Category Archives: AdvoCare

Right Vs “Could Have Been Better” on Refocusing….

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We all admit to having good days and bad days when it comes to food intake and workout plans.  Since I specifically called myself out yesterday and promised to refocus my efforts to “do better”, I figured it would be good to review yesterday and acknowledge what went well and what could have gone better.  This is all about accountability, right Lisa E?

Today the scale read 165 but it had to think about it.  I don’t have the tenths position on the scale so it wavered a little bit flipping between 166 and 165 but it finally settled on 165!  Whooooop, I’ll take it!  One step at a time, right?

Right Vs “Could Have Been Better”

RIGHT

COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
4 mile run before work 2 shortbread cookies with Michael while packing his breakfast
ProBiotic from my Cleanse kit before work Starbucks Skinny Peppermint Mocha after a chilly walk to work
Banana & Greek yogurt for breakfast Cheese curds (non-breaded) as a snack while “warming up” dinner
Baby Shortcut Carrots for AM snack Leftovers for dinner, which were from a restaurant, did not include any fresh “green”  ingredients
Salad with fresh veggies & 2 low fat cheese sticks for lunch Late dinner – 8:30pm since I worked late
Protein Drink for PM snack since I worked late No PM workout since I worked late
Tons of water throughout the day More time between dinner & bed
Herbal caplets from my Cleanse kit before bed  

I’ll never have a prefect day and that’s certainly not my goal but it would be better for the columns to be imbalanced, in favor of the good.  As a general rule, I focus on drinking my water,

water Eating fresh fruits and veggies,

Consuming lean proteins,

image

Focus on whole grains and avoiding processed (canned, packaged foods).  I do my best to use fresh ingredients, even for cooking.  I also change up recipes that call for “frozen” veggies and use fresh and I normally steam fresh veggies to serve as a side dish for dinner (thank you Ziploc Steamer Bags!) rather than using canned or frozen options.

I do need help in identifying more lean proteins.  I don’t eat a lot of meat, mostly just chicken and pork and I rely heavily on dairy to pull in the protein that I need.  Do you have any suggestions for good lean proteins?

Do you try to avoid the “inner” section of the grocery where the processed foods are located?  I know it is difficult to eliminate all of that stuff with kids and a husband in the house but I personally TRY to keep from eating the processed in favor of fresh.

Please share any tips you have for eating fresh and/or let us know of those non-traditional lean protein options which you incorporate into your diet.

** Happy HEALTHY Eating ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Refocusing……

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Summer is hard for everyone but this summer has been particularly rough on me since I’m not marathon training running my “normal” amount of miles.  The torn tendon injury was a blow to me both physically and mentally.  I kept moving and tried to have a good attitude but biking and swimming is not the same for the body or the mind.  As a result, I’ve noticed the scale creep up higher than ever before during non-pregnancy fitness stages.  I was 168 a couple weeks ago and am 166 this week.  Not cool.  I tend to normally float between 158 and 162.  I know you are might be thinking, “that’s not that bad” but it is that bad because it doesn’t want to go away!  As a maturing mother, those extra few pounds creep up and keep piling on and it is harder each and every year to fight it.  This is why I haul my ass self out of bed in the middle of the night early morning to run/workout before Michael wakes up the day gets started.  Today was a rough one.  I didn’t want to get up…..but at least I had my BAMR shirt waiting for me!  I’m totally loving this shirt and have worn it several times without even washing it.  It’s a prefect fit & feel (SportTek brand).

Me_BAMR shirt

So I  hauled it up and out for 4.22 miles this morning.  The pace was somewhere in the 9:20s range which is decent for “in the dark” running.  I’m happy.  Now to just refocus and knock out those few extra pounds.

