Anyways, today I watched the episode of HIMYM where Barney runs a marathon and I was absolutely dying.
So after a whole lot of laundry and a whole lot more HIMYM, I set out for my run this afternoon. The plan was an eight mile run testing out all my cool running swag that I got for Christmas that I hadn't used yet. Runs are so much more exciting when you've got cool toys to play with. Also, I am awesome and managed to score a clearance workout jacket from Target for TWELVE DOLLARS.
I also finally got the chance to try out my new FuelBelt R20 Revenge Hydration Belt! Although I am completely aware that it makes me look like even more of an old lady while I run, I don't even care. I am head over heels in love with that thing. I hate having to carry a water bottle while I run, but I require water just about every mile, so this was perfect. About three steps into my run I realized it needed some major adjusting, because I had it resting way too low. But after I brought it way up on my waist Steve Urkel style, it didn't budge a bit. It was super comfortable and not at all too bulky.
I decided that as my mileage is increasing, it was finally time to experiment with some energy supplements. I went to Academy earlier this week and stocked up on a few that I'd ready some reviews on:
Even though the chomps and the Cytomax drops are super appealing because HELLO it is basically candy, I just couldn't imagine trying to run and chew at the same time, whereas slurping down a gel seems a little easier. So for today's run, I decided to try out the strawberry-banana GU Gel around mile four. I've never used any energy supplements at all, so I really had no idea what to expect. And if I'm being honest, it wasn't my favorite. The flavor was fine, but I wasn't a huge fan of the consistency. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I tore it open, and basically just sipped on it from mile 4-5. For me, I couldn't imagine gobbling the whole thing down, the consistency was way too thick for that. And almost every sip, I followed with water. It wasn't terrible, it was just different.
As far as performance, I definitely noticed a burst of energy from mile 6-7 that I'd never experienced before, which was just what I needed to finish strong. I know that GU is one of the most popular gels out there, which is why I grabbed two different flavors, and I'll probably be trying that one out later this week. You really can't beat the ease of a gel, so we'll see if I slowly learn to love it or if I'll be a bigger fan of the chews. I'll let you know. Because I know you will all be on the edge of your seats with anticipation.
So today's run was 8 miles in 1:16, so an average 9:30 pace. I felt like I was able to pace myself well today which kept it pretty steady.
And also, it's TOO COLD. It was about 42 degrees and slightly sunny when I set out this afternoon, and while I was pretty comfortable during the run, the minute I stopped after eight miles, it felt like the wind picked up and I was FREEZING. I usually plan my run routes to where I'll run my designated distance and then have a mile cool-down walk home afterwards. But as stopping to walk was resulting in blue lips and frostbite I was forced to walk/run back to my apartment so I wouldn't freeze to death. And it was close. I just barely made it home alive. I decided to celebrate with the world's hottest shower and some recovery hot chocolate.
My favorite thing in the entire world is to put M&M's in my hot chocolate so that they get all melty and delicious and it's like extreme hot chocolate. Somehow I managed to misplace a gigantic bag of M&M's and so I had to settle for boring plain hot chocolate. Ew, I know, I hate settling.
Can you believe it's almost 2013? It seems like as time goes on, the more excited I am by the prospect of a new year. Even though it means I'm getting older (UGH), it reminds me of how much can change in a year, and how much good can happen in a year. Just think about how much has happened the past year of your life. It's crazy right? There's something so perfect about the way life works in cycles, and I couldn't be more excited to start again with a clean slate of a brand new year. Who knows what 2013 will bring? No one. And that's the scary/awesome part about it.
Even though I'm a bit early, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy new year!
Don't forget to count your blessings as we wrap up 2012!
LOVE&HUGS,
Natalie
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