After Chicago, time off did not help me feel better. I slowly started back up, started running a few miles a few times a week, and it still didn't feel right. So, I finally went to an ortho. Stress fracture in my left tibia, likely dating to the Wrightsville Beach Half in March 2016. In a boot for a month, then physical therapy. MRI on my right hip showed no issues, so intensive work strengthening the stabilizing muscles was recommended.
Fast forward a little more than two months. I'm seeing the physical therapist every two to three weeks, where my progress is tested. My core is weak, my left ankle is weak, and I continue to have significant deficits in my stability on both sides. In between PT appointments, I see the athletic trainers once or twice a week to do my exercises plus specific extra work. And... I get to use the AlterG, which is just about the coolest thing ever!
My current routine is biking to/from work (3.5 miles a day), yoga once or twice a week, my half hour of PT exercises every day (for the most part), and one or two sessions a week with the trainer. I'm up to 20 minutes of 2 minutes at 5.5mph and 1 minute at 3.3mph, at 60% bodyweight. So, a mile and a half of running twice a week.
Part of me is incredibly frustrated that I am basically not working out. I have been watching what I eat and drink, and I've lost maybe a pound or two since the beginning of the year. I'm still at least ten pounds more than I should be, and I'm no closer to the running performance I know I have in me than I was four years ago when these persistent injuries started.
But...
I know now that I am where I am because I keep coming back to training without putting in the work to get all the way better, without fully addressing what made me stop training to begin with. I've spent the past four years bouncing back and forth between injury and training while not fully healed. I know that to get to where I want to be, to be in the shape I want and running the way I know I can, I need to spend the time strengthening, healing, and paying attention to what my body is telling me. However long it takes, I know I need to be committed to being well before I can commit to a return to running.
So, here I am. Almost 33, out of shape, but much healthier mentally than I have been in a while. I know what I need to do. I am eating right, keeping hydrated (thanks to the good folks at Nuun), and doing the work I need to do.
So let's go. I'm finally ready to make it happen.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Monday, February 20, 2017
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Product Review: Fuel100 Electro-Bites
Sometimes, on a long run, I've wished I could eat something that wasn't sweet. Don't get me wrong, I love gels and chews, but after one or two, another option might be nice. Luckily, such a product exists: Electro-Bites nutrition for athletes.
Electro-Bites, like their gel and chew counter parts, are a calorie and electrolyte replacement product for endurance athletes. They have 100 calories per pack, but differ in a few major ways from the energy replacements I'm used to. Electro-Bites are small and crunchy, and easily dissolve without leaving the sticky residue often left by gels and chews. Even better, the small size and solid consistency lends itself well to eating when you want, instead of all at once.
I took a bag of Salty Vanilla Electro-Bites on my 11 mile trail run this morning, and broke into them about 6 miles in. Crunchy, salty, hint of vanilla. No water needed, but the bites seemed to dissolve a bit faster if I did wash them down.
My group was strategizing our next move, so we were stopped when I started eating the Electro-Bites. I had finished about half the 100 calorie pack when my friends had finished their gels. However, I just put the bag in my pocket, and continued snacking on the bites as we started into our next mile, and was finished a short time later. For those who don't need the whole 100 calories at once (say, like a 5'2" female runner like myself), having the option to snack as you go is nice. I'm guessing the true endurance crowd, frequently out running for hours at a time, would appreciate this feature more than this casual marathon runner.
While Electro-Bites are salty, they do offer a variety of flavors with both savory and sweet flavors mixed in: Salty Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon, and Pumpkin Spice. For the all-savory crowd: Simply Salty and Salty Vinegar.
One of the coolest things I learned when researching this new alternative fuel: not only can they replace your gels, they can also replace your electrolyte beverage! As a bonus, they are gluten and soy free, deriving calories from organic coconut oil, organic agave nectar and non-GMO potato starch.
It's nice to know that there is a savory alternative to the sweet fuels I usually use, especially one that is easy on the stomach. I'm looking forward to testing the other flavors, and adding them in to the rotation.
Disclaimer: I received Electro-Bites for free from Fuel100 as coordinated by Outdoor PR in consideration for review publication.
