Lunch

I went to bed with big plans.  I set my alarm thinking I would bound out of bed at 6 AM and crank out a quick four miles on the city streets.  Apparently, my body had other plans.  The alarm sounded at 6, just expected, and I bounded, but not to the streets.

I woke up with some serious hunger!  Running was furthest from my mind.  I wanted breakfast.  Not some quickie snack…a real, slow, enjoyable breakfast.  I moseyed into the kitchen.  Tada!  The breakfast fairy came.  She left a lovely present.

A near empty jar, primed for the perfect batch of hot, creamy oatmeal.  Fill ‘er up!

You betcha!  I made the classic stovetop oats:

• 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 c. almond milk
• 1/2 c. water
• 1/2 banana
• 1 T. ground flaxseed
• sprinkle of cinnamon

Right to the brim!   I added my favorite toppings – dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips.  It’s never too early for chocolate! I realized it had been awhile since I sat and savored a delicious breakfast.  This was the perfect way to start the day.

Breakfast was a little heavy as far as pre-run meals go.  No problem!  While I digested I played on the computer – surprise, surprise! It was nice to enjoy some quiet time during those early hours and before I knew it, the time had come to tackle my run.

Streets or treadmill? That was the question.  I am an avid road runner, but today I opted for the treadmill.  I kinda liked it.  It was my third consecutive run of the week and I enjoyed a little tempo action.

• Mile 1 – 6.5 mph (9:13/mi)
• Mile 2 & 3 – 7.0 mph (8:34/mi)
• Mile 4 – 6.5 mph (9:13/mi)

Felt great!  I never run three days in a row, but my training schedule has been all over the place.  With all the adjustments, it seemed to be the best option for this week.  I was right.  I love when that happens.

I ended spending some quality time at the gym after my run.  Why?  Talking!  I know you would never expect that of me ::cough:: but it happened.  I met man, nearing 60, and training for his first marathon.  We talked running for a bit and then her asked, “Have you read Born To Run?”  Have I read Born To Run? I’m mildly obsessed with Born To Run!  We talked about running shoes and the minimalist running movement.  If you have read the book, you know the conversation.  Anyway, the man explained that he recently bought a pair of Saucony Kinvaras (a minimilast running shoe).  He simply laced them up and continued his training.

The result? The man told me that with these shoes he feels faster, stronger, and less sore.  He will never go back.

It was a great discussion.  With all of the press about Vibrams, I’m curious if anyone has made the easier transition into a minimalist shoe – Nike Free, Saucony Kinvara?  I just find the whole movement very interesting!

All that running and talking welcomed hunger right back in!  I immediately grabbed an apple to chomp.

Then I got busy preparing a simple summer lunch.

Lunch was a vibrant, veggie-packed salad, PB & J on a hearty slice of Arnold bread, and an Adora calcium supplement.  Double yum!  I dove right in.

My slow start paid off.  It turned out to be a nice little morning.  Now, time to step away from the computer…there’s a beautiful day to enjoy!

What shoes do you wear for running?

Have you ever transitioned to a different shoe?  Why?

I only started running last October.  I’ve been wearing the Brooks Adrenaline 10′s since I started.  I like my oldest, most broken-in pair best and wear them for all my longest runs.  My legs feel good in them.  I’m not sure what that means.