I started Kelly’s DietBet Challenge at the beginning of August and to be honest, I thought that it would be piece of cake.  I’m an AdvoCare distributor and immediately ordered a 24 Day Challenge bundle and I was ready to get started. However, I apparently didn’t “submit” the order, a mistake I have never made since I began my distributorship circa 2006, and the bundle never came.  I have now received it after “reordering” last week so I’m a little late to the game, in addition to the fact that August is one of my worst months with lots of travel, celebrations and the start of school.  Super overwhelming but fun month, each and every year!

Instead of busting my butt in the fitness and clean eating areas, I have instead been spending time with friends & family, drinking and eating out.

Olympic Marathon Brunch with champagne and lots of yummy food  Kate, Maggie, Me, Amanda, Susan;  Bottom:  Sara, Kelly, & Nicole.

Boating and drinking hanging out on the water with friends:  Me, Hillary & Nicki.

me hillary nicki

Amusement Parks and drinking more beer travel:

Cedar Point_Mick & Aby_8-10-12

 

       Cedar Point_beer_8-10-12

Indiana Dunes, beach play, hiking & fun with the kiddos:

Dunes_view of Chicago_8-11-12

   Dunes_Aby & michael_8-11-12

 

 Dunes_stairs_8-11-12  Dunes_stairs down_8-11-12  Dunes_me & michael_8-11-12 Dunes_stairs down lake_8-11-12 Dunes_Succession Trail_8-11-12

So while I refuse to miss an opportunity to put my toes in the sand with the kids,

toes in the sand

I can probably cut a few alcohol related calories, refocus on drinking my water instead of Corona Light and clean up my at home eating.  While I do well eating at work where I take my fruits, veggies, lean proteins & drink lots of water, I fail miserably in the evenings.  There is no need to eat a cookie, just because I give one to Michael.  There is no need to eat 30 potato chips just because I give some to the kids.  There is no reason to drink a beer just because it’s fun everyone else is doing it.   I will do better.

I’m refocusing NOW!  How about you?  Summer is hard but now is the time to get back at it.  I heard on the radio yesterday that 20% of American’s in EVERY state are obese.  I certainly don’t believe in perfection but also know that we all  need to work at it in order to be healthy, productive, positive examples for our family and children.  Refocus now and tell me what you will be changing immediately in order to get back on the healthy eating train. 

** Eat Well ** Amanda – TooTallFritz.com ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Favorite Training Items Winner!

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Without any further ado, the winner of the Favorite Training Items Giveaway is #130:

Lauren7

Congratulations, Lauren!   Please email me at amanda@tootallfritz.com and send your mailing address.  Your goodies are packed up and ready; as soon as I know where to send them they will be on the way!

Lauren’s favorite item in the giveaway was the AdvoCare Shaker bottle!  What was your favorite?  I have a list below of where you can find the giveaway items if you want to track them down.

The gel toe protectors are available at Walgreens & CVS in the foot care aisle.  You just need to trim them down to fit your toe!

The Mission Athletecare items are available online or at CVS stores (in Illinois, not sure about other states).

The Personal Saver is available along with the Wrist Saver & Cycle Saver online.   Use the TTF code and get $1.50 off!

AdvoCare products are available online in my AdvoCare Store or thru any other AdvoCare distributor.  I know several other distributors so if you don’t want to go thru me or my store, let me know and I can give you a list of other distributors.  If you have any AdvoCare questions, please contact me, I’m happy to help!

AdvoCare Business Card

Thanks for participating in the giveaway!  Stay tuned, there will be another one coming up shortly!

** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Favorite Training Items Giveaway

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This giveaway is from me to you as a way to say THANK YOU for your continued support.  Thank you for “liking” me on Facebook.  Thank you for “following” me on Twitter.  Thank you for following this blog.    If you aren’t a blogger then you may not understand how important it is to actually click on the follow button, or “like” me on Facebook but it is actually really important.  Each time I send out a request for a giveaway or a sponsor they come right here to look at my numbers to determine if it is worth their time to be part of this venture.  So thanks for helping!

