So, I haven't updated in 3 weeks. Yikes.

After marathon training, I let the blog go. I really don't think that many people read this anyway, so I'm sure I didn't let down too many people. haha.

Not tooooooo much has been going on. I have only run a couple times since the marathon, because I'm trying to let my SI joint properly heal. It hasn't been terribly painful, but it's definitely a nagging pain that I don't want to escalate if I keep running on it. I REALLY miss running too :(. I'd rather run for the next 50 years than try consistently running now and ruin myself--gotta keep reminding myself that!

I've been going to the gym 4-5 times a week, though. I've noticed a SIGNIFICANT change in my body composition in the past couple weeks since the marathon. I'm definitely becoming more toned (especially in my arms), and obviously I'm in less pain. haha. I'm starting to see remnants of abs again, and my legs are shrinking. I'm also eating far fewer carbs, since I don't need to run 20-milers or anything like that. I'm really trying to watch what I eat now, too. I haven't really had any sweets or fried foods since the marathon, and I feel so much better. I'm trying to eat about 1600-1800 calories a day--at the lower end of the spectrum on non-workout days and at the higher end on workout days. I'm finding myself not as hungry too. Not entirely sure why, but I'm okay with it. haha. I'm also trying to stay super busy, which is helping a lot too!

I've been going out a lot, and I forgot how much fun it is. Yeah, that sounds fairly elementary, but one reason I think my eating was unhealthy, was that I used that as a reward, and it got out of control. Now, I use going out with friends as a treat or buying a pretty nail polish! haha. I also bought a bunch of (unnecessary) clothing from Free People the other day, but it's all so gorgeous, that I don't care :).

Another root for my eating problems was my...life. Wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 8, but I've lost interest. I LOVE animals, but I just lost my drive to be a vet. I've really become interested in the world of nutrition, and I was talking with my mother, and becoming a hospital nutritionist seems like it would be an ideal job for me! I love science, so I would still be working with science, and I would still be helping people! I'm going to call the University of Pittsburgh this coming week and find out what I need to do in order to receive a nutritionist degree. I, luckily, already have a majority of the prerequisites from studying Biology, so hopefully it wouldn't take TOOOO long to graduate? haha. I'm really excited to get started!!!!

So, my chiropractor said that I could start running probably within the next few days. I miss being out in the sun and running up hills and feeling how strong my legs are. I used to hate how big my legs are, but when I realize how I can beast hills and how much I can lift with them...I embrace those suckers. And the ridiculous capri tan I have right now.

I've tried to stay out in the sun to keep my tan going strong. haha. I weeded the ENTIRE front yard of the house. Kinda abused my back/hamstrings (all the weeding was done doing downhill squats, basically), and got a kinda bad case of poison ivy, but the yard looks nice, so it was worth it :). Plus, I got more tan, so that's a bonus. haha.

Other than that, everything has pretty much been the same. My sister is coming to visit in July sometime, and I'm super excited!

I'm actually off of work on Memorial Day, and I'm going to a friend's cookout, so that's something to look forward to tomorrow. Also, I'm going out with friends to watch Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, aaaaand I might be going out with a boy on Saturday? That remains to be seen. haha.

Wellll, it's time to get ready for church. Hope you're all enjoying the HOT weather. I know I am! Can't wait to go running in it :).

HERE IT IS.

Soooooooo, where do I start?!

Saturday, I woke up at 4 AM to volunteer for the Pittsburgh Marathon 5K/Children's Marathon. It's a really cool concept, the Children's Marathon--the kids spend the school year running, and once they reach 25 miles total, they run the last mile around the Point, where the three rivers (Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela) meet. The kids were soooo cute, and so excited! I had a great time. Plus, I got a sweet outrageously orange t-shirt. haha.

