Tips for making it through your long run…

These days, fitting in my long runs has been quite difficult between the awful weather, my travel schedule, and timing. But, today I finally sucesfully completed a 10 mile run and think these tips may help a lot of beginning runners out there who are scared of their first double digit run.

1) Hydrate for 24 hours before. Everyone knows it’s important to either follow a route that has water fountains or carry water during your run so you may stay hydrated but it’s equally, if not more important to hydrate before the run as well. Today while running in the sunshine at 70 degree weather I was thankful that my body was so hydrated.

2) Be realistic! If you’ve been running on the treadmill all winter at 6.0 it’s not very likely that you’ll be able to keep the same pace outside especially if it’s your first or second outdoor run of the season. The outside elements such as hills, stoplights, exhaust, heat, wind, and sunshine can all affect your run. Keep this in mind while you’re running, especially if you have a Polar or Garmin which shows you your pace. You don’t want to start thinking negatively during your run.

3) Fuel yourself properly Make sure to eat a mix of carbs and fat before your run as the carbs will provide energy and the fat will last during the run and help sustain your energy. Many runners enjoy bread with peanut butter before a run. In addition, make sure to carry something with you whether it’s a gu, shotblock, gummy bears, etc so around mile 6 or 7 you can add more fuel to the tank.

4) Posture While running make sure that you are engaging your abs, relaxing your shoulders, using your arms to propel you forward, and not tensing up. I know it’s hard to remember all this while you’re running but it really helps as it allows your body to use your energy more efficiently. Notice in this picture which depicts proper posture, the runner is looking ahead 4-5 feet, using arms, and engaging the abs.

5) Have a reward in mind Today during my run I spent half the time powering through the hills thinking about my five hour spa day tomorrow. I knew I would enjoy the massage and pedicure portion even more after I had completed my long run. Once I reached mile eight I was already getting excited about my post-run shake! I’ve truly started to crave my post run shakes during the week and look forward to them! Having something to help power you through the hills or tough minutes will help.

My favorite post-run recovery smoothie is as follows:

1 scoop lean dessert whey protein powder (13o cals)
2 handfulls ice
1 small banana
1 TBSP PB2
1/2 c water
1/2 c Plain, light soy milk

Blend well, sip, and enjoy!
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Toxic..more than just a Brittney song

Toxic isn’t just a Brittney Spears song, it’s also what your body is if you haven’t Detoxed lately! I bet our lady Brit could use a good detox after all the cigs, booze, and partying!

Tonight, as part of the Junior League of Philadelphia, I attended a training about Detoxifying your Body. Dr. Heidi Wittels who specializes in functional medicine lead the training. I wasn’t sure what to expect and while this training was directed towards medical professionals, some of the information was very useful and interesting. We learned the detoxification can help skin problems, body aches, digest issues, and even exhaustion. It has been practiced for years and is all about resting, cleaning, and nourishing your body. In fact, they DO NOT RECOMMEND intense exercise while on a detox plan because the plan itself puts a stress on your body. That in itself is an idea quite foreign to me. But, by removing and eliminating toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health.

“The body has its own natural healing system,” says Peter Bennett, N.D., medical director of Helios Clinic in Victoria, B.C., and co-author with Stephen Barrie, N.D. and Sara Faye, of 7-Day Detox Miracle (Prima Health). “Detoxification enhances this system,” he explains.

A detox cleans out the body by enabling the liver, kidney, intestines, and skin to function better. Your body has numerous toxins in it at any time. These toxins are elements that are harmful to the body and can come from stress, metabolism, infection, or metals such as lead and mercury! We learned that the best way to detox is by using a special diet, supplements, saunas, gentle exercise, and MASSAGE!

Diet: During this special diet which can last as short as one week and as long as 1 month, you shoudl avoid the following foods: citrus, dairy and eggs, grains, pork, beef, veal, sausage, shellfish, soy products, peanuts and peanut butter, butter/margarine, alchohol, coffee, caffeinated beverage, refined sugars, mushrooms, corn, and all nightshaeds (tomatoes, potatoes except sweet, eggplant, peppers, and paprika). They recommend 6 small meals throughout the day and to think “outside the box” when it comes to meals. Who says you cant have fish and quinoa for breakfast? Hmm..

Supplements: The suggested supplement list is quiet long and can become quite expensive but these are in order of importance: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Selenium, Glutathione, Taurine, and SAMe. These help protect from free radicals and aid in digestion.

Saunas: In safe amounts (5-15 min/day) these can help lower stress levels, mobilize toxins, and aid in the process. They stressed the importance of drinking water afterwards.

Exercise: During the detox exercise should be light weights and walking as you are already causing stress to your system. Therefore, do not do this while training for a half marathon 🙂

Massage: This aids in lymphatic draining and is highly recommended 1x per week during your detox.

I spoke with her afterwards and she suggested that the “average” person can greatly benefit from following these steps for even just 1 work week, Monday through Friday. In addition, she stressed the importance of stress during the process. Focus first on diet, then on supplements, then on sleep. If you can afford to have a massage at the beginning and end of the week that’s even better!

Maybe this would be a great thing to do the week after the half marathon..hmm!

If you’re interested see this site for more information: http://www.detoxyourbodytoday.com/

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Attitude is everything

In just 13 short days, Melissa and I will complete the MORE Half Marathon in Central Park! For the last few weeks i’ve been nervous, even to the point of trying to rationalize quitting. Now, i’ve never been a quitter and Bo reminded me of this fact last night. So, instead of focusing on the horribly cold, wet, and blustery winter we’ve had in Philadelphia and NYC this year i’m going to start focusing on the positive. In honor of that, i’ve found five things that excite me about this half marathon! 🙂

1) It’s all women! (over 10,000 WOMEN)

2) Melissa and I have decided to run the first loop together for inspiration. After the first loop (6.1 miles) is complete we’re free to run on our own if we desire but it’ll be so nice to have that motivator and smiling face next to me at the start. This is my actually my first half marathon without my Maid of Honor and best friend Amy (see pic at left from Philly half)!
3) I know five awesome ladies who are running this and I look forward to celebrating with them at the finish.
4) It’s only my 3rd race in Central Park which can be quite intimidating or exciting since that means I wont be bored on the route because I get to look at the skyline, statues, blossoms, etc.

5) The energy at this event is supposed to be amazing. The weekend kicks off with the Expo on Friday and continues through the weekend. I have high hopes for some awesome freebies at the Expo!

In addition, I’ve done some research and I think i’m going to make this my goal running plan for the week:

Monday: elliptical, bike, 20 mins stretching and abs

Tuesday: run 4 miles at 9:30 pace and Physique 57

Wednesday: run 4 miles at 10:00 pace

Thursday: elliptical, bike, 20 mins stretching and abs

Friday: 11 or 12 mile long run (My goal is to make it through this run by dreaming about Saturday’s spa day. But, if anyone has suggestions for making it through please leave a comment)

Saturday: volunteering all day outside with Junior League of Philadelphia (painting, gardening, etc) and then SPA day with my girlfriends (Weekend Escape: Take a mini-vacation with a full day of luxury at Rescue. This indulgent package includes a Classic Rescue Facial, Salt or Sugar Buff, Classic Rescue Massage, and a Perfect 10 Manicure and Pedicure.)
Sunday: run 3 miles and Core Fusion DVD

Total mileage: 22 miles
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