Thank You

Since June kicks off training for the Chicago Marathon, I thought it would be a good time to concentrate on  a few of my favorite go to items for training.  Even if you are not a marathoner, you can still benefit from this goodie bag!  Promise!  Favorite Things GiveawayLet’s knock this out right now:  Yes, this goodie bag contains some AdvoCare products.  Yes, I’m an AdvoCare distributor.  Yes, I think AdvoCare has the best products for nutrition, energy & recovery.  Yes, if you click on one of these links and purchase something, I will profit. 

CONTENTS OF GOODIE BAG FOR GIVEAWAY ($75 Value):

  1. Personal Saver Pepper Spray – Safety First, Second & Third…..right?!?!  I have several of these.  I prefer the Wrist Saverbut also have a Personal Saver like this to attach to my water belt or onto my skirt for immediate access while running.   I had a coupon code, not sure if it’s still active but if you purchase one, try the code:  TTF for $1.50 off.
  2. Toe Protectors (2 protectors) – I use these for EVERYrun.  I loose my toe nails regardless of the type or size of shoe I wear.  It’s just my thing and I’ve mentioned it previously.  Therefore, I always wear a gel toe protector on my second & third toe (right foot) and then use more if my other toe nails are sore.  These REALLY help!  You can find them at Walgreens or CVS in the foot care aisle.  
  3. AdvoCare Spark Energy Drink (3 packets) – I drink this before every long run.  I roll out of bed, drink this first, then go about my routine.  This not only helps me wake up but also gets the bodily functions moving BEFORE I hit the trail for my long run.   Sugar free, caffeine equivalent of 1 cup of coffee, 21 vitamins, minerals, nutrients.  45 calories.  My favorite flavor in the Mango Strawberry!
  4. AdvoCare Rehydrate Drink (3 packets) – I keep these packets in my purse, in my gym bag and Aby carries them in her track/cross country bag.  We dump this in a bottle of water for an on the go rehydrate product with a 1:1 ratio of sodium to potassium and only 40 calories.  My favorite flavor in the Mango Pineapple(Do you see a mango theme here?)
  5. AdvoCare  Rehydrate Gel (3 pouches) – I use these gels during long runs and long bike rides.  They are easy to carry and the gel is thinner than some of the leading brands.  The lemon flavor actually tastes good and I don’t cringe when it hits my mouth.  I must say that after years of using various products for refueling “on the run”, this is my favorite by far.  I’m VERY happy with this product!  Potassium, sodium & 21 grams carbs wrapped up in 80 calories.
  6. AdvoCare Post Workout Recovery Drink (3 packets) – I use this after every long run, long bike, and some random workouts that leave me zapped.  No exception.  I never use any other recovery product, ever.     This is the product that sold me on AdvoCare.  It works.  It takes the guess work out of recovery and what you need to eat to repair and recover.  I always knew that I needed a 4:1 carb to protein ratio for recovery but I’m not big on counting.  I just drink this on my ride home and then eat normal food the rest of the day.  I don’t need to worry about refrigerating it, just leave it in my shaker in the car and drink when I finish my run or bike.  It takes the thinking out of my recovery.
  7. AdvoCare Shaker/Blender Bottle – I mix everything in this.  If you use protein powders or any drink powders then you already know that chunks happen but this breaks up most of the chunks for a smoother drink content.  I keep one in my workout bag, one in my desk at work, one at the lake, two at home.  I almost always have one.
  8. Mission Athletecare Pomegranate Lip Balm with SPF +15 – This is by far my favorite lip balm for running, biking, workouts, life.  It’s the perfect consistency and stays on for a very long time.  It comes in lots of flavors but I prefer the pomegranate & mint.  It’s also Paraben Free and after reading Bridgett’s Beauty Blog, I’ve learned this a really big deal……although I can’t say I remember why.  🙂  You can buy certain Mission Athletecare items at CVS (in Illinois) but they are usually stuck in a corner somewhere, so you may have to ask where they are located.
  9. Mission Athletecare Max Muscle Rehab– Roll on gel for muscle soreness.  Feels good but since the scent vanishes quickly, everyone else doesn’t have to know you trashed your quads on the hills. 
  10. Mission Athletecare AntiFriction Cream  (2 sample packs) – I have used several Mission products in the anti-friction & anti-chafing line.  I like them, particularly for my feet and where my shoes (sandals too!) rub.

