Vegmom Moments

Run Veg Run

As part of Mission 2012 "Find my Happy" there is a 1/2 Marathon goal that involves the following:

• Enjoy the Training
• Finish with no injury or death (death would be bad)
• Finish feeling GREAT and Powered by Plants
• Beat my prior year's time by at least 15 Minutes

Most of you know that I don't actually sign up for the races I'm training for (insert money) until I've gotten past the half way mark of training and feel I can finish.

Well Sunday was the 7 Mile Mark, and I finished with my fastest time yet!  

Looks like I need to fork over the money and sign up for this Spring Bad Boy!

Best thing about training.... Recovery Drinks!

Slurp Slurp!

Why I Run So Slow

So today I almost ran faster than my fastest 4 mile time to date.  At the pace I was keeping, this could have happened.

However, even my fastest 4 mile time is slower then most people walk.  There are several reasons for this..

• My legs are short and my stride is narrow:

Yup, that is the distance of my full stride.  It's how God made me so I can not complain.  However a famous runner, I will not be!

Some other reasons why I rarely get faster times:

• I stop to take goofy pictures of my stride.. this will slow ya down, in case you were wondering
• I stop to pick up nails if I see them in the street
• I stop when there is a wandering dog that needs to find his home (like today, the cutest little lost Yorkie)
• I stop to check on people when I see them on a bench and not looking so good 
• I walk if my body tells me I need to, and I walk up the hills of doom most days (some times I try to run them, today was not one of those times)

This is one of the hills of doom, and I have yet to get a picture to show you how steep it is.  This will have to do.

I am at the mid point of said hill when I took this photo, and you will see a very tall man that looks like the size of an ant at the bottom of this hill:

Where the arrow is pointing.

Trust me, it is a BIG hill!  

However, here is a sample of the elevation for the race I'll be entering.  So I've got to be prepared.

/\___/\___/\___________/\____You get the idea!

Eh, A few hills don't scare me!!  :-)  

And THAT would be why I'm slower than the average bear, but still having loads of fun and feeling great, which is all that really matters!

Happy SUNDAY!!

Half Marathon Training - This Time

THE PAST:

First Half Marathon:

Reason - A bunch of Moms said they could do it, so I joined along to give it a try

Fact - The others dropped out before training began

My Goal - To keep going, then finish before they shut down the line and NOT die

Results - I finished before they shut down the line and am still alive

 

Second Half Marathon:

Reason - Train with a friend and walk the entire race, but do it together so she could get across that finish line

Fact - Friend developed stress fractures at the very end of training and couldn't do the race

My Goal - To finish anyway in her honor , beat my time and still feel great

Results - I finished 20 minutes faster AND felt great with my friend waiting for me at the finish line!

 

First and Last Full Marathon:

Reason - I wanted to finish a full Marathon before I turned 40 and show Vegkid that you can do anything you set your mind to if you work hard enough.

Fact - I trained while eating mostly Vegan and Raw foods, feeling better than I ever have

My Goal - Finish all 26.2 miles without dying and before they shut down the line and never put my body through this again

Results - I finished all 26.2 miles, I didn't Die, made it before they shut down the line (barely) but experienced adrenal fatigue and hormone imbalances, that took a long time to fix.

 

THE NOW:

 

Good Bye 2011 - Hello 2012

Hubs and I sat down last night to put all our memories from 2011 in to our little book.  We basically write down everything that comes to mind from the year prior.  For some reason it was hard to remember EVERYTHING.  Thanks to this blog and my Family picture blog, I was able to piece together all the interesting events.

A lot of business travel, personal travel, several family trips to Michigan, an Awesome Florida trip where Dolphins and space shuttles were involved, An Amazing South Carolina trip where Dolphins, forts and long sandy walks were involved.  Veg learned how to swim this year.  We had several visitors at the homestead. Saw a light house, a great lake, went to Airforce Museum, Mountains, Chess club and sporting events.  We grew lots in the garden, enjoyed the Farmers market, started Juicing, and So much more!

2011 was a Great Year!!!

We drank lots of these:

And these:

Lots of NeeNee Soup:

Lots of Raw Vegan Goodness:

This one is Bananas, Pomegranate and Pecans with Macadamia Cream sauce:

First Persimmon Try:

Raw Vegan Creamy Kale Salad:

Raw Vegan Baklava:

Developed a love for Cauliflower:

I completed my First and Last Full Marathon... 

I simplified more in 2011, Made a lot more home body care products, Started my 10 Minute rule (breaking tasks in to 10 minutes so they don't seem so daunting).  I also began being happy about what I have accomplished vs. what I still have left to do.

At the end of 2011, my Accomplishments were many!! Both in the house and out of the house.  Both mentally and physically.. I even enjoyed crafts again as I prepared my self for 2012.  

Prepared myself Mentally that is!!  2012 is going to be another Big year.  I can feel it.

To start with, my Nutrition Classes will officially begin, and I'm super excited about that.  I'm going to complete another 1/2 Marathon (if my hormones cooperate that is).  But this time, I'm going to drop at least 15 minutes off my time.  I'm going to focus on myself a little more, find MY HAPPY, while being the best parent and wife I can be.  Most importantly, I'm taking back control of my happy!  The moods of others should not dictate my own.

