Workout Fuel – Make Your Own!

After trying sports drink after sports drink and finding few that make me feel energized AND don’t wreak havoc on my digestive system, I came across this DIY concotion from an old Women’s Health mag. The verdict: It contains no fake sugars, has a light taste and kept my fuel tank full throughout a 45-minute strength workout. The best part? It didn’t make my stomach do somersaults! I’ll try quenching my thirst with it on my run tomorrow, too!

Try it:

Pre-Workout Punch

This juice has just enough carbs to keep you fueled, and the water-sodium combo enhances hydration.

1/4 c sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 c hot water

In the bottom of a pitcher, dissolve sugar and salt in the hot water.

Add the following:

1/4 c orange juice (not concentrate)

2 Tbsp lemon juice

3 1/2 c cold water

Chill for 30 minutes.

Chug!

Makes 4 servings. Per 8 oz serving: 50 cal, 12g carbs, 110mg sodium

Pre-Workout Punch

A Day Off?

Today I took a day off from running. And it wasn’t a “scheduled” day off, which I do have now and again. I was actually supposed to get up and log 9 miles today, which I had full intent on doing because really at this point in my marathon training, 9 miles is chump change. That’s an easy run! So why didn’t I do it? Well that’s the thing. I don’t know!!!

Maybe it was the raging thunder and lightning storm outside (I run outside only…I’m not a treadmill girl and I’m certainly not attempting 9 miles on one); Maybe it was that I ran 16 miles last Sunday, did a full-body workout Monday, ran 5 miles with speedwork on Tuesday, another full-body workout Wednesday…so today my body is just tired. Or perhaps I’m just coming up with excuses to not run, which is really hard for me to admit because normally a workout is my top priority. Which would explain the guilt I’m having RIGHT. THIS. MOMENT.

So I ask you – fellow marathon runners and trainees – is it OK to skip a run? The trainer in me says my body needs a rest day now and again. The runner in me thinks I’m a wuss right about now. What do YOU think?

The one source of comfort I do have going for me is knowing I’ve got an 18-miler in store for myself this weekend. So, um, I’m just gonna take that justification and run with it!

Born to Run? Join Poise at the Les Bois Trail Run Series!

So I meant to sign up for just one race – that would be the Dry Creek Half Marathon this April 4th. I felt so inspired that I signed up for all THREE Les Bois Trail runs! Wooot! The first is the less-daunting Les Bois 10k Trail Run on March 7th. The second is the aforementioned, much-anticipated (by me) Dry Creek Half Marathon; the third race is the fun and laid-back-sounding Tamarack 10K Trail Run on May 23rd.

Want more info? Check it out here: http://www.bluecirclesports.com/EventDetail_Master.aspx?meid=437

Or here (the site is static only and doesn’t give much info): http://www.cityoftreesmarathon.com/

If you sign up for all three races, you’ll get a discounted price ($74 including the service charge). Or you can show up on race day and sign up for an individual event if you’re not keen on the idea of knocking out all three. We’ll celebrate together! See you at the races!

Once Upon A Time There Was A Girl…

…And she chose to run a marathon. That marathon would be in Pocatello, Idaho…in likely 90 degree weather on the 5th day of September, 2009. Why did she choose to run her first-ever marathon in the heat of the summer in Pocatello, Idaho, of all places? Because if she’s going to do something, it better be big and it better be bold.

And there better be a Buddy’s Garlic Salad and Carmello at the end…

Support Your Local Psychotic Fitness Friend: Me!

Seriously…I need all the encouragement I can get…

For info on the race and to check out the map if you’re familiar with the area (or if you’re interested in running the marathon yourself – Yay You!), go to: http://www.pocatellomarathon.com/