Skip to main content

Monday Madness!

Well, ok...not madness exactly. Just Monday. But it was such a good "M" word!

I'm on a mission to find replacements for my bar addiction (of the protein variety, not the going-out-for-drinks variety). Since I don't have an oven, this is harder than it sounds. I've made some protein "bites" which are nice, but they can take a while to make when I need something in 2 minutes. Today I made a half serving of oatmeal and then added a scoop of protein powder and half a tablespoon of PB. So good! Here are the ingredients:

So simple-and it ends up being 200 calories with 17 grams of protein--pretty similar stats to most protein bars and so much cheaper! I refuse to put up a picture because a) it's just oatmeal and b) I may have cooked the oats too long and had them completely bubble up over the bowl. My bad. 

Lunchtime was a rye bread open faced ham sandwich with melted mozzarella. Sliced cucumbers and a few grapes to round it all out:


Today's workout was a 1.5 mile warm up at 9:50 pace, and then 3 miles at 8:34 pace. So hard for me! I guess I would consider this my "tempo run" as I really couldn't sustain a faster pace than this for the entire 3 miles. Ended with a 1/2 mile cool-down at 9:50, so 5 miles total. 

Post-workout snack was my new favorite: all my random snacks in one ziploc bag! Today's mix included shredded wheats, pretzels, almonds, dried cranberries, and a few of the oh-so-good giant chewy nerds. 


Do you include tempo runs in your workout? What's the difference between your easy pace and your tempo pace?
I've had a few workouts at what I suppose is a tempo pace--for me an easy run would be around 9:40 pace, so 8:34 is definitely tough for longer distances!

What is your go-to post-workout food?
Sometimes a Clif or Lara bar, lately it's been some dry snacks in a bag since it's so much cheaper over time!

Comments

  1. I think most of my weekday runs qualify as a tempo-ish run. I'm about the same as you 8:30-8:40 pace. I want to work on getting faster but it's so hard to run outside of my comfort zone.
    My goto snacks are dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter and pita.

    ReplyDelete
  2. When I was running alot more I did tempo runs pretty often since I could recover from them easier than intervals. With bike riding I do all my rides at tempo or intervals because they are either ridden with my super husband or on the trainer. They do pay off! My go to post workout meal is cottage cheese. I love that stuff. Or a smoothie.

    ReplyDelete
  3. After I run I like to have an orange, and sometimes chocolate milk.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I try and include a tempo or fartlek run in once a week. I've seen an overall increase in my speed and "pain" threshhold". The difference in my easy pace and tempo pace varies (although it probably shouldn't), but my easy pace is between 8:30-8:45 and my tempo pace is between 6:30-7:00.

    As for post-workout food, string cheese rolled in sliced ham, raisins, or anything else I can my hands on...come to think of it, I can't figure out why I can't lose these last 5 lbs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love random mixes of snacks. I figured out my stomach can't handle normal workout nutrition like blocks or gels. I'm a fan of plain animal crackers, pretzels and nuts.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Post run i am pretty big on having a protein shake blended w fruitl. I am never hungry after I run and a shake helps me to get in enough calories!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I do do tempos. Usually about a minute faster than my comfortable pace. After a run I usually stuff whatever I can into my mouth if it is a long run. Otherwise, I try to keep it healthy...and taking my Glutamine to help iwth recovery. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. post workout I love pb&J on a bagel thin. I really have no idea...it is just my new favorite. and I ALWAYS have to have the dark chocolate pb. it is important.

    So pre-feet issues my tempo pace was 8-8:30 with 9:30-9:45 easy run/LR pace. But now I just do whatever feels comfortable for my body.

    Sounds like you had a pretty good day! and your food always looks so healthy, well-rounded and delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  9. post workout is most likely something salty or greasy. Pretzels or wheat thins. On race days I almost always crave pizza and so happy when I see it at the finish line!