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| Fuel100 Electro-Bites: Full Product Line |
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| Electro-Bites: Bite Sized Crunch |
My group was strategizing our next move, so we were stopped when I started eating the Electro-Bites. I had finished about half the 100 calorie pack when my friends had finished their gels. However, I just put the bag in my pocket, and continued snacking on the bites as we started into our next mile, and was finished a short time later. For those who don't need the whole 100 calories at once (say, like a 5'2" female runner like myself), having the option to snack as you go is nice. I'm guessing the true endurance crowd, frequently out running for hours at a time, would appreciate this feature more than this casual marathon runner.
While Electro-Bites are salty, they do offer a variety of flavors with both savory and sweet flavors mixed in: Salty Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon, and Pumpkin Spice. For the all-savory crowd: Simply Salty and Salty Vinegar.
 |
| Electro-Bites Offer an Alternative to Sweet |
It's nice to know that there is a savory alternative to the sweet fuels I usually use, especially one that is easy on the stomach. I'm looking forward to testing the other flavors, and adding them in to the rotation.
Disclaimer: I received Electro-Bites for free from Fuel100 as coordinated by Outdoor PR in consideration for review publication.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Baking My Travels Clean
Side note: Perhaps that song reference doesn't work as a title (in my punny way of using song names as post titles). I sure hope I don't burn what I'm baking, as the proper name of the song would indicate. I have Rocky Votolato on the brain from his demo release and upcoming living room show in Boston!!
So... one of the great things about visiting family is enjoying fantastic, homemade goodies. My trip to California last month was no exception. On this trip, Neil fell in love with my aunt's awesome nutty granola. Or should I say, super secret recipe, awesome nutty granola? In either case, it is delicious, and she bent her rules to share the secret recipe with me.
After my morning 8 miles, I came home, ate, napped, and now I'm making my first batch of her granola. It is in the oven as I type.
So... one of the great things about visiting family is enjoying fantastic, homemade goodies. My trip to California last month was no exception. On this trip, Neil fell in love with my aunt's awesome nutty granola. Or should I say, super secret recipe, awesome nutty granola? In either case, it is delicious, and she bent her rules to share the secret recipe with me.
After my morning 8 miles, I came home, ate, napped, and now I'm making my first batch of her granola. It is in the oven as I type.
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| I'm not telling what is in there! |
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Thin Shaming Is Wrong, Too!
Print and social media abound with discussions of women's bodies, how they are judged and viewed, and how they should be. Catch phrases like "fat shaming," "body acceptance," and "realistic body image" are thrown around. Mothers bemoan the unrealistic standards the media feeds impressionable daughters. Athletes coin terms such as "strong is the new skinny." Articles poke fun at beach chair leg gap photos posted on Instagram, likening them to hotdogs.
This discussion certainly isn't new; the backlash against Barbie I recall from childhood could certainly be compared. What does seem new, though, is the near victory today of the "body acceptance" camp, and the burgeoning backlash against thin women's bodies.
Before I jump in here, I want to start by saying that I am all for body acceptance. People come in all shapes and sizes, and should not be demeaned or marginalized for how they look. Hence, my qualms with much of the body acceptance discussion in the media.
Just in the past week, I've read a number of uplifting articles about instances of body acceptance. The heartwarming Kickstarter campaign by Taryn Brumfitt in which she seeks to create a world where her daughter can love herself, no matter her shape and size, is a great example. A woman who struggled with her weight, Taryn "achieved" the ideal of thin, only to feel just as lousy about her body as she had before losing weight. She wants to create a movement that helps women embrace the bodies they have. This movement, and the documentary she is seeking funds to create, will be a tool to stem the tide of decades of derision of women's bodies that don't conform to the popular media representation equating female beauty with thinness. Sign me up!
The discussion, however, is not entirely so heartwarming or uncomplicated. Sure, women like Taryn are fighting the good fight, seeking to create a more welcoming and kind culture for all women. However, far too often this discussion veers into the very hurtful rhetoric that it eschews, attempting to make the case for acceptance of all bodies by casting stones at certain women's bodies.
Case in point: today, an article shared widely described a swimsuit company's ad campaign featuring a re-make of the 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition featuring "plus sized models." This article, though not on an exceedingly reputable website, has all the hallmarks of the winning debate. With taglines like "sexy curves go beyond a size four" and "a really healthy image for young girls," the article showcases a series of photos of lovely plus sized women modeling swimsuits that flatter their bodies.
