Breakfast/ Exercise/ Fitness/ Lunch

Battening Down The Hatches

It’s gettin’ stormy out there!!!! This morning when I woke up it was just a black sky but after I went to the gym it started to pour and get windy. We actually got let out of school last night at 9:30 because some students had to drive quite a distance and tonight school is canceled as well. Now if only work would be canceled so I could go back to sleep because I slept horrible and am exhausted right now!!! I’m not really looking forward to driving on the interstate in this storm, especially when it is supposed to actually “hit” later this afternoon, conveniently at the time I get out of work and will be driving home. πŸ™

Ah yes, and I am tired. But at least I know I can go to bed suuuuper early tonight (what else am I going to do? No cable + hurricane = early bedtime). I had a very hard time falling asleep last night for some reason and then I couldn’t stay asleep. I really should have let myself sleep in a little more today rather than getting up and going to the gym before the storm hit, but I’m stubborn like that.

So..I woke up at 6:45 and had a pre-gym snack of a piece of flax & fiber toast with a spoonful of almond butter:

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And I did triceps/back/chest today. It was a pretty quick (25 min) circuit workout and I wasn’t really feeling all that motivated. I blasted the weather channel though and did my best.

2 min of treadmill to warm up

triceps circuit workout: 5 reps of close-gripped pushup on bench, 10 reps of overhead triceps extension (20 lbs) and 20 reps of cable pulldown (25 lbs). I moved through this circuit three times and my triceps were definitely screaming by the end!

3 reps of lat pulldown—50 lbs

2 sets of pushups—12 reps

3 sets of chest press with dumbbells–30 lbs

2 sets of plank row. 15 lb dumbbells (this works your core AND your back!!)

When I got back I really wasn’t that hungry (that’s a first, right?!). Buuuut I really wanted to try this new breakfast that I’d been drooling over on Miss Gina’s blog along with other blogs—–savory oats! Unfortunately for some strange reason I am out of my Texas Pete hot sauce, which would have made it a ton better but I think I’m hooked! Here’s what I used:

1/2 cup quaker multigrain cereal cooked in 1 cup water with a dash of paprika, cayenne and salt

2 scrambled egg whites

1 light laughing cow cheese

1 morningstar farms sausage patty

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I cooked the oats, stirred in the laughing cow to melt (YUM) and topped it with the egg whites and then the sausage. It was soooooo delicious!!! I’m so excited I found yet another way to enjoy my morning oats :). Thanks all you bloggers out there that inspired this savory mouth-watering recipe! I had some kiwi and strawberries on the side to round out my meal.

It was weird not having my morning almond butter that I always add to my oats!!! They do say change is good though πŸ™‚

For lunch today I packed a little platter of fun things. We’ve got a whole wheat pita, 1/4 cup Cedar’s Garlic Lover’s Hummus, a few strawberries, a hard boiled egg, a Chobani (SO excited to try this!) and a vast array of raw veggies.

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And for a snack: 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1/2 cup Go Lean Crunch to mix in. I’m also bringing a banana in case I get hungry later this morning:

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I’m off to brave the storm!!! No need to wash and blow dry the hair this morning….it’s a pony tail kinda day!

Question for my runners out there: When you train for a race do you plan to take walk breaks or do you just run until you get tired and then walk for a minute or two? I was going to try to run for 10 minutes and walk for 2 minutes to train for my race since I am used to the Galloway Method, which emphasizes the walk/run ratio. My other option is sticking to the Galloway Method even further and running for 5 minutes/walking for 1 minute. I want to increase my endurance though and not HAVE to stop every couple minutes but I’m not sure how to go about doing that. What do yall think?

ps—-peanut butter cookie larabars might just be the best thing I have ever eaten. THEY ARE SO GOOD!!!!! My mouth was in heaven and it was just like biting into a chewy, moist peanut butter cookie. I’m going to have to order these in bulk because I know I have an addiction now! You all MUST try these today!!!Β 

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  • VeggieGirl
    August 19, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    It’s storming here as well πŸ™ Eek!! Be careful!!

