This morning I woke up at 5:30 AM and ate a bowl of Lucky Charms. That has been my go-to food for breakfast on long run mornings for a little while at the suggestion of Alissa, and so far it really works. Not that I’ve had any REALLY long runs since implementing this plan to fully test it! But the logic behind this food choice is that it has some whole grains in the oat cereal portion, but not so fiber loaded that it would cause intestinal problems while running. Also it’s got marshmallows and that makes it a) a hit of sugar to fuel the run and b) FUN and COLORFUL!
And I’m dorky and silly little things can make me happy! Woooo…
After eating, I mixed up a bottle of Heed and then got myself dressed in my running clothes. For the first time in quite a while, I had plans to meet my friends for a Saturday morning run and I was really looking forward to the outing.
After getting dressed, grabbing my Garmin, my run bag* and my Heed, I went out to the garage to get in my car. I decided to just throw the run bag in the trunk since I didn’t need it until after my run.
But here’s the deal, the remote for my car decided to stop working this week. I push the buttons and the car doesn’t lock or unlock. So, knowing this, I walked to the back of my car and decided to use the key to unlock the trunk, knowing the trunk release button wouldn’t work.
I put the key in the lock, turned and all the sudden the panic alarm on the car went off. It was screeching at me, as I frantically tried to run around the car, squeeze past the shelves along the walls and the side of the car to open the driver’s side so I could try to figure out how to shut the damn thing off. When I put the key in the driver’s side door, the alarm shut off.
Whew… that’s only the 2nd time that I’ve heard the alarm in the 3+ years I’ve owned the car, but inside I was a little embarrassed that I had to basically announce to my entire neighborhood, “Hey, I’m awake now. Just thought you wanted to know and wanted to be awake at 6:30 AM on Saturday too!”
After the alarm screaming, I met my friends Jim & Donna at Red Rock Canyon. They are training for Boston, so they had 18 miles on the schedule. But my plan today, run about 6 miles and just get in some time with my friends. So while they were planning on running 9 miles into the park and then turning back, I was only running 3 miles in before doubling back.
The sun was up and it was already 60 degrees when we started. My 3 miles in to the park was still a solid workout with some good climbing. The best part was that I got to run with my friends, something I’ve missed.
I felt no guilt or shame about doing a different distance than anyone else. I was proud of myself for running strong at a distance that was suitable for me right now. I finished today’s run feeling strong, happy, empowered and ALIVE.
All of my running this week has given me some of that “runner’s high” and I’m so happy. I’ve been struggling internally for several years, discovering that I could run and feel good while running was helping to pull me out that dark place. But after the DNF in Phoenix I really felt like I had lost part of myself and that internal battle was rapidly re-emerging. Right now I feel like I am pushing back some of that fog, capable of letting some of “the real Jill” shine again. It’s a good feeling.
*My run bag is an Adidas bag I got for very cheap and I keep a bunch of things in it for runs that are not at my house, ones that require a drive.
Jill Will Run 
Lucky Charms – a good “go-to” food.
Joe: Absolutely, and it makes me feel like I’m reliving my childhood! 🙂
Do you eat your Lucky Charms dry? I’m guessing yes since milk would be mucus forming, but just checking. I’m liking that idea better than my toast and PB since that just makes me taste pb for the rest of the run. 😦
~moe~: I actually use a little soy milk on my Lucky Charms. Probably not as much as most people might use on a bowl of cereal, but a little bit is necessary! 🙂
The alarm story made me laugh…that is sooooo something I would do 🙂
Yay for the runner’s high. I’ve needed it these past few weeks too!
My parents never bought sugary cereals when I was growing up. One vacation we stayed at a place with a kitchenette, and they let us get Lucky Charms as a treat. Over 20 years later, that is one of the only things both my brother and I remember from that trip.
I always eat cereal before my shorter runs (I like to incorporate peanut butter for some protein for the longer ones), and might just have to buy them again!
I ate plenty of sugary cereals as a kid, but not so much that I was out of control…. I loved Lucky Charms and Cocoa Puffs!
Glad you are feeling better!
Oh I am so jealous of your “runner’s high”!! I haven’t had one in forever….mainly because the TM just doesn’t do it for me but spring is around the corner!
Yeah, the treadmill doesn’t inspire the “high” for me either! I hope you are able to run outside soon!
I also use an Adidas bag- I am in love with it!!! Its perfect for everything I need to take with me. I use it for everything!
I swear, you and I are mentally “cycling” together right now – I am not feeling guilty for the shorter runs either – go us! Wahoo! I am glad that what you are doing is right for you, and that it is making you feel better. I think it’s all a matter of balance right now, don’t you? (I’m also glad you’ve been able to spend some time with your husband on the weekends too!)
It is funny that both of us are having these swings in terms of our running at the same time. And you’re totally right… “Go Us!” I’m trying to give myself kudos from time to time, I deserve my own respect and kindness just as much as others do!
I just finished a bowl of lucky charms and thought of you! The colorful little marshmallows do make me happy. I’m so glad that you are starting to find the “real Jill” again. I’m sure you’ve got lots of things to think about while you’re out running. I think those contemplative runs are some of the best kinds of runs. So glad you are able to do it again, and its helping you!
You’re right, I think the contemplative running is part of the reason I’m feeling better.
And I’m so glad you got to have a “happy” moment from Lucky Charms too. I think of you every time I eat them now since it was your brilliance that made me remember how much I like them and that they are great food for running!
mmm cereal, for any meal, is never bad! i set my car alarm off last week too!! i didn’t know how to shut it up and i was so embarrassed. oops. 🙂 glad the run went so well for you!
My husband is also on the “cereal for any meal” bandwagon. I haven’t been cooking dinner for him much lately so he eats cereal for breakfast and dinner!
Yeah, I was embarrassed by my alarm. I was more embarrassed the first time I accidentally triggered it and couldn’t figure out how to shut it off for about 10 minutes! Yikes…
I *LOVE* that you eat Lucky Charms before a long run. Fabulous idea! And perhaps it will bring you luck! 🙂
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog — thanks for supporting mine as well. We “sole” sisters in running have to stick together! 🙂