Urban Running

Running according to the Urban Dictionary states:

An obsession that only certain individuals feel compelled to partake in. The individuals may or may not be large consumers of Coca Cola, but probably are. A past time that provides some kind of euphoric feeling for obsessors who look back upon past runs. Running provides more euphoria, for some reason, when the distance that has been run is longer rather than shorter. Those who participate in running have a compulsive drive for continuous improvement.

"Dave kept compulsively running and running until his doctor put him in the hospital to make him refrain from worsening his hamstring injury, even though Dave had not yet outrun every 10K record ever set."

"In running there is no off season because running is not just a sport, its a lifestyle."

Its a feeling of being in the midst of an adrenaline rush.

"Edward Cullen can run really fast. its an adrenaline rush. its very common, you can google it."

"Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running." -Julie Isphording, Marathon winner

"Miriah what are you running today?"
"Oh idk, probably 8miles."
"Come on lets do 10"
"Ok, I'm feeling pretty good anyways"

A rather effective mode of transportation. Basically, the act of walking faster, but slightly different.

Your only means of escaping any situation succesfully.

Example 1:

"Man: Dude, it's the cops!
Friend: Run."

You've always got to be ready, thats why we run :)

Breakfast

I can't stress the importance of eating breakfast, I love breakfast its my favorite meal of the day. But there are some, most, people that either don't like eating breakfast or they don't have time for it. Trust me its worth getting up about 5 to 10 minutes earlier to eat the most important meal of the day.

I have cereal every morning around 7:00 am and I find that in only a few hours by 10:30 or 11 I'm starving! But on those days that for some reason I miss breakfast I can go hours longer without being hungry. Thats because my metabolism is still slow from the 8 hours of sleep, and lying still so once I eat breakfast its like giving my body kickstart right in the metabolism! :)

I encourage you to eat breakfast everyday this week starting tomorrow, and post here how you feel after the week is over, and along the way. Oh and one more tip before I move onto a recipe and other breakfast food for you to try. Its best to eat within 45 minutes of waking up so you can get your body going right away! Have a good morning!

Spiced Baked Grapefruit (http://gloriouskitchen.blogspot.com/)

As crazy easy this is, it has become a favorite breakfast dish in our home.

1 grapefuit, sliced horizontially

1 tablespoon honey dash of cinamondash of cardamom

dash of nutmeg

Take each half of the grapefruit and precut each slice of grapefruit for easy removal once done baking. Drizzle honey over each half and top with spices. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes then broil for about 2 mintues or until the tops are lightly browned. Serve immediatley.

Fruit and yogurt is always refreshing, or a good low sugar cereal with milk will get you going quick.

Why Do You Run?

I'd like to post the question "Why do you run?" Here are some inspiring answers, to remind you of why you run. And I'd love to hear your reasons, post below!

Why do you run?

I run to be the best in the world.

I run to prove what I am.

- Vishal

I run because i want to be like usain bolt

and to prove nobody can catch me in track

- ajith

I'mthirteen years old. Last year I joined a track team to get in better shape for basketball season, and once i started running I just got hooked! now it is one of my favorite things to do.

-Kory

To get away from the cops.

- Steve Hamilton

I run to win,and if i don’t win… at least i had a laugh trying

-Catherine Rogers

I started running this year. I am 13 years old. I have run two marathons so far. I run for more then just the adrenaline rush, or for the excersize. I run to carry on the family tradition. My two Great Uncles run. So does my Great Aunt. Many of their friends run. And most importantly, my dad runs marathons too. And I run with him. It has been a great experience running and I hope to keep running with my dad and the rest of my family forever. And I hope my children will keep the tradition going too.

- Maggie

For me, running—especially on trails—is relaxing. Running might be physical work, but it’s the refreshing kind. A good run in the woods always seems to trigger a re-set button in my head. Bad day + good run = new me. Good day + good run = better me. Good day + bad run (for whatever reason) = still good me.

I run because I cannot fly.
-mike

Because I can while others cannot. I run to take advantage of the gifts that have been given to me and experience the world in which I was placed.
-Kyle McQuire

I run because its freedom, because I feel like race day is bigger than myself, and being apart of it and experiencing it with the other racers is a priviledge.

