When I’m not really in the mood to run but have to log a few miles in order to stick with my half marathon training plan, I set mini goals for myself during the run, with the reward of walking for 0.1 miles after I reach each mile.
I know it doesn’t sound like much, but knowing I have a walking break ahead makes it a lot easier to pound out a few miles on the treadmill.
Today I completed five miles, with walking breaks after miles two, three and four.
And then I spent a glorious 10 minutes stretching and foam rolling. While I don’t particularly love stretching, I really enjoy foam rolling.
Foam rolling my hamstrings feels amazing.
According to Runner’s World magazine, “Rolling improves circulation, which gets the body ready for a workout and helps it recover afterward. And because rolling breaks down knots that limit range of motion, it preps muscles for stretching. Using a foam roller can provide similar benefits as deep-tissue massage. By increasing flexibility and decreasing muscle tension, it can help prevent injury and improve performance.”
Breakfast
Breakfast was simple, simply delicious and protein-packed.
A two-egg egg sandwich on a whole wheat English muffin with raspberry jelly and muenster cheese satisfied my desire for a sweet and savory breakfast.
SHAPE Magazine Blogger Awards
I have some exciting news! Peanut Butter Fingers was nominated for a blogging award for SHAPE Magazine’s 2011 Blogger Awards.
I was so excited and feel very honored to be listed with so many other awesome bloggers! I am currently in third place (crazy!), so thank you so much for your support!
If you would like to vote for me or any of the other amazing bloggers, you may click here to vote through October 28. Thank you!!
Feel Good Story
Before signing off for the morning, I know that many of you out there are dog lovers like me and thought you might enjoy this video about a dog that one sergeant bonded with while serving in Kuwait.
After the dog was attacked by another animal, they thought he would have to be put down, but the dog was brought to America and saved after the sergeant raised $1,800 to save the adorable dog!
Gotta love a happy ending!
Just voted! You’re KILLIN’ IT, on the votes, girl!
Katie G
Yes yes yes! Already voted you!
Laura
just voted for you…no doubt in my mind that you’ll win!
whitney
I need a foam roller. I tried to use the one at my gym and I just looked inappropriate. I was trying to do the front of my legs/hips.
My husband laughed at me from across the room.
lauren
Voted for you- so excited you are on the list
Of course you are my fave!! 
& I think you are #2 now- wooohooo!!
Holly
You can bet I already voted for you, Julie! You deserve it. You’re so inspiring to me as a blogger and to everyone else, for sure.
That dog story made my heart sink and smile at the same time!
Heather
Congrautlations on the nomination! How awesome!
I love rolling. I don’t use the foam roller, but a massager, but it has the same result. I’m always surprised how it reduces soreness.
Rosa – Fitness, Food, Fulfilled
Just voted for ya…and it looks like you are in second place now!
Stephanie Walter
I’m glad you posted about foam rolling. I’ve recently been looking into buying one but wasn’t sure where to get one and what dimentions I should get? I see skinny ones and big fat ones. Do they make a difference or matter according to body type? Thanks!
Cortney @ Nerd on the Run
A foam roller is on my list of things to buy soon! Thanks to you, I have been making my egg sandwiches sweet and savory style and I’m in love. They are so much better now!
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness
Just voted for you – you`re now in second place, behind by only 1%! Quite impressive
Rowen
I LOVE foam rolling. It’s sooo darn good for the muscles
And I voted for you! Good luck!!
Electra @ Vanilla Bean Lean
Hmm I’ve never foam rolled before but I might need to give it a try! I feel like it seems so awkward! Haha and congrats on your nomination! I just voted for you and I think you are almost in 1st!!
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola
I had a breakfast almost identical to yours!! When you run on the treadmill at the gym, what is your typical running pace that you set (ie 7.0)?
Erin
voted for you! can you vote more than once?? I love reading every day, Sadie pictures are my fav!
Katie
I love my foam roller, I just wish it was easier to do. Gotta work on my upper body strength!
Amber K
I just discovered foam rolling and absolutely love it. Sometimes it hurts, but its that really good hurt where you know it’s good for you. Who has time (or money) for regular deep tissue massages? Foam roll for me, please!
Nicole @ PancakesandPilates
Maybe one day I will understand how one can love foam rolling. I dread it! Everyone says “It hurts so good” but to me it just hurts! Maybe I’m a wimp? Haha I would rather run an extra mile than foam roll afterwards!
Ari @ Ari’s Menu
Julie, thanks for sharing your experience on foam rolling. I really want to try it now!
Candice
Just voted for you! How often can you vote?
Carrie
I just voted for you and it looks like you are currently in 1st place!!
Tee @ She Writes, Bites, and Window Shops
I love stretching! But I am already pretty flexible so I usually can’t fully stretch on my own. I’ve never tried a foam roller but I know a lot of people that have used them when they are sore. I wonder if it’d help me stretch out more for the times I don’t have someone else around?
Nancy
I hate stretching, too.
My trainer will foam roll my hips sometimes, but it hurts SO incredibly bad (and he’s putting almost zero pressure on it!), that even though I own a roller, it’s too scary to do it to myself!
Shannon
Reading your post made me remember how much I LOVED the foam roller the times I have had access to them. I have literally been using a rolling pin on my glutes and hammies that are in KNOTS right now. I ran out on my lunch hour today and p/u a foam roller. Whooo hooooo!! Cannot wait to get down with it. ;0
p.s.
you’re slacking on Sadie pics.;0..i had to go look at old pictures of her.
Lisa
LOVE the video!!!
Koko
A survey found nearly 33 percent of adults who saw a doctor in the previous year said they were told to exercise. Your blog posts definitely motivate us!
Jungle Fitness Team