Monday, August 11, 2014

Training Update

Let's begin with something totally unrelated to training. runDisney released pictures of the medals for the Avengers half Marathon weekend. Here they are:


I've been following what people have said regarding the medals when Matt Marcela posted the picture to the Team Run Disney group on Facebook and apparently there are some mixed feelings. Personally, I love the Half medal. It is simple, elegant and to the point. Makes me even sadder that I'm gonna miss this one.

Anyway... training! Now that I'm deep into training for the Philly Half, it's time for an update. So far, it has been positive despite few snags. My mileage is up and I feel like I'm making good gains overall. Here are some of the good things and bad things that have happened so far. First the bad:

1. I have not been feeling well. I was sick a while back and for some reason I still have a cough and a head congestion that is giving me some pretty bad headaches. A few days ago, I was forced to cut a 5 mile run at 3 miles simply because the headache wouldn't let me go on. Sadly this is not new. Whenever I get the flu or whatever, the cough always lingers for the longest time. Totally sucks.

2. Apparently, I took it a bit too easy these past few months so it has been hard to get myself in "proper" running form. Long runs in particular have been challenging.

3. For the most part, I've been tracking my calories and behaving myself but there have definitely been some bad days...

4. It's been hard to keep a consistent schedule. Been forced to run on rest days and cut running days to make up for it however...

The Good:

1. My mileage is definitely up. I don't like the unpredictable schedule but I'm running so that's good.

2. I'm back to doing speedwork and tempo runs. Hurts so good...

3. Back to long runs on the weekends. Hurts... not so good, but I'm out there.

4. Soda consumption has been reigned in to an absolute minimum. Almost to zero. Almost.

I am having a bit of an issue in the nutrition department that I can't seem to figure out though. I usually run after I get home from work (5:30pm - 6:00pm-ish). On the days I run, I eat dinner afterwards. Since I'm watching my calories, my lunch is on the lighter side and apparently not enough to fuel my run properly. I have felt awful and tired during the run. Solution? Skip dinner and have a more robust lunch, then have a snack at night.

Skipping meals is a bit of a no-no when you are trying to lose weight but what other way is there around this? Has anyone had (or has) this problem?

10 comments:

  1. I agree with you about the Avengers medal. I think it's very classy. As for the running after work and nutrition thing - I used to take a seal team type class after work and found the same problem. What I found that works for me is to have a light lunch and then have a snack about 2 hours before the class. That would include some apple slices and peanut butter, or a couple rolled up slices of meat and cheese, or a handful of almonds. Not much, but enough to give you the energy you need to pound out that run.
    @heatherlas

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    1. So a pre-workout snack... I'm gonna try that for sure and see if its enough.

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  2. I think the avengers medals are nice nd what would be expected of a race like that. It's nice that they have a more "male themed" race now.

    As a nutrition teacher, this is what I would suggest about your eating. You always want to eat your bigger meals earlier in the day. Make sure to eat breakfast, then have a big lunch, have an afternoon snack and then have a protein bar or something before your run. Dinner can be lighter. Good luck! If you want any free nutritional advice, feel free to message me!

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    1. I try to follow that pattern as much as I can. Tapering the meals as the day goes. I'm gonna have to rearrange my calorie intake but the pre-workout snack idea seems like a good idea. I just have to leave a little something for the evenings. If I go to sleep hungry, I can ruin my entire day at the fridge during the night. lol

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  3. I like the Avengers Medal! Wish I could run that one! Great job with your training! And yes fueling yourself properly for your runs when your dieting is tricky. I learned to go ahead and eat my pizza the night before my long runs so that I was fueled properly. Maybe on the days you run you should eat a heartier lunch and lighter dinner.

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  4. I like the half medal, the other two I could take or leave.
    I've also struggled with the proper fueling for running while dieting thing. I agree with those above that a pre workout snack may be your best option. Have you tried Energybits? They are only 30 calories a serving and they give me a lot of fuel for my weekday evening runs. I have samples and a discount code if you are interested.

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    1. I want to try Energy Bits so bad! Especially after your review of them. I'm gonna have to use that discount code pretty soon...

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  5. I'm all for a big lunch and a mid-afternoon snack that's a combination of carbs and protein (nuts and fruit, greek yogurt with granola). I find by chowing down earlier in the day, I'm well fueled for my after work run and I actually have a lighter dinner. Try it and let me know how it works! :)

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    1. I sure will! Lately I've been trying to go with a stronger lunch followed with a light snack then the run and another snack before going to bed. Skipping dinner altogether. But I'm trying get at least a light dinner in there.

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