My Perfect Weekend

It's Monday night and ending my 3 day weekend with my husband. Though, we only have a dog and a cat we both have jobs and never spend as much time together as we would like too. There was one bad part to my weekend...I didn't get to my long run. Whoops. It's killing me right now. BUT, here's how my weekend went:

Friday: I worked in Morgantown until 3:30pm. Then I went to CrossFit to do 14.5. Afterwards, I gave Adam the choice of going to the gym or dinner. He picked dinner. 

It's not the healthiest but it was wonderful. 

Saturday: 8am CrossFit and we went to Panera for breakfast.

It was delicious! I've never had the Green Smoothy before. It tasted like it had bananas in it. I also had the Power Breakfast with Egg Whites. It was very light but filling. I wasn't hungry until around dinner time. 

Afterwards, we went on a search for a road bike. We've been talking about me getting a road bike for some time so I thought we would at least get sized and try to find something. We went to three bike stores in our area and by 2:30pm I had a roadbike. Now Adam wants one so we can go riding together. He's been searching all weekend. 

I am pleased to introduce: "Tabata the Trek"! It will look great right next to "Dusty the Diamondback". (Whoever can figure who Dusty is named after will get a special hug.)  Later that night Adam and I had a date night in house. I made healthy homemade chicken and the popcorn that everyone is making from a paper bag. We watched Despicable Me 2 but Adam fell asleep half way through. I thought it was a cute movie! 

Sunday: We woke up early(thanks to Hudson our Goldendoodle) so I made us breakfast. 

Buttermilk Blueberry Bread, thanks Pinterest. We hung out at home for a while and then went on search for a Bucs Jersey for this afternoon. We spent most of our day gone but when we can home we took Hudson for a bath at the pet wash. It's really cool! It's like a car wash, except for the dog. Duh..sorry Two hours later he came clean. 

Monday:This morning I woke up at 5:30 to meet my friend, Sherry at CrossFit. I've been missing her so we made plans to meet this morning. I'm really glad she held me accountable because at 5:30am that was the only thing getting me out of bed. 

Adam and I, both took today off to go to the Pirates Home Opener. I've always loved baseball, even when they sucked. I'm too young to remember a winning season. I think I was 2 or 3 the last time they had a great season except for last season. It was a perfect day for the game! It started off cold but then warmed up tremendously. 

We packed a lunch to eat before we went into the game but about halfway through we decided to go get something. 

That wasn't worth the wait. It was good but not $9.25 good. I even missed the perogie race! That was the worst part. 

The best part was that we had great seats! 

So I missed my long run this weekend but I finally got to spend time with my little family. I know I probably could have squeezed it in there somewhere but it was a weekend that we needed together.  Sorry, my life isn't that exciting but I thought I would share it with you. 

Tomorrow's goal: 10 miles(after work)

Have you ever neglected running or a workout for family or a friend that came into town?

The fur kids just wanted some attention this weekend.  

Spartan Race

It's Saturday! I hope everyone is having a great start to their weekend!

I know how everyone loves obstacle course races so I wanted to talk about a new race that I've found out about. Reebok is my favorite CrossFit brand and they have their own race called Spatan.  Check it out here.

They are popping up throughout the world. There are 3 different obstacle lengths starting out with 3 miles. If you've never done an obstacle race, 3 miles is a good start! My first race ever was a 7 mile obstacle mud race and it wasn't that fun. I was in shape but something smaller to start out with would have been great!  In the U.S.  You can start off with a sprint, super or beast. Also, with over 37 races just in the U.S. there has to be one relatively close to you. 

I've been asked to give one special reader a race in the entry for the U.S.!
How to enter:
-Follow me on Twitter and Facebook: @Thewheeezyrunner & www.facebook.com/thewheezyrunner
-Follow Spartan Race on Twitter and Facebook: +Spartan Race 
-Comment what City and Spartan race distance you would do
-Tweet: I want to win a @SpartanRace by @Thewheeezyrunner 

Click here for % 15 off a U.S. entry.

