protein

I want a turkey sandwich.

| cheriarmour

First and foremost, let’s talk Timehop.

TimehopTimehop is sometimes really fun.  Sometimes it’s a really rude reminder of the fact that you used to get really drunk and eat two mexi hot dogs from Cookout at 3 a.m. on a regular basis.  Yesterday was one of those days.

So, occasionally someone comments on my current weight, often, someone who may have known me at Elon.  And I’m not ever going to pretend I was morbidly obese, but I definitely had a few more lbs on me, which you can clearly see in my cheeks and in my boobs in the above picture.  Thanks a WHOLE heck of a lot Timehop, for serving as a brutal reminder of the fact that beer is not a food group.

I want a turkey sandwich.

I woke up on Monday feeling two things.

For one, I felt really rough because I drank too many mojitos with my friends on Sunday.  But it’s not exactly my fault because…I just don’t feel like admitting that it’s my fault.

And for the second part, I really really was craving a turkey sandwich.  Which is all well and good, except I’m a vegetarian, and it’s probably been over 10 years since I’ve eaten a turkey sandwich.  But for some reason, a cold turkey sandwich with tomato, lettuce, and avocado is calling my name.  I’ve given myself a few days to see if the craving would go away, but it’s not, so I’m really thinking about getting one.

Now, a few folks have been really quick to point out that I might be pregnant.  Which would explain things, but I’m 99% sure I’m not.

So the other working theory is that my body is craving protein or sodium, which is also feasible, since it’s hot as balls out and I haven’t eaten meat in so long.  But I also was under the impression that I was getting enough through beans and nut butters and whatnot.

So my question today, as I plan to eat lunch after a long run is:

Where’s the best place to get a turkey sandwich?

What do I eat, and when, when I run?

| cheriarmour

This question was submitted to me by Alexa Terry Wilde.  Now, if you’ll remember, she was the good friend who got married in May in that cool, beautiful barn wedding.

Alexa
I love this picture of us. Alexa (Andrew in the middle), and me. One of the most fun nights in history.

Alexa, admittedly, is not a long-distance runner, however, she’s suffering with a pretty common issue, cramps, each time she heads out for a run.

There could a few things going on here, but her specific questions was, what should I be eating before/after a run so I’m not cramping during a run?

Number one, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.  But strike that balance, if your tummy is sloshing, back off a little bit.

Second, are you a morning runner or an evening runner?  Mornings are easy, if you’re running in the morning, go with something light.  Eat a piece of toast with Nutella on it, or half of an english muffin with a cup of coffee of a glass of water before you run, and the cramps should be banished.

If you’re an evening runner, things can get a little tricky based on the fact that you’ve literally been eating and drinking all day.  And if you’ve been eating heavy, greasy meals, count on a little discomfort, especially through the first four miles or so of your run.  However, if you know you’re an evening runner, stick to small, light, refreshing meals, an egg on an english muffin for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and maybe a piece of toast or dried fruit for snack.  Make sure you’re drinking up, and save the protein bars, eggs, and shakes for after the big run.