Guys, I am seriously going to bathe in smoothies when we finally take our Vitamix out of storage. Why-oh-why did we back it at the bottom of the storage unit? I am experiencing serious withdrawals.
I opted out of a first-thing-in-the-morning workout in favor of spending a good two hours writing today’s Blog Talk Tuesdays post and Ryan decided to sleep in, so we went to breakfast together, clean and not sweaty. Imagine that!
Today’s morning meal was sadly not a healthy smoothie, but rather breakfast buffet staples.
Scrambled eggs with cheese, yogurt and whole wheat toast with jelly. I smooshed the eggs between the toast to make a breakfast sandwich which was quite tasty!
Workout
A 5 mile run took place late this morning.
BAM!
I haven’t been running nearly as much as usual lately. I’d like to blame the ri-donk-ulous humidity and heat in Florida, but really, I’ve just been lazy.
Running is hard for me. It’s not a natural talent I have and I have to continue running constantly to keep up my running fitness. (You may read my running story here.)
Yesterday I realized there are only 12 weeks until the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon I am registered to run.
Twelve weeks! That motivated me to get my booty on the treadmill this morning.
I committed to conquering five miles, promising myself I could run as slow as I wanted to as long as I just completed the distance.
“Run as slow as you want to, but just get out there and run” was my go-to mantra on days when I didn’t want to run during my previous half marathon training plan and it worked like a charm again this morning. (Can you tell I am not a competitive runner at all?)
I was proud of myself for plugging away on the treadmill. I took two 30-second breaks to sip on some water and stretch out my legs that felt a little tight, but I did it!
The last time I ran 5 miles was more than a month ago on July 7. Has it really been that long? One of the benefits of keeping a daily workout log on the blog is that I can look back and see gaps in my workouts or patterns. Running must become more prevalent in my workouts if I want to cross the finish line in Savannah in November with a smile on my face!
I plan to officially start training for the half marathon soon but in the meantime, I want to run more often to build up a better running base before diving right in.
Questions of the Afternoon
Let’s talk running today!
- Running: Love it, loathe it or just tolerate it?
- Do you have natural running ability?
- If you’re a runner, what race is on your horizon?
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I used to hate it, then I loved it and ran a bunch of races (including 2 marathons and PRing pretty good in one of them), but then I think I got burnt out and loathed running.
Now I run when I want, and when that happens, amazingness occurs. Plus, I am more focused on intervals and speed work, so it makes the time fly by. Just running miles is sort of boring for me (esp if it is on a treadmill). But give me a challenge and I am ALL over it 🙂
Love your idea of a good b-fast sandwich–jam and eggs are YUMM together!
I can’t run on a treadmill because I become a slave to the speed. I run outside normally, with no computer and when I’m tired and feel like my heart is about to explode out of my chest, I tell myself just that. You don’t have to go fast, you just have to go.
Telling myself I can go as slow as I want to usually gets me out there. Last night when I didn’t feel like running, I decided to go just for the sheer joy of it–just because I could rather than for time or distance–and it worked out really well.
I really do love running, but lately I’ve just been lacking motivation in general. Having a race to train for definitely helps. I’m thinking a half in the beginning of October will help to re-energize me. Have you checked out Runner’s World’s Smart Coach tool? It worked really well for me for my last half.
i love running! but recently iv been lifting more so thtats been fun! i got a half soon too! and i havent been doing long distance.. aw well.. no pressure- ill just run as i like!
I loathe running, and even the mere idea gives me knee pain…. which is I guess lucky for me, since I possess zero running skill whatsoever.
There is a race on the horizon, though, the Doughman Challenge, that’s a 4 person relay with one swimming leg and one biking leg that I’d LOVE to participate in. It’s not until April, so I have plenty of time to work up to it, but the best part is that between each leg, there’s a food challenge. It was featured on the Man v. Food: Durham episode and if Adam Richman can do it…. It should be a breeze.
I LOVE to run right now…I’m running my first marathon in eleven days!!! Woohooo!!! (I’m sure people are tired of hearing about it!) However, I definitely don’t think I’m a natural at it…but I’ve athought if you put your mind to something and practice, practice, practice you can become awesome!
first marathon!!! WOOO! good luck, angela!
Your motto of running as slow as you want really resonates with me! I always try to go fast and improve my time with each run and that kind of thinking made me HATE running. I’m trying to loosen the reigns a little and I’ll be borrowing your motto to do that.
Oh and I have zero natural ability when it comes to running. My little legs are much better at squats and deadlifting…which is why its important to change it up and give them a different challenge.
Yes, some days you just have to get the miles in. I’m training to do a 50K trail run in Sept and the Victoria Marathon in Oct.
