ashleyd /

Marathon on My Mind

I’ve finally reached that almost annoying countdown stage of the marathon training.

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Now that we’re less than 12 days out from the marathon it’s showing up on my work calendar, is affecting my daily activities and is on my mind more than normal. But, it’s weird to have it consume my mind so much when it’s not consuming my legs.

This weeks mileage: 23 miles

Next weeks mileage: 11 before the marathon then 26.2

So far my workouts have been strong these past few days and the taper hasn’t started to really set in and feel real. Actually, based on the way Gia has laid out my workouts, I’m not sure I will feel it. She’s done a great job of giving me daily activities, similar to the way she’d program activates for her adorable twins, so I don’t get bored or plan my own activities. For example, today was personal training which meant lots of mobility and core work using light weights or only body weight. In addition, I have yoga sessions sprinkled in between my running workouts which means I’ll never get bored.

I really like her version of taper. I want my legs to be hungry next week, not this week.

This week I feel like she’s also my therapist. She’s given me prescriptive directions for every run to make sure I don’t kill my legs by trying to race the Poland Springs 5 Miler this Sunday or any of my other runs. Instead, the name of the game is marathon pace.

in addition, as I’ve been trying to keep my own mind clear I’m trying to focus on learning as much as possible from my own training and other people’s experiences before next Sunday. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to spend some time this evening reading through my old marathon recaps and other blogger recaps. I had so much fun that I just spent the last hour creating a Pinterest board dedicated to New York City Marathon race recaps. Check it out here! Want me to pin your recap? Leave a link in the comment section!

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In addition, I’m working on a larger post that will go up later this week including my tips and tricks for the marathon, including answers to questions I’ve received via email and Twitter from readers. Though I’m not fast it is nice to feel like I can help others prepare for the big day since I’ve run New York City Marathon twice already and live locally. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section!

Earlier today, Bo and I finally decided what we want to do after the marathon. This year our decision is to make no firm plans. Two years ago, Bo hosted an amazing party for our friends at our place to celebrate my first marathon finish. While it was lots of fun it was exhausting for both of us. Last year our plans to enjoy drinks at Rye House fell through due to my visit to the medical tent after crossing the finish line. This year, since we’re both running the marathon, we think the best option is the lowest stress option. Therefore, we’re delaying any type of group celebration until the next day and instead making it a Pre-Election/Post Marathon celebration at a bar where we know we can enjoy steins of beer in comfort: Zum Schneider!

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You know how else I’m pre-occupying my mind this week? I’m sending this lady random Marine Corps

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Marathon facts each day that I’ve found online. It takes my mind of my own marathon and I’m learning a lot along the way.

Discuss: How do you feel about marathons that don’t offer free tracking service? Once again, the NYC Marathon charges $2.99 to track runners. I also can’t find anything like Runner Broadcast Service that other marathons like Chicago and MCM offer for free. I love NYCM but wish they could improve on these aspects.

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Special K’s #theproteineffect

Over the past 6 months, I’ve professed my love of protein in multiple posts including my tips and tricks to losing a size in a month and my roundup of GNC’s protein powders. In fact, when I look at pictures from this time last year, I attribute the fact that Bo and I have lost weight during marathon training to protein. These days when we are starving after a run or during the day we grab nuts, cheese sticks, cottage cheese, Chobani, or whip up a smoothie.

Therefore, when Fitfluential asked if I was interested in reviewing Special K’s protein enhanced line of cereal, bars and shakes I was more than happy to give them a try. Special K’s new campaign, The Protein Effect or #theproteineffect, revolves around the positive effects protein can have when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

  • Some research suggests people who get 30% of total calories from protein will feel full longer. Go willpower!
  • Higher protein intake may be beneficial for weight management
  • Protein helps satisfy hunger and in turn helps you stay on track

I used to eat Special K cereal for breakfast when I first started losing weight six years ago. While I love the flavor of Special K I’ve since realized that a 100 calorie bowl of cereal can’t constitute breakfast for me these days. I need protein, fiber and more nutrients.  But, a new enhanced line of Special K products that would be perfect office snack options to battle the afternoon hunger strike? Count me in!

I received an adorable bright Special K red box bursting with assorted products.

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I took the box contents to my office last week and enjoyed them throughout the week in place of my normal afternoon snacks. In addition, I enjoyed the shake this weekend after my final double digit long run.

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Here’s the low-down on my thoughts regarding each of these different products.

Special K Protein Plus Cereal: I am a huge fan of cereal but rarely eat it anymore since I have oatmeal most mornings for breakfast. I have absolutely LOVED having a serving of this in the afternoon with a few berries and a splash of skim milk. It’s a fun change to my afternoon snacks and I like the flavor and crunch. Yes, definitely!

