I'm on vacation! Well, not really vacation- more like the boys and I tagging along to Thai Guy's work conference in St. George. But we get to stay in a hotel! And I really *heart* hotels because I don't have to clean! No dishes, no vacuuming, no laundry. So, yes, this is a vacation- for me. Right now, Thai Guy is off listening to some boring keynote speaker and I'm lounging by the (indoor) pool with the laptop while the boys swim their little hearts out. Life is good. (I'll bet housekeeping is making my bed right now. Bless them!)
My absolute favorite thing about vacation?! Running, of course! There is nothing more fun to me than to find a new trail or a new route and to discover a town the way I like to- in my trusty running shoes! After a less than stellar Saturday (low BP issues, more on that later), I was determined to be rested and well so that I could get a couple good runs in while here. St. George is at least 10-20 degrees warmer than my hometown so I was looking forward to some warm-ish runs. Sunday night, after a little Googling, I found that there is a trail head just about 1.5 miles from the hotel so Monday morning I got up, got dressed and headed to the trail. I had 10 miles on tap but wasn't really sure how much trail I had to work with. I had to quickly decide whether to go left or right on the trail and after studying the trail map for a couple minutes, well, I realized that I couldn't really read the map so I went right. My first thought, "Isn't it supposed to be warm in St. George?!" I was freezing my fingers off! I had gloves on but still my fingers were so cold that they hurt. Like, really hurt. Like, maybe-I-should-turn-around-and-go-back kind of hurting. And the handheld I took with me was definitely not helping. But, against my better judgment (of course), I trekked on. I dumped out 2/3 of my drink out in order to save my fingers since just switching the bottle back and forth from hand to hand wasn't helping. And neither was holding the bottle strap by one finger. Oh, and holding the bottle in one hand while warming the other one in my pants pocket was becoming potentially dangerous. So, I dumped the drink. I had to. So much for staying hydrated on this run.
Soon after dumping my drink, my fingers started feeling happy and I came across this cute bridge about 2 miles into the trail. I stopped to take a quick pic and quickly continued on. Not even 1/2 a mile later I was starting to feel a little secluded. No one on the trail. And every pile of rocks cave I saw on the trail made me feel like a wolf was going to pop out at me and bite me. (Are there even wolves down here?) So, I made the executive decision to turn around and head back.
I got back to my car with only about 5 miles under my belt so I decided to try going the other way on the trail. "Hmmm, maybe I should've gone left?" After a quick drink from my water bottle in the car, I headed out in the other direction. Sadly, same story. This time I got a little over a mile in before feeling "spooked" and heading back to the car. So, my 10 mile run turned into 7.6 miles but I was okay with that. Beats getting eaten by a wild animal, I suppose. So, what did I learn about myself on that run? That I'm way too neurotic to be a true trail runner. I love trails but just the trails that are planked by neighborhoods and parks and civilization. You know, where people will hear my screams for help.
All things considered, though, I still had a great time enjoying the St. George scenery. The red rock is really beautiful in it's own right. And if all goes as planned, meaning I get chosen out of the lottery, I'll be running in this gorgeous scenery at the St. George Marathon in October. *fingers crossed*
Well, off to enjoy what I have left of my "vacation." I'll be home soon and making the rounds to everyone's blogs. I leave you with this question-
Are you a neurotic runner?
(Please don't tell me I'm the only one or I'll feel like a total nerd.)
I know it's not Mother's Day but being Mommy is like 90% of my life so...
a mommy inspired list.
Now that I'm a mommy:
1. I know the meaning of the word "ouch." (Delivered rugrat #1 with no epidural. Ouch, indeed. Makes me ashamed that I ever used the term before.)
2. I only decorate with items that can't be broken.
3. I have a new appreciation for abstract art and I display it all over my fridge.
4. Exercise and "me time" have to go hand in hand because I have no time for both.
5. I learned I can take a punch to the face. Who knew?
6. I had to buy a steam cleaner.
7. I will sometimes stay up way past my bedtime no matter how tired I am because it's quiet! Ahhh, I love those nights.
8. I went from thinking that I'm a kind, patient person to thinking, "I've really got work on being more kind and patient."
9. I can ignore crying, whining, etc. for hours on end. Doesn't phase me one bit.
10. I get it! I get why everyone says, "It's the toughest job you'll ever love." Wouldn't change a thing about my life or my boys. Just to hear those little voices call me Mommy. What a blessing!