Find your inner Spartan! Winner will be announced Sunday, April 5 2014.  

Maybe Next Year

So if you've been following me for the past few days then you know that I didn't get through the lottery of the NY Marathon. I didn't think I'd get though on the first shot but I'm still pretty bummed. I was really upset that I waited a day until 7pm when I pretty much knew at 12pm. Oh well, I'll put my application in again next year.  

Now my focus is on the Pgh Marathon and my triathlon coming up in August.  I was planning on just riding my mountain bike but I'm thinking about looking for a road bike. Maybe I'll do a Half Ironman one day. ;) So that's where I'm going to put my focus and training. Maybe I'll do another marathon towards the end of the summer, I haven't decided yet. 

I went to CrossFit today because that always helps with stress,frustration and disappointment. Our warm up started like this: 

3 rounds

10 burpees

10 supermans 

1 minute handstand 

10 pull ups 

3 rounds of 5 rope climb downs

Then the work out 

I got 9 rounds out with 5 lunge steps. Not too shabby I would say..

So I went to Panera the other night. I've had to stay at work late the past few nights so I went to Panera to fuel up before CrossFit the next day. 

I think I've found one if my favorite combinations! I got the classic salad with Greek dressing and the Chicken Sorrentina Pasta.  Panera's You Pick Two is always my favorite. It goes great for the  indecisive mind. 

Did you play the "lottery" for the NY Marathon? Did you get in? 

What summer races do you have planned for this year? 

Post workout fuel

Yesterday I posted a picture of a little post workout salad that was absolutely delicious. Some people were guessing what was in it and some were asking. So here's the recipe: 

1 can Chick Peas (garbanzo beans)

1 cucumber

3 red, orange, yellow peppers ( I like peppers)

A little lemon juice

Some extra virgin olive oil 

White wine vinegar

Fresh cracked salt and pepper

Enjoy!

It makes me feel like summer is close when we're looking at 30 degree weather. It makes for a nice light post workout fuel. 

So, I found this article this morning on Facebook. I found it really interesting because you never really see an article about us slow runners. Thanks to Pinterest I've realized that if you run,then you're a runner. My main goal has always been to finish with out being last and still able to breathe. So I want everyone to read this article. 

http://running.competitor.com/2014/03/training/slow-is-a-state-of-mind_70265

My least favorite question is, "How long did it take you?" Usually those are from non runners. I can run a 5k in under 30 minutes, a half in 2:20. This whole thing coming up in May? I have no clue.  I am proud to be a slow runner because I don't think you have to be fast to be good. If you run, then you are a runner.  

Weekly Workout

So this week my husband promised to take me on a run while he rode his bike beside.  We planned on going on Tuesday because that was supposed to be the nicest day. Well, we didn't know that his bike had two flat tiers and a bad intertube.  After serching the garage  for the pump we decided just to walk his bike up the street to the gas station.  That's where he found out that his intertube was messed up since it wouldn't take air. After the 30-40 minutes it took to play around with his bike, it was too late for my 15 miler. Annoyed, I went to the gym to run. I was really looking forward to my 15 miler! So I get to the gym and EVERY SINGLE treadmill was taken!! How is that even possible? ! It wasn't full like one treadmill left, it was full like 3 person line forming to get on. By this time I was livid.  So I give up on my pouting party and get on a bike. Fortunately,  I could watch my Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men reruns. Once I got on the bike I pushed out 10 miles. That's how my week started. Not to mention I had to work in Morgantown all week. 

3/16 Rest day
3/17 Rest day
3/18 10 Bike Miles
3/19 EMOM 100 Thrusters 5 Burpees
3/20 Rest Day
3/21 14.4
3/22 15 running miles!!

I got 3 rest days in this week. It was tough to get my workouts in since I was in Morgantown all week, but I got more in than I thought I would. Saturday's run was the furthest I got. I didnt need my inhaler at all which is a huge deal for me! I did a breathing treatment before I left and that was it.  I ran slower than usual, but it got done. Afterwards I went and bought ice packs, a knee brace, and shoe insoles.

