I started Weight Watchers 3 weeks ago and I really needed to start cooking more. I have really been craving lasagna for awhile now, but it is definitely one of those foods that I binge on. I searched WW for some healthier alternatives and browsed through Pinterest. I decided to make my own version of a lasagna roll-up.
I must say, it turned out really great!
One roll-up is only 5 pp and I just filled the rest of my plate with a salad and french dressing. Having these in individual wraps made it so much easier to just eat one piece and not go over board. I also have a better idea of how many points I'm eating since they are already portioned.
Directions
I had to use 1 13x9 and one 9x9 casserole dish. Spoon a little of the marinara sauce on the bottom of each dish to prevent sticking.
Cook lasagna noodles per package instructions.
While the noodles are cooking, preheat oven to 350.
In a bowl combine the cottage cheese and egg. Stir in drained spinach and chopped mushrooms.
When the noodles are done, drain them and rinse with cold water. Put down a sheet of parchment paper and lay down a noodle flat. Spoon in about 2 spoonfuls of the cheese mix on the front of the noodle. Roll noodle up and place in pan. Continue for the remaining 11 noodles and place in the dish. I had 8 in the 13x9 and 4 in the 9x9. Pour about 1/2c. of marinara sauce per 3 rolls to cover. Then top each roll with about 1 Tbsp. of mozzarella. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and bake an additional 10 minutes. Let cool about 15 minutes before eating.
Now, I have meals for the rest of the week!
Enjoy!
I've mentioned that I haven't been eating very well lately and yesterday it caught up with me. Major heartburn ALL DAY!
I got it the first time about 8 years ago. My weight was at an all time high and I was living on a steady 6 meals of fast food a day. All of a sudden I started getting these pains right in the middle of my chest at the bottom of my rib cage. I finally went to the doctor after trying Tums and immediately throwing up after taking them. Nothing would stay down without causing immense pain. And I would be up all night doubled over in pain from the pressure in my stomach and the pain in my chest.
My doctor told me it was heartburn. I was surprised, because I didn't think hearburn would be so painful. Commercials for heartburn just show people with a little discomfort grabbing their stomach in pain, not doubled over the toilet wondering if they are dying. I was experiencing intolerable pain! She told me to change the way I ate and prescribed me a month of some prescription acid reducer to help with the flare ups. She told me no coffee, no soda, get rid of the fast food, start exercising and you should see improvements.
So I did it. I stopped drinking my half pot of coffee a day, drinking soda constantly and stopping at fast food joints every chance I got. I actually quit caffeine for 2 years. I dropped 50 lbs by doing Weight Watchers and really started to feel good about myself.
The heartburn has come back a couple of times, but it is so painful that I will immediately change my eating habits again...and again...and again. I keep falling in the trap of eating like garbage and not expecting any
consequences.
So, let's do this again. I'm starting Joel Fuhrman's Eat to Live Challenge anyway. And this recent flare up just solidifies my need to change the way I eat. So starting today, I will start with no caffeine: no soda, no coffee. This is going to be especially difficult, because this week I have to work third shift at work, so my usual meal and workout routine won't be happening this week, but I don't really have a choice but to change. My body has had enough.
Yesterday I went for a run/walk. I completed both Week 3 Day 2 and Week 3 Day 3 of the Couch to 5k program. I usually will complete one 'day' by heading out from home and then walk all the way back home, but I hadn't completed a day since last Wednesday I believe, and wanted to get through it - because I knew I was capable of it.
I was planning on Zumba tonight, but for no good reason decided to not go which left me feeling pretty down about my weight (especially since I stopped and got Rocky Rococo's for supper). I haven't been eating very well, staying in my calorie range for the day? - yes, eating healthy? - no.
I had put a hold on the book Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman on the elibrary. I read it before a long time ago, but it was more of a skim through rather than a read and absorb. I like that he knows "diets" don't work and promises that I won't ever go hungry on his plan. I also really like that the way he says we keep weight off is by eating real, natural food, not by eating the fat free, sugar free, over-processed foods that many diets encourage people to eat.
