10 steps to running a half marathon

Last month I ran my third half marathon - the Flying Pig in Cincinnati - and it was honestly the most fun 13.1 yet!  Maybe it is because I've learned a bit of wisdom from my other two halfs, as well as the full marathon last year (read about that whole, crazy, amazing experience here)  The more you do something, even if it is challenging, it does get easier!

In the past three years I've gone from running 3-4 miles at most usually (besides a 10K here and there) to running several half marathons as well as a full marathon.  These goals were all accomplished AFTER I birthed two children and while raising two toddlers.  Not saying I'm a superstar or anything...but I accomplished several huge goals after life got exponentially more busy/challenging.

My long runs (the actual training) occurred on the weekends in the wee hours of the morning.  That was the way I was able to fit it in, since I am a SAHM the rest of the time.  One of the halfs I trained solely on a treadmill at the gym, which is doable...but I don't recommend unless that is the only way you can make it happen.

Alright mamas (or guys!) -- If you've never run a half marathon, but think you might want to make this 'your year' to train for one and accomplish that goal, here my ten steps for running a half - learned as a 'mama runner'...

{disclaimer : I'm not a professional so my "advice" is strictly what worked for me in my experience and should not be trusted as "medically correct" for all runners...just sayin'.}
1. Register for your race.  You have to just pull the trigger, pay the registration fee, and get started!  This will be motivation in itself. Find one that is local or even do a destination race!  It is really fun to plan a vacation around any race, especially if you go with friends. Which brings us to...
2. Get a friend to run with you. Even if you don't run the actual race side-by-side, it is so awesome to plan to run it with a girlfriend or two and keep up with each other during the training period.  Do at least a few long runs together on the weekend - this is awesome for catching up on life.  Then definitely have a celebratory meal or drink (or two!) post-race!  Make sure to take sweaty selfies and perhaps even coordinate your outfits.  Seriously - the camaraderie makes it more fun.

3. Update your race playlist!  Never underestimate the motivational power of music.  Inevitably one song will become your "anthem" during your training process and race.   Find your anthem!

4. Establish a pre-race and mid-race 'eating routine' and keep it up! cannot stress enough the importance of routine during the training process.  Get up the same time each week before your long run, and eat the same pre-race fuel.  For me this ritual involves a big plate of spaghetti the night before, tons of water, and bulletproof coffee an hour before race start time.  I used to eat a piece of whole wheat toast with almond butter for my pre-race breakfast, but I have trained my body not to need it that early in the morning. You figure out what works for you!   Best to avoid eating too much or anything greasy/heavy, though.  For during the race : I bring two Gu packets on the race with me. One I eat ate around mile six, then another at mile ten - if I think I need it.  Some people eat orange slices, Starburst, or running "gummies."  There are lots of options - you just need to find one that agrees with your tummy! You might not feel hungry during the race, but eating something can give you a mental boost anyway!  On your weekly long run experiment with different foods and the timing of eating them. Do not experiment during the actual race!!!!!!!

5. Try not to skip your long runs!  I know that with kids and work and the cold season that stuff happens.  But, especially with a half marathon, you really need that weekly long run (meaning you only have a certain number of weeks to get to your goal, whereas with marathon training you'll have some cut-back weeks.)  You need to gradually build up your endurance. I personally like to make it to at least 11 miles before I consider myself ready for a half.   You'll find that 'race day excitement' will help you get through those last couple "untrained miles" -- but, trust me, you will feel it afterwards.  Find a training schedule on Pinterest and use it as a starting point. 

take time to run even while on vacation -- these will be your most enjoyable and memorable runs!

6. Lay out EVERYTHING you need the night before. Races are usually pretty early.  (My most recent started at 6:30am.)  Make sure you have your race bib with safety pins, music device fully charged, Fitbit fully charged, outfit picked out and laid out, shoes by the door.  The worst way to start out a race is rushed/stressed because you forgot something.

7. Never trust the first mile - of the race or any of your long runs.  It could be amazing...or it could be super hard.  Your body needs time to find a groove during your race.  I've had long runs where the first seven miles were horrific, then around mile eight I started feeling amazing!  Give it time and enjoy the process.  Really be present during your run and pay attention to your body.  Or maybe zoning out and focusing on the music works better for you.  Slow down if you need to.  Walk if necessary.  Just try to keep going until you reach your goal for the day!

"Did you win, Mama????"  Yes Cormac, yes I did.  ;)

8. Don't skip the water stations.  (or Gatorade if you prefer that)  I've run three half marathons now, and I don't run with a water belt because I find it just too bulky.  There are awesome folks there to hand you cups of water or Gatorade nearly every mile!  This is more than enough water to get you through the race -- provided that you were well-hydrated to begin with.   Also, if there is any other forms of water (misters, sprinklers, people on the sides spraying runners with hoses) don't miss those either!!!!!!  Seriously, getting sprayed mid-race with cold, refreshing water can be a major morale booster!  Just trust me.

9. Reward yourself!  After the race make sure you reward yourself for accomplishing your goal!  Maybe it is to take a hot bath and then long luxurious nap.  A new pair of running shoes. A vacation?  Or make it as simple as going out for a meal and nice cold adult beverage with your running friends!  We had a couple margaritas after the last half, and, wow - they tasted amazing!   Everything will taste pretty amazing while you are on your runner's high post-race!  Try to avoid anything too heavy or fried, though.  Just sayin'.  (Bowel distress is common.)

10. Have a positive attitude through it all! Remember, a race this long is not supposed to be easy. If it was easy everyone would do it!  Enjoy the challenge of pushing your body.  Your body is amazing!  It can do things you never thought it could if you treat it right and train properly.  I started out years ago barely being able to run a mile.  Part of that was because I had told myself "I am not a runner."  I hear this from so many people.  If you make it a point to run, you are a runner.   One mile turns into 3.1 which eventually can turn into 13.1, if you want it to!

I hope this was motivating!

I've seen so many friends go from "run haters" to regular runners, and it is such a cool transformation to see.