I volunteered from 6 AM to a little after 10 AM. The weather was warmish, but overcast the whole time. I was hoping the marathon the next day had some more sunshine! Afterward, I walked around the city for a little bit, and then went home. First, I stopped at Giant Eagle to get some apples and protein bars--y'know, the essentials--,then I headed to GNC to pick up my Lean Shakes, that were on sale. Theeeeeeeen, I went to Rite-Aid, because I needed to pick up my mutivitamins--I was done to one or two! I went home and pretty much carbo-loaded. I tried my Honey Stinger dark chocolate protein bars...oh my wooooooooord, so good. They tasted like a candy bar! Also, out of curiosity, I tried a Honey Stinger Waffle, and I was not disappointed. Honey Stinger may become my new best friend. I may use those for my long runs, because they don't upset my stomach, and they taste super yummy. I just need amino acids somehow, though.

I had two pieces of leftover veggie pizza for lunch, some Cinnamon Raisin walnut bread, and later on, I had a tofurkey sandwich for dinner. No peanut butter on cinnamon raisin bread, because I didn't want to have too much fat before a marathon--could mess with my tummy. I went to bed at 8:30, because I didn't sleep much the night before, and I wanted to make sure I was as well-rested as possible!

I woke up at 4 with NO problems. So anxious/excited! I ate my usual pre-run breakfast of a Clif Bar with Shakeology. I foam rolled a bit, used the tennis ball on my bum, did some dynamic stretching, etc. I made sure all of my stuff was packed up, and then I went down to the city with my brother and his girlfriend. We parked at the Consol Energy Center and walked to the corrals. I was supposed to be in Corral C (expected finish time of 4:00), but I knew that wouldn't happen, due to my injury :(. I went to Corral D/E, and I had to literally climb over the barricade, because it was so crowded. I talked to some girls running the half before the whistle, and they were super nice!

The whistle went off a little late (7:36), and we were off! Because I was so far back, I walked to the start line for a good 5 or 10 minutes. Once we got to the start line, we were able to run. I felt pretty good, except for a little pain in my butt. I was worried, but not so much at that point.

For the first 5 miles or so, the pain was constant, but nothing too bad. My friend, Megan, was riding her bike with her boyfriend, and I saw them a couple times Mile 1 through 6--it really helped me! Great cheerleaders :).

Saw a few awesome signs on this leg as well. The best:

"If Rick Santorum can run for 26 months, you can run for 26.2 miles!"

"Your training lasted longer than Kim Kardashian's marriage."

"Runners have balls. Athletes just play with them!"

I hadn't had any water or food at this point, and I saw a lady with Twizzlers, and she gave me two around mile 6. I ate them...and they were yummy. It was too hot to stomach GU, and I knew my stomach would revolt.

Once I got to mile 11, the pain was preeeeeeeetty bad. I stopped for the first time at this point (well, power-walked. I never actually stopped moving). I was fine with the hills, my breathing was fine, the heat wasn't bad, my legs weren't tired...it was just my stupid butt! The pain radiated through my entire lower right side. So unfair :(. haha. At this point, I started to drink 1 or 2 cups of Gatorade and 1 or 2 cups of water at every aid station. I ran mostly, but I had to take a bunch of walking breaks, because the pain was so bad when I ran, it made me scrunch up my face and put a lot of tension in my upper body and lower half. Blegh. A lot of spectators were so encouraging, though!

Around mile 14, I met up with a girl who was also injured--she got a stress fracture in her ankle the week OF the race. I felt so bad for her. We gave each other pep talks for those couple miles we ran together. The people with sprinklers helped too :). And the bands. Aaaand the orange slices. And the 458940358 high-fives I got.

At mile 20, I saw my mama, and she said that I looked like a grandma...buuut, I  was smiling, so she wasn't too worried. I tried to smile the whole time, even though I was in a large amount of pain.

The last 3 miles or so were all downhill, which helped a lot, because my calves were screaming. My calves almost never hurt during a long run, but I was compensating for my SI joint. Around mile 23 or so, I got a HUGE cramp in my lower calf. I thought it was my Achilles heel, so I started freaking out! The other runners were helping me out, so I pushed through. They were giving out beer at the Church Brew Works around then, but I politely declined. haha.

