Week 3 of training for the Montreal 1/2 marathon brings with it some pretty intense runs. I’m going to be honest here, i have never run 4.8 km (3 miles) steadily, without breaking into a walk midway. My training schedule had me slated for a 3 mile run on Sunday, as well as Monday and Thursday of this week. I’m not going to lie; i was nervous.
As i departed from the warm comfort of my home, where my B was still snuggled comfortably amidst the sheets, i thought to myself “Wow, Sara, you’re running at 8AM on a Sunday morning. You’re wacko.” However, as i comfortably settled into a nice jog, i found myself loving the crisp morning air, relishing in the small rays of sunlight poking out through the clouds, and becoming entranced by the sound my feet made as they hit the pavement. As i passed fellow joggers, we exchanged small smiles, as if we were all in this together, part of some special club of AM wackos. I found myself loving the feel of my body slowly waking up from fingertips down to toes as my pace quickened. I’d be lying if i said the 3 miles flew by effortlessly, but i was able to complete the whole run without slowing down to a walk!
As i embarked on my second 3 mile run yesterday, knowing that i was able to complete the distance Sunday made the run so much less intimidating. I again completed the 3 mile run at a steady pace, without stopping to walk, and on top of that, i beat Sunday’s time by a handful of seconds! As a long-time asthma sufferer whose symptoms pretty much disappeared once i took up yoga, i am surprised my lungs are not causing me discomfort. Not once in my training have i felt wheezy or short of breath. As i run, i keep remembering my yogic breathing, which helps sustain my pace throughout my runs.
On the food front, i’ve been going nutso for granola. My new breakfast fix has been a huge bowl of granola goodness, made with Sunburst granola found at Fleur Sauvage. This granola contains rolled oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, pure vanilla, raisins, almonds and no artificial un-pronounceable stuff! The flax and chia seeds sustain me throughout my morning, and the dried fruit give me that little burst of sweetness i sometimes crave in the AM.
Breakfast Bowl of Awesome
Ingredients:
1 cup berries (i’ve been using strawberries, blueberries and raspberries)
1/3 cup granola
a small handful dried fruit (apricots!! YUM!)
1/2 cup non-dairy milk, or more if you like your granola soft
Directions:
Throw fruit, granola and dried fruit in a bowl. Pour milk over mixture and enjoy!
I’ve also taken to sprinkling some extra flax seeds on top, to boost the nutritional content, though if your granola contains flax seeds already, you’re good to go!
In case you’d like to support me in my efforts, please head on over to my personal fundraising page. Please remember that PETA’s research and investigations team needs all the help they can get to fight for animal rights not only in the food industry, but also when it comes to pet abuse and neglect, inhumane treatment in the entertainment and circus industry, as well as in the medical experiment and clothing industry. You don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to support their efforts, and any money you can spare will go a long way!
The Compassionate Glutton 
Love reading your experiences during this new journey! Your breakfast sounds divinely delicious! Blessings to you today and everyday! xoxo
Congratulations for your efforts Sara! Thank you in the name of all the animals you are helping.
Congrats on running 3 miles without stopping!! And that recipe sounds delicious 🙂 Rock on!