I have a ton of favorite products but these are things I use on a regular basis.  The total of this Goodie Bag is $75.  If you would like to enter the giveaway, please do one or all of the following and make a comment below as to what you have done: Make a comment below as to which of these products you are most excited to try (+1), Follow this blog (+2), Follow TooTallFritz on Facebook (+2), Follow @TooTallFritz on Twitter (+2), Share the giveaway via FB, Twitter, your blog, etc. (+2 for each share). 

The giveaway runs from now until 9am CST on July 3rd.  One winner will be selected via a random number generator. Good luck and spread the word!

** Happy Winning ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

7 Days til Ragnar – 7 Things I’ll Be Packing

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We are 7 days out from Ragnar Chicago and it was a rough day in TTF land, luckily I had the day off from actual “work”. The day started well when I went to the pool and swallowed a ton of TRI Smart Water.  Wow, they swim fast compared to me.  Wow, they kick up a lot of water in the pool.  Wow, they pull a good current when you are surrounded by 4 of them.  Wow, I suck at swimming.  Wow, I’ve never seen the pool so busy.

After the swim, I only had time to squeeze in a 27 mile ride on the trainer before hitting the chiro.  Today she tried acupuncture since my body doesn’t respond like a “normal” person.  Being special isn’t so great in a situation like this.  I’m gonna post this “needles in the foot” pic again for my mom those of you who don’t have facebook or follow me on twitter.

After the needle fun at the chiro, I went directly to the foot surgeon for a more needle action in the form of a cortisone shot.  He infused the cortisone with an anesthetic in order to numb the foot out for a week or so.  Let’s cross our fingers!  Ragnar here I come…..Dear Foot:  Please comply!

In developing a list of 7 things I “need” that are possibly not going to be in every runner’s bag, I started with the important stuff:

  1. Ice bag.  I have a gel ice bag that I’m planning to beg my teammates to stuff in the cooler.  I need it.
  2. Motrin.  I need it.
  3. Merrill Encore Ice slip-on shoe.  Although this is probably the ugliest shoe I have ever purchased, I’m glad to have it.  I bought it off the clearance rack at REI and it holds my plantar fascia up and keeps my feet feeling “ok”.  I need them.  But they are ugly.  I’m considering getting a sandal just like this too.  🙂
  4. Toothbrush.  I know we won’t be having a lot of time to shower  but I’m hoping to be able to at least brush my teeth.
  5. Tortilla-Peanut Butter- Dill Pickle wraps.  I know this sounds disgusting but I actually like peanut butter and pickles together and I think this will work well for me food wise and I’ll be able to avoid the soggy bread issue.
  6. Rehydrate Energy Gel – This is a new product which totally rocks.  It is easy on my tummy and has an excellent lemon taste.  I still can’t get over how awesome this stuff is and am looking forward to our long term relationship. 
  7. A freakin’ AWESOME attitude.  I think this is probably the most important “item” on the list.  We are going to be tired, cranky and the worst thing we can do is take it out on each other or somebody else.  In order to have a good time, each person is responsible for bringing a good attitude.  Ever heard the saying, “if you aren’t having fun, it’s your own fault”?  So let’s bring it, rock this thing and have some fun!!

What would you take on your relay run adventure?

