Hitting the pavement again

Finally back running today! After more than a month off this Summer due to a knee issue, today is day 1 of training for my first half marathon! Not running has made me a little soft around the edges. But I managed to not let it all go due to my nutrition. :)

 Dense nutrition is the key to maintaining a healthy weight. I could run all day, but without the proper nutrition I would be doing it for nothing. A great body starts in the kitchen! We have all heard that before. It is true! Nutrition first, exercise second. Giving your body the nutrition it needs sets your body up for proper digestion, speeds up your metabolism and gives you energy. Without these things, exercising just isn't efficient. In fact, you might be burning muscle instead of fat! Yikes! 

Have I been good all Summer? No! I have had my fill of potato chips and baked beans, ice cream etc. But these have been once in a while treats at parties. For the most part I try to balance my proteins, fiber and fat while getting essential vitamins and minerals. I have had a LOT of fruit and veggies this Summer. I love fresh fruits and veggies! I don't think about the sugar in the fruits too much or about the carbs in either. I know I am eating whole foods and not processed junk. It makes a difference!! I've also done two 2-day deep cleanse days this Summer. One in June and one in July. I will do one this month as well. It has made all the difference in keeping my cravings from spinning out of control. My protein shakes stay consistent. I have one every day for breakfast. If I go out for breakfast, I have it for lunch! It is a meal replacement protein shake, so I'm not only getting 24 grams of protein, I am getting vitamins and trace minerals that I wouldn't otherwise get from food -- unless I ate a LOT more!

So while I'm not as fit as I could be, I would say I am doing pretty well with just staying active and mindfully eating. Now it's time to get back in shape and hope my knee doesn't give out!

Oh, and I just got new shoes! Funny how I think that getting new running shoes is exciting -- but it is! I bought the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante.

We will see how these do in training. They are light weight which I like, but not too light weight! I might need more cushion to help my knee, but when I put on stability shoes they feel so heavy! Time will tell. Okay -- motivated for this half marathon in South Padre!!