Needed Distraction

My upcoming half marathon is 6 days away...more like 5 1/2.  And...my shin splints are back.

Needless to say, I'm panicing a little.  Enter kinesiology tape.

If you know anything about shin splints or kinesiology tape, you probably already know that I was panicking a lot.  Because it took me until I sat down to write this post -- a good two hours after said shins were taped -- to realize that I had taped them completely backwards.

Much better.  Hope this helps!

Needless to say, I don't think my sanity can handle another all-running post today.  Enter Paige's Healthy Living Survey, which has been sitting in my favorites for just a moment such as this.

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

Oat bran with ground flax, almonds, and banana.  I was super hungry before lunch.  Lesson learned: Peanut butter truly IS required for a good breakfast!

2. How much water do you drink a day?

Definitely not enough.  I would say probably anywhere between 2 1/2 and 4 glasses.

3. What is your current favorite workout?

I am strangly loving tempo runs these days.

4. How many calories do you eat a day?

Between 1800 and 2200.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?

I looove PB on toast.  I count this as healthy since I'm addicted to organic PB.  I also like cottage cheese with oats.

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?

Really into egg scrambles these days.  But the typical is some sort of main dish/sandwich/wrap with fruit and a little something sweet, like a kashi bar.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?

Abs.

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?

Not sure I have a least favorite.  Although leg workouts have been boring me lately.

9. What are your "bad" food cravings?

Pretzels dipped in frosting...eek!

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?

Multi-vitamin every morning.

11. How often do you eat out?

I'd say about 2-3 times a week.

12. Do you eat fast food?

Very rarely.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?

If you've ever read this blog...you know the answer to that one.  I have the best one ever.

14. Do you have a gym membership?

No, but this will likely change, and soon.  I am really missing spin classes.

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

About 7.

16. Do you have a "cheat" day?

Not really.  I give myself an extra 100 calories on long run days, but don't usually use them.

17. Do you have a workout buddy?

Currently, no.  But can't wait to change that!  :)

18. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?

My confidence has skyrocketed, and I feel a lot better in general.

19. What is the last healthy thing you did?

Didn't eat meat today.  :)  Rocking this new year's goal!

Your turn!  Answer some of these questions!

Any advice for my shin splints?  I would soooo appreciate it!

Mother's Day!

Amy and I want to take a quick second to give a blog shout out to our mom.  Both Amy and I are close with our mom, like best friends with her even.  We spent the day shopping and enjoying some time with our mom as well today.

So in honor or our mom and everyone elses...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's day mom!  <3

Sisters through photography

I want to take the time to focus on part of the reason the title of this blog is "Sisters, Spaces and Stuff"  more-so the SISTER aspect of that.  Throughout our lives Amy and I have been compared and told how similar we are.  I think we're very different in many ways but in some ways exactly alike.   In my post last week, feeling like everything was spinning out of control, Amy took the initiative and in one way that we are similar we turned to dessert to feel better and on our "fro yo outing"  I began to feel much better about everything.   So I'll take this opportunity to write a little bit about what it means to be a sister and to HAVE a sister.

 Being a sister is....

•                  Never worrying about not having a friend because you always will.
•                  Kind of like a live in memory book... if I've forgotten, chances are she's remembered.
•                  Someone who doesn't think you're weird because she probably has some of the same querks as  you do...

                               

•                  It's an easy shoe in for choosing the maid of honor in your wedding, and knowing she will do a good job with her duties.

• A sister is motivation

• A go to person
• Someone you are able to laugh with about stupid things (like flipping off the couch) when we were kids in the house while trying not to get caught by our parents.
• Like a mirror image of yourself even if you're as different as hamburgers and hot dogs...

•                 A built in cheerleader.... even when its cold and rainy out.   

•     Someone that will (almost) always forgive you after a fight

and when

shes more than likely going to remind me   = )

This week roles have reversed... if you noticed last week I didn't have a photo challenge

so....my challenge to Amy is to : Give me a challenge for next week.  = )

Ok next weeks challenge is:  Something you didn't expect.

Mock Race Day

As with my first half marathon, my longest run (in my case, a 12-miler), which was Saturday, was also my "mock race." 

For starters, on Thursday and Friday, I tried out my carbo-loading plan.  I wrote about it here last week.  I'll admit I deviated from the plan.  Here's what I ate with approximate carb counts:

Breakfast: Cookie Dough Cereal from Fitnessista and toast (92 g)
Snack: Apple and coffee (25 g)
Lunch: Tuna with Rice and cheese, plus an apple, a granola bar, and a handful of check mix (teacher's lounges are FULL of snacks at this time of year!) (95 g)
Snack: PB Sandwich (40 g)
Dinner: Salad and Chicken Sandwich from Panera (91 g)

Thursday Carb Total: about 350...way off from the 520 ish I was shooting for

Breakfast: Overnight Yogurt Oats with Banana (75 g)

Snack: Apple, PB pretzels, and coffee (36 g)

Lunch: Turkey Sandwich with yogurt and pretzels (85 g)
Dinner: Pasta, chicken, and potatoes, plus cake (yay for retirement parties!) (143 g)
Dessert: Frozen yogurt with toppings (65 g)
Friday Carb Total: about 415 g...still way off

The next morning, I got up and at my race day breakfast of toast with PB and banana.  Then, I waited two hours (about as long as I will need to wait between breakfast and the start of the race) and headed out for my run.

