Hey everyone! I hope you’re all having a good weekend! Since I have a Dr’s appointment this morning out in the ‘burbs and I have plans this afternoon, I knew that Saturday was just not going to work for my long run. I decided just to bang it out on Friday morning instead!
I considered waiting until the afternoon and running outside, since the weather said it would get up to about 40, however I really like getting my runs done in the morning, so I decided to take it to the treadmill!
I know most of you are cringing right now, but I actually enjoy doing these runs on the treadmill! Granted, I’d probably shoot myself if it was just a treadmill in my apartment or something, but being in the gym is great because all the people watching is such a distraction! Plus, I can control my pace and not be constantly checking my Garmin to see how I’m doing.
Oh, and there’s no wind in my face, my fingers don’t go numb, and snot does not drip out of my nose. Yes, I’m sure you wanted to know that.
Aaaaaanyway, I got up and started the morning with plenty of water, some coffee and a simple bowl of oats: 1/3 cup oats, 1/2 banana, 1/3 cup milk, 1/3 cup water, cinnamon and 1 T almond butter added at the end. And I microwaved it. Getting so lazy…
I was actually really nervous about the run: I had some serious butterflies in my stomach! Why? well 1) it was the furthest I’d ever run, 11 miles! and 2) my IT band and my knees were bothering me a bit just walking. I was so afraid they were going to hurt and I’d have to end my run early. I REALLY wanted to reach this goal of 11 miles!
Well, it turns out that my IT band was just fine and I kicked that run’s ass!!!
I finished the 11 miles in 1 hour, 40 minutes and 27 seconds for an average pace of 9:07!!!! The run was actually a bit fast for me, probably because I didn’t realize how fast my overall pace was… I thought it would average out to be slower so I was trying to push a little harder. I actually sprinted the last mile! Haha that was more adrenaline than anything though, I was ready to kill it, and ready to be done!
When I got back, I knew I wouldn’t be super hungry, but I also knew I needed to get something in my system to help my muscles! I threw together a smoothie of 1 cup coconut almond milk, 1/2 frozen banana, a handful of spinach and some stevia. It. Was. Delicious. I actually stuck that straw in the bottom of the blender to make sure I got it all… Yep. That happened.
Do you like the tumbler? It was a gift from my friend! Thanks Hadley!
After some knee-icing and resting, I decided I needed to get out of my apartment, so I headed to Argo Tea. Want to know my favorite thing about this place (other than all their amazingly creative drink options…)? THEY HAVE ALMOND MILK.
I have literally called every single coffee shop anywhere near where I live and NO ONE but Argo Tea has almond milk as a milk option! Come on, Starbucks. Let’s work on this.
I actually didn’t even end up getting a drink requiring milk, I was too intrigued by one of their tea options: Fruit Sangria! (An infusion of hibiscus petals, dried fruits and rosehips.)
It was very fruity and delicious, exactly what I was craving!
What I love about Argo tea is their HUGE tea selection! It’s so cool to see along the wall! You can choose from their already brewed teas, or you can pick one off the wall and they will brew it for you!
It was definitely nice to get out, especially on such a sunny day! It’s actually supposed to rain/snow tonight, so we’re lucky it was sunny today!
Also, an update on Molly: her surgery went well but… she’s a bit traumatized. I went over to visit and she just stood there and kept falling asleep standing up. Any suggestions on how to help your dog lay down without being in pain?!? Poor thing… Hopefully she’ll be feeling better today.
How do you feel about treadmill running?
What’s your favorite pre-workout or post-workout snack?