I am signed up to run in the Sav Rock n Roll half as well–and that is a great mentality when you just do not want to run–just do it, and go as slow as you want!
i LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE running!!! i just wrote about this today (how much i love it). But alas i have no natural ability, but me no care!!!
i am running Chicago again in October, then Dallas White Rock then Houston. My first trifecta of marathons. 3 in 90 days.
that is an AWESOME goal! 3 in 90 days. you are on FIRE!
I’m totally on the same page as you – not a natural runner, but I still love it because it’s the best cardio and so simple, easy and free!
you hit on a great point – FREE!! that’s why I started to love it so much!!
I LOVE RUNNING. I’m a nut. I embrace it. but I haven’t always. I had to work really hard at it to be good at it, and I now can’t live without it. 😉
aaand I’ll be running the Marine Corps Marathon in October.. gaah!
Love love love running. I wish I could do it everyday of my life! I like to think I have a little natural running ability 🙂 but I think everyone does, especially you! You have some great race times!!
I used to be a sprinter so the switch to endurance running is a challenge that I really enjoy.
I’ve signed up for so many races but I had a half marathon relay (RnR Virginia Beach), the OBX marathon, and the Miami marathon to look forward to! Super excited to run!
I used to hate it, started to like it, tore a tendon, and now am not allowed to do it… I guess that’s the end of my running story!
I actually just ran today for the first time in a while! I started ‘training’ for a half marathon today thinking that if I followed the plan and if there were spots still available then maybe I would run the Savannah rock n’ roll. All the stars have to align, but if it works out then I would be excited! If not I just signed up for a rock n’ roll on St. Patty’s day in DC!
Love it! I am not fast at all but I’m running the Savannah Rock n Roll as well, I really want to finish in under 2 hours – then I can never run a half marathon again!! 🙂 Good luck with your training!
I love running and am training for my first 1/2 marathon right now that’s in November. I can’t wait to hear about your training on PBFingers.
I have no natural ability when it comes to running but getting out there makes me feel great.
Not the biggest fan of running, but it definitely is something I feel so much better after if I do and something that makes me break a sweat aka not a natural runner!
I’m right here with you on the humidity … ugh!
I love running but I’m SO bad at it. Seriously slow over here. I did the Niagara Falls half in October of last year, and this year I’ve recently committed to run the Las Vegas half in December!! Since I haven’t ran consistently for about six months, I’m starting back with the c25k plan. Week 3 is kicking my ass, so I’m already scared for the half!!! Still though, I love it. Shin splints, lungs burning, Ibuprofen…But there is no better stress reliever!
Great job on your run today! You got’er done 🙂 No natural running ability here but I do LOVE it. It’s great to get lost in my head or music. I love it too when I have a long run and then feel like a rock star all day 😀 I’m trianing for my first marathon right now (Dec 11th) but I’m running the Women’s Half Marathon in Scottsdale in November. Way excited 😀
I take it you’re doing Tucson?? I’m debating on whether or not I’m ready for a full marathon, but I’ve been eyeing that one as my first. I’ve got a half in 2 weeks (near my parents’ house in CA, not in the heat here!) and then I’m going to start training for the full.. I am a wuss though, I won’t actually sign up til I finish my first 20 miler. 🙂
Yep I sure am doing Tucson! I’m a little terrified of the whole downhill thing wrecking my knees but it seems like such a great race. Besides Pam Reed is the director! 😀 I totally feel ya on the waiting to sign up until the 20 miler. I’m pretty nervous about that one. Although anything over 13 is going to be officially “my longest run EVER” YIKES!!! 😀 Good Luck!
good luck to BOTH of you!
I have a love/hate relationship with running! I’ve started increasing my distance and pretty much hate life for the few hours after a long run. I conquered my first 20K this weekend and have 3 races coming up in the future including my first half marathon in Gettysburg, PA.
I’m forcing myself to get out there today for a nice slow recovery run. I’m sure it will look more like a hobble, but oh well!
aw, i LOVE gettysburg!! both of my grandmothers live there.
I love running! But I definitely do not have the natural talent for it. I truly have to work very hard to see the kind of results that I want to. I have gotten to be decently quick, but nothing fast like I would like to be. I think it truly matters that you know you can do something. Running a 5k, marathon or even completing an easy run. If your head is not in it, then it going to be a difficult day on the road!
I’m seriously writing down that mantra! I’ve been distance running for about two years on my own everyday, and I can confidently run for just over an hour. I can’t bring myself to train for an actual half though! I want to do one, but I always chicken out… I don’t get it!
if you can run for over and hour, you can DEFINITELY do a half!!
