Monday 28 January 2019

Medieval Times with Family & Baby Dragon Dinner

Hello! How’s it going? Have you ever been to Medieval Times? I went when I was a lil kid and this weekend my family went to celebrate my dad’s birthday. I’m pretty sure I’ve only been there once before when I was in 3rd grade and somehow I don’t think anything has changed about this Dinner and Tournament! (But I have a bad memory so maybe I don’t remember it either way.)

medieval times hollywood dinner show california

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant

If you’re not familiar… Medieval Times is a dinner show set in the Game of Thrones time period. You don’t usually learn about GOT history in school because the government doesn’t want you to know –  but there was a lot of violence and old timey bad words and es – E – ex and the like. I guess not too different from every other time in history…

Anyway.

Medieval Times puts on a show where knights compete to win different games and battles. Each knight represents a certain color and the audience gets hats of the same color and sits in the same section to cheer on their knight.

We were the red and yellow team… or coat of arms…?

Tip: My family has very LARGE heads and the hats fit us, so they’ll fit you too for sure. (I feel like everyone says “I have a big head…” but they really don’t and then I feel bad when I can’t fit into their-supposedly-large-but-not-really hat.)

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant family

The dinner menu:

  • Garlic bread
  • Tomato bisque soup
  • Baby Dragon
  • Corn
  • Potato
  • Lemon cake

Thoughts on the food:

I’d never eaten Baby Dragon before! It tastes just like chicken. It was really good.

Garlic bread – usual restaurant garlic bread. Soup – I was happy this was served hot. I like soup and tea served HOT and it’s a big production to feed this huge banquet of people so I tried to keep realistic expectations on the food.

Corn – good! Potato – it was basically like a huge seasoned french fry. It’s half a small potato, seasoned and fried.

Cake – reminded me of the Starbucks lemon loaf cake

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant baby dragon

It was hard to take pictures of the other food because they turn down the lights as the show is going on. I thought everything was good. The potato was fried but nothing else seems super heavy. The chicken was seasoned well. The soup might have had oil but it didn’t seem to have cream. There aren’t any substitutions unless you’re vegetarian. (Note: I was super hungry because I had missed lunch so keep that in mind with my review.)

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant food

 

 

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant show

When you walk into the area – each place setting has a metal plate, bowl and napkin with all the locations. I was surprised there are so many of these!! I grew up in Southern California so I’ve been lucky enough to have a ton of theme parks and tourist attractions and restaurants around to enjoy. Disneyland,Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm are all local options that I went to as a kid.  But I realize that’s not the case everywhere.

So I just assumed Medieval Times would be in SoCal and maybe Orlando but that’s it. Have you been to one? I went to the location in Buena Park, CA. There are 9 locations total.

– Also have you been to Hogwarts aka The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? I was thinking about going and now I’m listening to the Harry Potter books and want to get tickets and see all the magic!! Send me tips if you know any.

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant locations

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant horses

 

The show:

It’s a 2 hour medieval jousting tournament with 6 competing knights. They use real weapons, ride horses and battle on foot.

They start off with a few games – for example the knights ride their horses around the area and try to snag rings with their jousting poles.

The big show is when they battle. The knights are paired up to try to knock each other off their horse. Then they take it to the floor and fight with swords or other medieval weapons. One of the knights had a big ball on a chain.

It sounds so real and looks like someone could get hurt. They’re very professional and good at putting on a good show.

My niece was so into it. My mom got her a flag and she was waving it and cheering during the games. Then, when our guy came out to battle she said, “Nina can you hold this…” and proceeded to cover her mouth with her hands. She was worried! It was adorable.

 

Medieval Times dinner show California theme park restuarant kids

Overall:

I think Medieval Times is probably the most fun for kids 4 years old to 12 years old and people who love game of thrones or guys with long hair.

My other niece is 1 and a half years old and clapped when other people were clapping. She wasn’t scared or anything.