** Happy Relaying ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Bike Fit….

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As you know from THIS post, I’m back on the bike and staring down two 70.3s which are fast approaching.  The first one is July 7th, a small event hosted by Ironman, and I anticipate it to be a total bike train wreck.  The little biking that I have done so far (70 miles last month) has not gone well.  Everything hurt.  My knees hurt. My hips hurt.  My neck hurt. My shoulders hurt.  I kept thinking, what did I get myself into?!?! that my return to triathlon was going to be a difficult one.  I did the only thing I could think of doing, I took more Joint ProMotion. 

Joint Promotion

Okay, let’s be honest, I actually started taking Joint ProMotion.  You would think that as a runner and AdvoCare Distributor I would be using a glucosamine supplement but you would be wrong.   I am now.

Then I started thinking.  More thinking.  I’ve never been a strong biker but there is a difference between sucking not being good at something and having pain.  I never had pain before, this is new.  I am riding the same bike I had Pre-Michael but I felt like it had shrunk in it’s 1309 days of hibernation.  Muscle atrophy?  Probably not.  I “may” have mentioned these problems to hubby and he may, or may not, have threatened me regarding bringing home a new TRI bike.  Sigh….

So I called Trek Schererville and scheduled an appointment to be refitted on my “old” bike.  Aby was kind enough to take a few photos of the process.

Picture 051

 

                      Picture 050 Picture 049         

 

         Picture 048   

Getting Closer…. Hello Team Tough Chik!  I’m actually in this photo…..kinda.   And you can “kinda” see Paul behind me, adjusting the bike.  Apparently the seat was almost 2” too low.

Picture 046

When your seat is too low, you don’t get proper pedal extensions, have less power, and develop aches and pains in your hips and knees.  It also basically folds the bike up on you and the aerobars will feel too short, shifting will be difficult and you “may” develop pain in the neck and shoulders.  Really?  I never would have guessed.

Picture 044 Picture 045

I’m a happy camper now and looking forward to my ride this afternoon.  Cross your fingers for me! 

And as a general rule of thumb, if it feels wrong, it is wrong.  Trust yourself.  Don’t get hurt because you are stubborn or because you think you are a weak biker/runner/person.  It also helps if you buy your bike from a store you can trust, a store who’s employees know your name and number when it pops up on the caller ID, a store that will refit your bike and help you with your mental problems, a store that will service your bike free for life.  Trek.

Side note:  My computer finally arrived!  I’ve been waiting for the Node 1.1 to arrive so that I could have an affordable computer which works on the road and on my trainer, while still being wireless.  This is HUGE.  Now I have zero excuses as to not riding.  NO EXCUSES!

So what’s your excuse for not putting in your miles?  Please share, I need some new ones!

Happy TRI-ing ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

Southwest Half Marathon Race Report

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I am pretty sure that almost everyone I know posted a new PR this weekend from the 5K, Half Marathon to Marathon distance.  I am so proud of all of you and wanted to say:

great job

I had a super busy weekend with setting up a Twitter account the kiddos,  mom in town, a few social events and the Southwest Half Marathon.  We had some serious fun!

In regards to the race, anyone who has ran a race by Mel at Running For Kicks knows that they are getting a lot with their race fee.  When I picked up my packet it was stuffed with great items that were both useful and exciting.  Thanks, Mel!

Palos Half__2012_goodies

We received a two pack of Saucony socks, a Southwest  Half Marathon 13.1 sticker (super cool!), a tube of Nathan Catalyst electrolyte drink tabs, GU Chomps, a mini Luna Bar that I ate before the photo was taken, an in-store $15 off shoe purchase coupon, an in-store coupon for those awesome Saucony socks, which I can’t find online, plus a gender specific shirt that fits and is cool!  I will actually wear this shirt!  As a bonus, since I signed up early, I received 2 shirts instead of one.  Of course, Aby laid claim to the other shirt as soon as we got home.  🙂

On race morning, everything was super organized and efficient.  The line to the port-o-potties was long but that is normal.  Gear check was excellent and they even had plastic bags to protect our gear since the grass was wet from the rain.  Nice touch!  Most of the F’N Runners met up for a quick photo.  From Left:  Kelly – Running Kellometers, Kevin, Susan M, Wayne, Lori, Aurelia, Brian, Me & Susan D.

