You Can Do It – 20miles!
By Brit Chick Runs. Filed in Uncategorized |Tags: Chika, Kovac, lentils, Marathon, Oatmeal, Overnight Oats, Recipe, Running, Savoury Oats, Squash, Sweet Potato
I DID IT!!!!!
————–
Herro!
Wow, just 2 days without a proper post and it feels like it’s been forever! I’ve been keeping busy though -
On Friday, I ran 5miles – my last one before the big Two-O – 46minutes, 9.12 min/mile pace. Not fast, but not slow either. I also had a ton of good eats 
Giant apples…
A thickie – cereal, yogurt, banana, maca, Vega vanillia-almond, xanthan gum, banana, strawberries, spinach:
Kovac caught and ate a squirrel…
I know a squirrel is just a rat with a furry tail, but it still seemed so wrong! Squirrels don’t steal horse feed, they eat acorns and they live up trees..they’re adorable!
Lunch highlights – the most scrummiest sweet potato ever! I cut up and cubed a very large sweet p., and coated it with:
- maple syrup
- molasses
- ketchup
- vegan worcestershire sauce
- balsamic vinegar
- salt
Baked it for a half hour or so, and served it with celeriac and gran-grown squash fries, and some courgette, and a Mojo bar for added carbs + protein:
The Mojo bar was sent to me a while back by America’s Nutrition to review.
It was very sticky, but completely delicious! I loved the little nutty chunks in it, plus it was a super source of protein – 9g per bar – and carbs – about 21g. Seeing as I was having a late lunch and needed to carb load AND needed some more protein with my meal, it was perfect 
Plus, it tasted like a dessert or something :p It’s love.
Later on, I managed to make myself a vanilla cappuccino:
I use the term ‘vanilla’ loosely. :/ Couldn’t taste it at all! I’ve tried instant vanilla coffees many a time, and I never, ever taste their flavour. Maybe my taste buds are dead?
Other delicious food in the day – a load of roasted veggies- brussels and kabocha – with peanut butter/soy sauce coated parsnip fries, and a side of seitan:
As well as an biiig bowl of oatmeal, made with 1c. milk, 50g oats, roasted and mashed squash, maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg and salt. Bliss.
Saturday brought another busy day, and another trip to uni, and a failed attempt at sleeping in!
I’d hoped to sleep til about 8.30 to reserve valuable energy stores for Sunday, but alas! twas not meant to be. My body decided that 6hrs of sleep was perfectly fine, so when I woke up at 7.24, that was that – I couldn’t get back to sleep! 
Breakfast – another amazing thickie blend:
Then it was a ssuuuuuper lesson on Chika with my mum helping <- they’re both stars!
I packed up a quick lunch to take with me to uni (Fresher’s Fair was 12-4pm) – an extra big serving of lentils:
Along with a load of roasted veggies:
I also had a Nakd bar for some added carb
Fresher’s Fair itself was pretty good (despite the 2hr commute) – i’ve found lots of different project things I want to get involved in, which should keep me busy! On the way home, I stopped at Waitrose for the weekly shop and got some great stuff
Hooray!
Dinner – oatmeal!!! Except this time I did 1c. dry oats (about 95g)! If that isn’t carb loading, I don’t know what is. I cooked it with the same mix as yesterday and (like yesterday) left it in the oven for 10mins to harden up:
Amaze. On the side, i had a tiny but of roast aubergine and parsnip with garam masala:
All eaten whilst watching X Factor! [Louis' old folk - AWFUL! Nicolo - very disappointed. Aiden/Matt/Rebecca/Paige/Treyc (or however she spells it)/Mary - LOVE! Cher/Katie/all the bands - HATE!
Sunday
MEEP! I got up extra early today to allow a good 2hrs to digest and digest I did! 50g oats/spelt flakes soaked overnight in 1/2 c. milk, 2 tsps wheat germ, vanilla, salt and a mashed banana:
As well as some raspberries nuked with agave, then mixed with 2tbsp Grape Nuts:
And a tiny apple (which I ate in a nervous haze!). To kill time, I watched 25mins of Ugly Betty and took some gorgeous early morning ChikaTig photos I might put them up later in the week
Just before I left, I ate a date, then I was gaaaaawn.
I set off with a grin on my face; I decided this run was going to be AWESOME and I was going to kICK BUTT.
Which I did!