My favorite part of the whole event was watching my niece’s face as she watched the show. She was soooo into it. Love it!!

Next time I’d definitely try to dress like Khaleesi to really get into the Game of Thrones theme. (Speaking of Queen Daenerys… I should note – the dinner was chicken not baby dragon.)

medieval times dinner family show review

Have you ever been to Medieval Times? Something similar?

The post Medieval Times with Family & Baby Dragon Dinner appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.



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Thursday 24 January 2019

Running, Eating and More Questions from Instagram Jan part 1

Hello! I get a ton of questions in my Instagram Stories on everything from running to nutrition to why I’m so loud (or similar random questions). But Insta Stories only last 24 hours… and they’re video. So you might miss it OR some people don’t like to watch 88 videos of me way too excited to have a friend on the internet ask me a question. That’s why I’m sharing a short run down of all the questions I got each week.

The questions are a mix of everything so I can’t really organize them by category. But at least you don’t have to watch 1 hour’s worth of videos to find your question?

Insta Story Jan part 1 (640x640)

Run Eat Repeat Instagram Questions – Jan part 1

 

What’s your favorite pizza topping?

RER: mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, basil, garlic

whats your favorite pizza topping (640x640)

Favorite Taco Tuesday Place?

RER: I was going to a place near my bf but we’re not hanging out anymore so I need to find a new one…

taco tuesday (1)

What’s the longest race you’ve run?

RER: I ran the Born to Run Ultra Marathon 50K – it’s about 31 miles

 

Any plans for a full marathon beginner plan? Pretty please??

RER: Yes!

golden retreiver puppy diego redvera 4

How’s puppy potty and crate training going? I’m trying to decide when we want a puppy…

RER: A little rough. I had a hard time with Diego one morning – he got his mouth stuck on it. I think it mainly scared me because I had a dog get hurt on a fence before and triggered some PTSD situation. And after that I kind of quit…

 

Will you be doing another Run Bet Challenge soon?

RER: I’m working on it! I put a call out on Instagram for your feedback on it.

Do you want it just for accountability? Do you want it to be more challenging??

 

If you couldn’t run for one year, what sport would you choose to stay active?

RER: Probably tennis… or maybe soccer!

golden retreiver puppy diego redvera 8

On a scale of 1 to 10… how good of a boy is Diego? 12 or 13??

RER: Sometimes he’s a super good boy! And sometimes we have communication problems (he doesn’t speak English) so we’re working on things.

 

How do you carb-load for a half marathon? I’m in Hawaii and will be doing the Hapalua in April.

RER: I keep it the same as my long runs during training.

Here’s some information on what I eat before a race or run…

What to Eat While Training for a Half Marathon podcast 71

What to Eat DURING a Run or Race podcast 72 Fuel Series

What to Eat Before a Run or Race podcast 73 Fuel Series

 

And check out my Fueling Cheat Sheet for even more info on this. (It’s a free pdf with tips)

 

How did you pick Diego’s name?

RER: I don’t know! I made a list of dog names – specifically good names for red dogs, and I asked my favorite people for their thoughts on it. And I wanted to wait until I met him to pick a name. I ended up thinking about a few names not on the list and went with a surprise addition to the list! Diego Redvera is named after the Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

You can follow Diego Redvera on Instagram 

golden retreiver puppy diego redvera 1

Diego and I are looking into dancing lessons. Check out my IG stories under Diego if you want to see that.

golden retreiver puppy diego redvera 2

If you want to watch the video answers to these questions – they’re saved in my highlights on Instagram under Jan Q&A

In other news…

Today is National Peanut Butter Day! Here’s a round up of a few of my favorite PB recipes…

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Easy 3 ingredient PB cookies

Easy PB Dip Recipe

Peanut Butter vs. Almond Butter with RD Kath Eats podcast

The post Running, Eating and More Questions from Instagram Jan part 1 appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.



source https://runeatrepeat.com/running-eating-and-more-questions-from-instagram-jan-part-1/

Monday 21 January 2019

Running after the Rain and Meal Prep

Hello!! How’s it going? So I finally finished reading all the comments and feedback from the Pile on Miles Running Challenge and Mailing List survey!! THANK YOU for taking the time to do that – I really appreciate it. And thank you for following. I love ya!

