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Saturday, April 14, 2012

my running advice

(healthy) food for finance is a column where we talk about how fitness and finance correlate with each other. join us on our journey to be both physically and financially fit.


I've had some friends ask me about running. Either they are just beginning or trying to do long distance runs. I was excited to give my advice since I feel like I've tried it all since I started running in 2006! So this is what works for me.
 
1. Grab a running partner. Andrea was mine when I 1st started.
Country music 1/2 marathon 2007
She had completed a 1/2 before. One day we were talking about running and BOOM---we started training together for the St. Jude 1/2 in the fall of 2006. It helped me be accountable for my long runs. Also, if I was having a bad running day, she would pick me up and vice-versa.
 
2. Start off slow-a lot of new runners get real excited and burn out too fast.
 
Remember, it takes time to build up to a run or even do long distance running. I recommend new runners follow this plan from the Memphis Women Run Walk Program. Basically, you start off by running 1 minute, then walking 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes the 1st week. Increase each week.
 
3. For long distance running, I followed the plan from Runner's World-Smart Coach. I used the Smart Coach program for my 1/2 and full marathon trainings. It mixes up your running. One week they throw in a tempo run---it is a little bit faster pace for a certain amount of miles. Then they will have you do speed work---running for short time at a VERY fast pace. Then long runs---my favorite because you get to run 2 minutes per mile slower than your normal pace. You feel like a slug, but you have a lot of ground to cover. Then they throw in some easy runs. That is usually a short run.
 
4. Blisters-are no fun! But they happen. And when they do, stop running! If you are just now starting to walk/run or even starting long runs, you just might get one. I use moleskin for my blisters or blister-to-be. You can get the Walgreen's brand.

It works wonders! It is thicker than a band-aid and it will stay on during the longest of runs. I had the hardest time with a pair of shoes and I used moleskin for about a month until I broke my shoes in. If you have a blister, I suggest cutting the moleskin to form the area and getting some gauze to put over the irritated area (I did this a lot) and you're ready to run again! Ahhhh magic!


5. Invest in good shoes. Go your local running store, like Breakaway Running, and have them fit you for a shoe. I recommend getting 1 size bigger than what you usually wear. I wear a size 7 but a size 8 in a running shoe ( I like Brooks). I also recommend dry-fit socks. You don't want to hold sweat in your feet...and it might cause a blister.

6. Water-drink a lot of it! I used to not drink it a lot but I decided a couple of years ago to start my day off at work with a big glass. Now that is all I drink. For long runs--- I didn't want to carry water with me so I would plan my route, then drive and hide water bottles in the bushes along my run. Some people use the belts but I don't like the extra things to carry.

7. Plan your route-I use MapMyRun to plan my runs.

This really comes in handy when you need to plan a 10 mile run. Before I had my garmin, this would help me to know what mile I was on when I crossed a street. I would write the directions on paper and put it in my pocket so I knew when to turn (and know were to put my water).

8. Energy-If you're running a long run, you'll need to refuel. I've used Gu and Shot Blocks.
The problem with the Gu is that it can stick to the roof of your mouth. I have used it but if I get to pick, I use shot blocks.
These are much better. You get 6 to a pack and I put then in a zip lock bag and put it in my pocket. They are more like gummy bears!

9. Clothes- You can spend a lot of money on running clothes. I catch them on sale and my favorite time to shop is at the St. Jude marathon expo. They have a $9.99 booth and I go crazy there! Anyone can go to the expo, even if you are not running. In the summer,  I like my Asics shorts. I like the ones with a lot of pockets so I can put my shot blocks, extra moleskin, map, and key. In the winter I like tights.

I never thought I'd say that but they are great! Some races these days give away dry-fit shirts for the race tee. Also, be sure to dress 10 degrees warmer than what it is outside. So if it is 50, dress like it is 60. Your body will warm up.

10. Chafing--also no fun! I have never had a big problem with it, only a couple of times. It is nice in the winter because the tights will protect you from chafing. But if it happens, get some Vaseline to rub it in between your legs. Long runs can be brutal! Kyle had to put band-aids on his nipples to avoid chafing. Ouch!

11. Music or no music-If I run with someone, no music. If I am in a race, no music...I like to hear the crowd! But if I am running alone, I like music. I keep it low so that I can hear the cars. I also feed my ear buds through my shirt and then through my sleeve to connect to my iPOD on my arm. I hate having the wire bounce around so I like to keep it in my shirt.

I realize now that I have so much more to share!! But I need to cut this short (ha!). Happy Trails! Here are some pictures of Kyle's weight loss journey!


My fastest half (2:12) and Kyle's 1st 5k (46 mins) in 2007

Kyle and I running the full marathon in 2011!!! Kyle has come a long way since 2007!



