Out of Gas

I punked out on my run this morning. I tried out the Map My Run app, and I made it to 2.26 miles and started walking. I was almost home, but not quite. Then I came home and tried to do some arm toning and ab exercises, but without a real plan, I don't think I worked very hard. Then I took a nap on the sofa for about 20 minutes. Then I went upstairs and crawled back in bed with Pete for another 10. Then I was late for work.

Something cool did happen on my run. The Map My Run app alerts you when you hit each mile, telling you your pace. It took me 11:40 minutes to cover my first mile. I wasn't too surprised--I'm always creaky the first few minutes of my run--but that pace wasn't acceptable. So I picked it up. And at about 20:30 minutes, I was at mile 2. That means that my second mile took less than 9 minutes. Rock on! Apparently that pace took it out of me, though, because I quit shortly after.

I don't know what my deal is. I was really tired today. Maybe I'm not giving myself enough sleep. I also saw an interesting article in my inbox this morning: "The 10 Biggest Fitness Mistakes that are Making You Fat." Terrible title. But this snippet caught my eye. Maybe my problem is fuel?

I get side aches very easily, so right now, I wake up, allow myself 5 sips of water (no more, no less), and go. Maybe I need to try fueling up. It would have to be something small that packs a big punch. What would that even be? I mean, if I drink too much water, I'm cramping up. Huh.

Anyway, that brings me to my tips for dealing with side aches, which I promised weeks and weeks back (not that anyone is waiting with bated breath).

When I get a side ache, I deepen my breathing. I pack my lungs as tightly as I can, and then I breathe out as slowly as possible. I also check my posture, straightening up my back and tucking my pelvis in. I suck in my stomach, too. I've read that the reason for side aches is strain to the connective ligaments that hold your organs in place. Did you know that most side aches occur on the right side? This is because your liver is a heavy organ and the bouncing up and down of running puts a lot of strain on the ligaments holding it in. When you breath deeply, your diaphragm lowers, so the ligaments aren't stretched as much. I think sucking your stomach in helps too because you're using your ab muscles to help stabilize your organs. Another reason I really need to strengthen my core.

I've found in the past few months that I can certainly run through a side ache. Often I'll get them at the beginning of my run, but if I keep going, it usually subsides. Provided I haven't had anything to eat or drink beyond my 5 sips of water.

I'm going to have to work on figuring out this fuel conundrum.

Speaking of fuel, I have a recipe to share:

Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados.

(Serves 4, but I don't have the points value for that. If you divide it among three servings and ditch one of the avocado halves, it's 7 points plus)

Combine 1 Tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese (at room temp), 2 Tbsp non-fat mayo, and 2 Tbsp 2% milk (or light cream).

When it's mixed smooth, add 3 Tbsp diced cucumber, 3 Tbsp diced celery, 1 tsp minced onion, 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley (we used the dried kind because some us don't like having huge bunches of parsley rotting in their fridge), a dash of salt and pepper, and 1/2 cup cooked tiny shrimp.

Cover and refrigerate for an hour (or, you know, 20 minutes if you have problems planning ahead like us).

Cut 2 avocados lengthwise, remove pits, and lay each half on a bed of mixed salad greens. Fill avocados with shrimp mixture. Yum!

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