Years ago, I thought my tiny blue pager was the absolute coolest thing EVER. We’re talking circa mid-90s. A couple years later, I purchased my very first cell phone—a Motorola flip phone. Both of those “ancient” items I still possess & will likely never get rid of. They are a part of the 20^th century, but even into the 21^st century, I will continue to hold on to them to show my kids, & their kids, just how far technology has advanced.

I vividly recall the day when I went to Best Buy to purchase my very first GPS watch. A Garmin Forerunner 305. Just like more than a decade prior when I had my first pager, I knew it was the coolest thing ever. I didn’t care that it was way too big for my feminine wrist. I didn’t care that it was a couple hundred bucks. I only cared that this couple ounce device would be the ticket to improving my running. Little did I know just how many hours me & that watch would clock together (pun intended!). Yesterday, that Forerunner 305 & I likely logged our last miles together. It was a great 4 years with that watch, but it’s time to move on to bigger & better things!

Interestingly enough, up until I started writing this post, I would have sworn that I purchased the watch in 2009 when I first began running. But alas, my Garmin history shows my first GPS run as in June; 3 runs prior to the CHKD 8K in 2010. So crazy that it will likely be the exact same story for my new Garmin {the CHKD race is this weekend}! What did I do for tracking my runs for a whole year from 2009 until 2010?! Craziness I tell you!

Today, I ran for the first time with my Garmin Forerunner 620. It was supposed to be a present for my birthday at the end of the month, but my sweet, caring, considerate, amazing, handsome, & fantastic hubby gave it to me last night. After configuring the basic settings & inputing my interval workout via GarminConnect, off I went! Holy moly! What a luxury to not have to press the lap button 100X during my work out! I pressed start & then save at the end. The 21^st century is truly ahhh-mazing!

Aside from the new & improved watch, I will also be entering the 21^st century by “un-privating” my Instagram account. Many people have asked me if I am on Instagram & I have responded with…. “umm, well, kinda”. The truth is, I have had an account & I am very active with picture taking, I have been for 2+ years….. but I just have zero friends/followers. Haha! By choice. I did have 1 “friend”, my sister, so that I could follow my niece’s pictures, but my sister has since de-activated her account. So, if you see me begin to follow you soon, you will now know why. Isn’t technology incredible?! Most of the time at least.

So, look for me on Instagram!! And if you’re on GarminConnect, let’s be friends there too & help to motivate each other! My name on both is…. wait for it, therunningblonde!

May is O-V-E-R. Whew, what fun it was, but thank goodness it is now June!! Between nights at work & a fabulous 5^th wedding anniversary trip to Antigua, I only slept in my own bed 18 nights last month. Oh, & did I mention we took a single day + single night trip to OBX for the final day of May?! Can you say chaos & adventurous?! But through it all, I somehow stuck to most of my training plan! I also started the month & ended the month with 2 happy babies & an amazing hubby {yes, always very important!}.

The month of May produced my 2^nd highest mileage of the year, only behind January by 4 less miles. My speed & tempo workouts were put on the back burner while I nursed my knee. I continued to see the “magic hands” of Jim Browning for this lovely IT band ailment, kept up with my magnesium supplements, & stretched/foam rolled at every chance I had. A couple Epsom salts baths thrown in there, & I can happily report that my knee is feeling much better {not 100%, but optimistic that it will be soon!}.

Perhaps the biggest running news of May occurred on the 2^nd evening of the month when I won my first race! That certainly wasn’t a feat I thought I would conquer yet in my running career, but I happily embraced it!!!! And yes, look forward to that elation occurring again in the future!

From a coaching perspective, I continue to coach 8 amazing ladies on their journey to tackle the CHKD 8K in Downtown Norfolk. Their paces, goals, & lifestyles all vary, but combined, they each aspire to complete one awesome race. A family member who will be completing the Tough Mudder (10-12 mile obstacle race) on the same day as the ladies rounds out my athletes for the month. I did begin working with a new athlete, who will begin her training plan the first week of June. I am SO looking forward to hearing FABULOUS race reports from all 9 of those wonderful folks when they complete their races mid-June!! I am such a proud coach!