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Happy Memorial Day weekend!

one food, five ways : bell peppers!

I shared on Instagram earlier this week that I didn't grow up as this kid that loved vegetables.  I realize that children like that do exist.  In fact, I believe my own kids like veggies a hundredfold more than I did! (Which is to say they tolerate them and even like a few!)   My hubby is a huge veggie-lover.  Eating them raw, unseasoned, undipped, as a snack.  I was (and still am) more of a bread and cheese kinda gal!
However, I've been branching out over the past year in an effort to dramatically increase my veggie intake.  I started with green smoothies - putting loads of spinach or kale into my concoctions - and more recently have been challenging myself to find more ways to enjoy them raw or in healthy recipes.

In recent months I have fallen in love with the bell pepper.  Any color!  Some recipes call for specific colors but I've found that I can make pretty much any color work if that what I've got.

Here is what I do : 

1) Buy a whole bunch of bell peppers at once, all colors!  (Or those fun little bags of mini sweet peppers will work, too!)

2) Slice a bunch up and keep the slices in a container in your fridge to use during the week.  The best tip for healthy eating is to have healthy options ready to eat immediately!  Pick one day (I do Sundays right after grocery shopping) when you set aside time to wash, cut, portion out and prep anything you might be eating during the week.

3) Slice the rest of the bell peppers (or chop for specific recipes!) and stock up your freezer!  I will have one bag of peppers sliced for general use, and smaller bags portioned for specific recipes, with the recipe/amount written on the outside of the bag.

These three steps will set you up for an easy transition to making the following five healthy and delicious recipes below (and whatever others you can come up with!)

Here are my five go-to recipes for using those colorful peppers...

#1 Egg White Burrito 

image source : team beachbody

We use a lot of eggs and egg whites for our breakfasts, to pack in the protein without a ton of calories.  I like to mix it up when it comes to the recipes, so as not to get burned out on a particular one, and this is one I found I found a while ago and really like!  I omit the turkey bacon, as I don't really like breakfast meats - but I promise, it is still super yummy sans bacon.  I will finely chop the peppers and onion and put it in a freezer bag portioned out to make two burritos - one for me and one for Hubby!  I also find it is really good to have a bunch of whole wheat tortillas in your freezer.  They thaw quickly and can be used for all kinds of wraps, as well as the flatbread pizzas in the recipe below!  Get the recipe here!

#2 Mediterranean Pepper Sandwich

You will need:

• one whole wheat sandwich thin (or bagel thin - again, have a bunch of these in your freezer to use when needed!)
• 2 TB hummus (any flavor will do)
• 3 slices of pepper
• 1 TB of reduced fat feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of spinach

To make: 

Simply spread the hummus on one half of the sandwich thin, top with feta, peppers and spinach.  This is such an easy lunch!  

#3 Philly Cheesesteak Bake

(get full recipe at Skinny Mom here)

When I participated in the Skinny Mom 21-Day Shred a few months ago (and then again almost immediately after) this amazing recipe really stuck out to me as one of my favorites!  It is colorful and yummy!  I make it as a bake, but the original recipe has it as stuffed peppers.  Either way tastes AMAZING!  To make it as a bake, simple chop up all the peppers (including the green) and saute together, separately from your flank steak.  Another tip : to save money look for packages of thinly sliced flank steak in your meat department.  This is usually cheaper and in smaller amounts.  I have made the recipe with only 3/4 lb of thinly sliced steak and it was still great - and I saved cash!

#4 Bell Pepper and Pesto Flatbreads

This is a recipe I throw together whenever I am craving pizza but not wanting to totally blow my healthy eating plan.  Hubby loves them, too!  It makes a good "fast food" when you've had a couple glasses of wine at a happy hour, but don't want to get crazy and order an entire pizza or beg your hubby to go get you takeout! (Not that that happens in our house. Ever.)

You will need :

• 1 whole wheat tortilla 
• 2 TB basil pesto (or any kind of green pesto -- I like the skinny version found here!)
• sliced peppers (of course!)
• any other veggies you have lying around - I've used broccoli, tomatoes,  and even pineapple!
• 1/4 cup of finely shredded mozzarella cheese

To make :
Preheat oven to 400F.  Simply put your tortilla(s) on a cookie sheet, spread with the pesto, arrange toppings, and bake for 8-10 minutes

#5 Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas 

(get the full recipe here)

image source : Skinny Mom

This is another Skinny Mom recipe and will just make your life easier during the week!  I will have the peppers for this already sliced, frozen and ready to throw in the crockpot.  The other ingredients are ones you hopefully already have on hand as well.  Healthy staples like cans of Ro-Tel or simply diced tomatoes, frozen chicken breasts, lime juice, onions, and low sodium taco seasoning (homemade or the packets) are all things I typically buy in bulk to have on-hand because they fit in with so many healthy recipes.

There it is!  Five yummy and healthful ideas for a bunch of bell peppers.  Buy em, slice em, freeze em and you always have some healthy options!

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What veggies do you love that can do double or triple duty throughout the week? 

 I love to hear about healthy eats that can be used in a wide variety of ways!

I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend!  

running - for my life.

I ran my first marathon at the age of thirty-three.  

It was honestly one of the most challenging and enriching experiences of my life.  The long hours of training on frigid winter Saturday mornings.  The amazing barrage of emotions and physical highs and lows your body goes through during the race.   

I laughed, I cried, I nearly danced at different points during those twenty-six miles.   

After running the marathon last May I decided I needed a break from running.  I’ve pushed my body pretty hard and it needs rest from running, I thought.  This is probably a normal response for a runner after completing such a huge run for the first time.

So I stopped running.  I kept working out, almost every day, but shifted my focus to group fitness classes and the elliptical.  Runs became few and far between.  

During this hiatus I easily lost the five pounds I gained during marathon training...you know, from eating everything in sight.  (Marathon training makes you very, very hungry - and makes you believe you deserve to eat anything you want!) I did a clean eating cleanse and kept up my healthy habits.  