What's not to like?
Well, the article shares the thoughts of one of the models. In the same breath, the model states that "not everyone has to be a stick insect, and not everyone has to be big. You can be you and that's fine."
Let's break this down. First, we are excited to see representation of women's real bodies and hear that "you can be you and that's fine," which creates a culture for positive self-image of real women and girls. Positive self-image is a great aspiration, but should not be sought by demeaning one body to lift up another. By characterizing non-"big" women as "stick insects," the commentary in this article shows that it is not about acceptance at all.
The body acceptance movement seems to be about accepting bodies of all shapes and sizes, as long as those bodies don't represent the popular media portrayal of "thin as beautiful." Apparently, thin women (and girls) have had their day in the limelight, and now must be cast aside the way that "real women's" bodies have been for decades.
Casting thin women as "insects" is just a repulsive as casting plus size women as "fat." Both terms have less-than-savory mental images. It can be left to the beholder which one is more gross: a bug-eyed non-human pest or a congealed cooking substance. The fact remains that both terms are a value judgement.
You may be thinking, wow, this is a lot of ranting about just one article! Unfortunately, this article is a representation of how people who "accept" women's bodies also reject thin bodies in the same breath.
I've experienced this firsthand many times. I've had my eating habits criticized, and my weight used as a reason to dismiss an argument I was making, all while at work. To wit:
"What, are you on the Kate Moss Diet?" Asked of me, at work, by someone who saw that I was only taking half a sandwich from the catering tray. You know, because someone who is 5'2" needs a full footlong meat sandwich.
"Well, you only weigh 90 pounds." Said to me at work in response to something I said, to dismiss my comment. When I replied that I weigh substantially more than that, I got stares and repeated questions until I divulged my actual weight. No one would ask a non-thin woman what she weighs, at work no less.
I may be thin, but I still have feelings and insecurities. I'd suspect that many thin women suffer the same body image issues as larger women, even though we are closer to the "ideal body" the media have taught us to seek.
I'm also a good example of the fact that many thin adult women were not thin children or teens. Many of us worked very hard to be healthier (in our case thinner), just as many "average size" or "plus size" women do. Halfway through college I was 20 pounds more than I am now, on a 5'2" frame. I ate too much pizza and didn't exercise. I thought losing weight was a lost cause. Then I discovered running, and got down to a healthy weight for my frame (around 115). And just like everyone else who has lost weight, I work hard to stay in shape. I can't eat whatever I want and stay 115 pounds.
This is my long-winded way of saying, let's all be more thoughtful when we make public statements about accepting ourselves and other women for who we are. We should all celebrate healthy bodies, no matter the size. But we shouldn't do so by putting down other women. That brings us right back to where we started, and doesn't get us anywhere.
This discussion certainly isn't new; the backlash against Barbie I recall from childhood could certainly be compared. What does seem new, though, is the near victory today of the "body acceptance" camp, and the burgeoning backlash against thin women's bodies.
Before I jump in here, I want to start by saying that I am all for body acceptance. People come in all shapes and sizes, and should not be demeaned or marginalized for how they look. Hence, my qualms with much of the body acceptance discussion in the media.
Just in the past week, I've read a number of uplifting articles about instances of body acceptance. The heartwarming Kickstarter campaign by Taryn Brumfitt in which she seeks to create a world where her daughter can love herself, no matter her shape and size, is a great example. A woman who struggled with her weight, Taryn "achieved" the ideal of thin, only to feel just as lousy about her body as she had before losing weight. She wants to create a movement that helps women embrace the bodies they have. This movement, and the documentary she is seeking funds to create, will be a tool to stem the tide of decades of derision of women's bodies that don't conform to the popular media representation equating female beauty with thinness. Sign me up!
The discussion, however, is not entirely so heartwarming or uncomplicated. Sure, women like Taryn are fighting the good fight, seeking to create a more welcoming and kind culture for all women. However, far too often this discussion veers into the very hurtful rhetoric that it eschews, attempting to make the case for acceptance of all bodies by casting stones at certain women's bodies.
 |
| Photo credit: Swimsuits for All |
What's not to like?
