A Running Mom

So I heard the most hilarious story about a person, like me, who loves to run. She loves to run but she hates running in the cold. This person decided that on a very cold day, she would run on a treadmill instead of outside. She, like me, hates running on a treadmill. This poor person jumps on the treadmill without noticing that it is in motion, and falls immediately, breaking her shoulder, and alas, ending her chance for a good run.

Not a funny story in that she obviously got hurt.

But a hilarious story in that she got on a treadmill when it was in motion and fell! Just like the cartoons! Just like something I might do! Maybe that’s why I find it so funny.

Here’s to all you runners out there who are getting your runs in without falling on the treadmill.

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

I’m in a “watch it” phase right now. I’m watching what I eat; I’m carefully planning my workouts; I’m stretching and doing my pilates moves even when I can’t get to my class; I’m sieving out people in my life who bring me down. I’m watching it.

And it’s working! I feel better. I’ve dropped a few. I’m getting stronger (or at least convincing myself that I feel stronger in a short amount of time). And the peeps around me are keeping me smiling.

Here’s what I want to share with you on the food thing:

1. Oatmeal with peanut butter in the morning.

2. Cheddar cheese and apple for a snack.

3. Split pea soup or another soup-type food for lunch.

4. Pretzels and a hard-boiled egg for a snack.

5. Salad with chicken for dinner.

And for a treat, a Tofutti Cutie!  Yum.

Try it. It’s working for me. I hope it works for you. This week? Let’s get out for 3 good runs, shall we?

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Today’s Kari’s birthday! Happy birthday Kari! May your birthday wishes come true!

Cheers!

Check out her blog: www.karenhilton.typepad.com

May your next run be a good one!

Rebecca

I look forward to Sundays. I relish them. It’s the only day in recent memory that has become sacred because I spend the morning with my boyfriend. We run together. Just like we did when we were dating. Nothing spoils this time together. Or at least, nothing had spoiled this time together. Until today. 

Today we started our run, only to find the road underneath our shoes covered in ice. And snow. And lots and lots of tracks frozen into that ice. And snow. Uneven footing. Slippery survaces. Deep, crunchy snow.

YUCK! It was the worst run in months! My ankles screamed at me: STOP!

My boyfriend kept talking. A nice distraction.

But really? Ice. Snow. TRACKS!

About 3/4 the way through, the road became clear and we both cheered. Out loud. Like kids. Those first 4 miles were brutal. The last 2 were bliss.

So maybe it wasn’t a totally ruined run. Besides, I did get all the fun of hanging with my fave person. But when I tell you I don’t ever want to run in conditions like that again ever never, I’m not being melodramatic. That was horrifying!

That’s why I’m eating one more brownie. Kudos to us. Kudos to you!

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

My dad used to always say, “Managing your weight is really easy. You’ve got to burn more than you take in. It’s just a matter of calories in vs. calories out.” Boy was he right.

Here’s where it all falls apart for me: when I’m in a groove and exercising regularly, I get a little more hungry. But if I eat a little more at these times, it doesn’t seem matter. It makes sense, too, since I’m working out consistently, and I’m burning off calories regularly as well. Of course, it’s at this time that I look and feel my best. And then it happens.

I hit a wall. I get sick, or someone in my family gets sick, or it gets super cold, and I stop running or doing pilates for a few days. Bam! I think I’m still eating with moderation, but in fact, I’m probably consuming more calories than I’m working out. And without a blink, I put on those few pounds that make my jeans tight.

It’s all a matter of calories and vs. calories out. I think that is true. But when activity levels change, I think it’s also about thinking about those very calories in a way that will keep me balanced. Off I go for a run. 

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Always eat and drink a little something before you run.  It will give you energy, keep you comfortable during the run and help you recover more quickly after a run.

The Key, of course, is not to eat or drink too much. And to allow enough time between what you eat and drink at the run to ensure a comfort level. The amount of time between will vary from person to person. Here’s what works for me:

For example, if I’m going to run at 10:30am I eat a 1/2 serving of oatmeal, drink 1/2 cup of coffee and 1/2 water by 8:30am. This works out perfectly.

If I’m going to run at 1pm, right after lunch, I’ll skip lunch and eat 1/2 banana and 1/2 cup of water by noon. After the run I’ll drink more water and eat accordingly.

For a late afternoon run, I’ll eat a granola bar or 1/2 banana within 45 minutes of running.

At night, I never eat anything more than 6 apple slices within 45 minutes of my run. Generally speaking, nighttime running doesn’t require as much nourishment for me before or after. My challenge at this time of the day is to ensure I’ve taken in enough fluids. If I don’t, my muscles, skin and eyes will feel uncomfortable and tight. Hydration is always key, but for me, running at night presents a unique challenge. 

The only time I don’t eat anything before I run is if I’m running first thing in the morning. Sometimes I’m running within 10 minutes of waking up. In these cases, I simply drink 1/2 cup of water and go. These runs work out ideally for me because they suppress my appetite for hours, heighten my thirst so I drink more water throughout the day, and overall, provide a huge burst of energy for that day as well.

What do you do?

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Me no running tomorrow - 0 degrees with wind chill. Not for me. So I’m using my running time to plan a family vacation. Just thinking about it makes me warm!

We love this place. Here… hope it works for you!

kiawahresort.com

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

I’m absolutely pumped about The Pittsburgh Marathon this year. Not sure if I’ll be able to run the whole thing, since my knee still bugs me, but I do know this: I am running that day in some way. And I cannot wait! It’s going to be such a thrill! Here’s why:

We’re all going to be celebrating the Marathon’s return to Pittsburgh. This city needs some attention paid to it for fitness. For the character of the city. The unique people. The neighborhoods. The culture. And at a time when marathons across the country keep popping up everywhere, it seems quite fitting for Pittsburgh to recognize the importance of keeping ours on the books.

Have you signed up yet?  Think you don’t have enough time to train?

I’ve always used the program mentioned here, and I’ve always enjoyed a comfortable, rewarding race. I don’t win. But I enjoy it. And I am not walking funny the next day because my training wasn’t robust enough.

Check it out:

Hal Higdon’s MARATHON TRAINING GUIDE.

May your next run be a good one. Happy New Year!

Rebecca

I often say that my fave day of the week is Sunday, when I get the chance to run with my fave person. Do you have someone who brightens your day by just doing stuff with you that you love?

I resolve, in 2009, to do more of my favorite things with my favorite peeps.

How are your resolutions going? Cheers to you and yours! Bring it on in 2009!  

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca