Breaks, Brakes and Other Homonyms


Breaks
I appreciate all your bloggy input regarding my new training schedule! A lot of you affirmed my decision to modify my schedule to one less running day per week. It seems weird to run only three days a week while training for a longish race... but I know my body will appreciate the break!

Brakes
The stupid brakes in our Nissan Quest (minivan) decided to start grinding this weekend. At least that's how it feels. The last time this happened, we ended up having to replace all the brakes and brake-parts. The part that makes me mad is that we did all this work less than two years and 20,000 miles ago. There goes another chunk of money out the door. Grrrr...

The good news is, my husband is going to take the van into the dealership and ride his bike to work from there. I was not looking forward to sitting at the dealership all morning, while the service department checked and replaced brakes that should not need to be replaced already. It also means I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to get in my run for tomorrow. Yipee!

Weak & Week
I did my four mile run on Saturday morning. I don't know what it was, but it was tough! My legs felt stiff and weak. I wasn't expecting this at all since it was "only" four miles. I guess some days are like that. It probably had to do with the strength training I've been doing... and that I had not run for about a week prior. I'm sure it will get easier after being more consistent with the running and muscle strengthening.

Weight & Wait
Back in January, when I was training for my marathon, I initially lost a few pounds. A couple months later, I noticed I was heavier than before I started running. At the time, I figured it was because I got used to eating a runners' diet and then had to take an unplanned, unwanted two months off of training due to injuries. I blamed the weight gain on having to wait around while my body healed.

Lately, I've read more and more accounts of people who claim to have gained weight during training. So, my question is this: Have you/did you gain weight while training for a race? If so, why do you think that happened? If not, what do you think you did differently than others?

I'm curious because I really want to lose weight while I get ready for this half-marathon, not gain it. What are your thoughts?

Knot & Not
I have a knot in my calf muscle that has been there since last Tuesday. It's not as painful as it was but it's still there. Is it true that dehydration can contribute to muscle tightness? I think I got dehydrated in Vegas but I've been trying to be good about drinking water.

But & Butt
OK, there's no real reason to use those two words. I'm just reliving my life as a third grade teacher. While teaching homonyms, those two inevitably came up (from the students, of course). Just goes to show, you can take the teacher out of the classroom but you can't take the classroom out of the teacher.

Bye, my running blogger friends! Thanks for stopping by. Wow! I'm on a roll tonight!

Comments

Anonymous said…
great post.

- from a middle school teacher whose students still mess those up!
Hi Sara, you should not lose weight while training for a marathon unless you are overweight and have a lot of weight to lose! For me, I tend to drop a few pounds every summer while I'm doing speed work for the shorter races. I do tend to keep some of those pounds off but usually a few pounds will creep back on during marathon training. I always gain a couple of pounds the week before a marathon but then it comes off in the few weeks after. If you don't have a lot of fat then weight loss during marathon training could actually be muscle. Check out Nancy Clarks Food Guide for Marathoners or check out the Eat-Clean Diet. Nancy Clark is amazing! I have 2 of her books. One time I had her book in my carry-on and she was on my flight! Ofc I got it signed :-P good luck!
Jenn said…
What a creative post. Love it!! I am one of those weight gainers!! I think when I'm running I'm more conscious of what I'm eating and always trying to adequately fuel myself. I feel like my body needs more food to perform well. I don't really think about it when I'm not and as a result, I think I eat a lot less calories. I have never had a weight issue but I'm up about 5 pounds over a fairly strenuous marathon training schedule! Nice job on the run! Good luck in the training!
Irene said…
I run only 3 times a week, 4 tops.

It's easier to maintain or lose your weight for HALF marathon training than it is for for a whole marathon. It was like that for me. It took me a while but I finally did not gain weight during marathon training this year, and have been maintaining the same weight since then. For me, it was figuring that I was getting in way too many calories because I figured I would just run them off. I was so wrong! Tracking caloric intake and macro-nutrients can be somewhat boring and tedious, but it can help pin-point where you're lacking and where you're over doing. I only do that for a couple of weeks at a time every now and then just to see where I'm and and to get back on track if I need to.

Great blog post - lots to think about!
Southbaygirl said…
I have runs that just suck! Some days are better than others!! I always try to remember that a bad run will always lead to a good run!
Sarah Jane said…
OMG how did I not realize that you were back in bloggyland! I've missed your wit and wisdom so much. Hurray!!!!
Felice Devine said…
I can't help on the weight front because I usually lose a little when I'm in "serious" (ha, ha) training. Training for my marathon, I lost weight and find that I usually do when I'm running consistently. Or, since I never weigh myself, I feel like I've lost because I firm up a little. Maybe you are just gaining muscle?
joyRuN said…
Haha! Great job homonym queen :)

I just had the butt/but discussion with my 6-year old!

I don't weigh myself once I'm deep in training - I'm no help.
MCM Mama said…
I didn't gain or lose when I did marathon training, but I paid really close attention to what I ate because I had heard of so many people gaining. With normal running (ie training for halfs or less or just running for fun), I can drop weight if I just pay attention to my snacking.
Aka Alice said…
Oh yeah... I gained a few lbs when I trained for the marathon. Thought I could eat whatever I darn well pleased and get away with it. WRONG! I agree with Irene, it's easier to maintain training for a 1/2. I don't get nearly as hungry.

This post completely made me smile (from the community college teacher whose students ALSO still mess some of those up...GAH!)
Mel-2nd Chances said…
LMAO, love this post! I had to do brakes last week too :(
This post is GREAT!! I have heard about people gaining weight while training...CRAZY! I lost a ton of weight then hit a number and have STOPPED..I guess that is better than gaining.
Tricia said…
Awww...thanks for the shout out to me on your last post. So sweet!
Glenn Jones said…
I think you're seeing a trend here. If your not tracking calorie intake chances are you'll gain weight. That's your body's natural tendency when you stress it - physically or metally.
Unknown said…
Loved this post! I hate the squeeky brakes, they kind of sneak up on me!
The weight issue and marathon running is so tricky! I never lose weight while training for a marathon, I think my body thinks that level of exercise is "normal." That's so unfair!!
Clever post! I am still struggling with baby/breastfeeding weight but with my recent bout with the flu, I am have finally kicked some of that weight. Not a good reason to lose weight.

I don't really eat alot differently during marathon season because I run mostly year round.

Good luck finding what works for you. Have a super weekend.
Patrick said…
Hey Sara!

Don't sweat the 4 miler too much-- you'll get there!

I hate car problems-- especially brake issues which usually end up costing a lot of cash. That was awesome of your husband to take in the car for you. The only thing I hate more than car repairs- is waiting for them to be done in the dealership :)

Gaining weight during training? I have not had this problem, per say but EVERYONE is different. I do find some weeks I put on an extra pound or two but realize it's after I downed three pitchers of beer, a large pizza pie, a dozen wings, cakes, brownies, and cookies on the weekends-- so that might explain why that happens! :)

I am so pshyced for your training and upcoming race-- I loved reading your posts when you trained for San Diego and can't wait to hear how this one goes!

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