Cold Weather Running

Now that my November 5k has passed, I'm thinking about how to improve my training for my December 5k. Thankfully, I have not signed up yet. I'm having second thoughts about it. Part of my fee from The Turkey Day 5k I didn't go to on Thursday went to charity. I'm bummed I didn't earn a t-shirt. I don't think I want to spend another $25 and run the risk that I will not run. Since I'm so slow, cold weather running is just not for me...at this point.

I did okay on Thursday. Usually when I run on the treadmill my knees ache for days. I was a little sore but not too sore to jump back on the treadmill later on today. So, I think I'm going to do most of my cold weather running on the treadmill. For December I may to do a virtual 5k:

There's no t-shirt, but you will get a medal if you post your time. If I sign up for this virtual 5k, I'll have the option of completing it outside, if weather permits. The downside, it's not a Peachtree Qualifier like the Santa on the Square 5k.

Turkey Day 5k

Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am very grateful for my health. I am grateful for the willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Although I am not where I'd like to be, I am a grateful for where I am. I've made a lot of progress.

Today was the Turkey Day 5k. I've been worried all week because it was supposed to be cold and I do not have proper running gear for the cold. I picked up my bib last night ready to give it an honest effort. I planned to wear two pairs of pants, two pairs of socks, a long-sleeve shirt, two jackets, three hats, gloves, and ear muffs.

I woke up this morning and it was 27 degrees (but feels like 17)! No way! I'm slow. I knew I'd be out there for at least 45 minutes, on a good day. I decided I'd just do a virtual 5k at the gym. I'm kind of bummed because this was another Peachtree Qualifier. I think I have until April to do another Peachtree Qualifying race. I know it's not going to make that much of a difference in my starting wave but I do want to complete a 5k under 45 minutes. I have some work to do. Total's run: 59:25.

Energems

I loved these things! It was like eating giant peanut M & Ms! I had my reservations about whether or not they’d work. A serving size, three pieces, is supposed to be the equivalent on one energy drink. In addition to caffeine (75 mg. per serving), they also contain B vitamins.

I’ve had a very unhealthy relationship with energy drinks--they’re packed with lots of sugar and caffeine. Yummy for my palate. Yucky for my health. When I read the part about being Energems like an energy drink, I thought, uh oh, this is not for me. Trigger alert!

Truthfully, I’m surprised a product like this would be in a weight loss box. I guess they’re marketed to people like me who like the rush of an energy drink but can’t afford all the extra calories. Each gem is 15 calories so that’s 45 calories a serving versus 200 - 250 calories per energy drink.

Anyhow, I decided to give them a try. I tried them right before a run. I think they gave me a nice boost. I tried them a second time before going to the gym to lift weights. I didn’t notice much difference. I’m saving the last serving.

Would I buy this product? No! It’s like eating candy and as recovering compulsive overeater I do not want to eat something that reminds me of candy. I could see how they would be good for someone running a marathon or something. They’d provide a great caffeine boost without drinking coffee (which could cause stomach distress) or a high-calorie energy drink. If (or when) I ever work my way up to running longer distances, I may give them a try again.

They’re $2.99 a box. Considering my favorite energy drinks are about $1.79 to $1.99 a can, they’re pretty economical.

Turkey Day 5K

Although my training hasn't been 100%, I do feel ready to tackle my next 5K. I have already accepted that I will not be able to run the entire race and that's okay. Now there appears to be another hurdle I must jump -- the weather. It has been unexpectedly cold lately and the weather is only going to get colder. We're expecting a few rainy days. I've been walking and running but most of my workouts have been in the afternoon, not early morning. It's much colder early mornings. I'm so worried about the weather. I'll do my best. All I need to do is finish.

NeoCell Beauty Bursts

NeoCell Beauty Bursts are gourmet collagen soft chews. Per the label, the benefits it’s a skin rebuilder (Collagen type 1 and 3); Skin Hydration (Hyaluronic Acid); and Collagen Enhancer (Vitamin C). It had a weird consistency, more sticky than chewy. I didn’t like the taste. It was medicine-like. These candy-like supplements are not my thing.

I don’t see the benefits of this for me. My skin and nails are okay. I use a good skin cleanser and moisturizer. Plus, I have good genes on my side. The best way for me to keep my skin hydrated is to drink water.

Review Round Up -- October Bulu Box

Here's a review of the remaining three items that were in my October box. I had photos but I do not know what happened to them.

Vibrant Cleanse – I liked this product. Great taste, nice kick. However, I could make this myself with fresh ingredients– lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne. If this was sold in individual packets, I may purchase it if I was travelling or something, for the convenience. Truthfully, for personal health reasons, I would never do a full blown Master Cleanse.