Well, the article shares the thoughts of one of the models. In the same breath, the model states that "not everyone has to be a stick insect, and not everyone has to be big. You can be you and that's fine."
Let's break this down. First, we are excited to see representation of women's real bodies and hear that "you can be you and that's fine," which creates a culture for positive self-image of real women and girls. Positive self-image is a great aspiration, but should not be sought by demeaning one body to lift up another. By characterizing non-"big" women as "stick insects," the commentary in this article shows that it is not about acceptance at all.
The body acceptance movement seems to be about accepting bodies of all shapes and sizes, as long as those bodies don't represent the popular media portrayal of "thin as beautiful." Apparently, thin women (and girls) have had their day in the limelight, and now must be cast aside the way that "real women's" bodies have been for decades.
Casting thin women as "insects" is just a repulsive as casting plus size women as "fat." Both terms have less-than-savory mental images. It can be left to the beholder which one is more gross: a bug-eyed non-human pest or a congealed cooking substance. The fact remains that both terms are a value judgement.
You may be thinking, wow, this is a lot of ranting about just one article! Unfortunately, this article is a representation of how people who "accept" women's bodies also reject thin bodies in the same breath.
I've experienced this firsthand many times. I've had my eating habits criticized, and my weight used as a reason to dismiss an argument I was making, all while at work. To wit:
"What, are you on the Kate Moss Diet?" Asked of me, at work, by someone who saw that I was only taking half a sandwich from the catering tray. You know, because someone who is 5'2" needs a full footlong meat sandwich.
"Well, you only weigh 90 pounds." Said to me at work in response to something I said, to dismiss my comment. When I replied that I weigh substantially more than that, I got stares and repeated questions until I divulged my actual weight. No one would ask a non-thin woman what she weighs, at work no less.
I may be thin, but I still have feelings and insecurities. I'd suspect that many thin women suffer the same body image issues as larger women, even though we are closer to the "ideal body" the media have taught us to seek.
I'm also a good example of the fact that many thin adult women were not thin children or teens. Many of us worked very hard to be healthier (in our case thinner), just as many "average size" or "plus size" women do. Halfway through college I was 20 pounds more than I am now, on a 5'2" frame. I ate too much pizza and didn't exercise. I thought losing weight was a lost cause. Then I discovered running, and got down to a healthy weight for my frame (around 115). And just like everyone else who has lost weight, I work hard to stay in shape. I can't eat whatever I want and stay 115 pounds.
This is my long-winded way of saying, let's all be more thoughtful when we make public statements about accepting ourselves and other women for who we are. We should all celebrate healthy bodies, no matter the size. But we shouldn't do so by putting down other women. That brings us right back to where we started, and doesn't get us anywhere.
Monday, April 15, 2013
We Can Pickle That!
If I can't run, I might as well make tasty treats! Green beans aren't in season yet, so we made pickled asparagus with a Dilly Bean recipe from a friend. The asparagus was bought fresh at the Sunday Farmers Market, brought home by bicycle! Here's to fancy Bloody Mary's!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
New Year!
This year is off to a fantastic start! On New Years Day, after not waking up when they oh so politely set off fireworks at 8AM, I decided to hit the hot tub. Happy new year to me! I'm going to try to get in more often; I think it will help me recover from my workouts faster (so I can do more)!
The second highlight of the first week of 2013 was this pizza, made in spite of repeated food science and equipment malfunctions. Yes, this pizza was made without a working oven. Yes, it was also delicious. A great team effort!
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| Mid-day hottubbing; a great start to the new year! |
The second highlight of the first week of 2013 was this pizza, made in spite of repeated food science and equipment malfunctions. Yes, this pizza was made without a working oven. Yes, it was also delicious. A great team effort!
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| Pesto, mozzarella, parmesan, olives, chicken, roasted pepper, tomatoes, zuchinni, yum! |
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Rejected!
To veer slightly from running for a few moments... I've been a regular blood donor for years, and donate every 8 weeks or so when I'm not training for a marathon. This year and last, I've been more a sporadic donor as I've been in training a good amount of the year. One can only donate blood every 8 weeks, because that is about how long it takes to folly replenish the lost red cells. Since red cells carry oxygen to the muscles, it makes sense to me that donating within 8 weeks of a race (full marathon) will dramatically impact performance. For that reason, if I have a marathon in the next 8 weeks (or a half in the next month or so), I wait to donate.