Yesterday I got out for the first 1/2 Marathon training day of 2012.   For not running much the past few months, I was impressed with my Body's ability to jump back in.  I went a total of 4.5 miles with the first 3 running non-stop with no pain.  Powered by Greens!!!

My rest days for this 1/2 marathon training will be different! I'll be including some strength training and muscle stretching to the mix.  If I want a different result, then I must do different actions.  2012 is the year for Different and for finding my Happy!

Bring it on 2012... This will be the best year ever and I'm ready!!!!

 

Pick Up a Nail Save a Tire

Every time I go for a run or walk where this is any stretch of road or side street, nails find me.  I don't mean to say that I find them, because I don't. 

I don't look for them, I don't search out nails, and yet they find me.  A couple years ago, when I found one, I'd pick it up and bring it home to be disposed of properly.  Being that I make up songs in my head, I would quietly sing..

"Pick up a nail save a tire"

If I see a nail in front of me and walk past it, I'm drawn to go back and get it.  I PHYSICALLY can't NOT leave a nail where it lies.  In my mind, I think of the tire that could be ruined because of that nail, the landfill that will rise because of that tire, and the family that could be stranded on the side of the road for Christmas.

I think about the Cost that a family could endure to replace the tire when they may not have the funds, or the Bike rider that has to walk the rest of the way home because their tire is ruined, or the little child that could find the nail and hurt themselves, or dog that could jet out in to the road and take the nail in his paw, or Squirrel or chipmunk, OH, you get the idea!!!

Time and time again, I pick up those stinkin nails and carry them home.  I do not know where they come from, sometimes I think there is a Nail fairy that drops them in the middle of a street then sits back to laugh at me when I stop my run mid-stride to grab it.

Sometimes I think that I'm walking/running on that road at that exact moment to be the person that finds the nail to help a family from dismay.  But regardless of the thoughts in my head, I stop, EVERY SINGLE TIME!!

Fast forward to today:

I was running along my merrily way, jogging off some steam, minding my own business, when I saw a rusty nail under my foot.  

"NO" I said... You are not stopping.. I yelled at myself.. "Don't Do it.. just keep running just keep running"

I was determined to put the nail out of my head and keep with my stride for the first time in several years, I was NOT going to stop.  No rusty nails in the palm of my hand...Then the thoughts, the nagging feelings, I couldn't take it.  Guilt started to set in.

IT IS CHRISTMAS EVE of all days... I had to do the right thing, what was I thinking??? 

So I went back to get the nail, when I realized it had multiplied.

There beside Mr. Rusty Nail was his Friend, Rusty Nail #2.. And in front of Rusty Nail #2..   A few more steps I found screw/nail #3 and while taking off, I found two more at the end of the road.

Now my stride was totally blown, there would be no more running, because I couldn't let these guys poke me.  Rusty nails and pokes are probably a bad thing!

So I walked the rest of the way home caring my bounty safely, humming that little song in my head.. "Pick up a Nail, Save a Tire, Pick up a Nail, Save a Tire"

I decided since we are so close to the New year, I would put these guys in a jar, and start a collection.

Lets see how many nails I find (that find me) in 2012!!

Pick up a Nail, Save a Tire!  It could be a campaign??  

Does anyone else find nails when walking, or does the Nail fairy only strike my noggin?

 

Running at Sunset

My favorite time of day to go for a run!

If only it lasted a little longer I could go a little further:

Its certainly not safe to run alone especially in the dark.  

But to sprint as fast as I can before dark and see this beautiful sky is not so bad.

Not to mention the cool air is so refreshing!

12 Days of Changes - Day 3

Today's Change will be More Exercise:

I haven't been able to do as much as I would like so why not do more today??

Especially with those awesome Shoes shown above!

 

New Running Shoes and a Group Run

It is very rare when I find a new model of a running shoe that is better than the year before.  In fact, I get quite annoyed at this fact.

Find a shoe, it is good to you, carries you a couple hundred miles, you become one with the shoe... Then it shreds its tread and time for another.  Go back hoping for the same exact shoe and they've CHANGED it!

Perfectly good the way they are, WHY do they always have to change them??   The last year model made me very unhappy.  Unfortunately my feet don't like other brands either.  So I suffered through until the tread was gone, then looked for another pair and hoped for the best.

This year's model fit great in all the best places.  I was sooo impressed!!!   It is the first time that a newer model worked better for me and I wanted to buy 10 of them.

After I left the store, a newsletter found its way to my inbox about a Group run this morning.  I didn't know the people, the distance, the time, or anything about this little group run, but I knew that I was ready to step out of my shell and try something different.

Maybe meet people, try to socialize, have people to run with, and see how I do...  Well, I went this morning and had a great time.  

A little awkward at first, walking up to 25+ people and not knowing any of them.  So I decided to keep up with the second group.  The fast runners zipped ahead, and there was one group behind them.  I went with THAT group.  Being that I haven't run more then 2 miles in many months, there was no telling what I was in for.  Especially since no one told us how far we were going.   Could have been 6 or 8 for all I knew.

Turns out the group I decided to keep up with were runner/walkers.. They did 3-1 intervals with an average of 12 minute miles (including the walking) and I thought "I can totally do that!"  Of course I didn't know that when I stayed pace with them, but realized their method was kind of fun.

