You know what I have learned about running in the past couple of months? It’s hard and provides a great personal challenge? Yes. Although, I’m not talking about the run itself. I’m talking about all the details to figure out for the strongest and most comfortable run! But first, a recap of the day.

I headed out to Group Power (a weights class) this morning after breakfast. I loved class today. A new instructor to our gym led part of the time and she picked the best music tracks. I also increased my weights a bit this week after just reacquainting myself with the class last week. I forget how killer these classes are. They work ya good!

After my weights, I headed out to a park to meet up with our friends from playgroup. I had a total mommy fail moment. I assumed the weather would warm up like it has been the past week. Um, no! It actually got colder and windier from when I left the house this morning. We hung out for about 20 minutes and then I had to call it quits because I didn’t want Makenzie or Braedon getting sick. 

Thankfully, it got warmer again as the day went on. Thursday means another run day for me! Also thankfully, I received a special product in the mail just in time.

My run Tuesday left me with some unattractive chafing in certain places that shall not be pictured. Namely, the underside of my “milk makers” and what the hip-hop group D4L calls “laffy taffy” (inner thighs, right?). Anyhoo…chaffing. That stuff hurts! I have heard all you runners talk about it, but I had no clue. Ouchity ouch ouch. Stingity sting sting.

The company 2Toms sent me some of their roll-on Sport Shield to try out and protect against chaffing. I tried it out on my 3.5 mile run today.

 I didn’t feel any pain from the current spots and don’t feel any additional chaffing either. It’s the first product like this I have ever tried, but I liked it a lot. Not only did it fulfill its purpose, but it did so nicely. It wasn’t greasy and didn’t make my clothes nasty. It felt light-weight on my skin, despite being a long-lasting and waterproof product. I also appreciate that the company 2Toms makes sure their products are non-toxic and contain no animal products. You should give them a try! Or you can enter their giveaway on Facebook for a YEAR supply of their products. Click HERE to learn more.

So, not only have I learned the joys of chaffing to worry about with running, I have also been working to learn the best pre-run fuel for me. I’ve tried a few different things.

All of these worked well, but I want to try a variety of options to see what really leaves me feeling the best. I know from past experience I like something with quicker carbs coupled with something that has some staying power (protein or fat). Today I tried another combo that fits that bill – mini PBB (peanut butter banana) sandwiches.

Mini PBB sandwiches sounds so much nicer than peanut butter smooshed between banana slices, doesn’t it?

It will still be trial and error to decide what works the best. I know I had the apple and yogurt before my PDR on Tuesday. Ideally, I think I would do best with a bowl of oats about 2 hours before a run. Yet…I run in the afternoons, too far away from lunch and before dinner, so snack it is. I will figure out the perfect combo soon enough. 

Question of the Day – How do you fuel before a workout?

*2Toms sent me their product for my own personal review. The opinions expressed are completely my own and not compensated for in any way.

I started the day off in a bit of a funk, but things quickly began looking up. Little by little, the different enjoyable parts of my day brightened my mood. Love when that happens!

I started the day with a full body weights workout. 

Splitting up my weights and runs (so I can run outdoors) really works well for me during the week. I was able to finish the above workout quickly, then come home for a tasty egg breakfast.

Two dippy eggs – 1 atop a slice of toast spread with a Blue Cheese Laughing Cow wedge and 1 atop a slice of toast slathered with TJs Cranberry Apple Butter. Along with the obligatory Pink Lady apple. Can you tell I got hungry before picture time?

After filling my belly, I had plenty of time to play with the kids and take them on a slow, leisurely 15 minute walk around the neighborhood. Then, I kept things fairly low-key the remainder of the day. I enjoyed an easy, tasty meal of leftovers for lunch.

A polenta enchilada bake that included cornmeal, pinto beans, olives, corn, salsa, and cilantro. With the tastiest mango I’ve had outside of the Dominican on the side.

Things really started turning around during the naptime I got out of the kids. I managed to relax with my first iced coffee of the season while Google chatting with Peter. I love iced coffee. It tastes better for some reason.

I love having weather that calls for iced coffee again. We reached 80 here today! That made for a hot run this afternoon.

A hot, sweaty, successful run. PDR of 4 miles!!! It must have been my cute, new 4all by jofit skirt. 😉

• Mile 1 = 9:32
• Mile 2 = 9:23
• Mile 3 = 9:17
• Mile 4 = 9:17
• Average = 9:22

I honestly could have kept going, but want to play it safe with my mileage increases. I also had some things to sweat out again. Last night I reached a peak with a friend issue. I really debated writing about it here, but I have to.

I have a friend who only ever contacts me when she needs something. In fact, my mother’s diagnosis happened about a month ago. I immediately texted her (because she was at work) when I found out about my mom’s MS. Then, I called frequently in the week following. Not once did she return a text, call, email, or anything to show any sympathy or support with my mom. In a month. In fact, she called last night to be sure I could still make it to a party she is having this weekend. I told her I would be visiting my mom instead, to which she promptly started giving me defensive excuses on why she hasn’t contacted me about the news.

I have battled with feelings of this friendship not satisfying me for awhile. I feel like there is only give on my part and take on hers. Our conversations are always about either her life  or her body/weight. <--Not exaggerating. I haven’t looked forward to the times we see each other in a long time because it always leaves me with such a negative energy.

I want to “break-up” with this friend. I don’t feel anything badly about her. I simply no longer feel the need to remain in any sort of relationship that does not fulfill me. I debated whether or not to talk to her about it, but I know it would lead to her getting defensive and turning it into a fight. I would be there for her if needed, but I honestly am at a point where I want to minimize our interactions and move on. We already don’t talk or see each other often. I would always be there in a time of need, but I also know I can no longer put myself in a place of such hurt because of a supposed “friendship”. How’s that for some serious thought on a Tuesday night? Just what you were looking for, no? 😉

Questions of the Day:

• Have you ever faced a similar situation with a friend? What did you do?
• Which do you prefer – hot or iced coffee?