I’m exhausted today. I had a very eventful weekend. I can usually fit my weekends all in one post but this time I’m going to have to stick it into three. I’m saving Friday for later because I’m excited about Saturday’s accomplishments. Since getting injured last October, I’ve had issues running. I’ve tried and tried, but kept getting pain. I was officially cleared by the doctor and have been taking care of myself better. Not being able to run was one of the most depressing things. Saturday, I ran my first five since getting injured. I’m excited to keep up the running and continue to bigger races. But, I’m not going to rush myself and get hurt like last time, I’m taking baby steps.
Pre Race Breakfast: 1/2 bottle of Gateway to Green Juice from Luna’s Living Kitchen: kale, apple, orange, lemon, ginger. I also had bowl of whole grain cheerios with almond milk. I had 1/2 cup of coffee and a bottle of water two hours prior.
Race Playlist:
1. Kacey Musgraves – Biscuits (3:16)
2. Flo Rida – GDFR (3:10)
3. Lil Wayne – How to Love (4:01)
4. Lil Wayne – Love Me (4:15)
5. Lil Wayne – Mrs. Officer (4:42)
6. Lil Wayne – My Homies Still (4:07)
7. Decisions – Borgore Ft. Miley Cyrus (4:05)
The race went well. I wasn’t prepared for the amount of hills it had. If it didn’t have as many hills I probably would have decreased my time by 3 minutes. When I go downhill, I have to slow down because of my knees, and when I go uphill, I’m fighting so I slowdown. It was a up and down hill race. I did however like the challenge and it’s opened my eyes about changing up my running routes.
After the run, I grabbed a half banana and a orange and chugged two bottles of water. By the time the race ended I wish I hadn’t worn that dri-fit underneath. It was so hot!
31:07.9 was my final time which is awful compared to my normal pace but I’m going to blame the lack of training with hills. It’s just a great motivation to do better!
Overall, I’m proud of myself.
I’m excited for more races in my future!
Oh and by the way! Ladies! How do you wear your hair when you run? I can’t wear it in a pony tail or a bun because it hurts my head! Maybe my hair is too think and heavy but the only way I can wear it while running is in a french braid.
After the race, we headed to Southpark to have dinner at one of my favorite places in Charlotte, Cafe Monte Bistro! It was so beautiful and so we sat outside.
First up? COFFEE!
I ordered the French Country Breakfast and a side of fruit. It came with two eggs over easy, country bacon, whole grain toast, and a hash brown patty.
Crab cake eggs Benedict and holy cow it was delicious! I want to make my own version now!
Two little mini macarons, lemon and coffee!
After breakfast, I changed into some shorts and headed to the baseball fields.
I couldn’t have asked for a better day!
After the draft, we headed back to Fort Mill to have dinner. White vegetable pizza that had onions, zucchini, broccoli, tomato, and spinach. It was delicious!
I was so tired Saturday, I fell asleep at 9:30!
Ranae says
Congrats on your race! I was out with injury myself for a few months, very frustrating. I do what I call “race braids” which are just double french braids, and a sweatyband or bondi band to catch loose strands near my face. 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Ranae!
I will have to do the race braids next time! I used to wear my hair that way in high school during basketball games!
Glad you’re back from the injury!
xo
Anna P says
YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
THANK YOU ANNA!!!!!!
Elle says
Good job on your time, especially with hills! I think it feels good to be tired after a race, it reminds you of your accomplishment! What races do you plan on doing next?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Elle! I agree, I feel amazing after I run and felt even better after that race! I think the adrenaline and anxiety intensifies it. 🙂
I have a couple of other 5ks planned but after those, I’d like to step it up!
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
I can NOT run with my hair in a bun, either! Too heavy bouncing around. I always wear my hair in a ponytail because it’s easy, and my hair doesn’t look great braided 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Agreed! My hair seems to never stay in the pony tail so I have to do the braid! I think once my hair grows out again, it’ll work!