And the walking minutes, allowed everyone a chance to talk and catch breath.  There was another group about a mile behind us, and I thought "Worse case scenario, I will fall back and hang with them"

But it turned out, we only went 3.1 miles total, and I kept pace with no trouble.  Even stopped at a couple red lights, and stopped for one person to stretch, but still averaged the 12minute miles.  Eventually, I ended up next to a Mom of 2.  her younger son (a teen) sounded a lot like my Vegman, so it was fun chatting with her.

Everyone was warm and welcoming and supportive no matter your level or age. They are all training for different level races and at different age groups.  Some of them were at least my Mom's Age (YES THEY WERE) and just finished a 1/2 marathon now training for a full.   So inspiring.

I told one of them that people think I'm crazy for trying to distance run and I can't get anyone to go with me.  She said "We are a group of crazies here, so you'll fit right in"  Awesome!!   *smile*

Lessons Learned:

• My new shoes are AMAZING!!
• The Group runs are Pretty AMAZING!!
• I can complete 3.1 miles even if I haven't tried in a while
• Running first thing in the morning, sets pace for the whole day.. LOVE IT!
• I can chat with strangers, hold a conversation, even shake hands with people and not turn in to a lump of coal

I will say that I did NOT stay for breakfast and left as soon as the run was over... Baby Steps..

But am bummed that Saturday is not their normal run day, so I likely won't get to meet them again as they normally go week days.  But I will look for those newsletters just in case.

Did I mention this has been a pretty good weekend??  

Back on the Exercise Wagon

Watching the 1/2 Marathon this morning was a great way to kick off my Exercise routine!   So I laced up my old shoes and got out for 4.5 miles this afternoon.  Felt so good to run again, even if just short distance.  I know my body needed the short break, but it was so nice to get back out there..

I'm also going to continue adding more variation to my work outs and not just running.  We'll see if I can stay motivated.  For the goodness of my health and my sanity, I think continuing this trend would be a good thing.

Hoping to keep my Adrenal Fatigue at bay,  and maybe even get back up to 1/2 marathon status so I can beat my time from prior years with a leaner meaner me!!  (Adrenal Fatigue got me from the Spring full marathon, yeah apparently our bodies aren't made to do that!)

Speaking of the Spring Marathon!  Hubs had this conversation with a Co-Worker:

"Yes, My wife really ran/walked 26 miles"

<Wow she must be in good shape?>

"No, she isn't in good shape at all, she is just crazy"

Ha, Gee Thanks Hubs!!  Love ya too, big guy!

But you know what, i'm using that for motivation too... I have a new goal.. I WANT to be in good shape..

I want to hit the age of 40 better and stronger than ever, inside and out!  And I'm gonna!!!

Stay tuned.. 40 isn't too far off anymore!  *smile*

Happy weekend everyone!!!

 

 

 

Other Side of the Finish Line

Someone I know was running their first 1/2 Marathon this morning, so I decided to pop out and say "YAY"  and take a picture or two.

But I realized at some point in my adventure to the race that:

A - This is my first time attending a race that I wasn't participating in

B - This would be my first time on the other side of the finish line which felt very odd

C - I had no idea how to get there!!

Yeah, when I got to the city where the race was, I thought FOR sure there would be signs.  I mean it was a grand event.. There would be signs, blocked roads, flashing lights, Cops, tons of screaming people, bands, cheerleaders... Right????  

WRONG!

It was a typical quiet Sunday morning in this little town, and nothing looked different!   Was I even in the right place?  hmmmph!!   After driving around and worried I'd miss the finish line, I finally decided to call a business near it.  The lady was nice enough to give me directions, and I made the race on time.

I pulled up to find a few cones blocking one street, a couple people on the corner, and just a few runners coming around where I was parked.  There were no cheerleaders, no grand bands, no Hooplah!  Way different than what I was used to.

In fact I saw running-friend at the 1/2 way point AND the finish line... But somewhere in-between, I also saw, people puking, stuff being spit and blown out of people's faces that I really could have done with out seeing.

I saw two people pass out ON THE ROAD at the finish line, and one lady that almost didn't make it across.  A man (I'm thinking husband, but not sure) practically carried her across the finish line, where she then awaited the medics to carry her off, and she was still not moving when we left

As for the Finish Line... Such a different experience being on the other side.  Knowing what they are feeling as they cross, and how exhausted they are, but how excited.  Then waiting in suspense for your person to cross, trying to position yourself just right for that perfect picture.

Then Voila!  It happens.. You get a shot of the clock and your person! (yes I cut her out for this blog post, sorry)

Yup, she finished in 2:08, her first race, Amazing!!  

Being on the other side of the finish line was definitely a different experience, but I'm glad I was there to experience it. 

And by the way.. Talk about motivated!!!  

Going to run today in fact to kick my exercising rear back in gear!

 

My NEW Running Plan

I thought about doing a 1/2 Marathon in September/October'ish to help force me to stay in shape.. setting a goal seems to help with that.   And doing one in March, will get me through Winter.