It would be silly to not mention the breathtaking sights in Antigua when recapping my month of May. On the morning after we arrived to the Caribbean island, I ventured out for a solo morning run. Hello heat & humidity! While I am used to this sort of weather, I usually have a chance to acclimate as the summer months approach. Instant sweat & panting I tell you! Regardless of the temperature, I set out on foot to take in some AMAZING views. The following day, I had probably my 2^nd most favorite part of the trip (followed only by a day excursion out on the water in a speedboat)—a 5 mile loop with my sweet Scott. We ran & we jogged. We walked & we took selfies. We hiked up a trail to a sugar mill & we saw mountain goats. Fantastic time & great memories with my better half! Plenty of time of course was spent with drinks by the pool, eating way too much yummy food, reading a fiction novel, & RELAXING! A 3^rd run & the hottest yet, occurred on the morning of our departure. I definitely look forward to returning to Antigua years from now for more adventures!

SOOOO, what’s coming up in June?!

Well, besides more nights with my head on my OWN pillow, my big race is on June 14^th. This year, the CHKD 8K will be my 4^th year running it. Because I am employed by Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD), this race is a big deal. It’s also a big deal because it was my first race {ever} back in 2010. And lastly, it’s also a big deal because I have revenge to get on the course!! Last year, the streets of Norfolk took my goal, ate it, chewed it up, & spit it out. So, my race goal this year!? Kick Norfolk’s a#$ & demolish that race goal! That is all I will say about that.

I should also mention that my marathon training will begin on the final day of June. Eeeeekkkk!! So happy I will have a few running buddies to help push me through my first ever 26.2 training! And did I mention it’s my birthday month?! Good times, good times.

From a coaching perspective, I do have a few things up my sleeve. Stay tuned!

Eating healthy & reducing cancer risks is very near & dear to my heart. Rather than providing you with a random recipe today for Tasty Tuesday, I have chosen to share a very informative article. Enjoy!

Big Hospital Finally Telling the Truth About Cancer, John Hopkins

 

What do you do in your daily lifestyle to reduce cancer risks?

What is your favorite non-sugar treat for a person with a wicked sweet tooth?

Have you ever worked for 25.75 hours straight, only to get home, sleep for 3-4 hours, & then start job #2…. Being a mother? Or worse, go home & resume mothering straightaway! If you know what this is like, hats off to you! I commend you & function in that exact same manner. And I wouldn’t change a thing {most days!!}.

As I sit here & type, eating my “potpourri-post-call-lunch” of a Mexican quiche, 2 whole grain Blueberry waffles, & an orange, I can’t help but think that although my longest run to date was 18 miles, I can say with great certainty that I am mentally ready to tackle the marathon.

There have been many times at 2 a.m. when a 600 gram baby is being uncooperative & I just think “6 a.m. is only 4 hours away”. “My relief will start showing up & then I can go home.” In those same 4 hours, I hope to run the distance of the Richmond Marathon. If I can keep a smile on my face, politeness in my voice, & promptness in the firing of my synapses at 5 a.m. {when I’ve been awake for 24 hours working}; then I can certainly trudge through 26.2 miles. The miles & pavement absolutely don’t care if I curse them angrily or have a frown upon my face!

Being a nurse will always be my first love. There is no greater sense of accomplishment, from a professional standpoint, than putting a 2 lb. neonate into their mother’s arms for the first time. Or telling the parents of a baby, who has spent the first 5 months of their life in the NICU that hey, “It’s time to go home!” It is rather fitting that this post comes smack dab in the middle of National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2014). Nurses in general, but specifically the NICU nurses I work with, are amazing, compassionate, motivated, caring, & passionate about what we do. A blog post I read this morning pretty much sums this up (http://thoughtcatalog.com/alexandra-scheinfeld/2014/05/5-things-nurses-want-you-to-know-but-cant-ever-tell-you/).

I know the marathon itself & the training prior to will not come without pain & sacrifice, but I am ready. Being a nurse & mother has made me a better runner. Being a mother & runner has made me a better nurse. Being a runner & nurse has made me a better mother. These major aspects of my life work best when in sync. Simply put, I am a mother of twin boys & a Nurse Practitioner in the NICU. The 26.2 doesn’t scare me; I welcome it. Is it November yet?!

Happy Running & Happy Nurses Week!!

As humans, we are constantly evolving. Technology is ever-changing & the weather certainly keeps us on our toes. As runners, we are also constantly evolving. Attempting to achieve the next PR keeps us focused & determined. This undoubtedly is true for me as well. If you knew me years ago (circa: high school & college), my diet would have consisted of chicken tenders, Mt. Dew, & French fries…. no not all on the same day, but they were common staples. Sure I ate healthy foods as well, but my everyday food choices left something to be desired.