  • Ash
    August 19, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    This has probably been asked before, but what brand of almond butter do you use?

    Thanks!

  • jenna
    August 19, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Ash,

    I use both Barney Butter AND Whole Foods 365 chunky almond butter. MMMmmm

  • addicted2pb
    August 19, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    no review on the peanut butter cookie larabar? πŸ™

    i don’t do the whole run/walk thing — mostly because if i let myself start walking i have a very hard time starting to run again — but i’ve heard that if you wait to walk when you’re tired then breaking it up into walk/run isn’t going to be beneficial. but then again, i don’t know if that’s true for everyone or what πŸ™‚

  • Stacy
    August 19, 2008 at 12:40 pm

    Hey Jenna! I did my first half-marathon in May and used a training schedule provided by the race. I tried to run the entire time that I was scheduled for that day, anywhere from 30 minutes to begin to 50 minutes towards the end (with a long run on the weekend). If I got tired I would take a break and walk, usually for 1 song on the ipod, but I tried to keep it up for the entire time.

    Just enjoy yourself. I really thought I would never want to run again towards the end of training, but after finishing, I was ready to run another half πŸ™‚

  • HangryPants
    August 19, 2008 at 12:46 pm

    Hi Jenna, I haven’t run in any races, but when I run I do not plan walks. I run until I can’t run anymore. I bet you have the endurance to run for longer than you think you can! That said, if the Galloway Method you’re using helps you not “burn out” physically and mentally, maybe you could modify the ratio of walking to running to reflect your desire to gain endurance.

    Good luck in the storm.

    Heather

  • ~C~
    August 19, 2008 at 12:49 pm

    Be careful in that storm!

    Thanks for the update on the PB Lara bars! πŸ™‚

  • Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)
    August 19, 2008 at 1:01 pm

    Be careful with that storm!

    I really need to try those PB Lara bars if they taste like peanut butter cookies! Yum!

  • Megan
    August 19, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    I definitely would try a peanut butter lara bar, but I can’t find them any where! You know I will be jumping up and down when I do find them!

  • caitlin (see bride run)
    August 19, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    i agree – dont plan walks. just walk when you need to and remember you’ll be able to walk through the water stations during your run (every 1 mile or so).

  • melissa
    August 19, 2008 at 1:14 pm

    Hey Jenna,

    When I trained for my first marathon, I trained with Team in Training and our coach (who recently ran a 100 mile race) had us run at a sustainable pace and build slowly. So run at a pace that is very comfortable for you for around 2 miles the first week, then 3 miles, then four miles, building to 20 or 12 for a half. The key for long distance is time spent on your feet, so it is fine to go slowly because on race day you need to be used to being on your legs for a several hours, even though you will naturally run faster in a race setting. Signing up for local 5 and 10ks will also help.

    During the week, plan one day to be a tempo or a hill or a cross training day. Another day can be an easy run of 30-45 minutes, doing the galloway method if you want. Our coaches suggested one more day of cross-training or yoga. Even only having people run 3 times a week, they have about 1,100 people from the NYC area cross a marathon finishline every year!

    I also recommend at least browsing through Runner’s World Run Less, Run Faster book.
    http://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Less-Faster-Revolutionary/dp/159486649X

    PS Peanut Butter Larabars are so so yummy.

  • KatieF
    August 19, 2008 at 1:15 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    I’m currently training for my third marathon and have done several races of other distances (from 5K up to half marathon). If you are used to the Galloway method, I would suggest starting with what you’re used to and gradually increasing the amount of running and decreasing the amount of walking. For example:
    Week 1: Run 10 minutes, walk 2
    Week 2: Run 12 minutes, walk 1.5
    Week 3: Run 14 minutes, walk 1
    Week 4: Run 16 minutes, walk 0.5
    This will help your body gradually acclimate to running longer with less breaks without more stress on your body than you are used to. I would also suggest doing different kinds of runs throughout the week–perhaps an easy-paced run with no walk breaks, a Galloway method-type run where you go a bit harder during the running parts and then take your walk breaks, and a long run that you do in the style that you hope to use for your half marathon. Hope this helps. Good luck with your half marathon!