I read all about your running, weight loss and health goals and what you want more of on this lil ol’ running blog and I hear you. I have a long list of post and podcast topics to cover that I hope will help you hit your goals!

And a lot of you said you still miss my old life updates posts. I thought everyone just spent all day on Instagram and listening to podcasts – but maybe that’s just me… or maybe you do some of that but also want more blog posts!

Also… at first Instagram crowded out the blog because it just seemed so much easier to post my running and eating over there. But now IG is super fancy and you can only post perfect pics and styled food photos or the President of IG builds a firewall to keep you out of his app. (This has not been confirmed by any reliable sources.)

My point is… I used to post more running and eating in ‘real time’ on social media so it was kinda like the old RER for a minute. But yeah… I’ve gotten away from that too so I need to track all those things here! (Which is the reason I started this site in the first place! Full circle!! Boom.)

So… I’m going to set a goal of posting X times a week for the rest of the year. I don’t know what the x is yet… I’m going to figure out a realistic schedule and let you know by Monday.

running in Seal Beach California

Even though I’ll be posting more here…

I’ll still post daily check-ins on Instagram! It’s great place to connect with other runners and eaters in real time – so please follow @RunEatRepeat on IG and chime in with your updates in the comments, make friends, get inspired, motivate others and support the cause!

Let’s talk running and eating!

It was National Popcorn Day yesterday! Did you celebrate? Popcorn is one of my top 10 favorite foods.

Check out my DIY Microwave Popcorn in a paper bag hack here!

National popcorn day diy popcorn

My IT band and/or piriformis area has been super tight. So, I’ve been trying to foam roll, stretch and roll with a tennis ball or a softball a few times a week.

Those recovery efforts in combination with running less as I try to train Diego (and he tries to train me) has helped it feel a little better. But it’s definitely not completely gone – so I have to keep it up!

Foam rolling running tips

Rolling Notes:

This is the foam roller I have.

This is the bumpy foam roller I have that I’m using in the picture above. Sometimes the colors represent different densities so check that when buying one. You don’t want to get a foam roller just because of the color – choose based on the size / shape / density / etc.

For my butt / hamstrings – I’ve been using a softball lately.  I think a softball helps a lot more than a tennis ball because it’s bigger and harder.

eating family pack of oreos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried the Trader Joe’s Rainbow wrap the other day. I definitely got it because of the super colorful wrap outside! And I’m trying to get myself to like eating beets. But I ended up picking them out of this…

trader joes vegan rainbow wrap

I think this is the funniest thing I saw on IG this week:

pee after or you get hgtv

Diego doesn’t get it tho…

the best date match includes puppies and popcorn

I did some meal prep! Because I’m responsible and such.

I baked chicken and sweet potatoes. And I made a batch of overnight oats for the next morning. Meal prep can be easy and fast!

easy meal prep instagram update

Holiday of the Day:

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Martin Luther King Jr Day stick with love (640x640)

And on a less important but food related level…

it’s also National Granola Bar Day and National Clam Chowder Day.
I like saying CHOW-DAAA… the way I imagine someone with a Boston accent to say it. Now that’ going to be in my head all day!

Have a good one!

Question: When was the last time you had Clam Chowder?

I had it at Berth 55 recently!! Sooo good!