At mile 25, the pain was so bad, it was almost numbing. I focused on reaching the finish line. Wouldn't stop. My butt felt terrible, my calves felt terrible, my quads were screaming for compensating, but I refused to give up. Once I got to the final stretch, I couldn't stop smiling. The people were really cheering me on, and who else did I see at the finish line, but Bart Yasso! He announced my finished, and I felt AWESOME. I mean, physically, maybe not, but mentally and emotionally...I was on Cloud 9. Waaaay off from my finish time of 4:00, I finished in 5:58. haha.

I collected my medal, ate a bagel and a banana, and went to the postrace party. I grabbed a bag of salted nuts, a bag of pretzels, and a bottled water.

I know I shouldn't have been, but I was super pissed that it took me so long. Reflecting on it  now, and realizing what others said to me post-race, I should be glad I even finished! I heard of so many people having to drop out, and my friend told me that her mom had to quit running after experiencing an injury like mine. I feel pretty damn lucky. Even my brother told me I should be proud of myself! If you know my brother, you'd know how big of a deal that is. haha

I went grocery shopping afterward (obviously, that's what you do after a marathon), and then went to Burgatory for my post-race meal. I got a veggie burger with onion marmalade, grilled pinapples, roasted tomatoes, and gouda cheese on a whole wheat bun with a side salad. Sooooooooooooooooooooo good. I drank that with a coconut water! I caught up on "Game of Thrones" while eating.

I didn't do much, once I got home, and after running for almost 6 hours, would you? haha. I foam-rolled, showered, a little while later, I ate dinner (tofurkey sandwich with some fresh broccoli and zucchini in marinara sauce), and then a little while later, I had Oikos Honey Frozen Greek Yogurt with some pretzels and blueberries. Random, but sooooooooo good. haha.

I went to bed around midnight--I think I was so pumped with endorphins, I couldn't settle down until then!

Oh yeah. I got some sunburn, but I also improved on  my sweet UA capri tan:

So hot. hahaha.

I woke up Monday morning feeling preeeeeeeeeeetty sore. It took me like 2 minutes to get down the stairs. Yikes. I had my usual cereal breakfast, then decided to spend the day cleaning my room.

I had race swag aaaaall over the place, so I organized that, and I also vacuumed the floor and all that good stuff. I was sweating by the end!

Meals of the day included two pieces of Loafers cinnamon raisin walnut bread, a tofurkey sandwich, passion fruit Chobani, some fruit, and a huge salad for dinner with a black bean burger and tons of fresh broccoli.

I had a chiro appointment at 5:30, and the results were pretty good! He said that I was tight (ummmmm, hello? We knew that would happen), but overall, no bad damage! He also suggested I start taking an MSM supplement. I bought one of his, because he said they're an extremely trusted brand, and I trust him, sooooooo yeah.

After the chiro, I did a little more grocery shopping (I'm doing Foodie Penpals, so I bought a bunch of stuff for my penpal--yummy things!), then headed home, where I ate my dinner and greek frozen yogurt!

I slept like a LOG that night.

I woke up on Tuesday morning, feeling pretty great! I decided to go to the gym. I had my usual Clif Bar and Shakeology breakfast before workouts.

I did 90 minutes of cardio and 15-20 minutes of strength training. Probably not the best idea, considering how sore I was last night/this morning. Whoops. I'm taking a rest day today, though, so hopefully I'll be better later on! I need to learn to better listen to my body--that's what got me into this mess in the first place! Overtraining's a bitch :(.

I worked yesterday from 1-10, and it went super fast! I think because I'm STILL on a runner's high. haha.

Also, I tried Amy's Pesto Tortellini for dinner last night. Oh my God, so good. Not something I'd eat regularly (A LOT of fat and not the best ingredients), but it was a nice treat.

I came home from work to find the Flyers had lost the series (woo!) and my mother made an egg white frittata. I saved a piece of it for my dinner tonight! So excited. It has so many veggies in it :).

This morning, I had my usual rest-day breakfast, and I'm now just lounging around until work at 1. At some point, I'm taking out the garbage and doing some laundry--I hate sitting still for so long!

I started getting into the HBO series "Oz" (yeah, I know...way to be late to the party), but I've been watching that, while icing my bum.

