Houston Marathon

"26.2 miles...because 26.3 would be crazy!"

-One of my favorite spectator signs

I DID IT! Chevron Houston Marathon complete and words can't describe how amazing it felt! I took off work today to sleep, relax and get a massage but was up at 3 so hopefully a nap is in store for this afternoon!!

"Sometimes it's surreal out there, while you're running a marathon. People just standing in the cold, even the rain, cheering for you, blasting music for you. It's an awesome show of camaraderie and community"

-John Roberts

Well God is faithful and provided with great weather! I know many prayers were lifted due to all the reports of thunderstorms. We were receiving emails saying the start may be delayed or the race even cancelled and I began to freak! Thankfully, there was a pretty steady sprinkle throughout the day that was just enough to keep us cool without any signs of lightning!! Clearly it was overcast so the sun wasn't in our eyes and a light breeze that helped ease some of the intense sweating that normally occurs! Perfect for runners...spectators on the other hand did not feel the same but how encouraging to have a quarter of a million people standing on the side cheering (especially the lime green "Team Megan" shirts!!) Our bibs had our names so many people specifically cheered for you, what a motivator!

"Marathoning provides you with a unique challenge. It pushes your body to its limits, but above all, it challenges you to come to terms with yourself, your fears and your strengths. Through the process you gain a deeper knowledge of yourself, if you are prepared to look"

-Gary Elliott

I actually ran the opposite race of most. The first 13 miles were brutal-I thought it would be less painful to remove my own knee with a spoon-but after popping one too many Aleve they pretty much went numb and the half-marathon check was a turning point! I started feeling great and was pushing my self faster each mile. I started slow (freaking out because I was logging 11:30) but was at a 10 minute pace by mile 20 and finished the last 2 at 7:30!! While everyone hit there wall at mile 20, I got a second wind, passed 150 people and had 0 pass me!! Great feeling :)

"There are few experiences in life in which my physical and psychological abilities are as sharply defined as they are during a marathon training and racing...The training and racing experiences have shown me sides of myself that I never knew existed. I've found perseverance, an ability to focus, stubbornness, compulsiveness, bravery, organization, a sense of humor, and a capacity for unbridled joy"

Words can't describe the feeling of pushing your body past what you thought was possible and crossing that finish line. I couldn't stop smiling and actually walked away dancing from the excitement and adrenaline. I could not have done it without my family's support! My brother asked me 5 minutes after if I was up for another and without 2 second thought I had a sure-fire "YES". Woodlands Marathon, March 2012 :)

Megan

Spiritual Lessons from my Marathon

"The marathon is about being in contention over the last 10K. That's when it's all about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what's left inside you. Tou be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon"

-Rob de Castella

Website: Are any of your favorite foods on the list? http://eatthis.menshealth.com/slideshow/most-nutritious-whole-foods?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-2011_01_21-_-HTML-_-1

This picture is Ryan Hall. He will be beside me (or lapping me) on Sunday's run. He set the half marathon record with a whoppin' 59 minutes! Ridiculous!!

Well, the Houston Marathon is quickly approaching. I have run my last run and have set my mind on stretching, eating carbs, resting and icing a very painful knee (prayers appreciated for healing!!)

When I think back over the many months of training I began to think about the spiritual lessons taken away from a 26 mile run...

1. Running out of selfish ambitions will only go so far. Have a goal to glorify God with each step

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

2. Pushing through the hard times. The race becomes difficult and your flesh will want to quit, this is when you cry out to God for strength

“let us run the race with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

3. Sometimes moving forward means crawling when you cannot run. Regardless of how you finished, you know you achieved something few have done

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

4. Whether you are running with friends or the bond of fellow runners, you are not alone

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

5. In a race, encourage those around you and support them

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition, or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

6. Look around, let the cheerleaders build you up and push you forward

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25

7. If you stop, it is 10x harder to get back up. Keep moving forward.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but God determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

8. Knowing the finish line is surrounded by those who love you will keep your motivation

“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off the sin the so easily entangles us…” Hebrews 12:1

9. 26 miles is too long to be in your head. Fix your thoughts on a higher power.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2

10. I am not going to lie. It is long, painful, and your 'bucket list' item may make you want to kick the bucket. Know, YOU WILL FINISH!

“Where O’death is your victory? Where, O’death is your sting.” 1 Corinthians 15:55

Megan

What Runner Are You

"You may have a fresh start at any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down but the staying down"

-Mary Pickford

WEBSITE: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/eating-help/control-cravings/how-to-cheat-without-wrecking-your-diet/?sssdmh=dm17.491649&esrc=nwfitdailytip122410&email=2686729334Cheating on your diet can be OK at times!

