Fuel-Taste Test!

Yesterday I had my long run, I thought I would try some new fueling items. So this is the deal, when you run for more than an hour it is suggested that you take in some carbs to help you moving along. Some people say they never do, and finish fine. I have learned that I do need something or I feel sick at the end of my long runs. So this is the new stuff I tried yesterday and my OWN opinion of how it worked for me.

Probar Blot: Organic Energy Chews, Strawberry- These I took after about 55 minutes of running, and I had one before I started. TASTE: So they are chews, and yes they are sticky and stay all over your teeth. Also, they were a bit too sweet for me, the sweetness became to much, started tasting like medicine. Verdict: NERD SAYS NO!


Nuun- Active Hydration tabs-You put these tabs in your water (16oz) and wait about 2 minutes, they mix and you have some flavored water with electrolytes and stuff keep you hydrated. I selected the Lemon-Lime, but there are several other flavor. I thought it was ok, maybe would be good on a longer run, or a hotter day. VERDICT: I will probably try this again, but maybe select another flavor.

Cliff: Builder's Snack Size: Chocolate Peanut Butter 10G Protein Bar- I got this as a sample for a race I did a week ago. I eat a small piece after my run, and spit most of it out except for the small chocolate chucks it had. This was kind of gross for me, I don't like things that taste like nothing, this tasted like cardboard. I could not even make out what I was eating, didn't taste like peanut butter to me. I don't eat things because I should, I eat things that taste good and I know what in the product.  VERDICT: NERD SAYS NO!

NERD OUT!

Child's Play

Thursday I started training my five year old. It was either running or playing baseball, which he does not want to do. It all was fine, except he was messing around and tripped, getting a small scrape on his knee. He was OK, until he got home and then wanted everyone to feel sorry for him, oh brother!! For the next three weeks, we will focus on slowing him down and keeping his arms up. He runs like his on fire and then gets tired, so slow and steady is what we will work on. We signed him up for a 1K in 2 months, so our goal is to have him run the whole thing without stopping I think he can do it.
I will keep you posted on the progress. As far as my running, I had a slow run today 3 miles just to stretch out the muscles. I actually took a rowing class in Long Beach, CA yesterday which was cool, and I woke up a bit sore, which I guess means it was a workout.

Also, I just finished reading "Running Like a Girl" by Alesandra Heminsley. At first, I was hesitant to give it a read because I'm not much of a feminist, "girl power" all that stuff. However, the book was not really about that. It is once person's journey into finding the runner inside of them. In fact except for some sports bra and boob talk, the book could have been written by a guy. It was a good read inspiring made me think, "I can run a marathon too", but that when away fast. It is a good read so pick it up at your local library.

NERD OUT!

Four Days Out-Hungry!!!

My recovery from my first half marathon is going well I can actually walk without any pain. I only fell a little tightness in my left calf and some tension in my right foot. These are all things I have felt before so I'm not too worried. I am however, hungry often, which is kind of weird, I find myself snacking like crazy. I'm not sure what that is all about, I'm trying to stay with the healthy food, although after the race I celebrated like any other Mexican would and had a burrito and Monday, I had a kids burger. :(

Some other news, my son who refuses to play any sports especially baseball has elected to train with me, rather than play any team sport. So today will be our first day on a run together. I'm not much of a coach, but I hope we can have fun together doing something we both seem to enjoy.  I will keep you updated on that adventure.

I also did my first workout at the gym today, no running, but i did the rowing machine, which I like, and the elliptical machine, which I don't hate but not particularly love either. It was a good little workout, but not like running. I am hoping to incorporate more cross training into my week, as I have heard it is good to do so. This is what I'm hoping for.

Run 3-4 times a week
Strength train-2 times a week
Cross Train-1-2 times a week (Rowing, spinning, yoga)

We will see how this works out in between work, being a wife, mom, and cook!

I Did It and lived!

I completed my first half-marathon thank goodness. I was not first, but I was not last. I came in under my goal of 2:30 with a time of 2:27!! During the process, I learned a few things.

1. There is such a thing as carbo-loading and it is good to start a few days before
2. Drinking water is also important make sure you drink plenty of water starting a few days before the race
3. Fuel and drink during the race, even though you may feel fine initially
4. Start refueling after the race, but not too much at one time.
5. Ice, stretching, water, foam rolling is key the days after the race to minimize soreness which YOU WILL FEEL!

I had been feeling sick on my last long runs, and now I know it is because I had not been fueling correctly before, during, and after my runs. In addition, I am not sure why but I was running way to fast in the beginning. For the race I slowed down and relaxed, I was able to save some energy for the last two miles.

Since everything is ok so far, I'm going to be attempting the Beach City Challenge.. So next is OC Half Marathon... Has anyone done this race and have any pointers??

Nerd Out!