Since I am going out Friday night to a beer bash, I will start Saturday fresh and on this new eating plan. Dr. Fuhrman says to give him 6 weeks and it will change my life. That's a big promise, but I'm willing to take on the challenge. This will give me a day to plan my meals and grocery shop so I start out successful.
Have you ever read this book or another book to help lose weight or inspire yourself?
I think living in a place where we have long, cold and snowy winters, really makes me more appreciative of sunshine and warm(er) temps, especially since it just snowed 2 days ago. I went outside to do my Couch to 5k workout. I am on week 3 day 1 which consisted of run 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes for about 20 minutes.
Some muddiness and puddles from the melted snow.
Spring flooding of the River.
I bundled up a bit, because the temps are just in the mid 40s and it's pretty windy out. Otherwise, the sun felt amazing and the air smelled like Spring. The ducks were swimming in the river, the geese were squawking and strutting around, and the robins were flying back and forth. I felt like I was in a Cinderella movie or something and we were seconds away from bursting into song.
Bundled up, but loving the sunshine.
Today was my day off, so I had the whole day to do what ever I felt like. I slept til 9. I was in a baking mood and ended up making a brown sugar and cinnamon coffee cake and a loaf of bread. I also cleaned the house and did wash. I know, I know. I'm a wild woman! I also am reading Game of Thrones, the first book. I am borrowing it from the elibrary and only get it for 7 days. I have only 4 more days and am not even 20% of the way through. I may have to just buy the book myself.
I've had a long hiatus from running. Jomo really hasn't been running all that much since the marathon in October. I didn't realize how much those 26.2 miles took out of me, physically and emotionally. I was completely empty of any desire to do any activity...unless you count snacking on the couch cardio.
I recently started running again. I started the Couch to 5k program, because I can't just run for fun. I have to have a program to follow. I use the free app right on my phone so I don't even have to think about when to run or walk. The nice lady just tells me, "Run now" or "walk now". I don't even wear my Garmin. I need a break from being obsessed with time. I just want to enjoy being out there again. I finished week 2 today.
I've also been trying different exercises. I've found a love for Zumba. I've always enjoyed it, but there is a class on Tuesday nights that is just SO fun. I rearranged my work schedule just so I could go to it! I can't believe how much I sweat and how many muscles I can feel working!
During my 6 month running hiatus, I have also gained 20 lbs. It's pretty depressing, but I just kept eating like I was training for a marathon when I was doing little to no activity. Now I am trying to work it back off.
I did Weight Watchers for 3 months. I signed up on my birthday, Dec. 30, after wanting to make a change with my eating habits. There was a 3 month deal for only $18, so I figured why not?
I lost a couple of pounds, but ended up gaining another 5. I just couldn't get into it again (I had done it years ago and lost 50 lbs). So, at the end of the 3 months I cancelled it and started using the free program, myfitnesspal, again. I deleted my old account and made a new one - sort of like a fresh start for myself. I'm jnmolina if you want to "friend" me. I have managed to lose 5 lbs so far.
Wanting to change and actually doing it is so hard for me. I'm trying not to make too many changes at once so I don't become overwhelmed. I'm also trying not to put too much pressure on myself to work out. I become sort of obsessed with it. That's why I'm not bringing my Garmin on runs or even keeping track of my miles so I don't become obsessed with the numbers.
I'm planning races again too. I haven't done any in 6 months. I just did a 5k yesterday and walked it with 2 friends. It was pretty fun, even though it started raining down on us right after mile one! I have a few more I'd like to do: an 80's themed 5k in June, the Iron Girl in August, and a half marathon in September. It feels good to finally be looking forward to working out again!
Every since I ran my marathon over a month ago, I have just not been into working out at all! I went to a spin class - which I always love. I went to a new class called body combat - which was aMAzing! I even ran once or twice...or once. But that's it.
