Saturday, December 28, 2013

My Daily Run in Photos

Hey guys!

I'm trying to keep the blog alive during my Boston 2014 training! I have fun training and stay really motivated so I thought I'd pass some of my daily grind on to you.

I'm at about 85-90 miles a week now. I'm in week 2 of my formal marathon training. So I've added a speed workout and a more technical long run. I'll update that in another post. This is just pics : )





COLD

pure showing off 2%-5% for 10 miles
Um, sorry..that's all folks. I thought I had more…slacking! 
Later Taters!

It puts the spoon in the almond butter, NOT in Aunt Kathy's grease-o-role.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year My Fast Friends!

I feel this post is a borderline PSA. Dearest ones, I keep seeing and hearing it. People complaining about eating poorly and gaining weight during the holidays. Okay, here's my response to that: WTF???! Seriously, I just don't get it. I'm trying to, really. And I'm probably preaching to the choir but I have to vent and share some healthy alternatives.

I know most of my followers and friends bust their asses to keep in shape. Not only for races and fitness, but for life in general. For happiness. For Peace. So you don't kill your kids and kick your dog. I'm so proud of you!! I get giddy when I hear of your accomplishments.

But then, I see (some of) you bellying up to the buffet pouring butter on butter with sides of slop. I want to rush over and intervene. Yes, it's holiday time. Joy, joy. But hello!! This is your body. Your body for life. The little vessel that will carry your happy little self through your 80+ years on earth. TAKE CARE OF IT! I don't even need to point out what this indulging does to your fitness. I'm sure the culprits know it well.

So, I want to help! Here are some of my personal favorites that will make your belly happy and keep your body on the roads!! Mangia Mangia!! And PS Formatting on this website is nearly impossible so some stuff may have flip flopped.

Gluten free, NSA, Organic Heaven

And for dinner:


And more easy good stuff:
45 seconds in the microwave, do it!

Steam that shit!

Dust off that juicer!



when you want FAT get some Almond butter yo.


Sugar free whole wheat banana nut bread







Try this stuff out. That chocolate has been a huge hit. No guilt. And because dark cacao is loaded with caffeine you can eat that shit before your tempo and stride happy and FAST!

Have a great long run tomorrow!! Happy Running!

Laura
 

Sunday, December 15, 2013

How I plan to beat my 2:58 marathon PR

Happy Sunday everyone!

We are just about to enter the precious 18 week time frame before the Boston Marathon 2014! I have done the best I can bringing myself out of an injury and getting in the some good base. I've been lingering around 75-82 mile weeks for a few months now. No specific runs. Long on Sunday and trying my best to keep it hilly.

This training cycle I am going to push against the line. The line that marks the most we can eek out of ourselves physically yet not crash and burn. I have no interest in being conservative. Yet I don't want to crash and burn. So, I have been thinking about how I can tweak my last marathon training so I can get every last drop of athleticism out of myself. Mentally and physically.

I am bringing to the table a little more of an edge than I have in the past. This will be my 3rd marathon. In Eugene 2012 my goal was to finish. In Boston 2013 I wanted 2:59:59. This time, I feel I'm familiar with the training and running that far. I really want to throw the hammer across the room, and through a window.

As far as specifics:

*I want to continue to train on hills. Ideally getting my marathon pace on hills.
*Keep my obsession with a proper runner's diet in check.
*Add 1-2 doubles to increase mileage and clear the lactic acid of my morning run.
*Core 5-6 days a week
*a few really long runs.
* Peak out at 100 miles.

But honestly, I can crunch all I want. Lay out the miles methodically. But what I really want to bottle up is the passion I have for this sport. Whatever it is that gets me up at 5am 7 days a week with excitement. Whatever it is that keeps me happy mile after mile. I love that I go to sleep on Saturday night dreaming of long run routes for Sunday.

I am this way because of you. I see your training, attitude and strife. Your 20 milers at 4am. Your exhilaration when you succeed. Your pain when you are out.  In Australia, Africa or down the street. We will probably never meet but you still inspire me to be the best I can be. Please continue to rock on!!

Laura








Monday, December 2, 2013

An overdue post! I am back and so very grateful!

a view on my 6am run.
Hey Guys!!!

I hope everyone is doing well! I haven't been reading or keeping up in the blogosphere out here. I hate not knowing how everyone is doing. I hope your running is going well. FINALLY, mine is!! I'm in blog catch up mode now.  I can't wait to read up on you! Thanks for being patient.

I'm about to start Boston 2014 training with some awesome base and major fire! Of course I have to share or what's the point?

I know as runners we're usually not content for long after crossing the finish line. There is that moment of joy and then we're on Active.com looking for another shot to kill another goal. I've had many months to ponder how I'm going to get to the next level of the marathon. For me, that's shaving some time off my 2:58:34 in Boston this year. Right now my goal is 2:55. However, secretly I want more : ). Shhhh!

As you know, I've always focused on adding to my training. Adding miles, workouts, weights, hills, nutrition etc. This is all very helpful but at the same time taxing on my body. During my last fury of this a few months ago I put myself into a tailspin. I was fighting tooth and nail to get out of an injury. Only to stagnate seemingly forever.

Enter, John Stiner.
I was contacted by John, a massage therapist in Durham, NC. Basically, he said I've read your blog.  I've seen your photos. I know what is wrong. I bet you have X,Y and Z and are sore here and there etc etc.

As a self proclaimed professional patient of running related injuries I blew him off. I thought I knew everything. I've had 3 stress fractures, and loads of soft tissue injuries. But what he said was right on. I was confused/intrigued.  A few weeks went by. I cry-blogged some more and cross trained my butt off.  John contacted again. He said he couldn't watch me go down the tubes any more. And that he could help. He said I would feel significantly better after one visit. I agreed. I was at the end of my rope. I expected a Massage Envy experience at best.

When I first saw John 3 months ago I could not run. I had ankle tendonitis. I could not walk without limping. I was a mess. My initial visit was several hours. The first half was spent doing strength tests and assessing every fiber of my being. He said and I quote, "you will not have tendonitis after today." I thought, oh great. I'm glad he's confident but I've been in physical therapy for months 2x a week for this ankle and nothing has improved.

The next day I ran. I ran without pain. I didn't limp. Is this guy for real? I have continued to run every day since that day without any tendon issues or pain. I'm leveling out my base training at 75-80 miles a week. Running like I'm a kid on the playground. I'm still blown away but have been reluctant to give him credit until now. I thought it would come back. I was just in disbelief. I spent so much money and time trying to get my ankle right and he comes in with one visit and BOOM?! Yes.

So now, I feel it's in my best interest as a semi competitive marathoner to take care of my body with more of a preventative approach. I have seen John every other week since. He can always tell what is off before I say anything. Whether it's sore calves, a tight back I know that it will be gone when I leave. In fact, I usually trash my legs the morning before an appointment so he can facilitate my recovery.

As a former 2:3x marathoner, John understands runners. He knows what we go through. But it's his almost photographic knowledge of everything running related that is impressive. He is more in tune with the human body than most doctors I have met. And that is an understatement. He has decades of massage experience. He's worked on Kara Goucher and Galen Rupp. He's been published in Running Times. He definitely has some major bling to his CV.

The bottom line is that he is exceptionally skilled and cares. I feel lucky and blessed to have John on my side for my next shot at Boston!!! I can't wait to ROLL!!!!