The post Running after the Rain and Meal Prep appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.



source https://runeatrepeat.com/running-after-the-rain-and-meal-prep/

Friday 18 January 2019

3 Big Announcements for the New Year

Hello! Welcome back to the Run Eat Repeat podcast! I have a lot of exciting announcements!! One is about my new roommate, we’re going to make some changes to the show – which may involve you… and I’m going to run a race very far away from home. I’m very happy you’re here and we finally can catch up!

In case you’re new here…

I’m Monica, founder of RunEatRepeat.com – a site I started to document my running and weight loss journey. After being overweight most of my life I started walking for exercise and eventually took up running. Now I’ve run over 50 half marathons, 30 marathons, lost weight and have become a holistic health coach. 

I love talking about running, eating and how I can help you!

Now let’s start with a warm up before we get into the announcements…

RER Podcast logo

Warm Up – Podcast Updates and New Segments

New segments are coming to the podcast and I need your questions, ideas and maybe voice.

1. Questions on Running, Nutrition, Lifestyle and Monicans

Ask the expert – I’m going to talk with runners, coaches and nutrition experts more in the coming year.

If you have a question… ask!

a.) You can leave it in the show notes at Run Eat Repeat.com

b.) email RunEatRepeat@gmail.com

c.) call and leave a message: (562) 888-1644

d.) DM on instagram @RunEatRepeat 

If you have any questions for a Running Coach or Nutritionist – send them to me.

2. If you’re a running coach, nutritionist, doctor, experienced runner and would like to be on the show…

Fill out this form – Run Eat Repeat Podcast interview form

3. Running Buddy chat:

I’m also starting a series talking to runners, walkers, joggers like YOU. I want to talk with you about your BEST race ever and current running and eating habits and goals. If you’re interested in being on the show fill out this form and I’ll send you more information!

If you’re a runner, eater, listener, friend and want to be on the show…

Fill out this form – Run Eat Repeat Podcast interview form

I want to talk with runners of all levels on their current training, best race ever, how you PR’d, tips, random thoughts, etc.

4. Podcast Episode Ideas

Also – if you have any topic ideas please let me know!

Main Event:

Big Announcements…

1. Diego!! I got a dog!

Diego Redvera is my new golden retriever puppy. He’s the best. And sometimes he’s not the best – like when he pees while walking around.

And I have had a few mini-melt downs after different failures in puppy training.

And yeah, everyone that warned me about how much work it was going to be was right.

But it’s also been very eye-opening and I’m rethinking everything.

2. Edinburgh!!

I’m going to be running the Edinburgh Marathon in May!

Where are there the MOST redheads?? Scotland! At least I’ve read that – I haven’t confirmed it yet. So I keep saying I’m going to see the land of my ginger family. I want to wear a kilt and talk with a Scottish accent and walk a Scottie dog…

 

3. Running Challenge coming soon!!

I’ve been getting a lot of requests for another half marathon training plan and Pile on the Miles Challenge. It seems like I get a lot of the same questions over and over and there’s a focus on what to eat, getting faster and half marathons.

Don't Miss It!

Rer logo 2 %28178x178%29

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More info coming soon on that!

Make sure you’re subscribed to the email list to get a note when it’s coming.

1. Favorite Running Posts of the Year.

I have a round up of my favorite running posts from last year up now!!

Check out my favorite running posts here.

2. Favorite Podcast Episodes of Last Year:

#72 What to eat during a long run or race podcast

#102 How to Make All Runners Feel Welcome with 300 Pounds and Running’s Martinus Evans

#87 The Mt. Everest Marathon with Holly Zimmerman

Into Thin Air – book on climbing Mt. Everest 

#94 How Runners Can Protect and Defend Themselves

#97 Crisis Text Line free help for anyone that needs help 

Homework – if you aren’t sure what races you’re running this year… check out my How to Plan Your Race Calendar video!

Thank you for listening! Remember to fill out the form to be my Running Buddy in an upcoming episode!

And tag @RunEatRepeat on Instagram and let me know what you’re doing right now!

