My New Care-Free Approach to Running

It's been a little while since running has brought me pleasure or joy.  If it's not enjoyable, why do it?  Right?  I run for so many reasons and suffering is not one of them.  I run because it's cheaper than therapy.  I run because it elevates my mood, relieves my stress, and leaves me with a great sense of accomplishment.  I run because it's a challenge, and let's be honest, it also gives me nice calves and allows me to eat more than I otherwise would.  Yes, it can be painful and awful at times, but in the end it provides so much satisfaction.  The lost toenails, bloody blisters and achy muscles are all worth it. 

However, since Boston, running has been one big suffer fest.  I was starting to think it might be time for me and running to break up.  Our love affair has been anything but hot and heavy and I've been left feeling deflated and insecure after every run.  Who wants to feel like that? 

But lately, things are starting to look up! 

I've decided to take a completely care-free approach to running for the time being.  I've been hitting the roads without any expectations.  I've been listening to my body and breath instead of a GPS device. Fancy that!  Pace and distance are irrelevant at the moment.  I head outside, hit the road, and just run.  I can't even remember the last time I ran without any idea how far or fast I was going.  If I had to guess, I'd say 2009!

 

This newfound approach has helped me to experience the joy that only running can bring.  I've missed this feeling.  I can honestly say that my last two runs have not only been incredibly cathartic, but also euphoric.  I was thrilled to catch a runner's high the other day for the first time in awhile.  There is nothing else like it, and I will probably chase that feeling for the rest of my life.  If a non-runner experienced that euphoria, I truly believe they would start running immediately. 

I'm not sure how long I'll stick with this approach.  I don't want to train for any races this summer, so I would venture to guess I probably won't incorporate any structure until this fall.  Until then, running and I are just having fun.  We're taking it easy.  Playing it cool.  And let me tell you, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Do you experience a "runner's high?"

Is your running structured or do you take a more care-free approach?

What I'm Loving Right Now

When I find something I love, I tend to get a little obsessed with it.  If it's a really great song, I'll listen to it 9  million times until I can't stand it anymore.  If it's a restaurant, I'll frequent it multiple times a week until the staff knows my name and order by heart.  Here are a few things I am loving (and probably overdoing) at the moment:

NuttZo 

I am nuts about this stuff! Okay, that was lame. I've always been a fan of peanut butter but NuttZo blows regular peanut butter out of the water.  It is organic and has 7 different nut and seed butters all swirled into one jar.  The flax seeds give it a nice texture.  There is no added sugar and it is chock full of Omega 3s.  You can buy it online or at Whole Foods and Sprouts (for my CA peeps).  Bonus: A portion of the proceeds go to Project Left Behind whose mission is to promote education, improve nutrition and living conditions for orphans around the globe. 

www.gonuttzo.com

Whole Foods Value Meals

We've all made the mistake of going to the Whole Foods salad bar and nearly choking when we arrive at the register to hear the cashier announce that we owe a whopping $18.  For lettuce? And toppings? What!? That stuff gets expensive and it's no wonder they call it Whole Paycheck.  However, you can hit up the cold, prepared food section and get yourself a lovely combo meal for only $6.  I can't believe I didn't know about this value meal situation until a few months ago.  You can either get 3 pieces of sesame tofu and 2 sides of your choice for $6 OR a nice piece of salmon and 2 sides for $10.  I don't know if this deal is available at every Whole Foods, but I know it is definitely in San Diego. I love that I can get something different every time.  

tofu & strawberry apple kale salad

tofu, california quinoa salad & strawberry spinach salad

Salmon, kale salad & quinoa salad

Thug Kitchen

If you're offended by off color language, this site is not for you. I appreciate the not-so-clean language on this clean eating site.  Their motto is "Eat like you give a F*ck" and they have excellent recipes for meals like the one below.  Holy yum!  Eat clean, talk dirty?

www.thugkitchen.com

Wild Belle

Music! I've been listening to a lot of Wild Belle lately.
Their sound is perfect for this summer weather we've been graced with. 

I've raved about Spotify in the past, so if you're not already on there, you should be.  

Listen to their latest album right here and enjoy a cold beverage in the sun. You're welcome.

***

Is there something you are loving at the moment?