Yet, despite losing those pounds, eating much more healthfully, and continuing to work out regularly...I became significantly depressed.

I’ve suffered chronic depression, on and off, my entire life.  I have accepted that it is a part of my unique psyche and something I can control, to a certain degree.  There are many things about my depression that I am actually thankful for.  However, that self-realization has taken many years, and is always a work-in-progress.  

When I was in my early teen years I had definitely hit a low point.  I had very low self-worth at that time in my life, and wasn't coping really well.  I know the teen years are angsty and hard for everyone to some degree, but this was definitely to an unhealthy level.

Then, out of nowhere, at age sixteen I discovered running! Up to that point I was a non-athlete.  Team sports involving balls and coordination made me anxious and I was pretty terrible at all the ones I attempted.  So besides the long walks I took everyday around our woods, musing over life and daydreaming about the future,  I didn’t get much exercise.  I never thought of joining track since I'd never excelled at track and field in elementary school, and my small high school did not have a cross-country team at that point.

Running was just not on my radar.  I'd barely gotten through the mile we were required to run in ninth grade gym class.  (Gym class...shudder.) 

//source//

Then, the summer before my Senior year of high school, I decided that while I might never be an "athlete," at least I could look like one.  So I started changing those walks around our property into runs.  I would run my heart out.  No one was there to watch so I pushed it hard and when I became too tired to run, I walked until I had energy to run again.   Or I would throw off my t-shirt, lay it on the grass and do crunches in my sports bra -- then I would sprint some more. It felt awesome.

I immediately saw the changes in my body.  That was not surprising.  I went from very average to lean and muscular pretty quickly.  

But much more satisfying than the ab muscles that formed or the newfound physical strength I felt...was the mental change I underwent.  I finally had a positive outlet for negative mental energy.   I ran out my aggression and angst to a large degree.  I discovered something that gave me self-esteem and a sense of identity.  I was a runner!  

//source//

God definitely showed me running.  He led me to it.  Out of love - to save my life.

So, recently, after years of consistent running,  I made a mistake : I stopped running.

I had forgotten how important this simple ritual of running was to my mind - to my entire life. 

And that absence took its toll.  

I thought my depression was worsening just because I didn’t have a big goal anymore.  Or maybe it was the age range that my two toddlers had reached -- both loud and kinda challenging in temperament.  Or perhaps I just wasn’t reaching my potential as a mother/woman?  Self-doubt started taking over my thoughts.  I contemplated the idea that I should start working again outside the home, or develop a side gig, as many of my mom friends had done recently.  

It was like I was fifteen again.  Who was I?  

Although I was functioning, I was not functioning the way I knew I should be.  I’m feisty in general, an analyzer and definitely an over-thinker...but suddenly I could not shake the negative feeling that I was spiraling downward in the dissatisfaction with myself.  My former delight in motherhood was waning, I felt constantly tired, and often hopeless.  I prayed night and day.  I called out to God.  I felt Him near me, but quiet.  I felt Satan attacking me with negative thoughts and whispers (sometimes shouts) of "You're not doing enough, Greta!" 

I even saw a psychiatrist for the first time ever.  I tried medication...and then something deep inside told me that wasn’t the answer for me.

One evening my husband and I were out at a restaurant having dinner with his boss, a co-worker and their wives.  I found myself chatting with the wife next to me.  She is a mother of four grown children, so I asked her how she got through those years, mentally, with so many little ones. I mean, I thought it was difficult with only two!

“It was hard.  My doctor told me either I needed to start running or I needed to go on anti-depressants.  So I started training for a marathon!”  She laughed casually at the memory, but her comment struck me.

In my head I was thinking - wow.  I know running isn’t the answer for every person suffering from depression, but her statement reverberated through my soul.  Running. Obviously.  I haven’t been running.  Why did I stop running?

Suddenly it was pretty clear.

I don’t just need to work out.  I need to run.  For my happiness.  

For my life. 

I recently began training again - this time for a half marathon in May.  As the mileage has crept up to five and six mile runs, my the cloud of depression has quickly faded.  Other things have helped as well -- reading God's word in the morning before checking any social media, seeing a therapist regularly to vent to and get new insights from, turning away from negative relationships and focusing on positive ones, joining (or starting) groups involving things I am passionate about...

...it's all a process, of course.  

But, for me, running has to be part of that process.

+ + + + + + +

As you look back on your life -- what have been your "lifesavers"?  

30 days of...trying to make it to group fitness.

Week two of my November challenge - 30 Days of Group Fitness - hit a major snafu.

You see, I had awesome intentions, I was feeling pumped to dive into another week, and then...

...life happened.

My son got sick Sunday night.  The icky, sad, pathetic kind of sick that makes your heart ache as a mama.  Thankfully it only lasted the night, and Monday morning he was feeling much better, but obviously we were in for the day.  No school, and definitely no trips to the gym.  I managed to do an online video workout during nap time - which was actually an awesome alternative!  (I did this sixty minute Ladder 10 workout on SkinnyMom.com!)

Tuesday I made it to an early morning Body Works + Abs conditioning class, Wednesday I did a mid-morning spin, and Thursday was another awesome Barre class.  (I am addicted to Barre, ya'll!)  I wrote about these classes in last week's post if you want my take on any of them.

Friday, though, whew.  I woke up completely sick.  Nauseous, body aching, exhausted.  Then my two-year-old, usually a boisterous whirlwind of blonde curls, yelled sadly from her bed, "I'm sick!"

So went our day.  Lots of "getting sick," to put it politely.   I don't think I moved from the couch except to do the absolutely necessary "mom duties" and to run to the bathroom.   Hubby was out of town on business and I have no family in town to help last-minute, so it was a rough one.  My son was super patient and seemed to have no problem spending the day watching movies and playing independently while the two sick ladies of the house struggled through.

Saturday we both felt much better, but I wasn't gonna push my luck and go to my scheduled Body Works class.  Sunday Finola was sick (again - this time with congestion and stuffy nose) and since I had planned this as my rest day anyway, I took it.