I blame the marathon. It's the only logical answer. I read blogs where the writer ran a marathon and feels great, is already running again, and has another marathon in a couple of weeks.
I ran my marathon and I never, EVER wanted to do it again. Ever!
Accurate face of pain of how I was feeling.
The actual race passed quickly. I wasn't in pain until around 16 miles. And even then, I knew I would finish. I walked more than I wanted, but I wasn't really negative self talking. I just kept telling myself that I will Never have to do this again once I finish. That is really what got me through that race.
I was in pain for a couple of days, but I have a job where I am running around for 8 hours so that helped work out the tightness pretty quickly. I made myself wait to run, but then I never started running again. I went once for three miles. It was hard. The whole time I couldn't believe I ran 26.2. Why is this so hard?!?!
I love running, really! I love the freedom, the quiet, the battle with myself, and the feeling of becoming stronger physically and mentally. But lately, I guess I like sitting on the couch more. I know the gym class schedule by heart so I can go right after work, but I've done it twice. Why? Why have I become such a bump on a log?
Today is Monday. I know most people hate Monday's, but I like them. It's the start of a new week, a fresh beginning. I am setting the goal to work out 3 times this week any way I want, as long as I get some cardio in.
I hope everyone has a great and successful week as well!
Do you get in work-out slumps? What helps get you out?
I headed out today for my 3 mile run. Now that I'm not training for anything specific, it's hard to motivate myself to get out and exercise. I was excited to wear some leg-warmers today. I made a couple of pairs last year for a costume and really like wearing them for running. I can wear my capris and still keep my calves warm!
After the first mile I head into a wooded park. Once in a while I see deer on my evening runs, but figured I'd bee safe this early in the afternoon. As soon as I rounded the first corner I see a deer ahead staring at me. I could tell he was a young buck, because of the antlers starting to grow on his head. I stopped and debated what to do. I am scared of deer when confronted with them. They can get cray! As soon as the second one peeked it's head out from the other side of the path I knew I better just turn around and head back.
They may look innocent enough, but one wrong move and who knows what could happen...am I right??
So, I headed back and got in 2 miles. They were good miles though and I was glad I went out.
Do you run in the woods and ever see animals? Do you turn around or just keep going?
I am generally pretty active, so I was interested to see how these worked. I wouldn't say I needed them though. I wear neutral and minimal running shoes, meaning I like little to no support in my shoes. I like to feel the ground below me and wearing cushioned shoes actually bothers my feet.
Here are some benefits that the insoles say they will deliver:
The first time I tried these out I used them on the elliptical at the gym. I ended up staying on the machine for almost 2 hours while I watched Spirit of the Marathon. They seemed to work fine, but my toenails on my big toes sort of throbbed. I think it was a combo of me needing to cut them and the insoles being thicker than the normal ones so my toes were hitting the top of my shoe more.
I also started wearing them to work. I have a very active job and am literally running around for 8 hours straight. The first couple of days, I noticed the insoles were pushing up on my arch. It caused some discomfort, but I didn't notice it after awhile. They seem comfortable enough and haven't caused any more discomfort after the arch problem.
Would I buy them? Probably not...as in no. Like I said, I like minimal shoes and don't need the extra cushion, especially when working out. I will keep using them in my work shoes though.
Have you ever used insoles? What kind?
"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."
It has come to my attention that I seem to like doing things that end in -athon: triathlon (close enough), marathon, sleepathon. So, I've been on a documentary kick over the past week or so. What did we do before Netflix?
I usually like to watch documentaries that focus on the food industry and how horrible it is; especially when I am trying to eat better. I've watched a couple of those and more.
There was Bananas!*, a documentary about the Nicaraguan banana workers and the dangers they faced from the pesticides that were rained down on them.
There was Maxed Out, about how credit card companies prey on the poor and unknowing and make it virtually impossible for you to ever repay your debt.
