Protein shake? No whey!

For a long time, I was against using any sort of protein powder.  I didn't know much about it, but whenever my boyfriend would suggest that I try it, the image of an overly muscular, body builder with veins popping out of his biceps ruined my appetite.

However, when mixed with peanut butter and a banana, some girls can be convinced.  Some girls may have even liked it enough to buy her own container.

I'm movin' up in the ranks, people.

Chocolate and strawberry protein shake

Today's drink is a new combination.  Nothing fancy, but quite appetizing.  I'm planning on running an 8-miler today (as soon as it stops pouring) and I'm hoping this magic shake will give me the push that I need.

Whey Protein from the one and only, Trader Joe's

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 ice cubes

Blend and enjoy!

XO,

Wild Rice

The significance of 'Running Wild'

For weeks, I've followed inspiring women on their journeys to build and maintain healthier lifestyles.  One year ago, I made a conscious decision to start investing my time in sustaining a healthier lifestyle.  I became a vegetarian, ran my first 1/2 marathon and now, I am training for my first marathon!

As my interests changed, so did the content on my other blog: Lauren's Road Less Traveled.  Although I tried to incorporate my lifestyle changes into that blog, I was often left feeling like I had no real theme anymore.

Because my mind runs wild with the all the new things I want to try and accomplish--often leading me to bite off a little more than I can chew--I've decided to name my new blog, Running Wild.

Cheers to the new (unruly) chronicle of my healthy-living transformation.  Please, stick around!

XO,

Wild Rice

Marathon Monday: Week 8 & thoughts on running 17 miles

Happy Monday, everyone!

Training recap:

• Week 1 (January 1-7)
• Week 2 (January 8-15)
• Week 3 (January 16-22)
• Week 4 (January 23-29)
• Week 5 (January 30-February 5)
• Week 6 (February 6-12)
• Week 7 (February 13-19)

The week started off a little so-so and ended really well. I unexpectedly (and unknowingly) came down with a cold on Monday. I attributed my runny nose and sore throat to allergies, only to learn after my spinning workout that I was definitely sick.

I took a few extra days off (hence why I have 3 rest days) and spent a few days working from home to protect my coworkers from my germs!  I bounced back quickly and by Thursday, I was good to go!

We had a 17-miler on Sunday and I can proudly say that it was the longest I've ever run!  I felt absolutely fantastic, especially compared to 15-miler two weekends ago.

We ran along the Capital Crescent Trail and it was beautiful.  Trail dirt > pavement.  My happy legs thanked me with every step.

Although I only ran twice this week, I did three cross-training workouts.  I felt great so I'm not feeling too guilty about cutting back on my training.



This week:

Monday: rest day

Tuesday: 1-hour spinning class.  My calf was really bothering me so I decided to 'take it easy.'  I felt AWFUL after this workout and fell asleep around 8:45.

Wednesday:  After my experience on Wednesday, I took the day off to let my body heal.

Thursday: 8-mile run, average pace: 9:45/mile. This was the most beautiful weather we've had since last Fall.  I had minimal cramping and I felt so alive running as the sun set.

Friday:  rest day in preparation for (what was going to be) our 17-mile run.

Saturday: There was a severe wind advisory out until 6pm so we opted to do our long run on Sunday.  Instead, we tried to get into a Body Pump class at the gym, but by the time we arrived, it was full.  Determined to get some sort of workout in, I did Jacob's Ladder for 10 minutes and lifted for another 30.

Still feeling like I didn't get an adequate workout, I went to a Power Flow yoga class at a studio 2-blocks away.  It was a great workout and helped open up my tight hips.

Sunday: 17-mile run!  Average pace: 10:00/mile.  I was literally on a high during this run.  I felt SO good compared to my earlier runs and it really boosted my confidence.  We even had the energy to take a photo in front of the White House around mile 14 :)

P.S.  I also got a 1-hour massage after our run. Ooooooh boy, did that feel great.

Overall, great week!  Hopefully this week will be the same.

I hope you're all having a lovely Monday!

What did you do this weekend?  Any fun plans for the week? 

Marathon Monday: Week 7 & mixing things up

Happy Monday, everyone!

Training recap:

• Week 1 (January 1-7)
• Week 2 (January 8-15)
• Week 3 (January 16-22)
• Week 4 (January 23-29)
• Week 5 (January 30-February 5)
• Week 6 (February 6-12)

I am in my bed resting my exhausted  and extremely sore body.  Even lifting my arm is a challenge.

Once normal activities such as going to the bathroom, getting out of the car, and getting up from my bed are now extremely challenging.  I look so pathetic hobbling around--it's quite hilarious, especially to a stranger.  All I can do is laugh along...except laughing makes my abs hurt even more!

