Picking up the pace

In the midst of graduation excitement, I suppose it could be easy for me to forget that I am running my first marathon in a mere six days.  Yep, six days!  Thanks to some superior IT band pain following a 5-miler last week, I am taking my tapering super serious.  With no school and no clinic, I am stretching, foam rolling, icing, and laying on the couch like it's my job.

I've also had loads of time to contemplate with a little more thought, my marathon goals.

1. I want to finish.  Don't DNF or get picked up by the sag wagon, and I'm a finisher!

2. I want to cross the finish line running.  Even if I've been walking for miles and feel like I'm certainly in hell, I want a little push at the end even if it's only for two steps across the line.

3. I want to finish under 5 hours.  I know, I know, setting a time goal for your first marathon is like a running Bible sin.  I need a higher goal in order to push myself though.  If I don't make this one, well, I'll have a good reason to sign up for #2.

And goal three takes me into my ongoing dilemma.  Should I run my own race or join a pace group?  I know from my long runs that my pace can come and go in waves, which makes going it alone sound like a good plan.  However, I also know that I finish my long runs with 'gas in the tank', and that I rest or slow down too early.  This would be a great opportunity for a pace group to keep me moving and on track.

I'm leaning toward joining the 5 hours pace group, but I'm a little torn.  I think it would help me not go out too fast, and I would have shared support of that group throughout the race.  I also wouldn't have to constantly worry about my pace.  On the other hand, I've always been a solo runner, and that's what I'm accustomed to.  I also know, that if I can't keep pace at any point, I am going to feel defeated.  But can I really avoid a challenge for fear of failure?

Regardless of what I end up choosing though, hopefully I can say 6 days from now that I am a first time MARATHON FINISHER!

In the meantime, I'll keep carbing it up in preparation.  I've heard Red Velvet Gobs are essentially perfect racing fuel.

The Final Walk

I can't think of a better day or opportunity to put an end to my blogging hiatus.

It's a really big day in the world of ZestyNerd, with an emphasis on the 'big' and 'nerd'.  It's graduation day!  Me and 53 other people that I've spent entirely too much time with and palpated from head to toe are now Doctors of Physical Therapy.  Fair warning for anyone considering an education in PT- you touch your classmates a lot.

Me and the hubs- my rock, my shoulder, my chauffeur, my sanity.  He should receive an honorary degree just for putting up with all the anxiety, stress, tears, and more that he's endured the last 3 years!

My Mam and Pap.  Guilty- I did still have the cap on after dinner.  Whether I wanted to be congratulated by 10 women that I don't know in the restaurant bathroom or whether I was afraid of the inevitable hat head is your decision.

Just a handful of the amazing women I've gotten to meet through grad school.

And a few more!

Congrats fellow grads- we made it!

No regrets

You know how everyone always says that you'll regret not working out, but you'll never regret  a workout.  I would normally agree, but not today.  I chose sleeping another 2 hours instead of running 8 miles before work.  It was the best decision I've made all week.  I've been so tired, so very tired, and sleep was definitely the right choice.  It only took a  minor change up to my training plan, so I might as well take the sleep when I feel like I need it most.

My painfully slow 3 miler last night didn't help either.  I was absolutely dragging despite gorgeous weather and a new trail; I needed sleep.  Thankfully, the week had started out better.  I had capped off Sunday night with a 15 miler that left me feeling fantastic.  Well, fantastic + crampy hamstrings, but fantastic nonetheless.

Post 15 miles in the freakishly unseasonable weather.

Ok, I've totally given in to refueling with low fat chocolate milk.  I'm a follower, yes.  And I'm enjoying every last drop.

Now here's my tip for getting the most out of your "rest days".  Apply the "rest" philosophy to everything.  This includes rest from all but the most necessary responsibilities... and letting someone else cook dinner!

Dear Market District- I think I'm in love with you.

It was an off day, but I've moved my 8 miles until after work tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to it now that I'm rested!

Question of the Day: Have you had an "off" day or an "on" day?

Hello Sunshine

Remember when I went running in the snow like this last Sunday?

Within 72 hours, I was out for a short evening run dressed like this.

And now I'm just itching to get out for my long run in 60-something weather tomorrow!  I don't know what has happened to our winter this year.  While I would actually love a huge blizzardy snow storm before Spring is here to stay, I don't mind baring a little skin for a run either!

Question of the Day: What made you smile today?
My Passport finally showed up in the mail today, so I can stop stressing and start daydreaming about our upcoming vacay!

My favorite eats

Pinterest has done it again.  I discovered the most delicious thing that I didn't know I was missing out on.  Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls entered my life 2 weeks, and I haven't been the same since.

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup chunky peanut butter
1 cup quick cooking oats, uncooked
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 full graham crackers, finely crushed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Stir well with a spoon. 

2. Spoon out about a tablespoon and roll in hands to form a ball.  (I used my Pampered Chef cookie scoop and ended up with ~20 balls)

3. Place balls in airtight container and refrigerate.  I think they taste best chilled, but they're delicious if warmed up to room temperature, albeit a little sticky.

The Verdict:

- They taste just like cookies but without the excessive added sugar or butter!

- Could a recipe possibly get any easier than this?  I've made them a few times now in a matter of minutes so we can keep a steady supply in the fridge.

- I am going to attempt eliminating the graham crackers crumbs next time, and replacing w/ a little additional oatmeal.  Oatmeal>graham crackers.

- I've been stashing a few in my bag as a quick energy snack between work and the gym.  Perfect little snack to get me through a workout and hold me over until dinner.