  • Danielle
    August 19, 2008 at 1:15 pm

    Oh no, I can’t help but be worried about my favorite bloggers in the midst of this storm. Good luck with everything and please stay safe!

  • Sara
    August 19, 2008 at 1:15 pm

    I work at Starbucks in Orlando and of course they haven’t closed. What would people do without their coffee?!!! I get out at 3pm this afternoon and then have to drive on the interstate πŸ™ Be safe!!!

  • arielle
    August 19, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    I have to get this larabar. I haven’t really liked any of the others, but I know I’ll like this one. I’m excited.

  • haya
    August 19, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    i’m not a fan of regularly scheduled walk breaks. i think it takes more energy to have to re accelerate after you’re done walking than it would to just run constantly at a slower pace. i know people that swear by it though so i guess you should do whatever works for you!

  • Amy
    August 19, 2008 at 1:36 pm

    I’ve been running for what feels like forever and I’ve never planned to run a certain amount then walk. I just try to run for as long as I can and then walk if my body is telling me that’s what I should do. Although I typically try to run just a little longer after I start getting tired because my coach always said that’s the best way to keep improving. Even if I have to slow down my pace to run farther, that’s fine with me. My goal is to run for as long as I can without needing a walking break. Then I work on increasing my speed.

    I just recently took a break from running and am now back to training so I have been using my method. This morning I had a few walking breaks during my run but each day I try to walk a little less. Then once I can run my shorter loop without walking, I increase my time or mileage. It always seems to work for me. Whatever you try, good luck! πŸ™‚

  • michelle
    August 19, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    Be safe Jenna!

    Please report back how you like the chobani yogurt!!!

    That savory oatmeal breakfast looks totally awesome!! The laughing cow cheese…are there different kinds to buy? Is laughing cow cheese the round cheese or does it come in slices??

    Run on my friend!!

  • ModelBehavior
    August 19, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    Hey Jenna, Im curious, how are you keeping track of your progress? Are you actually measuring muscle gain or just going by how you feel/look?

    Thanks!

  • Justy2003
    August 19, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    I’m a new “runner” (not sure if I can call myself that yet since I’m so new πŸ™‚ ) but I’ve been running without walk breaks as much as I can. If I need to take a walk break I will, but I’ve been trying to just slow down the running instead of actually slowing to a walk when I’m feeling sluggish. Then I can pick it back up when I’m feeling a little stronger! I’d just say the most important thing is to pay attention to your body and how you’re feeling that day. Runs are different every day…even if it’s the exact same route!

  • Sara F
    August 19, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    It seems you’ve already gotten quite a bit of running advice. I don’t comment often, but I thought I’d put in my two cents.
    When I trained for my first half I used a tailored training schedule from my cross country coach. I never walked while training, but I was coming off competition season and was in fairly strong condition. What I’ve heard is that the Galloway method is a good way to train if you want to run-walk the half. However, its typically not a good idea to run until you HAVE to walk. It’s too hard to get going again and it’s not a good habit to develop because the half will push you to your limit and you’ll most likely struggle to get going again. As a rule of thumb, you want to walk BEFORE you have to walk. The galloway method is a good way to achieve this, but you can also just listen to your body. Another option is to use the Galloway method on some of your longer runs and push yourself through shorter runs without walking. Pretty soon those “short” runs are getting pretty long and you’re running more than you thought you could. Good Luck Jenna! The half marathon is a great experience! I’m running another this year. Just curious…what kind of distance are you running to train?

  • megan
    August 19, 2008 at 2:01 pm

    I can’t wait to try those PB Larabars! I hope I can find them near me… Your breakfast looks incredable πŸ™‚ Stay safe with that storm coming your way!