I think we all have those kind of weeks.  We have the best of intentions.  We tell ourselves we are going to work out every day, or maybe three times that week, and then - boom.  Life.  As a somewhat intense, type-A person this kind of thing bothers me more than it should.   That loss of control.   The changes in plans that happen unexpectedly.  I'm working on it -- being kinder to myself.

I am thinking of buying this etsy print and carrying it with me wherever I go.

Plus, I think God was telling me my body needed a break...because He knows I wouldn't have taken it unless forced!

This week I plan to take it a little easier.  Ideally I plan to try to do: boot camp, body works, spinning, barre, yoga, rowing, and a beginner Crossfit...but I'll be happy to make it to 4-5 of those, prioritizing the new ones.

Thank you to everyone for some awesome suggestions of new classes!!!!!  Keep them coming! Despite the difficulty this week, and re-charged and really enjoying seeing what my body can do, and what my mind actually enjoys doing!

Prayers for everyone's good health this week!

30 Days of Group Fitness : Week One Recap (aka I Can't Zumba)

Ow.  I am feeling sore.

And strong.

Last week I did seven classes in seven days, and feel AMAZING.

Sunday : Hot Yoga
What I expected : Yoga in a hot room.
What I got : Yoga in a hot room, but much, much sweatier than I expected.  I highly recommend bringing a large towel to put over your mat, along with another smaller towel for mopping off the sweat that will pour off your body. (Or maybe I am just especially sweaty?)  I loved the heat - the tropical humidity of it all.  The class was packed which was pretty cool.  Had a very spiritual vibe. And let me give a shout out to my friend Rebecca.  She came with me to four of my seven classes this week!!!!!!!  Group exercise is way more fun if you have a friend there.  Just sayin'.

Plus, then there is someone to take selfies with in the bathroom...

post- hot yoga.  sweaty hot mess.  but feeling SO good.

What you should bring: lots of water, a large towel to put down on your mat, a sweat towel, your own mat
Monday : Boot Camp
What I expected : A slow moving rotation with a partner through different strength exercises (basically like a different boot camp I had gone to at my gym.)
What I got : More like a real boot camp!  Another packed class.  The first thing we had to do was grab a weight and run around the track with it lifted over our head.  That was awkward!  I love to run, so I was one of the faster people, but I kept worrying I was going to drop the weight on my head (or trip.)  After about five laps we headed back to the room and the coach led us through non-stop moves with the free weights and without, including burpees and lots of hopping about.  It was hard, ya'll...but I really liked it and fully expect to attend this class regularly from now on!
What you should bring : water, good shoes for high impact

Tuesday : Zumba
What I expected : Good music and dance moves, which I would do awkwardly.
What I got : Well, truthfully I only stayed five minutes before I realized I would not be able to follow the instructor of this class.  She launched into a series of salsa moves that, well, left me standing there dumbfounded.  I laughed and tried to keep up but I am exceedingly uncoordinated and putting together all those moves made my brain hurt.   I have no natural rhythm.   Everyone else in the class seemed to be able to follow, even my friend Rebecca who had only done Zumba once before.  So I bailed after the first song, afraid of distracting the poor girls behind me with my giggling and lack of ability to keep up with the teacher.  Also, I knew I was not going to get the good cardio workout I needed (because I couldn't follow well enough) and I absolutely needed to break a sweat that day.  (Hard day with the kids!!!!) So I retreated to the treadmill upstairs and ran a hard-core Fartlek.  So the day was not a total loss, and I learned a very important thing about myself : Zumba is not for me.
What you should bring: all the coordination you can muster, no worries about looking dorky.

Wednesday : Spinning
What I expected : Well, this is the class I attend regularly, so I got an awesome ride with a fun instructor.  The class is always full, the teacher is talkative and engaging but not in a distracting way, and she plays awesome music.  Just what I need at 5:45am!  :)  However, every spin class and instructor is different.  You get a different "ride" and different music, so it is worth it (and fun!) to go to multiple per week.  Oh, and if you are a newbie your booty and other areas of your nether region may be really sore for about a week when you first take a class...but if you go on a regular basis this goes away.  Fun times!
What I got : (see above)
What you should bring : a full bottle of water, a sweat towel, and I usually wear a hat or headband.  There is a lot of sweating.

Thursday : Body Works Plus Abs
What I expected : An intense workout using free weights and the riser.  I had done this class once before with a different instructor, so I knew it would be challenging.
What I got : All of the above, but even harder.  I don't know if it was hard because I was already pretty sore from Monday's boot camp, or because the teacher talked non-stop about that evening's football game, which, combined with the music made my head ache....but the class was not super enjoyable.  I don't mind a teacher that talks, and she seemed really sweet, but I totally don't relate to "sports obsession" and she repeated the same comments about that night's professional football game over, and over, and over.  I found it kind of distracting and odd.  Also, there were many of the moves that we did for so long that I had to keep stopping.  Maybe a long week?  Maybe I am weak?  It was rough, ya'll.  If you do this class, expect lots of repetition of moves, working every body part.

Friday : Yoga
What I expected : A calming, non-intense yoga class full of lovely older women.  You see, I go to this class every week, and I am usually the youngest one there.  The women that attend have been doing so for years, and are all very sweet and love their yoga.  They are totally what I want to be in my retirement : fit, and filling their time with healthy things.  Anyway, I like this yoga class because I don't really break a sweat, so I can wear cute "yoga garb" that also is worn to Target afterward.  Plus, it is really nice to be able to find balance right before the weekend.
What I got : All of the above.  And more 'fire breathing.'
What to bring : If you really want to do yoga on the regular, I would get your own mat.  There are also lots of fun "extras" to get, if you have the money to invest.  Also, please don't think you have to be really "zen, hippie, crunchy" to love yoga.  I am none of those things.  I am the opposite of those things.  Therefore, I think I might benefit from regular yoga practice more than most!
Saturday : Barre workout
What I expected : A super hard pilates/yoga mix done at the barre (as in, the ballet barre.)
What I got : Pretty much that, but not quite as intense as I expected.  Any beginner could do this class, as there are lots of variations of each move that the instructor talks you through. It was fun, packed, and a great workout!
What to bring : This place provided all the goodies!  So just bring water.  I didn't get super sweaty, but expect to be sore afterward!