I work until Friday, then I have off on Saturday! If I feel okay, I might try a short easy run on Saturday, to see how my legs/butt are feeling. I'm hoping the supplement helps--it's going to take a while to get into my system, but I am optimistic! I'm also going to the Pirates game on Saturday, where I'm meeting up with a BUNCH of people. It's going to be crazy! Afterward, we're probably going to the Hofbrahaus, to celebrate a friend's birthday. I've never been, so I'm pretty excited about that too.

Alright, time to get outta here. If you read this entire post, kudos to you. I am soooooooo happy about Sunday still. I think I am addicted. Definitely doing it next year for the same cause! Team Mario Lemieux Foundation 2013 :).

PS. Mother's Day and my brother's birthday are only a few days apart. Need to get some baller gifts. Any suggestions?!

WOOOOOOO.

I am a freaking marathoner! I will write that post in a little, but I just wanted to share some quotes from Amby Burfoot's novel "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life." I started it a while ago, but I finished it (appropriately) the night before the Pittsburgh Marathon.

Heeeeere we go...

"Running is the most vigorous exercise known to science. It forces your heart to pump vast quantities of blood throughout your body--including your brain. So the brain's getting all this oxygen at a time when it doesn't have any work to do. You're just running. You're not putting together business plans, solving quadratic equations, or trying to keep your drive from slicing off the fairway. No wonder the brains spins out the most fantastical thoughts while you're running."

"What will we do, I wonder, to keep in touch with ourselves? For me, the answer is that I run. Because it keeps me fully tuned, both physically and mentally."

"In the race to be your best, there is no losing."

"'The most important thing I learned is that there is only one runner in this race, and that is me.'-George Sheehan"

"'If you can fill the unforgiving minute/With sixty seconds' worth of distance run/Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it/And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my song!'-Rudyard Kipling's 'Time'"

"'It takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that.-Red Queen, 'Through the Looking Glass'"


Such a wonderful book. I highly recommend it!

What a day! Today alone would comprise an entire post, but I'm going to try to condense it into one post.

I went to the gym before work on Wednesday, so I ate my usual Shakeology and Clif Bar. Gym workout was fine--nothing special, but it wasn't bad. I went to the chiro at 4, and everything is progressing smoothly! No meal was out of the ordinary--I had an egg white Cedarlane omelet. Soooooo goooood for a frozen omelet.

I came home from work at 10ish and watched OT hockey until 12:30 AM. Best decision ever. Mom made brownies...worst decision ever. haha

Yesterday, I worked early, so I took a rest day. I had the usual rest day breakfast of mixed cereal with fruit and Shakeology. Nothing out of the ordinary yesterday. I had Oikos vanilla frozen yogurt. Oh. My. God. Soooooo good. I had it with some of my mom's brownies. Even betterrrrr. For dinner, I had a big ass salad with mozzarella, broccoli, a black bean burger, some leftover rice my mom made the night before, and some homemade Greek dressing. Sooooo good.

I started watching this show from HBO called "Enlightened." Laura Dern is FANTASTIC in it.  That's been taking up some of my time. Today, I went to the gym for my final workout before the marathon! I did an easyish 70-minute cardio session, then followed up with three circuits of strength training. Wasn't too tired afterward, but I'm not supposed to be! Went to the chiropractor, and he said that I should be good to go on Sunday! I was pretty sure he'd say it, but it was still exciting to hear :). He even did an excited dance for me. A bit awkward, but precious. After the chiropractor, I mailed some stuff to my sister (Kodiak Cakes!), bought a loaf of Cinnamon Raisin Walnut bread at Loafers, and was off to the Expo!
So much going on there. I went to  pick up my bib, shirt, and bag first. I'll spare you the boring details of the bag content, but the highlights of the bag were definitely some Dole yogurt-covered apple chunks and a NuGo bar. haha. The shirts this year are white (I'm sloppy, so this doesn't bode well for me). It's still pretty, though! I also bought two new shirts from the Dick's booth--both Asics shirts. One was an aqua women's shirt that says "RUN 26.2" and the other was a men's that said "Run this City." I really wanted the men's one, but they didn't have it in a women's size--it'll be a little big, oh well!