 

The post 3 Big Announcements for the New Year appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.



source https://runeatrepeat.com/3-big-announcements-for-the-new-year/

Run Eat Repeat Podcast Interview Form

Hello! If you’re a running coach, nutritionist, doctor, experienced runner, new runner interested in a coaching call or expert in your field and would like to be a guest on the Run Eat Repeat Podcast – please complete the form below. Feel free to highlight your area of expertise and share links to your website and/or social media.

If you’re interested in being on the show as a running buddy … please complete this form and note “running buddy’. Note any relevant topics you’d like to chat about.

Thank you for your interest!

Podcast guest interview form Run Eat Repeat (640x640)

Run Eat Repeat pod logo

Due to the number of requests and interest – we are not able to invite every runner, eater or expert on the podcast. But we try to respond to every complete form within 10 business days. We really appreciate your time and interest. Have a great one!

Thank you!

Monica @RunEatRepeat 

The post Run Eat Repeat Podcast Interview Form appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.



source https://runeatrepeat.com/run-eat-repeat-podcast-interview-form/

Monday 14 January 2019

Irvine Half Marathon Results and Mud Run?

Hello! I ran the Irvine Half Marathon this weekend and it was packed with a few surprises! These are my results and recap – if you ran the race feel free to link your recap in the comments.

Irvine Half Marathon race course finish

Irvine Half Marathon Race Recap

Packet Pick-Up: There was NO race day packet pick-up. Boo. One of my favorite things is when races let you get your race bib (number) the morning of the race. It can be a big hassle to have to drive to the race location the night before a race…. go home… wake up at the crack of dawn to go back to that same place you were yesterday. There are a lot of races around Southern California and there are also a lot of people in here – this means there’s a lot of traffic. Since this was a Saturday race – runners had to get their stuff Thursday or Friday night. Luckily I live super close to the race starting line – but if I lived in Long Beach or near my parents… nope. I would have had to drive for hours out and back – only to have to do that again the next day.

Related: One time Skinny Runner and I were supposed to run a race in San Diego and had to pick up our stuff the day before. The traffic was soooooo bad – dead stop, going no where on the 405 bad – that we decided to turn around and not do the race.

Race Tee: Short sleeve tech tee. I liked it.

irvine half marathon race review 5

Logistics: I live close by so it should have been no problem to get to the start line – but I didn’t know what streets were closed and ended up having to detour and find a new route. I think there were directions from the freeway but not street directions. I didn’t need to get on the freeway so that didn’t really get me the info I needed.

Parking: Free. Boom!

Race Morning: I was late. (See: logistics) But there wasn’t a lot of traffic and the race started on time! The late arrival was on me.

irvine half marathon race review 3

Irvine half marathon race review 4

 

I was walking to the starting line when the gun went off. So on the bright side – I got some good photos of the race start! And these were the only good pictures from the race because it started to rain when I had about 1 mile left. After the race it was raining pretty hard and I didn’t want to have my phone out in it so I asked someone to snap a quick post-race pic and then made a bee line to my car. Or maybe I made a ladybug line because I’m not a bee. But I don’t know if I’m really a lady either so… Basically I rushed to the car because I was freezing.

Irvine Half Marathon results race pictures

Race Course: This is similar to the Lexus Lace Up Irvine half course… but there are a few small differences. It’s a fairly flat course around Irvine, CA neighborhoods and bike paths.

irvine half marathon race review course 3

There was one big challenge on race day in the form of a … mud pit / puddle / lake situation. The rain from the night before flooded the path and there was a section covered in muddy water that went past your ankles. When I got to this part I stopped for a second because everyone in front of me was trying to navigate this area by going to the right or left of it. There was a guy coming back on the right side so I assumed he didn’t think that was the way to go… so I went left.

Well, there was no way around it (literally). Runners just had to carefully walk through the mud water and trying to go to the side helped keep it from being too deep.

