Salad | Outrunning Doubt

Days 28 and 29

Posted on November 26, 2014 by kalynsara

So I know I promised that I would not allow life to get in the way. But last week it did. I had some exciting news at work and it sort of threw me for a loop. In such a good way. But it left me in a whirlwind of figuring out how to manage my time. I gave myself the rest of the week to figure it out (and cheat a little. Ok, a lot). But don’t worry, I started yesterday off on the right foot. I gave myself some short-term goals to stick to.

First, I am going to run/walk (but mostly run) 55 miles by Christmas. This may not sound like a lot considering I have 30 days to do this, but remember I am trying to get in better running shape the correct way all while nursing an IT band injury that I have had for over a year. So this goal is going to help keep me motivated, but still allow me to become a better runner.

Second, I am going to go three days a week (until Christmas, then reevaluate) with absolutely no bread, sweets, pasta and chips. This is going to be hard for me. I love all of those things. A lot. And although I have been a lot better about not eating sweets, the no bread thing is really going to get me.

So here goes my recap for days 28 and 29.

Yesterday was an OK day in terms of fitness. I went to a wedding on Saturday night and so I was really feeling bad on Sunday. Yesterday I could definitely feel it in my workout.

I walked 1/4 of a mile and ran 3/4 of a mile (which brings my goal to 1/55). It was slow. And painful. But afterward I did some squats, biceps and triceps reps on the TRX bands (I just learned how to use those things and they are killer). I also did two swinging planks with the bands. Those are hard. I did one for a minute and one for 45 seconds. I stretched and rolled afterward.

For breakfast I ate a bowl of cereal with two handfuls of blueberries. For lunch I had the most incredible salad with romaine, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, artichokes (words cannot express how much I love artichokes) and feta cheese. All with a little bit of ranch dressing. I had two fresh rolls on the side. For snack I had a greek yogurt. For dinner I had a sandwich with rye bread, pepperoni, spicy mustard, ham, swiss cheese and tomato. It was awesome. The tomato was a vine tomato from the Farmer’s Market. Best tomato ever.

Today I did not hit the gym. My day at work was a workout in itself. Trust me on this one. I am exhausted.

For breakfast I had some oatmeal made with a teaspoon of brown sugar, a teaspoon of chia seeds, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract. For snack I had a greek yogurt. For lunch I had a huge grilled cheese with a small bowl of tomato basil soup. For dinner I had rice, steamed spinach and a little bit of grilled chicken.

I am planning a really good workout for tomorrow and Thursday. I need to go ahead and work off my calories now.

Day Four

Posted on October 31, 2014 by kalynsara

My Grandpop is pretty badass. He is a Retired Sergeant Major United States Marine Corps. He has been a runner since his 30s and a marathoner since his 50s (I may be a little off on his ages). He has run marathons all over the country including the Boston! He has run the Marine Corps Marathon almost every single year excluding a few times when he was deployed and this past weekend when he had the flu. Did I mention he is 88 years old? Yea…he is quite the inspiration. I would kill to have a running career like his. Here he is running the Olympic Torch. Yes…that is a real picture.

Well he called me today. He told me how proud he is of me. He told me that it takes courage, hard work and determination to be a runner and that what happened this past weekend is just one race in my running career. He made me promise him that I will never, ever give up at running. He made me promise that I will continue to train and work hard and run marathons. I promised him. I intend to keep that promise.

I took today as my rest day. I have been congested for over a week and last night I was having chest pain and had to take NyQuil to get to sleep. So I thought it was best to take this morning off from any training and just get some house work done. Tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday it will be on. Body…be prepared.

My nutrition was a little good and a little bad. I had cereal for breakfast. I know, again. For lunch I had an incredible salad with spring mix, carrots, red onions, cucumbers and tomatoes. I put a little bit of ranch dressing on it and then had two freshly baked rolls on the side. For dinner I had tortellini lightly tossed in organic butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese. For snacks I had a greek yogurt, hummus with thin pretzels and two Starburst. I regret eating the Starburst. I really did not need them as bad as I wanted them.

I am getting so excited to watch the NYC Marathon this weekend!