Hello! How’s it going? Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? Celebrating the weekend? Running the LA Marathon?? Tell me!(In the comments below, don’t actually call me or anything because I’m busy listening to podcasts. Thanks.)
The LA Marathon is this weekend and I’m getting ready to run (and eat). I wanted to make a visor for the occasion, but I don’t know if that will happen after all. Luckily, I did score a green running skirt to wear for the race! Boom.
This morning I got in a good 8 mile run and some upper body strength work courtesy of Beach Body on Demand. This time it was the 21 Day Fix extreme upper body. This year the LA Marathon is part of my training so I’m not going for a PR, which is why I’m not completely tapering. I take it a little easier the week before and after a race but don’t do a real taper.
Even though I’m not aiming to PR I still need to run a smart, strong race.
My interview with Meb Keflezighi was full of amazing tips and reminders for running a good race.
I asked him for tips for runners going for a PR or Boston Qualifying time in their next marathon. He said:
“It’s going to hurt at one point. We hope it hurts at mile 20 and not mile 6, but you’re waiting for it. Think about people less fortunate than you. I’m hurting but I’m going to get to that finish line. Walk if you have to – I’ve walked before.
There are people out there that don’t have the chance to finish the race – you have the chance to walk. Not everything is going to go your way. Put your head down and keep going forward, appreciate the moment. Take every moment in or you’re going to regret it.”
I love that and it’s so true. It seems encouraging and scary and awesome all at the same time. “It’s going to hurt at one point, we just hope it hurts at mile 20, not 6…”
He also talked about pacing. Ugh. I am the worst at this.
He said to try and go easy out and then around 18 or 19 pick up the pace and go for negative splits.
I know. I know. It’s really hard for me, but I’m going to try and run smarter.
In food news… my 10 day clean eating challenge is going well. Almost done!!
Breakfast and lunch are easy to eat healthy, but I always want to snack at night.
I was out and about today and suddenly HANGRY. I had to pick something up at Target and grabbed some healthy snacks to tide me over. (This was on my Instagram stories. Do ya follow me? I need to do more stories, I love other people’s.)
I’ve been trying to eat fruit or yogurt at night but that doesn’t always happen OR I eat those things when I’m 100% not hungry. I just have the worst night time snacking habit ever. Ever.
Yes, I’ve done the hot tea and brushing teeth and hypnotizing and everything else. Trust me. It’s just a work in progress. Really, it has gotten better – but I’d like to eliminate it completely. I’ll deal with that later.
New Food finds:
Costco has this Carne Asada seasoning that I’m excited about. Put it on everything.
Also at Costco…
Clif Nut Butter Filled Bars!
Want to run a virtual 5K for a GREAT Cause?
Good because I really want to share this Runraiser for a Virtual 5K that donates all the profits to support finding a cure for Rett Syndrome.
Team Sparkle Virtual 5K for Rett Syndrome
When – anytime you want
Where – anywhere you want
How – Sign up for $35 here
What – You get a bib and medal AND all the profits go to support
Why? Rett Syndrome is a horrible disease that traps close to half a million girls in their bodies leaving them unable to speak, walk or even use their hands. Team Sparkle is running to raise funds that will go to research finding a cure.
Sign up here, do the 5K whenever you have time and share your pictures with me or on Instagram with #TeamRER and #TeamSparkle !!
Hey, I just saw the results! Well done Monica! I have a friend who did the race too and she did good too…she traveled all the way from Malaysia for the race.
I spent a lot of time with my dogs this weekend. I just love that Meb quote!
Oh what those clif bars are a new level!!! A new find for me has been broccoli chips! Random, but so good!
Monica, I so want to do that 5K!!! In fact, I wish I could walk a 5K right now. I injured my back about a month ago and was on the mend. My doctor just cleared me for low impact cardio-no running- on Wednesday. Friday morning I woke up and was so happy! It was going to be such a good day…until I slipped and fell on the ice at work on my way into the office. I re- aggravated my injury- instant muscle spasms. I was screaming in pain. It was awful. So I ended up spending the afternoon in the e.r. (After I realized my Rx for muscle relaxants was not helping.) and I’ve spent the weekend resting, ice and heat and meds. It is so disappointing. I am focusing on the good. It wasn’t more serious. I am strong and in good shape, so I should be able to recover quicker than if I wasn’t strong and in good shape. Even if that means there is nothing clock on healing and recovery.
I wish I could be out there cheering you on…as far as strawberries and chicken go, that’s a great idea and I might think of that the next time I’m starving and out and about. Gotta try those Cliff bars. They are going on my list.
Thanks for supporting the Team Sparkle virtual 5k! I do this race every year because it’s for such a good cause and I’m so thankful for everyone who helps to spread the word about this terrible disease!
My boyfriends daughter made a list of all the Disney and Pixar movies I haven’t seen yet and we are gonna pick one on the list to watch tonight. I think we are going with the Incredibles. And then I’ll do a test run on a tight bun for his other daughter. She has a gymnastics meet in the morning and I’ve got to get it right! The pressure. 🙂 good luck tomorrow!
my local grocer had a deal last week – “buy any 5 nut butters, save $5”. Not sure if $1 off a jar is really that great, but I bought into it, and now my pantry is bursting with butters.
I was supposed to go to a pretty lake today and take my dog swimming and then practice my motorcycle driving 🙂 But its pouring now ! 🙁
I did the 21 Day Fix. It was a good program. I still use the upper body DVD. As for the weekend I don’t have any plans. Hoping to get in a good run on Sunday. Have fun at the marathon.
Mmm yummm, your food is making me hungry!
Just relaxing here for the weekend!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com