The good & the bad.....

Today I crashed & burned. I had a 15 miler scheduled, solo at the gym because Shelley & I still weren't feeling the snow. However, having a wild work holiday party, eating some junk, drinking a bottle of wine, and going to bed around 1am is reallly poor long run preparation. I know better than that. I tried to sleep in, but Kevin woke me up around 7:30, I made breakfast, downed Aleeve & gatorade all morning, and hit the gym around 12:30. I was doing ok, but right after 5 miles, my stomach began cramping, and I was practically doubled over. I've had this problem before after a bad night of eating/drinking, so like I said, I knew better. I clocked in a total of 6.5 miles before stopping, and stopped at starbucks for a peppermint steamer to calm my tummy on the way home.

On the way home, I started thinking about how the foods (and drinks) you consume prior to a training run can really impact your performance. I hate that heavy, can barely move feeling. I came home and started googling the best foods for fueling your runs, to help me remember why I need to eat healthy (and maybe not drink all that wine).

Best & Worst Pre-Run Foods from about.com
Worst
1. High FIber foods
2. High fat foods
3. Caffeine
Best
1. Refined Carbs
2. Low fiber fruits & veggies
3. Safe Dairy

Then I found a great article on preparing for your long run. I liked it because it broke preparations into several categories besides just nutrition.

some of my favorites?

1. Rest, sleep at least 8 hours prior to your long run (major fail here today)
2. Begin hydrating the day before (fail as well, I was dehydrating with booze)
3. Avoid foods with excessive protien/fat saturday
4. Drink lots of fluids while running (I did manage this today)
5. Refuel within 15 minutes after running

Check out the entire article HERE

The party? Well, that was wicked fun...

girls at the pre-party at my house!

If you recall I posted pics ~4 months ago at her baby shower. Doesn't she look fab?


my mini team at work!

cocktails & Ke$a = wild dancing

Bad stuff? My nana passed away last night, which is sad, but at the same time I am happy for her. She has been wanting to pass for awhile. She couldn't see, hear or remember anything. She held on waiting for my aunt, uncle & mom to visit her all together before going. Now she can join my pop-pop and uncle, and I'm sure she's much happier. I love you Nana!

Good stuff? Despite the crappy run, I'm feeling cleansed and motivated for a good week. Bring it on!

Don't forget my Sweaty Bands giveaway HERE, it ends 1/18!









Zensah winner!!

Amidst my self-loathing, I forgot something very important!
The Zensah sleeves winner!


Alanna @ Running 42K!!
Please email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com by Sunday to claim your prize!
I'll get you in contact with the folks at Zensah so you can get the size & color you want!


Feel fat thursday....

I am feeling sluggish. Isn't it amazing what a few days of crappy eating and lack of workouts can do to you? I am feeling like my fat self, did not weigh in today, but know that I am huge today. Some days, no matter how hard you try, you can't get on track. 



I find that when I know my workouts will be tough to get in, I slack instead of trying harder. I eat with reckless abandon instead of being careful to stay within my target. Tomorrow I know I'll miss a workout since I have an early breakfast before work for a coworkers birthday. Saturday I have to work, followed directly by my company's holiday party. Sunday, the day I am supposed to do 15 miles, I am now worried because of the 2 feet of snow on the ground and the fact that I may have to work sunday too. FML. Can it get any worse? I'm sure it can, I shouldn't jinx myself.

I want to be this hardcore endurance athlete. One that eats the right foods, works out according to plan, and drops the pounds needed to be fit, yet still in athena category. Most days, I feel like that girl. Some days, I feel like fat 16 year old Stephanie with plenty of excuses, and food as my only friend. I've worked hard to get away from her. I know slip-ups are inevitable, but I hate them regardless.

Some good news?

I got an email from Ron @ Punk Rock Racing
Not only did he offer an item to donate to my raffle, 
but he also made a $50 donation to my fundraising site!

Don't forget that Jimmy @ Inperspire towels
Is kindly donating 10% of his towel sales to my fundraising
when you enter the code: Run at checkout. 


Please head over to help me out & get yourself some fabulous workout towels in the process!



If you are a company interested in donating an item for my raffle to help me raise funds for the Run to Home Base, please email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com. All proceeds go towards helping injured war vets and their families for our troops in Afghanistan & Iraq.



I'm looking forward to really kicking off my fundraising with a BIG raffle, but I am still looking for fabulous prizes. Please stay on the look out, I will announce it in the next couple weeks!

Please send me some happy running/life vibes right now. Happy running to all of you!


 
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