Emily Weir says
Very impressive race time for hills AND your first race back. I myself use those elastic hair ties that don’t damage your hair for a pony with a headband to keep back the fly-aways. They never seem to stay in place well though so I might need to try out a braid instead.
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Emily!
I haven’t tried the elastic hair ties and I should have used a headband to control the fly aways. I always feel silly wearing them, but they may be worth it!
Linda @ The Fitty says
Nothing like a good race, some nice food, and early sleep to end the perfect day!
Taralynn McNitt says
Agreed 🙂 xo
Kristin C says
Great job! I really wish i liked running. Unless there is a basketball in my hand, I despise running, but I wish I didn’t.
I am getting so excited about the possibility of Taylor (my husband) possibly picking the seminary in Charlotte. If we move there, it looks like there are so many awesome opportunities!
Every time you post a place to eat or even the cute neighborhoods, I get even more excited 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Kristin!
I agree about the basketball. It makes running more enjoyable and I could play basketball for hours. I never used to like running, but that was because I sucked at it and never really gave it a chance. Now, I love it. Beating goals, increasing strength, and the endorphins is an addition.
I also hope your husband gets Charlotte! We’ll have to do some walks and play some basketball! I could always use some workout buddies! Charlotte is one of my favorite places and it really does have so much to offer!
xo
Kristin C says
I would love a workout buddy (and coffee buddy!) if we move there! I only know one other person from the area so I could definitely use some friends. 🙂
And yeah, I think if I was better at it, I’d like running better. I tend to be very competitive, even with myself!
Jennifer says
I think your time was great! Glad you’re back at running and love the blog! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you Jennifer!!
Erin says
His veggie pizza looks amazing.. what dough does he use?
Taralynn McNitt says
His dough is a family recipe, but you could use any dough recipe! I want to make this on my whole wheat dough!
Jessica says
Congrats on your race Tara!! You did great! You should definitely be proud of yourself. Side Note – I want to jump through the computer screen to grab a slice of that pizza! I would love the recipe 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww thank you Jessica!!
Melanie says
Looks like a fun weekend! Congrats on finishing the race!! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Mel!
Lindsay says
Dinner looked really yummy! Congratulations Taralynn 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you!!! 🙂
Kaitlyn says
Hey Taralynn! 🙂 I’ve been following you for years now and I had commented some of your stuff while I was living in Australia but now I’m back in Charlotte and if you are ever open to meeting up let me know! That would be so great! But I also totally understand why you wouldn’t want to meet up with some random stranger from the internet haha. Regardless I’ll keep recommending you go to Enzo in the Epicenter for sushi 😀 🙂 hope you’re still enjoying NC!
Sophie says
Hey Tara, could you write a post (or comment) about the tips and advice that worked for you to get back to running? I also suffer from a lot of injuries and would love to hear what worked best for you to ease the pain. Thanks 🙂
Susie says
Hi Sophie,
I just wanted to chime in here and let you know some of the things that have worked for me (I’m an avid runner and have dealt with a TON of injuries over the past few years). One of the main things is ice! Ice ice ice. If something is bothering you or if you have an area that you know is prone to injury or pain (like your knees or hips) try to ice it at least every time after you run and even on your off days if possible.
Some people also swear by Epsom salt baths (I like to do these after long races). You can buy epsom salts at any grocery store in the health section.
Foam rolling is great to keep your muscles from tightening up too much (which can cause injury). So is yoga and post run stretching. There are tons of free yoga sessions you can find on YouTube (because studios can be super expensive).
Another thing that can help is to be fitted for the right type of shoe. A lot of running stores have a program where they’ll watch you run and be able to tell you if you over or under pronate and recommend shoes that can help with pain or discomfort while running.
Hope this helped you a little bit!
Sophie says
Hey Susie,
Thanks for your comments! I have been icing for a while now, but never got around to foam rolling. I’ll give it a try though.
Thanks again!
