Running at 5:00 am? Really?

Yes! Today is going to be quite busy. I have errands and meetings that start at 7AM and will continue until 2PM. Then we have guests coming over for dinner. So the only time I can really run is 'early'.

Amazingly, I woke up at 5AM, got dressed in my gear, and headed out at 5:15AM. I warmed up for about 1/2 mile and then started my interval training -- three minutes running, two minutes power-walking (3:2). It was a little chilly outside before sunrise, but it felt pretty good to be out there. I did intervals for 2 miles and then cooled down for another 1/2 mile. Total run: 3 miles in 40 minutes.

I ended up running 6 intervals of five minutes each at a pace of 13:40 (with run segments averaging 11 minutes/mile). Not too bad, I think (except I did not have time to stretch afterwards). I need to keep working on my endurance so that three weeks from now, I can complete my next 5K in less than 40 minutes (2 minutes faster than my last 5K).

I got home, showered, and then headed to my Weight Watchers meeting where I weighed in 1lb down from last week. Sweet! The rest of the day was positive I think because I made the time to get my run in. Yay!

Cardio and Nutrition

Friday morning workouts are a little less intense. Cardio only goes for about 30 minutes, followed by 20 minutes with a nutrition expert at LifeTme who analyzes our meal plans for the last week and then offers advice on substitutions and healthier eating habits. I usually learn something every Friday from Ilysia which is cool.

Today was the first time I worked under the new 'plan' from Meghan where I get to run more. She put us through the paces! We did a lot with the hand weights and resistance bands while walking at 3.3mph at a 6% incline. We even got in about 20 push-ups. But whenever the inclines increased to 8% or more, I did my running instead (at a 2% incline though). I picked 4.4 for my speed on these 2 minute runs and that felt pretty good to me. I only ran a total of 1.6 miles today but it was a good beginning given the abbreviated workout time.

Nutrition's Role in Exercise

The topic for today was Meals for Pre and Post Workouts -- the Dos and Donts. This was a good session. Taking in about 20g of carbs and 5g of protein no more than 10 minutes before working out will spike your blood sugar (which raises the insulin level in the blood and keeps the blood sugar levels from crashing). Low blood sugar levels during workouts cause the body to find other fuel sources -- in protein and muscle -- rather than from fat.

I also learned that after a workout, it is best to replenish the body within 30-45 minutes (the sooner the better). Otherwise, the body's stress response has a negative effect on recovery. It is best NOT to have a meal with fat and whole foods right away because they actually reduce the absorption time of protein and carbs. So if you have a protein shake, for example, don't also have a breakfast wrap or something like that.

Drink the protein shake (which should have 30g fruit and/or maltodextrin and 21g of whey protein in it) and then wait about 45 minutes before eating anything else more substantial to ensure the body absorbs the shake's nutrients as thoroughly as possible. I used to have a shake with protein, milk, bananas, and peanut butter. But Ilysia said for post-workout recovery, no peanut butter because of its fat content. Instead just add another fruit to it for maximum benefit. Hmmm.. good to know!

I picked me up some Da Vinci Whey Protein so that I can make protein shakes at home when I run during the weekends. Milk/Water, bananas, strawberries, and a scoop of the protein (31g), and I am good-to-go!

On a side note: my trainer Meghan is going to be doing the IronMan in the next few months. Wow! I am so impressed! I know she and her hubby are going to do well. (That is one event which is NOT one of my goals. Lol). I am, however, considering a 10K Run in Naperville this August...