Run, Eat, Repeat

Yesterday I did my first long training run that felt long. I ran eight miles with my friend since kindergarden, Carly. Although I ran six miles last week for my first distance run, six miles feels manageable. Eight miles was also manageable, but the thought of running for over an hour seems a bit excessive. I guess I should get used to it since I'll be running for four hours in just a few months. I'm lucky to be starting out my training in June in Eugene, Oregon, one of the most beautiful and nicest places to run. The variety of trails and the scenic river views help take your mind off the mileage.

One training tip that I've learned so far:

WEAR BODYGLIDE. This stuff works miracles to prevent chafing and overall discomfort wherever there is persistent rubbing between clothes and skin. Use it. Whenever I forget, I start regretting it after about mile 3.

Also, a delicious post-run recipe...
I usually eat this for lunch when I'm in the mood for something hearty but a little bit sweet. I think it was originally meant for breakfast (got the idea from a Runner's World article, although I've made my own variations on it), but it's usually a little too much for me for breakfast.

6-8 oz. of yogurt (I prefer vanilla, but plain is good too, depending on how sweet you want it. Any kind of yogurt- regular, Greek, soy, etc - works fine)

1/4 cup of high fiber cereal (Fiber One, All Bran, or any of those stick-like healthy tasting brands. Sometimes I use a little more than 1/4 cup)

2 teaspoons of nut butter (Almond butter is my favorite, but organic peanut butter is good too)

One banana sliced

A dash of cinnamon (adjust volume depending on how much you like cinnamon)

3 apricots, finely chopped (This is my own twist. Raisins and dried cranberries or other fruit is also delicious)

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, and enjoy!

I was originally a little skeptical of the nut butter/yogurt combination, but it turned out to be delicious. I think the whole combination is genius, and it's a great healthy, high-fiber, high-protein meal-- perfect for satiating post run hunger. It always fills me up.

Before I sign off, just another reminder to please donate to my fundraising page for Girls on the Run Manhattan-- check out my first post to read more about the fundraising goal, the cause, and the marathon. http://www.active.com/donate/solemates2011/LeahRD

-Leah

We have to start somewhere!

Just bought new sneakers on Friday, and I'm going for my first run of the summer in central park tomorrow morning! :)

Track Us While We Train

LEAH

A note about this blog:

Both Penelope and I will post to this blog, so look for LEAH or PENELOPE at the top of each post.

Although our training hasn't begun in earnest yet, we are both already running and preparing to take on New York City in November!

I'm in Oregon, currently running in Eugene (Track Town, USA). Pretty soon I'll be off to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, where I'll--hopefully--continue to run as I study Portuguese and live with a Brazilian family for eight weeks. Penelope is working in New York City, running in Central Park, and scoping out the course. In late August we'll reunite at Harvard to undertake the crucial last 11 weeks until race day.

We'll both be posting with marathon training anecdotes, tips, and fundraising updates (see below to learn more about Girls on the Run Manhattan, the charity that we've committed to raise $2500 each for), so make sure to check back regularly!

Also, please consider making a donation to our fundraising efforts:

Leah: http://www.active.com/donate/solemates2011/LeahRD

Penelope: http://www.active.com/donate/solemates2011/penelopesmith

Thanks, and happy running!

-Leah

Hello!

Hi everyone!

On November 7^th 2010 I am taking on likely the largest challenge I have ever faced: the 2010 New York City Marathon. I have chosen to run my first-ever marathon on behalf of Girls on the Run Manhattan, a program that empowers eight to twelve year-old girls in New York by encouraging them to run and exercise.

Girls on the Run stimulates confidence, self-respect, and positive thinking by promoting healthy living and helping its participants train for a 5K race. By running with the Girls on the Run Manhattan team and becoming a “SoleMate,” I have committed to raise $2500. Donations to Girls on the Run Manhattan ensure that its programs can remain accessible to any girl regardless of her financial situation; many participants come from low-income families and communities and might not be able to participate without charity contributions.

Running and playing sports as I grew up played a critical role in my personal development. I can attribute much of my self-confidence, happiness, poise, health, and many of my friends, to my participation in physical activities both now and when I was younger. In elementary, middle, and high school, I was lucky enough to participate in everything that interested me, from basketball to tennis, from track to tap-dancing, and eventually completed a half marathon in high school with my mom. By raising money for Girls on the Run Manhattan, I hope to give more girls the chance to reap the same positive benefits of running and physical activity that I received.

I anticipate that training for the marathon and raising money for Girls on the Run will be a tremendous challenge, but it is a goal that I have wanted to tackle for a long time. My training partner, Penelope Smith, and I will cover hundreds of miles in training, and upon reaching our goal will give $5,000 to Girls on the Run Manhattan. This number seems daunting, but I am confident that we can reach it with your help.

I would greatly appreciate any contribution that you could make toward my race for Girls on the Run Manhattan. One generous donor has already pledged $500 to the cause. If 200 more people can give $10 each, I can reach my goal. Please contribute any amount you are able, whether it’s $10 or more—any donation will help me cross the finish line for Girls on the Run Manhattan, and help New York City girls achieve their goals through running.

You can contribute online at my website here: http://www.active.com/donate/solemates2011/LeahRD

And here is the link to Penelope's website: http://www.active.com/donate/solemates2011/penelopesmith

Contact either of us with questions:

Leah: leahrd@gmail.com

Penelope: penelopeasmith@gmail.com

Thanks! --Leah