I went in this morning, a few weeks post marathon and about 14 weeks from my next marathon. Perfect timing. They did the first finger stick (test for hemoglobin, or iron in the blood), and my count was 0.1 too low. I didn't sweat it, because I failed on the first try last time, since they got the new fancy machine instead of the "blood drop test" they used to use.
This time, my second test, I can up a whopping 0.8 short! Not only can I not donate today, I'm ineligible for a full month! Practically speaking, this means I won't donate until after CIM, since by then I will be two weeks out from an important half marathon, and 8 weeks after that will be CIM.
I'm pretty bummed out. I feel that donating blood is a small way I can help others, and I take pride in doing my part. Donating blood is easy, and it really does make a difference. I don't volunteer much, and so donating blood really is my little way to give back. To make it worse, I would have hit 3 gallons donated today.
Furthering my bummed-out-ness, I saw on my form a new code. I asked the person testing me, and she said that they code everyone for eligibility to donate platelets, since that is a more important product and expires more quickly. They apparently tested me last time I came in, and I didn't have enough platelets to be eligible. Double rejection! She said I'd likely be ineligible anyway because I don't weigh enough, but still...
Okay, rant complete :(
I went in this morning, a few weeks post marathon and about 14 weeks from my next marathon. Perfect timing. They did the first finger stick (test for hemoglobin, or iron in the blood), and my count was 0.1 too low. I didn't sweat it, because I failed on the first try last time, since they got the new fancy machine instead of the "blood drop test" they used to use.
This time, my second test, I can up a whopping 0.8 short! Not only can I not donate today, I'm ineligible for a full month! Practically speaking, this means I won't donate until after CIM, since by then I will be two weeks out from an important half marathon, and 8 weeks after that will be CIM.
I'm pretty bummed out. I feel that donating blood is a small way I can help others, and I take pride in doing my part. Donating blood is easy, and it really does make a difference. I don't volunteer much, and so donating blood really is my little way to give back. To make it worse, I would have hit 3 gallons donated today.
Furthering my bummed-out-ness, I saw on my form a new code. I asked the person testing me, and she said that they code everyone for eligibility to donate platelets, since that is a more important product and expires more quickly. They apparently tested me last time I came in, and I didn't have enough platelets to be eligible. Double rejection! She said I'd likely be ineligible anyway because I don't weigh enough, but still...
Okay, rant complete :(
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Weekly Summary
I completed my second week of the year with my eating goals intact. I had 3 drinks this week (same as last), ate mostly from my new cookbook, and didn't have too many extras (though someone did bring us cookies on Saturday). Overall, a pretty clean eating week.
Here are my workouts from this week:
Monday: stretch circuit
Tuesday: 6 with Buffalo Chips (warm, 14x200 at 5k pace w/200 jogs, cool)
Wednesday: strength circuit, abs
Thursday: 7 on Stonegate (evening)
Friday: 4 on Stonegate (evening)
Saturday: stretch circuit
Sunday: 10 at 9:15 average per mile with the Fleet Feet Group
Miles this week: 27
Miles in 2012: 66
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| Example of my clean eating: my lunch on Saturday. |
Here are my workouts from this week:
Monday: stretch circuit
Tuesday: 6 with Buffalo Chips (warm, 14x200 at 5k pace w/200 jogs, cool)
Wednesday: strength circuit, abs
Thursday: 7 on Stonegate (evening)
Friday: 4 on Stonegate (evening)
Saturday: stretch circuit
Sunday: 10 at 9:15 average per mile with the Fleet Feet Group
Miles this week: 27
Miles in 2012: 66
Monday, February 21, 2011
Longest Long Run
Yesterday, I did the longest long run I've ever done, and the last of my Napa Marathon training. In fact, this was the longest run I've ever done.
Wait- didn't I do the CIM? Well, John pointed out that since I walked 10 miles of the CIM, the 22 miles I did yesterday was in fact the longest run I've completed. I did 21 during CIm training, and walked part of that as well. So yesterday's run was not only the longest run of this training (and last before the taper), but my longest yet.
