That’s MY Basket

I was just at the shopping centre, minding my own business and trying to put a packet of soba noodles in my basket, when a girl shouldered me and and then put her tuna in my basket.

Both the guy she was with and I were so taken aback that we just kind of looked at her.

And it was a good few seconds before I managed a ‘erugh’ and she finally looked up at me, realised I wasn’t her friend, and did that awkward half giggle, half apology that makes you question whether Darwin had it wrong. (Though, to be fair, on any other day, that girl and I would probably be in reverse positions…)

Taper Time

Taper is already irritating. After I dropped Little J of at the airport to head back to Melbourne, I went to do my gym workout.

I am pleased to report that this time, it was not ‘blah’! It was, however, underwhelming.

World’s best selfie – but clearly, post-workout, I was not overly destroyed.

I never thought I’d say this, but I miss my speed sessions. It’s just not as satisfying to have an easy elliptical and rowing session. I want to go hard, sweat buckets, and come out feeling sick and satisfied. Taper says no.

On the rower…

It’s only a few days in, and I’m beginning to see why people talk about the ‘taper tantrums’ and the mental element of taper being the most difficult. Having gotten over most of the blah, this body has been conditioned to go hard or go home. The worst bit is that these sessions are just going to get shorter and more irritating over the next two weeks!

Too Many Rules!

And it’s not just the workouts. The nutritional element is quite tricky. Here I was ready to just eat mud cake until marathon day, but no, it’s all about -

Fueling right, but not overdoing it, but not dieting, but decreasing carbs, but making sure to get plenty of carbs, and not over-eating, but eating when you need to, but being aware you need a little less, but still get lots of protein, and don’t stop eating fats, and keep up the sodium, but don’t eat more than you need, but expect a little bit of weight gain and don’t try to lose it.

For an obsessive nutter like me, that’s a mine-field!

You aren’t taking away my chocolate and berries

So I’ve given myself some basic taper food principles, and please feel free to weigh into what I put in my mouth if you know better – because most of the time, I sure don’t!

1. Don’t diet (this is the big one for me, I’m quick to cut carbs and sugar when I feel those pants getting tighter)

2. Eat a little less (like two breakfasts instead of three)

3. Be careful with iron – I know I can get low quickly 

4. In the first week, get plenty of protein to help those muscles I’ve been working to death, and have plenty of fruit and veg to keep my immune system feeling good.

5. In the second week, keep it balanced, and get plenty of healthy fats.

6. In the last 4 days, start increasing the carbs

7.Carb-load like a BOSS.

I can do 7. But I know that at some point I’ll notice I’ve stuffed it up, and then I’ll subject you to another several hundred words about fuel.

I’m starting to sound like a very expensive car. Also a crazy lady.

The Ghost Runner

And on the crazy train, I got thinking about the things people sacrifice to run. So here’s today’s main question -

What does your exercise of choice interfere with?

The other day, Mum commented on a post:

It’s a really good point. I doubt very much that Mr The Rake will go into labour with my child while I’m out running, but he certainly loses hours of quality time with me, and the opportunity for me to do my share of chores around the house because I’m working towards my mad goals.

On the flip-side, it gets me out of his hair, and he knows that I’m not content unless I’m chasing something down.

You want to do what?

Today’s Moment

I had a meeting for work, and it was the kind of situation where you feel like everyone is on your side and wants you to succeed. Sometimes people are just wonderful.

Your Turn!

Has anyone ever mistaken you for someone else?

Taper tips?

What do you sacrifice to achieve what you want?