But I've gone out in this 100 degree heat, and am lucky to run past 2 miles let alone 13.   Sooo my current plan is to try for a 1/2 Marathon in November.  This will hopefully bring cooler temps end of August and get me training mid Sept-November.  Which will be perfect. 

The November 1/2 is a flat trail (supposedly) and they finish in 3hrs no matter what!  Which means, I have plenty of time between now and Sept, to do short distance, but add speed.  I'm also hoping to do some light weights, and floor exercises INSIDE until this heat wave passes.   But if I get in to a routine, it will be easier to stick with and maybe help my body with the gravity problem it is currently experiencing.

By September, I should be ready to fly.. OK not really!  But I've never ran the entire 1/2 before, The hills get me around mile 8 and it all goes down hill from there... hahaha, get it, down hill...!   Oh nevermind.....

But with a flat race and no hills to suck up my energy, maybe I could do the full 13 and bust out a new best time??  

Hey, it could happen!... 

Officially - goal is set!  November it is!  :-)  Don't you love how I talk myself in to this stuff! 

An Interesting find on our Walk

Friend and I went for a walk.. I was looking around at the flowers and didn't even notice this guy in front of us on the trail..

Hello little Fella!

Friend Squeeled, I looked down and Voila.. there he was...  He was very busy trying to digest something that you can see in his middle...which kind of grossed me out...

Not sure what it was, but I felt like it should have a funeral or something...

 

 

Green Goodness And a Glass Straw

I was talking to someone the other day that said...

"There is no way you can get through the Marathon without having some kind of injury..."

And I said.. <outside of a few skin abrasions and sore toe nail, I really had no major injuries..>

"That is Impossible" they told me... "Your Shins, Knees, Hips, have to have something wrong"

This person speaking from their own experience....

I said... <NOPE... I've got Green Goodness...... No injuries here.... >

And they said... "Just wait until you try to run again... then you'll see what I'm talking about"

OKeeDokee if you say so!!! 

Glub Glub Glub Glub....Apples, Banana, Pineapple, Spinach, Wheat Grass, Celery, Coconut Water & Ice

I ran yesterday and felt Great!!!  I also feel great today!!  Thank you Green Goodness!!!!

 

Marathon - The day After

Alright, so I'll admit, last night I wasn't feeling so hot.  Honestly I just felt sick, and couldn't bring myself to drink, let alone eat.

So I thought I'd post how I've made my self feel better naturally and without meds.

Knowing I NEEDED to drink... I instead took a long shower to help fill my body with fluids.  Using Eucalyptus Soaps to soothe those muscles of course!!

I then Took a dropper full of "Herbs for Kids" Ginger Tummy stuff.  Which settled my stomach pretty instantly.  But I couldn't regulate my body temp.  Veg kept saying "Mommy, your too hot to touch" 

Finally I looked at the thermostat and realized it wasn't just me... the house was 80 degrees... hahaha!! 

Whoops!!  So on with the A/C cooling both me and the house down...  Cold Apple Cider Vinegar wash clothes on the feet, and cold Tea Tree wash cloth on the head... Yes... I was a site!!

But I finally felt good enough to drink and eat... which consisted of Coconut Water mixed with Lemonade for electrolytes,  Lots of Regular water for hydration, a Fresh Pineapple Slushie (pineapple has anti-Inflamation properties).. and lastly some Veggies and rice for nutrient dense dinner.

I put Coconut oil on my face and all my chaffes...Home made Eucalyptus Rub on my lips...Arnica all over my feet... and eventually tried to go to sleep...  Which did NOT go as planned...

How is it, you could be so exhausted and not able to sleep????

Anywho... All that stuff worked wonders... by morning, all my skin sores were scabbed over.  The blisters on my feet almost gone, only one toe still hurting... Lips no longer burning, face no longer burning and all the joints feeling good...

Ohhh, but my muscles still STIFF!!!  Once I got moving, I was fine...But still felt kind of Yuck all over.... So I took the Veg kid to school and came home before going to work... Took another shower with Eucalyptus Soap.. Made a giant glass of Parsley, Apple & Celery Smoothie, Drank another glass of water, a banana... and began feeling HUMAN!!

Yes.. I said Work... If I had it to do all over again,  think I would have stayed home today :-)  But I made it in... Making a point to get up and walk around.  Sitting for any length, was not such a good thing.

As of this post... I'm feeling pretty Great considering!!  In fact, I'm only a tiny bit sore and all "pain" is gone!

Another great smoothie in the Morning, and I'll be all back to normal....  Who needs Ibuprofen?  *smile*

Thank you everyone for your kind words... Hope your having a great night where ever you may be!!

PS... if your a real marathon person, don't look at that time!  *smile*  I was just happy to finish, considering I was almost unable to walk the last 6 miles.

 

Marathon Complete - How did it go?

Well I can sum that question up in three words... First and LAST!   *smile*

Generally Speaking it went well... Here were the good things:

• I finished
• Didn't Die
• Hubs and Veg showed up at the finish line along with a couple friends and their kids... I had my own little cheering section.  Look at this cute sign:

• My home made "gel packs" worked perfectly
• A couple Subdivisions had fresh fruit for runners.. that was really cool
• The music during route was awesome
• Only had to stop for ONE bathroom break
• I beat my 3 Mile time (again)
• I beat my 13 mile time by 15 minutes
• I finished the 26.2 and didn't die, Huge Bonus
• And I can scratch something off my "Do by 40 list'

BUT: here is why I won't do it again...

