Lorem ipsum sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec facilisis leo et bibendum pretium. Suspendisse ligula neque, ultrices nec interdum faucibus, pharetra et libero. Vestibulum viverra molestie nunc. Sed quis aliquet leo. In vel posuere tortor. Donec eros turpis, dictum vel vehicula viverra, facilisis in mauris. Nullam rhoncus enim ligula, sit amet suscipit turpis dignissim non. Phasellus deserunt. Convallis perspiciatis fusce fermentum accumsan, arcu aliquam, velit venenatis augue proin, enim etiam dolor. Mi ac lectus vitae cum, fusce purus posuere neque amet, nulla in ultrices justo nec posuere lobortis. Tristique libero est laoreet eget et adipiscing. Erat placerat. Tincidunt habitant mattis et. Aliquam lectus at, a euismod nunc quam.
Per nibh nibh sagittis, in lacus malesuada libero ac. Nec pede donec, scelerisque vestibulum integer ut. Tortor a molestie lobortis praesent eleifend. Class ligula adipiscing ac mollis risus. Ipsum neque volutpat assumenda tincidunt, libero integer ac elit magna vitae vel, hendrerit neque sollicitudin quam lectus, vel vestibulum. Adipiscing ipsam sollicitudin ac proin praesent, neque doloremque ac sollicitudin vitae aliquam nunc. Libero labore tortor, justo odio nulla porta a rhoncus, phasellus pulvinar non. Lobortis lorem sed et vitae tempore luctus, tellus sem euismod ut, non nec fermentum feugiat erat. Rerum sapien, in itaque arcu, sit nulla sed adipiscing tincidunt risus, taciti sed, quis metus ut eu. Ante pulvinar vehicula eget, mi odio ac euismod, libero vitae semper sed, aliquam tincidunt est lacus pretium fermentum sed. Nec porttitor, dapibus fringilla wisi mi consectetuer, congue proin nullam. Nullam libero sed aliqua risus at non.
Orci mollis, donec quam massa gravida suscipit neque sed, condimentum lacus tellus id, sodales malesuada auctor nonummy vestibulum interdum rutrum. Reprehenderit non, natoque sint, lacus sit fringilla sed, integer non, rutrum lacinia quis tortor sed pellentesque aliquet. Accumsan eu error sed, praesent magna pede curabitur mus fermentum. Mauris sem nunc at phasellus adipisicing, et sed ultricies et, netus quam arcu ante. At nibh, dapibus est scelerisque venenatis non, erat et non volutpat id nec sapien. Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus. Donec dolor elit, pellentesque a massa pellentesque, euismod sagittis ipsum. Nullam a diam ac turpis iaculis vulputate. Nunc tellus libero, tempus id luctus eget, fermentum et quam. Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec sit amet nunc vitae justo dapibus dignissim. Vivamus sagittis dignissim massa, auctor aliquam nibh aliquam ut. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in. Praesent non lectus sed dolor imperdiet mollis a sit amet sem. Vivamus eu commodo ligula. Phasellus in lacus eu urna ullamcorper lacinia. Duis tincidunt fringilla aliquet. Vivamus id luctus tellus. Vestibulum maximus ipsum lacus, tempus suscipit augue fermentum ut. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu.

Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus.

Donec dolor elit, pellentesque a massa pellentesque, euismod sagittis ipsum. Nullam a diam ac turpis iaculis vulputate. Nunc tellus libero, tempus id luctus eget, fermentum et quam. Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec sit amet nunc vitae justo dapibus dignissim. Vivamus sagittis dignissim massa, auctor aliquam nibh aliquam ut.

Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in. Praesent non lectus sed dolor imperdiet mollis a sit amet sem. Vivamus eu commodo ligula. Phasellus in lacus eu urna ullamcorper lacinia. Duis tincidunt fringilla aliquet. Vivamus id luctus tellus. Vestibulum maximus ipsum lacus, tempus suscipit augue fermentum ut. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu.

1. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
2. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
3. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
4. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
5. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.

• Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
• Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
• Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
• Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.
• Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in.

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Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, leo gravida eu.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut porttitor leo vel nulla posuere accumsan. Suspendisse sed tortor eget justo aliquam euismod. Morbi ut massa et neque iaculis lacinia a eu est. Etiam nec enim id mi maximus consequat sed ut tortor. Nullam velit ipsum, ornare id leo a, cursus mollis nunc. Etiam dignissim nulla vel ante mollis, lobortis aliquam lectus egestas. Vivamus sit amet libero sit amet lorem dignissim varius. Nam id dictum sem. Maecenas eget nulla bibendum, accumsan arcu ac, vehicula risus. Nulla laoreet elit in lectus cursus, at tristique diam fringilla. Donec blandit, lacus sed mollis molestie, lorem lacus feugiat tortor, nec tincidunt libero dolor sit amet nulla. Sed id mi sit amet nibh bibendum aliquet. Sed scelerisque aliquam nulla, ultrices egestas elit vestibulum et. Praesent efficitur viverra ipsum a molestie. Donec dolor elit, pellentesque a massa pellentesque, euismod sagittis ipsum. Nullam a diam ac turpis iaculis vulputate. Nunc tellus libero, tempus id luctus eget, fermentum et quam. Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec sit amet nunc vitae justo dapibus dignissim. Vivamus sagittis dignissim massa, auctor aliquam nibh aliquam ut. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in. Praesent non lectus sed dolor imperdiet mollis a sit amet sem. Vivamus eu commodo ligula. Phasellus in lacus eu urna ullamcorper lacinia. Duis tincidunt fringilla aliquet. Vivamus id luctus tellus. Vestibulum maximus ipsum lacus, tempus suscipit augue fermentum ut. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu. Donec a nisi vel ligula fringilla tempus id vitae nibh. Sed sollicitudin ante ultrices purus auctor auctor. Etiam turpis sem, mattis sit amet purus id, dapibus euismod libero. Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus.
Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus. Donec dolor elit, pellentesque a massa pellentesque, euismod sagittis ipsum. Nullam a diam ac turpis iaculis vulputate. Nunc tellus libero, tempus id luctus eget, fermentum et quam. Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec sit amet nunc vitae justo dapibus dignissim. Vivamus sagittis dignissim massa, auctor aliquam nibh aliquam ut. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in. Praesent non lectus sed dolor imperdiet mollis a sit amet sem. Vivamus eu commodo ligula. Phasellus in lacus eu urna ullamcorper lacinia. Duis tincidunt fringilla aliquet. Vivamus id luctus tellus. Vestibulum maximus ipsum lacus, tempus suscipit augue fermentum ut. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu.
Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus.