And then my food documentaries: Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, Food Matters, Vegucated, and Farmageddon. I was surprised to see Dr. Fuhrman in a couple of these docs. If you don't know, he wrote Eat to Live and encourages a clean eating lifestyle. It made me want to reread his book and start incorporating juicing like in Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.
So, I am borrowing my younger brother's juicer while he is gone for a couple of months and I will use it as soon as I get the thing clean. He may be a great brother, but great at cleaning things? Definitely not.
I don't have the time to juice 3-6 times a day, but I will definitely be doing it as at least one meal replacer. I'm pretty excited to try it and will let you know how it goes!
Have you ever juiced? If so for how long? Have you ever done any type of cleanse? What did you do?
I've spent the last few weeks wondering what to do now that I've finished my first marathon. I have no running schedule to keep. It feels...weird.
During my marathon I told myself, "NEVER AGAIN!" After my marathon I asked myself, "When can I do the next one?"
I waited about a week and a half to run again. I figured I would go to the gym and just do a couple of easy miles on the treadmill. I started to run on the random setting. I felt very stiff and slow. After about half a mile I stopped running and reset the treadmill program to no incline. I walked a bit before giving another go at running. I made myself go to a mile before quitting again. I couldn't push myself any faster than a 13 min/mile, which was pretty discouraging. I left the gym with a pretty low ego. I mean, I had just ran 26.2 miles! How could I not even get to 2?
I tried running again today. It was a beautiful fall day - sunny and chilly. I told myself to just take it easy, no pressure, if I have to walk a little that's fine.
Right before I started running again. I love fall!
I took off. I glanced at my watch, because I was a little out of breath, and was only at about a 13 min/mile. I felt a little disheartened again, but just kept going. After just over a mile I decided to take a walk break. I walked for about half a mile.
I knew I could run the rest of the 1.5 miles home. I put my favorite song on repeat, Daddy Yankee's Limbo, and just took off. I felt good. I was starting to get a little out of breath again and saw that I was at a 10:30 pace. I slowed down a little and felt comfortable at about an 11:00 pace. It felt good to finish strong!
But, now what? It's hard for me to work out without some kind of plan to follow. I need some kind of race to work towards. I'm going to have to use the next couple of days to figure out what I want to do.
How long do you wait to run after your marathon? Do you always follow a training plan or just work out for fun?
I've been training for 3 months (and four years) for this moment; the moment that I crossed the finish line after running 26.2 (26.44) miles. It happened October 6, 2013 at the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon. I am finally a marathoner! It was worth every sacrificed weekend and sore muscle. And now that I've had a good night's rest, I would definitely do it again. I mean, not tomorrow or anything, but in a couple of years when I've forgotten how much pain I'm in right now.
The start was at 7:30 at Grafton High School. My husband and father in law drove me up there to watch me take off. They dropped me off at the start and went to find a parking spot. While I waited, I immediately got in line for the port a potty. I was jealous of all the guys walking into the woods to relieve themselves, but glad they were leaving the line, thus shortening it for us ladies.
The start line.
I found Kevin and his dad on the way to the start. They had run into his cousin who was running it too! He was already lined up at the start by the time I got there so didn't see him.
Before the start with Kevin.
I was pretty nervous about doing this. I kept trying to push the negative self talk out of my head, but the distance was still so unreal to me. Could I really do it? Is it possible? Would this be the first race I didn't complete?
When I lined up at the start, I found the 5:30 pace group led by Gary. He was pretty awesome and told us about his first marathon in 1980 (the year I was born!), his races in South Africa, and Mt. Kilamanjaro, and the time he had to be carried off Comrades after running 10 minute miles for 56 miles!
My view from the start line.
We started pretty fast for the pace group. By mile 7, I was only at 1:25 instead of my anticipated 1:31. I had fallen back from Gary, but I was concentrating on keeping him in my sight so I had something to keep me going.