  • AshleyH
    August 19, 2008 at 2:18 pm

    When I trained for my 1/2 marathon last year. I took whatever I could run comfortably and added to it each week. I ran that distance 2x a week and then at the end of the week I would run a slightly shorter distance but somtimes a little faster. A week gave me time for my body to adjust to the new distance. It worked great for me. When I got done with race I felt great not exhausted. The fact that I really wanted to run another one soon convinced me that I had trained well.

  • Heather
    August 19, 2008 at 2:20 pm

    Laughing cow wedges are the best! I’m definitely going to have to try that oats recipe.

    About the training question: I don’t “schedule” walk breaks into my run, but I definitely walk if I need to. Last time I trained for a half I took walk breaks on training runs, but weirdly never felt like I needed to walk during the actual race. I think the adrenaline kicks in- plus it’s hard to stop and walk when you’re in such a huge group.

  • hilary
    August 19, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    I just moved up to Asheville from Florida and right now we’re PRAYING for rain up here. It’s crazy how weather conditions can be so different.

    I ran my first half marathon about a year ago and I never did the walk/run thing. The best advice I ever got was to run at a pace where you can hold a conversation (having a running buddy reinforces this and makes long runs go by SO much faster!) I also used the smartcoach on runnersworld.com to see how long my long runs should be each week. During the week I would usually run 4-6 miles a day (not because I felt like I HAD to run everyday in order to train..I just love running!)

    Also on the peanut butter boy’s blog he has a recipe for homemade peanut butter lara bars!!! definitely need to try that…

  • Amy A.
    August 19, 2008 at 2:33 pm

    Regarding the training — Take this for what it’s worth, I freely admit, I’ve never been good at sticking to a training schedule, and I might strictly adhere to one in the future, but here’s my experience thus far.
    I ran a marathon last year and roughly followed a training schedule. I did some of my training with a group that did the Galloway method and I would stop and start back at the same pace fine when running with others. The competitive gene in me would force me to stay with the group. However, when running alone, stopping and starting slowed me down. Instead, I pushed myself to just keep running and keep a steady pace. If I felt myself lagging, I would speed up for 30-60 seconds and then go back to my normal pace. I tricked myself into thinking my normal pace was a break (and it was after sprinting!) Running is mostly mental, so I try to play games with my mind, and trick myself into running better. It usually works.
    Also, I rely on running as a stress reliever, so I find it more fulfilling to just get lost in the run. I go back and forth between getting lost in my thoughts and then focusing on the patterns of my breathing and my pace. Time and miles fly by this way, but if I focus on how many minutes I’ve been running, or how far I’ve gone so far, I want to quit so much sooner!!

    I also try to just listen to my body. If I absolutely need to stop and walk, I will. Then, to get moving again, I skip a couple steps, and that usually energizes me to get back at pace.

    I know this is completely random advice, but maybe it’ll help!

  • Kirsten
    August 19, 2008 at 2:33 pm

    I have used the galloway method for training – 9 min run 1 min walk. But I only use that for long run days (usually saturday morning for me). And sometimes I’ll even skip one here or there depending on my stamina. On short run days – typically 2 days a week, I run at my standard pace but do minute sprints every 5 minutes… this increases speed and endurance and my time has improved. If I feel tired that day I’ll do sprints on the 5s and walks on the 10s. Try a couple things out and see what works, good luck!!

  • BethT
    August 19, 2008 at 2:38 pm

    I’m training for my third half marathon. Like you, I have also recently increased my strength training, and I’ve noticed that I don’t NEED to walk as much now that I have stronger muscles (and not just in my legs – all over strength really helps).

    That said, if you want to transition away from the Galloway method my number one tip is to slow your pace, at least in the early stages of training. It may feel awkward, but if you slow your time you will need fewer walk breaks. I would also suggest doing 1 or 2 interval/speed workouts during the week because those, too really build endurance.