I accidentally grabbed my brand new pair of shoes instead of the ones I'd been training in.  Made it 1/2 way to the parking garage before I realized this and wasn't about to turn around. 

Breaking in a Brand new pair of shoes while moving the distance of 26.2 miles is NOT advisable.

Actually the first 1/2, I did much better then expected, even with new shoes..., and by mile 14, I was still feeling great.  By mile 17 I was getting a little tired.  The hills and sun were really getting to me by then...

At about mile 20, I felt something hurt really really really bad in my foot.... the shoes, were doing me in, and soon, both my feet were throbbing. 

The Skin chaffes from shirts and under clothes were starting to burn at extreme proportions, and I was totally out of my energy drinks....

The last 6 miles, were so painful, I can only equate them to how I felt after child birth.  They took me the longest of the whole 26... I went from keeping a really good pace to barely chugging along.  Even had a few firemen stop to ask if I was OK...  "I think so" I told them...

When I finally did get a chance to take my shoes off, I found blisters the entire length of my heals, and sharp pains shooting through my big toes.

By the end, my Face was totally sunburned and chapped.. my Lips covered in blisters from the heat...But it was soo good to see faces in the stands and so glad to be done, I couldn't stop smiling.

This has been a wonderful adventure... People I don't even know sending me prayers, thoughts and words of encouragement.   But is something I only have to do ONCE!!!  

Whomever said to me the last 1/2 wasn't hilly and was a beautiful run, told a fib. 

Sure, there were some nice spots, but the race took us through several not so nice spots and huge hills...I actually was to a point that I didn't feel safe.  The people behind me, were a mile or so back.  The people ahead of me had gained a mile on me when I stopped to use the bathroom...

For about 6 miles, I was running solo, with no one in site... Thankfully I had some faith, thoughts and prayers, so I wasn't alone... I had my friends calling and texting... Hubs calling.... 

I'm sure my fear was unwarranted, but made me run faster in those moments, which caused me to be more burned out towards the end.  But that was my own doing...(not to mention brand new shoes... Ugh) 

The police were plentiful, but spread out in some spots.  And my fear of becoming lost, almost happened at least 6 times...Thankfully, just in a nick of time I would spot someone with a red shirt (angels around a corner) telling me which direction to go. 

In summary... It was Great to be a part of something so big.  To set a Goal and complete it... I mean... really...  3 months ago, I was having trouble doing a 5K, and today I finished 26.2 Miles while consuming only Veg Foods.. It is a Great feeling of Accomplishment....

And a great feeling to know that my Green Eating can help me do anything I set my mind to.

BUT.. The hurt (in my feet) which was expected, and sick (from over heating) which was not expected that I'm feeling tonight, is nothing I care to relive... And running that distance with no humans near by, is nothing I will put myself through again. (yes, I'm a wimp like that)

Alas, it is over.... I can now say "I finished a Marathon" and before they shut down the line too!  *smile*

 

 

Marathon Eve - I think I can, I think I can....

Today was an amazing prep day... Slept in, went to a few stores, and to the Expo for my Race Goodies, had a Great Huge Salad Lunch with Spinach Role Snacks.

Chomped down some Macadamias, A little Brown Rice, More salad....Made some Green Sludge (for today and the morning).. Lots of good fluids...

Played some Basketball with the boys.. Enjoyed this sunshine...Charged my Garmin Watch, phone, iPod, packed my stuff for the car....

Oh, and made my own little "Gel Packs" ... So excited about these:

Coconut Water and Real Lemonade... They were actually harder to make then my test batches... I was having trouble getting just the right amount so they weren't too thick for pockets. 

They are cooling in the fridge now, and it dawned on me that after about a mile, they will be HOT in my pockets.  But so would the real gel if I had that in my pocket right?

Sooooo, I'm as ready as I'm going to be....  My Body is feeling pretty good, and I plan to get a good night's rest... Feet are a little off tonight, but I gave them a good rub, so hopefully they will be happy with me tomorrow.

Soon... Soon.... I will be able to stick this proudly!

Happy Marathon Eve everyone.. *smile* 

 

 

Marathon Prep - Look what I made

Getting so close to the Marathon, which means I'm eating lots of salads this week, lots of greens... lots of anti-inflam foods, from pineapple to parsley... Juices, Smoothies, and lots of Water...  Also good proteins and good carbs... I'll be as pumped and ready as one can be....

Also taking care of my feet this week as if they were little babies.   Shower scrubs, Lotion Rubs, and soft night time socks...

And .... I'm so excited... You see, I was pondering what I would do for fluids on Race Day.. It has been bugging me for months.... Hubs said, "Why can't you drink the water they have at the water stations"  And I said... "Because it isn't coconut water"..

I NEED MY Coconut Water and Lemonade for electrolytes, energy, swelling and recovery... I can have water at the stops for fluids.. but won't survive without my Coconut Water... Then Hubs said... "Why don't you use the belt you have"...

And I said... because if my skin bleeds all over just from a shirt and boulder holder from 20 miles, can you imagine what a BELT for 26 miles will do to me....  Not to mention the splish splash splosh of the fluid in those bottles will drive me NUTS!!. 

