running inspiration – Amy Coates

Treadmill Trainer Volume 2

I just got in from an accidental run that turned out to be my fastest, happiest run to date!

Sitting at my computer enjoying some raw chocolate pudding and a fabulous green juice, I simply had too much energy to sit still. So I got out my ipod, downloaded Treadmill Trainer Volume 2 onto it, and set out for the boardwalk.

This is the first time I’ve finished the entire workout, and I seriously had a smile on my face the whole time! There are 2 spots where Yuri says you can stop, and I’ve taken him up on his offer times before, but I was in the zone and feeling like I could just kill the workout. And I did! I even ran home after I finished stretching!

I love his workouts and the way he talks to you as if he’s right there beside you. I even talk back to him and answer all of his questions out loud! For example, when the workout was over he asks: “How are you feeling right now?” Amazing! “How did you feel 10 minutes ago?” Amazing! “How did you feel when you woke up this morning?” Umm…not this good…no. (I had to talk myself into going to yoga this morning) Then I patted myself on the back (because he told me to) and congratulated myself on running 10 k in approximately 45 minutes…and I’m not a runner! For comparison, I ran a 5k in April and my time was 29:41…and I was dead tired and wanted to throw up…a lot. What a difference!

I just recently started running, and I’ve only run two 10 k’s before tonight. I usually just do 5 k’s because I get bored of running after 30 minutes. But since I signed up for a half marathon 5 months ago, and put off training until pretty much right now, it’s time to get serious…hence the Treadmill Trainer series of workouts being downloaded to my ipod. After tonight I feel certain I am going to have a competitive time in the run, and I really can’t wait to do it! I think I’m going to do intervals during the run. I’ll just listen to the Treadmill Trainers even then. That would be funny. The motivation he gives during the workouts is priceless. I’m seriously going to listen to the training audio when I run the race.

I should definitely add: I highly recommend Volumes 2 and 3 plus all the hill running stuff, but only get Volume 1 if you are JUST starting out. It involves walking and running, perfect for beginners, but you may find it too slow if you have any experience. That being said, Volume 2 will kick your a** no matter what level of runner you are! If you disagree and think you’re some big time runner, then you HAVE to try it. It’ll step up your game so much and you’ll be thankful for the challenge!!! Happy running 🙂

It’s amazing the effect that eating raw has on my desire to exercise. Last night I took the dog for a 5 k run. Today after work I went to a hot yoga class, and after I biked home I went for another run with a friend. It’s really nice to have a running partner because you have that little bit of added motivation. When you have someone calling you and asking if you want to go running, it’s like an alarm going off and motivation calling you! If you get several running partners, there’s a guarantee you’ll be running a few times a week!

I haven’t had much to eat today, which is kinda weird considering the amount of exercise I’ve had, but I don’t feel much like eating anything right now. When you eat raw, natural, good quality foods, you are more in touch with your nutritional needs, wheras when I eat cooked foods, I think I need food all the time! I’d eat late at night all the time when I was on cooked food.

When I eat raw, I only go into the kitchen when I am truly hungry…or if I can’t wait to try a new raw recipe! Also, on cooked I always cleaned my plate, but on a raw food diet, I just stop eating when I’ve had enough. I eat raw dessert for breakfast if I feel the desire! And when I have dishes that are rich in nuts or other heavy raw ingredients, my body steers me clear of them for a few days. Never, ever on a cooked diet did my body tell me anything! I remember years ago when I didn’t have any idea the effects that food had on my mood or energy level. Now, I know the second I have eaten something that doesn’t agree with me. I can just feel it.

And since you only eat when you’re hungry on raw, there is no breakfast, lunch, dinner schedule…you eat on your own hunger schedule…that being said, I think my hunger level just rose…so apparently “dinner” tonight is going to be around 11pm!

Marinara Salad

Dinner: Marinara Salad

Time To Make: About 3 minutes

Would I Make It Again: Yes!

Ingredients: 1 cup leftover Marinara Sauce, (recipe in Eating for Energy) an avocado, 6 stalks asparagus, 1 yellow pepper, 3 green onions, and 1/2 a cucumber. Variations: Whatever you have in the fridge!