Please share! 

Finding Balance

It's been months since I've practiced yoga.  I've missed it, I've craved it, but I haven't made time for it.  That is until yesterday.  One of my favorite yoga studios just moved into a new space so I decided to check it out.  As soon as I stepped through the door, I felt a rush of love.  I was welcomed with open arms and remembrance from two of my favorite instructors.  There is something about receiving a hug from a (great) yoga instructor that just melts me.  I felt enveloped in warmth.  There should probably be a "National Hug A Yoga Instructor Day."  It's good for your health. 

The new space. Full of love and light.
exploremosaic.com

Class was 90 minutes of total self care.  I look at my yoga practice as giving myself a huge hug.  That is exactly how class felt yesterday.  There was a Reiki healer conducting healing touch on all of us.  It was a very powerful class and exactly what I needed mentally and physically.

I felt pretty defeated this weekend after coming to the realization that I need to take a step back from running.  I am not able to run the distances or paces that I am used to.  I'm fatigued and worn out.  Everything aches and running feels like the most taxing activity in the world.  I still plan to run, but I will be shifting my focus and trying to find more balance between running, yoga and my overall health.  This isn't an easy transition to make as running is truly my therapy.  I rely on it heavily for my mental well-being.  Yesterday's yoga class really helped me to put it into perspective and to accept where I am at. Until I start to feel better, I will probably not run more than 10 miles at a time.

I am focusing on healing whatever the hell is wrong with me physically through FOOD.  When I am training for a marathon, my eating is only subpar.  I'm a healthy eater, but I usually just try to consume enough calories to make up for the calories lost through running without much focus on consuming a well balanced diet. This has shifted in the last few weeks.  I've been making a conscious effort to eat a colorful diet of whole foods.  Like I mentioned, I haven't been feeling physically well, so I am hopeful that food will be my medicine and alleviate the situation.  Hopefully, (fingers crossed) I will also make time to do more cooking, instead of relying on Whole Foods, and will share some recipes with you along the way. 

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
― Hippocrates 

***

 

I have the day off, so I am working on blog stuff with the lovely Teresa who I've been housesitting for this past week.  Staying at her place has been a lovely staycation of sorts.  She returned from Mexico today so we've had the chance to catch up before she jet sets for Bali on Thursday.  Jealous? Me? Noooo.

The rooftop view of San Diego

Loungin' on the roof

{Instagram: SoCalRunnerGal}

Teresa's sweet pad

I feel rested and rejuvenated and ready to roll with this new balanced approach.  How's that for a Motivational Monday?



 

Another Year Older + Another Marathon?

Birthday Wrap-Up

Hello, world!  This is my first post as a 27 year old.  I was lucky enough to spend my birthday with three of my best friends from San Diego back in Chicago.

Our 6:30 AM flight was delayed for 3 hours so Mimosas were definitely in order.

We spent hours at the mega Whole Foods in Lincoln Park. 
If you could shop with wine at all stores, I'd be in serious trouble. 

We got in some nice runs and walks on the lakefront path, like the old days.

We were incredibly lucky with the weather and our trip was essentially perfect.  There was a Native Foods just steps from our front door so I was basically in heaven.  We had a blast on Saturday night-- dancing and drinking the night away.  I enjoyed many delicious martinis and paid for it the next day.  I am definitely not 21 anymore.  In just 3 shorts years I will be hitting the big 3-0.  Yikes.  There is so much I want to accomplish before then.  I think it's time to start a list!

The Marathon Dilemma

As you all know, I am set to run the Newport Marathon in Oregon with Kristen on June 1st.  Kristen has been banging out 18 and 20 milers and I have yet to run more than 8 consecutive miles.  This is definitely not like me, but I've been struggling since Boston.  My calf has been acting up and my energy levels are at an all-time low.  I've been extremely negligent about taking my iron supplement, and I'm sure that is part of the reason I've been so fatigued.  I've been eating well and getting far more sleep than in the past few months, so it is the only reason I can find for feeling so tired and weak.

