Ready, Set , Go Veg!!

I 've been laying out for the past two weeks with aggravated shins and I'm ready to get back in the game. The two wk- layoff has given me time to re-evaluate my diet and I am seriously considering switching to a vegetarian diet. I had been off meat(although I do eat dairy and egg, so I'm not ready to go vegan)for a week prior to Thanksgiving with very good results and no weird meat cravings. I had previously decided to allow myself some Turkey this past Thanksgiving, so now I had the turkey for old times sake and its back to vegetarian. I actually went into Earth Fare( which is a health food grocery store) and perused the meat aisle without feeling like I was missing something or craving. We'll see how it goes because no one is perfect but I look forward to creating healthy meal plans not centered around meat. My better half is already a vegetarian and has been the biggest inspiration although the choice was totally mine along with some very insightful articles from athletes (triathletes and runners) who are competing and maintaining vegan and vegetarian diets that help boost energy. Time to get back out on the trails and burn some of the rust off the lungs so to speak. Be back with updates!!

Peace to all

My first race!

Today I ran in my very first running event 'The Old Reliable Run". Overall I was not that pleased with the time(somewhere around 1:20) but it was fun just be involved at all and to be able to contribute in some way to the United Way which helps so many families in need. IT will be my goal to improve my endurance though as I train for the Little River Trail Run in January and to heal the shin splints that are aggravating the crap out of me right now. I've read about running Yasso 800s which consists of 800 meter laps for 4 times or more at certain intervals( not sure of the complete logistics gotta research more) to build endurance. Pretty much any advice or tips I can get will help especially from ex-smokers who run and had to build endurance on limited lung capacity.

Time for a good icing for the shins but in parting I want to shout out to my loved one for all the support, advice, leg rubs and patience. Let the training begin! Thanks to my family in Clayton I love you all.



Best of Everything,



Bev

Chilling for the Moment

I'm slowed down by pain in my lower legs(again!), the therapist I saw last week advised me that I overpronate and this is the likely culprit for the pain I suffer. I tried to run one day this week and managed to squeeze out 3 mi(maybe 2.90) before the intensity wore me down but on a bright note I get to run in my first race this weekend so hopefully the days off will pay me back. It sucks to miss running and being outside in nature amongst the seasonal post card beauty of the orange, red and yellow leaves on the trees ,as well as ,the cooler temps and blue skies that go on forever. The weather this week was perfect for running but I'll be back soon enough and I hope to focus on the trails for training and give myself a break from the pavement after this weekend ,there are so many options in this area for trail running and I plan to take full advantage of as many as possible from Umstead to the ATT to Duke Forest in preparation for the trail race I've entered for early next year. On a ending note it is so inspiring to see so many folks of different ages, race and gender out biking, running and walking(i will join you soon). Time to go but I would like to share a couple of pics I took last fall at my grandparents old place.

"The last one to finish wins the race"