It was a pretty intense week!   But this challenge really has me working different muscle groups and pushing myself...and I am seeing great results!

This week's lineup...who's joining me? (I am doubling up a couple days since Sundays I have too much going on to go to any classes. Declaring that my day of rest!)

Monday : Spinning
Tuesday : Body Works Plus Abs
Wednesday : Spinning + Kickbox Cardio
Thursday : Barre
Friday : Yoga
Saturday : Body Works Plus Abs + Rowing

I am also thinking of a beginner Crossfit class!?  Open to suggestions about others!  

What classes do you love?

why I tried advocare : 24 day challenge recap

*The following post is in not sponsored by Advocare.  While I would love free Spark, I do not get compensated for posting about the program.  This is completely my own opinion and experience.

Clean eating is a term you pretty much can't go a day without hearing these days.  You are either one of those people who rolls their eyes at "clean eaters" and says, "I WILL enjoy this Oreo, dang you!"  or you think, "Hmmmm...that sounds really awesome...and impossible."

I have done a little of both.  Don't be fooled : people tend to "poo poo" things that they don't believe they can do...and secretly they wish they could.  (Nay-sayers should be your biggest motivators!!!!)

I wanted to be a clean eater, but I had spent my entire life eating a different way : basically whatever I wanted, in moderation, with occasional sugar or carb or cheese or alcohol binges, that made me feel like CRAP both mentally and physically.  I justified it by telling myself that I exercise enough to do that every once in a while.  No big deal.  Same with grabbing 3 (or 10) Oreos when I buy them on occasion.  Or feeling PMS-y and making a giant vat of spaghetti, burying myself into the couch and watching rom-coms.

But all these little innocent food habits that were "no big deal" had gotten me into a little rut.

Sure, I am a very active person who works out nearly every day.  BUT - things are different now than in my twenties.  I have had two babies, and am 34-years-old with a gradually slowing metabolism.  I can tell, especially after having Finola right before I turned 32 that things are not what they used to be.  The number on the scale, sure.  But the rest, too  It will never be the same.  But - it can still be good.  My body can be better, and stronger, in different ways.

Last year I started doing food challenges on a regular basis.  One month dairy-free, another gluten free, another sugar free, etc.  I chronicled some on this very blog.

I ran a marathon.

I tried green smoothie cleanses.  (Which usually left me hungry by 2pm and guiltily binging on something that definitely was not a smoothie.)

I began to feel like nothing was producing any real change.

So while not overweight, I wasn't feeling healthy.  In fact, I felt a little bummed and out of control.  Why did I still have a bit of a baby belly?  Why was I working out so hard and my body seemed stuck, despite all my eating + physical challenges?

I had hit the dreaded plateau, as they say.

Then I started logging my eating and counting calories.  Wow!  Very enlightening.  I immediately saw that while I could eat reasonably healthy all day (thus making me think I was a healthy eater) at night when my husband came home and the kiddos were in bed I (we) would eat a bunch of crap. Microwave popcorn.  Alcohol.  Chips.  Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  Ice cream.  Ice cream.  Ice cream.

It wasn't good.  For either of us.  Especially my Hubby, who works long hours at a desk job, and does not normally get many chances to work out.

But it was a habit we had always had, even before kids.   It was comfortable.  We both looked forward to it.

How could we enjoy watching our shows without also eating a bunch of junk food????

It sounds silly, but I'm serious as a heart attack.  (Kinda like the one that Hubby, due to genetics and our crappy eating habits, is at risk for.  Yikes.)

Our inner eating mantras were completely out-of-whack.

I think this is something that happens in many areas of life -- not just our eating habits.  We get used to something and settle for something not healthy.  We think we need it.  We think life won't be as good without it.  Somehow we will be missing something if we get rid of it.  Friendships.  Dating relationships.  Possessions.

But, chances are, if you have a sneaking suspicion that it is making you unhappy, you WILL be happier without it.

So, I knew in my head the late-night binge sessions were counterproductive to my health goals.  I knew I needed to change.  Develop new habits.  Go to bed earlier.  Stop eating after 7pm, even if it meant eating a bigger dinner.

Stop settling for less than I deserved - meaning, a healthy, happy life!

So I was hoping for something to inspire such a change.  Obviously my nagging and complaining to Hubby about it wasn't working.  We kept on with the nightly routine.

THEN - something came up that I had rolled my eyes at in the past.   A couple joined our church community group who had both lost considerable weight/inches through using Advocare.  They had done the 24-Day Challenge.  Then our group leaders did the Challenge and also had amazing results.

For those unfamiliar with the Advocare challenge, you basically purchase their supplements and follow a clean eating diet while using the plan provided.  The first ten days are the "cleanse phase" in which you take probiotic, fiber and herbal cleanse supplements along with omega-3's.  Days eleven through twenty four is the "max phase" in which you take a whole different set of supplements, and continue your clean eating.   The products do help you curb your appetite and give you energy - both kind of awesome and really helpful in getting you to make better eating choices and stay active/focused.

So Hubby and I went to the informational meeting and decided to try it.  I kept saying, "Yeah, we are going to do this together, but I'm just trying to be supportive for Paul, since he wants to lose weight."  Which was true, BUT also I was hopeful for a way to kick my bad eating habits.  And yes, lose those last few pounds of stubborn baby weight.  I felt I had to say those things.  I down-played my own desire to be healthy because I was afraid of being judged, considering I was not overweight.

(Just because someone is a healthy weight does not mean they are being as healthy as they can be!)

Five days into the 24 Day Challenge I could not even believe how much better I felt.   I no longer felt the bloated feeling I always had before.  I quickly dropped the few pounds I wanted to lose.  Best of all, I felt empowered by the healthy choices I was making.