    Finally, for my race strategy, I take it slow and steady and vow not to walk unless I really need to. My first half, I undertrained and I walked a LOT….the second, I only walked a few minutes at a time toward the end….this one, I hope to be running most of the time!

  • Rae
    August 19, 2008 at 2:51 pm

    For another two cents on the run/walk debate πŸ™‚

    I was always taught to run 15, walk 1-2. This basically trains you to run from aid station to aid station, assuming a steady 9-10 minute mile. I dont know about everyone else, but I cant drink while running easily, so this works for me in a race πŸ™‚

    Good luck Jenna!

  • Erin
    August 19, 2008 at 3:00 pm

    I don’t think our hurricanes would be nearly as bad if it wasn’t so hot and humid out! It’s kind of fun without power, except for no A/C! I remember our 2005 hurricanes and the resulting power outages, which sucked big time!
    You’re lucky class is canceled–as of right now, I still have to work a closing shift tonight!! I mean, who wants to go out for coffee when debris is flying left and right?! πŸ˜€
    Stay safe today!!
    ~Erin @ “Vegan & the City”

  • ModelBehavior
    August 19, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    I’m glad you posed this question, it’s interesting to see what others do. I walk only when I have to, I find it very hard to start up again with running. If I have a pain while running (knee, back, whatever it may be) I find that the walk breaks make it worse. Plus I like to just get it over with πŸ™‚

  • tfh
    August 19, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    Stay safe! If you have to work I hope at least you get out early.

    I think if the Galloway method worked for you in your past training, that’s a good testament to its effectiveness. For most (90%) of my training I keep my HR within the aerobic zone so I don’t tire myself out. Since you have strong legs I’m pretty sure you can run longer with fewer walking breaks if you slow down the pace of your runs. Then again I have also been passed in races by people doing the Galloway method, so like I said, if your body prefers to run faster/walk/run faster, why not?

  • twinks
    August 19, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    I disagree with the Galloway method wholeheartedly…simply because it doesn’t work for me. First of all, I am stubborn, I feel like I am cheating myself. I have a great amount of endurance, so I don’t need to take walking breaks. Also, I find it much more challenging to slow and speed up (intervals are so much harder for me than a steady pace run). If you truly feel like you need to stop and walk, honor your body. If it’s all in your head though, it might actually feel easier for your body to just keep moving. You know that rhythm, that trance, long runners??? The groove you just get into, and hope nothing can shake you out of it? The groove that makes it so your 17 miler turns into 18?

  • Carla
    August 19, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    When I want to run a longer distance, I just pace myself at a speed that I feel confident I can keep up the whole run. So a 5k run would usually be a bit faster then a 10k.

  • runjess
    August 19, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    I don’t use walk breaks, but I’m definitely not a new runner. I think you should use the Galloway method for longer runs but push through as much as possible without a walk on shorter runs. As your endurance increases, you may find that you don’t need the Galloway method on those longer runs either.

  • angelcubbie
    August 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    Hey Jenna, you’ve already gotten a lot of responses but I thought I’d throw in my two cents also. I started running a little over a year ago, I’m naturally tall and slender (a lot like you, although I’m 5’9 1/2) , if you had told me two years ago I was going to love running and be athletic/a runner, I would have told you you’re crazy and now fast forward a year later and I’ve completed my first full marathon! I did it by slowly transitioning how much time I spent walking to running, when I first started out I was on a treadmill and I’d walk on an incline for 30 minutes (like you do) and then I’d run the last 5 minutes, then the last 10 minutes, then 15 and so on. I think to build up endurance it’s better to see how long you can push yourself without taking any walk breaks. You may be surprised how much you don’t need them. Just distract yourself (ipod, tv, running outside, if inside on a treadmill, throw a towel over it so you can’t see the time) and see how far you can go and try and add a little more time each session. At least that’s what worked for me. Good luck! Ironically I decided yesterday to do a half marathon also, so I’ll be training along with you.

