Moo Goes the Cow, Oink Goes the Ritz

One of my main motivators during marathon training is food. I live under the mistaken philosophy that I can eat whatever I want, because I am running so many miles that I don't want to run. This does little to improve my running and my waistline.

This time around I promised to be better, both in my running time and my eating habits. Luckily, I have my good friend MA* and a great website HungryGirl to help keep my post-run treats on track. Thanks to a tip from HungryGirl I had a delicious icecream treat waiting for me in the freezer after my 5 mile run tonight. It was HOT outside and despite waiting until 6:30p to run and wearing my Bengals visor (WHO DEY!) to keep the sun from my face, I was an absolutely flaming tomato by the time I huffed my way to the end of my 5 mile route. After a cool down involving 2 32oz. glasses of water (with an entire tray of icecubes), an ice pack strategically placed in my sports bra to help cool my "core" and a 20 minute yoga-style soothing stretching routine, I was still craving something cold.

Waiting for me in the freezer was a delicious Skinny Dipper caramel chocolate icecream popsicle. Only 80 calories and pure summertime bliss. I think I heard the icecream truck song after taking my first taste. I bought a dual pack with both caramel and vanilla flavored icecream pops covered in a chocolatey coating. I would suggest you do the same. A much better option than the love of my life, Snowie! These shaved ice treats are the best, but they are also a calorie nightmare. I think they have to be reserved to treats on days that involve at least 8 mile runs.

While training for the Flying Pig I developed a relentless craving for, wait for it.... cole slaw. After every Saturday long run I had to have some cole slaw. Disgusting, I know, but so delicious. We will have to see if this craving continues, or if I move on to something else. Hopefully one day I will crave something healthy, like broccoli, but I have a feeling that level of nutritional and physical health is not in my future.

The run today was a training run for the Hyde Park Blast this Saturday. I will be doing the 4 mile run with Em, Casey, and Wes. I will also be helping out my friend, Liz with the Kids Race on Saturday afternoon. Liz is involved in CancerFree Kids, a charity that raises money for kids with cancer, and proceeds from the Blast will benefit CancerFree Kids. So, sign up for the race, come watch the afternoon events, or join the party on Hyde Park Square on Saturday night, and you will be benefiting a great cause. The toughest part of the course is Handysyde, a painful hill, and I made it up, up, and away today so I am very excited to see how Saturday goes.

Drink, Drank...

Week 2 of training is complete!
After taking off most of the month of May it has been difficult getting back into running. The spike in heat and humidity did not help much. I started the week out with a 3 mile run on Tuesday. The weather was cool, the wind was blowing and I managed to finish my route with minimal walking, zero heart attack scares, and a lot of pride that I am still able to run (as long as it isn't in 90 degree heat). Wednesday night was a 5 miler with Em. Rough in spots but we huffed our way through. Thursday was another 3 miles. A little on the slow side, but not bad. And then today...
9 miles.

We planned to run early to avoid the heat and sun. The plan didn't exactly work out. Emily and I ended up running at 11am. Just about the worst time of day to go out. Luckily there were lots of shady spots and lots of water fountains along our course.

A brief rundown of the water fountains around Hyde Park:
1. Madison and Observatory: really good stuff here, good water pressure, easy to hold the pedal down (even with an exhausted running leg) and a bonus is the dog spout which is at optimal height for dogs or humans (Emily) who want to dunk their heads under the water to cool down.

2. Madison and Grandin (O'Bryonville): this has 2 spouts which allows for simultaneous drinking, good if you are in a hurry, or cannot possibly watch your running partner quench their thirst while you wait your turn, the dog spout on this one is v. close to the ground and makes it difficult for head dunking (Em may have some cement scrapes on her forehead), the water temperature is a little on the warm side, added bonus is the bench nearby which looked VERY inviting if you absolutely need to collapse (I resisted the temptation).

3. Erie(Hyde Park Square): this is a "bubbler", basically the water bubbles straight up; going up your nose, all over your face and if you are lucky, a baby bit into your mouth,also the people sitting on the square seem to stare as you huff, puff and basically take a bath in this water fountain.

4. Erie and Marburg: this little gem is hidden back by the tennis courts. I trained for the Flying Pig not once knowing about this water stop. The coldest water in the city (that I have discovered so far), but only one spout so you have to wait your turn, high point here is getting to take a water break and catch your breath before running up the policeman hill to Erie and Delta.

Overall it was a good run. I finished 9 miles in decent time, found water fountains to keep me hydrated, and earned myself a rest day. Tonight is Liz's bachelorette party at my apartment, followed by some debauchery downtown. Hope my legs can hold up for an evening of high-heeled dancing after the 9 miler!

I Confess...

I ran a marathon, I wrote a blog about it, and I am doing it all again!

I finished my first marathon in May. It was an amazing experience, made all the more fun because Emily and I were selected as Flying Pig bloggers for our local newspaper. To read more about our first training experience check out the CinWeekly archives.

Now we are at it again. This time Em and I, along with Em's husband-to-be, Casey, are training for the Chicago Marathon on October 12 and raising money for Team Lungevity as we do it. Team Lungevity raises money for Lung Cancer research. My dad, Ron, passed away in October from lung cancer. I cannot tell you what it means to run this marathon in memory of him, raising money in honor of him, and to have Emily and Casey join the team as well. We all plan to run the marathon and raise money for lung cancer research.

Check out these websites:

Lindsey's Team Lungevity Donation Website

Em's Marathon and Wedding Blog

Emily's Team Lungevity Donation Website

Casey's donation website will be added soon! (I don't think we can convince him to do a blog!).

I plan to blog about: the horrors of training for a marathon during a humid Ohio summer, the challenges of finding shoes to fit my aching feet, the joys of indulging in a post-run food binge, and all the other highs and lows I experience as I train my way to Chicago on October 12!