And I still got to eat!  I love food, so that was kinda key.  I had to get creative finding ways to enjoy veggies (not my favorite food group) and completely cutting out cheese and most breads was definitely a challenge.  I allowed myself 2 servings of whole wheat grains per day, and even had a burger night (lean organic beef topped with guacamole and wrapped in a romaine leaf...but still - a burger!)

It was not just a challenge - it was training for the kind of life I wanted to lead.

I no longer took "innocent" bites of my kiddos mac n cheese, or grabbed a cookie here and there.  I felt strong reaching for the raw veggies and hummus, as opposed to my normal snack of wheat thins and cheese slices.

I carried my water around like a trophy - finally able to drink the recommended amount.

And now, post-Challenge, I am happy to report both Hubby and I are still eating clean.  And excited to continue to do so!

Our results?

I lost five pounds during the first ten days (the cleanse phase) and have consistently kept it off.  I have no before/after pics of myself, but more than the number on the scale, I feel just better/lighter/healthier overall, and more in control of my eating habits.  Without feeling hangry...which is pretty big for me.

Hubby lost fifteen pounds!  Woo hoo!  I was amazed by how strong his will-power was during his challenge, and by the good choices he continues to make.  He lost the pounds and inches (we didn't actually measure ourselves, but his photos below show his progress!) without increasing his physical activity at all.  Just cutting out processed foods, kicking his Coke Zero habit (4-6 a day!) and making healthy swaps he made huge progress in only 24 days.

Here are Hubby's before/after shots (which he was totally cool with me posting, btw!) :

SO proud of him!  Hubby is continuing to use Advocare products to strive for his ultimate weight loss goal.  And I am sure I will do another challenge after the 90-day waiting period.

My only advice is this : If you aren't happy with your body/health - do something different!  And if that doesn't work, try something else - whether it is a cleanse, training for a race, or simply committing to going to the gym a couple times a week. And, even if you hate exercise - eat clean.  No matter what your weight...try to cut the processed food out of your diet. At least make baby steps.  Cut out soda.  Swap white rice for brown.  Learn to drink your coffee black.  I speak from experience, you can train your taste buds to enjoy it this way. And once you stop eating the crap, the funny thing is that it doesn't even taste great when you do eat it.  All of a sudden you crave the good stuff instead.  Also, for me personally, my skin is better (no breakouts, even when PMSing!)

I wish I would have changed my eating habits YEARS ago.

Know yourself - and be realistic.  If you cannot have sweets in your house without over-eating them, don't have them in your house.  For me, I just can't buy cheese anymore, unless it is a bit of feta or goat cheese to put on salads.  Cheese is just something I had to pretty much eliminate or else, truly, it is a slippery slope for me.

Besides continuing to develop clean eating habits, in the month of November I am challenging myself in another way: 30 Days of Group Exercise! I have decided to branch out and try as many different classes this month as I can.  Typically I only do a weekly spin and yoga class, but there are some classes I have either avoided due to to thinking I will hate them, or desired to do for years but just never pulled the trigger.

I can and I will.

This week's schedule : Hot Yoga, Zumba, Spinning, Barre3, Yoga, Boot Camp Conditioning, and Body Works Plus Abs

Pretty excited!

Does anyone have any classes they LOVE and think I should try?  Let me know!

Happy Monday, everyone!  

17 miles - take two! (on the treadmill)

The snow and the cold, especially after being in Mexico, have really been really bringing my outdoor running down.  As in, I basically went on an "outdoor running strike," fearing (perhaps irrationally) injury due to running on the snow and ice.

So my last two long runs have been on the treadmill at the gym.  

Yes, fifteen and seventeen miles - on the treadmill.

Yikes.

//source//

I trained for my first half marathon last winter/spring entirely on the treadmill, so I am not unfamiliar with this torture.  (Although then the most I ran was twelve miles on it.) 

Basically, you have to go into it with a good attitude, like any run.  Tell yourself you can do it.   Bring water, music, a book, GU, whatever you need to get through a long run, assemble it all on your treadmill, and get settled in for your run.

Tell yourself how lovely it is that you are not in the cold, jumping over icy patches on the sidewalks and bundled up in a ridiculous amount of clothing.

Remember that some (all?) machines will automatically go into "cool-down" mode after sixty minutes, so you'll have to find keep track of your mileage and start it over when that happens.  I ended up just running six miles and then starting it over (twice) before it automatically shut down so I didn't have to try to remember a random number.

Either be motivated by all the numbers staring you in the face...or cover them up with a book/magazine/towel.   I personally like seeing my pace (I don't own a fancy running watch) so that is the one highlight for me being on the treadmill.  Still doesn't exactly help me know what my pace will be during the marathon, but I was able to find a pace that felt comfortable enough that I think I could run 26.2 in.  I am only assuming it is close to what I am running when I am running outside.

Overall, my treadmill run went fine.   I had woken up with soreness in my right quadricep so I noticed that at first, but soon that pain was overshadowed by a dull pain in my left knee.  At ten miles I was a bit worried and decided I wouldn't try to push it in the last half of my run, when I would typically try to sprint toward the end.  I have never had a true injury from running, so I am crossing my fingers nothing crazy happens before the race!!!

My legs were VERY sore after this run, as they were the last time I attempted seventeen miles, so I did a hot Epsom salt bath with eucalyptus essential oil added and that seemed to help.  Anyone other runners do this?  I decided I would prefer it over an ice bath.  Again, I am completely over all things cold.

Last week's training...