The belt is great for walking, and I know lots of people use them for running, but I can't... not with my body shape....just Can't Do it!

So my friend and I put on our thinking caps last month... we discussed using the Foodsaver and making my own "Fluid Packs".. problem being, I couldn't open them on the trail unless I carried scissors or something.

Tonight, I decided to give it a try... LOOK LOOOK..... Little 2x3 Pocket size leak proof Coconut Water pouches...

With a tiny slit... I was able to tear it open... just enough for a swig...

My very own Energy drinks.... Granted they won't hold enough to really hydrate.  So I'll still need water from stops.  But these will give me the extra boost.....along the way... while others are chugging "GEL"... I'll be downing some yummy healing goodness.... (not that there is anything wrong with Gel... I just can't bring my self to use it)

... Sooo Excited!!!!

I'm ready now.  I can DO THIS..... I think I can.....I think I can....

Just a few more days..... Eeeeeekkkkk!!!

**UPDATE**  Hubby helped me figure out how to make long skinny pouches, once sealed they fold in half... still fit in my pocket, but I get an extra serving per pouch....

Things I've learned while training for a Marathon

• I can actually move the distance of 20 miles in ONE outing
• I can actually burn 2000 calories in one session and not lose a pound (dang metabolism)
• My feet can actually drop a half size by the end of training..(is this normal? I have no idea... But when none of my shoes fit, it is quite an unexpected pain)
• Coconut Water + Lemonade makes me feel all better
• Lemon juice shot before a warm day run will keep my fingers from swelling
• Parking my car at the 5 mile point means I always have a water stop
• I sleep really really good while training except on long run days... Can't sleep for nothing those days.. Who knew?
• Shirts do come with built in mittens...and I love shirts that have built in mittens..
• Good winter running gear makes winter training a LOT easier
• I can run on snow and ice and NOT bust my rear (or front for that matter)
• One can sweat so much that their skin just dries and there is no more fluid
• Strategically planning my training runs before a meeting, makes me run a lot faster as to not be late for said meeting
• Strategically placing my short training runs before dark, makes me go a lot faster...(I'm afraid of the dark)
• When friends meet me on the trail, it makes the time go by a lot faster
• Stress relief happens
• Garmin watch can be my Best friend
• Marathon Training takes A LOT of time from your weeks (months)
• Back pockets are better then front pockets..and zippered pockets are even better
• Wearing the wrong clothes can cause skin abrasions in places I didn't know existed on my body.
• That life happens and some times you have to give yourself a break
• Running with dead iPod really Stinks.

 Last and most important thing I've learned....I can do Anything I set my mind to.. I may not do it well, I may not like it some days, but if my heart is in it, then I can't lose.

Even if I lose!!

When did 10 miles get Easy?

Winding down the running/walking for Marathon prep... It's getting close... Today was "only" 10 miles...

TEN miles... Ha, easy peasy *smile*.

Ok, not really... But compared to 20 it was a piece of cake. And I did it with 90% running...and feel good!! I was dragging up the last hill, won't lie, but it felt good just the same.

Before that, mind you, I took the canine to park for our leisurely stroll. He has gotten so good in the car and on a short lead, that I'm trying to take him every week now. His feet and hips aren't so good, so we walk slow and short distance. It is a perfect warm up for my long runs.

Needless to say, I have absorbed quite a bit of vitamin D!

Staying motivated in this final stretch is difficult ....but I'm determined to finish what I started!

Next goal...when I get all this time back to my weeks that has gone to training, I'm going to do massive raw food prep, I can't wait to have my fridge full of body friendly goodness and ready to eat with no effort!

That is my plan anyway... Maybe I'll take a nap first :-)

Ok..Now its time for a different kind of marathon... laundry marathon...

Happy Spring everyone!!

20 Mile Training - The day after

So I thought I would just want to sleep all day. Especially with the time change...But I'm up and ready to go!!!
With lots of house work to be done..having energy is a good thing!

Although I feel like a dehydrated prune. Clearly didn't drink enough water the day BEFORE my training which I think is critical. I drank so many fluids yesterday, that the only way I could feel dehydrated today was by not prepping well the day prior.

Of course that is not medical advice, it is just how my body seems to work. And a good learning note for My Marathon week.. Sleep and fluids alllll week!!

Anyway..the stiffness I was feeling last night is gone. All the skin messes from clothing are scabbed over...nothing hurts today, which is pretty awesome. My feet are even holding up and not screaming at me. They do feel HOT though, it is a very weird sensation.

Think I'll take the pup for a short walk on this sunny morn and stretch my legs, then start the housework..

Now that I'm past that huge hurtle, I just have to keep momentum for the final stretch. The time commitment has been huge, and I look forward to having those hours back to my week. At the same time, I'll be sad to see it complete.

Training has forced me to take better care of myself (if that is possible) get more sleep, hydrate, eat, exercise to the limits, and make time for ME. No matter what the rest of my schedule looks like or what kind of weather, I've been forced to get outside and find time to get the training done. In doing so, I've been able to see so much that I would have missed while being consumed in every day life.