-Jessi Q

Run Fatboy Run

One night Jared, my husband, and I decided to go see a movie, but hadn't decided on which one. Once we got there we saw the movie "Run Fatboy Run". For some strange reason that title caught our eye and we decided to see it. It is hilarious! We had no idea what it was about, but it turns out to be all about training and running a marathon (for love :)).

Whether you run or not this movie is a classic comedy! So funny, we went out and bought it as soon as it came out on DVD!

"So what you have, then, is a bunch of really good cooks in the kitchen. But what is the dish being served up? That dish is probably eaten eaten by the ‘fat boy’ of the movie, Dennis Doyle (Pegg). About to marry the love of his life, Libby (Thandie Newton), who also happens to be pregnant with his son, he gets cold feet. Thus, he does a runner, leaving her at the altar. This act becomes a running metaphor (pun intended) throughout the film, representing Dennis’s lack of fight to truly commit to something and finish something that he started.

We move forward five years then, with Dennis now dealing with the fact that Libby is seeing a new guy, Whit (Hank Azaria). Realising that he wants to win her back, he decides to outdo Whit any way he can. Upon finding out that Whit is running in the Nike River Marathon, he decides to apply and work his way in as well. Trouble is, he’s not the healthiest of fellas around. His two “coaches”, Gordon (Dylan Moran) and his landlord Mr. Goshdashtidar (Harish Patel), strives to put him through the mill, forcing him through a training regime that Dennis himself doesn’t find particularly enjoyable."

I didn't give it all away the best parts are ones you have to watch for yourself! borrow it, buy it, rent it, whatever you need to do, just watch it! :)

Comic Corner

Hopefully you guys can read this one above, its pretty funny but this was a big as I could make it
Enjoy a few laughs this Tuesday afternoon :)

Crazy Green Drink

This recipe came from my good friend Steph's blog, its awesome you should check it out for come great healthy recipes! http://gloriouskitchen.blogspot.com/ I had a drink similar to this in hawaii with coconut and mint, and I've been craving it ever since! I can only imagine how good this tastes! I plan on trying it asap

This is what she says about the drink:

"This recipe is one of the many versions I learned about while at a health retreat in San Diego by Dr. Robert Young. It looks and sounds questionable but it's surprising tasty AND healthy. I told Craig about it and he was quite the doubting Thomas (as was I) but now he loves the "green shake" and even requests it from time to time! My dad (a serious meat and rice type of hispanic guy) tried it after I begged him to not be a wuss. He too was surprised at how healthy AND tasty it was. So- be brave and try it! "

2 huge handfuls of spinach

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (use more for a stronger mint flavor)

1 ripe avocado

1/2 English cucumber, peeled and cut into smaller pieces (or a regular cucumber will work too)

juice of 1 ripe lime1 entire ripe grapefruit, peel and seeds removed

1 can coconut milk

dashes of Stevia (healthy and super potent natural sweetener sold at the health food store)

half an ice tray of ice cubes

TOPPING: dehydrated unsweetened shredded coconut

"Blend everything in blender until smooth. Serve in mugs topped with shredded coconut.You can also freeze the drink into popsicles for a crazy healthy "desert". The health retreat suggested serving the popsicles to kids who have issues eating veggies. In the summer, sometimes I will grab one on the run when I am in a hurry and want to eat something in the car."

Trust me! It's good!

NOTE: Try adding other fruits and veggies as you as you wish. I have added a banana and broccoli and it turned out good.
OTHER NOTE: The health retreat's recipe called for adding green powdered supplements to the shake (which I do add) but it's not necessary.

Groovin'

For those of you who don't know about Groove Shark you are in for a big treat. This site is amazing, its close to the same concept as Pandora.com but you can listen to specific songs instead of just a genera of music.

http://listen.grooveshark.com/#

Take a look your ears will thank you.

Here are a few songs that I think are great running songs, they keep you on the beat and add a little hop to every step.

All you have to do to listen to the full song is search for it on grooveshark.com And comment with any songs that you use to pump yourself up!