But another runner showed me a picture of their attempt to go around it to the right and it turns out – if you stayed up against the wall you could mostly get around it without having to step in the water completely.

I probably would have fallen in so I’m okay with my choice – it looked like they were completely against the wall and one lil lean the wrong way would mean stepping into it.

irvine half marathon race review course

irvine half marathon race review course 1

 

Finish Line: I didn’t stay for any post race party, food, free beer, etc. At that point it was raining and I was freezing and just wanted to get home and into the shower. Plus – Diego was waiting for me at home!

Irvine Half Marathon race finish line

Overall: I would do this race again. It’s so close! And the weather was the main drawback, but it’s rare to deal with super challenging weather around here. Maybe I should call it an inconvenience instead?

Race Rating Scale (640x640)

Race Grade: On a scale of 1 to 5… um, I’m going to say a 3.4.

But this is the first time I’ve used this scale so… maybe I’ll have to edit this when I start to grade more races.

Results: My finish time was 1:52:46

irvine half marathon race review finish medal

The good thing about Saturday races is Sunday rest day feels sooooo good.

rest day definition

And 1st place for the cutest half marathon medal wearing Golden Retriever is…

 

Diego Redvera!!

Irvine half marathon medal Monday

And in other race news… I have new discounts for you!

New Race Discount Codes

OC marathon half marathon discount code

 

OC Marathon and Half Marathon Discount Code

Get 10% off of the Orange County Marathon or Half Marathon May 5th

Discount code: RUNEATREPEAT10

 

Elite Sports Races – full, half marathon, 10k and 5k races in Southern California

Get 20% off all races with Discount Code: RER20

Check out their events page for all the upcoming races! There’s one in Jan, one in Feb… there’s a lot!

 

Check out the Race Discounts Page for more!

 

Question: Did you run this weekend?

 

The post Irvine Half Marathon Results and Mud Run? appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.



source https://runeatrepeat.com/irvine-half-marathon-results-and-mud-run/

Saturday 12 January 2019

The Diva Cup Tips from You

Hello! It seems harder and harder to find my go-to favorite tampon lately. I’ve used OB tampons exclusively since high school. I think they’re awesome, work well , are small and easy to tuck in a running shorts pocket… But lately it’s been hard for me to find them. Many stores have the variety pack or the wrong size – I just want a box of the regular ones! So, I started to order them from Amazon.

But this last cycle – I forgot. When I went to Target to get them… there was one box! That’s good!! But it was ripped open. That’s not good.

my favorite tampon for runners

[You can get OB Tampons on Amazon here]

 

This did remind me that my fave period partner has been harder to find so I finally considered trying The Diva Cup. For those that don’t know it’s a re-usable menstruation cup. I’ve known about it for a long time but have hesitated to try it for several reasons…

a.) How?? How do I put it in? How do I take it out?

b.) Weird? Is it going to feel weird? Does it hurt? It seems big and awkward…

c.) Questions! I have a lot of questions. How do you empty and put it back? How often? Does it get heavy?

d.) Need? I don’t think I’ve needed it up till this point. I already have a tampon I’m super happy with.

e.) Eco-friendly. Yes, The Diva Cup is eco-friendly since you’re not throwing away pads or tampons each month. But as far as conventional period options go – OB Tampons seem to create the least waste of all of them. They don’t have an applicator, have minimal packaging and are small so it’s less waste.

the diva cup

[You can get The Diva Cup on Amazon here]

But that 1 ripped box at Target reminded me that I might need to find another option so I grabbed the Diva Cup and decided I’d give it a try.

And I asked on Instagram for some tips. I have NO idea the actual logistics of this thing.

The Diva Cup tips

Truthfully, I’m a little scared…

What if I do it wrong? Will it get stuck?! Will it poke me and be uncomfortable?? What if I get it in but can’t get it out?

Luckily, I have the BEST followers in the world! And you came through. There are so many helpful comments and suggestions on this instagram post.

