Vacation Running Anxiety

Hi!

We've been home for almost 48 hours and settling back into a routine has been the best feeling.  I ran yesterday and today and have felt great about both of my runs.  

This morning I did just over 5 miles and was excited to see my comfortable pace was just around a 10 minute mile.  I remember when I first started running I was averaging close to 12 minute miles so I feel really good about my progress.  Fueling is starting to become an issue for me and something I am going to need to start playing around with but that is for another post! 

In other good and fun news I actually won something, weird I know!  A few weeks ago while I was at Fitbloggin'13 I entered a Twitter contest with The Laughing Cow.  I really didn't plan on winning and had actually forgot all about it until last week when I found out I was a winner, woop!  

I think cuddling up to the Laughing Cow got me extra points!  

Not really.

I could not remember what it was the winners would receive but I assumed it would be along the lines of cheese.  

Am I smart or what?! 

I tried all of these flavors during the break at Fitbloggin'13 and surprisingly my favorite was the Queso Fresco & Chipotle.  Normally I am a White Cheddar girl and while that is yummy too I really liked the spice on the Queso.  Plus it all came in a nice little lunch bag that will really come in handy this summer, score!  

You are probably asking what any of this has to do with the title of this post, the answer is nothing, I just wanted to share the fun news with you first.  Okay onward to what I really wanted to talk about, what I call Vacation Running Anxiety.  I really do not think there is a form of anxiety out there with that title but let's just pretend there is for the purpose of this post.  

We have been traveling a lot and while it is great to get out and see the country and all that jazz I find myself completely unable to get out and run while we are away from home.  It isn't from lack of motivation or even the desire to get out there because I have both of those things.  I find that I am plagued with anxiety and the idea of running around a strange new place by myself completely freaks me out.  When I am running at home in the light of day I am completely at ease even though I still run with my pepper spray and no headphones, stay alert people!  I always try to run "scared" but I still feel very comfortable running around town.  I pass by a lot of other runners and walkers and people walking their dogs, everyone is very friendly.  I know which streets to avoid because theirs dogs scare the crap out of me and I have a general idea of how far I am from home in any given area.  On our most recent trip to Northern California I headed out for a run Tuesday morning just to see what I could pull off.  

This was all I could muster, ugh.  I think that the heat and elevation played a part but I know 75% of it was my own anxiety.  Every sound would send my heart racing, if I heard a dog barking I would jump 10 feet I can just imagine what I looked like from someone's kitchen window.  It takes me a while to feel comfortable to any new area and I think our short little 1 week trips are not enough time for me to reach any sort of comfort level.  It really bums me out because it means my mileage for this month will not be anywhere near where I would like it to be :( but that is just something I'll have to let go.  I was able to take a yoga class with my mom so the week wasn't a total loss!  

What am I going to do about it you ask?  I could hide under a rock and never leave our hometown again (I can hear Katie cheering) but that is not realistic.  What I need to start doing is locate a gym in the area that we are traveling to and ask about a discounted rate for the time I'll be there.  Or better yet try and book a hotel that has a gym with a treadmill.  Even better yet would get some of my family members to start running so I have some running buddies when I come visit *hint*hint*.  I am pretty much planning on making Joey my running buddy once he graduates from boot camp, no excuses now!  Minus the whole commitment to the Navy, yada yada yada.  

What do you think about vacation running anxiety, is it something that affects any of you? 

Do you like The Laughing Cow cheese wedges? 

- I have loved their cheese forever!  

       

Helvetia Half Marathon Preview

Good morning!  

It is National Running Day!  Did you get out there?  I did a fun 3 miles this morning in the sunshine.  Normally I am a 4 day a week runner but with the beautiful summer mornings I am adding in some extra days.  I do it mainly for the pure enjoyment of being out in the morning and feeling energized for the day.  Running in the morning just sets me up to have a good day, I feel like I have already accomplished something important to me and I can handle anything tossed my way.  How does running make you feel?

My favorite race picture 

I am so excited for this weekend I can hardly contain myself!  

The Helvetia Half Marathon was my first Half last year and it holds a special place in my little runner's heart.  It is put on by Paula of Run with Paula Events and is really organized.  You can tell she takes a lot of pride in her events and wants everyone to be successful and have a good time.  The best part about this particular race?  The Helvetia Tavern burgers waiting for us at the finish!  Helvetia is a small unincorporated town that's claim to fame is their Helvetia Tavern Burger, if you haven't been out there GO!  

