Cardio Options for when you just can't make it outdoors...

The weather has been very difficult lately. It was snowing in Nashville and now it won't stop raining in San Diego. Plus, the wind is really picking up. I've put together some great options for getting in your cardio indoors.

1. P90X

P90X is a thing of late night cheesy infomercials that really works. Most of the workouts are weightlifting exercises, but if you can get your hands on the Plyometrics, Kenpo, or Core DVDs then you have some great workouts. I have to admit that while they are hard, they are also incredibly fun. Plus, I love Tony Horton.

2. Insanity

 
I did 22 minutes of the Pure Cardio DVD last night; it's 38 minutes long. Um, my calves and lower back are super sore. I am going to try another DVD tonight, but I have a feeling they are all the same: my legs get sore and tired before my lungs. Still, it was tough and quick which is great during when you don't have a lot of time to train. If you're well trained, I would try this one out. Otherwise, you'll end up like me.

3. Zumba

 
It's not fair for me to be rating this system since I haven't tried it. I did watch the infomercial and I've read reviews online. It looks like it's the new workout craze sweeping the nation. From the videos, it looks more like cardio for the beginner. Unfortunately, anything that appeals to housewives doesn't look too hardcore to me. On the other hand, this video will probably give your heart a good workout while not leaving you too sore to walk like the other two.

Eating Veggie - Recipe #1

Just as I am embarking on this journey and trying to figure out what the heck to eat to help keep me feeling good, Yahoo goes and posts an article on the benefits on quinoa.

I already really like quinoa, but I can never find the perfect recipe. It's right next to couscous at Trader Joe's, but it works differently in foods. I try to swap them out all the time, but the quinoa is never perfect.

The best part of this article is the vanilla quinoa pudding. I just copied the receipe from the Yahoo link, but here it is:

Vanilla Quinoa Pudding
Quinoa in this application results in a cross between rice pudding and tapioca, with more protein than either.

• 3 cups whole milk (works well with soy or nut milk for a vegan version)
• 1 vanilla bean (split, or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup quinoa

Rinse quinoa. Mix milk, vanilla, maple syrup and salt in a saucepan and set on simmer. Add quinoa and cook for 30 minutes, stirring frequently (but not constantly).Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool. Serve warm, or refrigerate. Top with all kinds of delicious tidbits; berries, dried fruit, nuts, nutmeg, brown sugar, etc.

The Verdict: It was really good just off the stove top. It had an amazing vanilla aroma and a creamy white color like tapioca pudding. Of course, the serving size was what  I would eat in a week so I stored it in the fridge. It does not taste as good a few days later and the beautiful aroma was gone. But I still think it's a great for a sweet tooth and post work out.

Nutrition Facts (using vanilla extract and soy milk):
- Total Cal: 1136 cal
- Fat: 22.55 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 187

Just don't eat it all at once...

Fit and Food Queen: Healthy snacks that taste good too:)

If you're not into just hearing about running, you can check out my friend Sandra's blog. Her recent post on healthy snacks is super helpful for everyone whether you're training or not.

Fit and Food Queen: Healthy snacks that taste good too:): "By request from my friend... Here are some healthy snacks that are easy to make, yummy to eat and can get you on the right track with you di..."

Snow Running

It's started snowing here in Nashville today. Before this, it was just snow flurries that melted like rain. Here is what we are dealing with now:

So we're not collapsing any stadium roofs here like in Minnesota, but it's enough to keep me indoors and not training. So what to do to keep safe in these conditions?

I've researched the best shoes to wear this snow season to help everyone stay safe and warm.

1. Yaktrax - $30
Basically, they are cables that hook over your regular shoe and give you stability on packed snow and ice. According to the website the pro version is the best for running.
Positives: Affordable and easy to use
Negatives: Need some waterproof shoes

2. Kahtoola Running Snowshoes - $239
They are light weight, narrower snow shoes that help you trudge through deeper snow drifts.
Positives: Good for deeper snow drifts
Negatives: Cost, Takes some getting used to

3. Crampons (Can be purchased from REI, Backcountry.com or Kahtoola even makes some.) Varies from $100 - $200
Positives: Aluminum versions are very light weight, the fit right over your shoe like Yaktrax
Negatives: Depending on how often you use them, they can be a little pricey, need waterproof shoes

 4. Screw Shoes - DIY option, $5 + the shoes
If you have some older shoes that you are willing to commit to snow running, then this is a good idea. You can take the screws out once the spring hits, but I don't have any experience in how easy this would be or if the shoes would still be in good shape.
Positives: Inexpensive, supplies can be found at your local hardware store
Negatives: Could ruin your shoes

That's the re-cap on winter shoes. If you are thinking about trying to barefoot in the snow, you're crazy, but this guy tried it. So at least you're in good company.

Happy Snow Day friends!

Days to Nashville Half: 139, Days to Solar Eclipse: 701

Takes Trying to Find Shoes to A Whole New Level...

The entire month of December is going to be dedicated to shoes here at the Daily Marathon. Before we get to talking about barefoot running, shoe fittings, and climate control, I wanted to share an inspiring TED talk from Aimee Mullins.