I kept a steady 9.30-9.50 pace for the first 7miles, and didn't walk once. I was feeling great! At 7miles, i met my mum, so I could top up on water/Lucozade. I deserved a medal for bravery for the next 3miles - I was feeling so ace that I found a 1.5mile long steep hill, and ran all the way up it!! The best bit was coming back down
At mile 11, I'd started to walk 1minute out of every mile, which was a great help, although my pace slowed a bit. No worries! i was hardly caring about pace anyway
At mile 13, I felt sick - I'd eaten a Powerbar too fast and in basically one chomp...lesson learnt! Luckily, that mile was when I saw my mum again, so I stood about for a few mins, the sickness passed, and I continued on my merry way.
I got back home at mile17, where my mum was waiting. I ran 1more mile alone, and then for the last 2miles, she came with me on the bike and sang crap songs to me It was the best 2miles ever!
During the run, I had about two bottles of Lucozade Sport, a Powerbar and some Powershots. It worked perfectly Mile Totals: 20miles in 3hr20 (my goal time had been 3hr22, so, er, BOO YEAH). Average pace - 10.01min/mile. I'm so super pleased with it!
In fact, I'm over the moon. I so badly needed this run to go well, and with the power of positive thought (plus a lot of carbs and many, many wonderful comments on my last post), it did. I'm living proof - If you put your mind to it, if you want something enough, you can do it. Last week, I struggled and cried my way through 14miles. This week, I smiled my way through 20. YOU CAN DO IT!!
As soon as we finished, I grabbed a banana from the house, and took some celebratory photos
BIG thanks go to my mum!
We went for a 10minute walk round the fields afterwards to stretch out and say howdey to the horses:
Take note of the Chika fluff: in about 2hours, it's going to be clipped off 
Lunch wise - I just had one big bowl of nutrients [which tasted bang on like marzipan]!
- soya yogurt
- cereal
- spinach
- melon
- 1.5banans
- maca powder
- xanthan gum
- Vega smoothie mix
- dates, almonds, blackberries, and a scuffin on the side
My mum had the other scuffin – twas the least I could do!
Perfect meal to celebrate a perfect run.
I am going to ROCK this marathon!
—-
Ok, so here’s my announcement, which I feel bad about mentioning cos a) lots of you said you couldn’t wait for it(!) and b) it’s not so big anymore… basically – I’m not sure if I can keep my blog going…
My final year of uni starts tomorrow (Monday), and I’m going to be super busy this year – lectures, my final dissertation (which involves having to collect a boatload of data, as it’s a psychology experiment), and a long commute there and back each day. On top of that, I really want to keep up with riding Chika, which obviously takes up a lot of time, as well as get involved with some more volunteering and clubs at uni (this Tuesday, I have to be in uni from 9.30am – 8pm…). The few weeks after my marathon are going to be manic too, as I’ll have all my lectures and work to catch up on. So basically, I’m unsure as to how to fit everything in. I think I’m going to keep blogging as much as possible, but probably in a different style, and not as regularly.
But – regardless of whether I resume a regular blogging or not, I will still keep reading everyone’s blogs (cos I genuinely think of a lot of you guys as friends ), and I’ll be back with a big old marathon recap (or 10!).I just don’t want to lose touch with the blogosphere – I love it too much! You all have helped me so much, with your positive comments, good luck wishes, funny stories..You’re all the best
Anyway, enough talk from me – this is a looooong post. Have a good afternoon!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 2:44 pm |
Wow, well done on your 20 miles that rocks! Your eats look amazing too. I’m sure that everyone will be really supportive of you having to reduce the blogging a bit
x
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 2:51 pm |
Congrats on your 20 miles!
Yay for finding the Cocoa Mint Nakd Bars (they sound amazing) and Lindt Chocolate!
Completely understand blogging less due to uni, riding etc.
Hope you have a great Sunday!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 3:55 pm |
I can’t wait to try the cocoa mint ones! Excitement does not describe it :p
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 3:27 pm |
Yaayyy CONGRATS!! I love your positivity!
I hear ya on the blogging thing – I just recently got a whole heck of a lot busier and I’m struggling to keep up… :-\ But life happens and it’s nice to know the blogging community is so supportive and always here waiting for you!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 3:32 pm |
Congrats girl!!! You really are going to rock the marathon
And if you can’t keep up with blogging that’s totally understandable (the same thing happened to me). Just post whenever you want & don’t sweat it- real life comes first!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 3:56 pm |
I think you have a super schedule – that’s my aim!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 3:47 pm |
WOW you should be soo proud of yourself! 20 miles is fantastic! Love those mojo bars too
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 3:55 pm |
Freya, I highly suggest you keep blogging! But like you said, try to do it in a different format that fits your life better. I can tell you, simply having a full time job makes blogging difficult for me. Lately I’ve tried to stick to 2-3 posts per week and put pressure on myself for nothing more. I feel so much less stressed out!!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 6:18 pm |
Yeah I reckon it would have a big impact on stress levels! I’ll see how it goes
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 4:10 pm |
CONGRATS ON 20 MILES!! And an average of 10 min/mile?? You’re a beast- way to go!!