Inhaling my veggie Helvetia Tavern burger last year

The Helvetia Half Marathon was voted the best Half Marathon in 2012 by Competitor Magazine's Reader Poll.  This doesn't surprise me with everything offered pre-race, on the course and once you complete your race.  The race starts and finishes at the the Hillsboro Stadium and travels through some of the most beautiful parts of the countryside.  Granted the Helvetia Half is known for its hills so I wouldn't go into it hoping for a PR but just looking for a good time with your best running buddies.  

On Course 

On course they have lots of porta potties, seriously a lot.  This year they'll be offering water and Heed at the aid stations and at mile 5.8 and 7.3 (random) they'll have Cliff Shot available.  They will also have pace leaders from 7:45 min/mile up to 12:30 min/mile so everyone is covered!  Look for runners with balloons at the start line to find your pace leader.  

Packet Pick Up & Gear Check 

You can pick up your race packet and bib on Thursday 10-8 and Friday 10-6 at Portland Running Company on Scholls Ferry Road in Beaverton.  They will have packet pick up on race morning along with gear check so that is always an option.  I remember last year's gear check was really easy and they were handing me my bag before I even had to ask for it.    

Getting There 
Personally I like to carpool because driving to a race and getting pumped up with your friends is the best.  There is plenty of parking but carpooling just makes it so much easier.  I suggest arriving by 6:30 so you have ample time to do all the things you need to do *ahem* go to the bathroom a few times.  Oh is that just me?

Aside from those pesky hills there isn't much about this race I don't like.  Let me know in the comments if you'll be there too!  

Half #3 is almost here! 

Good Choices and Bad Choices

Hi! 

I would call my run today more of a slogging, I just couldn't really get moving.  I ended up doing my cross training this morning before my run and my legs felt like they were filled with lead afterwards.  I normally love that feeling after cross training but not right before I want to head out for 7 miles.  Not every run will be great but getting out there always feels great.  Is it starting to get warmer when you are at?  It really warmed up this morning and was almost 60 when I hit the pavement I was so grateful to find a water fountain during my 4th mile.  I get so thirsty when I am out running if I am doing anything over 5 miles I need to start remembering to bring my water belt.  

The other day I bought a couple of the Starbucks Iced Coffees because they were 2 for $3.00 and I figured it was worth a try.  My opinion that I am sure you really value is to skip them.  

They didn't have an unsweetened option and I had hoped it wouldn't be that sweet.  The 21 grams of sugar should have been my first clue that yes they would be sweet.  I like my coffee to be the color of milk so I added more of my own creamer but it still was a no go.  I ended up pouring it down the sink, I won't waste calories on something that doesn't even taste good.  Save your money and just buy a real iced coffee of if you are talented enough make your own at home.  Then again you shouldn't really take my advice on anything because I go to the store and do things like this... 

{Instagram Pic}

So do what you want, I make awesomely bad choices!

Do you find that you are really affected by your previous days food choices when you head out for a run?  I know that certain things will affect a run the following day.  For example I normally do not drink any alcohol during the week because I know it is going to weigh me down in a major way.  I especially stay away from it the day and night before a long run because it dehydrates me.  Wine is totally off limits during the week and before any long run or race, that stuff hits me like a brick.  Wine not only dehydrates me but just 1 glass will make getting up with my 5:30 alarm clock nearly impossible.  Luckily I've never been a huge drinker so it wasn't much of a reach to now only have a drink once a week.  

Do you have a food or drink you have to stay away from because they'll affect your runs?  

Favorite flavor of ice cream?  

- I have so many!  If I had absolutely had to choose then it would be Baskin Robbin's Mint Chocolate Chip 

Are you a coffee drinker?  

Hungry for Change

Good morning!  

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, I ran 10 miles on the treadmill yesterday and did 2 miles at my race pace.  This morning I am going to a TRX class because my favorite Barre class filled up before I got to a chance to register.  I've seen a lot of people doing the TRX classes and it looks like something I could like!  As of now I know nothing about it, but I will definitively share what it is like on tomorrow's post! 

I am actually a little sore from yesterday's long run and that is a good feeling.  I haven't ran anything close to 10 miles in a while and it was nice to know I still had it in me.  Once I accomplished my 10 on the treadmill yesterday I realized I could really get use to this treadmill thing.  Dare I say I might actually really like running on a treadmill?!  I have been able to feel what the my different paces actually feel like and can control my speed work at lot better.  Its nice to not have a bunch of gear on and not have to wear my water, there are some perks to running on a treadmill for sure!  

Afterwards I made sure to stretch and foam roll.  I have a foam roller at home but I didn't bring it with me because as you know they are so bulky.  Luckily the gym I am using has a foam roller so I am forcing myself to use it.