 The aqua one I bought!

I also bought a "RUN PGH" cotton tee from Factory Fresh--love the soft feel of their shirts!

Elite Runners and Walkers also had a booth, and they had a big sale on everything. I bought enough gels/chews/bars to last me a lifetime. I also bought a pair of Saucony Progrid Omni 10s, because I've never seen them that cheap!

I MET MEB KEFLEZIGHI! He is precious and sweet and cute. Super nice. He signed my expo brochure and I got a precious picture with him. I look like I could eat him, he is so tiny < 3.  He wrote "To Kelly. Best wishes & run to win. Meb." I can assure you, Sir, I will not run to win, but I will run ;).

I ALSO MET BART YASSO! I had been done looking at all the booths (see: eating all of the protein bar samples in sight. Sorry, NuGo), but I waited around for Bart. I brought my copy of "My Life on the Run" for him to auto, because I'm a nerd like that. Nicest guy! He gave me some great advice. When I'm at mile 10, I should feel like I could run to NYC. Good to  know, Sir. He also told me not to jump the gun. That is advice I have taken to heart from the get-go, and it has ALWAYS benefited me! We talked about Pittsburgh traffic and the weather and to just finish--I will definitely PR :).

He auto'd my book with "Kelly, never limit where running can take you. Bart. Pittsburgh Marathon 2012!" I wonder if he can get me a job. hahaha. Seriously love that man. Jeff Galloway was there too! I didn't get a chance to see him, though :(. 

I met up with a friend that is doing the half, we chatted for a bit, then I was on my way. GORGEOUS day today in Pittsburgh--this whole weekend will be! So excited :).

For dinner, I had some veggie pizza. Not too bad!

Tomorrow, I'm volunteering at the Kid's 5K event. Have to get up at 4. Baaaah. Same time on Sunday too, but I'll be too excited to sleep, probably. haha.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Come what...May....

I can't believe it's May already!

I worked all weekend, so it was nothing special. I went to the gym on Saturday, and it went pretty well. Did 90 minutes of cardio at a pretty high intensity, then three circuits of upper-body strength training. I worked from 1 to 10, and it wasn't anything too exciting. My eating schedule was pretty normal for a closing workday--Clif Bar + Shakeology for breakfast/pre-workout meal, GNC Lean Shake + coconut water for post workout snack, I think I ate a bunch of berries before going to work, tofurkey sandwich for lunch, a salad and an orange for dinner, Chobani + apple for a snack, then I came home and had my usual nut butter on Ezekiel cinnamon raisin toast.

Sunday, I took a rest day. I had Kashi U cereal mixed with Kashi 7-Grain Puffs in almond milk, with strawberries and blackberries on top, and Shakeology with chia seeds. I was super full...not even hungry for another 5 hours or so. haha. Work went well, but I hate working Sundays. It's usually the rudest people that are out :(. I had a Chobani around 1, and then had lunch around 3:30--a tofurkey sandwich with an apple and some pretzels. After work, I went home, then ate way too much Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Bread with Almond Espresso Butter. haha. For dinner, I had a HUGE salad, with a crumbled black bean burger, tons of veggies, and some berries mixed in as well. I was so full! Later that night, my parents brought home cake from the best bakery ever...so, naturally I had to have a piece. And theeeen, I had my nut butter on toast before bed. Hey, I'm carbo-loading for the marathon, give me a break.

Monday, I went to the gym before work, and it wasn't the best gym session I've had. For some reason, my bum was more sore than usual--not sure why! I did 90 minutes of cardio, but at a lower intensity. I then did 3 circuits of strength training afterward. After I stretched it out and everything, it felt better, but...I've had better days, I guess?

I worked from 2 to 10, and it wasn't too bad. I went to the chiropractor on my break, and he says that I'm progressing really well, and the marathon shouldn't be a problem! So happy to keep getting this good news. Meals were pretty standard--only deviation was a Cedarlane egg white omelet for dinner with an orange. So good.

