Giving myself the freedom to just run #running #training #Diet

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

Back from vacation. But not a vacation from running, technically I only skipped 1 scheduled running day in the entire week and a half. And I skipped that the morning after I completed a 4 mile mountain hike followed by an hour playing in the swimming pool with the kids.

But I didn't skip any other runs. I even did 4+ miles on the 4th (of July.) 

But I started to notice a recent trend, that since I stopped trying to adhere to the special planned workouts that when I finish up my so-called percentage has gone down, from normally in the 80-90% range to the 30-40% range. But you know what? I just don't care. I gave myself the freedom to just run, with the only constraint being a mileage goal for the day. And after completing a 10K this morning with an average of nearly 10 minute miles, even with some hills over the first 2 miles I am very happy with where I stand. 

I have a 10K race this weekend, running a mostly flat and slightly downhill route and I hope to turn in a good time. Will I be crushed if I don't PR? No, but I sure think I can do that if I go into it with the right mindset. But my new found goal is just to not slow down and walk, and just have fun with it. 

Eating

The one downside of vacation was some disorganized eating. I didn't necessarily ever really pig out or get carried away with junk food. And I kept up my streak of avoiding fast food hamburgers. So my calories were for the most part even with my goal. But that was because I would have days where I would have a big breakfast and lunch and then no dinner, or a big breakfast, no lunch and then big dinner. And I know that is not good for me. 

Now that vacation is over, I have a good mental line to use to get back to some better eating habits. And since Kim's work schedule is getting back to a more regular, civilized time she can also join with me in improving our overall habits. 

It's an eternal battle, because we like to eat, we don't have any other real vices. And with 3 younger, picky kids, it is often easier to just run down to Taco Bell, or eat cereal for breakfast. My running has been my saving grace to keep my health good. But I know it could be better with just a little more effort.