In my early-20s, I noticed that my metabolism would not be able to keep up with these innutritious items. Over the last decade or so, I have become a much healthier eater; especially in the last couple of years when motherhood arrived. I am a firm believer that children will eat as their parents do. Childhood obesity is no joke. If you only offer healthy choices, kids will only have healthy choices from which to choose. While we certainly are NOT perfect, I do strive daily to instill healthy eating habits into my 2 boys. From a running & coaching perspective, the closer you are to a healthy weight, the better you will run.

Back to the task at hand….this TASTY recipe: With my evolving eating habits, I have become more creative & adaptable. If you would have asked me to eat a cucumber 5 years ago, I would have said “no way”! I was not adventurous with my food choices. These days, while I still despise onions & mushrooms, I have ventured out more in what I will indulge in. While I typically don’t enjoy mayonnaise or sour cream, I thought “what the heck, I’ll try it” when I read this recipe in The Runner’s World Cookbook. I have since made this chicken salad recipe twice & thoroughly enjoy it. Co-workers & a fellow fitness friend have also endorsed its yummy-ness. Enjoy!

 

Perks: Recovery, Fast

Quantity: 4 servings {I made closer to 6 sandwiches, maybe less “full”}

Total Time: 15 minutes {ehhh, I’d give myself closer to 20 minutes}

 

{Ingredients}

3 cups shredded cooked skinless chicken breast

3 tablespoons dried cranberries

3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

1 cup diced apple

¼ cup mayonnaise {I used Miracle Whip}

¼ cup sour cream {I haven’t yet, but plan to use organic Greek yogurt next time}

1 tablespoon honey mustard {I used Trader Joe’s Hot & Sweet Mustard}

1 teaspoon curry powder

2 cups spring green or fresh baby spinach {I used the latter}

8 slices of whole wheat bread {I used Trader Joe’s Organic Honey Sweet Whole Wheat}

 

{To Make the Chicken Salad}

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, pine nuts, & apple. Toss together.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey mustard, & curry until blended & smooth. Spoon it over the chicken mixture & toss to blend.

Place ½ cup of the greens {I really load up the spinach to enhance the healthy aspect of this sandwich} on each of 4 slices of bread. Top each with 1 cup of the chicken salad. Place a slice of bread on top of each.

{Nutrition per Sandwich}

522 calories, 36g carbs, 6g fiber, 42g protein, 24g total fat, 4.5g saturated fat, 464mg sodium

 

*I really like what the cookbook said about making this sandwich*

“Too often, runners skimp on calories at lunch, opting to eat a quick bite on the go or to graze on whatever energy bar or snacks might be hanging around the office. But doing so may leave you ravenous by dinner & more likely to overeat. This hearty chicken salad recipe provides whole grain carbs, filling fiber, & plenty of protein—and will provide the energy you need to get through the rest of your day.”

“If people ran more 5-Ks, I’m positive the average life satisfaction of humans would increase dramatically.” ~Lauren Fleshman

I had been stressing over what would be my May race, since this spring month has become quite full. With a 6-day anniversary trip to Antigua, Memorial Day weekend family trip to OBX, coaching Running Club every Saturday, & working at the hospital every Sunday… finding a May race seemed to be next to impossible! Don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly happy & feel very blessed for my crazy, busy life!! But, I really wanted to achieve my 2014 goal of running a race each month.

On Tuesday this week when I came across the Great Neck 5K, it seemed perfect. We could go to the race as a family & enjoy valuable time together; all while I still accomplished my May race & got a good workout in. The charitable cause of the race was also very appealing & a major selling point. Teacher 2 Teacher is a program that was developed 7 years ago & supports a community in Haiti. The funds raised help support 5 schools, 39 teachers, & help provide 1,000 children an education. The race this evening was the 6^th annual. And little did I know how it would all end!

My Friday started pretty ordinary, with the exception that I did not have my normal Friday run. The boys & I attended Stroller Strides, & then came home for lunch. While they napped, I lounged on the couch & saved my legs. I enjoyed a Curried Chicken Salad sandwich (recipe to be posted on next week’s edition of Tasty Tuesday!) with an orange & some PopChips. When the boys woke up, we had our normal playtime, book reading, etc… all the normal 2 year old energetic activities! At 5:15pm, we loaded up the car & headed to VA Beach, to the church where the race would be held. Precisely one hour before the race start time, I had a LaraBar ALT Protein bar. Once at the race, I registered & waited around while the kids played on the church play set.