Panera
During my rest day today I went to buy a new phone and to get some refuel from yesterday's run. My favorite part of being a training blogger is that it's forcing me to try new food. I was solid on my Greek Salad, Fugi Apple Salad,  and French Onion Soup.  Today though, I tried  the half Vegetarian Bean Soup and Asian Seaseme Chicken Salad. Once again, I forgot to ask for the apple.  This was a nice change to my usual and it kept me full for a long time!

How was your week?

Panera.

So everyone knows that I've been working with Panera during my training.  If not, then you do now.  I'm sure most people have a Panera Bread near them but it's a bakery-cafe. You can get everything from breakfast to smoothies,espresso to dinner items. Over the past few years they've been expanding to more places and I know where I live, we just recently got two of them in the past 5 years. They have over 1,777 bakery locations in 45 states so they're pretty popular. 

When I was in college, I spent 6 months working at a bagel bakery in Pittsburgh and from working there, if I never saw another everything bagel, I'd be pleased with life. The food was good but the hours were crazy.  The person that had to make the bagels had to go in during the middle of the night to make sure everything was made for the next day. Cafés like that strive to make the customer happy. I've always loved Panera, probably, mainly because we didn't have one so going to an area that did made it like a field trip. Their food is always fresh and made in a timely manner. It's usually very clean as well. 

So why do I love Panera? For a few reasons: 

1.) They have the best cinnamon crunch bagels. (Not on the training menu) 

2.) Their store and website have calorie contents beside their menu items. 

3.) Their nutrion menus are easy to find. 

I'm big into knowing what I'm eating so I love to know what's in the product. Panera makes sure to put it on their site for you. 

With that being said, I went for dinner the other night with my sister and husband. 

I got my favorite Fugi Apple Salad and tried another pasta item. The salad is my favorite because it's a really flavorful spring and fall salad. I also tried the Basil Pesto Sacchettini. This time, I remembered to ask or the apple. 

What's your favorite menu item at Panera? 

Training 26.2 with Asthma

I've partnered up with Breathe Pa to do some training blogs. If you haven't checked out their sight, you can do it at www.breathepa.org. 

Background I my Asthma 

If you check out my About Me section, you will see I was a very large child. I always wanted to play sports and be active but I tired out quickly and would just go inside to play video games. I lost the weight going ito highschool, thanks to some bullies that are now twice my size. 

For a few months after highschool I took a break from sports. I started college in July after graduating and once I got into the swing of college and work, I decided to get active again. I started running with my sister and kickboxing. After a few months of being stagnant, I knew something was wrong. I went for a 1 mile run with a friend on a trail and couldn't finish the mile. When we were done I couldn't stop coughing and chocking. I tried to play it off like I was okay but the coughing wouldn't stop over the next few days. One of my other friends told me that they think I have asthma so I need to go get checked out. I thought it was just really bad allergies from the trail. After seeing the doctor, he said that he thinks it's asthma but I'd have to get tests done to confirm it. Unfortunately, I didn't have health insurance so getting those tests done wouldn't be able to happen for about 3-4 years. After needing my inhaler 4 times a day, I had to go back to the doctor. What he gave me wasn't working. He eventually had to put me on Advair twice daily until I could pay for the tests. Advair without insurance isn't cheap. After paying for that for two months I got myself some good insurance and went for the tests. 

It confirmed that I had asthma (as if they didn't believe me) and my pulmonary doctor put me on a few medications to relive it a little bit. 

Training with Asthma

After being on my medication for about two years I've been cleared to train. Here's an idea of my daily medication routine:

Advair: Twice daily 

Asthma/allergy pill: Before bed

Nasanex: Two inhales, each nostril before bed 

Nebulizer: When needed, usually when I'm sick or go on a long run

Albuterol inhaler: as needed 

I initially started my blog to show people that there shouldn't be an excuse as to why you can't exercise while you have asthma. I have friends that try to tell me why they can't, but there's always more reasons as to why you can. Training is hard with a breathing conditions but if you manage it correctly, you'll be okay. As long as I take my medicine and use my inhaler when I need it, then I'm usually okay. 

