Day 25: Run your guts out!

In 2009 I completely tore my left ACL, MLC, damaged my LCL, meniscus and patella playing a pickup game of soccer. The damage was so extensive the doctor said there was a chance I wouldn't be able to do everything again- unless I worked hard with Physical Therapy. Lots of pain, and a lot a tears but I was determined. In 2012 I ran 2 marathons and 2 half marathons and other races like 5K and 10Ks here and there. On average I ran 35 to 50 miles a week training (10+ miles a day), sometimes more, plus I did cross training (swimming, biking, insanity, and weight lifting). Running became an addiction. In fact when I played soccer in High School I hated running more than anything. I learned to love running...a lot!

I moved and worked a lot so my running was reduced to almost none. With a short 1 mile jog here and there, I'm now working my way back up and it feels good.

Cool, crisp mornings are perfect for runs. This morning I went for a 6.5 mile run unexpectedly. I just kept going!  I can't say there is a lot of fresh air, because there aren't parks or wide open spaces but I'll take what I can get.

Running Tips

1. Set a personal goal- what do you want to accomplish (time, distance, a race- you choose).
2. Download the Nike+ app. It's free and you can track your runs on your smart phone. I have the Nike+ gadget but it isn't as accurate as the app which uses GPS technology. 
3. Run Everyday (even if its short)
4. Plan your runs- Develop a schedule of what days you will train and how long (time/distance). 
5. Good music is a must! 
6. Eat. Eat healthy food. Just because you are working out doesn't mean you can load up on the cookies. 
7. Eat before you run: fruit, banana, protein shake... get something in your stomach. A car doesn't run on empty and neither should your body
8. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Water is good! You should drink more! 
9. Stretch. Enough said, a good stretch after your run is a must. 

Running is the best Anti-depressent. Get up. Get out. If you're looking for a good training schedule, 

Try this one FOR BEGINNERS

This is the Schedule I use. 

I love this schedule because it gives your body good rest, even though you're running everyday. Honestly in my head I feel like I should always be pushing hard. no need. 

I can't wait to get to Arizona and Race again. Evan has committed to a 5K with me. November I am doing the Ragnar Relay  in Las Vegas with some college friends! 

Every girl loves chocolate after a run. Here is an after run treat. 

Healthy Brownies... Really Healthy brownies. I may have eaten the whole pan. Evan made fun of me. I'm fat! but look at the ingredients. I couldn't help myself. 

Ingredients

3 small zucchini (run through the food processor)- 1 1/2 cups

2 eggs

1tsp cinnamon

1T vanilla

1/3 cup honey

1/2 cup dark chocolate morsels 

1T cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda 

run your zucchini through a food processor 

in a mixing bowl add eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, cocoa power and baking soda. stir well

then add in your 1 1/2cups of zucchini

add chocolate chips

pour mixture into a 9x9 baking pan 

bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 35 minutes 

let cool and a few chocolate morsels to the top for fun. 

They are really gooey- 

I took a fork and just ate them out of the pan. 

ENJOY!