Why are Rest days so Hard?

I find when I train my REST days are actually one of my toughest days. I haven't truly figured out why 'resting' seems so difficult. Maybe it is because I am in such a groove and then all of a sudden I am supposed to REST. Or maybe it is the fear of enjoying the rest day so much that I won't want to get up the next day to continue my training. I have read so much research that supports 1-2 rest days a week, totally taking the whole day off! Research claims rest helps our muscles repair themselves, allowing us to take full advantage of training. And, of course, REST allows us time to mentally focus on our other training days. So it all makes sense, but why is it so hard? Seriously, the more you train, the harder REST days are. Once you've got a momentum going in your training, there is fear of resting.....will it impact your next day's training regimine? Will you loose your drive? I continue to wrestle with REST Days however for fear of overtraining and injury, I take the rest days. And, we all know that REST Days don't always allow us a day at the spa (wouldn't that be nice??); my rest days involve 3 very active children. So, it might not be my day to sit and get a pedicure but it will be a day I take it easy...no matter how hard it is!

Nutrition Class

Tonight was our first clinic-on Nutrition. I should of started off the 'clinic' letting everyone know that I am NOT a public speaker. Give me a microphone with music, then I can handle a crowd, but standing in front of people and talking, not my fortay! Nevertheless, I wanted everyone to know that to start 'Training Your Gut', try and eat before running/walking on Saturday. Even if it is 1/2 a banana or a 100-calorie pack of crackers, just try something. Also, try to bring water or gatorade to run with. You should get use to carrying something. Here is a summary of what I talked about:

Common Questions:
Question: What Should I Eat and Drink the Day Before a Long Run?
You nutrition and hydration during the days leading up to your long run is critical to your performance and comfort.
Answer: The two days before your long run (and your 1/2 marathon) should be high-carb days. You should make sure that you increase the percentage of carbs in your diet, not the overall calories. Carbo-loading does not mean that you should eat three plates of pasta for dinner! Aim for at least 65% of calories from carbs during those days. You can still have some protein but, for example, instead of having chicken with rice, have rice with chicken. Pasta, steamed or boiled rice, potatoes, fruits, starchy vegetables, and breads are good carb sources. Avoid gas-forming foods like beans and any type of food that may upset your stomach or can interfere with sleep.
Drink plenty of water and nonalcoholic fluids. Not only does alcohol dehydrate you, but it can also prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.

Question: What Should I Eat After a Run?
Answer: After running, especially a long run, you want to replenish energy as quickly as possible. Studies have shown that muscles are most receptive to rebuilding glycogen (stored glucose) stores within the first 30 minutes after exercise. If you eat soon after your workout, you can minimize muscle stiffness and soreness.
You'll want to consume primarily carbs, but don't ignore protein. A good rule of thumb for post-run food is a ratio of 1 gram of protein to 3 grams of carbs. Nutrition bars, such as Clif bars or Power bars, are healthy options. Other examples would be a bagel with peanut butter or a smoothie made with fruit and yogurt.
If you feel like you can't stomach solid food immediately after a run, try drinking some chocolate milk. Chocolate milk provides plenty of protein, carbohydrates and B vitamins —- making it a great recovery drink. And cold chocolate milk tastes pretty refreshing after a run.

Question: Do I Need to Eat During My Runs?
Answer: When you run for under 90 minutes, most of your energy comes from stored muscle glycogen. If you're running for longer than 90 minutes, the sugar in your blood and liver glycogen become more important because your stored muscle glycogen gets depleted. Fueling with carbs during your longer runs will prevent you from running out of energy and help boost your performance.
One way to get carbs on the run is through sports drinks. Solid foods can be tolerated, but they need to be small and easy to digest. There are numerous products on the market, such as energy gels, bars, and even sports jelly beans, designed for long-distance runners to eat on the run. Some runners prefer to eat pretzels or sugary candy such as gummy bears or candy corn. Start experimenting with different foods, gels, and bars on your long runs to see what you prefer.
So how much do you need to eat on the run? A basic rule of thumb is that you should be taking in about 100 calories after about an hour of running and then another 100 calories every 40-45 minutes after that. You may need more depending on your size and speed, so make sure you carry an extra one or two gels (or other food). If you feel hungry or low on energy, you can definitely consume calories "off-schedule".

Fitness Unlimited's First Group Run

Today was our Fitness Unlimited's Training Team's first group run. I was more than thrilled to see so many people at 6:30 am on a Saturday morning. Everyone accomplished either 4, 5 or 6 miles! It was a very inspiring day-we worked hard and we accomplished what we set out to accomplish. Week 1 is over, 11 more weeks of training for our 1/2 marathon. I feel very proud and honored to be a part of this training group. I look forward to getting to know more people as our group runs continue.

Why I Run?

One of my 'non-workout' friends asked me why I ran and, unfortunately, I wasn't witty or quick enough to come up with an answer besides "its good for me". Honestly, why do I run? There are days where I get up at 5 am in order to get a few miles in, even though I was up all night with a sick kid. The run sucks, struggling to put one foot in front of the other, yet I choose to run rather than sleep. Is it really because I want the cardiovascular benefits of running or because I don't want to feel guilty about the ice cream I ate the night before? No, I run because I need it. I need it way more for its psychological benefits vs. its the physical benefits. I am a more patient mom when I run (trust me, with 3 girls I need patience!), I am able to recognize all I have been blessed with (the ability to get out of bed and run!) and I feel like I am able to accomplish so much more in life. If I can wake up and push my body to run, I can handle my daughter's pre-teen ways, my husband's hectic travel schedule, my parent's health issues and so much more. I run for ME to make ME a better person. I probably won't ever win a race but when I make it to that starting line I realize I have accomplish so much more than winning. In fact, getting to that start line is my medal!