Hi, friends! How was your weekend? Aside from Sunday’s long run, I finally got the much-needed low key weekend I’ve been waiting for. It was nice to catch up on some life things!
Saturday
On Saturday, I met up with the Charlotte Food Bloggers for a Brunch and Learn event. We have these meet ups quarterly, and they are always so informational and fun. Plus, we all like to eat, so obviously there is good food to be enjoyed!
Then, I got my hair cut and styled. It’s been wayyy too long since I’ve done so. I spent the rest of the afternoon galivanting, taking myself out for a nice coffee and doing some quiet blog work. Selfies are so awkward…
Sunday’s 22 Miles
In the morning, I headed out for my longest training run yet of 22 miles. I drove down to UNC Charlotte to run along their greenway. The weather was absolutely gorgeous – it was in the mid 60’s when I started, which is perfect for running.
I think I found the fueling plan that works best for me! I woke up and had some toast with peanut butter and banana, and a coffee about 90 minutes before running. Throughout the run, I had three huma gels, half of a tailwind, and a pack of sports beans (all affiliate links). My middle huma gel was caffeinated (mocha flavor), which I think really helped pick me up. I also probably had 36-40 oz of water throughout. Fortunately, one entrance of the greenway had a water fountain where I would keep going to refill my handheld water bottle. Overall, I felt good with the fuel. After 20 miles, though, I noticed that my whole body was starting to really tire. My legs started getting really sore, but not to the point where I had to stop.
I’m really glad I felt this soreness, though. Come marathon day (5 weeks away!), at least I’ll be somewhat familiar with it. The body isn’t meant to go these far distances, so obviously, pain and mental strength comes along with it. And as Ed has repeatedly told me, it’s about getting that time in on my feet, and with yesterday’s long run of 3+ hours, I think my body will be much better prepared come marathon day. I think I’ve finally broke the mental block of running that far and long. I mentioned a month or so ago that I wasn’t sure how I could do it, mentally. For me, not focusing so much on the time and taking one mile at a time has really helped. I also think I decided on my marathon shorts – no chaffing and very comfortable!
What I’ve Been Cooking Lately
Here are some of the yummy food blogger recipes I’ve been enjoying and cooking. If you follow me on Pinterest, I have a board titled, “Completed Recipes.” I just need to be better about keeping it updated!
Kristy’s Banana Bread. I didn’t know how it would fare with all the coconut flour, but this was sooo good!
We’ve been going through this baked oatmeal so much lately. I’ve even used strawberries in it, too. It’s a perfect slate for your favorite fruits!
Lemon Garlic Tempeh from Eating Bird Food (her picture, not mine!) Forgot to snap one. I loveeee tempeh though and this lemon seasoning was light but refreshing!
Michelle’s chocolate frosted paleo donuts. These are addicting, ya’ll. And amazing.
Cora’s sweet potato crust. This is one of my FAVORITE recipes. So easy and so so delicious. I love it with a dippy egg on top, too!
Then I made some hemp crusted tofu. Loved the crispy coating that the hemp gave! It really transforms the chewy tofu texture.
And if Alexis could come bake for me for the rest of my life, I’d be a happy gal. Seriously, her recipes are da bomb. These double chocolate cookies are like my favorite thing ever. I make them every week, religiously. I even had to teach Ed had to make them in case I got home late and would be craving one.
And her pumpkin muffins are no different. Of course, slathered with lots of nut butters.
And, some random creations…
Burgers for burger night
Salmon Patties (recipe coming soon!)
Sweet Potato Pizza. Always.
Linking up with Hoho Runs and Misssippipiddlin for the Weekly Wrap.
What’s been cookin’ in your kitchen?
How often do you get a hair cut?
Congrats on your 22 miler! I never believed people when they said running a marathon is two races: the first 20 miles then the last 6 but WOW is it true. That last 6 become a total mind game where your drive and determination get you through. You’ve go this 🙂
Yayyy! I am still so happy you loved my banana bread recipe! After you posted that photo on Instagram I actually made a loaf myself 😉
Today I baked the most successful batch of gluten free bread EVER and I am so so excited. Somehow I managed to make loaves that look and taste like real bread, hahaha!
I’m such a fan of anything covered in nut butter especially my favorite blogger’s baked goods. Kristy’s paleo baked goods are really good; and it looks like the coconut flour did wonderfully in the recipe. I’m glad you got those 3 hours on your feet and that the run went well. It’s so unreal getting up to those last weeks before the marathon, but it seems like you’ve had a really good build-up. I can’t wait to see and hear how it goes.
Wow congrats on the 22 miles! Your hair looks so great–i get my hair cut once a year and donate it. So much good food!
All of the eats look fantastic! Congrats on 22 miles – that’s awesome! And even better you feel like you’ve passed the mental block. You’ll be ready for race day in no time!
The mental block was what I’m most scared of. It’s still there, but not as intimidating now!