Thank you. Seriously – so many people chimed in with their personal experiences and advice. It’s a personal topic! And I really appreciate the openness.

If you’re curious about using something like this check out my Instagram post and read the comments.

If you have any tips or advice please share it with me. I’m trying to learn before I go for it. I might have bought the wrong one so I’m open to trying another one.

 

Since we’re on the subject…

I have a very popular post with Tips for Running a Race on Your Period. I’ve run several races – full marathons and half marathons on my period. And after a few day 1 situations I put together a post with some advice. Check it out if it could help you!

Tips for Running a Race on Your Period

Question: Have you tried a menstruation cup like this? Thoughts? Tips?

 

The post The Diva Cup Tips from You appeared first on Run Eat Repeat.



source https://runeatrepeat.com/the-diva-cup-tips-from-you/

Wednesday 9 January 2019

The BEST of the Year Races, Running and Recipes!

Hello! How are you? I tried to get a lil off the grid over the holidays so I didn’t check in with Sasha Medea or read blogs or respond to text messages (sorry Mom). But I’m BACK! And I want to feel like I’m back with running too so I’m thinking about my goals for this year. I have a few races on the calendar so far and need to figure out GOAL RACES next. But before we talk about new year, new goals… Let’s run down the BEST parts of last year.

The best running and food of the year (427x640)

Here’s a round up of my favorite runs, races and recipes from last year. This is my favorite food or recipes, running highlights and life updates that I want to share and discuss.

(Note: I wrote the post with everything and realized it’s super long. So this is just the best running updates – the food and fun and life updates are coming next)

Run Eat Repeat podcast 2

RUNNING

I don’t really keep track of my mileage, but I do wear a running GPS watch and that tracks it for me. So I looked up my mileage for the whole year and was surprised that I ran so much. I feel like I had a really ‘off’ year. I think when I first went through my separation and eventual divorce I was running and walking a lot. It was aimless and a lot of junk miles, but I just would go out and do some sorta run 6 days of the week.

But this year I transitioned to a different step in the grieving process and just felt unmotivated, unorganized and uninspired. A lot of un-words! So I felt like I ran a lot less. I only did 1 marathon! That’s SHOCKING to me. Ever since I ran my 1st marathon I’ve run several each year! One year I ran 9 marathons!

Right before the Revel Big Bear Marathon I realized I hadn’t run a full in over a year – since the Boston Marathon!!

And that mind F**ked me big time. It made me unsure of my running abilities and fitness. And more importantly, it made me question… Who am I? What am I even doing?

That’s not me trying to be dramatic –  the timing of my separation and some of the things I was told at that time… tied in directly with running. So I just focused on getting through the Boston Marathon without having a public breakdown. After that I didn’t have any running or racing goals because I felt like what I was working towards was unimportant and irrelevant. I stopped working towards a PR in the marathon and potential BQ. It felt sad and pointless. I felt sad and pointless? Both??

I didn’t realize that I kind of fell off the wagon with running until right before Revel Big Bear. I think I was probably stuck in some combination of grief and anxiety for a big chunk of time. Looking back now – I really haven’t been myself for a long time.

Luckily, I kept running because I love it. It’s fun and a good way to get some good endorphins, think, cry, listen to podcasts, stay in shape…

So yeah, this year I didn’t accomplish any major running goals. But I survived, didn’t take up any super self-destructive habits, didn’t lose faith, tried to become a better person and got through several challenges – they just happened to be adult stuff not running stuff.

Moving on –  instead of focusing on what I didn’t do – let’s talk about what I did…

I did run several half marathons, 1 full marathon and a lot of miles! (Randomly, my best half marathon isn’t recorded on the Garmin Connect calendar? There’s no mileage recorded at all for that weekend so I actually ran more than the record shows! Boom.)