While I was doing my run yesterday morning I watched a documentary called Hungry for Change on Netflix.  It completely re-lit my drive to be a vegetarian and do better at cutting out sugar.  There are so many health benefits to eating more fresh vegetables and fruit and I learned some news things I never knew before.  For example did you know that eating foods like chia seeds and parsley actually will help detoxify your system?  I've been putting chia seeds in my salads and making pudding for about a year for the protein but didn't realize they also helped detoxify.  They cling to toxins in your body and help you to flush them out as you are sweating, drinking more water, etc.  The movie also pointed out how much sugar the average person is consuming without even realizing it and really hit some hard points about diet soda.  For some reason the last 3 months I started to drink diet coke knowing it was a dumb idea.  Think about it, most diet sodas have 0 calories but are full of taste and ingredients, unless those ingredients are air how can there be 0 calories?  Because it is a chemical shit storm, excuse my language.  I honestly cannot believe I was allowing myself to put it in my body and I know it did some damage in just that short amount of time.  My scalp has completely dried out and therefore my hair is a hot mess.  With every diet coke I was drinking that was less water I was putting in my body.  Needless to say I am done with diet soda.

Do you watch any documentaries?  
They are some of my favorite movies to watch, running and food documentaries are at the top of my list!  

Is there a food that you know is bad for you but you eat it regardless?  

Sometimes I wonder if I drink to much coffee and if that could be bad for my health.

Did you have a good weekend?!  

90 Day Chalean Results

Good Morning! 

I wasn't able to do the 10 miles I was hoping for yesterday while the girls were at preschool and at first I was really annoyed.  Sarah's teacher had a really bad fever and there was no way she could come in and teach so they had to cancel Sarah's class.  These things happen and I totally understood but this girl was really looking forward to a long run.  Instead I got a couple hours with my favorite red head and we had such a great time.  

We went to the mall to run an errand and then back to Sherwood for lunch at Fat Milo's.  If you live in Sherwood and have never been to Fat Milo's I would definitely check it out, really good local food.  Sarah had pancakes for lunch and I was shocked she ate almost the entire thing.

I had a spinach salad with walnuts and blue cheese, really good!  Don't you love my crappy cell phone pics? It was this or whited out to much flash pictures.  

I didn't get to run much this week for a variety of reasons but mostly because I didn't make it a priority in the morning which is always mistake #1.  Yesterday I did get to spend an awesome afternoon with Sarah and while at the time it wasn't what was planned it turned out to be so great.  I have a bunch of stuff I need to get started on this morning before we leave for the girls tumbling but I wanted to share with you a couple before and after pictures.  I am finished with the initial 90 days of Chalean and I loved it!  I did see results and will continue with the program again, I think I am going to start with the Burn Phase again and just work my way through another 90 days.  I'll start another 90 days the first week of December, until then I am just going to let myself enjoy running.  Running is what I really love and I don't see it as a have to do or exercise, for me it is just something I get to do and I love it.  

So as promised and a bit delayed I am going to share with you all my 90 Day results! 

These are the Chalean results, Top left and working down is the start, 30 days, 60 days and the large pic is my final 90 day.  I look so gross in this pic, you should considered yourself loved.  

I took the left picture last October when Katie had ran her first 10K.  I was just done with myself and done with feeling unhealthy and not getting anywhere with just diet alone.  Same bra, same pants, etc.  While I am no beachbody or supermodel I feel so much better about myself.  I know I am healthier both physically and mentally and that is the biggest gain for me.  I just wanted to show you that it takes time, it took a little over a year to get to where I am at and it wasn't easy.  You have to remember that has much as you value your families health, you need to also value your own health.  

OK I have to get going now!  So much on the list and time is running out!  Have a great Friday everyone! 

Do you take any progress pictures?  

-I would highly recommend doing it, it can seem weird but you honestly can't always see the results with a blind eye.  It is a major boost to look at pictures compared to where you are now.  It helps to keep you on track and if you are working hard you know you will see progress.

Anyone have a run or race planned for this weekend?  

What is your favorite form of exercise?  

Running, Walking, Crossfit, Swimming, etc? 

    

Tooth Fairies

Hi! 

Is everyone recovering nicely from their Halloween parties over the weekend?  It was pretty low key over here!  Katherine has had a low fever since Friday night and it keeps going down and coming back, random.  Other than the fever she is still her perky self, I don't think anything that take that kid out.  

Friday was Sherwood Old Town's Trick or Treat event and the girls and I passed out balloons to all of the participating businesses beforehand.  I was a little worried they wouldn't want to share the balloons, but surprised at how well they did!  Then it was time to get home so we could get everyone's costumes ready for the main event!  The girls decided on Thursday that they wanted to be Tooth Fairies so I did my best to come up with some tooth fairy type ideas.  I made a wand with extra tooth brushes and ribbon and cut out some teeth to put on their buckets and make them official Tooth Fairy Name Tags.  

