Go figure!
It’s marathon week. 18 weeks of training and all has gone perfectly well. I’m finally in the taper week and guess what? My first illness of the year – a darn sinus infection has to get in my way. I have asthma and these things usually lead to breathing problems for me. I am really hoping to have this gone in a couple of days. I’m drinking tons of extra fluids, eating only healthy foods including tons of color and I made a call to my asthma doctor. I have been trying to get some extra sleep, but was up all night worrying about being sick. Ugh!
Fortunately taper week is a time for rest. I had a scheduled day off today and only a 3-mile run tomorrow. Wednesday is just four miles and then Thursday and Friday are completely off. My schedule calls for a very easy one-three mile run on Saturday and Sunday is the full 26.2. I always look forward to a few days of eating lots of carbs!
I am determined not to let this nasty sinus infection ruin what could be a great run, but I’m going to need all of the help I can get! Keep your fingers crossed!
By Michelle Kruse
As I type this, I am sitting in the airport waiting to leave New Orleans. Happily, this is the first time I’ve ever left this town feeling well. In the city of excess everything, it’s hard to come away not feeling heavier, bloated, and worn out. What’s different? This time I made a conscious effort to eat well, avoid salty junk, and avoid smoky jazz joints and smoky restaurants. I traveled with my dietitian colleague, Sally Brown. That helped, too. My tips for traveling “light:”
1. BYOWP: Bring Your Own Whey Protein!!! CardioWhey comes in single serve packets – you can even take them on the airplane – in your carry-on. Mix it with some milk, juice or even water and have a healthy breakfast anytime. You can always find a fresh fruit cup, orange, or apple somewhere – have it with your CardioWhey and you’ve got a complete meal.
2. Request what you want at restaurants. Just because something is not on the menu, it doesn’t mean they don’t have it or can’t do it. Chances are your server can replace iceberg with darker greens or can add extra veggies to your salad. Order light dressing or even just vinegar and olive oil on the side so you can control your calories. Ask for a light protein source with your salad – small piece of grilled chicken, fish, etc.
3. SHARE! Sally and I split meals in the evenings. The portions are huge. You don’t have to eat it all! Splitting with a friend means your portion is more reasonable. Skip dessert or order fresh berries for dessert. Even when they’re not on the menu, many nice restaurants will still serve them.
4. Travel with healthy snacks. My husband always travels with raw nuts, apples, and other “easy” snacks. Then when the peanuts and pretzels come on the plane, we can skip them and eat our own healthy food.
5. Research your exercise before you leave. I always call to see if there is a lap pool at the hotel and bring a suit and goggles if so. I check out the workout room online and when I arrive, I ask at the front desk for a running map. Most hotels have safe routes mapped out for walkers and runners. They’ll always make one for you. Just ask! Never leave home without your running/walking shoes and workout clothes.
Boarding time – there’s no place like home!
By Michelle Kruse
I’ve been running with my Garmin Forerunner since I got it for Christmas last year. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. It’s a great motivational tool. For instance, it lets me know when I’m slacking off. And, ever the competitor, I find myself pushing to make an even mileage number – I can’t stop at 4.82 miles – I have to backtrack on the course to run the full five miles. Plus, I love knowing exactly how far I’ve gone and my exact pace.
The only downside is the lack of “real” competition. I’ve tried the “virtual partner,” but I’m kind of missing my lower-tech Nike Plus system. I had mine hooked up to my iPod and I enjoyed hearing Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe tell me “two miles completed” or “Congratulations, you just set a PR for the 10K.”
I also miss the challenges. Way back in the day (last year) before my brother in CO and other friends had switched to Garmins themselves, we would challenge each other on the Nike Plus website. The challenges were always small, a few friends trying to best each other in the 5-mile or fastest mile or 5K, but they were always motivating. There is just something about smack talk that pushes you to move faster! I’m going to have to spend some time searching to see if there is a way to do this with the Garmin – If so, let the smack talk begin (again)!
