So today marks day 7 of Low Sugar Lent. And it honestly hasn't been too hard. The first few days were a little difficult in the evenings, but that passed. I had a mishap on Day 1 with an attempt to use bakers chocolate in my oatmeal as I had seen other bloggers do. It was so horrible I only ate about 1/3 of my breakfast that day. Brunch on Sunday wasn't too bad either. No Krispy Kremes for me though and lot of no sugar options.
Here's to week two which will bring a different challenge: baking.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tom King 5k Recap
Saturday was the Tom King Classic 5k and Half Marathon. It marked the culmination of the East Nasty Couch to 5k program which I volunteered with. A few weeks ago the thought entered my mind that I might actually be able to get a PR (personal record) on this course since it was so flat. It wasn't until the end of last week that I actually decided I would "race". I spent 4 amazing days in New Orleans and had a grand time eating rich foods and no exercise. So I wasn't sure how I would be feeling leading up to Saturday.
By Friday I knew I was going to give it my all. My goal: run a 5k under 24 minutes. So 23:59 was my aim. Any time I run a 5k, my main goal is to run my best race. However, I do know that every course is different and there are a lot of different variables that go into optimal race conditions. I also decided that I would not where my ipod during this race. That was a first for me. To prepare, the night before I figured out the pace I would need to maintain. 7:53/mile.
The weather was pretty perfect Saturday. A slight chill, but not too cold. I warmed up with the Couch to 5k group and split off from them and made my way towards the front of the start area. I never start as close as I actually should and end up regretting it as I am passing people.
The first mile was around the Titan's Stadium. It wasn't bad at all and I actually started out a little bit too fast (A pipe dream of mine is to run ONE mile at 6:59, but that dream deserves it's own post). I had about 3/4 of a mile to go to get to the East Nasty water stop which was also the turn around point. I couldn't tell you who cheered for me at the water stop, but I know all of my friends were cheering me on. On my way back to the stadium I felt like my name was called every 20 seconds as I passed the newest East Nasties running the 5k, some for their first time, who knew I was running for a specific time. About 1/2 a mile from the finish I just wanted to quit. That was probably the hardest part. And then I saw Chuck. Chuck is such a great cheerleader and encourager of runners and I just remember him telling me I could do it and to start picking off other runners.
I did pass a few other runners and knew I still had to run up a slight ramp into the stadium. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the large downhill that led to the field. We did 3/4 of a lap on the field and finished at the 50 yard line. According to my watch my time was 23:54. I was excited, but of course it's not official, until I see the results.
23:53.
I think my next goal should be to actually smile at the camera.
I did it. And I have been completed overwhelmed with the congratulations I have received. Thank you all for all of the encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you.
By Friday I knew I was going to give it my all. My goal: run a 5k under 24 minutes. So 23:59 was my aim. Any time I run a 5k, my main goal is to run my best race. However, I do know that every course is different and there are a lot of different variables that go into optimal race conditions. I also decided that I would not where my ipod during this race. That was a first for me. To prepare, the night before I figured out the pace I would need to maintain. 7:53/mile.
The weather was pretty perfect Saturday. A slight chill, but not too cold. I warmed up with the Couch to 5k group and split off from them and made my way towards the front of the start area. I never start as close as I actually should and end up regretting it as I am passing people.
The first mile was around the Titan's Stadium. It wasn't bad at all and I actually started out a little bit too fast (A pipe dream of mine is to run ONE mile at 6:59, but that dream deserves it's own post). I had about 3/4 of a mile to go to get to the East Nasty water stop which was also the turn around point. I couldn't tell you who cheered for me at the water stop, but I know all of my friends were cheering me on. On my way back to the stadium I felt like my name was called every 20 seconds as I passed the newest East Nasties running the 5k, some for their first time, who knew I was running for a specific time. About 1/2 a mile from the finish I just wanted to quit. That was probably the hardest part. And then I saw Chuck. Chuck is such a great cheerleader and encourager of runners and I just remember him telling me I could do it and to start picking off other runners.
I did pass a few other runners and knew I still had to run up a slight ramp into the stadium. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the large downhill that led to the field. We did 3/4 of a lap on the field and finished at the 50 yard line. According to my watch my time was 23:54. I was excited, but of course it's not official, until I see the results.
23:53.
I think my next goal should be to actually smile at the camera.
