Pre-Race Day and Product Review

Tomorrow is race day.  Typically I go into this type of race with a laissez-faire attitude of just run it.  Never put a lot into it and just ran.  Whatever the outcome was the outcome was.  Well that all changed when I signed up for Athlinks.  Right there for the whole world to see were my results.  Some of those races were done to pace others, some just for fun but all of a sudden the competitor in me kicked in and I'm staring results in the face.  So after I ran my training run last week of 9.3 miles (Coach said 9 miles in the 7:40-7:50/mile pace range) at a pace of 7:38/mile Coach and I discussed what I could do for this race.

We discussed holding that same 7:40-7:50/mile pace and then she asked me if I could go faster.  I told her I just did 7:38 so I can definitely go faster....I love pushing myself.  We settled on 7:20-7:30/mile and trying to break 1:10.  So that is my goal for this race.  Being the competitor that I am I had to check out last year's results.  Well the M35-39 winner ran a pace of 7:15.  #2 and #3 ran at 7:21.  #4 was 7:27 and #5 7:32.  I will be testing the boundaries of my now limits on Saturday.

Also, there will be other bloggers running the race.  Jon from Emergence, Shannon  from Iron Texas Mommy and Allison from Just Tri and Finish will all be there as well.  Stop by their blogs and wish them good luck.

PRODUCT REVIEW

As you are aware I take a lot of pride in what I put into my body.  When I started this multi-sport journey I was of the mind-set to take in all things protein and I put on weight even though I was training hard.  Through trial and error I have come to learn so much about food as fuel for my body.  I am more aware of how my body reacts to certain foods and how it helps get me through my training and racing.

A few weeks ago it was freezing in Texas.  Yes it was cold (tell them Jeff) and so I decided to buy an old stand-by from New York.  I bought some oatmeal but I went through looking for an oatmeal that wasn't just fully loaded with sugar and also quick cooking.  I settled on Oat Fit and this morning I finally broke it out.  Today is a rest day and I have been eating on rest days as if it were a 3x training day.  I decided today was the day to break out this new product.

Let me say....oh yeah this is going into the rotation.  Even in the summer.  This was just unbelievably good and filling.  It is so simple to make and one of the best parts is you don't need a measuring cup for the water.  I loved that idea.

Here are the nutrition facts:

I took it a step further and added fresh blueberries, blackberries and banana.  I also added raisins and 1/4 cup dried fruit.  Lastly I added 2 tbs of wheat germ.

I ate this around 6:30am and I did not feel the need for another meal until I had my everyday PB&J at 12:30 with an apple.  The best part I was not starving at all where I would normally be eating at 6:30a, 10:00am, 1:00p.  I felt full and satisfied.

If you are looking to add something new to your diet that is filling, delicious, healthy and low in calories look for this oatmeal.

And oh yes....the part about not needing a measuring cup you were about to ask.  Well the pouch that the oatmeal comes in is the measuring cup for the water.  Pour out the oatmeal then pour in the water into the pouch and into the bowl.  Into the microwave in 90 seconds and you have perfect oatmeal.

Two Thumbs up and be on the lookout for this on the next installment of the Athlete's Plate.