Drop Week…BOOM!

Because of a big Labor Day race, my Chicago Training Group didn’t have a formal training run on our schedule.  This week also happened to fall on a drop week, and my long run called for 16 miles.

I ran 4 very dark solo miles.

I love that my Cocogo packets fit in my handheld sleeve!  Lemon Lime kept me hydrated today.  Cocogo is offering free shipping through Labor Day.  AND…you can use my discount code: JENCHOOSESJOY for 10% off your order!

I met these ladies for 8 miles.

The sunrise was spectacular!

We had awesome zucchini muffins baked by Lauren…I love friends that bring baked goods to a run!!!  I brought these little bags of granola for everyone.  Apparently, food is our love language.  (I’ll post the granola recipe this weekend.)

Then, I headed out to run 4 more miles.  I got super lucky and ran into the Run 4 Others training group. They were kind enough to let me jump in with them and I ended up with 17 miles.  I’ve said it a million times, but I feel so blessed to have this incredible run community!
I loved that today’s run was so relaxed. No set pace. No preset routes. Just great company. I don’t want every run to be loosey goosey but this was a nice reprieve. Also, when did 17 miles become my relaxed drop week?!!  Progress is beautiful!

After an ice bath and shower, I propped my feet up on my porch swing in my LF Oiselle sweats.  They are so comfy!!

 

After some rest, I went to Fleet Feet to pickup my packet for the Franklin Classic.  I signed up for the 10k and 5k.  With a broken toe, I won’t be speedy, but I still plan to run it for fun.

Of course I needed to buy this cute Nike pullover. It’s impossible for me to go to Fleet Feet without buying something.  Who’s ready for crisp fall running?!!

We went to Costco and I couldn’t resist this black bean “pasta”.  I have no idea what I’ll do with it,but curiousity got the best of me.  Side note: do NOT go on a Saturday afternoon. It was a zoo.

When I got home, I had to ice my foot.  It was a little cranky from my long run:(  Just another reminder that I won’t be racing on Monday.

We had a Mexican dinner with the tastiest blackberry margarita!

And a slice of birthday cake from Whole Foods…just because.

And then…Lauren Fleshman favorited my tweet!  I am definitely a big nerd.

I hope you’re having a super long weekend!

Have you tried Black Bean “pasta”?  Let me know if you have ideas for it!

Are you a COSTCO or Sam’s Club shopper?  Those stores are always crazy and stress me out.

#choosejoy

3 Post-Run Favorites

A huge group of my friends are racing the Franklin Classic 10k/5k on Labor Day. The course has changed, so we wanted to check it out this morning. It was a great opportunity to eat at Frothy Monkey. I wish every run ended with breakfast.

Oatmeal with strawberry and banana…

and a soy cafe au lait.

I stopped by my house to put on dry clothes and ran a few more miles before taking a GRIT class.

I’m a little embarrassed by this pic, but does anyone else’s bathroom look like this after running?

We like to stay at the Watercolor Inn a few times a year (it’s my happy place). These hooks are intended for beach towels and swimsuits, but they are perfection for runners. If we ever remodel our master bath, I want a wall of hooks.

After GRIT class I did my regular Post-Run Routine.

1.  After every run, I drink some Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate.    I first tried it after reading this article from The No Meat Athlete.

2.  I also like to drink some Svelte Cappuccino Protein Shake.  Post-workout protein helps speed recovery.  It’s vegan, no mixing is required, and it tastes great!

3.  After a long run, I drink Vega Recovery Accelerator.  Apple Berry is my favorite flavor.

If I’m home, I’ll mix it into my Glowing Green Smoothie.  If I’m away from the house, I pack it in my Cyclone Cup and mix it with water.

The bottom unscrews for dry storage of the Vega powder and the cyclone technology mixes better than any other shaker bottle.

I tried to rest a little this afternoon and ice my broken toe.  I can tell that the swelling is getting better…yes!

I met my husband for a sushi dinner.

And ended the day with a cupcake from IveyCake.

Do you use any recovery products, shakes, etc…?

Is your bathroom covered in sweaty runner clothes?

#choosejoy

21 Miles, 3 Boys, and a Monkey

Friday Night Prep.

I don’t always eat pasta the night before my Saturday run, but when the miles start to get into the 20’s…game on!

I make sure to lay everything out the night before, because who’s brain works at 4am?  Mine does not.

Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator (Apple Berry).

Gu (Chocolate Outrage).

Cocogo (Raspberry Passion Fruit). ***Use Code: JENCHOOSESJOY for 40% off your order

Picky Bar (Cookie Doughpness).

Garmin 620.

Amphipod Thermal Lite 20oz.

Cyclone Cup

 

The all important coffee is setup and ready to go.

Nespresso Vertuoline and Aeroccino (It’s the only frother I’ve found that works really well on almond or soy milk)

 

Saturday Long Run

4:00am alarm…doh!

100 % humidity at 6am…good times!

 

1

I am pacing an awesome Fleet Feet Nashville: Chicago Marathon training group.  I ran 3 solo miles, met my group and paced for 18 miles. 21.5 total.

My favorite recovery breakfast is oatmeal. Isn’t this the prettiest oatmeal?!  Trust me…it tasted even better than it looked!!!

 

 

3 of our nephews were staying with us this weekend, so after an ice bath and oatmeal, my husband and I took them rock climbing.  I felt surprisingly good after running (no soreness at all).  That’s a lot of progress for me!

 

3 little monkeys showing us how it’s done!

 

After rock climbing, we stopped for dinner and froyo.

 

Vegetable Lettuce wraps from PF Chang’s

 

Sweet Cece’s.  I promise there’s froyo underneath that cookie dough;)

 

The Monkey

A couple of weeks ago, I entered the lottery for the Flying Monkey Marathon.  Well…I got in.  Let the terror begin to set in.  This is going to be a doozy.  Here is a note from the RD and the elevation chart:

“Today is not your lucky day.  Today is, in fact, a bad bad day for you.  I am sorry.

We have run the lottery, and your name was selected as one that can participate in this year’s Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon.  Yep.  You are in.  Words cannot express how sorry I am for you.  Or how sorry you will be.  Anyhow, looks like you are in.  Good luck with that.  You will most certainly regret it.  I’ll be in touch.”

What do you eat for dinner the night before you long run/race day?  Are you superstitious about eating the same foods each week?

I’m wrapping up my first week of blogging.  THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support and encouragement!!!  #choosejoy

Beat the Heat

Are you battling the hot summer temps?  I am definitely feeling the heat in Tennessee.  Remember that it’s important to drink an electrolyte drink during your workouts…especially during these hot summer months.  My favorite drink mix is from Cocogo, so I’ve started making Cocogo ice cubes to add to my handheld.  I just mix two packets to one cup of water and freeze.  This way my drink will stay cold without being diluted. These cute little hearts make me happy❤️

Cocogo was nice enough to give my readers a discount code!  Use code: JENNIFERCHAFFIN for 40% off your order.

My favorite handheld is the Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Thermal-Lite 20oz.

In Shoe News…The Saucony Kinvara 5 won the Runner’s World Editor’s Choice Award!

If you follow me on my social media pages, you already know my love for the Saucony Kinvara (especially the Kinvara 5). I love the bright yellow!

Speaking of staying cool, I got a haircut today!  It’s the shortest my hair has ever been, and it feels great.  You will see me in this “Embrace The Hill” shirt from RunFarGirl A LOT…I live in it!

 

Do you use an electrolyte drink during your runs? If so, which brand/flavor is your favorite?
Do you carry a handheld, fuel belt, or camelbak?