Special K Protein Shake: Okay I definitely have a love hate relationship with these. I really didn’t care for the strawberry flavor or the vanilla flavor which was surprising as those were the two I thought I’d like best. They both seemed too artificial tasting for my liking. But, the chocolate one came through for me this weekend when I had to dash from my long run to yoga and didn’t have time to make a smoothie. This 10 oz shake clocked at 190 calories, 5 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, and 18 g of sugar. A bit high on the sugar side but the chocolate was mild and the flavor was smooth without any chalky aftertaste. I’d definitely buy this again and keep a few in the pantry for emergency situations. I do have to admit that the plastic wrapper around the top made them a bit annoying to open. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Yup, but only the chocolate!

Special K Protein Meal Bar: I definitely prefer the cranberry walnut bar over the chocolate ones as those were far too sweet for me. This was a perfect snack bar but NOT a meal bar. Sorry Special K, I love you but 170 calories doesn’t equal a meal in my book. However, 170 calories, 10 grams protein and 5 grams of fiber is a great snack! I wish that sugar wasn’t the second ingredient on the list but if I can grab something like this versus the Halloween candy that is taking over my office than I consider it a win. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Nope, sorry!

So there you have it. My take on these products and the ones I’d buy again or pass on if I was spending my own cash.

To find out more about these products and #theproteineffect project you can follow Special K on Twitter and use the hashtag #theproteineffect to see how others feel about the products and share your experience.  Special K is on Facebook too!

How do you fight hunger?

FitFluential LLC compensated me for this campaign. All opinions are my own.

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It’s Getting Real

Two weeks from now we’ll be on the couch, elevating my legs, chugging water, and relaxing like it’s our job.

Until then, we’re hanging out in taper town as much as possible when not doing silly things like an accidental speed workout or a too hard spin class. Other things that occur during taper are freaking out about shoes.

On Thursday night I asked my Facebook marathon running friends for help regarding my shoes. My Brooks Adrenaline 12’s weren’t supporting me this week during my runs leading to shin splints and achy legs. When I referenced Daily Mile I realized that they had over 400 miles on them! Oops! Thanks to lots of feedback and experience from my friends, I headed to the New York Running Company near my work on Friday night after many phone calls. Evidently finding Brooks Adrenaline women’s shoes in size 11 isn’t easy. After 6 no’s, the folks at New York Running Company told me they already had the new style, 13, which I could try on their treadmill.

It was my first time in the store but I was thoroughly impressed. Lately the Jack Rabbit location near me, Union Square, hasn’t left me impressed though I’ll always love their shoe delivery program.

The store was bright and vibrant, even at 7pm. But, the first thing that caught my eye weren’t the shoes but the NIke table greeting me as I entered the front door.

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I love all of these though I really wish the black one that reads 26.2 Mile Block Party was easier to read because it’s such a fun idea! While I didn’t make a purchase last night, I’ll probably be back this week to seal the deal.

The new Brooks Adrenaline 13 are lighter and more form fitting than the 12’s which excites me! They definitely feel more like my old friends the Adrenaline 11 which I wore last year and loved.

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After the shopping adventure, Bo and I relaxed with a week’s worth of DVR and a pasta dinner. This pasta, like miniature sheets of lasagna, from Eataly, was our favorite choice yet.

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This morning at 8am I met my usual running friends, along with the addition of Erica to run the last 10 miles of the New York City Marathon together. Printing out the directions we found online worked out perfectly and we spent the morning heading up 1st Avenue, realizing it’s slight incline isn’t that bad and then running up Fifth Avenue remembering that by the time I hit this long hill last year I was in a haze. Those miles from the Bronx up Fifth Avenue are absolute torture, especially today since we had to run on the cobblestones due to traffic. These were definitely my slowest miles of the 10 and I was longing for music during that final push to Central Park. Overall my pace was right on target, around a 10:30, but I started out fast and ended slow (think 9:15 start, 10:45 end). Pacing isn’t that easy, even when the humidity reminds me way too much of summer training.

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I dashed home and showered quickly because just an hour later I had a 90 minute deep tissue massage with Tim at Equinox 19th street. It was glorious though painful. He spent about 80 of the minutes focusing on my legs and lower back. Due to my mileage increase over the past couple of weeks the issue areas were far different than the last time he kneaded the knots out. I stood up feeling like a new woman and my legs felt the freshest and loosest they’ve felt in over 2 months!

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But, my legs weren’t done being treated and stretched since my next stop was upstairs for the 2nd Yoga for Runners workshop.

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Once again we had awesome turn out for the class, as over 35 people showed up for an hour long class with Sarra Morton. Sarra teachers at multiple Equinox locations in the city and her classes are always packed, especially on the weekends. We spent most of the time doing hip opener work and sun salutations while Sarra explained the benefits of each post to us during the flow. Afterwards, we were able to socialize while enjoying one of SOYJOY’s new bar flavors, as they provided each attendee with a sample of their new flavors: dark chocolate cherry and cranberry. In addition, Zobha clothing, who is one of Sarra’s sponsors, was kind enough to provide each attendee with a 20% off discount card.

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I think it’s safe to say that I left the class thoroughly relaxed and ready for an afternoon nap!

What’d you do today?

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