June Focus Update and Friday Faves and Raves

During the month of June, my intention is to Take it Outside.  I am doing pretty well with spending as much time as I can outdoors, in spite of the fact that I have had the sniffles and a cough off and on all week  long.  I have not played any tennis or golf as I had hoped, but am walking and running, and also enjoying some lunches and coffee dates in the sunshine so I am very happy about that.

I am trying to gradually increase my running distance again, without suffering painful and annoying cramps in my legs and feet.  So far, adding an electrolyte drink and more water to my pre-run and recovery routines seems to be helping enormously.  And yes, I am using my Tommie Copper gear a lot, too.  Honestly, this special copper infused fabric just makes my body feel warm, and the support offered by the compression is marvelous.  

I did a 6 km run on Sunday and then a 5 km run on Wednesday… and so far so good in keeping the cramps at bay.

After my 5 km run on Wednesday, I delayed my shower for several hours just so I could keep these Tommmie Copper tights on longer…(little confession)  in the afternoon when I went out to run some errands I just put a little skirt on over them and off I went.  I need some in black now, I think.

And you know I am loving these Mizuno shoes too, now that I am getting more used to them. They are much lighter than the previous incarnation and I wasn’t sure they were sturdy enough at first.   And yes, I do need some new running glasses… these old Oakleys are very effective but look ridiculous, I know. 

The week has just whizzed by me… I have been spending lots of time planning a week long getaway at the end of July for The Captain’s birthday.   And I have been doing lots of cooking and food prep, too.  I found some red peppers on sale and so roasted a batch… mmmmm.

I found some really good posts this week… here are some of my favorites:

• Healthy Edible Cookie Dough at ItzLinz

It’s based on almond flour and looks awesome…. definitely going to try it

• Tips for Picking the Best Shoes at Tommie Copper

Some things to think about when selecting shoes for running and walking

• The Unspoken Darkside to Training for Performance and Focusing on What Your Body Can Do at Nia Shanks

Some thoughts about obsession and comparing yourself to others

• 5 Strength Workouts You Love to Hate at peerFit

Other than wall sits, which I never see the the value in doing, these are good body weight exercises

• 5 Ways to Truly Brace Your Core at Your Trainer Paige

Really good explanation of what bracing the core is and why it’s important

• More Ways to Drink More Water at Stacy Knows

Some tasty ideas for flavoring drinking water

• Why I Am Awake at 4 a.m. at Carla Birnberg

Some thoughts about sleep routines

• Reducing Inflammation With Turmeric Ginger Lemonade at Cotter Crunch

Tasty recipe and some information about inflammation

• 5 Weight Loss Rules Not to Break at Go Fit Gals

Mostly common sense but hey, we can all use a reminder now and then

What do you think about wall sits?  Yay or nay? 

How do you prepare for a run?  Any special fuel or supplements?