Little Red, Firstborn and me last month on my birthday.
Love, love, LOVE these little guys!
(Even with all the pee on the toilet seat. The joy of boys.)
Also, today was my first speedwork day on the new plan and I loved every second of it. That's where I get my runner's high. Going faster than I think my legs will let me. So fun!
When do you get the runner's high? Or have you never felt it? I'm curious!
Are there people out there that seriously take 3 weeks off from running after a marathon? I took one week off and by Day 3 I was dying to get back out on the road. I did wait a few more days, though, because of my poor aching neck. By Saturday, I was thrilled to get in a quick 3 miles before my pump class. The neck still hurt a bit but I think a run was exactly what I needed to loosen me up. Ahhh, just felt right!
However, after that one run without a training plan, I felt lost. After just ONE run. Over the past 5 months, I've followed 2 separate training plans and now it's like I'm paralyzed without one! I ran for 3 1/2 yrs before ever having any type of plan. Just ran when I felt like it. Ran hard when I wanted to. Scaled it back when I needed to. Was just happy to know I was burning calories. Well, apparently that part of me is gone. Now, I have to know that I'm building speed or mileage or my VO2 max (not that I really know what VO2 max is.) I just need to feel like I'm working towards something. Running for no reason makes me feel like I forgot something. You know that feeling when you leave the house some mornings- "I just feel like I'm forgetting something. I can't think what it is but it's going to drive me crazy until I figure it out." But still you leave and can't believe you are leaving without "it" even though you don't know what "it" is. That's how I feel running with no plan. Just not quite right. So, in order to calm my crazy side, I have signed up for my next race- Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon- and I have a new training plan. Yay for training plans!
It's on the fridge and ready to go! In fact, I've already done the first 2 workouts so I need to get "X"-ing all over this bad boy. *sigh* All is well. (Although, for some reason after uploading this I feel like maybe I should be doing the full. But the race is at the tail end of our Disneyland vacay. Not the sort of rest week you need before a full. I'm just aching to do another full!)
A couple things about the race and training plan:
Red Rock Canyon Marathon and Half-Marathon is put on by Calico Racing which is the same racing company that organized my first marathon. I can't tell you how much I loved the organization of that race. It was small but obviously put together by someone with a pure love of the sport. I will go back for Calico's races again and again. In fact, we already have plans to run in the Angel marathon again next year.
My training plan is from the Furman Institute of Running & Scientific Training (FIRST) and it's seems great. It's based on having just 3 runs a week- speed intervals, tempo and a long run. This is perfect for me as I love my rest days and I've been wanting to get in more weight-training on my off days. Can't wait to see how it goes!
And I leave you with a pic of today's cheat- Lindt Dark Chocolate with Chili! Surprisingly spicier than I thought it would be but SO good. Just what I needed today.
I've noticed over the past couple of days that a few of my friends have been changing their Facebook profile pics to younger pictures of themselves. It's one of those "Post your pic and change your status to...etc., etc." If you're on Facebook, you know the drill. They have been getting the expected, "You were so cute!" and "Love it! Such a doll!" kind of responses. I thought about posting mine but decided against it because my pics are, well, not so cute! But since I'm always up for getting laughed at, I thought I'd share with the bloggy world. Presenting Alicia- age 12, in all my chubby glory. Enjoy!!
Don't you love it?! It has all the makings of a perfect 1990 photo. The sideways pony, the feathered bangs, a Bart Simpson t-shirt (yes!), acid washed jeans and don't you just want to pinch those cheeks! Ha ha! It's all too good not to share. Hmm, interesting that I only have the proof. I can't imagine why my parents didn't order prints...
And for something a little running related- think you could finish a marathon after getting hit by a bullet at mile 10?! This guy did!
I'm on Day 5 of marathon recovery and while my legs have been feeling great since, oh, like Tuesday, my neck still has me feeling like I'm walking around with my shoulders attached to my ears. Thai Guy's new affectionate nickname for me- "Stiff Neck." When he gets home from work, "How's it going, Stiff Neck?" and "What's for dinner, Stiff Neck?" Romantic, huh? How about "Can I get you anything, sweetheart?" "Want me to rub out that...Stiff Neck?!" Well, to be perfectly honest, he has offered but what he does to my neck will surely injure it further so I settle for ibuprofen and a heating pad. Anyone else ever hurt their neck/shoulder during a long run? This is the 2nd time this has happened to me! What am I doing wrong? Oh, and the running joke around here (which I love) is that I hurt it because I had to keep looking over my shoulder to see where he was during the race. Ha ha ha! Probable, I guess.
