat it eight times. You can do 1 round which is about 4 minutes or choose several exercises and make a 20- 30 min workout. You will do eights rounds of each 20/10 rep and then a minute break in between rounds. Give it try. if you nee some guidance check out Motion Traxx, they have a great podcast you can download that will instruct you. I will give a further information about the greatness of Motion Traxx in my coming post Products I love!!!. Its like one of the greatest things ever.
Marathon Training
Week 12- February 20-26 ( plan and update all in one) : BTW I did not do a good job of tracking my mileage these week.
Mon- 5 miles (8.17 miles- 1:09:10 ) I was off, so Mon and Tues were switched. Not completely sure on the mileage
Tues- 8 miles (5.32 miles- 44) Not sure on the time
Wed- 5 miles (5.61 miles- 44:35) Not completely sure on the mileage
Thurs- cross train (abs/interval workout/ tabata workout)
Fri- 5 miles (I did a little over 5 miles, if i remember correctly I did 5.61 miles but I don't remember the time :( )
Sat- 20-22 miles (23.09 miles- 3:18:23)
Sun- rest
Marathon Training: Week 13- February 27- March 4th
Mon- 5 miles (5.48 miles- 44.50 (time a little off) and quick outdoor leg workout)
Tues- 6 miles, thought it said 8 (7. 75 miles- 1:02:36)
Wed- 5 miles ( (cross trained instead)abs/interval workout/ tabata workout/ stretch)
Thurs- cross train ( 5.85 miles- 51:50 (time is a little off) )
Fri- 4miles (4:35 miles- 35:15/ arms/ yoga)
Sat- 12 miles
Sun- rest
(What I actually did)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)