Palos Half_FNRC

The race kicked off before most people probably even had their gps watch linked up as soon as the National Anthem concluded.  We were off and running and the race went perfectly.  The rain held off, it was starting to get warm but nothing too crazy, the route was easy to follow and with the out and back it was fun to see the fast runners come back for the finish, plus see friends along route.  There were lots of friendly volunteers, water/PowerAde every couple miles, potties throughout the course, a couple aid stations and lots of F’N support!

Maggie – MagMileRunner was at 104th Ave with signs, cheers and took a ton of photos!

Palos Half_Maggie

Diane, Julie, & Lisa were just past Maggie and screaming like crazy for us!

Palos Half_Cheering Squad

I also saw Amanda W & Dennis, plus met so many people on course who I have previously only known online.  Many thanks to all of you who took the time to say hello!  I’m so happy to have met so many new people during/after the race! 

This is a tough course for me, it always is but I’m not really sure why.  It’s an out and back and just seems to go on forever and ever and ever.    There are small rolling hills throughout even though everyone says it’s flat.  Not my best race, I struggled.  I was fueled & hydrated and it wasn’t too hot, I just didn’t run well.  I was very happy though that  1)  the new AdvoCare Rehydrate Energy Gel arrived on Saturday in time for the race  2) tasted good in a fresh lemon flavor, and  3) DID NOT upset my tummy.  New AdvoCare win for me!

AdvoCare Rehydrate Gel

I ran a 1:58 something which was WAY off my 1:50 goal.  Yes, I was disappointed.  The highlight of the race was definitely seeing the F’N Cheering Squad, seeing all the local familiar faces on course and meeting some new people along the way as well.  Great race, I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone.  Give it a try!  It’s a great local race with lots of goodies for the $$, particularly if you sign up early.  Plus, our F’N Cheering Squad will probably be out there again next year and they definitely add major spice to the course. 

Here is a photo that Dennis took of me “pushing” to the finish with bricks in both of my shoes and one hanging from each butt cheek.  OUCH! 

Palos Half_2012

It’s now time for me to move on to Ragnar Chicago training.  I have lots of miles to cover and very little time.  I also need to seriously ramp up my bike miles to prep for the Ironman 70.3 Muncie.  Time is ticking!

Great job to all of you who ran, raced and particularly those of you who crushed some PRs this weekend.  Keep kicking butt!

Happy Running,                                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz

Avoiding Burnout…..

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While many of us are on the workout/running train constantly and never seem to get bored with the task….

Print

Please know that everyone is in a different place and there are plenty of people who are currently struggling to get out there and do it again.  Yes Hollie, this post is for you.

Get Up Time to Run-cartoon

I know there are some people who are super awesome and can run every day, like Shelly HERE.  However, it’s not something that my body or mind can handle.  My hat is off to all of you daily runners.  I personally only run 3 or 4 days a week.   My time and family obligations do limit my running but my body also creates its own limits because I can’t take the daily pounding.  When I run, I tend to run a longer distance to “make up” for the days I can’t run. 

In order to avoid burnout, it is good to change up your routine.  Here are a few things you  might try in order to keep the workouts/runs fresh and fun.