Donec dolor elit, pellentesque a massa pellentesque, euismod sagittis ipsum. Nullam a diam ac turpis iaculis vulputate. Nunc tellus libero, tempus id luctus eget, fermentum et quam. Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec sit amet nunc vitae justo dapibus dignissim. Vivamus sagittis dignissim massa, auctor aliquam nibh aliquam ut.

Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in. Praesent non lectus sed dolor imperdiet mollis a sit amet sem. Vivamus eu commodo ligula. Phasellus in lacus eu urna ullamcorper lacinia. Duis tincidunt fringilla aliquet. Vivamus id luctus tellus. Vestibulum maximus ipsum lacus, tempus suscipit augue fermentum ut. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu.

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Morbi lobortis ultricies urna, neque aliquam sit amet.

Maecenas luctus arcu porta accumsan viverra. Sed odio eros, dictum non augue et, tincidunt ullamcorper ex. Sed interdum rutrum efficitur. Mauris tristique quis libero a euismod. Duis tempor purus rutrum, tempor odio sed, tincidunt lacus. Nulla lacus felis, pulvinar ut metus in, tristique pretium sem. Vivamus ornare efficitur elit ut placerat. Vivamus at ultricies magna. Proin eu aliquet elit. In lacus nisi, finibus luctus est sed, consectetur congue diam. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Praesent volutpat scelerisque aliquet. Nam quis dui non odio convallis sagittis. Morbi lobortis ultricies urna, et rhoncus neque aliquam sit amet. Fusce hendrerit tincidunt nulla nec luctus. Ut et pharetra ex. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Praesent laoreet bibendum quam, ac venenatis nulla feugiat vitae. Cras nibh leo, bibendum vitae tincidunt non, vestibulum vel odio. Nunc euismod eget nisi sit amet dapibus. Nunc quis congue lectus. Suspendisse ac convallis nisi. Vivamus efficitur urna sed ipsum vulputate efficitur. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu. Donec a nisi vel ligula fringilla tempus id vitae nibh. Sed sollicitudin ante ultrices purus auctor auctor. Etiam turpis sem, mattis sit amet purus id, dapibus euismod libero. Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus.
Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus. Donec dolor elit, pellentesque a massa pellentesque, euismod sagittis ipsum. Nullam a diam ac turpis iaculis vulputate. Nunc tellus libero, tempus id luctus eget, fermentum et quam. Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec sit amet nunc vitae justo dapibus dignissim. Vivamus sagittis dignissim massa, auctor aliquam nibh aliquam ut. Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in. Praesent non lectus sed dolor imperdiet mollis a sit amet sem. Vivamus eu commodo ligula. Phasellus in lacus eu urna ullamcorper lacinia. Duis tincidunt fringilla aliquet. Vivamus id luctus tellus. Vestibulum maximus ipsum lacus, tempus suscipit augue fermentum ut. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu.
Donec bibendum urna quis orci molestie sodales. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Nunc id purus vel sapien pretium varius eu id risus. Vivamus sit amet nibh sit amet eros porta iaculis. Ut interdum diam nec imperdiet elementum. Proin condimentum faucibus placerat. Donec massa justo, porttitor tincidunt eros a, vehicula malesuada tortor. Praesent nec sem ut justo efficitur tempus.

Donec dolor elit, pellentesque a massa pellentesque, euismod sagittis ipsum. Nullam a diam ac turpis iaculis vulputate. Nunc tellus libero, tempus id luctus eget, fermentum et quam. Aliquam erat volutpat. Donec sit amet nunc vitae justo dapibus dignissim. Vivamus sagittis dignissim massa, auctor aliquam nibh aliquam ut.

Nunc accumsan ex ligula, in malesuada sapien consectetur in. Praesent non lectus sed dolor imperdiet mollis a sit amet sem. Vivamus eu commodo ligula. Phasellus in lacus eu urna ullamcorper lacinia. Duis tincidunt fringilla aliquet. Vivamus id luctus tellus. Vestibulum maximus ipsum lacus, tempus suscipit augue fermentum ut. Suspendisse posuere mi lacus, vitae fringilla leo gravida eu.

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Street Cred

We are finally getting the rain that we have needed for so long. It was kind of ironic for a while there; where the rest of the country were suffering with record low temperatures and snowfall, we were sitting over here, dry as a bone. I went to Tahoe in January and went HIKING. This never happens. We really needed snow and rain in a bad way.

Rainy day in the city

So, it never fails, as soon as you wash your car it rains, right? For me, it's not about washing my car, it's about having back to back long runs planned for your weekend run. Currently, I am in the midst of a really strange training schedule: week 8 of 18 for the Boston Marathon and week 4 of 16 for the Miwok 100k. I know, it probably wasn't the best planning to have to train for both of them at the same time, but that's the way it is, so I am rolling with it.

Which meant I was supposed to run 20 miles on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. My plan was a nice long run in the city after work on Saturday and then a trail run on the East Bay on Sunday morning. However, after work on Saturday it was raining. Hard. But these miles weren't going to run themselves. So I went on a loop around the city.

And it was great. I admit, I cut it short at about 17 miles, but I still felt good afterwards. In fact, the only thing keeping my from the last few miles was my own laziness. I had it in me, but I had returned to the start and didn't feel like doing an extra three mile loop. I wanted some dinner.

The next day I woke up to no rain and hurried out of bed to get going. However, as I was eating breakfast, the skies opened up. I procrastinated for a while, hoping that it would ease up, but finally it was time to go. It poured the entire time. My feet were raisins, my shorts were sticking to me like nobody's business and my hat brim was like a waterfall. I cut this one short too because I had a rubbed raw spot on my heel and I tried to band-aid it, but it was really giving me grief.

