baby prairie dogs are distracting on long runs…

seriously, two baby prairie dogs kissing – I melted (sorry the pictures are so blurry)

I ran 11 miles this morning. Wore my new running skirt and I can confirm that it is absolutely awesome. No ride up and it was super light – I seriously had to check a few times to make sure I was actually wearing bottoms because it was so light and comfortable.

This is definitely becoming my favorite long run route

another one of my cute buddies

I was really happy with my run – even running at my slow turtle pace for long runs, I’m on track to finish my half under 2 hours.  But really my goal is to have fun with this race since it’s my first half, so I’ll be happy if I just finish with a smile on my face.

I had an Arbonne chocolate protein shake after my run. Never tried one before, but one of my Luna Chix Ladies is an representative for Arbonne and brought us all a bunch of samples. It was pretty delicious – AND it’s gluten and dairy free, which means its tummy friendly for me. I really need to get better about refueling properly after runs, because it does make a huge difference in my recovery time.

having a snack drawer like this is perfectly normal right?

oh and this is how I carb loaded last night

the waiter always laughs at me when i order a gluten free pizza with vegan cheese and ALL the meat toppings. Yes I’m a confusing person.

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Do you have a runner’s snack drawer? 

Favorite wildlife spotting on your long run?

What’s on your pizza?

Sunday Runday…Funday?

I was never a distance runner in my past runner’s life, but this morning I totally enjoyed my 10 mile run at Cherry Creek State Park. I feel much more mentally prepared for running longer distances now – that’s a big thing for me because not long ago running longer than 30 minutes was UNHEARD of.

I think a big issue for me was learning to slow down on my runs – I’d burn out way too quickly on longer runs. I found this great article about the importance of taking your long runs slow (Runner’s World suggests 45-90 seconds slower than anticipated race pace!) and I used their advice this morning on my run, took it slow and steady and had an amazing run.

I rocked my Zensah compression sleeves and Newton Gravity shoes today – can’t say enough praise for those two running gear items. And yes I stopped running at 10.01 – don’t want to be an overachiever! 

My average pace was 9:36 which was perfect according to the RW article’s advice, and my fastest lap pace was 9:20 – I’m happy with that.

me (not dead!) happy after my run…also rocking my Athleta headband and Oakleys – love those for running too

I ran alone this morning – my favorite running buddy was sleeping in today – which I feel was really good for me to do because normally I like to do longer runs with a pace buddy because I’m mentally a running wimp. BUT I kept myself on pace, didn’t stop once, and managed to keep my Espresso Love Gu down (there was an awkward gurgle noise for a min so I was afraid the Gu wasn’t going to end well). We’ll call it a successful Sunday Runday, and YES it was a Funday :)

Came home and Jonah made me a Gluten and Dairy Free (but not flavor free!) egg sandwich.

delicious

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How was your long run this weekend?

Have you ever had a mental block for running longer distances?

Favorite mid-run fuel?? (I’m still in search of the perfect supplement)