Jess went as Iron Man, the girls kept calling him Iron Man Daddy!  All of the little kids in Old Town kept fist bumping him and were so excited to see him walking down the street.  Yes I married a 13 year old kid trapped in a 30'somethings body, but I love that he will always be a kid at heart.  Plus c'mon, who doesn't have some sort of a crush on Iron Man?!

Thursday night was Girls Night Out at the Portland Running Running Company.  They had a small fashion show highlighting some of the new jackets and pants that have come out for the Fall and Winter.  After the show there was a 5 mile run in Beaverton which Katie and I ran 100% together and both of our running apps gave us 2 different running paces...awesome!  I am going with hers though because it was faster.   

We also ran into this guy while we were watching the fashion show.  Katie's husband Bryan works for FedEx and his route is in Beaverton.  He called Katie while we were watching the fashion show and he was right outside Portland Running Company.  It was a fun surprise!

After the run they had some raffle drawings, wine and snacks and a massage therapists giving Thai Massages.  I ran into my twin while Katie and I were shopping around.  Apparently I am really tall!  Or have a really large head...it could go either way really.  

At first I noticed we had the same pull over on and then I looked down and we had the same shoes too!  It was pretty funny :)  She writes a blog Portland Pretzels, it's a pretty cool blog and she is a fun girl!

Katie and I were still hungry after having snacks at the GNO so we headed to Ruby Tuesdays where I put together the largest salad EVER from the salad bar.  I was pretty proud of my creation.  They also brought us out some "complimentary" uber-tiny biscuits.  Katie and I both cracked up when they brought them to the table, oh yes thank you for the tiny little "free" biscuits!  

I would love to go to another run by the Portland Running Company, they had lots of reflective gear for everyone to borrow and a place to keep track of the mileage you run with them.  Everyone was so nice and welcoming of course and the guy answering questions about shoes was super informative.  Reminded me why I have always like Portland Running Company so much!  

Sisterhood of the Scholls Striders meets every Thursday at 6pm at the PRC on Scholls and Nimbus in Beaverton.  If you are looking for an inviting group of women of all levels and ages then this is the group for you.  

Do you ever run with a group or do you run mostly solo?  

Any fun Halloween Parties or traditions this weekend? 

Did you race in any Halloween run this weekend?

Mayo Vs. Miracle Whip

Good morning!  

On the books is Lean 2 and then tonight is Girl's Night Out at Portland Running Company!  It starts at 6:00 and there will be a 4-5 mile group run and then a Fall Fashion Show.  It is perfect timing because I am in need of a good water proof running pull over or something like that.  Our mornings have been really rainy and kinda cold so I would like a good weather proof jacket to keep a little dry during those morning runs.  Portland Running Company has quite a few running groups they hold throughout the week and if you click on the link above you can see all of them.  

Last night was one of our famous 3 dinner nights, well not famous more like annoying.  We got home around 5 from a soccer game in the rain (Go Bowmen!) and both the girls were really hungry so dinner had to be quick for them.  

Chicken nuggets was the chant from both girls so chicken nuggets they got.  I can hear you all gasping, save it for real crimes against humanity.  Chicken nuggets once a week to two girls who don't stop moving once one eye is open won't cause any damage...seriously.  Plus they didn't touch the tator tots, so not my kids!

Earlier in the day I had thrown in some chicken breasts and tomatoes and seasoning for Jesse's dinner.  If he has to many vegetarian meals in a row he feels less manly and worries he'll lose his Montana resident card.

I had leftover veggie chili, roasted veggies and some left over corn bread.  Nothing took more than 10 minutes to actually prep so that was a win!  But seriously 3 dinners?  What have I learned in my short 28 years?  Don't ever say you are "never" going to do something...as soon as it comes out of your mouth you've pretty much just signed up for it.  I never thought I would be the mom making 3 dinners and yet...here I am, foot in mouth.  Well actually roasted veggies, so yummy!  

This week and hopefully long term has been a conscious effort for me to keep unhealthy eating at bay.  I am no where near perfect but if I jump in with two feet I'll drown, I have to go slow.  If it isn't going to be a long term effort than it won't ever make any difference.  Big thing on the list, drink even more water maybe it'll help clear up my skin a little bit.  Love adult acne, Love. It. 

I keep Chia Seed pudding in my fridge most of the time, at least 3 of these little guys.  It is so easy to make, like the girls can practically do it now.  I use 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and fill the bowl with around a 1/4 cup of coconut milk.  You can use less and it'll just be even thicker, play around till you get a consistency you like.  Pop in the fridge and it'll be thickened up within a couple hours.  I make 3-4 at a time and you can use any kind of milk you prefer.  If you like tapioca you'll love chia seed pudding.

Hard boiled eggs are the easiest and best snack for me to keep in my fridge.  I boil 5-6 at a time and have at least 1-2 a day for a snack.  They are quick and I can peal and go if we running out the door.  It is a great source of protein for me and helps keep my crazygottohavefoodnow feelings at bay.  

This is all stuff I did before but I am just cutting out the night time binge eating and after lunch scavenge for something sweet.  Luckily honey crisp apples are in season right now because I am obsessed   Those are great for after meals when I am just craving something sweet, they are full of fiber and have the sweet I am on the hunt for.  Plus Costco sells them in packs of 14 (love Costco) so I am always stocked up on them.  That and mayonnaise, shop at Costco and you'll never run out of mayo.  Fact.  Not Miracle Whip, gross.  That stuff needs to be put to a stop, its just not right.  

  

Do you have a preference between Mayo and Miracle Whip?  

-My in-laws only use miracle whip, ruins everything!

What healthy eating/snack tips do you use on a daily basis? 

-Probably don't eat mayo...got it.  

Do you continue running during the fall/winter or do you take a break?

      

Coconut Milk Versus Daily Milk

Hello!  

(This originally said good morning...annnd that has been my day)

Yesterday I had a split run, 3 miles outside 2 miles on my treadmill.  I left a little late for my run and don't like to be out pass a certain time so I headed home before my 5 miles.  Luckily I had my treadmill to make up for those 2 miles because I really wanted to hit 5 yesterday.  Since my run was broken up I didn't have time for Lean 1, the day just got away from me so its on the books for this morning before preschool.  Which means my tempo run might be pushed out too, but we'll see!  I don't have a run planned for Friday so I could easily move it there or tomorrow.  If you can't tell I write everything in my planner in pencil...my whole life plan is written in jello.  

I am getting pretty sick of my bad eating lately, its been like post marathon binge eating.  It hasn't been pretty and now its starting to not look very pretty either!  I don't do diets because I can't stick with them I try to make little changes that'll make a difference.  I've tried all the diets...All. Of. Them.  Plus I am not interested in a bunch of pounds lost, I am 5'5" and weigh 134 most of the time, its not like I have 30 lbs to lose.  Could I lose 30 and weigh 114 lbs, ya sure, I would look scary and Jess might leave me when I go all Walking Dead on him so I'll skip that!  One little change I am adding to my diet is coconut milk and coconut creamer for my coffee.  I stopped adding sugar to my coffee almost a year ago and I don't miss it at all.  I've tried almond milk but I just don't like it, it doesn't taste right to me.  I do like coconut milk and I buy the unsweetened unflavored just regular coconut milk.

Here is a breakdown between regular Dairy 2% vs. Coconut Milk
Serving Size 1 Cup
2% vs. Coconut Milk
Calories      130 vs. 80
Fat             5g vs. 5g
Carbs         13g vs. 7g
Sugars        12g vs. 6g
Protein     8g vs. 1g

Honestly it is all personal preference.  I don't mind dairy milk, but it does make me feel really full and bloated.  I had a protein smoothie with coconut milk after my Lean 1 today and I didn't have the lethargic bloated feeling afterwards.  Also I didn't notice a difference in my coffee with the coconut creamer, score!  Another thing I am going to add to my routine is having green tea after meals, I like green tea so it should be a good addition.  I've heard it helps with digestion and can curb over eating or for me curb the instant hunt for sugar I usually want after I eat.  Basically I feel like I work out a lot between running 4-5 days a week and my cross-training 3-4 times a week and I have stopped seeing any results.  That can be really frustrating so I was eating crap food as way to say "screw you" to myself LOL, good plan right?  Well enough of that!  Chalean always says in her video that 1. We cannot starve ourselves strong and lean, we have to eat  2. It has to be lean, healthy foods.  The eating was never a problem I am not one to starve myself (bahahaha) but the food I was choosing while most of the time were great, it was those cheats that were catching up with me.  Time to reign it back a little and get to where I should be, no sense in putting in all this work if I am just going to throw it down the drain at meal time.      

Do you drink alternative milk?  

What kind do you like?  
-My friend really like almond milk

Do you plan your runs and workouts?  
- I write mine in my planner on Sunday night and schedule them mostly for the morning

Trader Joe's Run

Good morning!  Well I guess the morning is almost over,but not quite!  Today is a preschool day so the girls are always so excited in the morning to get there.  I am going to try and sneak in a run while they are at Preschool, nothing crazy just a few miles.  Another item on the agenda today is picking up my race packet for the Color Run this Saturday!  I registered so long ago for this race and the date has changed and so has the location since registering, luckily it fell on a perfect Saturday so I can still do it.  