Sunday:  Recovery!  The day before I did a 15 mile treadmill run at presumed race pace (8:30 - 9:00 miles is my goal for the marathon...hopefully a bit faster!?)
Monday: 10 minute intense lower ab workout and this hip opening seated yoga sequence during naps; PM gym - light cardio
Tuesday:  PM gym - 5.5 mile Fartlek on the treadmill that I just kinda made up on the fly.  Ranged from a 9:00 pace to a 7:00 pace.  Can I just say, I LOVE Fartleks???
Wednesday: no workouts. Hate to say it, but I give the "monthly" excuse!!! Just wanted to eat chocolate and potato chips and hide...
Thursday: this 10 minute ab workout and this Miranda Kerr butt workout during naps
Friday: AM yoga class
Saturday: 17 mile run (treadmill!) at race pace.
This week I am going to really concentrate on doing more yoga!  My once-a-week one hour long practice on Friday mornings is wonderful, but I really want to work even more on poses that could help with my running...and opening up my hips, which are always tight.  It's sad.

So my challenge to myself is to practice each of these poses every day -- any other runners with me on this?  I love yoga and do believe it can help me in my running, as it has helped me mentally in everyday life, and physically in preparing for my labor with Finola.  So this week I will be more intentional to work a bit of yoga into every day's training.

Anyway, hurray for warm weather happening this week - finally!  I am looking forward to a long outdoor run this weekend!!!

vaseline and a wind-burnt face make you look years younger!

This was my first time finishing a run in a very long time (ever?) where I questioned whether or not I could really reach my goal.  Last week I finished tired but as though I could have gone another mile.  This week I hit a wall with three miles left, mentally, but mostly physically.  My knees hurt, my legs felt like I was dragging two useless stumps along with every step, and my feet did not feel great.

But I finished the seventeen miles, walked (limped) a bit to aid recovery, and hobbled home.  

Instead of accomplishment I felt fear.  Fear that I would never make it to twenty-six miles.

Hubby and kiddos were encouraging as Hubby helped me stretch out my poor, poor hamstrings and hips.  The kiddos stood over me he did so, staring down with silly smiles and placing various magnets (they are really into magnets right now) on my face.  It was bizarrely comforting.

Then I went about my normal post-run rituals: first and foremost, getting a frothy, delicious chai tea latte at Panera, along with a French toast bagel with cream cheese.

this makes me happy!

I made a couple other necessary stops and a woman who owned one of the stores admired my wedding rings and told me I looked "too young to be married."  Wha????

I replied that it is probably because I have vaseline smeared all over my face to keep it warm/not chapped during my run, so I look like a greasy-faced teenager.  *awkward laughter from me*

She stared at me and I made a mental note to simply say 'thank you' when someone compliments me.

apparently she didn't notice my crow's feet???

Anyway, I think I really need to a) figure out how to work my legs out better...or stretch more effectively and b) work on my mental game.  I have one more long run slated before my cut-back week and I really want it to go better.

Any advice is welcome!!!

What do YOU do to get through a long run or hard workout when you feel mentally "done"? 

What yoga poses or stretches do you find most effective post-run or post-workout?

Last week's training...
Sunday: Recovery day - no workouts.
Monday: this 10 minute intense lower ab workout and this 10 minute core workout during naps; PM gym - light cardio + circuit
Tuesday: random free weight arm exercises, and this 18 minute Miley Cyrus leg workout  (I don't care how you feel about Miley, she's got great gams...this is a great lower body workout to do while watching your favorite show - super repetitive!) PM gym - 5K treadmill run at a 7:45 average pace
Wednesday: this 10 minute booty barre workout this 16 minute 'Miranda Kerr' butt workout during naps; PM gym - light cardio
Thursday: this VS Ab Workout during naps; PM gym - the same fartlek workout on the treadmill I did last week
Friday: AM yoga class
Saturday: 17 mile run

+ + + + + + +

And here are some random photos from last week with the lil blondies.  We have fun.

don't let this disgruntled expression fool you.  he spent a lot of time painting his face and was very proud of it.

eating a post-facepainting cookie.  I mean, it was hard work and all.

"inside" a fish tank at the children's museum.  this wins the "creepiest photo" award for the week.

we finally had a warm-ish day on Sunday - so we headed to the park!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Whatever your fitness goals, train hard!

fartleks + second winds

This past week I did a fartlek on the treadmill for the first time. "Fartlek" (heh, heh) is apparently one of those terms that all runners should just know.  So now I do!  Basically, it is an interval training run, varying speed and incline.  Here is what I can tell you: by the end, I had run 5 miles, it had gone by FAST because of all the changes, my head was dizzy from staring at the numbers on the chart, and I was dripping sweat.  Okay that might have been because I had dressed improperly for such an intense run, but still.  Hard work - and an awesome way to run on the treadmill!

The one I did was fairly fast, but there are plenty you can find on Pinterest that are a slower pace overall. (Or faster...if you are fast like that.)

On Saturday I completed my sixteen mile run!  It was rough, ya'll.  And cold.  Which is probably why it was so rough.  I am ready for warm weather, because I am hoping I will run faster then.  My respect for long-distance runners in Minnesota (my home state) has greatly increased.  I mean, if I am complaining about temps in the low 20s, I can't even imagine running in a hard Minnesota winter.  With snow.  But I guess your body just adjusts?  I think I have lost all my Minnesota winter toughness.

//source//

Anyway, no major hills on this run, but I tried to mix up my route a bit.  Oh, and I found it interesting that I got a second wind at around mile nine.  Nine!  I needed it, too.

Last week's training...
Sunday: Recovery day - no workouts.
Monday: this 10 minute core workout and this 10 minute barre workout (oh my - looooove barre workouts!) during naps; PM gym - light cardio + circuit
Tuesday: PM gym - this fartlek run on the treadmill

//source//

Wednesday: this 40 minute bikini body workout and this 16 minute 'Miranda Kerr' butt workout during naps; no PM gym...I felt wiped out, and Fin was sick.
Thursday: this VS Ab Workout during naps; PM gym - the fartlek treadmill run (again!) I felt much more efficient the second time!
Friday: AM yoga class
Saturday: 16 mile run

If you've been following along you've noticed I am sneaking in 10-40 minute workouts during the kids' naps, just in my living room - no equipment necessary.  I love this because it is super convenient, prevents me from snacking during the nap period, and has been the key for me toning up recently!  Even 10 minutes extra core training a day helps!