  • Betsy
    August 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    i’m definitely not a walker. i only walk if i absolutely have to when i run. when i walk during a long run, i find it so much hard to start running again after i walk-i could have used that energy running further! i think if you ran without taking walking breaks you would surprise yourself on how far and long you could actually go without walking. however, when i run my marathon in a couple of months…i might have to talk some walking breaks! who knows!

  • Heather
    August 19, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    I agree with twinks…I feel like I’m cheating myself if I walk because I know I don’t need to, but if you need to then by all means do it. I just wouldn’t really plan them and listen to your body instead.

  • Beckysue27
    August 19, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    I am in complete agreement with those who say no walking. I have run 2 halfs and many 10K’s, and even taken a year off running while planning my wedding — which meant that when I started running again I had to start from practically ground zero. For me, I found it was easier to just follow a plan and run! I typically run between a 9-10 min mile in a longer race. So on my long runs I planned for 10 minutes a mile: if that week it was a 8 mile run, then I would run for 80 minutes, on the 9 mile run week I ran for 90 minutes etc ( I used http://www.mapmyrun.com to plan running routes). I trained up to 11.5 miles. Then on race day I completed my half in 9:00 min. miles (suprising myself!) and felt I had energy to spar, only walking through the water stations. You’ll be great! Good luck!

  • Lora Swarts
    August 19, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    hey jenna,

    i am kinda new to running. I just started last spring and I ran a few 10 ks, two half marathons, and around 10 5 ks. it is funny because I never ran as a kid. I am a swimmer and was on swim team my entire life…varsity in high school. So when I ran it was hard and different. So to train I did 4 times a week endurance building runs. By month 2– I could run 6 miles without stopping. Start out with 25-30 min each session…run one full song, walk the next half a song…and so on for 25-30 minutes….this helps alot because you arent looking at a clock or counting down the time…you are relying on your shuffle mix to get you through the run. Then each week increase the run during the song…soon you wont even be thinking about the time, but just singing to a song and running πŸ™‚

  • laureninbmore
    August 19, 2008 at 5:17 pm

    I am currently training for the baltimore marathon in oct, but have completed 3 prior marathons without using the galloway method. This time, my boyfriend and I are using the galloway method and it has made the long training runs seem much more enjoyable. (if that is possible!) We ran a half marathon a few months ago using the galloway method and it is amazing how my time was the same (if not better) using galloway. we did a run 10 min, walk 1 min combo, but are talking about increasing those for our full marathon. we have a 18 mile training run coming up where we will use a run 15 min, walk 2 min combo. I have also noticed that i am not as sore after the long runs while using galloway!

  • LisaR
    August 19, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    Do you feels best for you!
    I just asked that same question to my “training partner” who is 30 some years older than I am (ha!) We’ve both adapted to the Galloway method but come race day I’m not sure I want to take any walk breaks if I don’t have to. I know my partner will b/c she is older and has asthma. The point of the run/walk ratio is to not injure yourself etc. I like the whole idea of using the run/walk ratio for long runs and then push yourself to run the whole time during short runs.

    I guess I won’t know what I’ll do until race day comes and decide how I feel that morning!! Good luck! I love training for a half!

  • LisaR
    August 19, 2008 at 5:38 pm

    Also, I saw you were looking into different training programs for your 1/2…I started using Hal Higdon’s 1/2 marathon training a little over a month ago and I LOVE IT!! It was between his program or Galloways but I liked how Higdon’s had strength days already listed in the weekly schedule. I’ve made a couple of modifications. One being that I’ve been increasing my long runs by 1 mile each week instead of increasing every 2 weeks. It’s been great! Plus he’s a native Hoosier like myself! πŸ™‚

  • andrenna
    August 19, 2008 at 6:09 pm

    I never schedule walk breaks either, I just slow down significantly to rest if I feel like walking. I’m training for my first half marathon, too. I’ve been following Hal Higdon’s plan and I really like it! I feel like it’s completely realistic and involves strength training and cross-training so you can incorporate other forms of exercise you enjoy.

