Meltdown

So I pretty much just had a meltdown at Trader Joe’s.

Normal, right?

 

Well here’s the deal. The past few times I was at TJ’s I didn’t see peanut flour on the shelf. I had enough so I didn’t worry about it too much or bother asking anyone about it.

 

Today, when it wasn’t there AGAIN, I asked.

 

It was almost like a scene from ER as the TJ’s employee told me she’d be right back and disappeared behind the swinging double doors in search of an answer.

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Deep in my stomach I knew it wouldn’t be good. And I was right.

 

My beloved peanut flour has been discontinued. Apparently due to low sales. WHAT?!?! Do people understand how wonderful this stuff is? How will I go on?!?! I really did ask those questions to the employee. I kid you not.

If you see it at your stores, maybe shoot me an email at FoodIRL@gmail.com and perhaps we can arrange a shipment. (Yes I’m serious).

 

In other news. I am proud to say that I ventured outdoors for a run today. I did a little over 5 miles in about 55 minutes. I walked some, and just took it easy since the terrain was slushy,snowy and a little icy.

 

The day after a blizzard might not be the best for running, but at the same time, it was awesome to be outside when everything is so beautiful and quiet.

 

Here are some tips for running in snowy conditions from someone who is experiencing their first winter running season:

• Dress appropriately. Just because it’s snowy out, doesn’t mean it’s 3 degrees. Don’t dress for skiing, dress for running. You don’t want to overheat. You will warm up.
• Be flexible. Your route and/or distance just might not workout. Be open to running less mileage or even more if you need to go farther to escape bad terrain.
• Run in the road instead of on trails if possible. Seemed to me that the roads were clearer, less patchy, and easier to navigate. Take all of the normal precautions for running in the street. Run facing on coming cars, if you’re wearing headphones make sure you can still hear the traffic, and you know most of this stuff, right?
• Be careful, always tell someone where you are running and walk or stop if conditions are bad. It’s only cool running in crazy weather when you come back alive and uninjured.

I’m off to go cry into my remaining peanut flour and start planning a tribute post.

 

What are your tips for exercising/running outdoors in the winter?

Do you prefer running in the cold or heat?

How are we going to live without peanut flour?

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Out and About

Hi everyone!

Sorry for my strange blogging schedule today, it’s just been a weird day!

I headed out around 1:30pm for a much needed run.

 

It was really cold, but it always amazes me how quickly I warm up.

I completed 4 miles in 38 minutes.

Mile 1- 9:32/mi

Mile 2-9:38/mi

Mile 3- 9:39/mi

Mile 4- 9:10/mi

 

After my run I headed over to a running store in a nearby town (SO I THOUGHT).. where I had purchased a Groupon yesterday.

 

My Nike Pegasus 27′s are BEAT and my heels are starting to hurt, so I’ve been meaning to get new sneaks.

When this Groupon arrived, it was great timing! I wanted to purchase my next pair of shoes at a good store where someone could fit me.

Too bad it took A MILLION YEARS to get to this store!

 

I’m not having good luck in the traffic department lately, am I?

 

After working with Carl @ the North Wales Running Company, I ended up falling in love with a new show.

The Brooks Ravenna!

They felt really good, and although I loved my Nike’s I think these will wear better and be better for my feet.

 

So all done, right? NO. The only size they had was a 10.5 which was too small. Although I could tell I liked the fit, I need more toe room. Carl had to order me an 11 and 11.5 to try on. So I will be traveling far and wide again to use this Groupon.

 

FYI- I wear a 9/9.5 in regular shoes and will be running in an 11 or 11.5. So if you’re buying running shoes without help, make sure you get them BIG enough or you will be sorry!

So I finally got on my way and was SO hungry that I knew I couldn’t make it home without food.

 

I had to pick up a toy for my race entry fee tomorrow, so I stopped at CVS for double duty.

 

Treat for me ( I guess?)

Treat for a little tyke

When I walked in the door I whipped up something more substantial.

Quesadilla Pizza

2 tortillas, meatless meatballs, string cheese and Joe’s homemade tomato sauce + a few min in the microwave= SANITY RESTORED.

 

Now I’m off to clean up and get read to meet a few friends for dinner. I won’t be out too late since I think I might attempt the 8 mile course in the race tomorrow!

 

(Side note: It feels weird to join a race last minute and not really care about a PR or timing or anything too serious. I’m mostly nervous about not knowing anyone else that is running!I just hope I’m not the slowest since I don’t know this course at all)

 

What running shoes do you wear? How much bigger are they?
Do you eat protein bars? -I used to and haven’t in forever. This one was pretty gross.

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Running and #2

I’m sure a lot of runners already know where this conversation is headed, but for those of you that don’t run, or are new runners, you should know one thing.

 

The relationship between running and going to the bathroom is CRUCIAL.

 

There’s nothing worse than getting all psyched up for a run and then getting a stomach gurgle the second you get out on the trail. (Or even better, while you are 1/2 way into the run and in the middle of no where).

