Another no alarm Saturday, but this time it was planned!  I started the day with a hearty breakfast who’s purpose was to propel me through this morning’s 8 mile run.

TJ’s oatmeal + Chia Seeds + Cinnamon and a Pear = Awesome!

 

 

Another plank (because I didn’t do it yesterday).  Even with an Us Weekly in front of me, that was the toughest challenge of them all.  But I did it!  I have a feeling the jump form 3:30-4:00 minutes is going to be impossible a hard one!

 

 

Another Larabar.  You’d think I was advertising for their company (and if they’d like to send me some flavors to sample, I’d be happy to blog about them).  This one is my favorite to date.  It reminds me of the Smooth Caffeinator Picky Bar which I love…only Larabars are easily available at the grocery store.  Now, I just have to figure out how to make this flavor at home!

 

 

And then yet another run.  We are 1 week away from the half marathon and I can only hope for race day weather like today.  I headed out with way too many layers, and came back in short sleeves covered in sweat. 

 

 

 

I was scheduled for 8 miles and decided on an out and back along the forest preserve trail.  The trail is similar the one I will be running on next weekend, but a town over.  My trail is a lot hillier (relatively speaking, I do live in the Chicago suburbs so take hills with a grain of salt), therefore, perfect for training.  From my first step out the door, I had my stride back (the cold stole it during Tuesday’s 6 mile run) and the morning had aligned for that perfect run!  I made it to mile 1 in 7:59 feeling strong.  Somewhere along mile 3, I started to get a little twinge in my left IT band.  It is no secret that I have some of the tightest IT bands out there, but for the most part they don’t interfere with my run.  I have sneaking suspicion that this pain was also related to my quads, specifically the rectus which crosses the hip, since I really tightened up after last weekend’s rainy run.  I got stopped at a light between miles 3 and 4 and took that time to stretch, which totally did the trick.  I got right back into my stride cruising along enjoying the day and saying ‘Good Morning’ to everyone that came my way.  I hit the 6 mile mark at 49:25 which is more than 3 minutes faster than this week’s 6 mile run.  For some reason, that last mile back to my house always stretches on forever.  I wanted to finish quick with a sub 8:30 mile but came bounding in at 8:43.  Certainly my slowest mile (I think I write that every time), but thrilled with my 8 mile time of 1:06:16.  My runs have not been this fast or this strong recently and to complete my last long run at race pace (probably a little faster as I averaged 8:15 this morning) felt fantastic!

So did rolling out my legs on my foam roller after my run.

 

 

 

Especially that left ITB!  My legs are definitely sore and tired.  But never too tired for a trip to the grocery store.  The BOY and I took a second go at meal planning for this holiday week.  Then returned home, quickly unloaded the groceries, and got back in the car to head out for lunch at my favorite restaurant!

 

 

This light was totally rocking my picture, but after an 8 mile run, I’m not sure there is anything better than pretzel bread, a glass of Cooper’s Hawk Barrel Reserve, and the Chef’s Special Blackened Tilapia Salad?!

 

 

Would you judge me if I told you at the entire salad AND a chocolate covered strawberry for dessert?  With exhausted legs and a full belly, it seems like the only thing left to do today is take a nap!