    I think most my runs I do alone are tempo runs because I get caught up in making the second half faster.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes I try to include at least one tempo run a week, just to have that challenge.
    My post run food is usually banana with peanut butter or cereal lol

    ReplyDelete
  11. Post-run I like something with peanut butter, like maybe fruit or carrots or a sandwich :D (or... protein shake with pb)

    ReplyDelete
  12. My favorite post-workout snacks are so not what they should be! I know I should have protein but I always crave salty foods, like tortilla chips or nuts.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Those protein bites sound yummy I want to try and make my own.

    I would say that probably anything over 9 min is an easy pace for me (depending on the day) and anything under a 9 min pace is a tempo run and I increase the pace from there. 8:34 i definetly a tougher pace for longer distances for me but I would like to comfortably run at the pace on day

    My post workout snack is anything with peanut butter :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great run, I'm impressed with your pace for the 3 miles! I was just going to start including tempo runs before we were off from running, but I'm super excited to start including them!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I just got fully introduced to tempo runs a few weeks ago when I started this training plan. The plan has me doing a tempo run roughly once every other week.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I do a tempo run once a week. Our group does lactate threshold hold testing so I have a specific pace I have to hold for the run - 5min @ the top end, 5 min at the low end and keep going.
    I hate it. That is all. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Since I just started running, my tempo run is just about 30 seconds, maybe a minute faster then my easy runs.

    I always have a Cliff Bar in my bag/car/desk for post runs. And a protein shake!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am trying to build my stamina and run and a slower pace, but I would love to try tempo runs. Sounds challenging. I am actually getting tired of my pre and post workout snacks. I can only eat so many bars and drink so many green monsters. I like your ziplock bag party mix though! I'll have to try it!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Race the Bar 5k Recap (AKA: A Personal Worst!)

Do you remember a few weeks back, when I was all braggy about running in Florida in February/March? Sunny mornings around a lake with a light breeze off the water have turned, cruelly, into humid stretches of time where I am humbly reminded of my own limitations. You guys, I see these gazelle-like creatures, men and women alike, who prance on my running route with compression socks, a soft glow of perspiration at their brow. It's beautiful. It's also a harsh reminder that I am not them. I am currently running in the thinnest, smallest items of clothing I can without offending anyone (shirt stays on, people). I dare not step outside without some awful visor or wide-brimmed hat. When I hop in the shower after a run, my face is a deep crimson that causes my husband to voice his concern for my general well-being. Have I mentioned this is what happens after my easy runs, with a few walk breaks thrown in? Yeah. It's humbling. Now, I'm not complaining. It's beautiful...

Active Bands Review and Giveaway

Click this link at your own risk, but let it suffice to say that I have some wild hair. No, not a couple of curls. A wild, beastly tangle that is NOT allowed out on its own. Ever. So running is a challenge. A ponytail is a given...and then usually a bun. I tried a few different headbands in the past, but they all end up "sweating off" and either annoying me completely or just falling onto the floor. Enter Active Bands. I wish there was some kind of heavenly gate chimes or something to accompany this post. I feel that strongly. I know there are a few "running" bands specifically designed to keep your hair in place, and I can't speak for them all because I haven't tried them all, but of every one I have put to the test, Active Bands are the only ones that work. I read about them so much on blogs that I bought my own to try out several months ago. I purchased two, and then basically alternated them day in and day out. You probably recognize them (black and...

Chobani Review and Giveaway!

I'm pretty sure it's not a secret that me and Greek yogurt are in a serious relationship. I know, I know...hubby can read this. But he's well aware of the affair. At least once a day I need my fix. Sometimes it's a mid-morning snack with fruit, or a lunchtime topper for baked potatoes. Other times it's the sweet dessert topped with fruit and chocolate shavings that completes my night. Plain, vanilla, fruity...I could wax poetic about the stuff for ages. Don't worry, I won't. What I will say is that as much as I love Greek yogurt, I figured it was all the same. I saved a little money (18 cents on each container at my local store) in order to get the cheaper no-name brand. Then Chobani was on sale, so I picked up a few. Um, this stuff is THICK! So much creamier and thicker - and tastier - than any other brand I've tried. Sorry, extra 18 cents. You are now being diverted to my Chobani fund. I won a Chobani giveaway a couple of weeks ago hosted by ...