Our lives include so many numbers. Numbers on the scale, numbers in our bank account, number of designer clothes in our closets, number of activities we participate in, number of calories we eat, number of workouts we complete or miles we run, number of Facebook friends, number of page views. Sometimes we fall into the trap of  allowing the numbers to define our lives and our worth.

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We get discouraged that we don’t make as much money as someone else. We see a number on the scale and it determines our mood for the day. We constantly check in on stats as a way to verify ourselves. We doubt ourselves in comparison to others for not doing as much.

Numbers can start as a tool to help us reach certain goals. For example, to run a marathon you have to track mileage to adequately prepare yourself. When working to lose weight, counting calories can help progress. When keeping up with a budget, we must track the numbers in our bank accounts. Numbers do serve a purpose. They can help us achieve certain tasks. Yet often they can also create a slippery slope for our self-esteem to slide down.

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We need to stop using numbers as a measuring stick for who we are. You can’t put love for others on a scale. You can’t put passion in a bank account. You can’t put fun and enjoyment on a tally sheet. You can’t put friendship in a spreadsheet. So, look past the numbers and to the bigger picture of what makes up our lives.

• Have you ever been stuck in a numbers trap? What could you have focused on besides the numbers?

This morning marked the first long run for my slow and steady half marathon training plan. It has been a couple of weeks since I embarked on anything longer than 4 miles, so I set my starting point at a reasonable 6 mile long run. Before heading out the door this morning, I grabbed a Gatorade performance drink to keep me hydrated.

A few weeks ago, Gatorade sent me some of their new G Series FIT products to try out for the ‘ol blog. With 6 miles I didn’t need a Gu packet or other fuel, but I wanted something to balance out my buckets of sweat and aid my endurance. The Melon Pear performance drink did the trick. PS – Loved the flavor!

I finished up my six miles with an 8:56 average pace.

Hold up. What was that first number again? EIGHT?! The only time I’ve seen my average pace anywhere in the eights for a longer run was my 10K race. Today’s average pace was even faster than my speed work on Wednesday. Why, hello electrolyte superpowers!

Also, if you’re interested, Gatorade’s G Series FIT includes small energy bites for pre-workout fuel and a recovery drink with a great balance of carbs and protein for post-workout. They make great options for those who need something convenient for on-the-go or for those who have trouble stomaching much volume before or after workouts. I like how Gatorade emphasizes the importance of fueling well before, during, and after a workout – because we all need to pay attention to our fueling technique. 🙂

FFF Features time! First, a BIG feature. I finally added a recipe page!

I don’t consider myself a “food blogger”, so I always shied away from creating a page with recipes. Then you all convinced me through Twitter and Facebook (do you hang there with me yet?!) that a recipe page would make a great addition. I want to make it easier to access my super simple concoctions. I tried to find everything, but I no doubt left some things out. Let me know if you had something specific in mind that you can’t seem to find!

Featured Post of the Week: Emotional Eating / Overeating Triggers

Featured Workout: The Workout BEAST

Featured Meal: My Favorite Enchiladas

Featured Cuteness: Unseen Daytona Pictures

Featured Reading: Three New Blogs to Check Out

 Liz @ Little Bitty Bakes

Yum! On every single recipe. Liz makes my mouth water daily.

Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

SO inventive! SO fit! So badass in the best way possible, but still SUCH a sweetheart.

Kris @ I Heart Wellness

She works incredibly hard. Read her blog for unparalleled motivation and passion.

• What do you focus on the most: pre-, during-, or post- workout nutrition?