Wow. Where did last year go?
I’ve realised now how close I am to race day and how far I still have to go. On the positives, the January sales mean that I now have new runners to break in, new sunnies, a new gym bag – it has wheels – and more protein goodies to play with.
I was relatively well behaved over Christmas, managing a fab 10km run on Christmas Day and a second run on 30th December and a couple of classes. Not as much as I wanted to, but I really don’t know where the time went.
I had a massive wobble yesterday. I went out with the aim of a 20km run, did 19km and was so wrecked by it, made to feel so ill, that I had to go to bed to recover for a couple of hours. It’s normally the reaction my body gives when I’ve pushed too hard, but I should be at this distance, so I’m left a bit confused. I think 20km will be my sticking point for a couple of big runs, til my body settles.
Away from the runs, it’s January and it’s back to routine and normality. I’ve got a new gym timetable to play with, which is great – I need a yoga or Body Balance class to stretch myself out and now the real running begins. For January, we’re up to at least two runs a week. Come February that’ll be three. I’m trying to hold onto my spin class with my fingertips. It’s much less impact driven than running, but is great for stamina and keeps those leg muscles nice and loose.
I’ve finally managed to try all of the Purition samples I bought myself. They’re different to a standard protein shake, gluten free, sugar free, low GI and without any artificial sweeteners, using stevia as its source of sweetness. Along with the traditional whey protein, they also contain seeds and nuts, providing you with essential fatty acids that are often missed when you’re trying to lose weight.
I specifically used their protein blends, though it should be noted that they do a superseed mix which can be added to your own blended smoothies/shakes.
Whilst I have to admit, these don’t work for me as a post workout shake – putting them in my shaker with water just doesn’t work, you get something rather gritty and chewy – as a post run shake at home, or a breakfast smoothie, they are brilliant. Blitz with some soy milk and a frozen banana (chilling it and thickening at the same time) these are very filling, while still being low in calories (a 50g measure is around 233 calories). Perfect.
I’ve also come across, Saviour Snacks. I already get my fruit and veggies delivered to work thanks to Fruit2You. Saviour Snacks offers a similar service, but covering all or your snacking needs. All of their options are healthy and measured, but what I really love is the variety. If, like me, you’re looking at calorie restriction, then the Super Skinny may be for you. Dairy or wheat intolerant? Yes, there’s a box for you. Vegetarian? Yes, covered. Vegan? You too. Kosher even? All sorted.
As I, just like everyone else, gets random cravings for something to nibble on between meals, you can bet a box is on my wish list.
With thanks to Virgin London Marathon and Saviour Snacks for the additional images.