The Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill race weekend is quickly approaching! My plan for the Five and Dime race (5K followed immediately by a 10K) is basically the same plan I’ve had for every other race I’ve completed. I just want to run, have fun and really enjoy the race day experience. I’ve never been a particularly fast or talented runner and sometimes I think this alleviates some race day pressure since I don’t have a competitive bone in my body when it comes to running.
The thing that always keeps me coming back to running is the sense of accomplishment I feel after a good run. For some reason, no other workout can replicate the way I feel after a run (especially a long run during half marathon training) and I felt fantastic after today’s sandy beach run with Sadie.
About an hour or so after breakfast, the two of us headed out to complete seven miles on Jax Beach. Running on the beach with Sadie is the best because she is so darn entertaining. She pounces on sea foam, stalks sandpipers and bounds around like the most joyful dog you’ve ever seen.
To reach my seven mile goal, we simply ran 3.5 miles one way and 3.5 miles back. At the turnaround point, we took a few minutes to stretch and I went through a few of my favorite hip stretches since I’ve been experiencing some very light pain in my right hip on and off for the past few weeks. The stretching felt fantastic and the quick break allowed me to catch my breath before it was time to return home.
Smooshy kisses for my favorite running buddy!
Lunch
Ryan was returning from the gym right as Sadie and I finished our run, so we headed inside together for some quick showers and a delicious lunch.
On the menu for today was a big salad with chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, feta and raspberry vinaigrette dressing.
And because we’re staying at my parents’ house right now and that means I want to eat ALL THE THINGS, I had a small bowl of ice cream topped with pecans for dessert.
I started thinking about the chocolate marshmallow ice cream my dad told me he bought during my run and knew it had to happen after lunch today because it’s Tuesday and Tuesdays are special. Right!? Right.
I hope the rest of your Tuesday is fabulous and includes a little sweetness, too!
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Lol every time I come home to my parents I wonder how I was not obese when I lived there
So jealous of your beach runs with your pup 🙂 I’m anxiously awaiting the day that we can get our big lab out on the beach, I know she’d have a hay day and love jumping into the water! Good luck on your upcoming race! No pressure is always a good thing!
Whenever I visit my parents, I always want ALL THE THINGS too!! Ice cream sounds perfect after a hot sandy run.
And I like the idea of the Five and Dime race! But how come it isn’t just a 15K? haha!
Same at my parents! I feel like I eat so much more when I’m there. And always have leftovers to take back 🙂
I do the same thing when I am home with my parents! I eat ALL THE THINGS. They have such yummy THINGS!
I have the same problem when I am at my parent’s house – I want to eat everything they have!! 🙂
I can’t wait to be able to run on the beach again! Looks like gorgeous weather 🙂
I had a particularly difficult test in my nutrition class today (I am in Naturopathic Medical School) and thought I should go for a run. Instead, I came home and decided to sit and eat some Trader Joe’s chocolate and read your blog. God is pretty funny with those gentle nudges some times.
I guess I really need to go for the run now….
Hope your test results come back stellar! 🙂
Running on the sand is tough!!! Well done!!! Gorgeous looking salad!
i seriously have been craving a good run on the beach sand, although I’ve never tried it, haha. If or when I do run I always have my 11 month daughter with me in her stroller so the park is perfect. Not sure how that would work out at the beach though. 😛
What a wonderful run and running partner. I love running in new areas, it is so motivating because I get all new scenery. It keeps me going!
What a nice way to take a break during a run. I always would think to myself that if I stop for any reason, then technically I can’t run that distance. I have to get away from that way of thinking.
That ice cream looks yummy!
Yum! You make me want to go and get some ice cream now 🙂 I totally know what you mean about the sense of accomplishment after a long run!
I am getting married soon so subscribe to weddingwire and I just received a newsletter. As I was scrolling down the photo of the featured “real wedding of the week” caught my eye, as if somehow I knew her. Then I realized I read about her wedding here first! Not sure if you/she knew, but Merri was featured today 🙂 How fun!
http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-photos/real-weddings/classic-fall-florida-park-wedding/i/cb87aa2eae36689e-7f41f39c00dd92f3/c54914d97ef35058?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=Weekly+Newsletter
Very cool!!!
Good luck with your races!! I’ll be running the half on Sunday! 🙂
Woohoo! Good luck to you!
I’ve never run along the beach but I can imagine it’s got to be quite the view which just makes the run that much better!
I think if you have time the weekend of your race you should definitely try to make it down to the Cape. I live here year round and it’s beautiful this time of year. Just a suggestion…good luck on your race!!
