It’s been a while! I took a little vacation during the first week of February with grand plans to squeeze in some runs—I even packed my gear with the best intentions. But, as often happens, the running took a back seat to too much amazing food, and well, the week (and the next) turned into a bit of a lazy haze. Ugh!
Now, though, I’m shaking off that sluggish feeling and getting back on track. Yesterday, I hit the weight room hard. My back and hips were definitely protesting, so I made sure to spend extra time stretching and strengthening those sore spots. The payoff? I woke up feeling noticeably better this morning.
Today, I challenged myself with my longest run since starting my half-marathon training—three miles. I kept a steady pace of about 13.5 minutes per mile just to make sure I could cover the distance. By the end, I was pretty wiped out—a clear sign that I had a lot of progress ahead of me. The silver lining? My body isn’t screaming in pain, which is a small but important victory as I work on building my strength and stamina.
I did, however, make one rookie mistake: after my run, I completely forgot to drink my go-to electrolyte mix, LMNT. For those who haven’t tried it, LMNT is packed with sodium, potassium, and magnesium—a combo that saved my skin during a scorching summer of golf last year. Missing it today definitely set me back a bit in recovery, so lesson learned: LMNT is now non-negotiable.
I’ll be honest—running three miles at a 13.5-minute pace left me feeling pretty humbled. It’s a stark reminder of just how far I have to go before I can confidently tackle 13.1 miles.
With my half marathon just three months away, I’m both a bit nervous and determined to improve. Can I ramp up enough to cross that finish line? Only time—and lots of training—will tell.
I’ll keep you posted with more updates next week, hopefully with a little more progress and plenty more hope. And as always, check out my arsenal of training essentials below. All believe it or not, are available on Amazon. LMNT is a permanent fixture now, and after losing my favorite Oakley running sunglasses, I hunted down the exact same pair to keep me looking cool on those runs.
Until next time, here’s to embracing the ups and downs of training—one day (and one recovery) at a time!
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - A Requirement for Me
I have been running in these shoes for thirty years. They provide great stability and cushion. I wouldn't be without them.
Naked Vanilla Pea Protein Isolate
Naked Pea is vegetarian and vegan protein powder. It has only three ingredients: Yellow Pea Protein, vanilla, and organic coconut sugar. It has no artificial sweeteners, flavors, is gluten, soy and lactose free, non-GMO and no artificial colors. It has maximum nutrition with 25g of protein and 5.6g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving. I have a dairy intolerance so I did my homework and found Naked Pea to be the best protein powder for me.
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
This is my second Garmin watch. Lost my first one. I love this watch. It provides reliable distance and pace measurements: The built-in GPS accurately tracks your routes, distance, pace, and elevation, providing reliable data for each run. The display and menu are designed for easy navigation.
- Electrolytes in the perfect ratio.
- #1 in sports nutrition electrolyte replacement drinks.
- No sugar, gluten or fillers and comes in a variety of flavors.
- I love this stuff. It's a life saver.
- The advanced lens technology helps deliver exceptional clarity and contrast, ensuring you see details accurately in a range of lighting conditions.
- Enhanced optics mean colors appear more natural and vibrant, which is ideal for outdoor sports or daily wear.
- Oakley typically uses innovative materials (like their proprietary O-Matter) to create frames that are both strong and lightweight.
- The robust build is designed to withstand the rigors of daily activities and high-impact sports without adding extra weight.
- 100% UV Block: The lenses are engineered to block harmful UVA, UVB, and often UVC rays, reducing the risk of sun-related eye damage. Consistent protection helps prevent long-term damage to your eyes, making them a smart choice for prolonged outdoor exposure.
- These are the best sunglasses I have ever owned. I wear them for running, playing golf, and anything outdoors.
The Gym People: Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
These running pants are thick and very comfortable. They stay put and don't roll down at the waist.
4. Thorne Research Creatine
- Type: Creatine monohydrate
- Why It’s Great: Thorne Research offers a pharmaceutical-grade creatine that’s NSF Certified for Sport. It’s a top choice for competitive athletes who need trustworthy supplements.
- Best For: Elite athletes who require rigorous quality assurance.
- Helps with cognitive function.
- Creatine is a must for active people.
Baleaf Thermal Fleece Tops
Very comfortable, warm, and wicks moisture. Love them.
Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Powder
- Why It Stands Out:
This best-selling magnesium citrate powder is derived from natural sources and helps promote relaxation and muscle recovery. It’s available in various flavors, including Raspberry Lemon and Unflavored. - Key Benefits:
- Eases muscle tension and stress.
- Easy-to-dissolve powder for quick absorption.
- How to Use: Mix one teaspoon with water and drink before bed for optimal recovery.
I was having painful leg and foot muscle cramps until I started taking this.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Please note, I only recommend products or services I believe will provide value to my readers.