Carb Loading

Tonight (and most of this week) has been a gradual carb load. In some ways, I have enjoyed every.single.moment. My food choices are {relatively} healthy, but I haven’t said no to treats. Or second breakfasts. I think it’s paying off!

I slept in yesterday – so I had to do my Sprints workout today. Now I don’t know if it’s stupid to do sprints 2 days before you run 20 miles — but I guess we’ll find out on Sunday! I mean, if a certain blonde who just got back from a week in Costa Rica can run a marathon in 6 1/2 weeks - I can definitely run 5 miles the Friday before I run further than I ever have before, right?

I knew today’s run was going to be good when I woke up. As I got dressed, I felt positive (never happens), when I got to the gym I couldn’t wait to get on the treadmill (never happens), and after the first set of 1200, 400 I was ready for more (never, ever happens). It was just one run, but it was a good one.

Maybe it was this shirt?

I wanted to do 4 sets – but as usual I ran of out time. When will I get myself to the gym earlier (than 5:45?). My overall pace was 9:17 – but there was about 400-600m of walking involved (I walked between sets while I chugged my water).

My run…

• 0-.50 – 9:40
• .50-1.25 – 8:34 (1200m)
• 1.25 – 1.37 – 9:40
• 1.37 – 1.62 – 8:06 (400m)
• 1.62 – 1.87 – 15:00 (walk)
• 1.87-2.00 – 9:40
• 2.00-2.75 – 8:34 (1200m)
• 2.75 – 2.87 – 9:40
• 2.87 – 3.12 – 8:06 (400m)
• 3.12 – 3.25 – 15:00 (walk)
• 3.25 – 3.37 – 9:40
• 3.37 – 4:12 – (1200m)
• 4:12 – 4:25 – 9:40
• 4.25 – 4.50 – 8:06 (400m)
• 4.50 – 4.67 – 9:40
• 4.67 – 4.87 – 7:36 (400m)
• 4.87 – 5.00 – 15:00 (walk)

{I think I got all of my times right!}

I left the gym feeling sweaty and empowered…

[blackbirdpie id="107043488272617472"]

I carb loaded at breakfast with a work-provided bagel/cream cheese — and then a second breakfast in the form of a Larabar.

I did some more carb loading at lunch (leftover curry!) and enjoyed a treat from Jeremiah’s (a bunch of decided to walk over for ice cream every Friday afternoon!). {Cookie & Cream ice in case anyone was wondering}

{I like that when I searched for images I discovered posts about Jeremiah’s from Carolina and Julie. Those girls have good taste!

I finished my carb loading with dinner — my favorite dish ever Cajun Shrimp Fettucine.  I accidentally made it spicier than normal, but the perfect day of carbs is complete.

Tomorrow I will go a little lighter on the carbs. I don’t need to feel like I have bricks attached my legs when I’m pounding out those 20 miles on Sunday.

I’m still slightly in denial that I’m running the big 2-0, so I’m glad I have one more day to accept it. Paula, on the other hand is heading out at 3:50am TOMORROW. Go wish her luck!!

What would/do you eat when you are carb loading? What’s your favorite carb heavy meal?