I have to admit, running in the rain is probably my least favorite weather to run in. If it's cold, you warm up after a couple of miles; if it's snowing, it's cold, but not wet. However, when it's raining, running more doesn't make you any drier. And as you run, things are sticking to you, rubbing and pruning up. The other one I really dislike is extreme heat. It may be a toss up.

However, running in the rain makes me feel like a rock star. There is nobody else out; there weren't even any cars on the road. Everyone's hunkered inside watching Breaking Bad and you are outside, braving the elements. The few people you see, usually other runners, give you a knowing look as they pass you on the sidewalk. It's that look that says, "yup, you are one of us and we are awesome".

On Saturday, a bike rider said as he rode by me on a hill, "we are obviously dressed for different types of actives". He was wearing boots, waterproof pants, gloves and a rain slicker. I was wearing a tank top and shorts. I laughed at him and puffed up the hill, feeling like superman.

So, overall, last week was a good one. California is avoiding a drought and I am starting off this week feeling like a rock star. You can't ask for much more than that.

How was your weekend? Are you getting any wet weather? What makes you feel like a rock star?

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My Weekly Nutrition and Training Plan

I used to post this a while back, but I stopped when I really fell off of the bandwagon. Then in November when I started from scratch with a brand new journey to re-establish myself, I did not want to share my eating with you guys, because I did not want any of you to copy it. Initially I kept my carbohydrate intake really low, plus extremely intense training. However, I could do that because of vitamin B12, 6, and 1 shots I was getting twice a week at my doctor. But now I am on a more realistic path and only receiving a B12 shot once a week. 25 pounds lost in the past 8 weeks! This is my nutrition plan I follow Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday, I still keep my meals clean, but I will switch it up. I usually have a cheat meal for dinner on Saturday and Sunday as well.

Meal 1 (7:15 AM)

3 egg whites, 2 tablespoons of fat free cottage cheese, a handful of spinach, 2 tablespoons of low fat feta, and Garlic and Wine Seasoning all cooked together via stovetop.

Meal 2 (10:30 AM)

1 Quest Bar (the flavor changes day to day) and a large apple.

Meal 3 (1:30 PM)

GardenIn vegetarian mandarin "chick'n" and fresh asparagus (cooked via stovetop with fat free Parkay butter spray and Garlic and Wine Seasoning)

Meal 4 (4:00 PM) [Pre-workout Meal]

80 calorie Dannon Light and Fit Greek Yogurt with a handful of fresh blueberries and 15 plain almonds

Gym: 5-6:30

Meal 5 (7:00 PM) [Post-workout Meal]

2 Peanut Butter Protein Muffins *This week I made them with coconut flour instead of oats

Meal 6 (8:30 PM) 

Spaghetti squash topped with 3oz of 99% fat free ground turkey, organic tomato sauce, and two tablespoons of low fat Feta.

Bed time: 11 PM

Monday: (Legs) - done! (796 calories burned)

-30 minutes of cardio: Elliptical (Incline is switched between 1, 9, and 20. Resistance is switched between 9 and 10)

-Leg Workout:

   -Squats (4 x 15. Two sets of 55 pounds and Two sets of 75 pounds)

   - Leg Extension (3 x 15, 50 pounds)

   - Leg Curl (3 x 15, 110 pounds)

   - Leg Press (3 x 15, 270 pounds)

-10 minutes of cardio: Elliptical (Incline, 9 and Resistance, 9)

-Stretch

Tuesday: (Core)

-30 minutes of cardio: Elliptical (Incline is switched between 1, 9, and 20. Resistance is switched between 9 and 10)

- 3 sets of 30 second planks

- 3 sets of 20 crunches

- 3 sets of 20 heel touches

- 3 sets of  20 elevated leg crunches

-20 minutes of high intensity interval training: Tredmill (Work: 2 minute walk on a speed of 3.2 MPH with an incline of 12 [the highest is 15] Rest: 1 minute walk at 0 incline and a 3.4 MPH speed. Alternate)

Wednesday: (Weights)

-25 minutes of cardio: Elliptical (Incline is switched between 1, 9, and 20. Resistance is switched between 9 and 10)

-Weight Circuit

   -Shoulders: 3 x 15

   -Back: 3 x 15

   -Biceps: 3 x 15

   -Chest: 3 x 15

   -Triceps: 3 x 15

*It is hard for me to list the exercises I do for my weight circuit. The gym is so crowded when I go that I almost always have to improvise when I left weights. It depends on what is free at the time to be used.

-15 minutes cardio: Tredmill (HIIT: Work: 2 minute walk on a speed of 3.2 MPH with an incline of 12 [the highest is 15] Rest: 1 minute walk at 0 incline and a 3.4 MPH speed. Alternate)

Thursday: (Core)

-30 minutes of cardio: StairMill (A mild HIIT: Level is switch between the highest which is 20 and level 5 for my rest. Work is 1 minute, rest is two minutes)

- 3 sets of 30 second planks

- 3 sets of 20 crunches

- 3 sets of 20 heel touches

- 3 sets of  20 elevated leg crunches

-20 minutes of high intensity interval training: Tredmill (Work: 2 minute walk on a speed of 3.2 MPH with an incline of 12 [the highest is 15] Rest: 1 minute walk at 0 incline and a 3.4 MPH speed. Alternate)

Friday: (Weights)

-30 minutes of cardio: Elliptical (Incline is switched between 1, 9, and 20. Resistance is switched between 9 and 10)

-Weight Circuit

   -Shoulders: 3 x 15

   -Back: 3 x 15

   -Biceps: 3 x 15

   -Chest: 3 x 15

   -Triceps: 3 x 15

*It is hard for me to list the exercises I do for my weight circuit. The gym is so crowded when I go that I almost always have to improvise when I left weights. It depends on what is free at the time to be used.