There were some pretty funny race signs I wish I had taken pictures of, but I didn't want to stop. One sign had an arrow to the right saying,"finish line 18 miles" and another to the left saying. "Green Bay 96 miles". And right after that there was a sign that said, "Run faster. Kick off is at noon" Only in Wisconsin!
The race course was beautiful and pretty flat, like promised in the course description. There were hills, but they were gradual rolling hills and nothing like I have to run on around here. I passed a lot of people when I was running up them, which helped the self-esteem.
The actual race itself passed pretty quickly, except the last 2.2 miles. The first half of the race I stayed pretty steady. I was at a 2:45 at 13.1, which would have been perfect to finish in 5 and a half hours if I held that pace.
I had gotten teary-eyed a couple of times, once at the start as I crossed the starting line and a couple of times on the way while people were cheering. Right at the half way point I looked up to a group cheering and I saw Becky!! I almost started crying again! She ran with me a bit and encouraged me and asked if I was okay. She came back mile 16 and 18 to help me through. It distracted me from my pain for a little bit at least.
Mile 16 - courtesy of Becky
Mile 18 - snack break with Becky
At the mile 21 water stop they had a cardboard, broken brick wall for us to run through. Again, I teared up. I only had 5 more to go. There were people cheering the whole way and a couple of them even had snacks for us! One family was handing out breakfast bars, another had bunt cakes, and another had licorice! I just took some licorice.
At the top of the hill on Lakeshore Drive, just a couple of miles from the finish, I knew where I was! I charged down the giant hill and was running at about an 11:30 pace towards the finish at Veteran's Park and gradually slowed down and then walked. It seemed so far away! I decided to take one more gel since it had been about 6 miles since my last one. Hopefully, the caffeine in it would propel me to the finish.
I started my shuffle to the end. I had to start swinging my arms first before my legs would follow. I would run for a few minutes then walk a minute. I finally made it to 25 and a half and started running. There were people all along the walk way who had finished and were cheering me on. Our names were on our bibs and everyone was yelling, "Go, Jordan!" and "You're almost there!". I was tearing up again. It meant so much to hear the encouragement of the other runners who had already finished. They knew how much I was hurting and they knew what I had been through to get to this point.
I crossed the finish line right under my goal time of 6 hours at 5:57:56! I got my medal and tin foil blanket and hobbled to find Kevin.
Here is my finish that Kevin taped. I have a video from mile 18 that Becky filmed, but I can't figure out how to save it off of Facebook.
Today, I am SO sore!! I feel like I have a 6 pack of abs, my quads are screaming, and my left ankle is throbbing, but I am a marathoner! Yesterday, I said I would never do this again; that it wasn't worth it. I lied. It's worth it. It may be a while until my next full, but I loved it and it's everything everybody hypes it up to be.
I can't wait until next weekend to cheer Becky, Heather, and Marin on at the Chicago Marathon!! It's going to be a blast!
What was the best part of your first marathon? Did you think you would ever run a second one?
Becky found an event that is a 20 mile supported course for those with fall marathons. It's called 20 Miler, and they've been doing this for at least the last few years.
It was down in Elk Grove, right by Chicago, and it had an elk preserve inside the park! It's called the Busse Woods Forest Preserve The course description let us know what miles that we would get to see them!
Yesterday morning I got up at about 5, had an egg and toast (from homemade bread - YUM), and of course my coffee! I had packed everything the night before, including laying out my clothes that I was going to run in. I am always glad I do this on the morning of. It saves a lot of stress and worry, so I definitely suggest this for everyone doing any kind of race.
Becky picked me up at about 5:45 and it was a pretty uneventful drive down. Traffic was obviously light so we got there in about an hour and fifteen minutes.
We walked up to get our packets right as the first wave went off - the 7 min milers - so we had some time. We checked our gear and got in line with the 12 min pace group. Our friend Marin caught up with us here as well. She got there minutes before we took off. I haven't seen her since my cousin's wedding (about 12 years), but we keep current on FB with each other. She is running the Chicago Marathon, which will be her first!