Running HATES me… I do it… very occasionally, I am not a runner. I am a runner wannabe, without the drive. I have done halfs speed walking, but not running. Maybe after I get my knee fixed, again!?!
I tolerate running because I def don’t have a natural talent for. I feel like gravity likes me way too much and I feel heavy when I run. No races for this girl!
on 80 percent of my runs i feel the same way… like i have lead legs or something!
I kind of love running but am really bad at it I have to work REALLY hard at it.. but then when I accomplish a greater mileage I feel very proud of myself 🙂
I love that you say ‘Run as slow as you want to, just keep running’ that one was hard for me to learn but that’s how you increase your distance.. just a comfortable pace!
Miss your smoothies hope you get your vitamix back soon!
•Running: Love it, loathe it or just tolerate it?
•Do you have natural running ability?
•If you’re a runner, what race is on your horizon?
I only just started running a few weeks ago, and so far I can tolerate it. I find it so hard keep going if I don’t have any music though, I get bored verrrrrrrrrrry easily.
However I have no running ability. (if you’ve ever seen the episode of friends where Phoebe and Rachel run together, yup that pretty much describes me ahaha)
I’m doing my first race this wknd, and my nerves are shot. Its only a 5k which I can do in roughly 30 minutes, but hopefully I won’t be the last one crossing the finish line! Wish me luck!
Running definitely doesn’t come naturally for me. I started the C25K program in March, and struggled through it. Ran my firt 5K without walking in May. My first 10K without walking in July, and am now training for the San Antonio Rock’n’Roll half in November.
I’m finally starting to enjoy running. I still have to convince myself to go, almost every time. But once I get started it isn’t terrible anymore. I know if I take a big break it will get tough again, so I keep at it. Some days I use the I can go as slow as I want method, or the I’ll just make it a short 2 miles today, but usually once I get started I’ll finish 3, or I’ll pick up my pace. It is just getting my butt out the door that is the tough part!
that is awesome! you’re like me… just build up to it! 🙂 good luck on your first half!!
I definitely vacillate between “loving it” and “tolerating it.” There are some days where I’m just itching to let my energy (and frustration) out on the treadmill, and other days where I literally have to drag my butt onto the thing (most of the time I feel great afterwards–yay, endorphins).
I wouldn’t say I have a natural running ability…although I don’t know what that is! I think that I’ve been using running as my go-to form of fitness for so long, though, that I’ve really built up my conditioning and endurance so that I can change my workouts–add distance or speed–with ease. I ran a 5K earlier in the summer, never having done one before or trained at all, and I finished at the same time as a coworker of mine who ran track in college. Perseverence pays off! I’m hoping to find another 5K (or even a longer distance) in my area soon, since I really enjoyed the first one I did. Plus, it’ll give me an objective to strive for!
I am NOT a natural runner at all. I have a short stride and I just can’t seem to get into it that much. Once in a while I’ll really enjoy a good run, but usually I just do it for the exercise.
Im not a natural runner but I love running, kind of like you I have not been running as much this summer due to getting a nasty pneumonia most of the summer, I was just thinking last night I need to get back outside and run.
I find having a race as a goal keeps me motivated to run outside, running any longer then 40ish minutes on the treadmill bore’s me to tears.
Also is there any better feeling then the feeling you get after a long run?? I think not.
Hate it, but kind of addicted to it…
No natural running ability… BLAH!
I have a 10K coming up this Saturday and a Half on October 15th!!! AHHHHH!
what i love about running is that you don’t need natural ability- you work hard and you seen results. its the greatest sport there is! this week i decided im running the women’s half marathon in st pete, fl in november!
oops see* not seen. love running/hate proofreading. lol
whoa! when is that!? i’m off to google that race!! my parents live in st. pete!
mine too! its november 20th : )
It’s in November – I ran it last year and it was a nice, mostly flat course.
I would say running is tolerable for me. I hate actually doing it, but when I’m finished, I feel SO good.
I wouldn’t say I’m a natural long distance runner by any means. 3-5 miles is my max most of the time. I’m naturally a pretty fast sprinter though.
No races for me…. at least for now. 😉
I just started running – I’ve been doing it for about 6 weeks. Got up to 6k yesterday!
I don’t love or hate it. I definitely prefer other workouts but I’m really enjoying challenging my body and pushing myself with a new challenge.
I come from a family of runners so it has always been a part of my life! Sometimes I get bored with it, but then I just sign up for a race and it motivates me to get back into it. I have a 10 km coming up at the end of August! Should be good.
