From Saturday: Long Run + Recovery Tools

Oops, I realized I never posted this from Saturday!!  Here's a belated post about my day :)

Today (Saturday) is the last day of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge, which was put on by Amanda at Run to the Finish.  I really enjoyed this challenge, and I plan on reviewing it for y'all tomorrow.

As for today, here's your usual stuff!

Today's Training
It was a scheduled long run for me on my half marathon training schedule, and since I'd skipped my long run last week, I decided to complete that distance.  I can still stay on track with the plan, since they usually throw in a 3-mile "long run" every week.  I've been increasing by a mile or so each week so that I'll be able to run more than 13.1 miles come half marathon day!

I can really tell that I took two weeks off!  I was struggling for the last half of the run, but I'm really proud of myself for pushing through.  A 11:30 average pace isn't bad, especially since my goal is just to finish!

I tried some mid-run fuel today.  I meant to swing by a sporting goods store and pick up some gels, but I didn't do that.  I used what I had around the house, and that was these Nature Valley Protein Granola Bars.

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They are quite tasty, and they worked pretty well for mid-run fuel.  They're kind of sticky, so it was hard to eat the bar quickly and keep going.  I'm going to start experimenting with some gels so that I can keep up my pace without having to walk for a mile to get the bar down :)

Diet Tip of the Day
I've already talked on here about my love of smoothies, but they really are a great recovery drink after a long run (especially down here in Florida where they cool you off!).  Unfortunately, my blender broke and I haven't replaced it yet.  I sought some smoothie after my run this morning.

While running some errands, I stopped by Smoothie King and got their Pineapple Surf smoothie.

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Not the best as far as limiting sugar, but I was looking for something with fruit in it, and I sure got what I was looking for!  I didn't know you could ask to make it skinny, so I could have save on that a bit.  Oh well, still very tasty!

My other recovery tool is my ProCompression socks!  You can see them in the photo, and they really help my shins recover after my long runs.  Nothing like laying on the couch in my compression socks, drinking a smoothie, and reading a book to heal after my run!

I hate to cut this post short, but Joe and I are off to Medieval Times for dinner and a show tonight!  I'm looking forward to watching some jousting and eating with my hands.  Have a great weekend!

Question of the Day: What's your favorite way to recover from a run/workout?