The three of us ran together for maybe the first 2 miles, but Marin is quite a bit faster and took off. We saw her a couple of times after when the course looped back. Below are just some pictures of the trail.
The first 10 miles flew by. We both knew we were going too fast, but with all of the other runners and energy it was so hard not too! We kept to our plan of eating something every 3.5 miles and did our best to run 9, walk 1, but we kept missing the walking.
Half Way!
I lapped my watch at the 10 mile mark and we were at 2:04, which is a lot faster than we've been on training runs. The last half I started to struggle a lot more. The miles started to drag and the other runners were starting to get a bit sparse.
The course was beautiful and despite having several out and backs, which usually seem to make miles drag on, made it fun to see all the other runners go by and motivate me. The day was also absolutely perfect. It was around the mid 60's and sunny with beautiful, fluffy clouds.
Running by the elk was pretty cool. There were a ton right by the fence of the reserve, but it was too dark and I couldn't get very good pictures.
Overall, the run took me 4:18, 9 minutes under my goal time! I was really sore and walked right to the food and got my veggie dog (was super excited about that) and went to find Becky.
We stretched and ate and then had to shuffle back to the car where we changed before starting the drive back.
We stopped at the Oasis for some food, where I was cracking up at Becky's outfit.
She had on capri's, compression socks, and flip flops. I, on the other hand, looked like a homeless person with my sweat pants, sandals, and two shirts. Nothing I had on matched. I just grabbed the first things I saw. Thankfully no one got a picture of me!
I definitely have some mental preparation before I complete 26.2 miles, because after the 20, I don't know how I can go any further, I just know I will!
I was also pretty glad after I talked to one of the pacers that parked next to us. Her first marathon was the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, which is the one I'm running. She said it was a great course and the end is a big downhill to Veteran's Park. It gave me a little something to look forward to!
Two more weeks until the big twenty six point two!!
What's the fursthest you ever ran? How was your first 20 mile run? Any advice for a first time marathoner?
I had the day off today, so of course I used the time wisely by getting up early to catch up on my DVR and pin things on Pinterest. I came across this recipe for chocolate zucchini cake.
I didn't have the right amount of zucchini, so I changed it a bit.
Chocolate Zucchini Banana Cake Recipe
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup mashed banana ( I used 2 bananas and threw them in a blender)
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 bag chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix together the zucchini, banana, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until blended. Add the flour,cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda and mix until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into a 9 x 13 cake pan that has been sprayed with oil or lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 35-45 minutes (mine took 45).
*This had a banana flavor to it, a little stronger than I had anticipated. So, if just zucchini is used, it would be just like a chocolate cake. It's very moist and delicious either way.
Maybe I shouldn't have eaten 3 pieces before heading to Zumba class, but what can I say? I was watching Man vs. Food and that show always makes me hungry! Hindsight.
What did you do today? Are you trying to use up your zucchini?
As predicted (by myself), I came out the winner for the pancake eating contest. Before the contest started, my nephew asked what the prize would be for the winner. Pancakes of course! And the satisfaction of winning.
Here's a little video of the event. It's a little blurry, but you get the idea.
I only had to eat 11 to win since my nephew stopped at 10, but I ate 20. I must say, I felt a little sick while I was eating the last one. But now, I could totally go for some pancakes.
He said we can have a pizza eating contest as a rematch. I'm down with that since it will be after my 20 mile run!
When I got home, I took a nap and then went to my neighbors to watch the Packer game. It was a good one, but too bad they lost.
Yesterday was my long run - 18 miles. That is the furthest I have ever ran! And let me tell you, it wasn't so bad. Yeah, I said it. I wasn't that sore and today I feel like I really didn't run. Trust me, I know how weird that sounds.