-15 minutes cardio: Elliptical (Incline 9, Resistance 9)

Saturday:

Rest and relaxation

Sunday: (legs)

-30 minutes of cardio: Elliptical (Incline is switched between 1, 9, and 20. Resistance is switched between 9 and 10)

-Leg Workout:

   -Squats (4 x 15. Two sets of 55 pounds and Two sets of 75 pounds)

   - Leg Extension (3 x 15, 50 pounds)

   - Leg Curl (3 x 15, 110 pounds)

   - Leg Press (3 x 15, 270 pounds)

-10 minutes of cardio: Elliptical (Incline, 9 and Resistance, 9)

-Stretch

**I would like to do a Q&A on my blog soon. Is there anything you want to know or curious about? Weight loss, health, fitness, life? You can ask me here. You can be anonymous, but please be nice.**

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The Rest of the Year

I haven't really talked about this because I have been slacking, but one of my goals this year was to sign up for a 50 mile race. So I did. I signed up for the Dick Collins Firetrails 50. So I already accomplished my goal, right? Just kidding; the goal is actually to RUN a 50 mile race.

I would like to say that I found an easy training plan, printed it out and have been sticking to it ever since, but I would be lying. I did find a training plan. It ranges from 20 - 60 miles a week and includes 5 days of running a week. But following it? Not so much. It's like everything caught up to me all at once and I am having trouble keeping up. It's totally my fault and it's fun things, not hard ones. For instance, I joined a softball team. One night a week until October, we play, and there are possible once a week practices as well. I have also been going hiking with a friend once a week. Then there are weekend trips and all of a sudden, 5 days of running gets harder and harder.

Last week I was supposed to run 48 miles. I barely ran 30. Actually I ran 31.5. And yes, I am totally counting the point five. In two weeks, I will have to run that many miles in one go. Am I ready? I don't know. I have a race in two weeks and a few other races on the schedule which hopefully I will be ready for, as I did do a lot of training over the last few months. However, lately I don't feel like it is enough. Why is it that we as runners always doubt our training when it comes down to race time?

Here is what is coming up over the next several months.

1. Squamish 50k: I am really excited about this because I will be meeting up with Amber on her home turf. It will be good to finally meet her and I am also really proud of her because this is her first 50k! She is going to do awesome and I am really looking forward to joining her and running in a really beautiful area!

2. Headlands 50k: This race is very close to me and is on another of my favorite local running trails in the Marin Headlands. Even though it's in August, the weather here is usually (knock on wood) not too hot, since there is the marine layer and the fog and all. This will be a great training run for the 50 mile!

3. Firetrails 50 Mile: This is literally in my backyard! Okay, it's a few miles away, but it really is on the trails I always run on and I can run to them right from my house! I am excited to run on familiar trails, as sometimes when you don't know the area, the course can seem longer than you would like.

4. Marine Corps Marathon: It seems like so long ago that I signed up for this! I am running it with a couple of guys who I ran The Relay with; one is from Texas and the other is from Philly and we are going to meet up and make a weekend of it. It should be a lot of fun, as I haven't seen them since the race and they were really fun to hang out with then so I am sure it will be a repeat of that (minus the stinky van and the baby wipes).

So I am trying not to slack, but it's been hard, and it's also been difficult figuring out a schedule with long runs and taper and races all together. I know I can do it but sometimes I just get nervous about things.

Do you write to do lists or make schedules? If so, do you always follow them to a T? What's your strategy for fitting it all in?

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Recovery Mode

If you have ever had a big event, you know how it feels when it's over. You feel a little lost, a tad adrift, a bit confused. You don't know what to do with yourself. Due to the weeks I spent training for the marathon, this is kind of where I am right now. Couple that with the events that happened in Boston after the marathon and it is definitely a strange mental state overall.

I read in Runners World, and I mentioned it after my first marathon, that you are supposed to "rest" for the same amount of days as miles that you ran for your race. For me, this would be 26 days, or approximately one month. They say that for the first couple weeks of your break, drop mileage to zero and do light cross training instead. For the next three to six weeks, add running back in slowly: For two weeks, run 25% of pre-break mileage; for two weeks run 50%; the last two weeks, run 75%.

Hm.

This really is counterproductive to having a positive mental state. Most people who are runners RUN when they are feeling sad/angry/tired/scared/stressed. I am no different. My daily run makes me feel strong, makes me feel happier, and takes away the cares of the day.

So I did not take the advice of the good people of RW. I would have gone crazy. I already tapered, which was horrible, but they can't take away my after marathon run therapy! 

First of all, I had already signed up for the Ohlone 50k, which is May 19th. There are roughly 5 weeks (4 weekends) between the two races. I guess I was feeling kind of post race blues before the marathon even happened, because I also signed up for the Squamish 50k and the Marine Corp Marathon. It's like retail therapy, but better!

So, what's the recovery plan? Well, it's hard to figure out how to work it when I have a 50k in three weeks. So I decided to do a four weekend training plan, consisting of one easy weekend, one little bit harder weekend, one high mileage weekend and one easy weekend, and then race weekend.

Week 1: April 15 - April 21: Boston Marathon / weekend trail runs (easy)
Week 2: April 22 - April 28: easy week / weekend trail runs (med)
Week 3: April 29 - May 05: med week / weekend trail runs (long)
Week 4: May 06 - May 12: easy week / weekend trail runs (easy)
Week 5: May 13 - May 19: easy week / Race weekend

After weekend one, I was pretty tired. My legs were pretty sore, plus I followed short Saturday and Sunday runs with a two hour hike up a steep hill and the Monday BostonStrongSF run, so I took Tuesday and Wednesday of the next week completely off. (TOTAL = 41 miles (including the marathon) / 5 hours, 53 mins)

After weekend two, I feel good. My legs are definitely not back to normal, but I did do one shorter test run where I was able to keep the pace under an 8 minute mile, so they are not totally dead. (TOTAL = 45 miles / 7 hours, 40 mins)

Next weekend is the big mileage weekend. I hope my legs are up for the challenge. I know my mind is.

How do you deal with the comedown from a big event?  Do you have a long recovery time after a big race? What is the closest time period you have had two big races together?

Want more? 
**Check out Laura's take on the Post Race Blues.
**Head over to Fitness Friday at Jill's for some more fitness advice and info!

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Step Back!