I have many apps that remind me to take my medicine and tell me what color day it is. Normally on an orange or red day, I stay inside. It's not worth hurting myself. When I run, I go slow. If anyone ever looks at my time you'll know that I'm not the fastest. I could be much faster but I take my time. 

Here's something that I want everyone to know while training with asthma:

1.) Take your time: If you feel like crap and still want to try to go out, then do it but do it safely. If you need to stop, then stop. Walk a little bit. 

2.) You WILL have bad days: There will be days that you can finish a mile. Those days are going to make you wonder if you can do 13 or 26 miles. Bad days happen but you can't let that bring you down. 

3.) You WILL have good days: Those days will make you wonder if your asthma went away. Usually not, but if you're feeling good keep going! 

4.) Take your medicine: It's okay to buy a running pouch solely for your inhaler. I'm a dork like that too. 

5.) Take care of yourself: If your long run was planned but you wake up to 70 degrees and it's a "red day" use "red day" as "rest day". If you're committed you can find a better day to go. 

6.) Know when to take your run: Are you an early morning runner or sunset runner? I'm early morning. I'll get up at 5:30 to watch the sunrise before I watch the sunset. I personally feel like the air quality is always much better in the morning. Running at 2pm usually isn't a good idea when it's 90 degrees out. 

Those are some of my training tips. I have a training schedule set up that I usually go by but I stay flexible. It is completely feasible to train for a marathon with asthma if you take care of yourself. If you have any questions on training or taking care of myself, just ask! 

Are you training with asthma? 

What are your training tips?

About me.

So I realized that through the Pittsburgh Marathon I've been gaining some new followers. Some are from twitter, Facebook, and my blog in general. I'm always extremely curious as to who other bloggers are, so I'm going to let you know some random facts about me. 

About me 

1.) I'm 24 years old. 

2.) I've been with my Husband since we were 13 years old. 

3.) I have a twin sister. (She's 8 minutes older) 

4.) I went to college for Fashion in hopes to be a buyer or own a bridal store. 

5.) I'm actually an admissions representative at a local college. (Fashion?) 

6.) I've been caught eating peanut butter out of the jar more than 5 times. (Different spoon every time) 

7.) I really love bacon 

8.) I used to eat Heinz Ketchup out of the bottle too. 

9.) I used to be terrified of cats and then my mom found a stray that was declawed on our porch. He started off in our basement and when we couldn't find his owner he clung to me. He even moved with me when I moved out. 

10.) I agreed to get a dog for my husband in hopes he would realize how hard they are to take care of and not want children. 

11.) I think it worked. 

12.) it makes me gag when people blow their nose at the table. I usually have to get up and go to the restroom so that I don't vomit everywhere. 

13.) Everytime I finish a race, I try to find something bigger and better to train for. 

14.) I started writing my blog to show people that you don't have to make excuses for breathing problems. You have to deal with them and work through them for things to get better. 

15.) If I didn't spend so much time at work or training, I would spend it reading.

16.) I actually would not have TV or cable if it wasn't for my husband. That was our biggest fight when we moved I together. I didn't want a TV. 

17.) when I lost my job last year, I kept telling myself that everything happens for a reason and found out that was right when I gained a career and some new best friends. 

So those are some useless facts about me. I hope you enjoyed them and they didn't bore you too much. 

Next, Panera. The other day I met my sister for breakfast and really wanted to try something new. I had a rough CrossFit workout and needed to recuperate with something filling and healthy. 

I tried the Mediterranean Egg sandwich and a fruit cup. It was great! I think it's a new breakfast favorite. It tasted like it had a pesto sauce and peppers on it. I loved it. 

Is there any useless info that you would like to share with me? 