Simple Being Slimming Smoothie – I really liked this smoothie mix. It has a great taste and is packed with protein – 26 grams! Would I buy it? Probably not, but only because of the price.

Natural Vitality CALM – I loved this product. I liked the taste and I truly believe it had a calming effect on me. I was interested in this product because it's a calcium and magnesium supplement. I've tried calcium chews before. My previous primary doctor thought I should be taking them. Not sure if they were doing any good. I've had my current doctor for about two years and she's never mentioned calcium supplements. I’ve seen this product in Whole Foods; it’s sold in a canister and individual packets. I purchased another packet for 99 cents. Yep, I liked it again. I was sold. Bulu included a coupon for 40% off a box of 30 individual packets. I’ve been drinking it right before bed. I’d purchase it again, when it’s on sale. 

So, out of five products, I made a full-size purchase of Natural Vitality CALM and I would Simple Being Slimming Smoothie, if the price was right.

November's Bulu Box

I received my November Bulu Box. I realize I didn't finish reviewing the products from my last box. Stay tuned....

I'm already excited about this box because the sample sizes are much better. I received:

Energems -- three servings - I LOVE caffeine! I can't wait to try these.

Shapeology Burn Blend -- seven servings - I already have negative opinion toward Shapeology but I'll give it a try.

Yaff Bar - one bar - made for you AND your dog. Hmmm....

Beauty Bursts -- one chew - seems total useless to me.

I'll post the remaining reviews from October's box before trying these.

There is no shame in walking

Today I had to have a tough pep talk with myself. I am letting what I want to accomplish in my running overshadow what I have accomplished. I am a runner. So what if I take walk breaks here and there. I have run 3 miles nonstop. I will do it again, eventually. Consistency is what is holding me back. Consistency with my training. Consistency with my nutrition.

Last week I wanted the Badwater Ultramarathon. The runners took walk breaks and thought nothing of it. Today I was watching the Ironman World Championship and there were plenty of people who walked across the finish line. Why am I beating myself up about walking? I really need to get over myself. If I am going to reach my goal of running in the Peachtree Road Race next year and need to get in gear.

November Update

I’m still here. I’ve been very lazy about logging my exercise. I’ve been mainly walking and lifting weights. My right knee is bothering me a bit. I am a bit concerned about not running but it will be okay. Truthfully, I’ve also been lazy about running because it’s getting cold out. I realize I need to get some warmer workout gear. I just can’t afford it right now. I’m thinking about taking my running indoors. I haven’t had much success running on the treadmill but I do not want to get so out of shape with running that I have to start all over again. My next 5K is on Thanksgiving day. I'm beginning to have doubts. It will be okay. All I can do is try.

Weeked Workouts

My November workouts have gotten up to a pretty rough start. Yesterday I lasted 10 minutes. There was sharp pain in my left hip area. I didn’t want to risk serious injury so I stopped, went home, and did some stretching. I also used my massage ball.

Today I was just plain lazy. I did not want to go to the gym or to the park. I procrastinated until about 5 pm and then I headed to the park. I initially said I was going to walk four miles but decided not to overdo it. I still ended up overdoing it a bit. I did a slow jog for the last .25 mile. It felt pretty good. I worked out the kink on my left side with my massage ball.

I definitely need to stay on top of this. My left side feels better but my right knee gave me a little trouble coming down a slight incline. As much as I focus on my form and have been fitted with three different brands of sneakers now, I still have this imbalance problem.

I know part of the problem is my inconsistency with the exercises and stretches Dr. Smith gave me. If I can do my part, I am sure it will help the situation. I have 25 days until my next 5K.

The Orb

It’s the first day of November. I have another month to make things happen. I have a new toy -- The Orb. I purchased it to work on the kinks and tightness on my left side.

I love this thing! It is working out much better than the foam roller. I was looking on YouTube for some techniques to use with a tennis ball and stumbled upon this. I went on Ebay and order one. Ahhh! I’m planning to go back to the chiropractor in a few weeks. Hopefully with regular massage and adjustments I can gain greater flexibility.

I am not happy right now. After working really hard to stretch out and loosen up my tight glutes and hamstrings, I wake up this morning with a HUGE kink on the right side of my neck! It’s also raining like crazy. I was planning to run today. I was supposed to run yesterday. However, I had a massive headache. I still have it. We will see what the day brings. I may have to switch to a long walk or do weights and cardio in the gym. I have 27 days until my next 5K. I need to make the best of each day.

Speaking of making the best of each day, I have decided to join Mindful Peace Om in her 30 Days of Thank challenge. Over the years I have learned that expressing gratitude is a key part of wholeness. It's a great healthy habit to cultivate.