Let me tell you, it wasn't easy.  I did three 4-mile loops, stopping for a quick water break after the first, and some water with two Fig Newtons on the second.  I decided against the Gu or the beans this time.  I wanted something that felt a little less "fake."  They seemed to do the trick.

When all was said and done, with walk/drink/snack breaks, I finished 12.06 miles in 1:48:57...right on pace for my sub-2 hour goal!

So, here is what I learned from the mock race:

I need to carb up better.  I'm hoping that if I get a little closer to the carb count I was shooting for the fatigue will hold off a little longer.

Bring on the muffins!

My running shorts will not work.  Definitely uncomfortable for that distance.  Currently trying out something new.  Any suggestions would be super helpful!

Make sure to time my snack near a water stop.  The Fig Newtons seemed to work, but hard to eat fast without water.

T-minus 11 days until my next half marathon!  Can't wait!  :)  Hopefully I will hit that time and get the big thumbs-up from my favorite cheerleader!

Do you run a "mock race," or am I crazy?

This or That

Is it strange that I find this to be the start of the most lovely Sunday morning?

Of course, it's lovely because blogging is involved.  Were these gadgets on to do school work, I would certainly change my tune.  But, this morning, the windows are open, the birds are singing, the coffee is--well, unfortunately, was--delish...might as well do a survey!  :)

Got this one this morning from Katie over at Peace, Love, and Oats.

Coke or Pepsi?
Amy: I'm not terribly picky about this, but Diet Coke I would say is the way to go.  I will say that McDonald's Diet Coke is pretty much the most amazing thing on Earth...what do they do that makes it soooo gooood?

Ashley:  Coke for sure!  I'm with Amy voting McDonalds to be the best.

Lemonade or fruit punch?
Amy: I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of either, but I'd probably go with lemonade.  Fruit punch is a little too sweet for me.

Ashley: My answer would be very simular to Amy's,  Lemonade.

Caramel apple or cotton candy?
Amy: Caramel apple, for sure.

Ashley:  No thank-you on both. 

Butterfinger or Snickers?
Amy: Snickers is clearly the better choice here.

Ashley:  Hungry? ... Grab a Snickers!

Pudding or Jello?
Amy: Not a huge fan of either, I'd much rather have some carbs, haha.  But, I suppose I'd go the pudding route.  Definitely vanilla though, no chocolate.

Ashley: Don't really like either, but I do like desserts that have pudding in them.

Turkey or chicken?
Amy: Hmm...tricky.  I suppose chicken.  I just bought some chicken lunch meat because they were out of turkey, and it's crazy good.

Ashley:  Chicken, there is more you can do with a piece of chicken.

American or Provolone cheese?
Amy: Provolone...although I only ever get it at Subway.

Ashley: American

Crackers or cookies? 
Amy: Crackers...I can have more of them.  haha...

Ashley: Crackers, they seem to be more available in my house at least.

Pretzels or chips?
Amy: Definitely pretzels, I almost never eat chips anymore.  Pretzels dipped in frosting is pretty much the most amazing dessert ever.  Try it.  You're welcome.

Ashley:  I 2nd Amy's answer.. I was with her when we discovered Pretzels in frosting... delish!

Mexican food or Japanese food?
Amy: I'm shocked to see myself typing Mexican food.  I was on an anti-Mexican food kick for awhile, but lately I have had a Chipotle craving that I just cannot get rid of.

Ashley:  Neither but if I make it myself, i'd vote Mexican food.

Chinese food or Italian food?
Amy: Italian food.  Although it has been quite awhile since I've had Chinese, and it sounds really good as well.

Ashley:  Italian! I could live on it daily.

Ice cream or cookies?
Amy: Cookies for sure.  You know me and my carbs!

Ashley:  Cookies

Pasta or pizza?
Amy: Pizza.  The crustier the better.  Is crustier a word?  Yep...I'm an English teacher.

Ashley: Pasta! mmm

Soda or juice?
Amy: Soda.  Although everyone knows it's pop, not soda.

Ashley: Pop!  = )

Chocolate bars or chocolate truffles?
Amy: I suppose chocolate bar, although I don't often have either.

Ashley:  I'd have to agree with Amy, i'm more likely to eat a Chocolate bar

Apples or bananas?
Amy: Oh, tough one.  I have at least one of each of these every day, literally.  I think I'll go with bananas though.

Ashley:  Apples

Salad or soup?
Amy: Salad.

Ashley: Salad

Cauliflower or broccoli?
Amy: Broccoli.  Cauliflower is one of the few veggies I just do not like.

Ashley: Broccoli as well.

Onion rings or french fries?
Amy: Rarely eat either of them, but I'll go with fries.