Today marks the start of the 15th week of Boston training. For those of you who have followed an 18 week training schedule, you know what that means. It means that this week is the highest mileage week in the training schedule. On the schedule this week is my last 20 miler, and a total of 58 miles for the week. I have to say, I will be glad when it is over. Not that I love the taper weeks, but it will be nice to be able to go for a bike ride, or a hike or a kickboxing class, and not have to worry about it cutting into precious running time.

Speaking of a bike ride, last week was a step back week, which means that my long run was only 12 miles and the total mileage for the week was a lot lower than this upcoming week. This did give me a little bit more freedom and I ran with it (ha! no pun intended).

On Sunday, I ran a 5k for Jill's Virtual St Patrick's Day run. It was a great day for it and I gave it my all, finishing in 21:46.

Then I bought a few more accessories for the bike (U-lock and cushy seat cover), I took it out for it's first REAL ride. I have been using it to run errands, like going to the grocery store or library, which are only about a mile from my house. There is one big hill between my house and the grocery store though and I can ride all the way up it one way but coming back it is steeper on that side and I have had to walk it up.

So I was pretty nervous about attempting a longer bike ride. There were a few things I worried about.

(1) That I would get hit by a car. Other people on the road don't always pay attention! I know this, because as a runner, I have come VERY close to being hit a few times. I always feel a bit smaller when a bus comes within a few inches of me. I feel very small in fact.

(2) That I would have to walk up all the hills. Ah, failure, how we fear thee.

(3) That my butt would be on fire by mile 4. Hence the new cushy seat cover.

The Beast, with a new hat for the seat and a fancy St. Patty's day U-lock.

As a runner, we have the same issues. Chafe, pains, fear of failure, and feelings of fragility. So I am used to them. So I said to myself that it is no different than what I am used to, and I got to it. My running friend broke her toe and she asked me if I wanted to ride to a pub that was about 16 miles from my house. Why not? You only live once. YOLO!

It went well. In fact, it went better than I thought it would. I did NOT get run over. We started in Oakland, going through the town for about 7 miles before we got to the SF Bay Trail, where we stayed until we reached Richmond. We stopped for a St. Patrick's day beer at a local pub and then we headed back. We tackled one big hill on the way back and I didn't get off the bike once. The cushioned butt pad was fabulous!

Point Richmond

When I got back to Oakland, I had a humongous burrito and then headed for my final two miles to get home. Unfortunately, the last mile has another fairly steep hill (0 ft - 200 ft in about a half a mile) and I just couldn't do it. These legs were toast and they had really started to realize it when I sat down to eat the burrito.  But I made it. So that's one ride over.

See that hill at the very end? It was brutal!

Total miles: 41.4
Average speed: 11.3 mph

I am pretty excited, because I have always thought I would like to try a triathlon, but it's the biking that was my biggest fear. Now I just need to get over this week's "hill" in my Boston Training (and the Marathon itself) and then I can work on getting better at my biking skills! 

What did you do for St. Patrick's Day? Have you ever done a long bike ride? How do you combat butt soreness?

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A Weekend Streak

Remember how I talked about falling at the last trail race I did? Well, not only did I look silly, but unbeknownst to me at the time, I got a nasty case of poison oak. So the last few weeks at work (and in life!) were torture. I couldn't wear pants, although I had to, so I was literally sitting on the edge of my chair so that nothing itchy would be touching it. Then I would get home and all I would want to do was take off my pants and stand somewhere without touching anything.

However, I am on a training schedule. For the first week, I endured it. For the second week, I almost punched somebody or scratched my own leg off, but I muscled through. However, the third week, which was last week, I decided to take a few days off. After a long run on Sunday, I did not run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Maybe that doesn't seem like a big deal to some, but running is my crack and without my crack, I am whack. 

So on Friday when I was finally not quite as itchy as before, I did a 9 mile speed workout to make up for the days I had missed. On Saturday, when a friend asked if I would run her long run with her, I said sure. It was 20 miles. I was pretty sore by the end of it. Then on Sunday, I ran a few miles with a different friend in order to get in my 36 miles for the week.

Let me tell you, there is a reason you are supposed to take recovery days after a long run.

Monday I was off and I could not waste a beautiful day off by not running, especially when my other runs would have to be done at night, so I ran again. This was a great run, a slow ramble through the forest, with no destination or set mileage in mind. It was sunny and about 50 degrees and I couldn't have asked for a nicer day or a better run.

This training cycle I am currently on calls for 6 days of running a week. SIX. Usually I am a fan of schedules and planning and of things being a certain way and of knowing what that way is going to be. However, this time, I am just running. I am making my own schedule. I am running three or four days a week. I am cramming two days miles into one. If I am putting on my running gear, I am going for it.

Yes, I am still doing a long run and I will most likely get in a hill or a speed workout each week, but other than that, I am enjoying running with friends, and running on the days where it works for me. Sure, sometimes this means running 9 mile and upward runs four days in a row, which isn't the best idea, but it's good. It is testing different boundaries and teaching me (yet again) new things about myself.

It's teaching me things like: running for a long time or many days in a row is good practice for an Ultra. Specifically, the Oholone 50k, which I just signed up for.  Yikes.

Have you ever had poison oak? Do you follow your training schedule to a T? Have you ever had to cram all your mileage into less days?

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Change of Pace

Before the Santa Rosa Marathon, I was feeling a little unmotivated to run. I think it was due to several factors. I had some things going on in my personal life and it was affecting my running. I was pretty busy and I was having a hard time juggling life and running.

So I decided that after the marathon, I would take a break. I would lower my weekly mileage; I would take time to read, relax, hang out with friend, and do yoga. The day after the marathon, I found a Groupon for Bikram yoga in a studio near my house. I was getting a great start on my new plan!

But then...

...thanks to Fitfluential, of which I am an ambassador, I got an entry into the Nike Womens Marathon, which you may have heard of? It's in San Francisco. It's got hills. It's 26.2 miles long. 

So I decided to try a new tactic.

