Where Have I Been?

Working. Running. Planning a wedding. Doing school work. Writing a book.

I am going to be honest. I may fall off the face of the earth over the next two months. Though I do love blogging, it must take a back seat to other priorities right now. Yet, because I am already in the process of writing this post. I may as well give a run down of my week, which was EPIC!

On Sunday, I did my very first group run!

Typically, I do partnered runs with Peter. I never did a casual run with more than 1 other person. I was invited to meet up with a running group at the C&O Canal in Williamsport. They were out to do 16 miles since they are presently training for the Wineglass Marathon in October. I went with the intention of running part of it. Although my leg pain had vanished (just in the nick of time), I did have a plan of running 13 or less. I was more leaning towards the "less" part.

Well, I ended up doing the entire thing! I mainly ran with 2 other runners, Chris and Carly. I actually work within the same company as Chris, while Carly and I both ran our first marathon at the Rock n Roll USA. It was great to run and talk with them! I hope to run with the entire group again soon!!! Running with others is great motivation!

Anyway, to continue the epic-ness of the week, this past Tuesday, I participated in a pushup contest at work. We knew about 8 weeks prior so we could get in shape. I practiced about every other night to try to get a good count and worried that I would fall flat on my face when it came time to compete.

I ended up getting 56 pushups, which was apparently impressive to all who witnessed. I must say, I was extremely proud of myself!!! I ranked as top girl and even beat some of the guys. Maybe next year I will do 100! ;-)

The rest of the week was a bit of a blur with work, homework, and wedding planning! I have even taken up writing my book again...I only took a 2 year hiatus on that one.

I did do another couple of long runs this weekend. Yesterday, I stuck with 14. Though, I would have loved to do 17 with the running group, I woke up just a hair too late. Also, it was not my best run. Around mile 11, I had to stop and break for a bit. I ate, drank back some Gatorade and walked it out. I did end up running the last 3, but it was really a struggle. At least it was a pretty day!

Today, I ran 8. I did 4 alone, then Peter met up with me to do 4 more. I am super proud of him. He had to take several weeks off due to his own leg pain and has had to slowly come back into running. Glad to see him up to 4 now. Can't wait till fall so we are taking over these streets and trails together!

I also wanted to update you all on my gluten-free diet since I am now a month in, but I want to make this a post all it's own! Definitely good stuff! I am not sure when I will get around to it with all the crazy going on lately, but hopefully you will see an update from me within a week!

Have a great one!

I Got Knocked Down, But I Got Up Again

Maybe I only like using the "up and down" panoramic feature on my Samsung, but I think the perception is really cool.

And in case you were wondering, my leg has been awesome! I have found that trigger point massage is the greatest thing in the world. It partners nicely with  my BioSkin Compression Sleeve to help improve the circulation in my calf.

To add to those, I have also applied some of Arbonne's Herbal Muscle Massage Pain Relieving Gel. That stuff really does the job! Even though I applied the gel before bed, it activated while I was on my run this morning! I have had the stuff for months, but never really knew how amazing it was until now!

Since we are already on the subject running, I may as well throw in how I took a tumble during my trail run today.

I went out to do 13.1 miles and I tripped over a rock around mile 4. This is only the second time I have ever fallen while running. Thankfully, I only came out with a few scratches and some dirty legs & clothing.

That's a lot better than my first fall on the C&O Canal in September.

I received my engagement ring only hours after that injury, so it definitely
made up for the pain I had!

Anyway, when I hit and wondered if I should just turn around and call it a day. It was already disgustingly humid out and I left my Gatorade in the car. I wasn't feeling the run either. In the end, I decided to get up, brush myself off and finish what I had started. My time wasn't all that bad either...2:05, a couple minutes better than last week. I am glad I decided to push through.

I was pretty beat afterwards and took a 2 hour nap once our errands for the day were complete. It is pretty rare that I take naps, so I knew my body was exhausted from the distance and heat. Tomorrow, I do not intend on pushing as hard. I will be happy if I get out and do 5 miles.

I hope you all were able to get out and have some good runs during your weekend! Feel free to tell me about yours!

What items do you use to help relieve leg pain other than pain pills?

Have you ever fallen while running? Did you get up and keep running?

Do you take naps or fight through exhaustion?

Panoramic Run!

Have a great Friday, my friends! Send me your running pictures!!

Let's Talk Running...But First....

If you have not yet noticed, I have been obsessed with finding new GF recipes. I have been doing really well, even with the holidays. Sure, I may have not ate any foods with gluten, but that does not mean I didn't eat plenty of the GF items!! Remember, just because you may be gluten-free, doesn't mean you have a ticket to eat like a horse. I am mainly saying that statement to myself!

So here is some of the GF meals that I have tried in the last few days.

Eggs and fried sweet potatoes

Zucchini noodles and avocados, which I later added walnuts too.

Arbonne protein shake with strawberries. This was PHENOMENAL!

Taco meat in a cabbage leaf

 Cutting out bread really forces you to become creative with your meals. I thought that I would not feel satisfied if I did not have a pound of bread on the side, but I can't get over how satisfied I am! And I have a new found love for veggies! Zucchini is my favorite right now!

Anyway, I think it is time I talk running for once!

Over the weekend, I finally got a half marathon distance in. After having my week off, I feel like I struggled coming back. I think it was more so coming back in the 90 degree heat more than anything. Thankfully, both Friday and Saturday were beautiful days! When I went out to run on both mornings, it was in the 60s or 70s! Barely any humidity!

Big Slackwater

Dam #4

Somewhere at mile 11

I did not finish where I typically see myself, but I was satisfied.

I ran another 6 on Sunday, but slacked today and only did 5k. After 3 cookouts, running, grocery shopping, and cleaning, I think 3.1 was just fine!!! I have also started waking up at 5 am to get a couple of miles in the morning. It is way cooler and then, I can cut my evening mileage down if it is way too hot! Peter has been doing it with me so that really helps motivate me to get out of bed an hour early!

Anywho, I have yet another busy week ahead. I have started my college class and have some business socials set up, but the weekend should be free! I am looking forward to relaxing!

Hope you all have a great week!

Name some creative ways you have replaced bread.

How do you get through days of bad running? What motivates you to push forward?

Do you like running before work or after work?