My favorite lunch as of late:
Kale salad w/ apples, strawberries, coconut and sliced almonds and a side of sesame tofu

I am going to attempt a long run this weekend and that will be the deciding factor on whether or not I run this race.  I am most excited to see Kristen and to spend time with her, so whether or not I run is not all that important to me at this point.  I am trying to take care of myself and do what is best for me mentally and physically.  Kristen is a complete rock star and if I don't run the full 26.2, I plan to run at least half the race as her personal cheerleader.  I am hopeful that I am somehow able to make it happen and check another marathon off my list.  Crossing my fingers for a successful long run this weekend. 

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Exciting weekend plans?  Do tell!

Back At It

The past ten days have been a roller coaster of emotions.  My first day back in San Diego was spent at work and I was a complete mess.  I made the mistake of reading the news and looking at a slide show of gruesome images.  It triggered so much sadness and I wasn't able to keep it together.  I was almost relieved when I heard that Teresa was having the same problem.  Teresa and I are forever bonded after our Boston experience. We later did an interview for the local news and then went out for wine.  We decided we would talk about what happened in Boston and then move forward.  It was probably the most cathartic thing we could do.  I genuinely felt a weight had been lifted and the days following were far less emotional. 

Sharing our Boston experiences

Possibly 2 of the most fun women on earth:  Natalie and Teresa 

The way I get over something difficult is to keep busy.  I made 1,001 plans for the weekend and wasn't alone at all except while sleeping.  I did happy hour, brunch, coffee, dinner, movie night, and volunteered. I was busy, but I also took 5 complete rest days after the marathon.  With the exception of lifting a glass to my lips and volunteering for a few hours on Saturday, I did not engage in any exercise.  I have to admit, it feels strange not to work out for 5 whole days.

Much of my weekend was spent with Natalie, creator of Bare Mixers, and Teresa, and we did a lot of drink-making and consuming. Check them out!

My weekend of "rest"

Videos of Teresa's SkinnyTinis coming soon...

Building a park in my I RUN THIS BODY tee
{Instagram: SoCalRunnerGal}

I finally ran a short 3 miles on Sunday and 5 miles yesterday. My body is grateful for the break from running, and now I am ready to get back at it before the Newport Marathon in a few weeks with Kristen.

I continue to question our sanity.  Why on earth did we think it was a good idea to run 2 marathons within 7 weeks of one another?  I guess I forgot what a toll 26.2 miles takes on one's body.  The good news is, the Newport course is flat and fast.  I plan to take much better care of myself in the weeks leading up to Newport.  I am already getting back on track with my sleeping and eating, and as of Monday, I am cutting down on my alcohol consumption, as well.  I want this race to feel good.  I don't want to suffer for 3 1/2 + hours.  Kristen ran an incredible 3:30 in Boston, so she can relax and have fun in Newport.  I, on the other hand, need to kick ass and redeem myself. 

It's time to get running. Wish me luck!

Have you ever run back-to-back marathons?

Tips? Suggestions? Please share!

Collecting My Thoughts on #Boston

I am on the plane en route to San Diego.  It is the day after the Boston Marathon, and I am still trying to collect my thoughts after such a surreal experience.  I realize my race experience is incredibly insignificant.  However, I feel the need to share it because it fully exemplifies the spirit of the running community.  In the aftermath of such tragedy, I find it even more important to remember that people are truly good at heart. 

My "Marathon Monday" started off with a lot of laughter at the Athlete's Village when I had a wardrobe debacle.  Upon stepping off the bus after our 26 mile ride, I quickly realized I was wearing pants with an enormous hole in the butt.  Thank you very much, Holly.  My dog has a serious obsession with eating my underwear and pants.  

My ass-less chaps

Clearly I got dressed half asleep in the dark.  While everyone was quick to laugh at my disastrous situation, everyone was also willing to help.  Kristen began walking around the village with me asking random runners if they had extra pants or shorts to donate to my bare ass.  We found a woman who gladly gave me the tights right off of her body.  The very tights that were keeping her warm while we sat for hours in the cold.  That is typical of a runner.  Runners support one another even if they've never met.  I was incredibly grateful for this woman's generosity but not at all surprised that I found someone in a crowd of marathoners willing to help out a stranger.  Runners are supportive, kind and generous human beings.