We ran later in the day and it had just stormed out, leaving it very humid and sticky. It also resulted in bugs galore! They were flying into us with a very strong force and flying around us everywhere! And the gnats! They were just landing on us and drowning in the sweat. For some reason, I was just covered in them.
At around mile 15, we stopped at a gas station to get some more water and gatorade and Becky couldn't believe when she saw my neck. I made her take a picture so I could see it (and put it on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook of course!).
It took just over 4 hours to finish. My legs were a bit sore after. I gave Becky a ride home, showered, and ate the leftover zucchini parmesan I had. It tasted SO good!
I'm off to pancake eating contest against my 11 year old nephew. For some reason he thinks he can out eat me. He has no idea what he is up against. I mean, I can out eat my husband. I watch Man vs. Food and think about how I could eat that amount easily.
I'm about a week late, but I've been busy catching up on the RHOOC reunion special. I mean, it was 3 parts! That took some serious time commitment! Oh, and I was running a little...or a LOT!
I had my highest mileage month EVER! August was just over 100 miles! This has been a goal of mine for, oh I don't know, forever!
I want to keep my September goals pretty straight forward.
1) Stick to my running schedule. Exactly 4 weeks until the marathon!!
2) Bring lunch to work and make dinner...aka, plan meals and take my lazy butt grocery shopping!
Today, was only a half day for me at work. It was even shorter, because I took some time to get a flu shot.
I forgot all about it until about an hour ago when my arm started aching! I couldn't figure out why until I remembered the shot! The same thing happened to me last year. It didnt get sore until hours later.
On the plus side, I got a free Starbucks Americano for getting the shot, which I didn't even find out until after I had gotten it. Score!!
Tomorrow, I have 18 miles scheduled. I am excited and nervous to tackle it!
The last two long runs I've done were 15 miles last week and 16 miles this weekend. Thinking about the distance pretty much freaks me out and I can't believe I accomplished that!
I woke up on the morning of the 15 excited! I had made my own gels and I thought I had the recipe close to perfect! I also brought boiled potatoes sprinkled with salt that I cut up to alternate with the gels (I read that they are a good fuel for endurance sports). I also brought a bottle of water and money to stop for more later.
Homemade gels. It's just geletin, chia seed, and juice.
I had thrown the gels in the freezer the night before, but by the time I ate my first one at 3.5 miles, it was already liquid, it was supposed to have a more jello-like consistency. On the plus side, the potatoes worked really well and were delicious!
The run also seemed to pass quickly, except miles 8-10 seemed to drag a bit. I even sprinted the last bit to finish strong! I felt really great afterwards...besides the fact I could barely walk because my feet hurt.
The next day, I laid on the couch and watched the whole first season of Orange is the New Black on Netflix. That would be reason I was so sore - I didn't move! By the second day, though, I felt fine.
The 16 mile run was a little tougher. I was really excited to run! I had Clif Shot Bloks and a Luna bar for fuel along with water and money to stop for more. Becky planned a new route to Kenosha, which followed the bike trail out to UW-Parkside and through Pets. Once we got to the park, the route started getting pretty hilly. There was one hill that I would have walked if Becky weren't running in front of me!
I was also really, really thirsty the entire run. I started with a bottle of water, then I bought another water at mile 6 or 7 when we stopped at a gas station for the bathroom and beverages. Then, I refilled my water when we got into the park. And I filled up again at mile 13ish when we stopped at another gas station, where I got a large bottle of Gatorade, which I chugged, and a water to refill my bottle!
I was SO ready to be done with this run. I was just mentally drained. I really didn't care if I finished (even though I really did). I was telling myself to let Becky go ahead and I would just walk home. I was already a few strides behind her. Then, Becky turned around, waited for me and said, "We are finishing this together!" So, we ran side by side until there was about .2 left and she took off to sprint to the end.
Next week is only 12 miles! I'm way too excited about that!
What's the longest distance you've ran? Do you run with some one or solo?