All The Pretty Girls - FUN.
Time Bomb - The Format
Salt Sweat Sugar - Jimmy Eat World
Pay No Attention - The Stereo
Don't Say Uncle - the Stereo
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas

More to come because obviously you'll need more song to last the hours of running on race day. Make sure to comment with your favs too!

A Few Motivational Quotes - I think I can, I think I can...

who better to start out with than "The Little Engine That Could" "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can"... repeat back in your mind as you climb up the hill, up, up, up!

Here are some more motivational quotes from true "runners". Read them often

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"
- Peter Maher, Canadian marathon runner

"We may train or peak for a certain race, but running is a lifetime sport."
-Alberto Salazar

"No one ever drowned in sweat."
-Author Unknown

"There's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people."
-Bill Bowerman (this will get me out in the snow, as much as I don't want to, I more don't want to be considered "soft" by anyone)

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
-John Bingham

"The marathon is a charismatic event. It has everything. It has drama. It has competition. It has camaraderie. It has heroism. Every jogger can't dream of being an Olympic champion, but he can dream of finishing a marathon."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

"The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals."
-Hal Higdon

"I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart."
-Mike Fanelli

Yummy Chicken Chickpea Curry Bowls

Ok the first really healthy dinner I made was one suggested from my good friend Amy. We decided to send recipes to each other to help with the healthy dinners we both wanted. She is self-made health expert and I'm so glad she's always there to motivate me whenever I need her! Thank Amy.

Anyway we made this and it was delicious, we had some people over that night and they were a little nervous when the smell of curry hit them coming through the door, but they were rest assured once they took their first bite. And one of the guys had never had chick peas before, but they are really good and if you're nervous still, try hummus its to die for :)

Chicken Chickpea Curry Bowls

Cook 1 cup brown rice (you can use white too :)

1 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive oil
1 pound ground chicken
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 Tbs. Curry pwd
1 cup plain yogurt
1 14,5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 14.5 oz can chickpeas
handful of chopped cilantro
(I LOVE spicy so I added a little more curry and some red pepper flakes too :))

In a large skillet brown the chicken in the Olive Oil. Add the onions and cook until they are almost clear. Add curry pwd. Then add yogurt and simmer for about 3 min. Add a little water if it needs to loosen up a little. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add beans (rinsed and drained) and the tomatoes.

Divide rice and chicken mixture among bowls and garnish with cilantro :)

Runners of the World Unite

To everyone who runs, wishes to run, or never speaks the word "run", who has ran marathons, triathlons, 5ks, or just watches the summer Olympics, women, children, even men (although this is written by a women, I do get a lot off insight from my husband), and everyone in between. I bring you "The Runner's Diet". Where I feed both your body and your soul.


This is the place where all runners unite! We'll share experiences, motivation tips, running soundtracks, etc. and most importantly recipes we can enjoy!

I graduated from Utah State University and thats where I first started running. I contribute my start to my roommate Katie. She pushed me to get off my butt and run with here. At first I couldn't even run from the flag pole at the top of old main stairs to the corner of the field house (for those of you who don't know how far that is it's less than a block, and I really need to go measure it sometime so I can see how truly pathetic I was, a 20 year old unable to jog one side of a block) but she continues to push me, and eventually I trained with another roommate, Steph, for a 5K. Let me tell you it was the hardest thing I had ever done to that point. I really pushed myself and still could not run the entire thing. We really told ourselves it was Steph's knee that was the problem, and I couldn't just leave her there now could I? :) When we finally did finish it was about 50 minutes later and my future husband was there waiting for us with oranges in both hands.

It began from there. I've now ran 4 half marathons and 1 full included multiple 5ks, and a 15k here and there.

I am currently in the middle of training for my 2nd full marathon on April 24, 2010 in Louisville, KY.

I've got about 2 more months to go, and I really need to push myself to train. I read an article recently, the full article can be found here. It listed out the 10 bad diet habits familiar to runners, and I can claim about 3 of them.

1. The Nighttime Feeder - Me
You eat very few calories all day long, then you gorge at dinner and late into the night.

Change your ways:
To sustain energy and blood-sugar levels all day long, eat a balanced meal with a mix of carbs, protein, and fats every three to five hours.