I completely understand about the blogging thing, though I hope you still post occasionally- I love your posts!! Just find a style/schedule that works best for you
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 6:27 pm |
Lol 6months ago if someone said I’d be pleased with 10minute miles, I’d have been shocked. Now I’m over the moon! Distance sucks speed out of you..
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 4:31 pm |
Congrats on your 20-miler…I’m currently catching up on x-factor while recovering from my half-marathon and agree that all the bands suck…although I kind of like Cher but I can’t decide why!?
I am going to have to hunt out those chocolate mint bars…I luuuurve the chocolate orange ones but have a funny feeling the mint ones will be even more awesome!
- CJ
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 4:39 pm |
OMG and Wagner??!! Why??!!
-CJ
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 8:23 pm |
Wagner. Is. Awful. – I hate him!
Right now though, Aiden to win :p He’s 2 yrs younger than me, but I LOVE him!!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 4:59 pm |
Congratulations on 20 miles that’s so incredible!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 5:06 pm |
20 miles = You’re a star: I knew you could do it. To come back from a traumatic run is a monumental thing: many people give up, but it’s obvious that you’re anything but a quitter.
I think your decision re:blogging is a highly sensible one. Sorry I haven’t been commenting, but I have been reading: my schedule is pretty nuts too!
You’re so lucky to find those Nakd bars…they’re non-existent up North at the moment. Let us know what you think!
<3
~Jess~
xxxxxxxx
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 8:24 pm |
Awh thank you for saying all that
I felt like a total failure last week, so to bounce back really was amazing 
I hope you’re doing ok hun xx
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 5:44 pm |
You rock girly! Remember this run when you have one of your negaive days- we all have them and you know now that you can get over it (20miles over it to be precise!)
I tried the coco mint bar yesterday, it was kinda weird actually, sort of artificial tasting. Strange since its a natural raw food bar! That being said I doubt I’ll find it hard to demollish the rest
As for the possibility of stopping the blog, you should deffinetly do whats in your best interests. We all love your blog but thats because we know you enjoy writing it, the minute it starts to be a stress or a worry you should stop. Its not worth sacrificing your social life, education or Chika for! Ofcouse if you did continue to blog that would be fab!
Go rest those legs….
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 8:26 pm |
Very good advice! I know that if I can do this, I can do anything
Ooh I really am curious to try the cocoa mint flavour now! Natural Balance Foods do such good stuff (I even like the gingerbread bar!) that I can’t imagine it being bad…
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 5:55 pm |
Woo hoo!! We knew you could do it, Freya! Job well done.
Good for you taking the time to consider your time and wanting to make sure you have time for the things you NEED to fit into your day. I will look forward to your posts when you get the chance to blog! And while I’ll miss your regular posts, I totally understand. Have fun!!
~Meredith
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 6:17 pm |
Fabulous work on your 20 miler – lovely to see you with a big smile on your face
My 10 miles on Friday went really well, some days it just all works out…
I think its great that you are prioritising now you are back at Uni – final year is so busy. Will miss your blog of course, but look forward to hearing about the marathon.
Cocoa Mint, hmmmm, not seen those yet. Not sure if it’s my bag or not. LOVE the Cocoa Orange though. Good luck back at Uni. Jx
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 8:28 pm |
Ooh congrats on your own 10miler – that’s awesome! Any run in the double digits just makes you feel like a goddess
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 6:33 pm |
Aha! See WE all knew you could do it- all it took was for you to believe it too, and you totally aced it! So CONGRATULATIONS!!
And a fast one too, WITH hills! I’m in awe!
I totally admire your recognition that you need to prioritise uni. I hope though that you still keep posting whenever you can! I love your blog, and clearly so do loads of other people, and we’ll all continue to support you no matter what!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 8:27 pm |
That means SO much!! I’ll keep posting as much as I can, especially knowing there’s so much support!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 7:01 pm |
Congrats on your run! that is soo awesome and your veggie feast looked amazing. I hope all your runs goes as well or better
I wish you all the success an sent you thoughts of positive support as you start university.
Wishes you success and all the best days to come
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 7:14 pm |
Yay well done! We all knew you could do it! Now next time you have a hard run, you have proof that you can do it. Mind over matter (plus a lot of carbs too!).
