Frostbite Series 10M: Do I Still Have Fingers?

Since I went to bed early last night, I really wasn’t dreading this morning’s 10 Mile Race too much. Until I stepped outside!

I started running last winter in South Bend, Indiana, which sees far lower temperatures than St. Louis, but I always chose to run inside if it was just too cold or windy outside. The parts of todays race that faced into the wind were NOT FUN. I believe it was 23 degrees but felt like 15? I also have low blood pressure (my Mom does too) and have trouble keeping feeling in my fingertips when its this chilly. I was constantly shaking my hands to try to increase blood flow, but at one point started crying from the pain. I seriously thought I had frostbite.

But enough complaining! I am proud that I stuck it out the entire ten miles and finished at 1:29:20. Not too bad all things considered! Love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from finishing a difficult run.

I almost ditched my pre-run breakfast since I was so full from last night the past month, but then I came to my senses and decided not to set myself up for failure. Leftover toast from Christmas breakfast with TJ’s almond butter and half a banana. Plus 2 cups of coffee! I also brought a GU for the run but didn’t end up eating it. I dont think my frozen fingers would have even been able to open it.

 

After the race I immediately took a hot shower, stretched, and foam rolled. My family went to a brunch before the Rams game, and I thought I was going to be meeting them at the game, but apparently lines got crossed and my dad didn’t get me a ticket. It was actually better that way — I got to unwind, paint my nails, and watch Easy A!

As promised to Floey, a picture of my new nail polish (OPI’s You Don’t Know Jacques) and smooth hair with my new pink! CHI straigtener:

I ate small meals throughout the day because our dinner plans were up in the air. This hilarious yelling screaming football fan Jimmy sits behind us at every Rams game. A few weeks ago he asked if he could take my family out to dinner after today’s game, and so we all thought we may be having dinner at Shannon’s Steak House around 5pm. Turns out he didn’t show up today and didn’t answer his phone, so plans were cancelled. I hope he’s okay!!

Meal 1: Amy’s Gluten Free Dairy Free burrito on a bed of arugala and sliced peppers with salsa on top.

Meal 2: Laughing Cow, Arugala, and Peppers on TJ’s Sprouted Grain + a Honey Crisp.

Then, since my evening was suddenly free, I decided to use a Groupon for a deep tissue massage! It was INCREDIBLE – a very very good massage therapist which you don’t always get at chains. He told me I had the shoulders of a line backer and went to TOWN on my knots. I am going to be sore tomorrow! He also told me I need to stretch my quads more after runs. Noted.

After the massage, I went to the grocery store and picked up Crazy Bowls and Wraps for dinner. The usual: tofu veggie bowl, jalepeno cilantro sauce, brown rice, light rice/extra veggies. Amazing as always.

It felt SO SO good to get in exercise and healthy eats today. My body was not craving ANYTHING sweet, which isn’t surprising after how much sugar I’ve had in the past month. I really haven’t been feeling good about my food choices since Thanksgiving, and am almost relieved that the Holidays are over so I can get back on track. It really isn’t even about the little bit of weight I’ve gained (although that’s not any fun), but more about my relationship with food and listening to my body. So just like Tina, I’m going to try to be better!

 

And just because my family declared a new dinner debate on Christmas Eve, I have a totally strange question for you:

• What is your favorite Plague?

Yes, as in the 10 plagues of the Old Testament. We had to look them up before we could even decide. My older brother says frogs. My mom picked incurable boils. I’ve always been a fan of the river turning to blood.

Don’t judge.