It went very well, just like last week. It was nice, but very cold, out. When I started, visibility was maybe a quarter mile- which kept the bikes off the Parkway! I warmed up a few miles in, and was fine in long sleeves for the entire run.
I kept my 9 minute per mile pace for most of the run, slowing down a bit after 20 to 9:20 or 9:30. I stopped three times to pee and once to loosen my shoe and fill my water, and still maintained about 8:59 pace overall. Not too bad!
One problem I'm having is with the Garmin. At mile 12, it shut off after scrolling through the screens and displaying the Low Battery warning. 100% charged when I left the house, and Low Battery after 12 miles??? I think pausing the run has something to do with it (just as I speculated that scrolling through the screens killed it during CIM). I did figure out that once it shuts itself off, when it displays the time again I can re-start it and it works fine. It shut off again later, and lapped at the wrong times, but I did get it to work for the remainder of the run. I am thinking of sending it in to be looked at after the race, but certainly not before. As long as I have my current pace, I think I am good.
Overall I'm feeling pretty confident that I can come in under or around 4 hours at Napa with little difficulty. I have done two training runs (20 and 22 miles) at an average just below 9 minutes per mile (around 4 hours for the marathon), and that is by myself in training, not at a race. I will have to be sure to maintain around 9- and not go out too fast. That would be a problem. If I can manage to stay between 8:50 and 9:05, I think I will sail relatively easily through the race.
One more thing- I actually did a practice run on Sunday of getting up at (roughly) as early as I will race day, and eating what I'll eat then. I got up at 4:30, had chocolate mile and a banana, then coffee at 5 (2 cups total), then cold oatmeal at 6:15. I think that will work well, both for fueling, and being in a hotel.
Wait- didn't I do the CIM? Well, John pointed out that since I walked 10 miles of the CIM, the 22 miles I did yesterday was in fact the longest run I've completed. I did 21 during CIm training, and walked part of that as well. So yesterday's run was not only the longest run of this training (and last before the taper), but my longest yet.
It went very well, just like last week. It was nice, but very cold, out. When I started, visibility was maybe a quarter mile- which kept the bikes off the Parkway! I warmed up a few miles in, and was fine in long sleeves for the entire run.
I kept my 9 minute per mile pace for most of the run, slowing down a bit after 20 to 9:20 or 9:30. I stopped three times to pee and once to loosen my shoe and fill my water, and still maintained about 8:59 pace overall. Not too bad!
One problem I'm having is with the Garmin. At mile 12, it shut off after scrolling through the screens and displaying the Low Battery warning. 100% charged when I left the house, and Low Battery after 12 miles??? I think pausing the run has something to do with it (just as I speculated that scrolling through the screens killed it during CIM). I did figure out that once it shuts itself off, when it displays the time again I can re-start it and it works fine. It shut off again later, and lapped at the wrong times, but I did get it to work for the remainder of the run. I am thinking of sending it in to be looked at after the race, but certainly not before. As long as I have my current pace, I think I am good.
Overall I'm feeling pretty confident that I can come in under or around 4 hours at Napa with little difficulty. I have done two training runs (20 and 22 miles) at an average just below 9 minutes per mile (around 4 hours for the marathon), and that is by myself in training, not at a race. I will have to be sure to maintain around 9- and not go out too fast. That would be a problem. If I can manage to stay between 8:50 and 9:05, I think I will sail relatively easily through the race.
One more thing- I actually did a practice run on Sunday of getting up at (roughly) as early as I will race day, and eating what I'll eat then. I got up at 4:30, had chocolate mile and a banana, then coffee at 5 (2 cups total), then cold oatmeal at 6:15. I think that will work well, both for fueling, and being in a hotel.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Carboloading...
...Setting myself up for success, or creating a week-long sugar high?
The dutiful direction-follower that I am, I started a week-long carb and protein load on Sunday, one week before my marathon. I need to build up my glycogen stores, and make sure my muscles have the protein they need in the days leading up to the most challenging physical feat thus far in my life. While I do love eating, let me tell you, I do sometimes worry about the efficacy of this eating regimen.