The gun went off, a.k.a. “Ready, Set, Go” was declared (this was a “low-tech” race) & off we went! During the couple of days before the race, after I had decided I would run it, I was toying with the idea of pushing the stroller vs. running as a family vs. trying to PR. I finally decided during the drive over that I’d try to race it. Never in a million years did I think the outcome would be what it was (keep reading to find out!).

Before the start, there was a pretty big group of teenage boys & teenage girls waiting at the line. I was of course scoping out my competition… the 30-something ladies. When we started the race, the only ladies in front of me were the teenage girls. By the first ½ mile, I passed them. I kept a good eye on my Garmin & promised myself that I would not go out too fast. This has been my downfall at too many races!

Mile 1 – 7:26

After passing the first mile, I started passing a couple of guys. They got CHICKED! I kept my pace reasonable {I have no idea what reasonable was since I had no race goal!} & just ran by effort. With the exception of the mile 2 marker, I never once focused at my total time. Realizing that there were NO ladies in front of me, I just wanted to make sure I kept it that way! This was purely unchartered territory for me.

Mile 2 – 7:43

The last mile made me start to doubt myself. Maybe there was a hidden girl way out front. Maybe someone would be coming up to sprint past me. There is no way YOU are capable of being the first female at the finish line. Because the course had u-turns at end of roads, I knew there weren’t any other women in front of me. The confirmation came near the end of the race when the spectators said, “go get ‘em, you’re the first woman!”. SAY WHAT?!

Mile 3 – 7:55

Heading back to the finish line, which was also the start line, I was elated. I had been saying “hello” to every volunteer I passed. I waved “hi” to the families cheering from their lawn. I had tons of energy left. Why do I always leave so much in the tank?!

Final 0.02 miles to the Finish – 6:43

I had done it. I WON {really?? still doesn’t sound quite right!} A RACE! Granted a small race, with I believe just under 200 participants, but still, I was the top female. I feel humbled. I feel overjoyed. I feel like the world is my oyster & nothing is impossible. I feel happy my knee/leg did not ache one bit, even after stopping. I feel blessed.

Overall: 3.02 miles – 23:13 {7:41/mile average}

*The course seemed short & the total distance at the end confirmed it. Strangely enough, my 5K PR is in the exact same “short” course distance, so while I did win the race, but I did not PR… off by 4 seconds. Who cares though!? I’m stoked!*

Up Next For The Running Blonde: CHKD 8K on June 14^th

 

 

After running injury-free for nearly 5 years, I am now in the trenches with my first ailment. I am beginning to wonder if I’ll ever get back to having no twinges of pain, while doing my beloved sport. I am hopeful though!

Back in December, Christmas Day to be exact {which is how I recall the day so well}; I felt the first twinge in my left knee. It really didn’t bother me too much until stopping after the Shamrock Half finish line in March. So for the last 6-ish weeks, I’ve really been trying to gauge the significance of this ache. Two weeks ago, I had pain while running. This was new. All of the previous discomfort had come at the completion of runs…. not during. I decided it was time to see someone, so I finally made an appointment with Jim Browning, owner of Injury Solutions & Sports Performance. He is the local ART Elite Provider & amongst the running community, I been told he’s referred to as “Magic Hands”. In our 2 sessions thus far, the focus has changed from a possible IT Band injury, to being more located in the hamstring region. Regardless of the injury, I am baby-ing my body, in hopes I will return to my care-free, injury-free self very soon.

This injury has taught me a few lessons though, mostly about form & injury prevention. I’m simply getting back to the basics. And it should be noted that I certainly am not getting any younger! I have been vigorously combing though any & all running magazines, asking local running professionals & friends, & making mental notes—all related to “what can I do to get better AND stay better??”. Elaborated upon here, I will attempt to provide you with some knowledge & tips that I learned/revisited. Hopefully, I can help you to become an improved/more efficient/faster runner, as well as prevent injuries. Of course this is advice that I am taking to heart, not necessarily what will work for you. Current research, such as it is in everyday life, can support or refute most topics of conversation (i.e. forefoot vs. midfoot strike; eat Paleo vs. gluten-free; etc.). If your form needs “fixing”, give it a whirl; if not, simply enjoy the next few paragraphs.

