I can’t put it off any longer. It’s imminent. I must find a way to overcome my yoga addiction and get back on the road to start building my base for Marine Corps Marathon training. My 3-4 mile runs here and there are not cutting it to prepare me for the training cycle that starts June 28. I know it sounds weird that you have to train to train but without a strong base you are much more susceptible to injury and burnout. And I’m really looking for a pleasant, injury-free training cycle this time.
I have a little over five weeks before training starts so I’m going to make a conscious effort to step up my running. Nothing too crazy but I’d like to work back towards 5-6 mile weekday runs and 10 mile weekend long runs. I will definitely still be practicing yoga but I really need to turn a some of my yoga days into running days. 🙁 On the bright side, my bank account and running fitness will thank me! So please keep me accountable. If I’m not talking about running, ask me what’s up! I know once I get back in the swing of it I will be hooked again.
It’s been so weird – this is the longest extended break (since my half in December) I’ve had from training/running consistently in a very long time. I started practicing yoga to help improve my flexibility and reduce running injuries and ended up completely falling in love with yoga. Never saw that coming but so happy that it did!
Before I launch into today’s recap, an update on my soreness level. I was expecting to be really, really sore after BodyPump + Yoga Bootcamp + Sunday’s hot yoga class but I actually feel pretty good today. I was definitely feeling my upper back and hamstrings in BodyPump this morning but it was very manageable. I was able to use my normal weight selection on most tracks. I am taking tomorrow as a complete rest day to give my body a chance to recover from the weekend (and because it’s our 2nd anniversary and we’re celebrating!!!).
Here’s what today looked like. Banana oatmeal for breakfast. I missed my oatmeal this weekend so I was ready to dig into this!
1/3 cup oats, 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill 10-Grain Hot Cereal, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, dash salt, chia seeds, raisins and cinnamon. Topped with Justin’s Maple Almond Butter and Crofter’s.
I packed my lunch to eat at my desk today since it was raining and I wasn’t able to make it into the office until 9 a.m.
Veggie sandwich – whole wheat bread, Moroccan hummus, cucumbers, a slice of havarti, baby lettuces, carrots and sprouted peas. On the side were a few Trader Joe’s wheat thins, grapes and a Hershey’s chocolate. My lunch actually wasn’t very good. Since I threw everything in the Tupperware together, the sandwich and wheat thins got a little soggy. Also, the grapes I bought at the store yesterday are not very good. Too mushy for my liking.
Breakfast and lunch all packed with Larabars and tea for my desk stash. I made a cup of hot tea after lunch (I usually do – still holding strong with NoFizzCLT). I picked up a new flavor of Stash Tea at Earth Fare Saturday and it is so good – Raspberry Pomegranate Green Tea. I think it would also be good iced. Around 4 p.m. I had a Key Lime Pie Larabar. Love, love, love these things – my favorite afternoon snack.
Dinner tonight was an old favorite, Coconut Curry Tofu.
The first step was draining the tofu. I wrapped it in paper towels and put a heavy Les Cruset on top of it. Then I put a pot of rice on. While the rice cooked, I cut the tofu into strips and sauteed it in a hot pan (no oil) and turning until sides were browned. I added in some steamed Asian vegetable mix (from the frozen foods section). In a separate pan, I heated about 3/4 cup lite coconut milk, 3/4 cup chicken sauce, a heaping tablespoon of red curry paste and a few dashes of fish sauce. Whisk until it’s all heated and mixed together. Pour over tofu/vegetable mixture and let it come to a simmer and thicken a bit. Serve over rice.
Dinner with a glass of red wine. Necessary after this Monday.
Tomorrow is our second anniversary! I’m really excited to celebrate. How long have you been married? How do you usually celebrate anniversaries?
I can’t find light coconut milk anywhere. I guess I need to look at the higher end/specialty shops? Does Brandon eat tofu? My hubs won’t 🙁
We’re coming up on our 4th wedding anniversary. We’ve celebrated with picnic lunches, bead and breakfast getaways, and simple cards and renewed vows for the years ahead. Congrats on 2 years for you two!
I can find lite coconut milk at Harris Teeter. It’s usually with the Asian foods next to the normal coconut milk. I am SO lucky – Brandon will eat tofu. I actually gave him a choice between Island Pork Tenderloin and Tofu Coconut Curry last night and he chose the tofu! I can’t OD him on it but he’ll gladly eat it every now and then.
Thanks for the congrats on our anniversary. Love all of your celebration ideas. We are hoping that next year we can plan a small getaway for ours!
I am so glad you are going to talk about running again! That is what I have been missing! You’re right though, you’ll have to commit time to running if you want rock that marathon! (I know you will!) Anyhow, I am just so glad you are going to be blogging about running! Maybe it will motivate me. I feel like I am in a little bit of a rut with running right now. BUT I am getting back on track with two 10ks I have coming up. I have another half but not till October. And the ultimate question is whether I am going to go for the full! I’m sure I’ll find some inspiration on your blog!
Ashley – thanks so much for the comment! Seriously, please bug me about needing to run if I don’t seem like I’m getting it done! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my left leg/achilles issue stays manageable this time. It’s easy to get in a running rut – especially if you don’t have anything to train for. Your upcoming 10Ks will be good motivation!
Jennifer,
I am looking forward to reading about your running/training. I took 3 months off and it took me about a month to get back into it, but I am hooked again….. I am currently doing 6 mile runs about 3-4 times a week, but I need to step up my long runs. I have never enjoyed yoga and I am trying to get into it to prevent running injuries. So I enjoy reading about how much you love it. Are you doing the Marine Corps Mud Run in September? Or is it another one? Eric and I are doing that one. I hope to see you soon!
Much Love!