On to the pick-me-up! TMB @ Racing with Babes awarded me this Beautiful Blogger Award and it has really made my day! (Thanks, doll!) In order to accept this prestigious award I must give you guys 7 random facts about me and then award 7 others. So, here goes:
I find it really funny that every time I mistype marathon (of which I do more often than not) it comes out marathong or marathin. Totally something Freudian going on there. Makes me laugh every time. Well, more like chuckle...in my head. You know.
My mind goes blank in the middle of sentences sometimes. I will just forget a word. Something simple like...flashlight. (Not that I talk about flashlights often.) It usually goes something like this- "I can't see. Can someone get me a, ummm, uhhh...." And I play some sort of impromptu charades to get my point across. It's ridiculous. It's frustrating! (But actually pretty funny, too.) Just hoping this doesn't mean I'm headed to early onset Alzheimer's or something.)
My name is pronounced- uh-lish-uh. Just figured you should know. Although, my Dad calls me "Leesh" with a think hillbilly accent. Which leads me to-
I grew up in the hills of West Virginia. No, I'm not a coal miner's daughter but I am a hillbilly's daughter and I love going home to visit every summer. Being with my family just resets me and makes me feel comfortable and happy.
I love to decorate cakes and I have a cake blog where I post pics of my cakes. Nothing else. Just pictures of cakes. If you'd like to see it, you may. Just click here.
I love watching food shows when I'm dieting. Somehow it calms my cravings. Right now I'm hooked on 101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown on the Travel Channel. Food porn. So good but oh so bad.
I got hit by a car when I was 5. Don't worry. I'm okay.
How do you like that for random?
Now, I officially award the Beautiful Blogger Award to:
The other side! For weeks, months I sat here wondering what it will feel like to be on the other side of all the marathon training: all the fantasies of crossing the finish line, what it might feel like in the final 6 miles, the emotions I might feel as I gutted it out, and how happy I would be to finally say I'm a marathoner. And here I am on the other side and it feels...AMAZING!!! Our first marathon definitely had it's ups and downs (quite literally!) but Will and I have both come out on the other side feeling like we could take on anything.
Here's how it all went down:
Will, Dad, the boys and I traveled from Utah down to Boulder City, NV on Friday night, checked into our hotel room and headed out to IHOP for some pre-race pancakes, my carb-loading food of choice. (Love the Harvest Grain & Nut pancakes!) We then went back to the hotel and settled in. I set out our clothes and anything and everything we would need for the next morning's run.
I felt surprisingly calm, no pre-race jitters, no nervous tics, no defeating self-talk. That's weird. I always get nervous, even before short races. I figured that maybe the nerves would come the next morning. Fast forward to the next morning (after a terrible night's sleep on the brick-like mattresses at the hotel)- I woke up at about 4:30 am. I tried really hard to get back sleep but just couldn't get comfortable. I finally gave up at 5:30, even though the alarm was set for 6:00, and got up and got dressed. I was still surprisingly calm and stayed that way the rest of the day. I was a mess before my first half so I'm still not quite sure why I was so calm. I was just happy! I was excited to have the day finally here- the reward for all the hard work! I knew that this day was going to be great- no matter what!
We left the hotel at about 7:10 and headed over to the race start at Lake Mead N.R.A., which was about 5 minutes away. We were there fairly early (8 am start) so we (well, my dad) took a few pictures.
views of Lake Mead from starting area
my race shirt
Will and I with the boys with Lake Mead behind us.
The race photographer getting ready to snap our photo.
I can't wait to see the pics that were taken out on the course!
Friends from church who were running, too. Cami (first marathon), Will, me,
Jen (5th marathon) and Lisa (1st marathon.) So great to have them there.
Made the run that much more special.They all did AWESOME!
Lisa and I. Love this girl!
Coleman and Cooper waiting patiently for the race to start.
Calico Racing sign. There was a 50 mile ultra, marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k
that morning and Calico seemed to have it all running so smoothly.
The race director, Joyce, was amazing!
