I really do love running, I love the freedom it gives me and the way it makes me feel…
On the other hand, running can feel like a real pain and a couple of times during these last few week’s it’s felt like a chore. I think there’s a general understanding that on social media we should always be bright and upbeat and show our ‘best face’ to the world; I’m going to shake that up with some real talk.
I’ve only really enjoyed two or three of my training runs during the last few weeks and on my ‘Long Sunday Run’ this week I found myself run/walking. After spending hour’s analysing my run, I think it was because I had nothing left in the tank (dehydration and poor fuelling was to blame) and I’m very much ready to move on from that.
Now let me make something clear, I don’t mind running slower, or shorter distances but I DO mind not enjoying the whole experience. If I run my next half marathon slower than my current PB, the world won’t end, because if I ENJOY it, the time won’t matter.
Switching up the tone a little, because my friend you didn’t come to my little space on the internet to read my grumpy ramblings….
Life, running and general fitness is a constant roller-coaster and I’m ready for my next high, often after a bit of a low, it’s important to ‘shake it off’ and encourage yourself to feel upbeat..
Half Marathon Highs…
*I have a cracking playlist, which I’ll share with you in another post..
*It’s finally showing signs of being ‘shorts weather’ and who doesn’t enjoy a steady plod in the sunshine?
*’All the carbs’, need I say any more?
*It’ll be half marathon time in a few weeks and I will have a blast and Windsor is going to be a wonderful change of scenery.
Half Marathon Nutrition..
As many of you will know, this year I officially gave up on all faddy dieting, calorie/macro counting and changed my aim to lead the happiest life I can. I am still eating a really balanced diet, enjoying nourishing food’s all whilst getting my everyday chocolate fix.
To support my half marathon training, I’ve been looking into new recipes and increasing my carbohydrate intake to boost my energy levels. I’ve really enjoyed making some of the recipes from ‘Deliciously Ella’s’ book and adding additional protein if required, even though I’m not vegan,
I’ve gone from someone who feared eating ‘too many carbs’ to embracing this change in my diet and I’m hoping to reap the benefits long term.
Hydration…
As the warm weather is upon us (let us not forget that it did snow in some parts of the UK last week) staying hydrated is more important than ever.
Did you know?
One study conducted by Loughborough University found that a mere 5% drop in water levels in the body can cause a 25-30% loss in energy.
I am the first to admit, I don’t always find plain water appealing and I was recently sent some ‘DRINK Maple’ to try.
Initially, I was curious if I was going to enjoy DRINK Maple?
Is it sickly sweet? Will I suddenly have a sugar crash?
Not at all, the maple taste is faint and maple water contains half the sugar of coconut water.
Does DRINK Maple actually taste nice?
I genuinely really enjoyed maple water, the taste is not overpowering or sweet, but refreshing and light.
Is ‘DRINK Maple’ a sensible alternative to plain water?
I think that DRINK Maple is a great alternative as it includes electrolytes, more manganese than a cup of kale and is genuinely refreshing.
Are you training for any races right now? Let me know how you are getting on?
Katie
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