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?

This morning I had a short and sweet 2 mile run that I completed on the treadmill at the gym. It felt anything but short and sweet, however, because I didn’t have my tunes to distract me. I occasionally don’t mind running without music, but the treadmill boredom just calls for some pump-me-up jams. I think the fact that I had just revamped my playlist and then left my iPhone at home bummed me the most. I had anticipated listening to all of these goodies -

Because My Playlists Feel Incomplete Without Their Music

The Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga

Til The World Ends – Britney Spears

Just Can’t Get Enough – The Black Eyed Peas

Katy Perry – E.T. (which btw is SO weird, but strangely addicting)

Because Dance Tunes Make Great Running Music

Tonight – Enrique Iglesias featuring Ludacris

Dynamite – Taio Cruz

Happy, Upbeat Songs to Keep Me Going

Keep Ya Head Up – Andy Grammer

Good Life – One Republic

I Waited Way Too Long To Add To My iTunes Library

Rolling In The Deep - Adele

Loser Like Me – Glee

Good music does so much for me. I can have boundless energy if I have great music powering me through. At least I know these songs will come in handy on my 6 mile run Saturday morning! I also now know what I need to ask for as a birthday present – iTunes gift cards. New music may be worth it, but it adds up fast!

• What new music are you currently loving?
• How often do you revamp or switch up the music you listen to? I like to switch up my playlist every week or two, but I only add new music every few months. I mix it up between stuff like above and my favorite Christian artists.

IMPORTANT!! Please take a moment to visit Susan’s blog and give her an uplifting message of love and support as she battles a tough health situation. Please.