 

mileage total for 1 year

miles run and calories burned total (640x640)

Miles I ran last year: 2,536*

Calories I burned: 272,234

Calories I ate: +8,986,246,544

*Note: At least 1 race isn’t recorded in this total but there may be more. I’m not concerned enough about it to try and go back and check to see other days where I know I ran but the calendar doesn’t show it. This is a good estimate and if anything I’ve run more and not less so I don’t feel like I’m cheating myself on this.

Miles and calorie count runner totals (1) (640x640)

Focus on what YOU did not what you failed to do. Then, focus on what you want to do next.

Stay positive. Give yourself credit for every tiny victory.

Repeat.

 

lexus lace up Irvine half marathon discount

Overall I’m just super grateful for so many things. That’s what I want to focus on as I look back on last year’s running.

I’m grateful for…

The miles I ran.

You! Thank you for following along. I really like you.

My body. I didn’t get injured this year!

Brooks Running Shoes. I put so many miles on them!

My family and friend. I’m able to do this because they’ve always supported me.

My education. If not my ability to create RunEatRepeat.com and RER on social media – I wouldn’t be able to do this.

Runners on Instagram and Facebook – the running community is awesome! Runners are the best.

California. The weather and all the races make it a lot easier than it would be other places.

This time. I’m glad I live in a time and place where it’s safe, normal, accepted, etc to be a runner.

I’m just super grateful for running and Run Eat Repeat and all the opportunities I have because of it. I’m very blessed.

 

Let’s move on to the highlights and recaps!!

I put together a list of my favorite running themed posts from last year. There are some race recaps, tips and training plan posts below. Let me know if you have any questions. I’m here to help.

Monica Olivas bio 1

 Best Runs, Races and Running posts of the Year:

Half Marathon Training Plan for new or returning runners – check out this newbie half marathon training plan for your first 13.1 miler.

Surf City Half Marathon recap with Steve – my best race of the year! I pushed myself and ran fast and had fun running with Coach Steve.

Run Eat Repeat race photo

PCRF Half Marathon Irvine, CA – Local half marathon that raises money for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation 

OC Half Marathon race recap – I don’t even remember this one! That’s why I have this blog – to be my memory.

My favorite running shorts – probably one of the most asked questions about running and running gear I always get!

The Best Running shorts podcast 1

The one marathon I ran this year – Revel Big Bear Marathon Recap. Thank God for SkinnyRunner and you for sticking with me as I tried to get back on the wagon.

Revel Marathon Big Bear Race Results podcast blog results run

Half Marathon Training Plan – 10 weeks long training plan for a half marathon race.

Las Vegas Half Marathon Race Recap – The race known as ‘Strip at Night’ is a blast!

What I are before the Las Vegas Half Marathon – it’s a race with a late start so it can be hard to time up fuel.

What I ate before the Half Marathon Las Vegas #StripAtNight (800x450)

Lexus Lace Up Race Series – Riverside Half Marathon recap and challenge. Love this race series! This was the grand finale!!

Lexus Lace Up Half Marathon irvine 13 (800x782)

And now for my Running Goals for This Year…

1. Run 1 dress rehearsal marathon, 1 fun marathon (I’m doing one out of the country!!) and 1 goal marathon.

2. Figure out a long term running plan to stay in half marathon shape and also spend time on strength and cross-training.

3. … I’m not sure?? Those might be fine for me, but I’m open to finding another goal.

What are your goals?

Oh, and because I love ‘em… here are some funny New Year’s Resolutions memes I found like looking for inspiration on my goal setting.

new years resolutions fun

 

new years resolution list

new year twitter

dog resolutions

new year fun

new year res

 

new years resolution funny

Question: What was your BEST Running accomplishment or moment of last year?

Me: I think running over 2500 miles last year is the thing I’m most proud of! And also I’m glad I ran a marathon last year and it was really great to be able to run with SR again!!

If you’re not sure about your running goals – check out the How to Plan Your Race Calendar post for some tips on planning!

 

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