After snapping a few photos we all headed over to the start with just a few minutes before go time. The race director, Joyce, gave us a pre-race talk (all 68 of us running the marathon that morning) and was sweet enough to mention my grandmother and the fact that we were running our first marathon in honor of what would've been her 86th birthday. There was also a guy there who was running his 200th marathon! Crazy!
8:00 am- Go Time!
We all lined up at the small starting line chute and we were on our way as soon as the race director yelled go!
Starting the Garmin
Bye, Dad!
Miles 1-5
Mile 1- 9:30
Mile 2- 9:18
Mile 3- 9:46
Mile 4- 9:26
Mile 5- 9:32
We started out feeling fresh and happy to be finally meeting our goal of running a marathon. I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face! We were chatting with the people around us and the miles were going by smoothly and quickly. The weather was sunny and beautiful. Our pace was a little quicker than it would have normally been on a long run but we both felt we were taking it pretty easy so we stuck with it. It was somewhere in this first 5 miles that we ended up running along with a few other marathoners and forming our own "pace group." There was Eric (the triathlete from AZ), Ed (the marathon maniac from So. Cal.), Casey (a local marathoner working on getting her 3 marathons in 3 months to gain membership to the maniacs elite club), Mitch (another maniac who ran with us off and on) and another first-timer (I forgot his name!) They were such a fantastic group! We were all super chatty which helped the miles fly by. There were rolling hills in this part but nothing too hard. Which brings us to-
Miles 6-10
Mile 6- 10:10
Mile 7- 9:24
Mile 8- 9:42
Mile 9- 10:33
Mile 10- 10:54
Still hammering it out here. More rolling hills. There were really NO flat parts on this course. In fact, before we started the race, one of the other runners told Will, "You sure picked a hard one to be your first!" Yes we did!! You can see which miles had the uphills and which had the downhills by our mile splits. Anyway, I'm still all smiles at this point. I'll spare you the suspense and just let you know- I smiled through this entire marathon! (This little tidbit will seem quite impressive a little further down in this story.) I was having so much fun just living in the moment. Nothing could shake my positive attitude. Will seemed to be doing well, too, but he was uncharacteristically quiet. I chalked it up to being in the zone or just enjoying listening to everyone else. Our group was still all hanging in there together. We learned so much about each other and about running from the experienced marathoners in the group. Physically, I was feeling good. No aches or pains. My wind felt great and I was thinking, "I'm going to finish this marathon easily!"
Miles 11-15
Mile 11- 9:47
Mile 12- 10:40
Mile 13- 9:38 (2:08:17 at half-marathon point)
Mile 14- 10:19
Mile 15- 10:58
Mile 11 brought us down a fairly long hill where the road was pretty curved. My ankles were bothering me a little until we got to where the road was a little more even. We then preceded up a steep hill and back down the other side to get to the halfway turn around. We got there in just over 2 hours. We were on our way to the sub 4:30 time that we had set as our goal! And we were still feeling good! I was drinking at every station and had taken 2 gels. My energy was high as we turned to run that 13.1 miles back the other way. Mile 15 brought us to a steep hill (the same one that hurt my ankles on the way down) and this hill was brutal! One mile uphill! We managed to run up the hill with no stopping and were so relieved to get to the top!
Miles 16-20
Mile 16- 11:24
Mile 17- 11:29
Mile 18- 10:37
Mile 19- 12:48
Mile 20- 13:01
Something changed in Mile 16. Will started to slow down a little. He was breaking away from the pack. I knew something was wrong but he said he was fine and continued on. He didn't seem fine, though. Our group had pretty much dispersed at this point. All except for Ed (the marathon maniac from So.Cal.) He and I were running a little ahead of Will only to look behind us to see him struggling. He had put on his headphones for a little "pump up" music and despite his best efforts, took his first walk break between miles 18 and 19. His left quad was locking up on him and had been for the past couple of miles. He was trying to hide it and continue but it was really hurting at this point. There was an aid station right ahead so we stopped for a moment to meet back up with him. I was jogging just a little to keep my legs moving but Ed stayed back with Will. Before I knew it, I was at least a quarter mile ahead of them. I turned around to see Cami and Jen passing by Will and stopping to help rub out his thigh a little. I needed to hold back and stay with Will. I stopped and waited for him even though he was telling me to continue on. WHAT?! No way!! We were going to finish this marathon together, no matter what! He started to get emotional because he felt he had let me down because he wouldn't be able to run the whole way. He felt like he had failed me. I assured him that I was more concerned that we finish the marathon together over anything else. Still, he felt a little dejected and I could tell. I hated that he was so worried about me being disappointed. One thing he didn't know was that what he would accomplish over the next few miles would make me as proud as I've ever been of him.
