Tuesday, June 12, 2012

'Scuse Me For Getting Off Point....

So I realize this is blog is mostly about running, but right now, I'm going to get a little off-topic.  Just a little.  And maybe a little sentimental.  Sorry ahead of time.

Anyway, Doug and I went grocery shopping yesterday.  We've been really pushing to eat cleaner (haven't become entirely "clean eaters"), and it got me thinking about how far we've both come.  If you'd have told me 3 years ago that by June of 2012, I'd have run a marathon and countless other races, would have completely changed my lifestyle and started shopping for organic, natural, and healthy foods rather than chips, diet coke, and sugar-laden cereal, I'd have called you crazy.  There was no way. 

It's funny, too, how some people have that life-altering moment that changes their attitude toward being healthy, whether it's a health scare, major life event, whatever.  Yes, I did get married 8 months ago and maybe getting ready for the wedding was in the back of my mind when all this started, but I never thought "Oh, I have to fit into a wedding dress in XX months, I better start working out."  However, I will say that had I not lost the weight, I sure as heck wouldn't have worn the dress I did! I did get migraines for a long time, and I was able to trace them to certain preservatives (MSG was the biggest culprit), but I was able to cut those out and still eat pretty crappy food.  Basically, one day, Doug and I just said, "let's start running."  And that day, we didn't run very much.  We ran and we walked.  A few days later, we ran a little more and walked a little less.  And we just kept pushing.

So yesterday, as I'm standing in the organic section at Giant checking out the organic flaxseed and chia seeds, I couldn't help but laugh a little to myself.  It was a split-second reflection on the last two years at how much about me has changed for the better.  Running has given me a clear, balanced mindset.  When I get angry or frustrated, I know I need only get out on the trail (path?? my "trail" is half mulch, half paved) and I'll feel so much better in a half hour or so.  Doug and I run together and cook together (I do most of the cooking, and bless him, he does most of the cleaning up... how did I get so lucky?).  I know Doug could run so much faster, but he doesn't.  He stays with me.  It has done wonders for our relationship.  My body feels so much better with the healthier foods I've become accustomed to, and that, in turn, has done wonders for my self confidence.  My body is by no means perfect, but I'm so much happier with it because I've learned to appreciate it and what it can do for me, I've tested--but respected--its boundaries, like my yoga instructor says, and I've improved it vastly from where I used to be.

I might not always be super happy with myself.  I have my off moments, tough days at work where I know  I could have done something better, times where I know I could be a better wife or person in general.  And God knows I've done things in the past that I still wish I could take back.  However, I'm pretty proud of the person I've become and I'm so happy with how far I've come in the last 2 years.  And I never would have thought that would be the case when I set out for that first jog.

Long story short--if I can do it, anyone can do it.  You just have to do it.  Stop making excuses for not working out, for not eating right, or whatever hangs over your head that you want to change.  Yes, it takes will power.  And sometimes you don't have enough will power--I've crapped out of runs, eaten things I shouldn't, and I will continue to do it.  I always regret not getting out for the workout I was supposed to do, and I sometimes regret eating like I shouldn't, although sometimes I don't.  Like when I enjoy some soft serve ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.  Yum.  And that raises another point--you have to enjoy the lifestyle you adopt, or you won't be happy.   And then what's the point?


 Spring 2007.


Fall 2009

Fall 2010 (I don't have any good ones of Doug from this album!)

 
Our Wedding - 10/15/11

and March 2012, after we finished the marathon!

My, how things change!






Sunday, June 3, 2012

Supplement Review #2: Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews (Pomegranate Passion Fruit)

Image Courtesy of govx.com


The nutrition facts on Honey Stinger chews:

Calories: 160
Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 80 mg (3%)
Carbohydrates: 39 g
    Sugars: 24 g

For what it's worth, the chews also have a gram of protein and 100% of your DV of Vitamin C.  The biggest appeal of Honey Stinger, for me, is that all their products are organic.  I'm not one of those snooty I-only-eat-organic people, but I like to eat as naturally as possible.  I ate these before an 8 mile run and felt great for the entire run, even on a relatively warm day.  They're absolutely delicious, and while they have more sugar than Gu, I didn't think they tasted nearly as sweet as Gu does.  They also have more calories and more carbs, which is great for longer lasting energy.  When I did this 8 mile run, I actually started at one trail (which I hadn't run before), got a little nervous being out in the woods by myself after a mile, turned around and ran the mile back, then drove 15 minutes to another trail and ran the last 6.2.  Despite that lull in between, I felt great, even on a hot and pretty humid day, through the end of the run.  They taste absolutely delicious, too.  I'm still not sure how I'd do in eating these in the middle of the run, as I've only ever had Gu in the midst of a run, so I'll have to give that a try.  One slight drawback: they tend to be more expensive than the other energy gels.  However, I highly recommend these chews.

Taste/Consistency: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Duration: 5/5