I went on the most amazing run this morning. 5.33 miles in the neighborhoods around our house, no music, no husband, just running, fast. I really love exercising. In fact, it’s probably my favorite part of the day. Running is my top choice, but having suffered a major foot injury, I know I shouldn’t run more than a few times a week. After running with my cousin in New Jersey, I realized I should work on my speed and set some running goals. I think I am getting faster, and the best way is practice. And I’m sure my patient husband would appreciate a faster pace from me! I also want to run in a few more 5k’s this spring. We always talk ourselves out of them because they are so expensive, but if it’s for a good cause then at least the money is well spent.
Fuel
Breakfast
I decided to follow a reader’s recommendation and make some mini-oatmeal pancakes to freeze while I made breakfast. They are cute – I hope to have them before the gym in the mornings. Thanks for the tip, Rebecca!
And here’s my average size one for breakfast – topped with banana, walnuts and a touch of maple:
MY OTHER RECIPES
With a side of grapefruit:
And coffee (which I drank while making the pancakes)
All together for about 411 kcal:
Technology Vent
Nothing, I repeat, nothing is more frustrating than Internet that doesn’t work. My new laptop is having all kinds of strange issues with it. I tried uninstalling the new security suite I got and got the message “unable to uninstall” with no explanation. UGH! AND my stupid iPod is not coming up on my desktop. What a frustrating morning!
Today
I’ve got to do my stats homework, grocery shop for husband’s meal tonight, wrap his gifts, get ready for the first day of school, and I’m meeting Christy and Maran (my two blog friends!) at 3pm to walk to a coffee shop. I’m trying to pack a lot in and it’s already 12:30! Yikes!! Better get going…
Hi Kath!
Here is an idea to mix into your workouts for running, if you are interested. I have had a lot of success running a faster pace by using a track for intervals every so often. When it's nice out or I'm feeling good, I would do it as many as three times a week…
So 1 mile is 4 times around (400 meters).
I would run up to 3 miles (but usually 2) and mix in 100 meter (one straight-away) sprints– running them as fast as I possibly could. The recovery 300 meters might be a little slower, but I would try to pick up my pace (recover) as quickly as possible.
And the more you do this, the more you can challenge yourself (2-3 sprints per mile,… or maybe a sprint straight-away, a jog curve, and then right away again sprint the straight-away). WHEW! You feel really accomplished after this type of running b/c you are really pushing yourself, and it is totally up to you. 🙂
And just one more thing even tho it's a long post already… A book I would reeeeeeeeally recommend to anyone: Marathon Woman: running the race to revolutionize women's sports (by Kathrine Switzer). It is AMAZING. She had quite the story to tell and she calls running a "secret weapon" b/c of what you gain from it invariably (strength, confidence, health,… etc. etc.). It's mainly about running, but also about women's issues in general, and one woman's story in particular. I could go on and on!!!! (Sorry for the ridiculously lengthy post).
Have a great day! 🙂
Lacey,
Thanks for the recommendations! Actually I used to do almost the exact same track/sprint workout you suggested (spring sides, jog curves) a lot before my foot problems in high school and just haven't thought to start them up again. AND – I have a nice track about a mile from my house that I could run to as a warm up! I think I'll try this soon!
Kath
For your oatmeal pancake, you should try add cranberry sauce to it. I had mashed banana + cranberry sauce (with a dash of brown sugar) on my oatmeal pancake this morning…..oh my gosh, it was soooo good!!!
Cocoa,
That does sound great!! But I haven't been able to find cranberries in my store for a while now. I think I missed my window to freeze them! Or maybe they've just been moved to frozen. I need to look around.
K
i am wondering how you calculate the amount of miles you run in your neighborhood.
Christy,
This amazing tool: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
Kath
Hi Kath –
Visiting this site is always a fun experience. Today you brightened my day for all sorts of reasons but especially because you assured me that I am not the only porfessor to assign homework prior to the first official day of classes!
Thanks again for everything you do to make this blog such a lively and positive experience for us readers. You and the husband are so talented…I just know you two will build a wildly successful business together.
Happy first-day-of-school!
Kath- I have never left a comment before but my daughter and I love reading your blog…so interesting and such good food ideas! We were reading the Parade magazine that comes in our Sunday paper and there is a weight loss article and they quoted several different people and one we think is you….something about suggestions for snacks and it went on to say that eating a bowl of oatmeal at 4:00 in the afternoon really holds them over….and it was signed Katherine from N. Carolina….we just know it has to be you since it also said she eats lots of cinnamon ! lol Let us know and keep up the blog….it's great! 🙂
That's too funny! I also saw the Parade magazine this morning and thought it was you. They should have included one of your great pictures!
Karen,
Thanks so much for your kind words!
Jana and Kat,
That is indeed me!!! I responded to a PR inquiry from work about 2 months ago – I was wondering if it made it into the magazine. I've gotten a few emails today from family and friends who read it too. Cool!
Kath