  • Erin
    August 19, 2008 at 6:11 pm

    I have run a bunch of ten mile races, a marathon, and am training for my first half too! I have never planned walk breaks into my training, but I am open to walking when I need to (and especially on big hills). I would listen to your body and walk when you need to, but you should be building your running endurance and getting your body used to running for such long stretches.

  • Runeatrepeat
    August 19, 2008 at 6:12 pm

    I think that every runner is different so it’s hard just take advice, you have to kinda figure out what feels “right” to you. I agree that if the Galloway method worked for you then you should go with it. I don’t schedule walk breaks regularly, but my friend who ran a marathon swears by them. The theory is that by taking walking breaks from the get go you are in better condition at the end of the race versus waiting till you are exhausted to take a walk break. Hope this helps πŸ™‚
    Careful in the storm! The BF’s fam is in FL and I heard a beast of a storm is coming.

  • Bev
    August 19, 2008 at 7:16 pm

    I tried the peanut butter cookie larabars and I feel the same πŸ™‚ I found them at my local health food store for $1.25 Yea !!! Have a safe day

  • angelcubbie
    August 19, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    Oh, and I just wanted to add that while I recommended not to take walk breaks, definitley different on race day! I was injured on race day so I may have needed them more frequently but I definitley took walk breaks at the water stations and whenever I needed them during my marathon. (SD Rock and Roll Marathon, it was a full only, it didn’t also have halves)

    And for training programs and tips, I totally recommend runnersworld.com, I found it to be a great source of information.

  • Allison
    August 19, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    ok, I have zero running advice. but I just thought I would comment on how my triceps are burning, due to that tricep circuit you posted! oowwww! I read it and thought “that won’t be so bad” ha! excellent workout!

  • fitnessista
    August 19, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    thank you for the little shout out πŸ˜€ so glad you liked the savory oats– they’re definitely better with some texas pete!!! i’m also obsessed with the peanut butter cookie larabars, i only bought two and need to make a run to publix to replenish my stash! can you seriously buy them in bulk? i need to look into that…

    as far as running goes…. i’m also training for a half marathon and for right now, i run until i start to feel like i need to stop (usually about 8 or 9 minutes) and walk for 20 seconds. at the end of the 20 seconds, i see how i feel and usually i’m ready to go again.. if i’m still catching my breath, i’ll give myself 10 more seconds and then run.

    hope that you’re having a good day! my cousins invited me to the hurricane party in orlando (i’m 3 hours away) but i think i’m gonna stay here…

  • Jenn
    August 19, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    for the runners… for someone who has “runners asthma” how do you get over this? thats my only set back, my body is not tired but i cant breathe so can’t go on, any advice?

  • erica
    August 19, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    I knew you’d go crazy over the PB Larabars.. they’re to die for!

    And your savory oats are really intriguing.. I’ll have to give ’em a try one of these days. πŸ™‚

  • melissa
    August 19, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    Hi Jenn,

    When I was younger, I also had runners asthma, during the mile at school, my friends were afraid to run with me because I sounded like I was going to die! The problem seems to have gone away, except when I run in cold temperatures. I think starting off slower than you feel you need to and letting your body adjust slowly, and staying away from cold air may help.

  • LisaM
    August 19, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Hi Jenna!
    Quick question…how do you pack your cottage cheese in your lunch to keep it cold? Do you use an ice pack or do you just put it into an insulated lunch box?

  • hk
    August 19, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    ditto- I’ve never planned a walk, but I’ve also never tried the Galloway Method, so I may not be much help. Nonethless, I find that I usually get in a “running zone/high” on my longer runs and don’t want to walk and risk not getting back into that zone. If I happen to feel pain, low-energy, or just plain old don’t feel like running, I try to reason with myself to finish to a certain point or just take a walk/slower-run break when necessary. Do what your body feels is right…haha ya, not much help, but I think it’s awesome that you’re getting into more training, I’m right there with ya on that one πŸ™‚

    Prepare for the storms, sounds like it’s a-brewin’ down there!!