That Sunday, I met up with a runner I found on Meetup. She had posted that she was going to be doing her last 22 mile run before her marathon on the 23rd. I thought it wouldn't hurt me to try it. 4 girls, including me, ended up running together. We all ran at about the same pace. It was great. First of all, it was a route I had never run before, so it was nice to have a change up in that aspect. Second, it was nice to have company for three hours. It was a little nerve wracking at first. It's a little weird, meeting up with people you don't know, and putting yourself in a position where you have to spend the next three hours together. You could totally hate each other. They could run too fast or too slow. They could be mean or horrible.

But we didn't hate each other. They didn't run too slow. And they weren't mean or horrible, not in the least.

I am not a convert. I am not going to start running with someone every time. I like to run when I want to, as fast or as slow as I want to. I don't want to drive somewhere to go running after work. I am picky about that. However, it is nice once a week or once every two weeks, to have someone to while away a few hours together, someone to socialize with that doesn't involve work or food or booze.

PM run around Lake Merrit

I met up with one of the girls again this weekend. We ran 20 miles around Oakland. We started at 6 in the morning. By 9 a.m, we were done. It was perfect. It's nice to have someone to motivate you to keep going, to get up early, and to keep up the pace (we ran it at an 8:30).

Something even better? Is that she and one of the other girls got into Boston. We are planning a get together where we can talk Boston and details and where we can get excited and giddy and be running nerds together. I can't wait.

So far this training cycle (all 5 weeks of it) is going well!

What's the closest together you have ever run two marathons? Have you ever joined a social group online? Have you ever had a blind date or a time when you met up with people you had never hung out with before?

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Tuesday Training (7)

I know, you are thinking...how many gosh darn weeks ARE there in this training program? Well, I can tell you that it has been approximately 17 weeks, 1 day, 13 hours and 17 minutes. Approximately. The good news is this is the last you will have to hear about training for a while. The bad news is that the next week will probably be full of race recaps instead. Sorry. I do have a few non running related (what!?) posts in the works for both this and next week though!

But first, I had fun with last weeks "you might be an ultra runner". How about just plain old "you might be a RUNNER"? Here are a few that pertain to me. You can find a lot more here!

One of my all time favorite trails: PCT!

 You know you're a runner when...

-          you have more running clothes than regular clothes in your laundry pile.

-          you smirk when non-runners ask you, "So how long is this marathon?" (remember this post?)

-          your runs are longer than your commute to work.

-          you go into Starbucks more often to use the bathroom than to actually buy coffee.

-          you no longer make fun of fanny packs because your running belt looks very similar to one.

-          you get an invitation to a wedding and you automatically think about what race the date will conflict with.

-          you're always hungry.

-          you know where your illiotibial band is located.

-          you spend more time researching running routes than tourist attractions when traveling to a new city. (I have a list here)

-          you know where exactly one mile from your front door is (in any direction). (and get made fun of for it!)

-          you get jealous when you're driving in your car and pass runners.(or when I am walking!)

Now, on with the training show! 
Week 1 - 4
Week 5 - 8
Week 9 - 11
Week 12 - 13
Week 14 - 15
Week 16

Week 17:

This last week has been better than the week before, not so much miles wise, since I am technically in taper, but motivation wise. Funny how that works. Now that I am SUPPOSED to run less miles, I want to run more. It's all mental.

Monday: REST -- walk 2 miles
Tuesday: REST -- walk 3 miles
Wednesday: 3 miles easy run with a friend (no Garmin) / walk 3 miles
Thursday: 8.5 miles @ 8:44 pace / walk 2 miles
Friday: hike 4 miles / walk 2 miles
Saturday: 11 miles @ 11:00 pace (hills/trail run) / hike 5 miles **
Sunday: 4.5 miles @ 12:00 pace (hills/trail run) **I cut this one short because I left a pot of beans on the stove accidentally. I kid you not.

Total Run miles: 26
Total Walk miles: 12
Total Hike miles: 9

I love hiking and walking as "cross training" and luckily have a friend who is willing to go with me. We have been walking or hiking 1-2 days a week after work and this week, we also got in a weekend hike, which was fabulous. It's been a great chance to catch up and get some exercise at the same time!

This last week is a low mileage one and I have to admit, I am kind of glad for taper this time. Madness there is not. Happiness there is. Thank you Yoda. Now all we have to do is get through this weekend without falling apart and then...well...then we will have to see! Most likely, then I will run.

Do you usually go crazy if you don't run or do you like a break from time to time? Do you have a go-to hiking/running/walking buddy? Can you relate to/add to any of those "you might be a runner if"s?

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Tuesday Training (6)

I thought I would start off today's post with some jokes. I did not think of these myself, although I may add some to the list. They came from the website run100s.com, which is a great resource if you are ever thinking about doing an ultra. Some of you can probably relate to these! I know I can.

You might be an ultra runner if (sung to the tune of "you might be a redneck"):

- You wonder why they don't make all running socks a dusty brown color.

My feet after the Ultra

- You postpone your wedding because it will interfere with your training. (I thought of Amber on this one; she did not postpone her wedding, but she DID train for a marathon and plan a wedding at the same time!)

- You don't recognize your friends with their regular clothes on. (or this one should be that MY friends don't recognize ME!)

 the party dress that got all the comments

- 6am is sleeping in

- You're tempted to look for a bush when there's a long line for the public restroom

- Your ideal way to celebrate your birthday is to run at least your age in miles (almost did it!).

- You can recite the protein grams of each energy bar by heart

- You know the location of every 7-11, restroom, and water fountain within a 25-mile radius of your house.

- You rotate your running shoes more often than you rotate your tires.

- You walk up the stairs and run down them.

You can find more here. And now, I want to specifically comment on a couple of them:

- Your crew tries to keep you motivated by saying, "You're in second place and only 6 hours behind first with 25 miles to go!"

This kind of happened to me on Sunday. I was told I was the 5th girl and the girl in front of me was ONLY 10 minutes ahead. I thought the guy was joking. Now I am not so sure. 

- The start of a marathon feels like a 5K and you're wondering "Why is everyone in such a rush? Where the ##@@**!! is the fire?"

I found this one funny for two reasons. (1) I have a marathon in two weeks and I only hope it feels like a 5k. I doubt it will, although I did try to do the ultra first, so it would seem "shorter", and (2) It's kind of true in regards to pace. I can only imagine, since my 50k (which is the shortest of the ultras) was done at a pretty easy pace compared to marathon pace. I bet those 100 mile runs are pretty "slow and easy wins the race" kind of attitude.