My Week in Workouts

Okay, so last post I talked about planning your workouts before the week starts. Heres a look at last week when I didn't get my long run in.
Here is my week of workouts:

Monday: 3.1 run
Tuesday: 15 minute AMRAP (partners) 10 cleans(75#) 20 push ups 15 tuck jumps ... planks in between
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 14.3(not competing) 10 deadlifts(95#) 15 Box Jumps(20") 15DL (105#) 15BJ 20DL (110#) 15 BJ
Saturday: 4 Rounds of Blake 30m overhead walkjng lunges (25#) 30 box jumps(20") 20wall balls(14#) 10 Handstand Push ups
Sunday: Rest

This is an idea of my little rest week. Next week will be tough to get my workout and run in because I have to be in Morgantown,  but I'll try.

Yesterday after crossfit,  I went to eat with my sister and do some shopping. After I was done, I came home to take a little nap before driving my friends for St . Patrick's day celebrating.  None of us have ever gone out for St. Patty's day, and apparently it gets good.  Anyways, when my husband came home,  he surprised me with a new tablet!   He even added all of my blogging and social med aps for me. I love it but I have to share.

Do you have any rest weeks coming up?

Weekly Organization

If you're reading this then you might be training for something. You also might have just came across my blog and are getting started on your journey. Maybe you know me and I've spammed my Facebook page so much with my blog that you're now deciding to break down and read one. Either way, you should know that I'm a little obsessive with organization. I've broken plans with people just so I could clean my house. Sometimes things need to be my way. Sometimes I'm always right...but anyway, I have a weekly goal or idea of where I want to be in workouts for that week. Sometimes it's broad and sometimes it's strict depending on the week. 

Last week I told you about my journal. Well I have to make my little schedule to get to my journal or I'll never get anything accomplished. There are times that I have to type in my phone a little schedule of plans and when I'm going running or to CrossFit. Here's a look at my general schedule:

-3 days CrossFit 

-2 Short runs

-1 Long run

Right now I'm not concerned with tri training. I need to finish 26.2miles first. The swimming and biking start in May. 

On top of that workout schedule I also work a 40hr. week job. I only have fur children so that takes a little pressure off. (Sorry Mom and Kathy I won't have time for kids for a VERY long time) With my job though, I have days where I'm working twelve hours one day, 10 the next, 8 the rest and have to come in on Saturdays. I have kind of a crazy schedule for a desk job. I have to write up a schedule to stay on track of my goals. Most days I have to get up at 5:30am to get my first workout in. Do I make a schedule and then things come up that I can't go further with that schedule? Yes. More often then not. So I make two schedules! Back up plans. You need back up plans. Sometimes you'll take an extra test day. That's okay. Stop beating yourself up. The world doesn't stop turning because you skipped a 5 mile run so you could have dinner with your inlaws. 

Here's an example. This was from a few weeks ago. This is the general list I try to stick with. That week I had a class to make up so there's an extra one on there. I'm pretty sure I missed a day during the week. I probably made it up somewhere but it's just an idea of where I need to be. 

So after my little negative Nancy fun there... In all honesty, I have to make a schedule before my week starts. Whether I stick to it or tweek it happens but it's the only way I stay on my goals.   Next week I'll be working in Morgantown all week so I have no clue on the time I'll be getting home. I'm planning on taking CrossFit and running outfits and if Ipass the CrossFit Box then I'll get my class in. If not, off to the gym I go. 

I also have to make time to stop at Panera now a days. This week I was pretty busy but was a little hungry and needed something to hold me over until dinner shortly after. I've never had a smoothie so I thought I would try one. The straws are huge!

I got the Fat Free Superfruit Power Smoothie. It was really good. The smoothie was bigger than most drinks I buy and other than a brain freeze on a freezing day, it was super filling. 

Do you plan your workouts ahead of time? 

Do you always stay well on track?

 

The Importance of Meal Prepping

Sometimes I think meal prepping is my favorite day. I usually do my meal prep on Sunday. I'll figure out what I'm going to be hungry for, go get groceries, and start prepping. I'm also extremely lazy when it comes to cooking. I like to meal prep for the week because then I don't have to think about cooking every day, it's done incase I'm running late, and I never have excuses for not eating healthy during a busy week. 