Other notes : 
I started following this running blogger and LOVE HER : www.hungryrunnergirl.com

This weeks "dirty cheat meal" : an entire box of girl scout cookies...and a can of Dr. Pepper.  Oh, the shame!  ;) It was a post-long run binge that wish I could say I regret...but I don't.   I buy two boxes of GS cookies a year, and I always seem to eat the Tagalongs all at once.  At least this year I had just burned approximately 1600 calories during my run and could feel less guilty.

Runner's logic.

How was your training week?  

cutting back on mileage - but not on food!

It is probably pretty sad that I ran ten miles this week and I feel like it was "only ten miles" and I really wish I would have run more.

It's okay to say it : "Get a grip, G!"

The marathon training mentality has perhaps taken over.  But I am never blind to my own crazy.

Anyway, my plan was to cut back my mileage to give my body a little break before amping back up to sixteen miles, seventeen, etc.  Turns out I really needed it.  While I had some awesome workouts this week and ate pretty well, Wednesday night I got hellaciously ill. A 24-hour stomach virus, which kept me up all night vomiting, and then I was in bed all day Thursday resting while my saintly Hubby cared for the kiddos.

So the ten mile plan turned out to be much needed.  I had wanted to work on my speed during this shorter run, but I ended up still running fairly slow in the cold and still feeling like I was in slow motion the entire time.

I am looking forward to running in the warmer months!  Call me weird, but I would much rather run in the heat than the cold.

Prior to my run, my week looked like this...

Sunday: Recovery day - no workouts.
Monday: this 10 minute core workout during naps; PM gym - light cardio
Tuesday: this 40 minute bikini body workout (looooove this one!) during naps; PM gym - light cardio
Wednesday: this 16 minuteVS Ab workout at naps. PM gym - 5K at full-speed on the treadmill (which ended up being no where near my PR. Darn treadmill!)
Thursday: Sick!  So, no workouts.
Friday: AM yoga class
Saturday: 10 mile run

As far as nutrition goes, I've been really trying to wrap my head around the fact that it is 70% diet and only 30% exercise that gets your body healthy/lean.  I've always been more of a "I work out a ton, therefore I can eat whatever I want" kinda gal.  But now I am adapting a new way of thinking: um, reality.

//source//

Not that I am going to work out less...but I wanna always be striving to eat cleaner/better.  If you click on the source link of the above image, you'll go to a health blog post with some good advice on it.  I particularly like #8 : Eat enough calories!  I'll be honest, a huge mistake I make some days is to think I'm being healthy by skimping on the required amount of daily calories...which is particularly detrimental when you work out a lot.   I will think that I can "drink my meals" (meaning green smoothies, not wine) and by the kids' naptime I end up crashing, not having any energy to get any intense cardio in, and then eating crap.  Don't do this!  I think green smoothies are awesome for people like me who don't naturally love snacking on vegetables...but I still need actual solid food.  The best days I have (where I feel the best mentally and physically) are when I eat frequently (every few hours) and eat substantially (clean, whole foods...and some grains!  Gym rats and runners need grains!)

Here's to a good week of training -- and eating enough!

I lift my eyes unto the hills...and I think : oh crap.

So I mixed it up a little (lot) this week during my long run.

After running about six miles I then decided to switch up my usual route and include some hills.  My hubby had described to me how to get from my normal route up to a great hilly spot nearby.   What he failed to mention was that to get to the hills this way I would need to go up steps.  A LOT of steps.  A horrific amount of steps.  So I went from a great running pace to a dead stop.  My legs literally stopped moving when I tried to run up the steep, leafy steps in the 20 degree cold.  So I walked as fast as I could, and tried to keep telling myself that coming back down would be easier.

I finally got to the top where the two older gentleman runners I had been following were catching their breath and the friendly guys they were, one asked me, "Where'd you go?  You were right behind me for a while there."

I tried to answer him but I was so out of breath, and my lips were literally frozen and immobile that some jibberish came out and then I managed to articulate that I had never run this way and wasn't expecting all the steps.   We all shared some frozen chortles and the other guy asked me, "Do I need to get you a ticket back down?" (a question I did not fully understand) and I managed to smile an idiotic smile and reply cheerfully, " Nope!  I need to run some hills!"  and a ran in slow motion away from them, up a steep incline.  I'm sure they thought I was a nutcase.

Ugh.  Hills.  

I hate hills.  I like miles and miles and miles of flat.  I could probably run forever on a flat surface.  But I ran around the hilly neighborhood for a while and then happily went back down all those damn steps back to my safe, regular route.

I hope during the marathon (which, in fact, has a lot of hills) there is someone holding this sign at every hill...

//source//

I finished up my fifteen-miler without further ado.  It was cold, but not as cold as last week.  My water got a little icy but did not freeze.

What did the rest of my week look like?

Sunday: Recovery - no workouts

Monday: 'Family night' at the gym.  Not officially -- but recently our whole fam has started heading  to the gym when Hubby gets home from work.  That night I think I did some light cardio on the elliptical. I need to start writing these things down.  

Tuesday: PM gym again and I probably did more light cardio??

Wednesday: Early AM spinning class!  Then during naps I did this ab workout...try it!!!!

My abs are finally starting to feel/look toned again after recently kicking my workouts into high gear...just a year and a half after giving birth to my second baby.  Better late than never!  Progress, people!

Thursday: PM gym - did a 3 mile speed run

Friday: AM yoga class

Saturday: 15 mile run

Oh, and my Saturday night "dirty cheat meal?"  Chinese food!  I ordered my usual.  Hrrrm.  Not as satisfying as last week's burger and fries.  Felt pretty icky afterward.  My 'usual' might have to go on my running list of 'foods my tummy no longer can handle.'  Yuck.

Speaking of food, though...

I made these chicken enchiladas with avocado sauce for dinner one night and they were AMAZING.  Put them on your "to make" list!

Hope you worked hard and ate deliciously this past week!