An actual recap of the ultra will be up later in the week. For now, here's the low down on this week's training.

Week 1 - 4
Week 5 - 8
Week 9 - 11
Week 12 - 13
Week 14 - 15

Week 16:

Monday: Rest / 6 mile walk
Tuesday: 4.5 miles @ 8:47 pace / 5 mile walk
Wednesday: Rest / 3 mile walk
Thursday: 10 miles @ 8:13 pace / 2 mile walk
Friday: Rest/ 2 mile walk
Saturday: Rest / 2 mile walk
Sunday: 31 miles @ an undisclosed pace :) (you have to wait for the recap!)

I have been walking every day, both on running days and rest days. This week was a little strange, as I only ran 3 days, because I wasn't sure about how much rest I should have before the ultra and I was pretty tired most of the week, so I decided not to overdo it. I walked instead, to keep some miles, but to take it easy a little. I am glad I did, because I am not really sore today! I may even go for a run this evening!

Total Miles: 45
Miles This Cycle: 648

According to RunningAhead, those miles were completed in 102 hours, giving me an approximate average pace per mile of 9:22. This week I have a pretty easy taper week ahead of me and then next week, it's "Take It Easy" time and then...marathon weekend!

Do you do a lot of walking? Do you have any "you might be a runner / ultra runner / marathon runner if..." jokes? Do your friend's recognize you if you wear a dress (or slacks if you are a boy)?

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Tuesday Training (5)

If you hate training posts, check out the first few days of my hike to Everest base camp.  Otherwise, read on McDuff! Also, whether you do or don't like training posts, can you please send some well wishes towards my parents, who are in the middle of a pretty nasty forest fire right now!? I appreciate it.

source

And now onto the training recap!

Week 1 - 4
Week 5 - 8
Week 9 - 11
Week 12 - 13

Week 14: This week I still had trouble getting motivated. I was really, really not feeling like running. It was a struggle to get out the door. Every day. However, as usual, once I went and did it, I felt fine. Also, my pace was faster than it had been the week before, when I ran more miles, but at a much slower pace.

Monday: Rest
Tuesday:  Rest
Wednesday: 7 miles @ 9:29 pace (run with Dad)
Thursday: 5.5 miles @ 8:28 pace
Friday: 10 miles @ 8:37 pace
Saturday: 13.1 miles @ 9:01 pace (Bad Bass Half)
Sunday: Rest

Total Miles Week 14: 36

Week 15: After asking for your advice the other day, I decided to flip this week with week 16, which meant a low mileage week this week and the 57 mile week for week 16 (the week of the Ultra). Not only that, but I even decided to skim a few off Hal's suggested mileage. I only ran three days, which is two less than normal. It felt good physically, but super, super lazy mentally. It's still hard not to feel like I am wasting time or being lazy when I am not running! However, my 13 mile run on Saturday felt great! It was also about a 2200 ft elevation gain, but I was really feeling good, the weather was cooperating and my feet just kept moving! I need more of these runs!

Monday: Cross-Train -- 1.5 hours of painting
Tuesday: 12 miles @ 11:07 pace (trail run)
Wednesday: Cross-Train -- 1.5 hours of painting
Thursday: 7 miles @ 8:14 pace
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 13.1 miles @ 8:25 pace
Sunday: Rest

Total Miles Week 15: 32

The verdict? I think 18 weeks is too long for a training program (my last one was 12 but was added to a half marathon base). I am not feeling very much in love with the idea of running right now. I still love it once I get into it, but it's been really hard to get motivated to get out and do it. I also notice that even my faster paces are not fast enough. In order to get a 3:30 marathon, I need an 8 minute pace. For 26 (point two!) miles.

So, next up for this week? I have the Ultra on Sunday, which is a 50k, so I plan to have three shorter runs this week, giving me a total of 4 runs and somewhere around 50-60 miles. Then it's taper time for the Santa Rosa Marathon!

Ha! Something to make you laugh? I put my best half marathon time into the McMillan Pace Calculator, and, according to that, I should be able to run this weekend's 50k in 4 hours and 15 minutes. At a pace of 8:13. Um, I am sorry Mr. McMillan, but you need an elevation factor in that equation! Can you imagine running 30 hilly miles at an 8 minute pace? No? Me neither. Good luck with that.

Have you used the McMillan calculator? What kind of natural disasters have you been through where you live? Do you count painting as cross training?

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Do as I Say, Not as I Do

Despite my excellent advice just a few days ago, yesterday I went for a 12 mile run with my worst enemy, a bad pair of underwear. Why is it that no matter how many miles we have run, we still do stupid things? In this case, I am talking about things we KNOW are bad, so much so that we dedicate a bullet point in a blog post about it. I am shaking my head in disgust at myself.

However, despite the minor setback, I had a great run! I am back in Oakland, where the trails are easy to get to and I had a fantastic run on the West Ridge section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Remember I talked about someday hopefully running, walking and hiking the entire thing? Well, yesterday I tackled 6 more miles of it. Now I am up to approximately 24 out of 325. Not bad, right? Funny story: the ultra I signed up for is mostly on the BA Ridge Trail! I don't think it covers any parts that I have not been on yet, but it will still be fun to run a race on trails close to home!

Speaking of the Ultra, I have a question for the runners out there. I have a marathon coming up in approximately three and a half weeks. So, if I follow my training schedule, I would have a mile heavy week this week (58 miles), a lower mileaage week next week (37 miles) and two taper weeks right before the marathon weekend (30 and 37.2 respectively).

HOWEVER. I have the ultra (50k = 30 miles) next weekend (Aug 12), on the week that is supposed to be a 37 mile week. I was thinking I would just flip flop this week and next week and run 37 miles this week and 58 next week....OR I would run 58 this week and maybe only run 7 additional miles during the week next week. Or....maybe you have a better idea?

Now, just for fun and to TRY to remind myself of the things I should not do, eat or wear for this ultra.

