9 miles! And some goo...

I had a great 9 mile run today.  I increased my stride and forced myself to keep up a quicker pace than usual.  I've really been trying to increase my speed during my short runs, and I wanted to push myself to see what I could do over a long distance.  My legs were SCREAMING during my 9th mile, but I still felt like I had enough energy to keep going.

I've really seen an improvement in my mental capacity lately.  I used to become so frustrated and overwhelmed, and I would let that control how far or fast I would go.  Now, I mentally picture myself competing on the day of the race.  I imagine the finish line in my view, and it really helps me keep going.  I also love seeing my shadow while running on sunny days.  It might sound cheesy, but it's cool to see myself and what my body can really do.  It reminds me that I'm stronger and tougher than I ever thought or imagined.

I also have some awesome friends who let me stop at their house for a water break after 5.5 miles.  While there, I decided to try a GU Energy Gel for the first time.  I was pretty excited because the sales guy at the running store I went to yesterday really talked it up.

O.M.G.  It was incredibly disgusting!  The consistency reminded me of phlegm and mucus.  I already struggle with that feeling sliding down the back of my throat while I run in the cold.  Why on earth would I want to willingly ingest that?!  It might work for some people, but I'm definitely not a fan.  I'll stick to my Sport Beans and ShotBlox, thank you.

Cravings, Intervals, and Inspiration

What a week!  I conquered quite a few "firsts" this week.  I stuck to the Whole 30 diet for the entire week (minus a small handful of M&Ms one day), packed a healthy lunch daily, made my first smoothies, and conquered a raging craving for pizza.  I'm loving the new Paleo recipes that I've been trying, and I'm amazed at how much better food tastes.  I can literally feel my taste buds changing, and something as simple as a handful of almonds or an apple with cinnamon is absolutely delicious.  The hubby and I were even able to go out to dinner last night and find entrees to order that fit the plan.  I had a grilled tilapia fillet with shrimp and scallops, and a side of mixed veggies.  It was so filling that I didn't feel like I missed out on anything.  I was tempted to order a margarita (it was a Mexican restaurant after all!) but I stood my ground and just drank water.

Even on the day that I caved and ate M&Ms, I had what I consider to be a "first".  I stopped after that handful.  I didn't keep eating an entire bag.  I didn't use it as an excuse to eat more crap later.  I said enough is enough, and I went home to cook a healthy dinner.  I have NEVER been able to do that before.  I saw this quote on Pinterest the other day, and it has really stuck with me.

So true, right?

Another first was an interval workout that I tried yesterday at the gym.  I ran one minute at a 9:30 pace (which for me is really fast) and then walked one minute at a 15:00/mile pace.  I alternated between those paces 10 times.  Man, was that challenging!  Afterwards, I ran at a comfortable 11:00/mile pace while watching the Olympic Marathon trials.  Talk about inspiring!  I have been following Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher (who are sponsored by Nike) for the past year.  They are such incredible women.  I actually started crying watching them take 1st and 3rd.  And yes, I was at the gym.  I don't know what it is about competitions like that, but they just move me.  I had to pretend to wipe sweat off my face while I was running.  Slightly embarrassing.

I'm going to hold on to that inspiration to motivate me to run 8 miles today.  If they can kick ass while running 26.2 miles, I can handle 8.

Whole 30 Challenge

I'm so ready for this!  Today is Day #1 of the Whole 30 Challenge.  I did this once before and felt amazing, but I didn't stick "exactly" to the plan.  This time I think it will be much easier because my husband is participating with me.  We are also taking part in a healthy 90 day challenge with some friends.  The Whole 30 will be a great way to get us started.


Basically, this plan challenges you to "clean up" what you've been eating and get back to REAL, WHOLESOME food.  No additives.  No preservatives.  No long lists of ingredients.  Just delicious, fresh food.  We will be eating lean meats, fish, seafood, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, some beans, sweet potatoes, and plenty of herbs and spices for flavor.  What we won't be eating are processed foods, grains, dairy, alcohol, or any forms of sugar.  


Is this difficult?  Of course.  It's called a challenge for a reason.  But with proper planning and a bit of willpower, it is achievable.  And I know that with my hubby's support, we can definitely accomplish our goal.  


How does this play into my training?  I know it will make me feel lighter and healthier, but I also know that with less carbs and sugar, I may feel a little tired in the first week or two.  I will make sure that I eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to keep my energy level up, and I also plan to eat some quick fuel choices (Sport Beans or Shot Blox) during my long runs.  Obviously I realize that these don't fit the "plan", but I guess that will be my only cheat.  I'm not going to run 8 miles with a bag of raspberries in my pocket.  Sorry.


I weighed myself this morning as a starting point, but I love that the Whole 30 is not focused on simply weight loss.  They actually encourage you to NOT weigh yourself during the process.  I'm curious to see my weight at the end, but I'm more excited about how this will make me feel.


If you are interested in trying the Whole 30 Challenge yourself, check it out here.

Seven!

I ran 7.2 miles today!  That's officially the farthest I have ever run!  It was probably one of the slowest and sloppiest runs in the history of mankind, but I don't even care.  I freakin' did it!

Now I'm going to go collapse on the couch and watch some football because I'm exhausted...

But not before including a movie quote that popped in my head during my run:

"[I'm] trying this new fad called uh, jogging.  I believe it's jogging or yogging. It might be a soft ' j '.  I'm not sure but apparently you just run for an extended period of time.  It's supposed to be wild."