Yesterday was a Trade Joe's run, my favorite type of errand.  I was surprised how busy it was considering it was the middle of a work day, but lots of people were there in their work clothes.  Now that is good use of a lunch hour!  I'll have to remember that the next time we go, avoid the 11-1 hours so those poor people can avoid my children with their mini carts filled with goodies.  

I always go for different stuff when we go because TJ rarely disappoints.  

Katherine grabbed the Blue Corn Tortilla Chips and the Chia seeds and said those were her two favorite things.  I watched a video over at Sarah Fit's blog and she talked about Chia Seed pudding, sounding interesting!  So I bought the stuff to try it out, Chia Seeds have been on my list of things to try lately.  Some friends of ours had some blue tortilla chips at their house the other day that were insane good so I snagged these, plus as you can see some other new things to try.  Both girls carts were pretty full by the time we got to the check out.  On our way out I could hear two different TJ peeps on the phone talking to people about the nut butter recall, I can only imagine how many calls they get! 

   

Did you have any nut butter from Trader Joe's that was recalled? 

If you have a Trader Joe's what is your favorite item to buy? 

Have you ever tried Chia Seeds?  

- This is my first shot at them, going to make the pudding later today

Running in the Dark

Good morning!  Just finished CLX Extreme Abs while waiting for the sun to come up!  Its now to late to head out for a run so I'll be busting out a few miles on my treadmill later today.  Lately I've had some anxiety about running in the dark, so has Jess.  So I thought I would wait till close to sunrise annnnnd then 7 AM rolled around so I nixed my outdoor running plan and put on my AB workout.  Luckily I have my treadmill and can get in a few miles later today.  I can kill two birds with one stone and watch some of The Spirit of the Marathon on Netflix.  I watched it many months ago but I want to watch it again since the marathon is less than 2 weeks away, its like runner's Rocky.  If you haven't seen it I really recommend watching it even if you aren't doing a marathon its so inspirational and moving plus its free on Netflix Instant, score!  

I was able to have my favorite breakfast this morning and I made myself a sad version of a pumpkin spice latte, not the same but also not 5$ so I think I still win in the end. 

I really should look into food photography, I think I have a gift, no?  

Since I wasn't able to do my outside run this morning because of my own fear of the dark it really got me thinking about other runners out there.  Fall is here and winter is never far behind especially in the Northwest and that means dark mornings, do they bother you at all?  I ran Monday in the dark and I was more nervous about tripping over something I couldn't see more so than being attacked.  Maybe because of where I live I have a false sense of security or maybe it was because I passed so many other runners but I never got scared.  I also run with pepper spray, am lit up like a Christmas Tree and always have my cell phone, not like any of those things would thwart a would be attacker honestly.  I have thought about a headlamp because I must add to my cool factor for the purpose of being able to see whats ahead and on the ground, but I wonder if that would do anything to fend off someone trying to hurt me?  I hate the idea of living my life in fear but I also have 2 little girls to think about and anything that happens to me will affect them.  Its not just me out there in the dark running I have a family at home I need to think about.  It seems like a personal preference but it got me thinking and my instincts this morning told me to stay home so I listened.  

I would really love some other opinions on this, what do you feel about running in the dark hours?  

Do you carry pepper spray or any other type of personal protection?  

Headlamps?  

- I can hear Katie cackling at me right now...

Day 60!

Hi!  Thursdays are CLX Intervals & Abs which is probably the most intense workout of the whole series.  Its gotten easier as I build up some stamina but still so difficult sometimes!  I really was not into it this morning, a lot on my mind and I couldn't really focus on what I was doing.  Regardless I got it done before the girls were up and running which is always a great start to the day.  Also today is Day 60 of the challenge group Katie and I joined and its true what they say...

I am glad I took the plunge and decided to commit to the program.  I am going to do my pictures and measurements tomorrow and post them just as fair warning for all of you.  Starting next Monday will be the new phase of Chalean and I am ready for the next challenge.  Also after Saturday I start to taper and it sounds like from everything I've read that my next long runs need to be 14 & 8 or something like that.  Feeling good about the marathon or at least I keep telling myself that!  I also decided I should start carb loading today, no better time than the present!

I had a couple errands to run this afternoon and ended up in my old neck of the woods where the best sandwich shop ever is located.  I always get the Avocado & Cheese, yum so so so good.  It was a fun random treat for a Thursday!  