Why, you might ask? This is common wisdom that we should fuel our bodies before such an effort. Well, first there is the fact that eating- especially eating carbs (even good, whole ones) makes me want to eat more. it makes me thirstier. Second, there is the fact that some carbs turn to something similar to sugar, leaving me with a sort of sugar high all week long. I'm jittery. I want more food. And...
I can't sleep.
This is a widely reported precursor to the marathon. Many of the folks in my training group have talked about waking up in the middle of the night over the past week. We are on edge. We have extra energy from the taper. And- we're all carbolaoding.
Whether it is nerves, or carbs, I'll be glad when I can sleep again. Until then, let the gorging continue.
The dutiful direction-follower that I am, I started a week-long carb and protein load on Sunday, one week before my marathon. I need to build up my glycogen stores, and make sure my muscles have the protein they need in the days leading up to the most challenging physical feat thus far in my life. While I do love eating, let me tell you, I do sometimes worry about the efficacy of this eating regimen.
Why, you might ask? This is common wisdom that we should fuel our bodies before such an effort. Well, first there is the fact that eating- especially eating carbs (even good, whole ones) makes me want to eat more. it makes me thirstier. Second, there is the fact that some carbs turn to something similar to sugar, leaving me with a sort of sugar high all week long. I'm jittery. I want more food. And...
I can't sleep.
This is a widely reported precursor to the marathon. Many of the folks in my training group have talked about waking up in the middle of the night over the past week. We are on edge. We have extra energy from the taper. And- we're all carbolaoding.
Whether it is nerves, or carbs, I'll be glad when I can sleep again. Until then, let the gorging continue.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Crack
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| Crack, in a box |
I am addicted to Special K, the Vanilla Almond variety that is sweeter than normal Special K, crunchier, and just tastes like candy. I won't eat candy for the most part during training, but I will eat Special K. And pretend it is part of my diet.
I don't eat it for breakfast (I almost always have Old Fashioned oatmeal), but I do manage to somehow eat almost a box of this cereal a week. When, you might ask? Well, when I get home from work and have a few handfulls while cooking dinner. After the gym. Even if I don't go to the gym. Pretty much anytime I can justify it.
Is this yummy cereal breaking my diet? Making me unable to drop the extra 5 pounds I know I should be able to drop? Maybe, maybe not. All I know is I love it.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Food
I'm on a post-vacation and pre-race diet. I know I shouldn't complain, but I'm a little chubby. No sweets or alcohol, and healthy meals are on the agenda. Well, I can have a drink on Sunday after my run, and I may pick one day for sweets also. But for the most part, nothing bad.
Here is today's lunch:
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| Quinoa, homemade black beans, veggies and Tapatio! |
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Vegan runners
I came across an interesting article this morning about ultramarathoner Scott Jurek, who also happens to be vegan. The article details the extreme amount of (healthy) food he consumes daily to support his 140-mile a week schedule.
I'm especially impressed because I actually stopped being a vegetarian when I started running more regularly. I was up to maybe 15 miles a week (not much, I know), and I just couldn't eat enough. I must admit that I didn't do a very good job of varying my protein sources, and I could have done much better research on how to support my athletic efforts. But the bottom line for me was that, at 110 pounds, I was nearly anorexic from not consuming enough calories to support my running. So I started eating meat.
Four years later, I don't regret this decision. I do enjoy meat. But I know it isn't good for me, and I eat vegetarian or vegan for lunch (and breakfast) most days. I do feel a twinge of regret for giving up so easily on my vegetarian lifestyle, and admire people who can be great athletes and great eaters, making a healthy vegan (or vegetarian) diet for themselves that supports their running.
I'm especially impressed because I actually stopped being a vegetarian when I started running more regularly. I was up to maybe 15 miles a week (not much, I know), and I just couldn't eat enough. I must admit that I didn't do a very good job of varying my protein sources, and I could have done much better research on how to support my athletic efforts. But the bottom line for me was that, at 110 pounds, I was nearly anorexic from not consuming enough calories to support my running. So I started eating meat.
Four years later, I don't regret this decision. I do enjoy meat. But I know it isn't good for me, and I eat vegetarian or vegan for lunch (and breakfast) most days. I do feel a twinge of regret for giving up so easily on my vegetarian lifestyle, and admire people who can be great athletes and great eaters, making a healthy vegan (or vegetarian) diet for themselves that supports their running.
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