Today, I worked from 10-5. It's so nice to have a morning shift. haha. I took another rest day, so I had my usual cereal breakfast. I had an Apple Cinnamon Chobani around 12:30, then I ate my lunch around 2:30 (tofurkey sandwich and an apple). I went to the store after work, and I grabbed a bunch of berries--LOVE this season. Watermelon season is soooo sooon :)))). I also bought Burgatory for dinner. Sooooooo worth it. Their veggie burger is out of this world. I subbed a side salad instead of the chips. I also ate a bunch of veggies/jicama dipped in ricotta cheese. Random, I know.


I watched some playoff hockey (Devils v Flyers)--nothing beats playoff hockey, Man. I also bought some tennis balls, because I wanted to see if I could loosen some muscles in my glutes/butt. SUCH a great idea. I feel so much better! Who knew the best relief could come from a $1 purcase? haha. I also bought a pretty UA tank, but disregard that ;).

I also caught up with "Girls" and "Mad Men." I swear, I NEVER watch TV shows live anymore. Gotta catch up with "Game of Thrones," and I'll be all set!

When I'm done icing my butt, it's off to bed I go! Tomorrow's plans include an AM workout, work from 2-10, and a chiropractor visit on my lunch break.

Marathon is in 5 sleeps. Crazy exciting! After marathon training, I need to find something else to occupy my time. haha. I think I'm going to focus on toning/strength a little more. I'm also planning on doing some charity-related running things. Nothing big, after the marathon. I'm not going to run another longer race until September (Montour Trail 1/2 Marathon--a good one to PR in. haha).

Hope you're all enjoying the May weather!

Survey stolen from Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life!

Coke or Pepsi?

I don't drink "pop" anymore--haven't for years. Diet Coke is better than Diet Pepsi, but Pepsi is better than Coke.

Lemonade or fruit punch?

Lemonade!

Caramel apple or cotton candy?

Caramel apples have so much more flavor to them--and more nutritional value.

Butterfinger or Snickers?

Snickers. Definitely.

Pudding or Jello?

Pudding. Can't eat jello, because I'm a vegetarian :(.

Turkey or chicken?

...really? Rude.

American or Provolone cheese?

American has NO flava. Provo fo lyfe.

Crackers or cookies?

Crackers don't stand a chance.

Pretzels or chips?

Pretzels are my crack.

Mexican food or Japanese food?

Mexican.

Chinese food or Italian food?

Italian! Although, Chinese sauces can be soooo good...but super salty.

Ice cream or cookies?

Ice cream, usually...depends on the cookie.

Pasta or pizza?

PASTA. Especially with my soy meatballs.

Soda or juice?

Not a big drinker of either, but probably juice. Cranberry-grape.

Chocolate bars or chocolate truffles?

Hmmmmmm. The Twin Cakes Bakery chocolate truffles are SUPER good.

Apples or bananas?

Eat them both equally. Apples are more filling, but bananas are easier to digest before running. Eh, I'm torn. Strawberry-banana. haha

Salad or soup?

Salad

Cauliflower or broccoli?

Yiiiikes. I love them BOTH so much fresh! I honestly don't know.

Onion rings or french fries?

SWEET potato fries :).

Blizzard or McFlurry?

Haven't had either in yeeeears. Probably a Blizzard, though. Dairy Queen ice cream definitely has more possibilities.

Fried or poached eggs?

I usually eat scrambled, but either fried or poached are good.

Crepes or pancakes?

Pancakes are more filling!

Hash browns or roasted potatoes?

hash broooowns.

Oatmeal or cereal?

Oatmeal, unless it's Kashi U. Yummmmm.

I'll add a few of my own questions!

Bagel or toast?

I'm really digging Ezekiel Cinnamon Raisin Toast right now...however, bagels make the best breakfast 

Peanut butter or jelly?

Why did I even make this a question. PB PB PB PB!

Peanut butter or Almond butter?

Hmmmm...I'm going to have to say almond butter, because the flavor is still somewhat novel to me. 

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner?

Breakfaaaaast.

Almond milk, Soy milk, or cow's milk?

I pretty much exclusively drink almond milk, but I sometimes eat ice cream or eat baked goods that have cow's milk in them.