On the blogging front- good idea. Although some blogs seem to update with new posts a couple of times a day, it is a lot for people to read. As long as you post about the marathon- don’t put pressure on yourself- and blog when you want not when you feel you have to.
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 8:47 pm |
Congratulations! So glad it went well and if you enjoyed 20 miles, it’s looking good for the marathon!
One thing that might be good for breakfast on racing days is quinoa. I had porridge made with it, melted banana and coconut milk the other day. (Mixed with hand blender for texture) I always cycle up the yard straight after breakfast and a big bowl of oats can make me feel weighed down but this didn’t at all AND kept me full for hours! Loads of good protein/fibre/carbs too
Good luck for starting university
Eleanor
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 9:24 pm |
Ooh that sounds delicious – great idea!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 9:15 pm |
So thrilled for you today and how awesome you did!!! 20 miles is definately an accomplishment to be quite proud of!!! You truly are an inspiration to me that truly you can do anything if you put your mind to it!!!!!1 I totally respect your decision about blogging and just want to say thanks for all of your inspiring words !!!!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 9:24 pm |
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 10:04 pm |
whoo! knew you could do it!! I am so proud of you
And I can only imagine how happy you’re feeling, too. You will most certainly rock this marathon 
And as Aimee said – I totally respect your thoughts about needing to cut back on blogging. I thought for sure I would need to when classes started, but I just love it so. Even if you don’t have much time to blog – I demand to keep in touch, mm’kay?!
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 10:09 pm |
COCOA MINT NAKD BARS??!! I NEED!!!
and also you are 100% awesome, 20 miles is epic!!!! you are fully going to rock the marathon
now onto the essentials in life…x factor! I loooove matt, aiden and storm and quite like cher (sorry
), can’t stand katie AT ALL and so sad nicolo went 
regarding the blog, you absolutely must do whats right for you and i will still be reading if and when you do post
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 10:38 pm |
I think alot of people are in simsilar positions right now with finding time to blog, i think u should just do wehat u can, no pressure. Well done on your race, thats awesome and inspiring! and were on the same page with xfactor, there IS just something about mary
Sunday, October 10th 2010 at 10:58 pm |
AHHHH that makes me so sad, I really like you and your posts and all your eats….
I am so freaking impressed with your running, I can’t even make it 2 miles without dying so definitely you are something else!
I wish you all the best and I hope you come back to the blogging world I will be looking out for ya!!!
take care & God bless.
Monday, October 11th 2010 at 2:12 am |
Aww reading that you are contemplating giving up your blog makes me sad but I can completely understand your reasoning behind it. When it comes to things like uni you really have to prioritise and it’s not like your blog will disappear! You can always come back to it
I am so pleased that your run went well! I was going to bed just as you tweeted that you were off so I was sending you positive vibes
3 hours and 20 minutes is a long time to be running!!! Rest up, hun, you deserve it!
xxx
Monday, October 11th 2010 at 3:48 am |
Buuuut congrats on that run, that is AMAZING!!!! You rock girlie!!!!!
LOVE YOU! Big hugs!
Monday, October 11th 2010 at 5:18 am |
20miles??!! That’s HOT girl!!!! You really made it happen!! How amazing!!!there’s a song called Never underestimate the power of women!!
Monday, October 11th 2010 at 11:31 am |
Great job!!!!! Ahh it’s SO amazing that you ran TWENTY miles!
I’m so glad it was a great run!
Monday, October 11th 2010 at 1:38 pm |
Congrats on completing the 20 miles that’s incredible! I totally understand you concern with having time for a blog while in school. I’m in the final year of my masters plan and it’s definitely a challenge to make time to blog. However, I think it’s important when you’re busy to take time for you and that’s how I view blogging…it’s me time
Monday, October 11th 2010 at 6:21 pm |
hey girly!!!
dontcha worry about posting– life is the main priority
just promise me you’ll stay on twitter! hehe
congrats on your long long run! love the pics of you, your horse, and your mom
Tuesday, October 12th 2010 at 3:02 am |
Your oats look SO tasty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, October 12th 2010 at 6:51 pm |
Congrats on the 20 miles! That’s impressive!! I’ve never tried Vega mixes, but they look really good. I’ve been meaning to get around to trying them…
Wednesday, October 13th 2010 at 1:15 am |
Congratulations on your 20 miles
Good luck with uni, etc. Blog when you can and I’ll be here waiting to read!!
Saturday, October 16th 2010 at 2:34 pm |
The food you eat is just so yummy!!!
For me it’s very hard to find good tasting dairy free food in the Netherlands (I’m allergic to dairy), and you even eat vegan and are able to eat much better!
So it think that’s amazing!