Miles 18-20 were stop and go. We would walk a little, run a little. Ed continued to stay with us and coach us. (By the way, Ed was awesome! We seriously had our own personal coach out there! He was running his 35th marathon and was a wealth of knowledge. He talked to keep Will's mind off of the pain and continued to give him advice on how to push through. We loved Ed! What a blessing it was to meet him out there on the course.)
Here we are with Ed after the race.
Miles 21-26
Mile 21- 13:58
Mile 22- 13:43
Mile 23- 13:36
Mile 24- 14:13
Mile 25- 15:17
Mile 26- 14:33
This was gut-check time for Will. He was not going to let this marathon (or his body) beat him. With six miles left, now both of his quads are locking up and the left quad is starting to get worse and worse. What started at the bottom of his quad is working it's way up. He kept hoping that the walk breaks would loosen him up but no such luck. Running was excruciating for him but he still continued to push past his limits. I started to get emotional watching him. Every step he took inspired me. Amazing. He kept running, albeit slow, and was determined to finish. No matter how much his body screamed at him to stop.
The Finish
We had ascended the last small hill and were headed down the .2 to the finish line. Ed ran on ahead of us to allow us to finish together. (And, as I learned later, to make sure that our family and friends would be ready to meet us. My dad said Ed came across the finish line saying, "Who here is with a Alicia and Will? Here they come!" Again- love Ed! Who, by the way, headed right back out to do the course again. Maniac indeed!) Anyway, when we got close, I grabbed Will's hand and we finished together! I was so emotional and so proud of my husband (and me!) for what we had just gone through together. Truly a spectacular feeling to cross that finish line and to do it side-by-side. If a marathon is a great metaphor for life then it is truly fitting that I would be right by his side to the very end.Our official finish time-5:05:48.
Here's some video of us at the finish line.
Post-race
Will was definitely in some pain as we finished. I got this still shot from the video. A picture can speak a thousand words, don't you think?
I was just grinning from ear-to-ear and happy to be done. Will needed some time before he could be happy about it all. :) After a drink, some electrolyte tablets, and some chili (the post-race food was yummy!) he started to feel a little better and within a half an hour he was planning his comeback. Another marathon? What?! I thought he said this would be his one and only. He said he just can't go out like that. So, we are already planning his comeback.
As for me, my legs ached for sure but I generally, felt good throughout the race. In fact, my only real pain is in my neck. I guess I just kept my shoulders too tight. My dad joked about how you never expect someone who has just run a marathon to joke about how much their neck hurts. Ha ha! I guess that's true!
Anyway, I'm hooked and ready to find another one to do this spring and perhaps in the fall, too. I loved the whole experience. Strike that, I hate that Will was hurting but I loved the marathon and everyone who was involved in it and all the ups and downs. It was exhilarating! What a great weekend we had!
Thank you Running from an Angel Marathon! You may have been tough but you just showed us what we're made of!!!
So, I've been sitting here and making a list of all the things I need to pack up for our trip this weekend. I am so afraid that I'll forget something. Like, I'll wake up Saturday morning and realize I forgot a hair band or my shoes. (I read about this guy in Runner's World who forgot his shoes and ended up running an entire marathon in hikers. Ouch!) So, I'm making a list. A list definitely makes me feel more calm. "Ohmmm." <---That's me trying to relax. I think it's working.
I ran my last training run today on the indoor track at the local community center. It was just 30 min + some speed intervals so I figured running around .125 mile track wouldn't drive me too crazy. (That track is SO short!) Well, the track didn't bother me so much but the people...oh, the people!! The track is basically four lanes between a brick wall and guardrails- walkers in lanes 1 and 2, runners in lanes 3 and 4- at least that's what it says on the wall. I can't even tell you how many times I would be slowed down because of walkers four abreast (totally had to look that word up) seemingly walking shoulder to shoulder with no room to squeeze through. So annoying!! I tried to not-so-subtly clear my throat and they usually noticed me and let me through but, even so, I just couldn't get in a real good groove, you know? That would never happen out on the wide-open road. A track is just too limiting for my "every-run-is-freedom" type of attitude. Anyway, right now- indoor track = way too many people with new year's resolutions. Maybe I'll go back in a few weeks when things have died down a bit. Or just stay on the treadmill until the snow goes away... Sigh.
