Solo Run vs Group Run

"I have had runs go very bad, I have had really great runs, most have just been ok.  But I have never regret going out for any of my runs." ~Naomi Schukert

Running is a solo sport.  Most of my running is done solo.  I run the treadmill at the gym by myself or hit the road by myself.  However, there is something that happens when I run with another person.  All of a sudden I am able to push a little more in my training.

I found that talking about running in my daily life I was able to find others that enjoy it too.  This introduced me to a group of runners that meet twice a week with a training schedule for half and full marathons called Sole Crusaders.  Because it is a decent size group, there are all levels/speeds and I knew was bound to find someone with my ability that I could run with.

This morning was an icy 4 mile run with Naomi.  We ran a slow but steady pace that allowed us to chat a little.  She is an ultra runner.  I admire her determination to complete such large goals.  (Maybe someday I will be at that level.)  She encouraged me during the run, answered questions I had about training and was there to keep me moving forward.  Somedays it's nice to get out and run alone, but I have learned in my journey that I enjoy sharing it with others as well.

I would encourage you to find a person or group to share a run with and see what a difference it can make in your training.  I am very thankful that I did.

Also if any of you live in the area and would like to run with Sole Crusaders let me know and I will get you the information.  It is a great group of men and women.

I'm BACK!

Hello All.  I have been on a little hiatus, but I am back.  It is once again that time of year that I am running in the 300 Miles or Die Race.  I am on track to actually finish this year!  I have 210 official miles logged with the group.

I have also completed my very first half marathon 13.1 miles in November.  I have not felt more accomplished in my life!  I decided late to do it and only had 6 weeks to train, but I did it.  I am now working on training for my second one Spring 2014.

Here are some pictures from my first Made in America Half Marathon, Massillon, OH.

My biggest supporter
Talking me through mile 8.                           Mile 9, I was struggling.

                   
 Running on the Tow Path mile 6ish.               Mile 3 still feeling good.
 

2:56:26 finish for my first half marathon with 6 weeks of training.  This was a huge commitment and accomplishment!

New Skin Care

What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies.  I have been on a 6 month trial with new products from Arbonne International.  I have a friend that was selling it and asked me to have a party.  I have had cystic acne for almost a year now after stopping hormones and have not found a product that could help.  So I jumped all in and purchased a bunch of products as a preferred client and received 20% off of everything.
Within one week of using the Clear Advantage line my acne was reduced.  I also did not have any new acne forming!  The products are Gluten Free and Vegan.  They are also botanically based so they smell great.  I have to admit that I didn't think that they would work.  They work!
I was so impressed with the product I signed up as a consultant of the product.  I love that they are Pure, Safe, and Beneficial.  Arbonne International is able to spend money on research and cleaner ingredients because it is a network market.  They don't have to advertise.  The products sell themselves.

Taco Salad recipe

We have been eating a ton of chicken at the house lately.  I am not really sure why I keep making it.  Tonight I couldn't bring myself to eat it for dinner again, so luckily we have plenty of beef on hand from our 1/4 cow purchase this winter.  I grabbed some ground beef, tomato, lettuce, and avocado.  I figured that I could find something interesting to make from what I have available in the house.  Here's what I ended up with.  The dressing was delish, and the beef was the perfect spicy flavor.  

Taco Beef

1lb ground beef

1/4t chipotle powder

1 t garlic powder

1 t onion powder

1T chili powder
Mix everything together and brown in a skillet.



Creamy Avocado Dressing
2 avocado
3/4 c. water
4 T. olive oil
2 T. lemon juice (I would start with one and taste it... I thought 2 was a little much)
1/4 t. Cayenne pepper or to taste
1/2 t. Garlic paste (can use garlic powder) 
2-4 dashes sea salt and pepper

I used a food processor to mix everything together, but you can use whatever you have available. If the dressing seems too thick, add some more water.  It will last about a week in a jar in the fridge.

For the salad, I used mixed greens, a whole tomato diced, a handful of diced onion and fresh cilantro.  Top with the beef and dressing.  I think a little salsa or peppers would have been a nice addition to the salad if I had it in the kitchen.  

Here's What's Cooking

I am about ready to be done with the detox.  I am really missing eating fruit!  As I was grocery shopping last night I saw beautiful pineapples, mangoes, and strawberries.  I am going to dive head first into a fruit salad when I am done.  

I have been cooking today to prepare myself for the upcoming week and this weekend.  I have prepared Stuffed Peppers for the crockpot tomorrow.  Pizza Crackers are in the oven now and the sauce was just finished up.  Also buttery chicken thighs and bacon wrapped chicken thighs with a side of asparagus and a snack of prosciutto wrapped asparagus.  I was able to complete all of this cooking in just under 2 hours.  

I am learning that preparation of every piece of food that I consume is the best way for me to make sure I am getting the nutrients that I need to function daily.  It is a chunk of my weekend to make this happen, but I am worth it!  

Here's a few photos from tonight's cooking.  

Day 11 and Bulletproof Coffee

I started my day off with a cup of bulletproof coffee.  (Here's a link if you would like to try it for yourself http://www.dailypercolator.com/food_ventures/bulletproofcoffee/)  It was amazing!  It was just as good as any fancy coffee house drink I get and it is a great way to start the day with some healthy fats.  My workday was fabulous and I almost forgot to eat lunch again.  I went to Chipotle and had a Chicken Salad with tomato salsa and guacamole only.  I honestly did not miss the rice, cheese, or sour cream that I would normally get.  I did have a hard time saying no to the corn salsa though.  I love that stuff and I was proud I had the willpower to not get it.

CF Endurance tonight was brutal and I loved it!  Kettlebell swings, squats, push ups, plenty of running, planks, and my nemesis burpees were all present in tonights workout.  After completing 94 burpees on the asphalt in the rain tonight I will be fine not seeing them in a workout for at least a week.  I am learning to appreciate the abilities my body has to push through more each week.  I am always amazed when I finish at what I have accomplished in one hour.

Tomorrow is grocery day so I need to get started on my list of things to try for my last week of Sugar Detox.  I have never enjoyed making a list and the daunting task of grocery shopping.  My poor husband has to drag me there almost weekly.  However, I am beginning to enjoy the process a little more knowing that I have been finding all these new and exciting recipes to keep it fresh in the kitchen.

Almost Halfway There~And Still Sugar Free

Detox Day 10 down and I am still going strong.  I noticed that I had a significant decrease in hunger today.  I actually almost forgot to eat my lunch.  I am not sure if it is from all the food I shoved in my face over the weekend or if I am really having a reduction because of the increased fats and decrease sugars in my diet.  Either way, it is welcome.  I felt as if I was stuffing my face all day for the first week.  I am also enjoying the green tipped banana over the green apple each day.  I look forward to eating it.

It was nice getting to the gym tonight to see a partner workout.  Especially after sloshing through the thunderstorms, puddles, and then coming home to a stressed out dog (because she is terrified of thunder.)  I laughed and enjoyed all the fun of tire flipping and piggyback rides while getting in a workout and de-stressing myself from the day.

I also finally found a recipe that I do not care for.  It was bound to happen with all the new things I have been trying on the detox.  Chocolate, Almond, Coconut Bites, YUCK!  They are dry and bitter.  I would like them better with a little bit of honey.

Only 11 more days left of the detox.  I am beginning to think that I may be able to have a different relationship with sugars when this is complete.