Presenting another ugly smoothie creation that looks disgusting, but tastes great.

I call it…. The Gray Monster!!  Grrrrr!!! 🙂

With approximately 400 calories, 1 serving of veggies, 1 serving of fruit, over 18 grams of protein, and whole grain fiber…. the Gray Monster is sure to tame my hunger all morning long!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 scoop ImmunPlex Protein Powder (30 calories, 9 grams of protein)
• 2 cups frozen spinach
• 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 3/4 cup frozen peaches
• 1/4 cup oatmeal

Training Before the Big Day

My first half marathon is on Saturday! I often think about the fact that two years ago, I struggled to run 1/4 mile…. and now I’m going to blast 13.1 miles.  That’s why I LOVE RUNNING so much–put in the effort, and you can see tangible results!

I’ve put a lot of thought towards my training schedule for this week.  I am concerned about my leg.  I’m not sure what’s wrong with it (maybe shin splits?); however, I don’t think it’s too serious, considering I ran a 15K on Saturday without any issues. 

Backing out of the Half Marathon is NOT an option at this point.  Why?  Well, the pain is not intense or debilitating.  A little physical discomfort isn’t enough to stop me–if it was, I certainly wouldn’t be a long-distance runner! My mother and father are driving hundreds of miles to watch me race.  I have been training for this race for the last three months.  And I already paid the entry fee. :) 

Of course, I don’t want to push my luck.  Therefore, I’m going to take this week relatively easy, allowing my leg to mend as much as possible.  I plan to only squeeze in one longer run before the race.

Here’s my schedule:

• Monday: 6 mile run
• Tuesday: Rest (We have dinner plans and won’t be able to make it to the gym.)
• Wednesday: 4 mile run with Meghann
• Thursday: 20 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike, and strength training
• Friday: Yoga class (Although I typically take the day before a run off, I am taking a yoga class to relax my leg muscles and ensure I stretch properly.)
• Saturday: Half Marathon!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Sunday: Rest

Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character. ~T. Alan Armstrong.

Enjoy your day!