I keep my meal prepping extremely simple. Like I said, I'm lazy and really don't feel like cooking all day. It's Sunday so I like to try to spend time with my husband and little fur famiy. So, here's a little idea of what my meal prepping looks like. 

Breakfast:

-Hard boiled eggs 

-Banana 

-Orange

-Oatmeal 

Hard boiled eggs are usually my favorite because they're so easy to make. 

Lunch/Dinner:

-Chicken

-Rice, quinoa

-Vegertables

-Fruit 

Here's how this week added up:

Breakfast: 2 hard boile eggs and an apple 

Lunch: Cottage cheese and an orange 

Dinner: Broccoli slaw w/diced tomatoes and chickpeas 

Confession: I also added 3 bagels, a chicken quesidilla for dinner, Olive Garden for lunch one day and dinner with my family. (These were different days people I can't eat that much in one day) 

Really? I'm not upset. I was, but I am still tweeking my meal preps. If you look at my pictures, I didn't prep enough food so I was still hungry by the time I got home from running or CrossFit. I have a long run planned this weekend so I'm not too upset. Over the years I've had to tell mysel that it's okay if I make a few bad decisions as long as it doesn't become a habit. 

With that being said, one of my lunch additions was a panera whole grain bagel. 

It was very good dipped in my cottage cheese. (I'm a weirdo, I know) I didn't toast it or anything but I was full until after my CrossFit class that night.

 I actually use to work at a bagel bakery in college so bagels aren't my first choice to eat, but I think Panera's might be my favorite. 

Who meal preps?

Do you sometimes not prep enough food and make a few bad decisions? 

My week in workouts.

This New Year's I recently started tracking my progress. I track my progress in workouts everyday so I know how many miles I've gotten in and how many workouts I've done. I'm obsessive about organization so every color means something different. 

Purple(my favorite): Running

Green: CrossFit

Blue: Swimming

Red: Biking/Spin

Black: Lifting or a rest day 

My week in workouts: 

Monday 3/3/14: REST

Tuesday 3/4/14: (CrossFit) Diane- 21•15•9 Deadlift (115#) Handstand push-up

Wednesday 3/5/14: (CrossFit) 15 minute clock- 1 min. Max Squats 2 min. Double Unders 3 min. push-ups 4 min.Superman 5 min. Pull ups

Thursday 3/6/14: 5 mile run

Friday 3/7/14: (CrossFit) 14.2 10 overhead squats (35#) 10 chest 2 bar

12 OH Squats 12 c2b 14 OH Squats 14c2b 

Saturday 3/8/1: 10 mile run

Wrap up: 3 CrossFit workouts, 15 miles running, 2 rest days 

Do you track your workouts? 

Running and CrossFit are my favorites.

Through my childhood- teen years I've played a lot of spots. I've pretty much tried everything except running. Weird... But, recently I was thinking about why I love running and CrossFit. I started CrossFit on June 15,2013 so not even a year ago. I've been running for the past 6 years and I like that because it's my alone time. I usually shut my phone off for my long runs so I don't feel obligated to check it. I swear, I can go all week without a single phone call and the second I get to the park to run, my phone blows up with text messages, phone calls, Facebook posts, tweets to me etc... I usually know someone couldn't get a hold of me when my sister shows up at the park to interrupt my run.  That's happened quit a few times. Anyways, I was thinking about every sport that I've played and why they didn't add up to CrossFit. Here's what I've come up with: 

Ballet/lyrical/dance/gymnastics: This was my longest sport. I started dance and gymnastics when I was 4 or 5? and graduated after 13 years there. I lived the sport but what kept me was my instructors. The students were nice but they all had their own cliques.  They weren't the first ones to care if you hit a "pr" or got technique that you've never done. Actually, they were kind of stuck up. 

 Soccer/Softball: Soccer and baseball are probably my two favorite sports. I started soccer when I was 8 quit until I was 12 and started back up until I graduated. Let's be honest here, I wasn't that great. I lost a lot of confidence when I would ask for help but the coach wouldn't help me. It wasn't a sport where everyone got a chance to play. I spent most of my time on the bench. The other players really didn't care if you played or not but if they didn't play then all he'll would break loose. 