I did it. And I have been completed overwhelmed with the congratulations I have received. Thank you all for all of the encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Low Sugar Lent
I am little embarrassed to admit this, but it has probably been at least two weeks since I have done any sort of major grocery shopping trip. Tonight after a rainy speed session, I high tailed it to Trader Joes. First, the sample was some sort of red beans and rice with spicy sausage. I ate one of the little sample cups and seriously considered going back for 1 or maybe two more. I didn't. But then an employee came around offering me a sample of a bite size chocolate chip cookie. Of course I indulged. He left. I ate the cookie and when I was finished I thought to myself that I should have grabbed two. And then he came back around again and asked if I wanted another one. "Why yes I do! Thanks!" He then told me I was tall.
I am sure you are thinking that I went to the grocery store at the worst possible time-after a workout and before dinner. While not ideal, this trip was a little different. I was shopping with intention. I was intent on finding foods with no added sugars and I actually paid attention to sodium content. I came away with a lot of yummy vegetables, some olives, canned salmon, steel cut oats, and a favorite I seemed to have forgotten-pistachios. I walked around the store reading labels and comparing. I also realized that most of those impulse items have some sort of added sugar in them.
I feel prepared to start my Low Sugar Lent tomorrow. While I am not going completely sugar free (I still plan to eat fruit and veggies with sugar), my hope is to work on reducing my overall sugar intake as it relates to the food I eat. As it relates to Diet Coke, I am not sure I can give that up just yet, but I am going to work on reducing the number that I drink. For Low Sugar Lent, I will not add sugar to any food I prepare at home. Based on available information, I will make the best low sugar eating choice available. I can pretty much kiss dessert goodbye. I also will not purchase food with added sugars. Besides the artificial sweetener in Diet Coke, I don't use them and probably will not start using them.
I also know there will be several times while running that I will need to drink Gatorade and/or eat GU.
So all of the stuff that has sugar in it that is currently in my cupboards or fridge? It will probably still be there when I get done with Low Sugar Lent. Items with sugar in them seem to have a long shelf life.
I am sure you are thinking that I went to the grocery store at the worst possible time-after a workout and before dinner. While not ideal, this trip was a little different. I was shopping with intention. I was intent on finding foods with no added sugars and I actually paid attention to sodium content. I came away with a lot of yummy vegetables, some olives, canned salmon, steel cut oats, and a favorite I seemed to have forgotten-pistachios. I walked around the store reading labels and comparing. I also realized that most of those impulse items have some sort of added sugar in them.
I feel prepared to start my Low Sugar Lent tomorrow. While I am not going completely sugar free (I still plan to eat fruit and veggies with sugar), my hope is to work on reducing my overall sugar intake as it relates to the food I eat. As it relates to Diet Coke, I am not sure I can give that up just yet, but I am going to work on reducing the number that I drink. For Low Sugar Lent, I will not add sugar to any food I prepare at home. Based on available information, I will make the best low sugar eating choice available. I can pretty much kiss dessert goodbye. I also will not purchase food with added sugars. Besides the artificial sweetener in Diet Coke, I don't use them and probably will not start using them.
I also know there will be several times while running that I will need to drink Gatorade and/or eat GU.
So all of the stuff that has sugar in it that is currently in my cupboards or fridge? It will probably still be there when I get done with Low Sugar Lent. Items with sugar in them seem to have a long shelf life.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
King (Queen) of New Orleans
This time tomorrow night I will be in New Orleans with one of my best friends from Seattle. My only plans for the weekend are to enjoy some amazing food and laugh a lot.
In other news, I am going to work on giving up sugar for lent. Details upon my return.
On Sunday, I had a pretty awesome 3 mile time trial if I do say so myself.
3 mile warm up at about 10 minutes miles
Mile 1- 7:50
Mile 2- 7:45
Mile 3- 7:39
Total time- 23:17
I'll take it.
My last 3 minute time trial was 24:15. My main goal was to get in the 23 minute range. I'd say I exceeded that. I am still struggling with the idea that my body can sustain sub 8-minute miles. Obviously not for long lengths, but it puts my half marathon pace more in the region of 8:30/min miles rather than 9/min miles.
So who's been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Whose want to go to Mardi Gras?
In other news, I am going to work on giving up sugar for lent. Details upon my return.
On Sunday, I had a pretty awesome 3 mile time trial if I do say so myself.
3 mile warm up at about 10 minutes miles
Mile 1- 7:50
Mile 2- 7:45
Mile 3- 7:39
Total time- 23:17
I'll take it.
My last 3 minute time trial was 24:15. My main goal was to get in the 23 minute range. I'd say I exceeded that. I am still struggling with the idea that my body can sustain sub 8-minute miles. Obviously not for long lengths, but it puts my half marathon pace more in the region of 8:30/min miles rather than 9/min miles.
So who's been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Whose want to go to Mardi Gras?
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