Thursday, April 12, 2012

wing in the new year

Since we drove back from the Music City Bowl on New Year's Eve morning, we decided to have a low key night to wing ring in the new year.

Speaking of wings, we wanted to try out the new wing place, Tiger Hot Wings.

Kyle got the hot wings and onion rings and I got teriyaki wings with fried okra.
We wanted to go out with a bang since we rarely eat bad!

thumbs up!

YUMMY! Winging in the new year was the way to go.
Kyle informed me that wings are deep fried. He told me that after I ate. I have no clue why I thought they weren't! We then came come and watched Dick Clark. It was a much better NYE that last year (I was sick).

Reflections...that is what New Year's is all about. Kyle and I had a year full of ups and downs. You have to play the cards you're dealt, good and bad.  I am so very blessed to have a husband like Kyle! I would not pick anyone else to go through this roller coater called life with. He listens to my fears and cares so much about our marriage and all the in betweens! I love you!

New Year's Day=Christmas Day
I used to get so upset when Christmas was over when I was little. I would cry. My mom told me that Christmas was until New Year's Day. It made sense. I HATE it when they play Christmas music before Thanksgiving. So why don't they start it on black Friday and end it on New Year's? I have the BEST ideas!

We ended up doing my immediate family Christmas on New Year's Day! YAY! Christmas REALLY is through NYD!!!

Kyle passing out presents.

My dad loves Mexican cokes! So he got one!

Kyle's mini-grill!

My mom's homemade lasagna!

We had great time. I'm looking forward to see what 2012 has in store for us.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

music city bowl

We ended up in Nashville for a 2nd time in December for another football game. Mississippi State was in the Music City Bowl on December 30. We got to Nashville just in time for the pep rally.
There were cowbells everywhere!

Whew, it almost gave me a headache. You'd think I'd be used to it by now!


Crazy fans!

Leah, Kyle and I went to eat Mexican then met up with the rest of the family at a bar to kill time before the game.

Look what we found...

My in-laws know how to play some pool.


SERIOUS pool players! They had a hard time acting serious. Be scared, be very scared!

Bully ended up at the bar! He needed a drink (water, of course). Tony was excited to see him up close and personal.

Mississippi State ended up winning the game.

Afterwards, Kyle and I stayed at my friend Julie's house. Then we got up the next day (New Year's Eve) to come home. It was a fun. fast trip.

mccoy christmas

Christmas eve night we left my family Christmas to go to Kyle's parents. The dogs came too! They were great for the 4 hour drive.

Christmas day! My MIL and the golden girls.


  The Christmas cooks! It was an amazing Christmas lunch!
Boomer-he likes to spread the love around. My SIL's husband is a trooper.


Now Boomer has moved over to Aunt Eloise and Leah.

Our family photo!  It was the best I could do!

Wow-Josh has so many gifts! We played a gag on Leah. She was a little concerned that Josh had tons of gifts and he just came into the family a short 6 months ago!


Look-we got a fancy camera!



Boomer is seriously a lap lover! 

Leah just realized that we tricked her. He had about 5 fake gifts. It was too funny!


Test pic with the new camera!


stockings!


game time!

The very next day we had the extended family Christmas.

Cute Annlea!

Everyone wanted a picture with the beautiful baby.



daddy and daughter

Playing dirty Santa!

These nest few pics are too funny!
"Mimi-close your mouth"


 
She said "I'll try."

 
Nope not happening.


See-she just needed me in the pic to help!


Mimi and her kids.


Mimi's grand kids

Always a fun time with my inlaws! (not everyone can say that!)

Friday, April 6, 2012

dunagan family christmas time

I enjoy documenting family Christmas time. I like to look back on the years and see how much things have changed-for the good (watching the kids grow) and bad (watching wrinkles grow! )

We did things a little different this year. Ever since I can remember, we've always done Christmas with my extended family on Christmas eve night. Well, we mixed it up this time and started at 12 noon. It worked out perfect because that allowed Kyle and I to leave for his family that night. It's about a 4 hour drive.

my dad and me!

Cuz Lyle and Aunt Rita

Aidan-cuz Christy's 1st born.

Caleb-cuz Christy's 2nd born.

all the presents for dirty santa!

Christy picked the present with the brick. What a tricky gift....there was a gift card hidden in there!
The best gift was the leg nightlight from the movie A Christmas Story. I must admit that I finally saw the movie...this Christmas!

cuz Brett, the kids, and Kyle playing football.

Aunt Connie and her red hat...she is an active member in the Red Hats Club!

Christmas eve 2011

Me and my mom!!!

Merry Christmas!