Despite the soreness, this week was fantastic.  I finally made a conscious effort to do some cross-training!  Our routine was getting very monotonous so I decided to spice things up this week--jalapeño style!




Monday: rest day

Tuesday: My first 1-hr spinning class in over 6-months!  I painfully learned the necessity of bike shorts during this hour, but I got a great cardiovascular workout with some interval training.

Wednesday: rest day (I'll admit it.  I originally planned on working out but decided to go shoe shopping instead.  oops...)

Thursday: 4.3 miles before work and it felt fantastic.  morning runs=awesome.

Friday: A quick 6-mile run before heading out on our quadruple-date.  Felt strong during this run (for the first time in a few days!)

Saturday: 1-hour BODY PUMP class.  Oh my goodness gracious, this class kicked my butt.  Although I used small weights (2.5 and 5), we did multiple reps and did not stop for a break during the entire hour.  It's amazing how out of  shape you can feel despite training for a marathon!

Sunday: 13 miles.  I felt pretty strong during this run, but my stomach was growling during the last 6-miles.  Honestly, I could stuff my face right before these long runs and still be starving.  I'm working at finding a solution to this hunger issue (apparently Gu is not the answer.)

 GU is poo?

It should come at no surprise that my appetite has increased significantly since I started training.  For some very annoying reason, I am constantly hungry during the last 4-6 miles of my long runs.

It doesn't matter how much I eat before the run or how many packets of Gu I try to eat, my body doesn't want sugary liquid, it wants food.

For a long time, I struggled to find the perfect mid-workout snack.  I tried Power Gel (disgusting,) Power Bar Fruit Snacks (made me sick to my stomach and gave me gut-rut) and GU (lime flavored--gag me!)

So, what's a picky girl to do?  My  local running store recommended that I try Honey Stingers.

They are so delicious and organic (EVEN better!)  Although they are made for bikers and harder to eat while running, these little crackers are slices of heaven.

AND for the first time, I found a packet of GU that I actually like!  Dom bought about 10-lbs worth of Mint Chocolate GU on Saturday.  I ate one before my 13-mile run and was very pleasantly surprised!

For my 17-mile run coming up on Saturday, I'm planning on brining a bag of trail mix to munch on along the way.  Although GU and Honey Stingers are good for energy, my stomach needs a little somethin' to keep going.  Will let you know how it works out!

Hope you all have a fabulous rest of the week!

Marathon Monday: Week 5

Happy belated Marathon Monday!  I can't believe I'm already on my 5th week of training!  A lot of people say that it takes 6 weeks to notice a physical change in the body, and I can already see some of the positive (and negative) ones.

Recap:

• Week 1 (January 1-7)
• Week 2 (January 8-15)
• Week 3 (January 16-22)
• Week 4 (January 23-29)
• Week 5 (January 30-February 5)

I've lost 6 pounds since I started training--shockingly--since my appetite has increased 10-fold.  However, I'm burning a lot more calories than expected because I've slowed the pace of my miles to about 10 minutes.  Last week alone, I burned over 3000 calories.

My legs are also getting stronger and more toned, but as I mentioned last week, I'm experiencing pain in my shins and knee.  My muscles have also been really tight lately so I invested in a foam roller to hopefully help.

This week, I made a pit stop at the running store.  After video taping me on the treadmill with my old shoes (how cool, right!) I realized that I was severely over-pronating.  I literally ran my old shoes down to their core and the support was gone.

I tried on a few different pairs of Asics, Nike and Brooks shoes and video taped myself running again.  After comparing the first film to the film of me running in the new ones, I saw a tremendous difference in my form.  $115.00 dollars later and these beautiful new kicks were mine.

Training this week:

Monday: 7 miles outside (in the dark!)

Tuesday: Cross-training (30-45 minutes of stretching)

Wednesday: 4 miles (on the worst treadmill I've ever been on)

Thursday: rest

Friday: 14 miles! The LONGEST I've ever run! + 6 miles of walking to see the Monuments.

Saturday: rest (it may sound like an excuse, but I had company from Friday-Sunday)

Sunday: rest & the Superbowl so clearly, I ate WAY more than I ran.

Mile goal: 29

Miles ran: 25

I felt great this week, especially because I made the extra effort to make sure that I got my workouts in.  I ran 14 miles. 14!  Longest I've ever run and at a pretty decent pace.  It was tough, but I got through it!

I have a 15-miler this Saturday before I leave for a weekend trip to Richmond.  Dom and I are celebrating an early Valentine's Day there!  I hope you're all having a lovely week!