Saturday, September 18, 2010

Me and the Pavement



It's days like today when I realize why I love to run.  I woke up just as the sun was rising and laced up the sneakers for a casual Saturday run.  

I have to be honest about something.  I have been feeling a bit apprehensive about this upcoming 1/2 marathon.  I haven't been training as seriously as I was last year, my body is not in the same physical condition after a few injuries and illness, and I have not had nearly as many longer runs as I should have.  With the race just 3 weeks away, my confidence has become a little scarce. 

But today, I just wanted to run.  I just wanted to feel myself connecting with the pavement.  I didn't want to feel pressured with times, distance, or pace.  I wanted to remind myself that even if I'm not in optimum shape for this race, it's okay. 

I set out in the perfect weather condition.  Slightly crisp but not enough to hurt your lungs.  I just took off, not really having a direction or distance in mind.  I ran for about 6 miles and then decided that was just enough.  I could feel my knee start to hurt and I knew if I kept pushing, my body would have gone further, but then I thought, why push?  I'll have my race to push myself. 

Maybe next weekend, I'll try to go farther, but I think just remembering to run for enjoyment is what is really going to get me through and get my confidence to where it needs to be.  I know I have the endurance, I'm just not sure how well my body will perform this time around if I try to push too hard.  

After such an enjoyable run, I came home and made an enjoyable breakfast. 

Banana Walnut Pumpkin Oats



1/4 Cup Scottish Oats, 1/4 Cup Pumpkin, Cinnamon, PP Spice, 1/2 Mashed Banana 
Toppings: Crushed Walnuts, 1/2 Banana, Mighty Maple, Vanilla Chobani 



One of the reasons I love fall is merely for the pumpkin oats.  Now, if only I could find some more pumpkin.  Still a shortage here! 

After breakfast, I went to the gym for an hour Body Flow class.  It was amazing and much needed! My body was feeling incredibly stressed, tight, and sore, so an hour of pure relaxing stretches of Thai Chi, Yoga and Pilates was sensational.  I think I am going to make these Saturday Body Flow classes a regular thing. 

I guess I was feeling quite relaxed after this class, because I decided to continue to pamper my body with a pedicure.  The thought of someone messaging my feet and having pretty toes was so appealing.  I fully believe in treating yourself every once in awhile, so today, I did. 

When I got back, I was starving.  It's weird how yoga always makes me hungry.  I think it takes so much energy to relax that I actually work up quite an appetite. 

For lunch, I made a big beautiful salad. 


Romaine, Zucchini, Asparagus, Broccoli, Green Pepper, Tomato, Avocado, Peas, Smoked Salmon, Olives, Capers, Hummus and Balsamic 


Delicious!  There is nothing I crave more than a huge salad with so much to offer. 

Toly and I ran some errands in the afternoon and came back to catch up on some quality tv.  We were a few episodes back on Jersey Shore. :) 

My parents came over around 6pm and we all headed out to dinner. 

Both Toly and my mom had coupons for Houllihans for a free meal for their b-days.  For some reason, we always go to Houllihans for someone's birthday, probably because we get the free meal.




We also wanted to discuss our upcoming living arrangements since we are all about to become one big happy family again. 

To eat, I ordered the Seared Rare Tuna Tacos. 



They were good, but for some reason, I just wasn't very hungry. Guess that big salad was still lingering.  I could only eat one and a few chips. 

But I definitely had room for dessert. Houllihans has okay food, but I do love their desserts.  The mini berry cobbler is my favorite and Toly and I split. 

It was dark by the time it came out, so the picture didn't really turn out but we managed to clean the dish. 

My sister is finally home from the hospital so I'm going over to see her and spend time with the baby tomorrow.  I can't wait to see that little guy again.  :) 

Hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Saturday!



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8 comments:

  1. houlihans! i remember going there after big concerts in high school!

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  2. Hey, Lauren - here's a question for you...

    I see in your breakfast bowls that you eat 1/2 banana. Do you eat the other half, or how do you preserve it so the other half isn't brown and nasty by the next morning?

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  3. hey girlfrand!!!
    so glad we are both no longer creepers on each others blog.. haha! feel MUCH better now that that is on the table! you and toly are adorable- i love that name!!! i love your attitude about running.. you just have faith and peace about it

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  4. I'm running my first half in about a month. And, frankly, I'm pretty nervous for it. However, it's those "good runs" that remind me how much fun it all is... By "all" I don't just mean the race, but everything leading up to it. I just need to remind myself of that more often!

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  5. I hope you enjoy your time with your little guy! New babies are just beautiful, and I'm sure it's great to have your sister and family home. I know you are nervous about the marathon, but you will do great. You are a strong, powerful and inspiring woman...trust yourself!

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  6. Sounds like a really wonderful day. I love runs where I just go with the flow and listen to my body. They are IDEAL! Glad you got in some good flow to help your muscles recover too. Looks like a fun birthday dinner. Hope your SUnday is just as fantastic

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  7. I totally know how you feel about not being prepared for your race - BUT!! Don't worry about it. I felt the same way for my 1/2 last Sunday and I shaved off 3 minutes and got a PR!!

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  8. That's one heck of a salad -- looks gorgeous!

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