weekend miles & setting a goal

Yesterday morning my sister Jodi and I completed an 11 mile run at a 9:37 average pace.  This was a whole minute-per-mile faster than last weekend’s long run of 12.75 miles (I averaged around a 10:30 pace for that run).  The route was different – there were definitely more hills last weekend – but still, a whole minute faster?  This leaves me wondering about consistency and how much I should/could push myself on my runs.  Especially my shorter runs during the week.  When I run long I don’t worry too much about my pace (especially since having my baby 3 months ago).  I make sure I’m comfortable and steady and just sort of GO.  For my shorter runs though, especially as I am trying to regain my fitness and strength, I think I need to be pushing myself and increasing my speed.  Perhaps it is time for a little speed play?

Today I needed to run…I felt like I had to shake some things off.  I ran 3.5 miles and averaged a 9:19 pace.  It was so nice to sweat it out.

Total mileage for the week was 26.5. Getting closer to my goal of 30 miles per week by June 1st.  Woot!

Speaking of goals…

I am still a good 10 pounds heavier than I was before I got pregnant last spring and I cannot fit into my pants yet.  I’m getting a little tired of wearing yoga pants all.the.time.  My baby will be 12 weeks old this week and I think it is time to get serious about losing these extra LBs.  I eat a pretty healthy diet and honestly love healthy fruits and veggies.  I have been a vegetarian for a loooong time and have eaten a mostly vegan diet for the past 3 years.  My problem is SUGAR.  And portion sizes (whoa, man can I eat A LOT).  This doesn’t usually bother me too much except that I have weight to lose and it is really getting to me.  Summer is around the corner and I want to (A) feel good in my own clothes, possibly a bathing suit! and (B) run faster.  I need to lose this weight.  I think this blog can help me be accountable, so I am going to chart my progress here and tell you how it is going.

Starting RIGHT THIS MINUTE I am going to do the following:

1. take processed sugars out of my diet.  When I have a sweet tooth, I’m reaching for a piece of fruit (or 10 if that is what it takes!).  
2. reduce my consumption of gluten. For a long time I have believed that it messes with me – mainly my digestive system and my brain.  I love other grains like rice and quinoa so I think this will not be too hard, especially since a lot of foods with processed sugars also have gluten in them.
3. watch my portion sizes and think twice before I have a second helping…Am I hungry for more, really? … I need to be more self aware when I am eating.
4. make sure to drink at least 8 full glasses of water a day.