Joyful Strides: Tips for Happier, More Confident Walking

Whew — 20 miles done, and it feels incredible. Savannah is just around the corner. I can’t believe there are only five long runs left in this training cycle that began at the end of May. Last year I topped out at 18 miles, and that didn’t cut it on race day — lesson learned. This run was a major benchmark for me: the longest distance I’ve covered since last December.

Our plan has shifted a bit — we’ve missed a long run or two, but hey, it’s life. That’s one thing I love about marathon training: it doesn’t have to be perfect. You learn and adapt. For me the most important thing is to enjoy the process and find pleasure in how you choose to move. What we do day to day is what matters most.

This morning started with overnight steel-cut oats — steel-cut oats cooked slowly with vanilla soy milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a mashed banana. Easy fuel for an early run. And of course a cup of autumn roast coffee. No photos — too early for that.

I love quiet morning runs around here — the scenery is so peaceful.

The weather started out great, until the temperature and humidity climbed to 94 degrees. Fingers crossed for cooler weather in Savannah.

Sundays are my grocery days, so the fridge was practically empty. We grabbed lunch at a local spot — the short walk there and back helped stretch our legs.

Yes, dietitians eat fried food too.

Eric joked that my eyes were bigger than my stomach today.

There may have been some truth to that — leftovers for later.

Now it’s total relax mode: listening to Matt Nathanson radio on Pandora, catching up on a few blogs, and hoping to find the energy to do laundry and grocery shopping later.

Happy Sunday, y’all.

Do you ever find yourself in a training rut? What keeps you going?