Life could be worse.
My view as I draft this post:
I am not going to insert a ton of commentary before handing it over to Kat for her bi-weekly guest spot. I’m enjoying my time in AZ, and the food I brought along is actually quite good. Not feeling deprived at all!
If you want to check out what/how I’m eating, follow me on Instagram!
And now, here’s Kat… who somehow is always on my wave-length even when we haven’t hung out in a while.
As a Runner…
I really got my groove back in terms of mileage… must be that time of year where I can run any time of day and it’s gorgeous. I have to admit, I love the heat. I keep having this thought in my head, “just run.” And then I do. I run when I’m lonely, bored, inspired, because I think it’s pretty out, because it’s raining out, because I don’t feel like driving, because people at Boston didn’t get to finish their race. Just run.
I’m back up to my 60-70 miles per week range. I know. It’s crazy, but it’s hours each week where I feel free, explore my city, explore myself, and can just be (Editor’s note: that’s exactly why I like to run… just take your mileage and divide by 3). I don’t think about how my body looks, how my hair looks, and I don’t feel judged or lonely. I just run…in the sun, in the rain, if it’s cloudy, if it’s windy.
I wish that every moment of every day could feel like running.
Rain Run – all the pollen looks like sidewalk chalk being washed away!
For those who run like that, and were denied the opportunity to finish the Boston Marathon, I feel incredibly sad, and more inspired to run. If someone thought that runners were a good target, they got it wrong. Everyone I know ran the day after the Boston Marathon.
We runners are not to be messed with.
The Federal Courthouse Flag on Wednesday, 4/17
Anyway, moving past that, as I increase my mileage for the season, I have been tweaking a few things. First, I’m considering changing up my shoes. I found ones that worked all year last year, and I loved them, but I’m in search of something new to fit my new needs: mega trail running. Moving on past my addiction to the Brooks I’ve been wearing will be hard! But I know my body needs something different to boost my performance, and to help get me more ready for my first 100 miler!
Oh wow! I think I just officially broke the news! I’ll be running my first 100 miler in October! The Oil Creek 100. This means my health is of the utmost importance, and staying injury free is more important than ever. Time to make some changes!
Brooks – Obsessed much?
See, between July and now I have had three pairs of the same road shoes. What am I so afraid of?!?!
I’m also trying out my first compression gear. So far, I like it better for recovery than to actually run in.
My New Hot Pink Compression Sleeves!
Lastly, I’m trying something new with my nutrition. Why? Because I want to try different things to see what works (Editor’s note: I tell people ALL the time not to be afraid to do this! Changing it up for a week or so won’t kill you or make you obese). Lately, I’ve been adding more good fats.
7 reasons this is good for you:
- Increased heart health
- Increased bone strength
- Stronger immune system
- Liver health
- Healthy bones
- Healthy nerves
- Improved brain function
How could you go wrong??? (Note: this is all in connection with a balanced diet. I do not eat saturated fats at every meal!)
One of my new favorite good-fat recipes is so easy, you will be shocked, and it is good as a side dish, dessert, or breakfast. Let’s just call it Coconut-Avocado Mousse!
It’s sweet, creamy, easy, and delicious. I topped it with berries for breakfast, or for a before-bed snack (Editor’s note: this is a midnight snack WAITING to happen)! I tell you what! You should definitely try this.
It would also go well with ice cream (Editor’s note: or what about frozen and made into ice cream?!), topped with granola, or even topped with dark chocolate shavings (I know this first hand). It also makes a great spread on toast!
Coconut-Avocado Mousse
- ½ avocado
- 2 T coconut milk (not the light stuff – the real stuff)
Mix it all up!
Also, in honor of the near future when Laura will be eating only asparagus, I will also be consuming copious amounts, in sympathy (Editor’s note: you are such a kind and thoughtful friend 😉 ).
You should know that this would also be delicious with asparagus! 😉
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I have an insane amount of running shoes, but they’re all different. I’m really interested to hear everyone else’s shoe habits!
What steps have you taken to change when upping mileage?
How many pairs of the same running shoes do you have?
How do you know when your routine is ready for changing? Intuition or something else?