Form:

• ARMS/HANDS – Arms close to your sides with shoulder blades squeezed (not so tight that you expend unnecessary energy) as if they’re “cracking a nut”. Arms pumping to help propel you forward down the road/track/trail. You should not be able to visualize your fists. Speaking of fists, your hands should not be clenched—try to envision that a potato chip, which you don’t want to break, is gentle placed between your thumb & pointer finger. Now run in that position.
• FEET – Mid-foot is the strike I am attempting to accomplish. As recommended by my local running store guru, I really need to get away from my default heel-striking. Just maybe, it is worsening my knee problems. I am trialing running with Newton’s to correct this form flaw.
• CADENCE – Attempt to strike the ground with at least 180 steps per minute. I have no idea where I personally am at with this measurement; but thanks to still wearing my original Garmin watch, it just might be time for an upgrade to the 220 or 620 model.
• BREATHING – IN through the nose & OUT through the mouth. Keep the mouth slightly open while running to facilitate proper breathing technique. Don’t stare at the ground when you run—you certainly don’t want to trip & fall as you pass that handsome runner (wo)man in your neighborhood!
• CORE – Keep your core (mid-section) tight with a tall & strong posture. I’ve incorporated extra plank time & other ab exercises into my daily routine. If you don’t have time for ab work, simply laugh more throughout the day!

Injury Prevention:

• FOAM ROLLING – At the top of my “getting better” regimen is to foam roll daily. Certainly I have missed a few days, but not on run days. I have fitted in my foam rolling directly after my run, during nighttime TV, during my children’s meal time, etc. Many videos are available on YouTube that can help with proper form & technique. I purchased my foam roller on Amazon for under $40.
• STRETCHING – Because I am super flexible, getting a good stretch is sometimes difficult. For this reason, I think my injury is rooted in poorly stretched muscles. This is where my ART Elite Provider & massage therapy have come into play! I am also planning to implement yoga into my Richmond Marathon training plan.
• EPSOM SALT BATHS – What mother (or father, or any runner for that matter!) doesn’t deserve a bath after a hard day’s work?! Although I have only indulged in one of these during these past weeks of healing & recovery, I can certainly see the benefits!
• HYDRATING – This is a no brainer, theoretically speaking. In reality though, most people do not drink enough water. The average Joe needs 8-8oz. glasses of WATER per day…. I’ll do the math for you; it’s 64oz. Add in a hard & sweaty workout, you need to increase your liquid intake (no, not in the form of beer or wine!).
• MAGNESIUM INTAKE – I will start by saying that I am neither a Nutritionist nor Physician, so I am not recommending a supplement for you to take; merely imparting information. I have read & have been told about the muscle relaxing benefits of increasing your magnesium intake. Magnesium is readily available in common everyday food items, such a green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereals, & fruits. According to an article from Dr. Oz in 2012, 68-75% of Americans are magnesium deficient. Many supplements are available in your local vitamin aisle, some of which incorporate Vitamin D (another thing many Americans are deficient in) into the Magnesium-Calcium supplement. Something to consider & think about when training for your next race!
• REST – This means different things to different people. For me, rest is no intervals, hill training, or tempo running. Due to my 24-hour shifts at work, by default I get 3 complete no running days during every 2 week period. The days I am post-call (defined as the day after working all night & sleeping all that next morning), I may or may not run in the afternoon. When the NICU is busy & I am exhausted, I can easily rest 6 out of 14 days during the 2-week period. Hence, for me rest-running-days = easy-running-days. For some people though, rest day means NO running & NO physically exerting activity.

I hope you have enjoyed reading & can put some of these tips to daily use! Happy Running!!

 

Are there any “tried & true” tips you abide by to stay injury-free? Any form pointers?

Another yummy recipe from The Runner’s World Cookbook! Who doesn’t LOVE a warm chocolate chip cookie?! If you don’t love them, you don’t know what you’re missing!! Just because you choose to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a treat from time-to-time. This “healthier variation” on a classic cookie is super tasty!! Give them a try next time you put on your baker’s hat!

