Wednesday, July 4, 2012

TrainingTruths: Workouts & Watermelon


Last week I was on vacation in Cincinnati and decided to take a little break from running to try and let the PT's work on my calf muscles work. I skipped my second run of the week and only ran 4 as part of a hometown race on Saturday. My weekly miles totaled 8 which is far less than it should be at this point in my training.

Workouts:

#TrainingTruth: I'm worried I'm not going to be ready for my half marathon in August.

Last summer I followed my half marathon training plan faithfully. This summer has been so different because I've been dealing with and battling the never ending calf issues. My PT asked me to keep my runs shorter which completely interferes with long runs on the weekends. My last half in May was a struggle and I really want this one to feel better and easier, but right now I have no idea how this is going to turn out. I hate that feeling.


Food:

#TrainingTruth: I love salted watermelon in the summer!

Watermelon is a juicy sweet snack that instantly quenches your thirst during the heat of summer. It is packed full of vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium and it is low in calories. Eating watermelon can help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

source

Then I come along with the salt shaker. I grew up putting salt on my watermelon. I'm a saltahlolic. I prefer salty foods over sweet dessert type foods. Salting watermelon makes it taste sweeter because it creates a contrast on the taste buds. When I grab the salt shaker, I find myself on the receiving end of a lot of strange looks.


But did you know that in Italy, France, Japan and Spain it is common to serve watermelon covered with salty ham (prosciutto) and salty cheeses like feta?



I know most people say that salt is bad for us, but the truth is we need salt. Sodium helps maintain the right amount of water in our bodies. Athletes should be extra careful to replace the salt lost during workouts. If you have good blood pressure, then having a salty-tooth is not bad for you. Also, our bodies naturally get rid of excess sodium.

If salting your watermelon doesn't appeal to you, try this Watermelon Salsa recipe from allrecipes.com.
source

Ingredients
2 cups finely chopped seeded watermelon (do not puree)
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
1 cup sweet onion, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco, or to taste

Directions
Stir the watermelon, pineapple, and onion together with the cilantro, orange juice, and hot sauce in a bowl. Cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.











#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to asses ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.


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I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!





5 comments:

  1. I'm sorry about all your calf issues ... that's no fun at all.
    Thanks for the salted watermelon idea! I'm going to try that. Have you tried salted chocolate yet? It's amazing, too:)

    ❀Barbara❀
    My Running Shortz

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  2. I love watermelon with lime! I recently saw a recipe for a watermelon and jalapeƱo salad that I want to try.

    Hope you feel better soon!

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  3. So sorry about the calf issues. But the watermelon sounds fabulous!! My mom puts salt on hers, I always thought she was crazy but I might need to try it now

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  4. I am a watermelon fiend this summer! Usually straight-up, but I need to try this salt idea of yours . . . have had a watermelon/feta salad that was amazing, and I also love salt (esp. after a sweaty workout) - so this is right up my alley. And that does stink about your calf . . . injuries are hard to get through, mentally and physically!

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  5. YIkes. Keep recovering and get that calf back to 100%. Def. don't want a lingering injury.

    Watermelon is yummy. I enjoy mine plane tho. Great post/share.

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