  • Alex
    August 19, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    I have never followed the Galloway method for some of the same reasons that some other people have mentioned – I don’t need to walk, so I never worked that into my training. Also, if I did stop and walk, I would most definitely feel disappointed or like I was cheating myself. I’m more of a run-through-the-pain kind of gal. Admittedly, this can lead me to do stupid things, like run through injuries when I should be resting, but mostly I feel that it has made me a better runner. Also, I am at the point now where I am running marathons fairly competitively, and if I used Galloway, it would certainly slow me down. With that in mind, I would say that if you are just running to complete the race, then train using Galloway, but don’t schedule walk breaks and run as far as you can without stopping. At a certain point, I think, not stopping becomes an entirely mental barrier that you just have to overcome.

  • Chellie Has Issues
    August 19, 2008 at 10:31 pm

    I just found your blog today from a click here and there. I have only been running for a year. RIght now, I am using Runners World beginners training schedule for a 1/2 marathon. When I trained for my other races, I never stopped running. I have heard ojf methods that encourage that, but I never wanted to stop worried that I couldn’t run again. If I feel like I need to walk, I just slow my running pace down and I recover.

  • smjohnson30
    August 19, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    So glad to the hear the pb lara bars were SO good! How many grams of protein are in them? Do they hold you over for awhile after eating them?

    I used to race cross country and track in high school and college so maybe I could give some advice on the training? I would say you could either do the 10 minutes run/ 2 minute walk and piece a few of these together for a 20-30 minute run however many days a week you are planning on running. Once you’ve mastered that, plan on adding minutes/distance to ONE run per week to build this up to a “long” run. You want to have around one long run every 7-10 days to help build your endurance to the point that a few weeks or month before your actual 1/2 marathon you are able to complete a long run the same distance or a mile or so less than that half marathon. The other runs you do can vary from 20-40 minutes depending on how you feel and your goal mileage for the week. Eventually, once your system is fitter, you will find that 2 minutes is too much of a break; if you wear a heart rate monitor, you basically want to get to a “recovery” heartrate which should probably be 120 or less. Once you feel comfortable with your distance and runs, you should cut back the 2 minute walks by 30 seconds every few runs until you can make the entire run w/out stopping to walk.

    Or you can start off with 15-20 minutes of running 3-4 times a week since it sounds like you’re in pretty good shape already. Then, if you feel comfortable after one week at this, you could add another 5 minutes to a few of your runs and another mile to your “long run” each week until you are comfortably able to run the mileage you want to train at. Again, I’d still try to stack up one run per week and make the other runs a little shorter around 20-40 minutes. If you’re only running 4 days a week, I would vary things for pace/time a bit to prevent injury. For example: day 1: 20 minutes (3 miles), day 2: 40 minutes (5 miles), day 3: 20 minutes (3 miles); day 4 90 minutes (8-9 miles). On the shorter days you could run some sprints in the middle or run the middle mile harder to increase your heart rate and build your aerobic system. The days after a “hard day” you should run a little easier, and then on the “long run” day aim for running comfortably the entire distance at a steady pace.

    Hope this helps! Feel free to contact me if you need more information/ tips

  • jenna
    August 19, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    ModelBehavior,

    I’m just going by how I feel and look. I know for a fact my arms are more defined now because Ryan told me so (and he really wouldn’t just say something random like that). I feel SO much stronger and that has helped my running as well!

  • Tanya
    August 20, 2008 at 11:48 pm

    I also don’t recommend the Galloway method, unless you want to walk in the race. And then, you’re not really racing, huh? I’m training for my second marathon right now and I firmly believe your long training runs should be as similar as possible to your race – ie, same clothes, same breakfast, same gels/sports drinks, etc. The only difference would be the pace – most plans recommend your long training runs to be 45 seconds to 1 minute slower than your projected marathon pace.