Restaurant Eats

From everything I’ve read, the long run is the most critical element of marathon training.  I am not training to meet a time goal – I just want to smile at the finish line! – so my training is focused on mileage increases.  The increasing distance has brought up some new running isses:

• Chafing.  You’re not alone, Meghann!
• Fueling.  This girl cannot miss a meal or snack…and I always carry water!
  
• Pacing.  I’m used to running  – just running – but now I really have to consider easy v. hard when I lace up my kicks.

All this brings me to now.  It’s Thursday afternoon and I have seventeen miles awaiting me tomorrow morning.  The day before my longest runs are all about the preparation. Taking the time to prepare works for me.  It gives me time to adjust to the idea of a longer distance and get over that little mental hurdle.

Let’s start with the food.

As soon as I woke up, I quieted my morning hunger with a slice of toast, some peanut butter, and a honey drizzle.  Thanks to Rebecca and Heather for suggesting honey before a run – such a yummy combo!

By 7:30 I was at the gym.  I planned a short run and I had a running buddy!  My friend Lolly is training for the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon on the same day as my race.  We’re both been training solo.  How foolish! Today we got our acts together and met up.

Total Time: 4.5 miles

• Mile 1 – 9:03/mi
• Mile 2 -  9:02/mi
• Mile 3 – 9:01/mi
• Mile 4 – 9:06/mi
• 0.50 finale! – 8:48/mi

Total Time: 40:37

Average Pace: 9:01/mi

Nice splits!  The consistency was good for both of us…and we finished strong!

A piece of toast did not qualify as breakfast.  After stretching – and a few extra minutes of chatting! – I came home to eat something heartier.

A bountiful bowl of Chobani Plain 0%, 1/2 c. Kashi GoLean Crunch, 1/2 sliced banana, 1/2 c. blueberries.  It was everything I love of about yogurt and cereal – packed with protein, cold, creamy, crunchy, and sweet!

With the fueling underway, it was time to get serious about the little chafing issue.  I’m glad I’m not alone; however, it doesn’t make the problem any more fun.  It seems my inner thighs fall in love around mile twelve.  None of this was a problem when I was training for the half-marathon (in the winter), but the summer heat has brought it to light.  I considered the options I decided to rethink my shorts.

I went shopping and found exactly what I was looking for.  Tomorrow’s run will feature the Under Armour Achieve.  After our test run, I plan to give you a full review of their performance.  I hope it’s the best review ever.  Fingers crossed!

You know what happens when I go shopping….hunger strikes!  It was time for lunch, so I spared my bag of almonds and joined Lolly at Paragon.  It’s one of my favorite spots on the East Side in Providence – good food, good service, and a pleasant atmosphere.  After perusing the menu, I chose the California Wrap.

This deserves a Holy Yum! It had grilled chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato, boursin cheese, and a citrus vinaigrette all bundled up in a tasty sun-dried tomato wrap.  I paired my wrap with a refreshing side of mixed greens.  Love me some avocado.  It was my sole purpose for ordering this sandwich.  I made the right choice. 

The sun is shining today.  After four straight days of rain, I am soaking it all in.  I can’t wait to take Lucy for a walk later.  She can’t wait either…believe me! It’ll be an early night, so I must maximize the daylight hours.

What little quirks have you uncovered when training or working out?

My rules:

• No cotton attire.
• No dairy before the run.
• Carry a phone.

Happy Thursday!