Getting Back on Track

Well, it's been two weeks now since the Chicago Marathon and it's safe to say I'm recovered and trying to figure out my running/workout routine. While I don't currently have a race on the horizons, there are a few shortish ones I'm considering. Running will stay constant in my fitness routine, even if I'm not running 40-50 miles a week.

The first week after the marathon, I took it pretty easy due to my schedule. Those first few days, I took a few walks around Chicago and then Wednesday, I did a 25 min strength routine at home before work. My first official run back was Thursday, four days post marathon. It was a fairly relaxed and chatty 4.5 mile run with a few runner friends.

That weekend was busy with work and seeing friends, so I got in a few yoga practices, a short run, and a hike with Lindsey. It's safe to say that my schedule is dictating my fitness, which is okay for now. 

Last week, I was happy to fit in a more normal schedule of running:

Tuesday: 3 am miles

Thursday: 5.5 miles, including speed work with the Flyers

Recycled photo of Hayward - same location, different night

Friday: 5.5 miles on my own in the mist. This run felt like a sanity saver and a super relaxing way to end the week. I then went home, cooked dinner (a rarity these days), and had a glass of wine. 

Saturday: 15 min hill trail run, power yoga {in which I got into assisted chin stand a few times!} Beware, this takes a lot of warming up, arm strength and general good sense if anything doesn't feel "right."

Sunday: 1 hour trail run {hip flexors were sore from Saturday like whoa}. I even told the manfriend we could turn around early instead of forcing ourselves through a few more miles.

 Hillz are hard.

Fueling

One thing I've yet to figure out is how I'm going to appropriately fuel my body running less miles. I still feel equally as hungry, but know I'm not burning as much as before. It's all a balance and it's not a big deal if I gain a few lbs, but I don't want to be eating just for the sake of eating. Especially during this time of year where everything looks like it should be eaten (or drank)! ;)

Over the last year or so, I've gotten better about eating more clean and less junk {processed stuff}. By no means have I been eating veggies, fruit and protein alone, but I was fueling for high performance and energy and there's no reason to derail that train {even when the manfriend brings home a HUGE bag of Halloween candy}.

So, I'm getting back on the healthy eats train with lemon water + apple cider vinegar, green smoothies, and filling but nutritious meals. And on occasion, a few mini twix or some skittles. Luckily, Halloween will be gone before we know it!

The weather here has gotten cold quickly! This morning it was 29 when I took the dog for a walk! Welp, there goes fall...

Do you have any fun recipes on your horizon? I want to try some fun main dishes, but Sunday evening, I made Ashley's pumpkin spice baked donuts {featured on Top with Cinnamon}. Speaking of which, I should really get her cookbook.

Anyone signing up for any holiday races? I always love our local Turkey Stuffer 5K.