What is your favorite sandwich and sandwich shop?  

-Togos for me hands down 

 What is your favorite motivational saying? 

Do you have a mantra that gets you through tough times?

Happy Hump Day!

Happy Hump Day!  I ran a little bit this morning on my treadmill and did Push 2 and I am hoping to get in a few more miles tonight.  Yesterday was an impromptu rest day, I meant to get up and run but stayed up to late the night before.  I have to quit doing that!  If I don't get to bed on time its almost impossible to get out of bed to run, especially since its dark till so late in the morning again.  Not going to complain about it though because I love this time of year, especially living in Oregon.  The leaves are starting to change, its pretty chilly in the morning and school has started up.  Speaking of school, the girls started preschool on Tuesday!  AH!  I did so good the whole morning and through dropping them off at their class UNTIL it was time to walk out of the building, then came the tears.  

They had a really great first day and were completely exhausted when they got home.  They have another morning of preschool tomorrow, maybe I'll actually get something done this time!  

So on a random note I just wanted to share something I made for dinner the other night.  I bought this veggie pasta from Safeway on a whim and I have ended up really liking it.  I had a box just hanging out in my pantry and some other random stuff that needed to be used in my fridge so I made an easy pasta salad.  I added some navy beans for protein, sun dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes for color, spinach for something green and parmigiana and basil for taste.  Think I'll serve some up after this post!

More randomness!  We went to Costco on Friday, which feels like a year ago by now.  I love to buy a lot of my staples from there, like the gallon of Sabra Hummus!  For less than $6 you get this giant tub of hummus, look how big it is compared to the Safeway brand for $2.99!  I have also been saying how much I wish Costco would sell Adams PB in the creamy not just crunchy and my wish came true!  I literally jumped for joy when I turned the corner and saw that big ol'boy of peanut butter!  Between PBJ sandwiches for the girls, apples and PB for snacks and my smoothies we go through that little guy of Adams in no time.  Plus buying in bulk for a lot of things its just cheaper.  They girls were also super excited about the Costco trip because it was a frozen treat sample heaven that day.  They had vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce AND GoGurts, it was a big day for all the Sticka girls.  

So I have one more 20 mile run this weekend, it'll be my final 20 miles until the marathon.  Which means after Saturday I am officially tapering...how is that possible already?!  Mentally I am ready, I feel prepared and I have trust in my training.  It is hard to believe I struggled through a 5k back in February and now its less than a month till my first marathon.  Would I recommend a marathon in your first year of running?  No.  But I jump into a lot of things feet first before I stop and think about them, which is something I am working on.  I don't think it was a bad idea to set this goal, but a challenge.  I can go into a lot of details but I think I'll save all of that for a separate post.  This one is already getting pretty long and the natives are getting restless.  

What is your next big race?  

How are you feeling about it?  

How many races a year/month/etc do you do on average?  

Random Friday

Somehow it is 5 already, Friday has flown by!  Yesterday ended up being a non-scheduled rest day which is fine because I felt really strong this morning during my run and Push 3.  I really do like to start the weekend off on the best foot.  Luckily I write my weekly set up in pencil so I just moved my rest day around and instead of Sunday it became yesterday.  Having to scratch it out in pen might have broke me.  One thing I did do yesterday was keep track of my protein intake and while it is in the healthy range, it is not anywhere near where I need it to be to help build muscle, not even close!  So I picked up a couple things today to help and paid more attention to easy ways I can add in protein on my heavy weight days.  Luckily I like eggs!  I picked up a new protein powder, some Kashi cereal and Luna Protein bars.  

The Luna bars have 12g of protein in each bar and while there are bars out there with more I really like Luna bars.  The Muscle Milk protein powder has 32g of protein (boo ya!) and the Kashi cereal is 13g of protein in each cup of cereal, which is good cause I'll have at least 3, lets just be honest.  Who eats 1 cup of cereal?!  

I mean who can pass up an extra serving of fiber twigs?!  I find it hard to believe they couldn't find a better adjective to use to describe their cereal other than twigs.  Don't think I'll have to hide this from Jess, something tells me he won't be fighting me for my bowl of fiber twigs!  I'll give it a chance, we all deserve a chance.  Could be good, could be really baaad, I'll find out tomorrow!  Speaking of tomorrow I can't believe it is already time for another 16 mile run, its getting to be go time!  

OK I hope you have a great weekend!  I'll leave with you some photographic evidence that your least favorite blogger is cool in all areas of life.  

What are you running this weekend?  

Any races you want to share? 

Are you really photogenic or do you photograph like the blonde above?

