By 9am this morning, I was reminded why I’ve chosen this healthy lifestyle.
The plan this morning was to run 5 miles at half-marathon goal pace–8:42. I woke up and by the time I got moving, I thought I didn’t quite have enough time to get all 5 miles done–but I still had time for 4. I’m sure I used those extra 9-ish minutes so wisely. I ended up running them in around 33:40 (8:27 pace!).
I haven’t been able to find my AMT stick (or, fancy USB thing that plugs into my computer and spits out my splits) since moving, but the first mile was around 9, the middle two were somewhere in the high 7s or low 8s, and the last mile was somewhere around 8:30. Despite my three-quartered-ass training, I’m pretty sure I’ve “felt goal pace.” Whether I can run that for another 9 miles is to be seen.
Anyway, my legs felt a little tired from this weekend’s workouts, and my body felt a little tired from not having a proper dinner last night, but I felt amazing after this run. I got the post-run high that I’ve been chasing for weeks. By 8am.
I even managed to stop at Whole Foods to pick up a few things for breakfasts and lunches this week.
Freaking miracles coming from this non-morning person.
Sure, I was happy that I’d hit a great pace on a morning run, but the endorphins were so strong this morning, I couldn’t have been unhappy if I tried. I pretty much skipped to work.
I ate a frozen Amy’s meal for lunch and was still starving, so I got a green juice, because I think need more veggies in my life. I’ve been tired lately, which likely has to do with a full schedule, but I’m hoping upping my veggie intake helps with energy too.
This one was celery, broccoli and cucumber. I’m not a huge fan of cucumber or celery, so I don’t know why i thought I’d like this.
But…I did have a ton of energy afterwards. I want to try making my own green juice/smoothie, but there will not be any celery action.
I have an early meeting tomorrow and an event after work tomorrow night, so I need to get to sleep, but I’m feeling great after a day of really solid healthy choices. It’s so self-reinforcing, and I just need to remember it beats the alternative.
Questions: which healthy habits lead to more healthy habits for you, and which green juices don’t taste like ass?
I’ve had two BluePrint Green Juices this week (with ginger), and actually enjoyed them. Actually being key because when I had them a year ago, I could not fathom finishing each one (though I did). Not sure if the taste changed, or me, but I’m going with it!
Taste of green juice definitely grows on you! Some good add-ins are lemon, ginger (depending on your taste buds). Carrots, apples, or beets help to sweeten! I’m not a big fan of celery – I find it’s such a distinct taste that you can always taste it!
Get it girl 🙂
Always add either pineapple or green apple to green juices and they taste DELICIOUS!!
You should go to Terri on 23rd between 5th and 6th!! They have a green power smoothie w/ banana, pear, almond butter, soy milk, and kale. It’s pretty much incredible. They have a few pe-made green juices w/ fruit too!
@Laura: OOOH. Must try! I <3 Terri.
For me the better I eat, the better I feel during a workout. The more I workout, the better I want to eat.
The more I work out, the better I want to eat…I’m jealous of your morning workouts this week! I am generally a huge morning person, but this week I screwed up my sleep cycle with only 4 hours of sleep on Sunday night and now I’m a zombie. Trader Joe’s has a pre-bottled green juice that I love!
I really love this smoothie that I found in Vital Juice. It’s green, but it’s really citrus-y and refreshing and light-tasting.
http://www.vitaljuice.com/entry_detail/nyc/10943/Kimberly_Snyders_Glowing_Green_Smoothie.htm
I tried Garden of Life RAW Meal this weekend…ugh! I could only choke down about 2 sips. I had loaded it with pineapple and berries as a smoothie but it got so thick so quickly and was brownish-green. Maybe instead of a meal replacement it’s supposed to be a meal deal-breaker!
my favorite green juice/smoothie is: banana, 1/4 avocado, flax seed, spinach, almond milk, cinnamon! you have to try it
My favorite green juice combo is apple, carrot, beet, celery (you won’t taste it), spinach, and ginger. It’s AMAZING. And a fun bright red color.
If I get a morning workout done, then I am all set for the day! Getting a good AM sweat leaves me wanting a healthy breakfast and feeling energized.
I’m not sure about the green juice – it really has never been my thing either. Then again, after your post-energizer bunny boost, maybe I should give it a try.
I want to get into green juices. They sound promising because I want lots of energy and also need to up my vegie intake.
Mostly, I’m just jealous that you can just got BUY a green juice. There is seriously nowhere around here like that. I don’t trust the green juices sold in bottles at the grocery store — only fresh squeezed for me. Of course I make them at home but it’s a hassle and I can’t can’t get one mid-day if I want. Maybe you know of a place in DC that sells them?! 🙂
@Ericka @ The Sweet Life: No freakin’ clue. I was the very opposite of healthy in DC.
I can say for sure that getting up to work out in the morning definitely puts me on the right path to eat well the rest of the day. Plus, I don’t spend the day dreading having to go workout – I already know it’s done.
Green juices (well vegetable juices in general) make me sick. I have tried them about three times thinking that maybe it was something else…but every time they make me feel awful. It’s so sad because I would love the health benefits of them. I also can’t really even drink smoothies as I can’t have bananas either (they hurt my stomach). I am basically a prisoner to my stomach. Gluten-free vegetarian. Hey at least I can eat eggs, right?
Successful (fast) run! Yeah!
I think this might help solve any problems getting up:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/lights/9171/
🙂
I like blending chopped, frozen spinach and frozen berries together for a super easy smoothie. Sometimes I’ll add a splenda packet if I need some sweetness.
I want to start drinking green smoothies, but I’m kind of scared (for both me and my blender). I love those Naked juice green smoothies – however, I’m pretty sure they’re loaded with sugar and not as good for you as they look. They taste like bananas!
While that juice doesn’t exactly look good, I think I should try drinking this as well. More energy would be helpful as well as incorporating more veggies in my diet. What all is in it besides the veggies?
Great pace on the run!
That green drink sounds kind of boring! Though, I’m always trying to squeeze more fruit into my green drinks! 🙂