  • Run new and different routes
  • Run with a friend or try a group run
  • Try a trail run instead of just pounding your miles out on the road
  • RACE!!  If I keep a race on my calendar every so often, it keeps me focused and in the game.
  • Go for a swim Triathlon anyone?
  • Ride your bike
  • If you have access to a gym, try a class:  kickboxing, spinning, yoga, pilates, or strength training.
  • Better yet, try ALL of the classes at your gym, make it a challenge to try a  new class each week.
  • No gym?  Get some new fitness DVDs for your TV.  Tae Bo, Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred, Bob Harper’s Yoga (See RunWithJess’ Yoga Challenge), Belly Dancing, Hip Hop Abs, P90X.
  • No TV?  Get a few weights or resistance bands for the house and follow the billion various strength workouts in the fitness magazines.  Do push-ups, squats, stretching, jumping jacks, sit-ups.
  • Go for a walk or hike thru the woods
  • Play Tag and Hide & Go Seek with the kids outside

The key to being healthy is moving.  That doesn’t mean that you have to run every day or run high mileage, do what is enjoyable to you.  If you feel as if you are burnt out on running, I am reluctant to say stop running but that is certainly a decision you have to make for yourself.  If you stop running, even for a couple weeks, know that you will lose fitness and have to rebuild.  It happens to all of us, we refocus and rebuild all the time for various reasons.  However, if you are already struggling a bit with motivation or why you run, starting at the bottom again to totally rebuild your fitness may cause more questions and/or depression.  So if you decide to stop running for a bit, focus on other fitness activities to keep you strong and fit.  Keep your chin up, reduce running to a fewer number of days per week, and add in a few new things to keep it fun and fresh.  You will be happy and running faster and stronger before you know it.  Everyone goes thru spells of frustration and fatigue, this is totally normal.  Relax, breathe and refocus.

As a side note, many people are getting burnt out due to improper fueling.  If you are tired all the time, then it may not just be about your running but how you spend the first hour after your run.  I use a Post Workout Recovery Drink after my runs and this helps refuel my muscles and reduces fatigue.  Think about what you do AFTER the run and consider that it may be affecting your NEXT run.  Hydration and fueling is a real issue as to why many people are frustrated fatigued on a constant basis.  You don’t have to do what I do, just do something to help yourself get to the next workout as recovered and fresh as possible.

What is your favorite type of cross training?  How many days a week do you run?  Any other ideas as to how to keep the fitness routine fresh & fun?

Stay Active!                                                                                                          Amanda – TooTallFritz.com

Race Week Do(s) & Don’t(s)

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I think we all countdown to our important favorite races.  We all know that I have personally been counting down to the Palos Half (aka:  Southwest Half Marathon in Palos, IL) since early this week.  Apparently, I’m not the only one so I thought this would be a good time to go through a few  tips for our upcoming race week. 

RunningPeople

If you haven’t registered and would like to join the excitement , please register HERE now because the race is almost at capacity!  This is a premier running event on the Southside of Chicago and if you live in the southern suburbs then you are surely to  know ten one or two people racing on May 6th in Palos.  Come run with us.

Entering the weekend before the race, my legs are dead and very tired.  This is a good thing because by cutting back my mileage next week I will be fresh and a bit antsy on the start line.  You want to be antsy, to feel as if you haven’t ran/done enough “this week” when you get up race morning.  This is GOOD and means you are fresh and ready to bust out a fast pace!

RACE WEEK

DO

 DON’T
Drink lots of fluids – water! Drink a lot of alcohol
Get plenty of sleep Stay up late watching the Twilight Zone TV
Cut back your mileage/workouts Stairmaster, Run 40 miles & Bike Hickory Creek (The Hills!)
Swim & focus on lower intensity activities that keep the blood moving Drown because you are trying to swim 20 miles to make up for “not” running
Run a few easy miles Take the entire week off
Eat some good carbs (whole wheat pasta with veggies & lean protein, non-spicy marinara if you have a sensitive tummy!) Stuff yourself at a pasta dinner the night before the race and use the excuse you are “carb loading”
Stretch & Ice Use heat for sore muscles
Visualize the race & the finish clock with YOUR time Sell yourself short or be afraid of race pace
Plan to take more fuel than you “think” you need to the race Try a new type of fuel or hydration on race day
Charge your iPod & GPS watch Forget your iPod & GPS Watch
Plan for post-race recovery Assume that the race will have what YOU need to recover.  I always have my Post Workout Recovery Drink in my checked bag along with a bagel, banana & water.
Have a confident, positive attitude Freak out or feel as if you didn’t do enough

For me, my race week plan will include:  SAT (4/28) – 10 mile run at an easy pace, SUN – Bike, MON – Swim, TUE – 2-3 miles with fast turnover, WED – easy 6 miles, THUR  rest, FRI – easy 3 miles, SAT- Rest, SUN – RACE.