-My Godmother Jenny would always tell me how un-photogenic I was, nice right?!  LOL!  She would always follow it up with how much more beautiful I am in real life...right Jenny, nice save.  I miss her a lot today.  She would have had a hay day with this collage!  

OMSI After Dark

Hi!  Its a run rest day for me but I'll still be getting in my cardio with CLX Intervals later today, that sucker is no joke.  Its funny how different my days feel when I don't get my workout done first thing in the morning.  As long as I have the mind set of its not IF I'll get in my workout its WHEN then there is no doubt I'll get it done.  

I kept track of the amount of protein I eat in a regular day and found out that while I am in the healthy zone I am pretty low in the "trying to build lean muscle zone."  Or whatever "zone" you would call that, Jess would probably call it "beeeefcake zone".  I did some looking online today for protein rich foods for vegetarians and will start working on incorporating more of those in on a daily basis.  I am eating more of my favorite snack lately.  I get these snack pack apples from Costco and they are always perfect and cold, so good!

Last night Jess and I had a date night at OMSI, which for you non-Oregonians is Oregon's Museum of Science and Industry, also known as Jesse's happy place.  Its an event for 21+ and they have a different theme each time they put it on.  Last night's theme was Chic Geeks and they had a couple different fashion shows going on.  There was a lot of other things going on all over the museum aside from the fashion, like a booth where you could make your own duct tape wallet.  

Can't wait to use mine all the time!  Just kidding, we gave them to the girls, they flap them around like they are birds and make "tweet tweet" sounds.  Isn't that what yo do with your wallet?  

Along with the opportunity to make some amazing accessories there was a Fashion Show put on by the students from the School of Design and Human Environment from Oregon State University.  Each student had between 3-5 pieces and their own theme to their collection.  I took pictures of a few of my favorite outfits and what I could see myself or friends wear in everyday situations.    

It was a lot of fun and something I would do in the future for date night.  They had quite a few vendors which wasn't something I expected to see.  They had KIND Natural Snacks who make one of my favorite snack bars, Kombucha Wonder Drink which I never had before and now am obsessed with and of course lots of other snack vendors and some breweries also.  The next OMSI After Dark is September 26th and its called Burgers and Brew.  Since the next one is burger themed I would suggest eating there, but we did say the next time we go we'd eat beforehand.  Plus the whole museum is opened up so you can explore all of their regular exhibits also while you are there.  Right now the current exhibit is Natural Disasters which was interested to check out, they had quite a bit of artifacts and personal stories from Hurricane Katrina survivors.  Which given Hurricane Issac and its timing of the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina it was very thought provoking.  Did I just sound really smart there?  Nah, I didn't think so either.   

Have you ever been to OMSI? 

If you don't live in Oregon or Portland do you have anything similar in your town?  

What is your favorite high protein snack or meal?  That isn't meat :)  

Bad Breath

Good morning!  I did 5 miles this morning while listening to an old Marathon Training Academy podcast.  I haven't listened to actual music while running in a long time, I like to listen to podcasts about running while I am running because I am freak that way.  I highly recommend the MTA podcast they cover a wide variety of topics and aren't annoying.  You all know what I am talking about.  I thought they would be enough to entertain me last night while I broke in my treadmill but I was wrong.  I am going to need some serious entertainment to keep my butt on that thing.  I ran a mile just to try it out and get a feel for my speed/pace.  

Lucy's vet visit yesterday was easy peasy.  She did great, except for the crazy spinning in circles and covering me in her hair.  She weighs 20 lbs...sigh, yes I know that is to much for a dog her size.  I should put her butt on the treadmill!  This vet also has a really funny book in their lobby that cracks me up every time.  Its called "Dog Breath", I think it's name explains what the book is about, Katherine loved it!

I was trying to get Lucy to look at me, but she was so spaztastic that just wasn't going to happen.  She laid around the house most of the day afterwards, poor little bubs.  She is back to her old tricks this morning, so all is well!  When we got home from the vet I heated up my new find from Trader Joe's.  All together now, yuuumm!  It was pretty good I have to say and a nice mid week lunch treat.   

I got some great comments from everyone about my balanced diet question and my friend and challenge group coach Amanda gave me a great website to get some answers.  I was able to figure out how many grams of protein I should be eating along with fats so I can get the most out of my workouts.  It was all laid out in pretty simple math equations and I am going to track my meals for the next few days to get an idea of where I am at.  The Chalean workout is all about creating long lean muscle tone all over your body and I want to get the most out of what I am putting into it.  Speaking of Chalean I need to still do my Push 2 today, I put off Push 1 on Monday and ended up not getting it done till yesterday, not cool bro.  

Do you track your calories/fat/proteins?  

- I never have before, this is all new!