Pudgy Runner is back--and as pudgy and less runny than ever :) but still running

A lot has happened since I last posted--WOW! I was just chatting with some friends earlier today and can you believe I have completed 2 half marathons and 2 25Ks since I last wrote--wow right--me, the pudgy runner! And I'm still able to walk and unfortunately still pudgy!

Ha but all that is going to change slowly but sure--I'm going to shed the pudge and up the miles!! This coming weekend I'm completing the 5/3rd Riverbank Run 10K style at a record slow pace. Again no worries--I'll still finish and I'll still be able to walk afterwards! And the greatest part is right now is a great time to take hold and refocus on both of my aims for this blog--be less pudgy and run farther, faster, healthier, better!

I'm using my 10K this coming Saturday--that is only 2 days away--eek--as a restart! One foot in front of the other for 6.2 miles!

Many more updates on the crazy runventures I've had in the past few years in blog posts to come--but some of the highlights include new wonderful running friends, a special furry friend that is a terrible runner but such a good buddy and tries so hard and loves the wind flapping in his ears, fuel success, and fuel fail, LONG runs, short runs, gym runs, outside runs, NEW treadmill runs, and so many more!

Also their are always new adventures on the horizon like my hot yoga gift certificate I really need to use! And who knows what else!!

Oh and since I've added the pudge over the years I'll be including some of the great recipes that maybe one should not follow if they are trying to loose the pudge factor--or maybe you should follow if you are running 15 miles at a time!

I wouldn't call my blogging consistent...

But at least I have still made an effort to get out and run as often as I get a chance. I ran 7 miles yesterday! Let me tell you it has been a journey of adjustment.

After starting my new job as a development officer at Michigan State University I have had to adjust my efforts and time at my career. I spend 2 hours in the car a day to commute to work and I work hard while I'm at work. I don't really have an option for a mid-day run, as I have meetings basically at all hours of the day every day.

So how am I going to be in shape to run 25K by 5/12/12 well I definitely have had to adjust my strategy! First and foremost I have to fit in a long run every weekend. And my long run has grown in the month of January from an easy 3 miles (which was really quite hard since I had been out of sink) to a long slow 7 miles yesterday.

My besty reminded me that I had challenged her to 25K. And so of course when someone double dog dares me...I have to take it. So we signed up. We measured, because clearly we are running for both the thrill of the run and the thrill of shedding a few inches here and there. And then we were off!

Off to hit our respective training.

Right now training for me is limited to the treadmill probably until mid-April when I can be sure that the ice is off the roads. I try to get in a couple of short runs during the week. And then I mentally gear up for a long killer run usually on Saturday morning.

What does my checklist include?
A decent dinner of Friday
Water Friday-lots and lots!
A yummy bfast no skimping-usually something carb and protein or for sure carbs think toast, pancake, maybe an egg or peanut butter...basically what I always want to eat!
More water!
a little rest time to let it all settle
Ipod charged! for sure
Pack a sweat towel
And take 800mg of ibuprofen (This is not recommended, but I know my ankles and feet well enough to know they wont carry me farther than 6 miles without some anti inflammatory)
And I'm off!

To the gym.

My gym is funny. It's old and kinda jancky. But the treadmills are good enough and I only pay $18/month for 24 hour access. I really can't complain.

So I get there I warm up at 6.5 for about a mile and then up it from there for at least 5K and then sometimes I stretch it out a little and hit it for a while longer. By the time I'm done I am a disgusting mess. But I've burned over 1000 calories in about an hour and I have reset my body for the week.

YES! Feels oh so good.