NO:

- Peanut butter or any nuts really (I have a problem with this one because it's usually at the aid stations and it's easy to grab and easy to eat...and I like it, but it doesn't like me.)
- Fruity Gu (tried it, almost puked, will stick with chocolate or chomps/chews/baby food)
- Champion Tank top (I love it and it's going to be hot, but it gives me chafe. What a bummer)
- Loose undies (see above)
- Gazelle action in the beginning (this is an EnDuRaNcE race. Remember that!)

I am sure there are other things that even though I know they didn't work last time, I have done again and again. I have a really hard time resisting those PB filled pretzels, but I will just have to wait until the post run BBQ to indulge.

Have you ever done something even though you know it doesn't work for you? Or maybe you have a food you love that doesn't love you back? (Runners: any advice about the last few weeks of training? )

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Tuesday Training (4)

Hate training posts? Love lists? Check out this list of 10 things that may make you realize that you are in Africa!

As I mentioned last week, I have been very unmotivated lately as far as running goes. However, this has not stopped me from getting out there and doing it anyway! I spent one of the weekends in Massachusetts, where it was HOT and humid. The rest of the time, I've been running in Santa Cruz, where its been in the 70s mostly. For both weeks, I pretty much ditched my speed work and am mostly running what some would call "junk miles". Junk or not, I am just happy that I managed to do any!

One thing I am really noticing lately is that the more I run, the more I eat. I know this is nothing new, but on my rest days, I am always hungry, so I am continuously eating! I'm like a 12 year old boy, appetite-wise. Also, I have a sock tan line which is pretty attractive.

Week 1 - 4
Week 5 - 8
Week 9 - 11

Week 12 - 13

Week 12:

Phoenix Rail Trail

Monday: Rest -- my right calf was giving me pain
Tuesday: Rest -- still in pain, so I decided to take an extra day of rest
Wednesday: 12 miles @ 9:36 pace (calf still hurting)
Thursday: 12.5 miles @ 9:53 pace (hilly trail run)
Friday: 7 miles -- 6 @ 9:40 pace / 1 mile walk on beach in middle
Saturday: Rest -- Travel Day
Sunday: 9 miles @ 9:00 pace

Total Miles: 40.5
Overall feeling: Tired

Week 13:

Norwottuck Rail Trail

Monday: 6 miles @ 8:57 pace (Norwottuck Rail Trail)
Tuesday: 8.5 miles @ 9:19 pace (Phoenix Rail Trail)
Wednesday: Rest -- Travel Day
Thursday: 11 miles @ 8:46 pace
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 10 miles @ 8:31 pace
Sunday: 20 miles @ 9:06 pace (Wilder Ranch)

Total Miles: 55.5
Overall feeling: Okay (better than last week!)

Wilder Ranch SP

What I have learned these past two weeks is that...I don't think I can sustain the required BQ pace of an 8 minute mile for 26.2 miles! I am having a hard enough time sustaining a 9 minute mile! This weekend I have a half marathon, which should give me an idea of my race pace, but I am feeling like maybe I am biting off more than I can chew with the BQ goal right now.

How is your training going? Do you have a hard time maintaining your pace in the heat?

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Just Call Me Baby

I have a confession to make. I eat baby food. It makes me run fast.

I was volunteering for a 50k a couple of months ago and in the process met some great guys who put up with my incessant questions about Ultra Racing. What do you eat? How often do you train? How many miles do you go for your long runs? Do you walk up all the hills? What is a good time for a __k? How much water do you carry? What shoes do you use? They were very patient with me. We ran 20 miles together; they had no choice.

I learned...they run runs by the hour, not the mile. For instance, on the weekend, they may go for a 4 hour run, regardless of the number of miles. I learned that they mostly use hydration VESTS, rather than belts. I learned that they use Montrail and Asics and Some Weird Shoe with a bigger heel. And, as far as fueling, I learned that some of them eat baby food.

So I tried it. I tried a few different kinds. Each were apple based and were in those squeezable packages. I know, it's landfill, but I am only using one a week at the most. Here are a few I tried.

Target Up and Up Brand Baby Food -- 1 x 3.5 oz $0.79 each  -- $0.23/oz
Trader Joes Crushers -- 4 x 3.17 oz packs for $2.99 ($0.75 each -- $0.24/oz)
Safeway Brand Squeeze Applesauce -- 4 x 3.17 oz packs for $2.50 ($0.63 each -- $0.20/oz)**

The results? I love it. It goes down MUCH easier than Gu (which I am not a huge fan of but will use if I need to). It's about 50 calories per pouch, so you may need to carry several, which could be a drawback. I used them in tangent with my other favorite fuel, honey stinger chews. I take a shot of applesauce around the 1 hour mark and a few chews about an hour afterward (2 hr mark) and probably about a half an hour after that (2.5 hr mark). I've never been big on fuel, and so far, this seems to work for me. I may start to carry two of them (hey, that's why I wear a bra, right?) and take them on the hours and the chews on the half hour. Who knows. I still have three 20+ mile runs ahead of me to test it out.

What kind is the best? Seriously, just go with **the cheapest one. They all taste the same to me. Just make sure there is no added sugar. They should be made from fruit, which is already naturally sweet!

Now that I mentioned this, you may wonder why I need to worry about all this stuff. It's because I got a wild hair and finally signed up for my first ultra (after hemming and hawing and watching the price rise and the number of available spots drop!) Which one!? It's the Skyline 50k which is right near my place in Oakland! Click the icon to go to the site!

The race is on August 12. That means I have about one month to complain, ask more questions, be nervous, get over my fear train! I have decided NOT to buy new shoes. I will probably wear my regular old Asics that I have been wearing on the street and trails for the last few months. I am still not sure about a hydration vest. I am not sure I need the water, but the added storage pockets may be nice. Also, for my marathon training, I still have 2 more 20 milers. I can decide whether to do one of them on trails in preparation for the 50k. Does anyone have any advice for these issues? 

Don't forget to stop by Jill's for more Fitness Friday posts!  Also, happy FRIDAY the 13th!


Have you ever eaten baby food? If people ask you lots of questions about something you are knowledgeable about, is it annoying or flattering?

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