I was feeling pretty lazy when I tweeted:

• CaitlinHTP:  OK twitter friends – i need motivation!! i NEED to run 4 miles but i am so tired and feel lazy. HELP

Look at all the motivating advice I received back!

• HelpMeghanRun@CaitlinHTP You can do it! Think of how awesome it will feel when you’re done. And plan a special treat (food or otherwise) for afterward 😀
• WhereIsTheGnome@CaitlinHTP Put on your running clothes and leave your house. Just go! It’s only 40 minutes or so…
• AlexDrew@caitlinhtp it always helps me to download a new CD and then listen to it while you run, it changes it up your run a little
• CarrotsNCake@CaitlinHTP Think about how GREAT you will feel afterwards! Run for me and my bum hip! 🙂
• pbswirl@CaitlinHTP you can do it 🙂 Just think of that great runners high afterwards! haha
• KathEats@CaitlinHTP I just went 4 miles and ran super slow. Just go to jog, not run, and see the pretty sights.
• PaigeRAN@CaitlinHTP you can do it! Think of it as "four easy miles" 😉
• fitchicknyc@CaitlinHTP You will be so happy when its over. Just get out there and do it!
• Blogstalker@CaitlinHTP I typically bribe myself with pizza and beer at the finish line. Sort of defeats the purpose but works every time.
• BalanceSusan@CaitlinHTP get in your running gear. You’ll feel silly once you have it on and HAVE to go! 🙂
• HangryPants@CaitlinHTP You will smile and feel more energized when it’s over.

What great tips!   After reading all of those motivational responses, I put on my running clothes and hit the pavement.

I ended up compromising with myself and did 3.0 miles instead of 4.0 miles.  Sometimes, that’s all I need to do to get myself out the door.  It was a very relaxing run because I left my iPod at home and just listened to the sounds of the city and my breathing. 

• Duration: 29 minutes 3 seconds
• Distance: 3.0 miles
• Calories Burned: 240 approx

…Which concludes a 14.0-mile week for the first week of marathon training!

Here are my eats for the afternoon and evening.  Granola, Oikos yogurt, and pecans.

Another few dates.

And dinner by Husband:

Farmers’ market pasta with cream sauce, green beans,  zucchini, and kidney beans.

For dessert, I tried to make the banana ice cream that been floating around the blog world.  All you do is blend two frozen bananas (for two servings) in a food processor:

I was pretty skeptical, I must admit!  I would never say this tastes like ice cream, but it was a nice healthy alternative.

With coconut and raspberries!

Off to try to get some sleep.  It’s been a pretty crazy weekend, and I’m hoping Monday is non-eventful.

How do you get motivated to work out?