Pre/Post-Run Fuel

Hello Dear Reader,

This morning, I was scheduled to run for an hour as part of my new revamped training schedule. Mad-dog trainer set the treadmill to40 minutes and I was off! Twenty minutes later, however, I wanted to get off...the treadmill that is. Running between 9.1k and 9.4k/hr (pace) for 20 minutes just about killed me. My legs were like lead weights. I just felt drained- like I could lay right down on the treadmill, curl up in a fetal position and take a nap. Right before I was tempted to start sucking my thumb and rocking myself to sleep, I stopped the treadmill and walked over to Mad-dog trainer (who looked at me as though I was making it Topless Tuesday or something) and admitted defeat. I.just.couldn't.do.it. Usually, a refreshing sip of water will motivate me to continue, but nothing would work this time. I was too tired!

After taking a 10 minute break, I marched myself over to the elliptical machine for a25 minute ski session, and wrapped the day up with a 15 minute stationary bike ride (next to the King...I had to pull it together in his presence). As I was walking to the locker room, Mad-dog Trainer's husband (who is a trainer as well) asked me if I poured a bucket of water over myself for full effect. Side-eye. Smile. No.

The level of fatigue I experienced this morning got me to thinking about the importance of pre-run fueling. This morning, as I was walking out of the door, I thought about eating one of the gloriously delicious croissants (found at the petrol station, believe it or not), but alas...nothing to eat. Pre-run/workout meals are so important. As we all know, food is the fuel of life. For runners, food (carbohydrates in particular) give your muscles the energy they need to work hard and keep going mile after mile. Unfortunately, this morning I failed to use that basic information and the result was a terrible run cut short! Boo! Just...Boo!

My virtual running buddy Linesiya must have had food on her mind as well, because she's been looking for advice on post-run/workout food...which is equally important. One of the tips I've garnered through all of my blog/running site stalking is that, for runners, a pre-run carb snack/meal gives you the fuel you need for a good run. A post-run protein snack/meal aids your body in rebuilding the muscles that are damaged in the process.

Having said all of that, I need to commit to eating before a run/workout to prevent the monumental FAIL from today! At least a banana! Do you have any tips for me and Linesiya for a good pre and post-run snack/meal? If so, let me in on your secret!

Luckily, my lunch and constant snacking (apples and peanut nut butter) have me fueled up and ready to go to Spin Class after work (if I can get a bike, that is!).

Until next time...one foot in front of the other...keep it movin'!

Yours in training,

Dani

Spinning my wheels

Hello Dear Reader,

Ever since last night, I've been spinning my wheels. That's not always a good thing, but in my case...it's a grrrrrrreat thing! After work yesterday, my mind was all set to run and run hard. Truth is, I got distracted...by the Spin class.

Let me give you a little background on me and Spinning: I've never done it. Situated on the top floor in a corner room, the Spin class is ALWAYS full. The music in that room is always blasting. Bodies move rhythmically along with the beat. Legs are nothing more than a blur as they cycle round and round. Me: sitting on a stationary bike just outside of the room. Staring at all of those fast moving people. Me: pedaling along on my morning constitution. Whistles, cheers, and "wooohoo" competes with the music. Me: turning my head away, telling myself, "oh hell no, not me!" Sweat soaked bodies spill out of the room as they high five the instructor. Me: barely having broken a sweat, exit stage left and carry on with my workout plan. Spin class: 1 Dani: FAIL!

So, like I said, I got distracted last night. The Spin class was calling my name: "Dani! Dani! I SAID DANI! Come on over here. Join me! Spin your wheels! You know you want to!" Me: Shaking my head. Spin class: "Don't shake your head, I've seen you staring at me! You know you want to sweat. Come on girl, just give me a try. I promise you won't be disappointed." Me: "Well, ok, just this one time."

I hopped on a bike near the front of the room. The crowd was restless. I leaned over to the the M'e (lady) next to me. She asked, "Is this your first time?" Was it that easy to tell? The instructor hit play on the stereo. The crowd started pedaling, and off we went...cycling in place...to energizing music...with a bad ass instructor who walked around and gave people high fives...for an hour of non-stop goodness! At the end of the class, no one wanted to leave...including me! (Especially because the sweat was glistening on my arms just so. My drenched clothes clung to my very toned body...yes, I just said that...artistic license...sue me.) There were pleads to stay longer...to continue with class.

Never again will I be a mere Spin class spectator!

This morning, I was still jazzed about the Spin class! I called mad-dog trainer and begged to join the Spin class in lieu of our regular routine. Once again, I was not disappointed. Aaaand...Gym Hottie was on the stationary bike outside of the class room...and he was DEFINITELY checking me out...yeah, I was looking really good jiving to the beat..perspiring enough to make my skin glisten like a ray of golden brown sun...yeah, I just said that too! The cool Spin instructor was surprised to see me back! I'm in love...with Spinning my wheels!

Well, that's my little update for now!

Until next time...keep it movin'!!!!

Yours in (wheel spinning) training,

Dani