 

My anxiety was put at bay once I covered my bare ass, and the race began.  I immediately knew it was going to be a tough day.  I felt like I had nothing to give.  My legs were heavy and ridiculously tight.  Normally, if my body was feeling this bad, I would have stopped and walked numerous times during a race.  But this wasn't any race.  This was BOSTON.  There were hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets.  I put my music on at mile 5 and could still hear the roar of the crowd.  I got choked up multiple times along the way.  I high fived every person I possibly could and smiled for miles.  I was certain my cheeks would hurt by the end of the race.

 

The hills nearly destroyed me, but I didn't stop once.  At mile 22, I should have felt incapable of moving, but I started cheering and shouting along with the crowds.  Their energy was overwhelmingly contagious.  I started high fiving people, once again, and screaming like a lunatic.  It was incredible.  Again, I got all choked up by the smiling, cheering crowds.  It was surreal.  That is the only word I can use to describe it. 

 

I can't tell you how many times I thought to myself, "Man! People are awesome!" as I smiled and ran.  I painstakingly looked for an old college friend along the course, but sadly, missed her and this fabulous sign.

 

 

I crossed the finish line and found Teresa who also had a painful race. We bitched and complained about our sore bodies and made a pact to become 5k runners after this.  Our complaints were quickly shut down when we heard the two loud explosions.  We looked at each other with a knowing glance.  We didn't want to say it, but we knew it wasn't good.  I finally said it, "I think that was a bomb," but we refused to believe that was the case.  We parted ways and I called my ride so I could get the hell out of there.  Ambulances and police cars started speeding down the street and officials began shouting at us to go the opposite direction.  I smelled smoke and saw some people crying and moving quickly. I got in the car and the news quickly told me what I knew was true.

my texts to my mom

It was such a crazy experience.  As soon as I heard that two people died, I broke into tears, as I'm sure we all did.  I was glued to the TV for the rest of the evening watching the video of the explosions on repeat.

My point in sharing this experience is to not let this act of violence take away from such a beautiful community and from the spirit of the marathon.  Runners are a special breed of people.  We are strong, determined, united and unstoppable.  The running community is a beautiful one that I am insanely proud to be part of. 

My friend in Boston told me that a group of Bostonians are planning to run the last 5 miles of the marathon this Friday.  I am sure it will be an emotional experience for everyone involved but an inspiring one for sure.

Smiles of excitement one day before it all happened in this very spot.

 



Yesterday was an emotionally taxing day for all.  My thoughts are with everyone affected by yesterday's tragedy.  I can't get it out of my mind and I wish everyone an eventual deliverance of peace.  I am so incredibly grateful that everyone I know is safe and sound.  I have never been more appreciative of life and love than in this moment. 

Pre Boston Detox

Wow.  The last week has been a whirlwind.  I've been in Palm Springs (for pleasure) and then Anaheim (for business) and I am just finally getting back into the swing of things in San Diego only to leave for Boston in a mere four days!  I am in shock that Boston is only six days away.  My confidence has slowly been dwindling and I need to use this week to get my mind and body back in the game. 

I have been consuming way too many empty calories in the form of alcohol and not nearly enough food.  A picture is worth a thousand words, so here is what I am currently recovering from:

My abs are sore from dancing (score!)



Quality girl time



Bikini madness



So, how do I plan to recover and prepare myself for 26.2 miles next Monday? 

Here is my game plan.  It's super simple and seems like common sense, but believe it or not, I have been failing in every one of these departments for the last three weeks.

• Drink:  Water, not alcohol.  It's Detox Central over here. I have been insanely dehydrated so this is a must!
• Sleep:  At least 8 hours a night until Monday. I'm taking a red eye on Saturday so I may have to make an exception. 
• Eat:  Real food.  Quality calories.  Actual meals.
• Run:  Nice and easy.  No hard workouts allowed.  My body needs a break and some loving.
• Visualize:  I've never felt less focused before a race.  I plan to journal and envision myself running a seemless race.

Hopefully, I can adhere to all of the above and have a fun experience in Boston.  I couldn't be more excited to meet up with so many people in Bean Town: Kristen, Amanda, Katherine, Teresa, and Lisa, to name a few.  I hope I can get all of these party toxins out of my system and that I feel rested, rejuvenated and ready to rock this race. 

Boston, here I come!