Plan two small snacks each day (a handful of nuts or some cheese and crackers) so that you're never ravenous come mealtime.

2. The Sports-Bar Junkie - Me
You eat so many energy bars, your definition of the four food groups is Clif, Luna, PowerBar, and Ironman.

Change your ways:
Don't think of energy bars as meal-replacements because they are not meant to provide a complete range of nutrients. They work best as an occasional snack before or after a workout.

When choosing an energy bar, look for one made with whole foods (fruit, rolled oats, nuts). Clif Bars and Boulder Bars fall in this category.


3. The Train-Hard-Party-Harder Personality - Not me
You justify binge drinking as the reward for a good run or race.

Change your ways:
Choose alcoholic beverages that are diluted for less impact. Instead of a glass of wine, drink a wine spritzer.

Drink a glass of water or plain seltzer in between each drink to stretch the alcohol out over the course of a night.

After a run or a race, make your first drink a big glass of water. Have that beer later.

4. The Junk-Food Fiend -YES ME
You eat whatever you want because you believe running will keep you fit and trim.

Change your ways:
Strike a balance between the foods you need and the foods you want. Build each snack and meal around at least one real food group and enjoy junk food at the end of a meal.

Substitute something healthier for the junk food you crave. If you want chocolate, try some strawberries dipped in chocolate syrup. For salt cravings, try cheese or something crispy like veggies dipped in tangy salad dressing.

Never eat junk food on an empty stomach. It almost guarantees a binge.

5. The Fat Phobe
You believe fat will make you fat, so you shun it in every form.

Change your ways:
Know the difference between the fats that are good for you (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3s) and the ones that can harm your health (saturated and trans fats).

Don't go crazy with percentages. Aim to consume about a half gram of healthy fats per pound of body weight per day.

Add good fats to the naturally low-fat foods you already eat--use flavorful olive oil on top of your salad greens, smear peanut butter on apples or celery for a snack, and stir-fry your veggies in peanut oil.

6. Running on Empty
You think you run better on an empty stomach because it gives you that lean, mean feeling.

Change your ways:
Afternoon and evening runners should eat a snack with 60 to 100 grams of carbohydrate about two hours before exercise. This is as simple as having a banana and a bagel or two ounces of dried fruit and two cups of Gatorade.

Morning runners who are turned off by solid foods in the early hours can get their carbs via liquids such as breakfast drinks, soy and yogurt drinks, and sports drinks.

7. The Protein Pounder
You believe protein is power, so you inhale it in place of carbs.

Change your ways:
Try to keep your daily protein intake to about 10 to 15 percent of your total calories.

8. The Supplement Abuser
You believe that if vitamins and minerals are good for you, taking more of them is even better.

Change your ways:
Remember that they're called supplements: They should simply supplement an already healthy diet of whole foods.

If you pick the right multivitamin, you may not need any other supplements. Look for a multi with 100 to 200 percent of the Daily Value for water-soluble vitamins (the eight B vitamins and vitamin C), no more that 100 percent of the Daily Value for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K, and 100 percent of the Daily Value for the trace minerals iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese.

9. The Chronically Dehydrated - Me, minus the coffee
You typically don't drink much of anything throughout the day--except your morning coffee.

Change your ways:
An hour or two before you run, hydrate with 16 ounces of sports drink to top off your fluid tank and take in energizing carbs.

When you are doing high mileage, be mindful of your urine output. You should need to go to the bathroom at least every three hours, and your urine color should be pale yellow.

To determine your sweat rate, weigh yourself naked. Then do a hard run and reweigh yourself. Every pound you lose equals 16 ounces of fluid. So if you lose one pound on a 40-minute run, you need to drink about 16 ounces every 40 minutes.

10. The Calorie-Deprived - Definitely not me :)
You burn many more calories than you eat.

Change your ways:
If weight management is a concern, make healthier food choices and eat small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism revved. Regardless, no active woman should eat fewer than 1,500 calories a day, and an active man should not take in less than 1,800 calories a day.

Lots of really great info here, I've discovered that my pitfall is the junk food.