Friday Five

Friday Five, in no particular order

Movin' it with Michelle

I haven’t done a Friday five post in a while, so in keeping with my effort to try and get back to blogging more frequently-here goes!!  (Written on Thursday night, but it still counts, right?)

1. I did it.  I bit the bullet and signed up for another full marathon, the Rockford IL full marathon on May 22nd, 2016.  I swore I’d never sign up for another full, more so due to the fact that training for a full marathon is TRULY exhausting.  But I decided the reward is well worth it, and I’d like to really push myself with this one and see what these old legs can do.

pic cred: usaraces.com
pic cred: usaraces.com

2. Winter running gear.  I said it.  WINTER.  Colder temps have arrived, which means it’s time to pull out my gloves, ear warmers and long sleeves.  Cry.  I like COOLER temps, but breaking out the gloves always makes me sad.  I pray I can run longer outside this winter.  The last couple winters have done me in completely.

BAHAHAHA!
BAHAHAHA!

3. Diet and menopause. Both my arch enemies.  But I am REALLY trying to drop a few lbs, as in researching what my “racing weight” should be, it looks like I need to drop 10 lbs.  I’ll be honest, I am not sure I can do it…but I really have been trying. I’ve learned the hard way after trying them all that there are no magic pills, wraps, shakes or diets that work in my opinion. For me it’s watching my caloric intake, to include wine consumption.  I’ve been tracking my food religiously for 2 weeks, and am proud to be down 1.5 lbs.  It’s not a ton, but including the 4 lbs. I’ve lost previously, it’s at least a start.  I’ve got 10 to go, but I’ve decided I’ll be happy if I can at least lose 5 lbs. before I start training for Rockford.

Just Get off your Ass4. Shoes.  I LOVE my Brooks Launch 2’s, and am still using the 2 pairs I rotated for my last marathon.  A big no-no after all the mileage I’ve put on them, but they will get my through my next half marathon at least-which is NEXT weekend, ACK!!!

I see these happening possibly in the near future....:-)
I see these happening possibly in the near future….:-)

5. Running vs. Racing.  This is a tough battle for me, as I am very competitive with myself. I often say going in to a race that I am not “racing it” yet I always push myself during an event I’ve committed to and trained for in end.  Next weekend I have the Prairie State half marathon that I signed up for a few weeks ago mostly because I needed a swift kick in the tail. Six weeks off from distance running was enough rest. My guess is that I can hold a 10 mm pace, but I’ll just have to see how it goes!  I am going to try my best not to push myself to injury, because that would just suck.  LOL

This.
This.

At the end of the day, it truly is all about what works for you…in all aspects of life!

What brand of shoes is your go to?  Do you have problems running vs. racing an event? What’s your take on fad diets/pills etc.?

Have a great weekend, y’all!!  I’ve got 8 miles on deck tonight so I’m a bit nervous but plan on having an awesome weekend with my family!

❤

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!

34 thoughts on “Friday Five, in no particular order”

  2. Woo hoo! Congrats on registering for Rockford. I’m looking forward to reading about your training and progress in the coming months! I read “Racing Weight” by Matt Fitzgerald a few weeks ago.His approach is that we are athletes and we need the proper fuel. His main focus is on improved performance for endurance athletes not necessarily the standard fad “weight loss” diet for non-athletes. He recommends fueling mainly with good stuff like fish, veggies, nuts, healthy carbs, and dark chocolate for improved performance. His nutrition plan even allows for a drink or two per day! By the way, right now I’m in the “fat loading” phase before the Chicago marathon right before carb loading, so I’m actually having fun with the whole thing! I read this somewhere that sums it all up: “Athletes eat and train, they don’t diet and exercise!” Good luck and have fun in the Prairie State half marathon! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Pete!!! You are going to ROCK Chicago! I can’t wait to hear about it. I plan on downloading his book..did you find it useful? I’ve been piddling around the internet researching race weight and his name came up several times.

      Like

      Reply

  8. Good luck with your training for another full! Gosh I hope this winter isn’t as brutal as last. I was very grateful to not marathon train last winter. Yay for Prairie State! I read Matt Fitz’s Racing Weight as well and his idea of what’s ideal for me is totally ridiculous. I’d be an emaciated stick.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks!!! And I agree, what “they” say I should weigh, I haven’t weighed since I was 18 and in basic training so we shall see. I am jus using at a lose guideline, and knowing I have a GOOD 5 lbs to lose this will help motivate me! Best wishes in the twin cities!

      Like

      Reply

  11. Hi Michelle! So exciting to see that you’ve signed up for another full! Way to go! I’ve also realized that caloric intake is the key for me…and dropping 7lbs over the summer has helped A LOT with my running! I want to watch you ENJOY this winter training cycle, you’re my favorite runner! 😉

    Like

    Reply

  13. Yay marathon!! I’ll probably be skipping a marathon next spring for a variety of reasons but will have so much fun cheering you on virtually 🙂

    And I definitely have a problem with always trying to “race” events. Usually I go into a race with a mindset of going all out for it. BUT I have trained my mind to now be able to tone it down and hold back and not be disappointed if it’s not my day.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Agreed, it sure can be tough. I plan on just running my half on Saturday, and just see how I do since I’ve just started back again. I swore I’d never do another full, but really want to see what I can do if my training is strong again like last year.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. Woohoo! Good luck with your half! I’m also trying to lose about 10 lbs. I picked it up when we moved back to VT two years ago and haven’t managed to get rid of it again. Stupid Vermont with all its tasty beer and cheese!

    Like

    Reply
  16. Pingback: It’s a New Year… | Movin' it with Michelle
  17. Pingback: Pre-deployment thoughts | Movin' it with Michelle
  18. Pingback: January Runfessions – Movin' it with Michelle

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.