Perks: Vegetarian, Low-Calorie

Quantity: 30 cookies {inaccurate IMO; my batch made 4 dozen}

Total Time: 50 minutes {Pretty accurate, except add additional time for cooking}

 

{Ingredients}

6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons dark honey, such as buckwheat

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups quick-cooking oats

¾ cup dark chocolate chips, or 4oz. chopped dark chocolate {I used carob chips}

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

{I added ½ cup raisins}

 

{To Make the Cookies}

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

In the bowl of an electric mixer or in a mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, & honey. Beat on high speed until smooth & creamy. Add the eggs & vanilla extract & beat on low speed to blend well.

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, & cocoa powder. Stir until well combined. Add to the wet mixture. Stir in the oats, chocolate, & nuts {add raisins here if you choose this addition}.

Spoon the batter in 1-tablespoon mounds onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until set to the touch.

{Nutrition per Cookie}

124 calories, 23g carbs, 2g fiber, 3g protein, 7g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 74mg sodium

Today, I’ll be posting the next “The-Running-Blonde-approved” recipe. I hope to continue the posts on a weekly basis, with the tradition cleverly named “Tasty Tuesday”. This meal will actually be what is eaten in my house this evening! I’ve only made it once, but on that single occasion we were eagerly awaiting its return to the meal list! The recipe is taken from The Runner’s World Cookbook. Enjoy!!

Perks: Recovery, Gluten-Free, Fast

Quantity: Approximately 6 servings

Total Time: 25 minutes {I’d say this is pretty accurate}

 

{Tabbouleh}

1 cup green or brown lentils

3 cups water

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

4 scallions, thinly sliced {I omitted this}

1 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley {I didn’t have this ingredient so I used parsley from my spice rack, only about 1 tablespoon}

½ seedless cucumber, peeled & diced

½ pint grape tomatoes, quartered

1 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed {no more needed, in my opinion}

 

{Salmon}

6 salmon fillets (4 oz. each)

Juice of 1 lemon

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

 

{To Make the Tabbouleh}

In a small pot, combine the lentils & water. Cover, raise the heat to high, & bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low & simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, or until tender.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss together the oil, lemon juice, garlic, scallions, parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, & salt. When the lentils are cooked, drain, then add to the bowl & toss to combine. Taste & adjust the seasoning.

 

{To Make the Salmon}

Rinse the salmon under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Squeeze the lemon juice over the flesh side, then season with the salt.

Brush the salmon with 2 teaspoons of the oil. Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat & add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil. When hot, cook the salmon, skin side down, for 4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy & releases easily from the pan. Flip & cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through. Spritz with any remaining lemon juice. Serve the salmon over the tabbouleh.

 

{Nutrition per Serving – Based on 6 servings}

412 calories, 25g carbs, 11g fiber, 34g protein, 20g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 661mg sodium

Whelp, the time has come for me to take the running “plunge”. The next step in my running journey has been arranged. No backing out now! I am officially registered for a MARATHON!! The old me that said “never” is clearly going to eat those words.

This has not been an impulsive decision; I’ve actually been planning & hoping for some time now. Back in December, I entered the New York City Marathon lottery. Last month, I found out that I did not make that random draw. I was devastated, simply put. I really wanted my first marathon to end in Central Park. But, since NYC is not in the cards for me {yet} & I really feel like an autumn 2014 marathon is ideal, I must chose another.

So… after much research, I entered the Chicago Marathon lottery a couple of weeks ago. This past Monday, I received the email I had been hoping for: APPROVED. However, thinking logistically & realistically over this past week, the Chicago Marathon would be quite a haul. We’d have to plan flights. Plan a hotel. Plan for childcare. Etc. After weighing the pros & cons, I have chosen to not accept the Chicago Marathon entry, but instead, run in my home state of Virginia. I will be running the Richmond Marathon!!!!

I have not come to this decision lightly. My sweet hubby is on-board with the running, complaining, & all that goes into marathon training. Love that man! After having an amazing session today with THE local A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) guru, I feel that my knee pain is temporary & can/will be “fixed”. I’m ready to see what my body is capable of! I need to do this as a runner, to experience the pain & the joy. I need to do this as a coach, to experience the pain & the joy.

As of now, I will create my training plan with a start date of June 30^th. It’ll be a 20-week plan, with hopes of keeping up my base between now & then. I hope to run the race in under 4 hours, but really, this is unchartered territory & I am keeping an open mind. All of this is subject to change of course; so we shall see! For now, I am SUPER excited & glad the anticipation is over! Have I mentioned I hate surprises?!

What was YOUR first marathon?

ANY advice for a marathon-virgin?