 

This is why I think it is important to stick to a routine of what you eat before you run. This morning I kind of veered away from my standard fare.

It wasn’t anything too crazy, but I added a bowl of greek yogurt mixed with peanut flour (SO GOOD) and a bigger cup of coffee than usual.

 

Just these small changes and the fact that my stomach is still recovering from Miami, explain why I am sitting here blogging instead of being out on the trail. I need to wait to make sure that my stomach is ready to go.

 

Oh and races? Between the early wake up times and the nerves..plan to be a slave to the bathroom and thank your lucky stars when the poop gods shine down on you.

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(thanks Caitlin for sharing this pic on your blog it cracked me up!)

 

Alright, enough bathroom chat.

I hope you’re not reading this while eating breakfast.

 

See you in 5 miles!

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10 on 10-13

Finally!

On 10-13, I was able to run 10 good miles!

After some frustrating runs lately, this felt really great.

Today was different because:

1. I was rested. No workout yesterday and only a quick 2 mile run on Monday.

2. The weather was awesome. I also went earlier so that I would avoid the sun getting too strong.

3. I was properly fueled

Cinnamon Raisin Bagel thin (yum), with cream cheese and a whole banana (1/2 not pictured) + 3 Clif Shot Blox during the run. (note: black cherry flavor is awesome)

 

4. I had a good attitude. I went out with positive but flexible mantras.
What that means, is that I say things like "Do the best you can!" and "You’re doing this!" I’m not mean to myself. And doing the best I can might mean 8 miles, it might mean 5, or maybe it will mean 10.

Here’s the Garmin Report:

Distance: 10 miles/Time: 1 hour and 45 min

Mile 1- 10:28

Mile 2- 10:34

Mile 3- 10:31

Mile 4- 10:46

Mile 5- 10:28

Mile 6- 10:14

Mile 7- 10:55

Mile 8- 10:01

Mile 9- 10:16

Mile 10- 10:20

Oh, and how do you guys feel about me posting my mile times?

The reason I do it is because I want people to see that not all long distance runners run 7,8,9 minute miles. I may run at a slower pace, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a RUNNER.

 

Alright I have to bust a move and get some stuff done.

See ya for lunch!

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10 things I wish I knew about running…

Before I started running.

Running is one of those things that anyone can do. It doesn’t require a lot of gear, you can do it anywhere, it doesn’t take much coordination.

However, I’ve found that as a new runner, and someone running in races, there are some things that I wish I knew before I learned them the hard way.

Here we go.

1. Chafing is FO’ REAL. And it hurts. Buy some Body Glide, (about $8 for a stick at most sporting goods stores) and apply it in all of the places where fabric or skin could be rubbing. Yesterday I forgot mine because it fell behind the dresser. It wasn’t even that hot out and I ended up with a deep burn on my upper abs from my heart rate monitor strap rubbing against my skin/sportsbra/who knows. It hurts a lot more than it looks like it does.

 

2. Don’t wear cotton anything. Cotton absorbs all of the sweat and makes clothing heavy and wet. This includes big ‘ol cotton underwear. Not that any of us sexy ladies wear that.

3. Spandex is a GOOD idea. We all know that spandex isn’t the most flattering. But honestly, unless you are wearing one of those little thong things, no one is really going to notice. Tight pants result in less chafing. (see #1)

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4. If you’re not that fast, move on back when starting a race. The first race I was in things were NOT organized. And when we were lining up at the start, I was all the way in the front. After 85% of the people blew past me, I realized that it would be better for me to have been in the back of the pack. Its proper race etiquette too.

5. Get a camelbak. I love mine and it made all the difference in my running. I had a waterbelt and it was terrible. Bouncing everywhere, causing chafing (see #1), and for all of that trouble, it only held 20 oz. of water. Also get a hat. I prefer underarmour. It helps to keep the sun and sweat out of your eyes and it’s important to have in the rain.

6. You aren’t going to wake up after a month of running and be all that much faster.  I guess I thought that speed would just come to me, and it really hasn’t. But my endurance however, is getting much better. If you want to do speed training, there are plenty of workouts that can accomplish that. Here are a few. I haven’t gotten into them all that much..hence why my speed is still about the same. (I’m ok with that)

7. Just because you are now a runner, doesn’t mean you can eat like a sumo wrestler.

8. You may find that you want to talk about your running to anyone that will listen. A blog is a good way to talk about running when your husband, mom, dad, siblings, and friends are all reallllllllly tired of hearing about your running.

9. It’s okay to take walking breaks. It doesn’t mean you are a failure. And the guy running behind you who just saw you stop running doesn’t think so either.

10. Rest. And go to the doctor if your toes (or insert body part here), don’t seem to look or feel right. Once getting into running, its upsetting to think about NOT running. So take the proper precautions in staying healthy.

 

HAVE FUN OUT THERE!! Let me know if you have any more questions I can help with. I’m a newbie too so don’t be shy!

I’ll be with my 6th graders all morning, so I’ll see you at lunch!

Share your running tips! I’m all ears!

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