I've seen snow and rain, sleet, ice, rainbows, geese, ducks, bunnies and flowers, wonderful people, the cutest dogs, little waterfalls, beautiful birds, Horses, Goats, and so much more.

This experience was way more then just a test of agility, it was an opportunity that I could never have imagined when it started.

Happy Sunday!!!

20 Miles Complete

I decided to complete my long run/walk today since It was so beautiful out, Hubby and Veg were golfing, and I rested yesterday on the exercise front.

But I didn't have a fully charged iPod, nor the right clothes cleaned, AND I stayed up too late last night working and panicking about Veg's Spring Break...so I wasn't totally prepared...

I ended up being a little (a lot) tired and had a very hard time finishing.

But I DID it!! And I'll have all day tomorrow to recoup!!

As for hurt spots...I hurt all over tonight but not the way you would expect someone to hurt after moving the distance of 20 miles in one outing.

I hurt under my arms where my new running shirt gave me a nice red patch.. And the lining of my lady bump holder (front and back). Where I now have an engraved out line and peeled skin...

And I hurt In Other spots that I won't share...but to say, in the war of my clothes against skin... The clothes WON!

Good news is, that was my last long training run... Ok long as in twenty miles... The rest will be long by my old standards, but short for my new standards.

My muscles, bones and joints seem to be holding up well. I'm a little stiff, but not sore or achy..still really can't believe I'm doing this and that my body is letting me.

Good night all, thinking I will sleep tight.... Hope you do too!!

And dont forget to turn your clocks back! WHOOPS. Correction, thanks AU?..turn clocks forward... Not backward...*smile*. Guess I was trying to squeeze an extra hour sleep!!

Is it Spring? Or not so much?

Rain, Snow and Flowers all in one day?

I got in my 8 Miles this morning against all the elements and found these very pretty flowers..  Bunnies were hopping about, Birds chirping, Squirrels scrambling for food....

And it was like 30 Degrees...Is it Spring or Is it not???   I just can't tell...

Maybe next week *smile*

Marathon - I registered!

It's Official!!!!

 

26.2 Miles, HERE I COME!!!!  

Mr. Sticker

You shall be mine!

 

Friend Goes Veg for 30 Days Part 2

Alright, it is true that my friend is still eating Cheese... but if you pretend she isn't or Vegan'ify these dishes, they look amazing... She was food prepping Yesterday (Minus Meat) for the week, and Oh My YUM!!!

These are just a Few pics she sent my way.. and YES, she makes all her own sauces..

Eggplant:

Black Beans:

Stuffed Peppers:

She has only been doing this for one week and I already want to go to her house for dinner... Sigh.. but she lives too far away.. I will have to admire from a distance!!!

Meanwhile.. She sent me these pics via PHONE while I was doing this:

18 miles and burned 1600 calories, according to my little handy dandy watch thing!!!   And drooling the whole way, while looking at pics of yummy foods...

Sooooo, not nice!!  *smile*

 

 

Things I would have Missed

If I wasn't Training for a Marathon right now, I would miss so many things:

Could it be Spring???

Marathon Training Update

Once I learned that I had an extra week to train, I decided to make my "off" week be our trip....  I still got out most mornings and Ran short fast sprints.... Also completed lots and lots of walking... once home I did a 5 mile day, and 8 mile day ...

Well tomorrow, I'm supposed to hit 17 Miles... But without details, I'll say that I'm not sure I'm going to go the full 17 this week....

Last month I over did it a few days out of the month, and after chatting online with some fellow Veggie Moms, I realized it is OK to slow down a couple days a month and not hurt my training too bad.  Sometimes Us Girls just have to listen to our bodies!!

So Tomorrow, I will go as far as I feel comfortable doing, and then next week it is ON!!! 

EIGHTEEN MILES... Then I'll officially sign up for the Full Marathon... I'm ready to commit!!!

I think I can, I think I can....

***Update to the Update...... Pop up storms predicted all day today...And rain jacket is in the wash... Whoops!  Haven't made it out yet!   Soon though... I can feel it!!

****Update to the Update to the Update.....  Sprinkles, Rain and full out Pouring Rain... did not stop me... some thunder in the distance... did not stop me.... LIGHTENING... Yeah... that stopped me!!   Only made it 7 miles, but it was better then nothing!   Tomorrow is another day!

16 Miles - Day 2

I posted yesterday about my Quandary of Registering or not... but after today, I think I for sure will.... I'm ready... My Mind is Prepped... I CAN DO THIS!!

I think I can I think I can!!!  hahaha..

Prior to my Adventure, I had Green Smoothie, and Apple...During the training, I consumed my "Recovery Drink"  (1/2 Coconut Water & 1/2 Lemonade)....  I also had some regular water.. a couple pretzels for salt and a couple macadamia nuts for protein and Fat..

When I got home... I consumed the rest of my Recovery Drink, a Banana, Some more water.. and took a long shower with Eucalyptus Soap for my muscles.....

Out of the Shower, I lathered up with Coconut Lotion on my feet.. and followed by some really thick socks...  Keeping the warmth and moisture in...

Then we headed out for dinner.. I had a HUGE Salad + Spicy Whole grain Pasta with Tons of Green Veggies.