Love, love, love running! It is my main cardio workout. I probably don’t mix my workouts enough because all I really want to do is run. I am so mad that I will not be able to run Savannah–it was my planned marathon for this running season. Conflict with a family event on husbands side of them–only been married 3 months so i don’t want to look bad to the fam just yet. So, I will not be partaking in the funness of Savannah. I am thinking maybe now I will do the Outer Banks Marathon!
I’m definitely not a natural runner, but I love it! It is the best stress relief. I am running my first half marathon in December. My “official” training starts the 3rd week of September. Hopefully it cools off a little by that time.
good luck, rebecca! you’ll do great!
I’m a fan of running because of the way it makes me feel once I am done with it, but it doesn’t come naturally for me. I constantly have to keep working at it though.
I absolutely LOVE running. Not only is it an incredible workout, but it gives me some “alone” time with my thoughts. Incredibly therapeutic! Some of my best thoughts/ideas come to me on a long run. Never fails.
I’ll be with you in Savannah on Nov 5th running my very FIRST full marathon! I’m beyond excited for the challenge! See you there!
I used to HATE running, just not my thing but in college I got into it and I have done 1 marathon & 1 1/2 marathon. I recently got the itch again and signed up for the Disney Marathon this coming January. I find if I have a race in the future, it keeps me on track for my running workouts. I live in NC so running outside is ok, but I get what you are talking about with the humidity in FL, I have been visiting my parents in the Trinity, FL area for the past week and have about died on almost all my runs, it is SO humid here!
You are going to LOVE that VitaMix when you can finally unpack it! I’ve become addicted to smoothies thanks to you and now if I can’t have one once a day, I CRAVE it!
I am on Week 3 of an 18 Week Marathon Training Plan… my first full! I’m following the Hal Higdon Intermediate plan (a stretch!) but I’ve added in 2-3x/week of Pilates classes to keep up my strength training (try as I may I just can’t commit to weights in the gym!) Pilates is something I can commit to and keep up.
I’m feeling good about running and definitely taking full advantage of the Cross Training Day and the Rest day and really enjoying running these days… I’m by no means a natural runner, but a full marathon has been on my bucket list forever… so when a friend suggested we sign up, I jumped at the chance! (Pretty shoes may or may not be our reward for finishing!) 😉
You’ll rock the Savannah 1/2! Anyone who can run a 1/2 after their Bachelorette weekend I have the utmost running respect for!
haha yeahh i don’t know what we were thinking running a half during a bach party weekend! 🙂 i was thinking of following the hal higdon intermediate plan, too!
This is a post that really hit home with me. I’m NOT a natural runner by any means. I started training for my first 5k in the winter and went from running a 13-minute mile to now running an 8:37 mile. Just making my mile time better makes me feel like a better runner. Can’t wait to see how your training goes!
that is AMAZING progress! whoa!
I really hate running but I’ve been trying to incorporate it more into my treadmill workouts by doing intervals and running every few minutes.
Good for you for signing up to do the marathon! I don’t know if I ever could!
I began running in November 2010 & have grown to love it. What a huge sense of accomplishment! 🙂
I wish I had known about the Savannah Half Marathon (just saw it this morning on the Map My Run website) before registering for a local one in Raleigh, NC. They are the same weekend. It’ll be my first so I guess it’s good that it’s local.
I love running! But I definitely have those days/runs in which I hate every second of it. However, I had a stress fracture in February, and since coming back from it, I really try to appreciate running so much more now.
I just finished my first olympic triathlon and I am running an 18 miler in NYC on Seot. 25 and my first marathon on Oct. 9 in Scranton, PA!
I love to run, but not in a super competitive way. I don’t normally care too much about being fast or improving pace…I like to just go out and do what I can, when I can. I’m dealing with a bit of an injury right now and am trying to get back to a normal running routine.
I wouldn’t say I’m a natural talent either. I really only started running ‘for fun’ in college, about 4-5 years ago.
My next race is actually on Saturday…just a 5k though. I just moved back here from the UK not even a week ago, so I’m trying to ease back in! 🙂
Running and I have a bad relationship. I love it dearly, but there are days that it does me wrong and I hate it so much. I loathe the word those days… I won’t run errands, I will do errands. I won’t run around the house doing things, I will work around the house. But then there are those days that running shows up at my front door with roses and my favorite chocolates. It apologizes for doing me wrong and we make up. It’s a pretty unhealthy cycle, but I can’t stop.
I couldn’t be less of a runner if I tried! I like it (most days) but some days it just makes me scringe. I’m not naturally great at it, so I have to pour loads of work into training!
LOVE running!
Definitely have some natural ability in there though so that might help.
No races on the horizon for me unfortunately because I’m just recovering from a back injury 🙁