better

I’m feeling much better after a couple good snacks, a cat nap, and a good dinner. I really think that sleeping kind of poorly last night is what set off my bad mood and, hence, off day.

For one thing, I got a letter in the mail from my grandma! She is so thoughtful and clipped a coupon for almond milk for me!!!! She also sent an ad for the costume contest associated with the Richmond Monument Avenue 10k I’ll be running at the end of the month. I’ve always heard about and seen the crazy costumes, but I don’t think I’m entering, despite the prize money! Maybe one day when I’m running it “for run” but since it is my first 10k I don’t want to worry about a goofy costume. Sorry, G’ma! But thanks for thinking of me

Shortly after my last post, I had half of an English muffin with a piece of cheese for some fiber and protein (staying power!). It was perfect and really calmed my ravenous-ness.

1/2 high fiber English muffin with 1 slice reduced fat white cheddar

I promptly passed out on the couch for about 30 minutes. Glorious. Shortly before Mona got home with dinner, I may or may not have had a couple Thin Mints from the freezer

But I was still so full from my English muffin and Thin Mints when she brought dinner home that I didn’t eat right away. She got some soup and salads from a local Mediterranean place so it was easily re-heated and served a couple hours later when my appetite returned. The soup was super filling and I did not finish my bowl. And the salad had some fresh mozzarella, artichoke, and walnuts. I topped it with a little bit of balsamic vinaigrette. On the side I had 2 pieces of whole wheat melba toast.

Lentil soup and a salad; 2 pieces whole wheat melba toast.

Eventually I got another chocolate craving and pulled out my TJ’s chocolate soy creamy. SO GOOD.

1/2 cup TJ's organic chocolate soy creamy, slivered almonds, 1 tsp homemade raspberry preserves.

Chocolate + almonds + raspberrry = amazing. And vegan! I love this soy “ice cream”. The flavor of the soy milk is subtle but comes through and adds a nuttiness. I LOVE it. I will still eat frozen yogurt, because I love it, but I honestly think I’m sticking to soy creamy for the most part.

No plans yet for tomorrow’s workout, but it will certainly be more restful than today’s since I did 5 miles!! Today was an interesting experience in pre-and post-workout fueling. I was obviously unprepared since I did not plan out such an intense workout, but I think I’m really starting to understand what my body needs and what fuels it best. Healthy fat, protein, and complex carbohydrates! And my body is getting used to running with a little food in my belly, which is good since I don’t want to continue to increase my milage and do harm to my body by not fueling it properly. So far, toast + PB and various bars (Lärabars, Luna bars, etc.) seem to be doing the best. And if I am planning a lighter workout, I need less before and less after. Food for thought…

What do you eat pre-workout?

bad day… good day… bad day…

Today has been weird.

I woke up SUPER cranky and grumpy and had no idea why but everything was getting to me. I slowly, slowly got myself ready for the gym and planned on only doing a moderate elliptical workout and lifting weights. But first I fueled myself with 1/2 a Luna bar.

1/2 Luna Chocolate Peppermint Stick bar

When I got there my mood was worsened when I realized that I had left my iPod in the car. Not a huge deal, but when I was already having a grumpy morning and was already in the locker room, I had to run out in the cold to get my pod. Then I saw that none of the ellipticals were free. So I decided to do a slow, easy 2 mile run and then move on to weights.

Well next thing you know, I had run close to 4 miles so I decided to just keep on going. In the words of my mom “You’ve already run 4 miles, how can 1 more be that bad?” Well the few times I’ve done 4 I felt like death, but after Sunday’s 5 miles with walking breaks I knew I was capable of continuing, even if I had to take a break here and there (no shame!). Well I ended up doing 5 miles without stopping in 54 minutes. The pace was PERFECT, I felt like I could have kept going easily. This may be my 10k pace (6.2 miles, for those of you who were wondering). So I was super happy and hyped up on endorphins so my day started to get better.

Got to the office and had breakfast. Here is where things started to go down again, kinda. I hadn’t planned on such a workout so my eats were not properly planned either. Breakfast was okay, but I wish I’d had some nut butter or something to re-fuel.

2/3 cup low fat plain yogurt with 1 Kashi TLC Pumpkin Spice granola bar; 1 clementine.

Held me relatively well until I ate lunch around 12:45pm.

2 pieces multigrain bread, 1 tbsp pine nut hummus, alfalfa sprouts, red bell pepper, baby spinach; 1 anjou pear.

Dried kiwi slices & TJ's dark chocolate edamame

Even with the protein from the (chocolate-covered) soy beans, this was not enough protein and I started really regretting my run.

Around 2pm I felt like I was going to crash and just kept myself busy to avoid dying at my desk. When I left work I knew I wanted to go to Dick’s to get some stuff, so I had my last snack (sans protein, too).

1 serving Kashi TLC Fire Roasted Vegetable crackers

Apparently the carbs and fiber were enough to fuel me and I had a pleasant trip to Dick’s. I’ve needed new running shorts for, oh, 2 or 3 months now but keep putting it off. They’re expensive! I am partial to the Nike shorts, and found some on sale. As a reference, I went from an XL to a M today, so you can imagine how big my old ones were. I replaced 1 pair and the other two big ones I have will just have to do for a little while longer. I also needed a tech shirt for running and Under Armour had “loose fit” (my favorite) on sale. I got one. I also got a bike helmet!!! I still need bungee cords for my bike rack, but the bike isn’t ready yet so I still have a day or two. Day improved again!

Then I got home from Dick’s and I feel so tired again. I am going to go find some cheese or something to perk me up and keep me full until dinner. I’d honestly like to lie on the couch and sleep, so I might. I didn’t sleep well last night and I’m worried I’m going to catch Mona and Jeff’s cold…