When we got home, I went back to the lotion and warm socks... I was feeling really good considering, but just a tiny bit sore... Veg and I sat on the couch and he taught me how to Finger Crochet, which was quite fun.  Then we did lazy night activity of puzzles and Yahtzee... 

And had a very early bed time... I woke up this morning feeling GREAT!!!  NOTHING hurts... In fact, I took the Spunk Dog for a walk, and everything....Except for my sun burned face, you can't even tell I was out yesterday for a very long time...

But I have proof...16.06 Miles and 1400 calories (or so it says)

In summary... I think I can do this!!!  I think I can I think I can....

Register Question And A Veg Challenge

I said that if I made it past 13 miles, which is my furthest distance to date, that I will see how my body is doing.. Then commit to the Full Marathon..

My goal is not to injure my self and/or be that stubborn that I attempt the impossible.  But the fact is, some people (ME) do not have bodies made for this kind of thing.  So to finish, I have to be stubborn.  I have to push myself to the limits... I have to say... I'M GOING TO DO THIS!!!   Or I'm Not!! 

If I'm not.. that needs to be OK...

And if I am... then there is NO backing down!!!  I need to register.. and see this thing through...

Well today, I completed 16 miles.... yes SIXTEEN miles... I walked bunches, but ran a lot too... Met a friend for a couple miles, had plenty of fluid stops, only one bathroom stop, and I finished it!!!

Cold, Wind, Sun.... I finished!!!  And actually, am not THAT sore considering....

Last week, I was a little worried about my knees, but this week, they were great!!  At one point I was worried about my hip... but it is fine too. 

The only thing bothering me tonight is my feet!!  And I am concerned that they can't go further.  So this is the point I need to make a decision.

My body is holding up... I'm taking awesome care of myself, resting, eating right, hydrating, and forcing ME time....  My Stress level has gone down 1000 times, as I'm forcing exercise for this training.  And honestly, I think this is the best I've felt so far.  (if that is even possible to feel better then last year)

Sooo, stopping now seems silly... I'm past the mid point... I'm 3 miles past the mid point....Stopping now just seems SILLY!!

But my feet were telling me otherwise....Not sure if it is a good idea to change shoes midstream, or if maybe my tread is wearing thin... They have over 200 miles on them.  And I'm new to this kind of thing. 

Sooooo... here is my plan... I have lots happening this next week, my training will be staggered so my feet will get a rest.  And I'm not sure if I can get a long run in next weekend.

The next long run I get to do will be 17 Miles....I'll make a decision then to register or NOT!!!

In the Mean time... I have completed my Challenge with Friend A.... She is going to go Vegetarian for 30 days based on my completion of 16 miles...

HOWEVER... she snuck in a little Proposition... She has a friend that is ALSO willing to go Vegetarian for 30 days if she does... HOW Freakin' Cool is that?????

BUT the friend won't start until March 1st.   So I have agreed to the new plan... adding my own Proposition...

Friend A and Her Friend will go Veg for 30 days starting March 1st...  Between now and March 1st, friend A is going to make a conscious effort to eat many of her meals without Animal Flesh.  And then go full force on the First with her Friend...

It is a Win Win... The Animals Win x2  or maybe more if their families partake..... And my friend gets a chance to start altering her food choices, before she has no choice.  *smile*

AHHHHH... Such a wonderful day this was!!

Anyone else, want to try meatless meals for 30 Days???  *smile*

 

 

 

 

Today I Walked....

Some very smart comment buddies and friends that didn't comment to my "motivate" post have asked that I give myself a break...

I guess I feel that my walking/running, is my break..  It is the first time in many years, that I have forced some "me" time... Or should I say, consistent "Me" time.... And that is a really big break..

But motivating myself, on days I may not feel up to it, creates a different kind of a challenge....Especially after completing 13 miles, Beating my time, having knees on fire, Super excited, and then finding out I was really supposed to do 14 miles... Ack!

So today I walked!!  I listened to everyone and gave myself a little break.... 4 miles... and I walked!

HOWEVER... I'm still quite annoyed that had I looked at the paper, saw 14 miles on Sunday... I would have met the challenge and my friend would be a Vegetarian right now... instead she is eating dead animal flesh for another week.  AND, I missed a mile for the first time since training began....

HOW DID I MISS THAT MILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  She says with a tear!!!  :-(((

Need Motivation

I'm lacking motivation today for the first time since my marathon training started... And I don't like that feeling one bit!!

The rain, snow, heat, cold.... None of that has swayed me! But today, it is dreary sky, 35 degrees with 40mph winds and I need to do 6 miles with hills...

I also have house work to do since I took today off work to catch up on home stuff and yet I can't bring myself to do Nuthin!!!

Ever have a day like that??? Send me motivate vibes... I need them! *smile*

***UPDATE*** 

I Dilly Dallied long enough, that the sun came out... And I got my Hiney out on the trail.... It seemed to Take FOREVER to finish.. but I did...

Funny, I even tried negotiating with myself... do 2 miles now, and 2 miles later... maybe finish this 3 miles go home for a pit stop and come back out (knowing I wouldn't get back out)... so finally I told my brain to BE QUIET... and FINISH!!  so I did...

Still have done NOTHING in the way of house work, but I did have a nice evening with Veg and His Girlfriend...