I realized yesterday that I need to take some time to plan out my race calendar for the year. Of course, I have my favorite local races that I want to get in before they close out. But most importantly, I need to decide what marathon I’m going for. I’m feeling strong running wise but there’s a part of me that is holding back in fear.
What if I get injured again?
Can I really run that far?
When I ran with CAA over the weekend, all the energy and chatter about who’s running this or that race got me psyched and ready to register for Vermont City. But I still haven’t.
I’m trying to think positively. I’ve run two half marathons since the injury and am logging more miles than ever without any pain. I’m being smart with fitting in cross training on my bike trainer and building strength. I need to concentrate on what I WANT to have happen, NOT what I’m afraid will. I want this marathon. I want it bad.But there’s still that little bit of doubt…
Deep breath. It’s time to do this! (I think).
Since it’s Wednesday, I’m linking up with Jenn again for WIAW.
I’m breaking the rules a bit today and going with some of my favorite foods I’ve been eating lately.
Oats w/ peaches from the summer, kale protein smoothies, Coconut Cookie Dough Balls, Chocolate Protein Balls
Last week when it was really cold, I was craving warm oatmeal for breakfast. It hit the spot but I was absolutely starving within 2 hours and could not get satisfied with no matter what I ate. While it tasted great, I prefer my green smoothie in the morning for satiety, even if it is -2 degrees outside!
Baked sweet potato, cinnamon and almond butter, apples, Spinach & Pear Muffins, Wild Harvest Pita Chips and hummus
I’m a creature of habit – sweet potatoes and almond butter are my jam! Wild Harvest recently sent me their new Pita Chips. Those poor chips didn’t have a chance in our house! The cinnamon sugar is really good!
Eggs over sauteed leeks and spinach and drizzled salsa, carrot chips w/ guacamole, Eggplant Caponata, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili, Cauliflower crust pizza
I can’t get enough of eggs and salsa right now. I haven’t had eggplant in forever so when I saw Heather’s Eggplant Caponata, I knew I had to make it. It’s really good. Plus, it makes your house smell wonderfully delicious! I’m also on a cauliflower crust kick. I modified the above recipe slightly (less cheese) and it came out great. I can’t wait to experiment more with different seasonings.
Have a great Wednesday!
How do you conquer doubt?
What having you been eating and loving lately?
You can do it!! Just listen to your body, rest when you need it, don’t push it- you know all that stuff
Your eats look AMAZING!!!! I am loving cauliflower pizza lately too! I put eggplant on mine- so yummy!!! I flip between oatmeal for breakfast and everything else- eggs, green smoothies, etc. But I always go back to oatmeal!
Andrea recently posted..WIAW: Attack of the Gummy Bears!
Thanks Andrea! I love my oats too. I could eat them morning, noon or night!
you can DO THIS! also…must make that egg over leeks and spinach immediately.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Weekly Eats 9
Trust me. You must!
Great quote! Your food looks yummy too. I just noticed the necklace on the right side of your blog. Where did you find that? Thanks, Angela!
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don’t Count recently posted..WIAW~Almost Finished Celebrating
Thanks Fran! The necklace is a piece from my friend Holly. I’m doing a giveaway next week with it so check back for a chance to win. You can check out her website for her other work http://hollymillsdesigns.com. She’s got beautiful pieces!
Sometimes we just have to push forward and have faith!
I made Bolognese again recently – yummy winter meal that the whole family loves!
AmyC recently posted..Review: Rock My Run
I really hate how injuries do a number on our psyches. I think you had a solid year and have a solid base to work from now, so go forward and smash the doubt. Just be smart about your training and you should be fine!
misszippy1 recently posted..How to stay off the DL
I have complete faith in you! Just make sure to always rest when needed & refuel properly… as if that’s a problem seeing all your delicious meals!
You’re at a great place, Angela! And honestly, I think a little healthy fear of the marathon is a very good thing. I was injured twice trying to build up before running my first successfully. It’s smart to recognize that it’s a long way, build carefully, and then know that you can do it!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Smoothie Pancakes + Greens for kids
I realized marathon distance is no joke during the summer. It’s serious business! I think I just need to register and start running. No over thinking. No what ifs. Thanks for the shot of confidence!
I’ve been mostly behaving, surprisingly!
you’ll do great this year – the power of positive thinking!