Aimee is the first double amputee to compete in NCAA Division 1 track and field. This video is especially relevant right now because Aimee doesn't so much pick out shoes as she picks out feet. If you watch the video to the end, she actually changes out her legs to show off her carbon fiber gams. If that doesn't get you, then her amazing attitude and humor will.

Plus, she very cutely mentions the work she has to go through to find shoes!

Slow Training Week

Finals week is here and I'm one busy lady.

It is has also been in the 30's this week and I'm a serious weenie. California has it's drawbacks like a whacked out budget and supa' high taxes, but it's usually sunny and not cold. I am really spoiled that way; this weather has really killed my motivation.

This weekend will be in the 50's so let's see how that goes...

New Training Widget!

I added the dailymile training widget there on the left. (In case you didn't see the bright orange.)

So I won't add any more blog posts about distance and pace since they'll track it all for me. I invite you to join dailymile and add me as your friend.

I have some more articles in the works- I'll expand more on barefoot running and ultra marathons in the next week.

Happy running!

Long Distance Running Inspiration...

Plus, a little intimidation.

Check out David Goggins - Ultra marathon runner.



After watching that I wonder what is my limit? And do I really want to find out?

Training Log

Day 2: I sucked at the gym today. It must have been the fried food, appetizers, and wine I had earlier.

Distance: 1.5 miles
Pace: 12 min/mile

I have a long way to go to be ready for the half marathon in April! Not to mention, I need to start augmenting my schedule to accomodate my run time. Now that it's sunny out, I'll attempt to run in the morning.

Anyone else have preference on morning vs evening running?

150 days until the Nashville Half and 712 days until the Solar Eclipse.

Training Log

I just ran a 5K at the gym on the treadmill in my Vibram's. My pace was 11.29 minutes per mile.

I would have liked to get outside, but I think this a good alternative to night time running in the rain. 

Time remaining: 152 days to the Nash Half and 714 days to the Solar Eclipse

Shoes!

I love shoes. In fact, I think I might like the act of shoe shopping more than the shoes. I often shoe shop online, constantly saving items for later or adding them to my cart, but never buying. The problem is that shoes are expensive.

So that brings me to my running dilemma, what should I wear on my feet?

Lately, I have been rockin' the Vibram Five Fingers. (Those are my feet.)

Totally funky and fun, right? I really like the idea of barefoot running and these shoes help me do that without getting quite so dirty and beat up. On the other hand, I haven't gone more than 4 miles in them. Plus, one has started to squeak, the seam started to come undone (which I suppose I could fix), and one of my toes seems to get beat up more than the others. They also don't keep my feet very warm.

My other option is the Nike Free's I've had for a few years now. They kind of look like this, but more purple and pink.

I like them since they allow me to wear socks to keep my ankles warm and they are pretty comfy. Unfortunately, they are pretty old so I would probably need to get a new pair which means spending $80.


I'd like to note that I am not really following the rules on how often you should change your running shoes. I like wearing minimalist shoes, but I've never really clocked the miles required to train for and complete an actual marathon. Will my shoe collection be sufficient?

My plan is to start out with the Vibram's since I have been running in those for a few months. The tricky part will be seeing how/when/if I will switch to Nike Free's. I guess it will be a fun little science experiment.

So what is a Solar Eclipse Marathon?

The best place to get the details about the race is at the website here: Solar Eclipse Marathon.

The basic idea is that on Nov 14, 2012 there will be a solar eclipse. In Port Douglas, Australia, they will have a full eclipse which means that they will see the sun be completely blocked out by the moon. The race starts immediately after the sun beings to reappear from behind the moon (about 6:30am). Then it's 26.2 miles around Port Douglas on an adventurous marathon.

An adventure marathon, according to the website, is "characterized by a location of magnificent scenery and/or a unique cultural atmosphere, as well as being more physically demanding than traditional marathons...Various surfaces (rock, ice, gravel, asphalt etc.) must occur on the course. Abrupt ascents must be part of the course; at minimum 5-10% ascents spread over 5 to 10 km. Extreme elements must be part of the course, e.g. high altitude, steep ascents, sand dunes, cold/frost or heat...runners finish 25-75% later than at an average marathon." I'm tired already. In addition to this ultra special solar eclipse marathon, they have Polar Circle Marathon, a Great Wall marathon, and 2 other crazy ones.

Because I have never run a marathon, I will need to train and I will need to run at least 2-3 other marathons before Nov 2012. I have a little less than 2 years so I think my biggest hurdle will be my own bad lazy habits. That is why I started this blog. Maybe this will help me persevere when I just don't feel like it.

The blog will have several main themes:
1. Training for a marathon while in business school with very little time and money
2. Being a vegetarian athelete
3. Running all the races in between now and Nov 2012


Here is my tentative race schedule to help me prepare for 2012:

Nashville Country Music Half Marathon	4/30/2011
San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon	6/5/2011
San Diego Marine Core Marathon	TBD	Sept 2011
808Hawaii 30K	10/23/2011
Solar Eclipse Marathon	11/14/2012

Finally, at the end of every post I will provide a countdown to the 2012 marathon as well as the upcoming race.

So, 715 days to Solar Eclipse and 153 days to the Nashville Half. Wish me luck!