DAY 3

Breakfast:
1/2 cup flaxseed bran cereal
1/2 cup milk
1 handful blackberries
1 cup black coffee

Snack:
1/2 banana

Workout #1:
Lower body today.
Pretty much the same sets I did on Day 1 at the same weights.
3x10 Leg Press at 100 lbs
3x10 Leg Lifts
3x10 Calf Raises at 80 lbs
3x10 Reverse Crunches
1x10 on each side: Side crunches
Full set of Dance Crunches x10 each
50 situps

Run:
Appx 6 miles on a very hilly trail. Began at extremely slow pace (appx 9:30-10 min) and gradually shuffled my way up to something faster (8:45-9:00), peaking at mile 3 and holding. I have found that everything improves after I hit mile 3. My stride opens more, I find a natural rhythm, and I start feeling really good. My scalp was tingling and adrenaline was surging through my body at mile 4... it felt pretty neat. Weather was hot and muggy and I had to go to the bathroom SO bad! It took a conscious effort to hold it in and I was cursing myself for not bringing some toilet paper so I could duck into the woods! On a scale of 1-10, my mood before the run was about a 6... and my mood after the run was about an 8. I think I will be in good shape for next Thursday's 10k. Must remember to use the bathroom BEFORE the race begins!

Good music accompanied this run.

Snack:
Myoplex shake made with water and ice.

Lunch:
Same as yesterday... Turkey wrap and baby carrots.

Snack:
1 cup plain kefir mixed with 1/2 banana (sliced), 5 blackberries, and 2 tbsp wheat germ

Dinner:
1 grilled 9-oz sirloin steak
1 loaded baked potato (butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, pepper)
1 mixed green salad with ranch dressing
Dessert: 1 frozen chocolate dove bar

Workout #2:
1 mile slow jog around the neighborhood.
Light drizzle.
When I got to the edge of the neighborhood, where the lights cut off and the train tracks lie, there were so many fireflies in the darkness that I couldn't look away. Like a child on Christmas morning, I beheld in awe a dazzling display of a light show. So many of these creatures blinking and sparkling jovially as they danced and played games. And then I had to make a turn back to my house... away from the festivities. But oh, this is why I run. Surprises like tonight when I get lost in the magic. This is why I enjoy what I do now...