“Tuesdays are special, right?” My answer: TOTALLY! 😉 Glad you got your ice cream. And your salad looks so pretty and delicious! Yum! Great job on your seven miler! I bet doing it on the beach was glorious!
Ive never tried pecans on ice cream but that sounds delicious!!!!
What a cute picture of both of feet! I just took one like that of my dog and my feet. Running with your dog is the best. They keep you moving and smiling the whole time!
FYI- I didn’t get a chance to comment yesterday but I am originally from Charlotte and love that you went for a visit! It’s an awesome city full of southern chic and charm. Makes me happy to know you enjoyed it!
Ahh a beach run sounds great especially with a playful pup! I like your attitude when it comes to running because it’s similar to mine. I’m not competitive when it comes to running and I do it because I enjoy it and it gives me a sense of accomplishment as well!
Got a Wedding Wire email today and recognized your friend Merri!
http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-photos/real-weddings/classic-fall-florida-park-wedding/i/cb87aa2eae36689e-7f41f39c00dd92f3?view=end
Such sweet smoothy kisses 🙂
I fell the same way when I go to my parents! They have so much food I just don’t buy. And they always have ice cream — so I must obviously try it.
Parents = lots of food… My mom is always asking if I want something to eat, literally 😛 and my grandpa gets grumpy whenever I say thanks but I don’t want! hahaha saying no to freshly baked bread… oh I miss them!
I’ve never gone running on a beach before but it sounds like a tough workout!
I love going to my parents’ because they always have lots of food and pack me leftovers to take home!
Does Ryan usually bring lunch to work or do you cook him something to take?
Completely agree with that sense of accomplishment after a run! That is the one major thing that motivates me to get out of bed and into my running shoes! Good luck with your race… and by the way, that chocolate marshmallow ice-cream looks amazing! Maybe you could arrange to have Ryan or Sadie waiting at the end of the race with a bowl of that ice-cream as a motivator! 🙂
I’ve been to the beach a bunch lately but havent ran on the beach in forever! Can’t wait to get some sandy miles this weekend 🙂
I covet your love of the run.
Julie, I totally agree with you about running and the feeling you get afterwards. I can no longer run…it’s been 8 years and I am still yearning for that feeling. You don’t get it from anything else. Ugh…AND running on the beach!? That and your ice cream are making me so jealous of you! Enjoy your stay at your parents!
I love the food at my mom’s house, always seems like she has the best. And I crave ice cream when I run in the summer outdoors. Looks yummy!!!
I’m the same way when I’m at my parent’s house…the food just tastes better for some reason 🙂
Oh my gosh! Seven miles ON the beach?! How do you do it? I tried running on the beach before and whew, it was really tough. Couldn’t imagine doing it for seven miles! I’ll stick to the pavement 😉
You’re going to rock your upcoming run! Good luck!
Running on the beach is tough! Good luck with your race. The salad and ice cream look delicious.
I used to run, and miss it a lot. I think I’m too heavy and out of shape for it right now, but when I lose some weight I’ll hopefully get back into it! Love your blog 🙂
Aww love that picture of you and Sadie on your sandy run! How much happier would we all be if we always had that mindset of “I’m going to enjoy this because it’s Tuesday”!! Live in the moment, right? 🙂 P.S. both the salad and the ice cream look SO good!
7 miles in the sand sounds like a great run! My pup can make about 3 and he is done. I still love to take him out with me! Good luck with your race!
I love shopping at my parent’s … 🙂
LOL Tuesday are most definitely special days and deserve ice cream! Glad we’re on the same page 😉
Yay, you’re coming to Boston! My first half marathon is the Boston Run To Remember this upcoming Sunday – I am so nervous!! I’ve done a few races before but never this distance and only trained up to 10.5 miles. I kind of wish it was here already!
Hey Julie!
Great post as always!
Do you typically run those 3.5 miles one way without stopping or because you are with Sadie you have to stop here and there?
I never need to stop because of Sadie. I’m the one that holds HER back!! 🙂
I”m running the Heartbreak Hill half! And I’m *considering* adding the 5 and 10 the day before. We’ll see! I’ve been doing some of my longer runs out on the course and those hills are no joke! 🙂
I have to say, I saw your link to your hip stretches for the first time and it’s so weird because this week, I’ve been having extreme hip pain and have been so bummed I couldn’t work out because of the pain. I’ve lost 18 lbs. in the last few months so I didn’t want to break my stride (I’ve used your exercises and workout tips a lot – so thanks!) Your hip stretches (and your tips on overcoming an injury) helped me SO much yesterday and today, and I can feel that the pain is subsiding. Instead of running on the treadmill I tried the elliptical and it felt SO much better!
Just wanted to say thanks and glad I’m not the only one with hip issues 🙂 have a great day!