refreshed

Super encouraged by a great 5 miles yesterday! :)

As usual I had my ViSalus shake for breakfast, and instead of a "normal" lunch (like I thought I might start doing on days that I run in the afternoon), I had another shake but included a small snack bar with it.  So it was still less calories than lunch would typically be, but the bar gave me a tiny bit more.  I definitely felt like I had enough fuel to run in the afternoon, which was awesome!  It really is doable!  I didn't even need a Vi Trim at all yesterday (a little drink mix-in that helps curb hunger when you need it).  I have also discovered that my newest favorite ViSalus product is the raspberry Neuro.  It tastes GREAT and gives an excellent little boost of energy.  More natural than a diet soda, that's for sure.  The only drawbacks are of course the fact that there's caffeine (although I am not a regular coffee drinker, so it's at least not on top of having coffee), and that there are 12 calories in each one.  I am still a fan of my old staple: pomegranate green tea "to go" sticks (sugar-free, 0 calories, made by Arizona), but the raspberry Neuro is such a refreshing flavor and provides, I think, even more energy.

I kind of felt like I needed to get out there and do at least 5 yesterday, just so I'd know I'll be able to "keep up" this weekend in the 5K (3.1 miles), haha.  I have not been running nearly as much as I did in my training for the half marathon, and I have to say this past Saturday's 4-mile run was just dreadful.  It was one of those you can't wait to be over, and turns out the culprit was a plummeting blood sugar.  I cut it short when I realized what was happening and got on home.  I'd had a bagel with peanut butter for breakfast instead of a shake, so it wasn't that I didn't have enough carbs, I just for whatever reason was running on the low side.  That plus scaling back my frequency of runs had me a little nervous about this coming Saturday—but yesterday's run gave me my confidence back. :)  It even feels good to have a little soreness today and to feel my blood flowing the way it does when you're staying active.

More than anything, it felt so good to run the Loop twice in the sunshine with my music.  Being outside even for that little bit of time is something I believe we all need more of.  How often do you go an entire day inside—between work, your house, the gym, or whatever else you're doing—and are only outside for the few minutes between the door and your car?  There are so many great places in Wilmington to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's the beach, a park, downtown, etc.  I am as guilty as anyone of granted it for granted, but that is one of the many wonderful things running has given me!

Signing off until next time...