Kat recently posted..Sugar Rehab Week 1
I’m so so glad you enjoyed the caponata! Sometimes I’m nervous about someone trying a recipe – did I write it out well enough, did I forget something….And yes, it makes the house smell so yummy too. As for doubt, Oh girl. Can we sit and chat please?! I have a half marathon in 8 weeks. Right now I can’t run more than 6 miles and that’s with walking breaks. Last year I ran the race after 6 wks of no running b/c of injuries BUT I had been able to do spin, weights, elliptical and such. This year I was ready to redeem myself and here I am again, re-starting.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Tasty Tuesday: Protein Pumpkin Bread
Oh boy! We do need to chat. Preferably over wine after we have both successfully completed our intended races. Good luck to you!
Your food always looks so fresh and healthy. You have such an amazing attitude, I know you can do anything you set your mind too. xoxo
RunWiki recently posted..Surrender, Trust, Believe
I’m totally distracted by all your yummy eats. I want to come over for dinner (or lunch or breakfast)!!! So I was just thinking about this yesterday and almost wrote a similar post but instead decided to stuff my doubt under the rug for another day and push forward with trying to figure out what half I want to run. Real healthy, huh? I have a lot of the same doubts and fears of re-injurying myself, especially lately since I’ve had more aches and pains that aren’t going away. But I have every confidence that this marathon will be yours. You have been running strong and cross training. Continue doing that and build up smartly (is that a word?). You totally can do it!!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Help me decide!
You are always welcome for any meal or even a snack!
I too have had some aches recently. At first I thought it was from running but soon deducted it was from snowshoeing and carrying 30+ pounds. The psyche likes to mess me up big time. Good luck to you in pulling your doubt out from under the rug! 
I know you can do it!! You’re amazing. I know the fear is always there but that is part of the journey of course.
I can’t stop eating eggs either.
fairyhealthylife recently posted..Did I reach my December Goals?
I need to try the cauliflower crust!
You will do this. I know.
I love eggs
Kierston recently posted..It Starts With YOU!
You can do a half. You seem so strong right now. I’m pretty sure you could conquer just about anything!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Prenatal Workout and FitPregnancy Giveaways
man your eats looks so good!!
I totally understand the fear, I think it’s the hardest part of coming back from an injury. But like you said you have a solid base and lots of proof that you are ready.
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Vegetable Au Gratin
its always nice to come across a fellow blogger who is passionate about running and health. My goal each year is to run two races (1 small and 1 half) and since the weather is so cold here (dallas), I m a sissy when it comes to winter
I havent been running and i have similar doubts about getting back because i know i have lost my strength and endurance. I am thinking about starting out slow so that i dont get frustrated and build up again and listen to my body. on a different note, I loved your food choices. looking forward to read more of your posts 
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Only Fruit and Vegetable Diet {my experience}
Coming back from injury is the worst mental game. You are always waiting for “something” to feel off. It’s just a matter of building confidence and moving forward. Sounds like you are being cautious and smart, which is perfect. Trust your instincts and when you feel ready, you’ll know. Vague, but it’s the truth. You’ve got this.
And all of those meals look yummy. Kudos on making such awesome looking decisions.
Pavement Runner recently posted..Some New Running Shoes
When I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon last May, I was crying, looked ridiculous, and breathing SO hard (obviously)…but all that because I did something I never thought I could EVER do. AND I did it in under 2 hours, which I also didn’t think was possible….I say go for it girl. Those goals and dreams that are the scariest are always the ones most worth chasing (pun intended
after!!
Danica @ It’s Progression recently posted..wiaw #50: pink roses!
What a great quote and you will totally kick butt! I’ve been loving sweet potatoes and almond butter lately as my post workout snack. I cooked up a huge batch in the crockpot with an apple and cinnamon. So good!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..WIAW + Two Paleo Recipes!
So much good food! I have been craving eggplant lately… roasted a TON this Sunday for meals this week. I made my cauliflower crust pizza this week too! I did them as minis – it was a great side to a salad beast.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..My Morning Cocktail + WIAW
Those choc protein balls look divine! I recently made choc peppermint ones…had to hide them from myself! Like you, I’ve been dealing with the “I don’t want to get injured again…” issue. But I think we have to have faith in ourselves. I will be listening to my body more, doing more stretching and foam rolling, and wearing my compression gear religiously, but in the end you have to go for it. Push those doubts aside and KNOW that you have it in you. Good luck!
Alison @ racingtales recently posted..BelVita Breakfast Biscuits – Not Just for Breakfast!
I was on a chocolate peppermint protein ball kick during the holidays. Saved me from ordering too many Peppermint Lattes! Good luck to you too!
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