I feel like I have overloaded this week with running blogs. You could say I’m running right through Holidays…ha terrible LOLZ pun. This is a running blog so I’m glad I have running related topics (with my own training) to talk about.
Anyways, December has nearly left and I accomplished what I wanted too (running wise) this month.
Running Stats:
Total Miles: 246
Range of Paces: 6:40-12:00-untimed
Shortest Run: 2.0 miles
Longest Run: 17.25 miles
Best run: I don’t have a favorite run this month. As cliche as it sounds, the month as a whole was good to me. To keep it short, I will say my best was also my longest run. I felt strong and as if I could just keep going.
Good times with my brother
Races:
Dec 7: Schuylkill River 8.3 Miler (7:01 pace)
Dec 14: Haddon Hearts 5k (20:35)
December 31st (ha ha tonight!): Beat the Ball 5k
Training thoughts:
This whole month went smoothly. December was the first month I ran the miles I wanted. Not to beat a dead horse again but during December I finally felt like I was training (not just coming back from injury).
I didn’t do much speed work but focused on building my base with easy runs. Since I didn’t cross train a lot during my stress fracture, I lost a lot more fitness than in previous injuries. I’m not complaining about that and I do believe resting was the right thing to do. My goal in December was to build fitness back up with lots of easy, untimed runs.
Another food for thought:
During the month of December I also began using the GNC products I was sent to review. The included the protein powder, amino acids, preworkout and bars.
I promised I would review them when I had time to finish the majority of products I was sent. Since I finished the amino acids last week, the timing was perfect to review them now. I believe some of the products helped me recover quicker from runs so I wanted to include the review in my monthly recap.
It isn’t a secret that the amino acid powder is my favorite (Called complete amino). During December I used the Complete Amono after each run. I mixed it into whatever I was consuming post run. I added it to pancakes, oatmeal and even milk. I think my favorite method was actually just adding it to a glass of milk. I set a goal to have the complete amino after each run and I made that goal. Like running, consistency is key. It’s hard to review a product without using it consistently for a while. Honestly, I believe it helped me recover from runs faster.
The complete amino does not have an unusual taste (the fruit punch is what I like) so it isn’t gross to actually consume.
The amino acid powder has 30 calories and contains 5g BCAA blend of leucine, isoleucine and valine as well as 2.5g betaine .
Do I think it was the sole reason I stayed injury free? No.
Do I think it was one of the blocks for building a solid foundation and base to stay injury free? Yes.
I liked the powder so much I ended up purchasing another container from GNC. If you know me well, you know I don’t waste money on expensive foods…hashtag #walmartshopperforlife). I doubt the point was for me to end up buying the product but I really like it and I have felt better since beginning to use it. So thank you GNC for opening my eyes to that.
I also enjoyed the protein powder because it made me remember how much I enjoyed making pancakes. I am just over 75% done with that container. Once finished with the protein powder, I will probably purchase that again too. I don’t make protein pancakes every day but I do make the a few times a week again. I think the protein powder is similar to any protein powder but it tastes good and I have no complaints.
Out of the items sent the preworkout energy drink is my least favorite. I don’t drink caffeine (not even coffee) before I run. The preworkout drink is geared towards someone who does drink caffeine, so it makes sense it wouldn’t be a fit for me. While the preworkout drink tastes good I don’t foresee myself using it. The few times I consumed it I felt as if I had more energy but it isn’t something I would personally use regularly.
Overall thoughts?
I am firm believer the GNC amino acids and protein powder are helping my running. I 100% recommend the amino acids to any runner or athlete. Thank you to GNC for sending me quality products that I am benefiting from. I enjoyed being on your campaign.
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Goals for January:
I’m going to lump this into one big post with my 2015 goals. Briefly, my goals for January are to maintain and grow my base smartly. I will continue to grow my base appropriately as well as train for the Phoenix Full Marathon.
I also have a few races I’ll be doing:
January 1st: Hair of the Dog 5k Va Beach, VA
January 10: Wilmington Delaware 10 miler Wilmington, Delaware
Anyways this has been a much longer training recap than normal. That is partly because I think that nutrition has played a big role in my recovery and training this month.
Have a Happy New Year my friends and stay safe!
Questions for you:
How was your month of December?
How are you celebrating New Years?
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