I have to keep it very low key the week before a race so that I’m fresh.  I have arrived on the start line ready to race mentally many a times and then quickly realized that my body was not recovered enough to hit the times.  What do you do for race week; anything special?  Do you have any race week tips?  Help us out!

Happy Running & Racing,                                                                                              Amanda – TooTallFritz

Falling in Love…..with Life

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It’s been a rough week already, the lil man is still sick and this is my first and possibly last day of work this week.  Since Hubby is home with the lil man today, I raced into work EARLY this morning to pound out as much as possible and still be able to squeeze in a decent mid-day run.  As I rushed out the door at “lunch”, the plan was to run the Chicago Riverwalk. 

I have been “saving” this trail for a day like today when time was tight and/or the wind was too bad for me to brave hit the lakefront.  I left the building in a very bitchy stressed out state of mind but very quickly came to realize how fortunate I am, how much I love my life even with all its imperfect drama, how much I love running and how much I love Chicago.  I have come to realize that each time I step out that door for a new adventure run, I fall in love with life all over again.  It’s a good feeling.  However, I must admit that I am a Chicago transplant.  I grew up in the cornfields of Indiana and let’s just say that it wasn’t love at first sight when I was introduced to Chicago.  In fact, if it weren’t for running, I’d probably still hate not like it here.  I miss my family and still want to go home each and every day but running has given me so much appreciation for life in general and the beauty of ChiTown.  In my non-running years, I would never have made it to the lakefront on a cold and frozen day to see the ice floating peacefully on such a strong, powerful body of water known as Lake Michigan.  It’s one of OUR Great Lakes and I can run beside it each and every day.

The Riverwalk path is a side trip off the Lakefront path and it is short and sweet.  I would estimate it to be about a mile in length and unless you plan to climb up & out to the street, it’s an out and back.  In the summer, this path is bustling with lots of people and various activities but today it was rather desolate.  

However, there were many hints remaining of what to look for come nicer weather. 

The trail is sunken down to river level and the city of Chicago towers overhead.  Pretty cool really and with this being a short jaunt from Navy Pier, I encourage you to take a stroll here with the family to experience the Riverwalk for yourself. 

Hope to see you on the Riverwalk come Spring!  I know I’ll be back to see the sights and take some new photos!

All-in-all, good run.  I did link up with the lakefront path for some extra miles.  I ended with 8.09 miles in 1:19 with lots of stops for photos and walking spurts for ice covered areas.

Non-Riverwalk related sidenote:  Lots of questions and talk about recovery as of late.  It’s not a secret that I’m an AdvoCare distributor.  It’s not a secret that I became a distributor for the discount because I LOVE the Post Workout Recovery drink.  It’s not a secret that you can check it out (and many other products) on my microsite HERE.    It’s not a secret that I can do what I do, each and every day, because of being able to properly recover.  If you want to MAKE IT HAPPEN on a daily basis, pay attention to your recovery.  On the “bad” days, I not only use the Post Workout Recovery drink but also the Nighttime Recovery so that I can make it happen again tomorrow.  Please feel free to browse my microsite, get familiar with the products, read up on our Scientific & Medical Advisory Board and take a peek at our professional endorsers.  If you have questions, I’m happy to help.  If you order anything, I will profit.  If you don’t want me to profit, but are interested in AdvoCare, check out my friend Lisa‘s microsite.  She too can help you so you can get your ass off the couch and do it again tomorrow.

Happy Running & Recovery                                                                                        Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                                 amanda@tootallfritz.com