Grandma's Marathon

Mid week randomness

Movin' it with Michelle

It’s time for my mid week check in…here are some random thoughts, in no particular order of relevance.

It’s the final countdown! This week it finally hit me after opening up my own site that the marathon is in 10 days.  But this year my training has been a bit different.  I LOVE that I have gone in to this training, and maintained WHILE training, the premise that this marathon is PURELY FOR FUN. WHAT, you say?  I am not trying to go all out like a cheetah and break mad PR’s and qualify for Boston?

Nope…This run is all about getting away with my sister, running our race strong, yet having as much fun as possible.  We never get a chance to spend time together, just US, so needless to say I am stoked.

With that, I haven’t been stressed this year in regards to pace, because I know I can complete the distance.  I’ve done it twice before, along with several 19/20 mile training runs so I am not nervous in the least that I will finish.  SOOOO…the next 10 days will be filled more with planning, because this is an out of town race, and the farthest I’ve traveled to run a race before.

How will I prepare?

Making lists of course!  I’ve already started!!!

One thing I DO stress over, is forgetting something.  Making lists are a GREAT way to alleviate this problem.  I am a runner that is dedicated to routine.  In making my list, I went through my morning routine for long runs/races in my head, and jotted down everything I’d need.  This helps keep packing/race morning stress free!!!  Which in turn leads to more FUN!!!!

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Diet update!!! If you read Monday’s post, you saw that I started the Military diet.  I am now on Day 3, and down 3 lbs.  WINNING.  Tomorrow I can to go back to regular eating, but I think I will keep my breakfast and lunch the same so I can eat a nice dinner with my family at night.  I’ll continue this plan, 3 days each week though, in hopes to lose the final 5 lbs.  This plan was tough, but well worth it.  And I even cheated at lunch today with Egg Drop soup (which thankfully has less than 100 calories, but quite a bit of sodium), but have also been drinking a LOT of water which seems to counter any missteps I may have taken…Tips for those who want to try the plan: Drink A LOT of water.  You WILL feel hungry.  When it doubt, drink more water.  I added cucumber and lemon to my water which seemed to help curb my appetite.  Also, check out the site (see link to Monday’s post) for substitutions to foods you aren’t a fan of.  For example, I am not a fan of hotdogs, so had a couple ounces of salmon instead that equated to the same amount of calories.  Winning!!!  I still have a way to go, but am happy to finally start seeing progress.

Photo Cred: Sparklepeople.com
Photo Cred: Sparklepeople.com

Moving Forward!! If you read this post from a couple weeks ago, you’ll remember I was struggling with a few skeletons that decided to rear their ugly heads.  I am happy to report that I’ve broken that cycle before I let it drag me down, and have continued to avoid all negativity and self loathing.  My mantras: I”f it doesn’t bring me joy, I don’t participate.”  Also…”Don’t confuse my contentment with complacency.”  I am simply happy with ME and where I am going.  I’m not sure why it took me so long, but I’m on my way regardless, lol!!!!  One thing I have learned is that surrounding yourself with like minded people, helps.  A lot.  Like, a WHOLE lot.  I have preached it in the past, but to truly cut out as much negativity as you can from your life isn’t always that easy.  Cheers to moving forward!!

Photo Cred: Quotesempire.com
Photo Cred: Quotesempire.com

How is your week going?  Have you had any success with new diets or work out programs that you’d like to share? What is YOUR mantra?

Have a great week, y’all!!! ❤

Michelle

Published by Movin' it with Michelle

My name is Michelle and I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I have found a passion for running, cooking, writing, photography and all things that move my love for life! I've ran 3 full marathons, with a PR of 4:25, and 17 half marathons with a PR of 2:00:11 (yup-missed sub 2 by 11 seconds, lol). Thanks for joining me on my journey!

43 thoughts on “Mid week randomness”

  1. Great mantra! The negativity really has such a bad impact on us, and sometimes we don’t even recognize it. You must be very excited to be so close to the race.

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  6. You are such a breath of fresh air to listen to. I admire your grit and your sense of humor.
    I am down about 9 pounds, but I also had to have surgery 2 wks ago today, so that played a huge part in my favor. Unfortunately, no running for me for at the very least 4-6 more weeks. I am chomping at the bit even though I know I couldn’t handle running right now. Although, I will try walking a good distance this weekend. I am living through your running eyes right now! LOL!
    Enjoy your marathon journey, I think it is so cool. You’ve got the right spirit and you will be awesome!

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  7. Yay for you Michelle! Keep kickin some butt! I need to make a list too. This will also be the farthest I’ve traveled for a race and I don’t want to forget anything! Lucky almost anything I need will likely be at the expo. I’ll prob need to pick up Gu there LOL

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  9. That last quote is all kinds of awesome and I think I need to repeat it to myself everyday going forward. 🙂 I had been doing well with Atkins but I indulged in pizza tonight, oops. You’re going to have a great race!

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  10. You sound like me. I crazy stress out when it comes to planning trips- especially when it comes to races. When I ran Disney in January, I packed everything I could possibly need…including a toaster and electric kettle. 😉
    Oh, and did I mention Disney us just 45 minutes from my house?!

    I have my first out of town race planned for the end of this year. The planning side of me is a little nervous that I won’t be able to travel with everything I could if I were just driving.

    And, that’s pretty cool that you were able to see results with your diet! Way to go for sticking with it!

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  11. One of my favorite marathons was the one I ran w my sister. No goal time in mind. We ran for fun and it was great! We didn’t even listen to any music the whole time. I love adding fruit to my water too. It really does help.

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  12. I’m glad you’re in such a good place heading into the marathon! I must admit, I’m really tempted to try the military diet thing, at least for breakfast and lunch. I’m having a HECK of a time losing these 10 or so pounds that snuck on :\

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  15. Yay! Now it’s 9 days till race day OMG!!! Can’t wait!
    I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed training for this race due to not putting the pressure on yourself. It sounds like a really great way to just enjoy life more fully 😀

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  17. Running a marathon for fun? That’s the best reason to do it, and even more so that you’re running with your sister. I’m sure you’ll have a blast! 🙂

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  19. It’s so great that you get to run with your sister. As for packing – as long as you have all your running stuff and your recharge cables you’ll be fine. Anything else you can buy while you’re there or manage without. Don’t do what I nearly did once – forgot to pack my running bra. That would have been awkward.

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