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This is going to be a different type of blog post. Usually, I just tell a story about a run or talk about my pudgy pooch, Paxton. This time, I have been asked to write about specific topic(s).

When I was approached about this, I felt a bit out of my depth. Let’s face it. I’m a middle age lady living out in the country in Mississippi. I run because I love it but I don’t consider myself an expert in any way.

Sure, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. All of us have! After thinking about this for a few days, I think(?) I’m ready to give this a shot. Fingers crossed!

The first thing I was asked about was nutrition. To be honest, I about laughed myself silly! I do not consider myself to be super careful with my diet. The more I thought about it, I began to realize that over the past 5 years, my eating habits have done a 360. I thought I would share about that.

When I started “cleaning up my diet,” I didn’t know anything about “clean eating” or any of the other pet phrases floating around right now. I knew I needed to drop some weight and I knew I need to change what I was doing.

I joined the online group MyFitnessPal to help me log my calories, etc. and went to the bookstore to purchase cookbooks. Diabetic cookbooks.

I knew that diabetic diets were supposed to be healthy and I figured that was a good place to start. It was! I learned how to cook with spices instead of heavy salt and fats. I learned portion control. The weight began to drop and I was a happy girl.

Things began to change with I started running. When I had longer runs scheduled, I found that with my low fat, low carb diet, I wasn’t fueled sufficiently for my runs and things had to change. I began to tinker with my diet to gradually add more carbs into my diet.

I found healthy carbs (yes, they do exist) and fats. My energy levels went up and I was still able to run and continue to drop weight. I eventually was able to lose 170 lbs through running and eating smart.

Healthy carbs: http://running.competitor.com/2014/04/photos/the-10-best-carbohydrate-sources-for-runners_12953

Who knew you could get carbs out of bananas and a few berries!? I guess that kind of shoots the pizza and beer idea of carbing up for a race right out the window, doesn’t it?

I all honesty, I’ve never intentionally carb loaded for a race. I just eat like I regularly eat. #nothingnewonraceday

Protein: I have to say right here that I am not a fan of most protein supplements. I’m one of “those” people who believe in real food. When I go for protein, my first choice is eggs. There’s a zillion different ways you can zip up eggs and they’re pocketbook friendly. Here’s one of my favorite things to add to a few scrambled eggs:

*onions, jalapenos, mushrooms and fire roasted tomatoes. Mmmm!!! Filling and packed with all sorts of vitamins and protein.

I’m the first to admit that I’m not an expert. I don’t have a degree in nutrition or anything like that. This is just what works for me. That being said, here’s an article that talks more about protein and the need of protein for runners: https://runnersconnect.net/running-nutrition-articles/protein-for-runners/

Let’s move on to something completely different.

What should a person wear when they’re running? This is not talking about fashion, this is a legitimate question. Is it a good idea to snag an old cotton T-shirt and ancient sneakers you wear for mowing and go grab some miles?

I’m going to tell you right off the bat, I’m super fussy about what I wear. Super. Fussy. Drives MFH (My Favorite Husband) nuts!

Living in Mississippi, it never really gets super cold. We get chilly and every now and then have a legitimately cold day but for the most part the weather is pretty sweet! Regardless of the temps, I am almost always in shorts. My favorite running shorts are Oiselle Mac Roga Shorts.

I run with #OiselleVolee and am super fortunate to get to do this. Their products are amazing!!! Their shorts though are my favorite. Why?

Being a vertically challenged person (4’11”), it’s difficult to find shorts that look good. Most running shorts have a 3″ inseam and that’s just too long! They saw my legs off. Ouch! The Mac Roga Shorts have a very short inseam (1.75″) but on my short, stubby legs, they’re perfect!

Their waistband lies flat. They’re flattering. They don’t “pooch” at your tummy making you look 5 months pregnant. I really like them….and they don’t chafe! #WIN

Believe it or not, I’m not too terrible fussy about sports bras. Just give me a racer back compression bra. No fuss. No frills.

Shirts, though? I prefer seamless shirts. My racing team Renegade Endurance has terrific shirts! They don’t twist around when you’re running and No. Seams. Again, No chafing. Again, winning! *I don’t have a pic of me wearing their shirt that’s not hidden by my hydration vest.

Zensah also has some terrific seamless shirts and sports bras! This is one of their long sleeved shirts I got for our chillier days this winter. It has thumb holes and lots of reflective stuff on the back! #teamZensah

I know many of you live in colder climates and I’ll be honest; I’ve never had to really bundle up for a run. I’ve never run in snow or on ice…things of which I am incredibly grateful! Those of you who have experience with the ice/snow and brutally cold winters know tons more about what to wear in that weather than I *hopefully* ever will. When it gets super cold here? I just wear everything I own~all at once. I look like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man. LOL!!!

This Runner’s World “formula” takes the guess work as to what to wear in different types of weather: http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear

All of those clothing options are for training but to be honest, I wear the same stuff racing as I do training. I know how what I am wearing is going to fit and move in the race. No surprises. Surprises on race day aren’t much fun.

So, as we begin to wrap up the blog, I’ve proven beyond a doubt the amateur I am. I’ve fiddled with my diet to fuel my training needs. My chosen clothing? Well, I told you I’m fussy but I shared what I’ve found I like.

I didn’t mention shoes because I’m in the process of switching shoes. #mypoorfeet Socks, however? I’m an Injinji girl all the way! #no blisters.

Really don’t know if this was any help to anybody or not. Can’t thank Tom enough for asking me to write this up. That was very kind.

Wishing you all many happy and injury free miles!!!

#IRun4Aiden