Two More Days: A Reflection on Training

Well… this is it! Just two more days until my half marathon! I think I’m ready – I’ve got the enthusiasm down anyway, and I think that counts for half of it. Of course I’ve been following my “Your Best Half Marathon” training schedule, completed my 13 mile training runs in an acceptable time, got new shoes (not too new), got a new race outfit (long run tested!), and have spent the past week incorporating a little extra yoga and water. I cut out alcohol for this past month and refrained from touching the bar bell this week (sad face 😦 ). I’ve even got my underwear picked out. This means I’m ready, right? Well, I’ve got enthusiasm, anyway!
The truth is that the most important training started a long time ago. Even before that hot August morning when I sat on the couch next to Brian and said “Hey, I think I’ll run a half marathon. I could do that, right?” It started even before we got to Arizona. It was almost a year ago that the first time ever, I ran the entire Back Cove trail (just over 3 miles) with out stopping to walk. This was a shining moment for me, and probably the most important moment in my training thus far. It was that proud moment that I realized, “Hey, I CAN do this. And if I can do 3, maybe I can do 5. Wow… 5 miles. That’s bitchin'” And from there on out, its just been this awesome journey of little by little moving forward. From my first 5k, and 10k to my first trail race; what’s even more amazing than looking forward at what I am about to do, is looking back, at all that I’ve accomplished.
I’ve finished my training program, but it’s the enthusiasm that will get me through the race.

Now, about eating on the go. Like, literally eating on the go. What to eat mid-run when I need a boost?! If you’re anything like me, and you have a sensitive digestive system, running nutrition is… challenging. You may also be like me if you find any of the various goos, gels, chomps, bites, etc. on the market really unpleasant – both in taste and extensive ingredient list. Generally speaking, I just don’t eat while I’m running. It kinda just weirds me out. I also find that if I fuel smartly, with healthy fat, before my run, I have plenty of slow burning energy to keep me going for what ever distance I may be covering. However, come race day, I wanted to be prepared with something to give me that extra boost if I need it mid-run.  Fortunately, I didn’t have to do too much experimenting before I found what works absolutely perfectly for me:

Tada!! Crystallized Ginger. Soft candied ginger cubes are perfect for that extra little bit of “go-go” you sometimes need to push through your long run. For me, the ginger helps settle my stomach, which is prone to upset and reflux during exercise. They are bite-sized, easy to chew, easy to pack, don’t come with extra packaging, and aren’t sticky or messy. They also only have TWO ingredients: ginger and evaporated cane juice. You can usually find them in the bulk section of your grocery store or natural food store, which also means they are very affordable and you can get what ever amount you need – whether it’s just a few for race day, or large amount to keep in the cupboard for long run days.

Plus, they actually taste good!!

Tomorrow afternoon, we hit the road for Sedona, and Saturday morning is the big race.  It’s supposed to rain all weekend, but I think it’s going to be a beautiful day anyway! Happy running – or whatever it is that you DO!

 

Sesame Ginger Carrots and Butternut Squash

It’s a New Year! I love it! Entering 2014 I just had an overwhelming feeling that it was going to be a really good year – and it was! Far better and much more exciting than I had ever imagined. Of course, the climax of our year was a very spontaneous move across the country; from which I have learned so much. I am so happy to have had this opportunity every single day – almost every day, there were definitely more than a few rough ones in the process! 2015 is going to be just fantastic too, I can feel it! Maybe more changes are on the horizon – the prospect is exciting! (Note: I’m not moving ANYWHERE this year. We bought a bed… and a couch… and those things aren’t going anywhere for at least a couple of years!)
Like everyone else, I always enter the new year with the same “fresh start” attitude. I prefer to make goals for myself rather than resolutions. To me, resolutions are too strict, too concrete, and too breakable. They don’t allow the flexibility that everyday life requires. I do, however, make goals. Goals are something to strive for: you’ve got somewhere you’re going, and somewhere you’re coming from, and what ever happens in the middle doesn’t matter.
This year, I want to “let go” a little bit more. It is too easy to get caught up in the “have to’s” of daily life, lost in worry, and fear of the unknown, and confined by assumptions, judgement, and predictions. I want to learn to just let go, and be present in the right here and right now; be free and enjoy the ride!

Now, I’m going to share some yummy food creativity with you!

 

Sesame Ginger Carrots and Butternut Squash

1 Small to Medium sized Butternut Squash, peeled and julienned
4-5 Carrots, peeled and julienned3 tbls. Honey
3 tbls. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tbls. Sesame Oil
3 tsp. Fresh Grated Ginger
Salt
Red Chili Flakes (to taste)
Sesame Seeds (Optional)
Coconut oil for sauteing

In a large bowl, whisk together honey, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and chili flakes. Slice carrots and squash, add to bowl and mix using your hands. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet, add carrots and squash, and cover. Stir every few minutes until tender and caramelized. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.