In happier news- I finally X'd out the last workout on my marathon training plan that has been on the fridge for the past 4 months!!! WahOo!
I went ahead an marked off tomorrow's rest day and 20 min easy workout for Friday (which I'm opting not to do.) Just glorious rest for the next 2 days. Ahhhhh!
I'm stoked because (1) yesterday I got this in the mail--
It's the shirt that I designed and ordered from Zazzle.com to wear during the marathon next weekend.
(It says "My Grandmother, My Angel, My Inspiration" Then, in smaller print, "Happy Birthday, Maw Maw! This run's for you!" She would have been 86 on marathon day.)
It turned out even better than I thought it would! I definitely got teary-eyed as I tried it on and thought about how excited I am to be running this marathon in my grandmother's memory. Oh, how I miss her. I'm so thrilled that I was able to find a marathon that fell on her birthday. So perfect!
and
(2) I just heard from the race director, Joyce Forier, and she said that she would include us and our reason for running this marathon in the pre-race talk. Wow! Wow! Wow! I'm just blown away by Calico Racing and Joyce already! I really appreciate her help in making our first marathon experience truly memorable. I've read fantastic reviews of all of her events and feel safe in recommending any of the Calico races. Heck, if Bart says she's good then SHE'S GOOD!!
By the way, can I just say that I LOVE carb-loading and I'm already taking advantage of all the no-guilt eating. It's not too early, is it?!
I love to listen to music when I run. I know that some think that it interferes with the purity of the sport but a good tune can really give me aboost when I need it. That being said, I don't always have headphones on while I run but probably over 50% of the time.
Anyway, I thought I'd share what I have on my mp3 player right now. It's an eclectic mix for sure- everything from pop to country to Aretha. Love it!
Click on "pop-out player" to scan through the songs or just go to the bottom of this page.
It's time for me to go lace up my Asics and get out on the road. Easy 6 miles today! Marathon 1 week from today!
Any tips on eating or anything else for this next week??
Thai Guy (like the hubby's new bloggy name?) is running the marathon with me next Saturday but it's purely a bucket list thing for him. His first true love is MMA (mixed martial arts. Think Ultimate Fighting Championships- boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, muay thai kickboxing, you name it!) He's been working out at a MMA gym for the past year and half. His original goal was just to get in shape but that has slowly turned into a desire to fight in his first amateur fight. Pretty much everyone thinks he's crazy because he's 36 and anciently old for the sport "no spring chicken" but I am excited for him! It's something he's really passionate about and I love to see him meet his goals. (Yes, I'm the perfect, loving wife.) Anyway, how could I not be supportive?! He is running this marathon with me even though he said it was something he would never do. In fact, I think his actual words were- "I don't even like to drive 26 miles! Why on earth would I run that far?!" That being said, I'm not really in love with the idea of watching him get punched in the face but it is kinda' manly and hot, don't ya' think?
Anyway, right after the marathon he is starting this Fighter's Diet, which is a program that was put together by one of the trainers at his gym. It's a 100-Day Challenge that starts with a 6 week cutting phase. I signed up to do it, too, but now I'm not so sure. According to the info I got today, the first 6 weeks you are limited to 7 foods:
Cage-free brown eggs with yolks
Baby organic spinach
Extra-virgin olive oil
Vegetable based salsa
Low fat cottage cheese
Canned chicken breast or canned albacore tuna
Roasted, grilled, or baked chicken breast
That's it. Also, I did the math and according to them, at my weight, I should be eating about 850/cal a day during that time (500 cal less than my BMR). Is that crazy?! That's crazy, right? Thai Guy is convinced that he needs to see this challenge through to be in ultimate fighting shape by April (by his first fight.) However, I'm not so sure that will be enough food for me to meet my running goals. I told him that I'll do it with him for a week but then I might need to find another nutritional plan. I don't doubt that I could lose some serious pounds this way but at what cost?
Anyway, have you ever tried a crazy diet like this? Did it affect your running?