Michelle S. says
Congrats on your race! I can only wear French braids when I run too! I cannot stand my hair whipping me in the face when it’s in a pony and a bun never stays. That pizza looks delish! 🙂
Amara says
congrats on the race! my goal this week is to get back into running. your breakfasts looked amazing! this past weekend, my mom tried her first macaron at our wedding menu tasting and she has been obsessed and will buy them wherever she sees them! haha it’s cute
Alisha says
Hey tara!
You should consider swimming laps maybe to replace half of your running workouts until your injuries get better! Much better for joints etc. Less impact!
Since I’m a swimmer and literally NEVER run unless I’m late, I just have a question. Is a ‘five’ the same as a 5k or is it 5 miles? Never heard the term being used before!
You look great!! xoxo
Cassie says
Congratulations!
Megan M says
Congrats on your race! I love doing races, I find they’re more exciting than running on my own. You should totally do the Cooper River Bridge Run next year here in Charleston! It’s a 10k that goes from Mt. Pleasant, across the big bridge, and into downtown Charleston. It’s a huge race but it’s pretty well-organized and a lot of fun; my friends and I have been doing it together for the past 3 years (it’s coming up on Saturday). Anyway, have a great week!
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ve heard of it! My friend, Kristen, was telling me about it on Saturday. I will have to look into it! Thanks 🙂
Kent says
You are my inspiration. I had a blog but had to delete it because of the online bullying. You are so strong and I always think of you when people are mean to me. I admire you for your strength and courage.
Susie says
Great job on your race!
If there has been one thing that has changed my running/race performance, it’s been running hills. It sucks for every minute haha but the amount of endurance and strength you build up is incredible. And it gives you a great booty!
I like to braid my bangs for races and pull my hair into a low pony tail. You should also try sweaty bands. I hated head bands before because they would slip and slide all over but once I discovered these I was hooked. They don’t move an inch!
Keep up all the great work and dedication 🙂
Kelsey Meshias says
These post are so inspiring. Will you do fitness fashion post? I want to know where you got everything!
Kerri McGrail says
Nice run! I know how hard it can be to keep pushing after injuries! I had a stress fracture in my shin a couple years back, did lots of rehab on it, and am now running a full marathon. Keep going and I’m sure you’ll be a running superstar in no time!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks girl!!
Alexee says
Hi there! Good job on your race!! The pizza looked so good I just wanted to ask if you could post the recipe? Or reply with the recipe? It looks amazing. My sister and my dad have a 5k coming soon in the spring
Sierra @La Spice Sisters says
Taralynn! You look awesome! This post just got me so excited and motivated to get out there and move! Also a little jealous of your sunning time while watching baseball.. that sounds so relaxing!
Morgan says
You are glowing with beauty, health and happiness!!! 🙂
Brooke says
I had to stop running for a while because of a back injury, but my chiropractor has cleared me to start again! But now my knees are hurting. I think it might be my shoes… I’ve always been a Nike girl, but I’m thinking about switching to Asics. Can you do a running shoe review?
Also, I love braids for running & working out!!
Greta says
Did you know that a 5k is 3.1 miles?
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol obviously.
They call it the FIVE. I don’t meal “five miles”.
mel says
You are awesome!
Laura says
I feel like I have really similar hair to you so I feel your pain! My hair always falls out. Awful… I figured out the best way though! I used to do double french braids too but sometimes I don’t like the hair around my face or like on my neck (at least double on my neck haha) so I put my hair tight in a low pony and braid it then wear a headband (try bang buster from lululemon) and it’s flawless! It gets me through every crossfit workout or run I do
Cristina says
Hello Taralynn!
I am not an English speaker, so my comment can have language mistakes
I am fan of your blog, and I admire your wight lose and your willpower… You run in races!
I want to do that in a future, at the moment I’m content doing sport for my own (spinning, aerobic…) but I want to go to sportive events and compete
Congratulations for your blog and your livestyle, you are an example for many people (including me)