Ashley: Fries

Blizzard or McFlurry?
Amy: Another toughie.  Blizzard wins simply because there are more options.  McFlurry ice cream is better though.

Ashley:  Don't usually eat either one.

Fried or poached eggs?
Amy: I don't think I've ever had a poached egg, so fried it is.

Ashley:  Not a fan of eggs.

Crepes or pancakes?
Amy: I'm not sure I've ever had crepes, so pancakes it is!

Ashley:  Pancakes

Hash browns or roasted potatoes?
Amy: Roasted potatoes.  I like 'em chunky.  :)

Ashley:  Both!  I LOVE potatoes.

Oh, Spring Break, how I miss you and your delicious restaurants...

Oatmeal or cereal?
Amy: Oatmeal.  Easy.

Ashley:  Cereal
Your turn!!  Have a great Sunday!

Breaking Point

I, in no way, shape or form want to be a blog complainer.  I don't want to make anyone NOT enjoy reading this blog therefore even though I'm at my breaking point I have got to make the best of it.

                                           

                                                  (taken from Pinterest)

While it's a good quote makes me wonder how NOT to wait for better days.  I've often found myself wondering how far I can bend before I break and now I'm filled with that broken feeling.  Through all of the events that have dragged me down, caused me unstoppable tears and throughally exhausted me this week, I find myself thinking of the 5k I walked (Amy ran) with my family this past weekend and wanting to get back out there and do that kind of stuff. 

As stated in the post about it HERE , it was done as a research benefit for SIDs.  To that family when the unthinkable happened I can only imagine nothing was much worse for them...at that point things can only get better.... right?  So I've made the pact with myself that I can't just let the world and unfortunate events run my life , instead I have to let the good things in my life run the world.  Therefore, when things start to shift and I feel like it's spirling out of control I WANT to find beneficial causes like this to help the world of others becuase it helps me too.   It makes me feel better becuase it actually was a really good work out/walk for me and it made someone somewhere happy because now the research that is left undone can be started!  After how proud I was of myself for beating my goal and not wanting to crash afterwards,  I've even got Matt looking into things like this and wanting to help now saying "I want to do the next one with you!"    I may never be a runner like Amy is, and each day I'm more and more OK with that because really.... what does it matter, if you're there, you pride yourself in the reason you wake up and do good for the world that should really be what matters most. 

Time to pick myself up, dust myself off and

 



Photo Challenge:  Something you really don't like to do?

Photo result:

I really do NOT like to cook...I like to bake and I like to try new recipes but the whole process of chopping, dicing, measuring, mixing, scooping, pouring and planning the meal is just not my cup of tea! 

and NO I do not wear an apron when I cook...in fact this picture was only a joke becuase I had just spilled flour all over myself and had to find some way to laugh about the mess....

What do you do to feel better when you you are at your breaking point??? 

Carbing It Up

My half marathon is quickly approaching, and my plan this weekend calls for 12 miles-- my longest run.

So, I also use this run as a test-race.  I carb-load and test all the foods and timing I'm planning for race day.

If you know me, you know I LOVE bread.  I could basically live off of the stuff.  However, I know that there is more to carb-loading than eating a bunch of bread, and I want to do it right.

Lucky me, I stumbled upon a Runner's World article from the November 2011 issue called "Fill 'Er Up" as I have been reorganizing my office.  I figured it would be good to take a look at it today as I plan for my weekend.

For starters, the article points out that "proper carbo-loading...won't make you faster, but it will allow you to run your best."  This is certainly the goal, so here is what the article suggests:

Foods to eat: tortillas, oatmeal, bread, pancakes, waffles, bagels, yogurt, juice, bananas, peaches (peeled), apples (peeled), pears (peeled), baked potatoes

Foods to avoid: cheese, butter, oil, cream

Begin carbo-loading two or three days before a race.

Eat about 4 grams of carbs per pound of body weight.  So, I'm shooting for about 520-540 grams.  I haven't been on a scale in awhile, so I think this is right.

So, here is my plan for Thursday and Friday:

Breakfast: Microwave Breakfast Cake with banana and PB (about 43g)
Morning snack: Apple and iced coffee (22 g)
Lunch: Tuna with cheese and rice, apple, and granola bar (74 g)
Afternoon Snack: PB Sandwich (34 g)
Dinner: Chicken Quesadilla with cereal and yogurt (64 g)
Dessert: Multigrain Cheerios (23 g)
Total: 260...uh oh..I need to re-evaluate this one!

Breakfast: Overnight Yogurt Oats (about 105g)
Morning snack: Apple and iced coffee (22 g)
Lunch: Turkey Sandwich with cereal, fruit, and yogurt (about 145 g)
Dinner: Retirement party (Pasta, please!)
Dessert: ?
Total: Not sure, but I think I'll be closer this time.

Looks like I need to go to the store for some Clif bars and Gatorade!

I also plan on ditching the calorie counts on this day, but not getting crazy and eating a ton.  I'll let you know next week how it went!  :)

Have you ever carbo-loaded?  Any tips?