Running advice /diet help wanted

About a month or so ago a blog reader asked me to write a post about running. I felt a bit like a fraud writing a running post at that time, because I was a slacker for most of the spring. 

Well, now I'm training for a race again, so I feel OK about posting some running advice for you guys.

My next race is June 4th. It's a 10 mile race, but there isn't a requirement to run (so I will probably walk some of it). I am at week 5 in my training and only at 5 miles running straight, so things are not looking too good for this race in a few weeks. However, I signed up for it to A) get my butt moving and B) because its a beautiful course that I've been wanting to run, so I'm excited about it!

With that said, I've also reached a dreaded milestone. I've hit my "top" weight(you know the one that kicks you into workout/healthy eating mode?) This isn't good and makes me feel crappy. I attribute my 8-9lb weight gain over the last 3 months to a few things. 

1) I had surgery at the end of April and didn't do jack-shit for about 7 weeks. 

2) I've been traveling a lot and when I travel I eat and drink as much as I can. I basically have a fabulous time! 

3) I haven't had a fitness goal...

On that note, let's talk about some things I think you should do if you are just beginning to run. 

1) I am all about goals, so first on my list is signing up for a race. This immediately gives me a timeline and a goal. I can't do open-ended stuff like "lose 10 lbs" it needs to be "lose 10 lbs and run a half marathon by this date ____". Start slow with a 5K race in your area. Give yourself enough time to train, but not too much time, or you might get bored with training.

2) Go to a running store and get fitted for running shoes. They will probably have you run on a treadmill for a little while to check your stride and whether or not you underpronate or overpronate. You really NEED to get proper shoes for your feet. Don't skip this step.

3) Some people will say you need wicking material running clothes. I am a cheapo, so I wear the same clothes I've been wearing for years. Wear something comfortable and weather appropriate. If you are a shopper, then by all means go buy a whole new running wardrobe :D

4) Make a running schedule, then print it out and put it somewhere accessible. I usually start with Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Novice Training Schedule. I modify it in Word or some other program (copy paste, etc.) to reflect how many weeks I have to train. If I only have 10 weeks, then I take out a couple weeks. If I have 24 weeks, then I double the schedule and do each week twice. I have found it to be very doable with kids. 

Of course there are many other training programs. Figure out which one suits you best. 

5) Cut yourself some slack. Don't beat yourself up if you skip a day. You will still finish the race and you'll be proud of yourself for not giving up. Don't give up just because you miss one day here and there.

6) Use your rest days or your stretch/strengthen days to do other things you enjoy. Training doesn't have to consume your life. I usually do yoga or 30 Day Shred on my stretch/strengthen days and have also counted days at the zoo (lots of walking) as a cross training day. Make the schedule work with your schedule. 

7) Continuing on point six. Run whenever you can. During my 1/2 training, I was often runnning on the treadmill at 10pm. That's the only chance I got to run sometimes. I'm not saying it was enjoyable, but I did it and felt great about myself afterwards. 

8) Consider joining a gym if you don't have access to a treadmill. 

9) Don't make excuses. I got into a habit of saying to myself  "well I just ate pizza, I can't run now!" but then I'd force myself outside. I'd start out slow. Walk the first 15 minutes, then start itching to run. Eventually the pizza would digest and I'd have run a few miles. I'm not saying do this everyday, but just remember that you can be your biggest ally or your biggest enemy. 

10) Have fun! It really doesn't matter if you get an amazing finish time or walk the whole race. At the end of the day, you are doing something healthy and good for your body. That's an amazing thing! Plus, you will feel REALLY good about yourself when you cross the finish line! Good luck!! :)

             

Oh and for a bit more motivation. My MOM is running a half marathon in a few months. She has never been a huge runner, but now she runs all the time (even more than me!). She can do it and so can YOU!

Now remember what I said earlier about me gaining some weight and needing some advice? Well, I am notoriously a cheese lover, chocolate lover and all things bad for you food lover. I know I need to stop all that, but I can't do it cold turkey, LOL. I'm ADDICTED TO CHEESEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! ::Nom nom nom!!!::

I need some healthy/cheap meal ideas. If anyone has any links or recipes, I'd LOVE to see them.

  My two recipes I'll share, aren't really recipes (remember, I'm not a huge cook!). 

 DESSERT: Nilla Wafers and coolwhip. 

  Yeah, thats the whole recipe. LOL. 

 Sometimes I'll slice up bananas and stick them in between two wafers and coolwhip. It is DELICIOUS. Tastes like banana pudding. Not bad for you at all (if you don't eat too many).  

LUNCH: I just ate this, so I'll share. It was only 250 calories, which I think is pretty good! Oh and I'm stuffed!! 

• 2 tablespoons of fat free black bean dip from Trader Joes
• One 90 calorie wheat flatwrap
• 1/2 cup of reduced fat cheese
• salsa to dip

Spread the black bean dip on the flatbread. Add cheese. Cook in oven for a few minutes. Fold. Dip. Eat. 

 Maybe not the most nutritious meal, but I am constantly looking for healthy Mexican food options and this one was soooo good. Will definitely be a new staple in my house. 

Lastly, this isn't a recipe, but I love TJ's, so thought I'd share what we are eating tonight...

DINNER: I am doing Trader Joes Mahi Mahi tonight. 

One filet is a pretty big serving and only has 130 calories. I think we will pair it with some broccoli or salad (w/fat free dressing) and either beans or rice.

The whole meal should be under 500 calories if I measure the servings. 

So blog reader friends, can you please share your CHEAP-ISH, EASY, and HEALTHY meals with me? THANK YOU!!!