Swimming: I swam for 8 years before Jr. High. I loved it, but I had to chose between swimming and soccer. Terrible idea. I was also "the fat kid" so I probably wasn't that good. 

Kickboxing: Kickboxing was my cross training to running. I loved it but you couldn't go at your pace and it stopped becoming challenging after high school.  At one point the class was full of age of 65+ and the next week it would be full of children. That's fine but our classes were so full that you could nearly get your workout in. 

I think that wraps everything up. So back to why I love running and CrossFit. 

Running: You don't need to relay on anyone. You put your headphones on or listen to you breathing and your good to go. There's no bench to sit on unless you're tiered. You are your own team mate. Whether you're first or last, someone will always be cheering you on. And if not, you'll have your thighs. 

CrossFit: At the CrossFit Box that I go too, we have two coaches. Anytime you need help with form, they are there to help without judging or being annoyed. I've also never felt so welcome in a sport. Everyone is your friend and will help and cheer you on. You can be fat, thin, fit, skinny, as long as you put out the effort in and try(without cheating) then you'll learn something. 

If you've never tried CrossFit, try it. I hope you love it. 

Last night, one of my bestfriends came home to visit. We went to Panera to grab something to eat and I had lent and my long run today in mind.  I always forget to ask for the apple when I go instead of extra bread. 

Last night I tried the "You pick two" again. I love the "You pick two" because you can always try something new. I also love that panera puts the calorie content beside everything. I stopped being a calorie counter but it's nice to know when I'm eating. I ordered half Mac n' Cheese and half of a Tuna Salad Sandwhich. That was the first time I had either. They were both great. Maybe a little too much bread but it filled me up for my long run this morning. 

Today's goal is a 10 mile run. I ran 5 the other day so I'm going to work on my long run today. It's supposed to be almost 50 degrees, so that's exciting! 

What's your longest run this weekend?

Treadmill Thoughts.

If any of you know me then you know I hate the treadmill. Actually, it takes a lot to get me on there but when I do, then I get stuff done. It might be slow and I might stop a lot because I think it get shin splints but I get stuff done. 

Tonight's run got done. I told myself I was going to do it and I did. I was miserable the entire time. (No need to lie) I am an absolute complainer when I'm on the dreadmill. Soooo to make it fun, I want to let you know about what goes on in my head (or "Missieland" as one of my longest best friends would call it.)

Missieland 

1.) I go to the gym in hopes to watch The Big Bang Theory or Two and a half men reruns. 

2.) I never get gassy until someone shows up beside me. 

3.) Contemplating my triathlon training for August, I've concluded that the swimming comes first because of you drown then you don't have to waste your time on biking and running. You just cut your loses at the swimming. 

4.) Now I'm not sure if I want to go the Pgh Tri in August. That's my birthday/anniversary/ best month ever. I don't want to die then...

5.) I'm pretty sure the girl beside me doesn't appreciate me blowing my nose into my sleeve while running. At least I did it on the other side...

6.) I wonder how fast I can make this go before I trip on my face and go flying back... If it didn't hurt so bad it would probably be hilarious. Who trips on a treadmill?! Let's keep this thing slow to make sure that doesn't happen. 

7.) Wow five miles is further than I thought...

8.) I guess this is how hamsters feel sometimes..

9.) Am I done yet?! Only two miles left..I can do this....

After I finished that fun extravaganza I had to shower and run errends. By this time it was close to 8pm and I was starving. Luckily, Panera is right beside the gym that I go too. Since it was so late and I was going home to get to sleep, I didn't want to eat anything heavy. I decided to go with the Chicken Hummus Power Bowl. 

The first thing I noticed was their packaging. I had to drive about 20 minutes home and you know SW Pa is full of potholes. It with stood the test of my driving and the potholes! That doesn't happen often...

It was full of spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and chicken. They added lemon juice over top of it. The bowl was really light and filled me up before I went to sleep. I would defiantly eat this before working out too. It's light enough that you won't get sick before a gym session. 

*At a lot of Panera Stores this bowl is not located on the menu yet, but if you ask for it, they'll usually have it. 

This is my little blogging helper. He needs my kisses. 

It's Friday, friends! What are your weekend workouts?! 

February Bulubox

I went with another 6 month subscription to bulubox. I love their products and I'm always looking to try new things. Here is what February contained...

SoyJoy:I've been looking for these to try for years! They don't sell them in my area. (At least I haven't found them yet) I ate this for breakfast on my way to work after the pulmonary doctor. It was good, quick, and easy. It didnt crumble in the wrapper so I actually got to eat it without crumbs everywhere. The taste was great but it didn't really keep me full. Maybe I just like to eat a lot. It's a good "before gym snack" (it won't make you gassy on the treadmill. You know you were thinking it. ) 

JustFruitBar: When I was little my mom used to buy my sister and I some kind of all natural fruit roll up that had that awkward texture like sand paper. This had that, but a little bit thicker. It brought back my childhood. I actually really liked this. It was a good snack instead of average candy. It was like a helathy fruit roll up. 

Salvation Chia: I've had chia seeds before. I like to put them in my oatmeal because of the weird texture. I think it absorbs some of the crunchiness better. I like to also put peanut butter and chocolate protein powder in my oatmeal for a morning chocolate fix. Chia seeds absorb a lot of liquid so I recommend keeping it a little runny and letting it sit a few minutes after you stir it. 

PowerCrunch Proto Whey: If you like vaniella, then this stuff is for you! I personally like chocolate but it didn't have many calories and was really sweet. I put it in Lactaid milk after a CrossFit session. It was very filling. 

Flow (no picture, sorry): I've never taken a pre workout supplement before but I really liked this. I took two capsules before I went to the gym. It didn't make me jittery but I did focus a little bit better. 

All of these products can be found here: 

http://www.bulubox.com/?acc=7cbbc409ec990f19c78c75bd1e06f215

Get a box FREE use offe code: BULUGAN290 

Have you tried any of these products or get monthly sample boxes?

What are your favorites? 

Marathon Training Time

So, I previously wrote that I have some great news coming up. I was asked to become an official Pittsburgh Marathon Training Menu Blogger for Panera Bread! I love Panera (and the Pittsburgh Marathon) so I couldn't say no. I have started working with them this week and it's great so far. 

Some more great news, I will be running my first FULL MARATHON on May 4th, 2014. Pittsburgh will always have a place in my heart because that was my first half marathon last year. I feel so lucky that I get to working with just a great organization. 

This year, I'm trying something new with my training. Last year I spent probably 5-6 days a week running and maybe 1-2 days strength training. This year my goal is to cut back a little bit. I'm going to do 3 days strength training and 2 days with a short run and one day with a long run. I have also been doubling up on workout days to give myself a couple extra rest days. 

My biggest issue with marathon training right now though, is this weather. I live in an area with a ton of hills so getting out to train is tough. We've been getting massive amounts I snow and sidewalks aren't staying clean.  I don't feel like it's worth hurting myself to run outside but I hate the dreadmill. They've been calling for a nasty winter storm today for the past week, so I made sure this morning that my husband was up early enough to go work out. When we left it was a nice light snow. We had to stop at his parents house and their back roads were covered but still manageable. By the time we went to the gym and lunch, there was about 4 inches on the ground! NOT COOL! We kept our gym workout kind of light because there were a little bit busy since everyone wanted to get in and out. I packed old gym shoes thinking it wouldn't matter since I was only going a couple of miles. That was an awful idea. We got in a good ab workout and 2.50 mile run. It was better than nothing. Afterwards we went over to Panera because it's conveniently located right across the street from our gym. 

I got a "You Pick Two" with the Chicken Tortalini Pasta and Chicken Noodle Soup.  I know it's a ton of carbs but I really just wanted something that would warm me up. It was a great "snow day" combo. 

I feel like this week coming up is going to have a ton I progress so I'm hoping I can share great results with you at the end of the week. 

How's the weather in your area?

Any advice for a first time marathon runner?