Well, T-6 days until my marathon! I can't believe next Sunday I will be pounding the pavement with my eyes focused on the 26 mile goal! I could not be more excited and more nervous! Leave it to me to get injured the week before, so I am currently sitting on the couch, icing my knee, and praying God brings speedy recovery and pain relief-I worked too hard to not put my best foot forward!!

Many of you sit and think never will I ever run a marathon...maybe even a half marathon...but find your best running personality!

The Speed Racer: Speed is your thing. You were built for the 5 and 10 Ks so that you go for that quick pace!

-Your Strategy-Want to run fast? Practice fast! Reach max heart rate so that oxygen moves to your muscles. Bursts of speed will shed sloppiness in the stride and increase efficiency

-Your Workout-Speed. Intervals at the fastest pace you can sustain for 2-5 minutes, quick recover and then repeat

-Extra Credit-Legs. Strengthen your quads, hams and calves for powerful strides

The Middle Distance Racer: You can sustain a challenging pace and are best suited for 10 milers and half marathons

-Your Strategy-You want to run comfortably hard. 20-45 minutes of an intense pace that can be held stable will build mental stamina.

-Your Workout-Tempo runs. 15-20 minutes at a pace about 30 seconds slower than your 5k pace. Build up to 45 minutes while gradually increasing pace.

-Extra Credit-Breath and relax so you don't waste energy on a run. Your efforts should be in the stride so release tension from your jaw down

The Long Hauler: (my place) You may not be fast but you were cut out to go the distance. The full marathon is your true calling.

-Your Workout-Miles, miles and more miles. The more you run, the stronger you will be for long stretches of times. Your body will increase efficiency at utilizing fuel and preserving energy.

-Your Workout-Weekly long run. You want to start about 30 seconds slower than marathon pace then shift into race-day gear as you gain confidence in the distance.

"Many people think the marathon is the Holy Grail, when they really should be doing the 5K" (Jason Karp). I will never run a 20 minute 5K. Speed will just never be my thing! Make the most of what you are born with.

Megan

Craving Chili?

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your sunshine"

-Anthony J. D'Angelo

Website: With the cold comes the cold season. Keep your immunity high with these foods http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/boost-immunity?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-2011_01_06-_-HTML-_-1

I am not a fan of being cold but I absolutely love everything associated with winter. Christmas, hot chocolate, sweaters, fires, and chili. There is something so comforting about these things and there is nothing better than a steaming bowl of chili when winter blows in. Days like today, with sunshine and 70 degrees, make me forget that it is still winter.

Last week though we had a cold front roll through. Highs were in the 40s, which was rough on this little Texas girl. My sister-in-law suggested this recipe and I am so glad she did! It is from EatingWell and was great to eat on all week long to stay warm.

Ingredients:

-1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• -1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• -1 large onion, diced
• -4 cloves garlic, minced
• -2 tablespoons chili powder
• -4 teaspoons ground cumin
• -1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile (I found this in the organic season section at HEB)
• -1/4 teaspoon salt
• -2 1/2 cups water
• -2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
• -1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• -4 teaspoons lime juice
• -1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 
  

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato and onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle and salt and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add water and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the sweet potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Add beans, tomatoes and lime juice; increase heat to high and return to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

Nutrition:

-307 calories; 8 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 51 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 12 g protein; 14 g fiber; 494 mg sodium; 947 mg potassium.

So well worth it! It was fantastic :)

Megan

The Secret to a Good Taper

"Pressure is nothing more than the shadow of great opportunity"

-Michael Jordan

Website: http://quiz.fitnessmagazine.com/game/44/?sssdmh=dm17.499592&esrc=nwfitdailytip010611&email=2686729334 Take this quiz to find out how healthy your choices really are

I started training for the Houston Marathon in October and am excited to say it is exactly 2 weeks from yesterday! Wow, I can't believe it is finally here!! As of last week I am officially in my taper weeks. What that means is the last 3 weeks you cut mileage so that your body can rest and recover from the many hard weeks of training. Too many runners freak out about decreasing in the final weeks without realizing it is rest more than work that makes you strong. Studies show your aerobic capacity (the gauge of fitness) doesn't decrease during these final 21 days. Athletes who taper have an average of a 5-10 minute faster marathon (10 minutes less of running, yes please!!) It is time to chill, the goal of a taper is to decrease fatigue instead of making any physical gains. I was clicking around Runner's World which is the source of this information.

Before you close out thinking, I am surely not going to run a marathon, stick with me. A taper is important for shorter races it just doesn't last as long.

-Half Marathon: Keep your long run the weekend before to about 8-10 miles and cut distances in half the week leading up to the run. Begin carbo loading about 3 days before the race.

-5ks to 10 milers: cut distances in 1/2 for 3-5 days before the race. Carbo loading is not necessary for these races.

-Any speedwork done in the week before the race should be kept to a third of your normal distance

OK, back to the marathon taper. It is broken down into each of the three weeks, with each week significantly cutting back on work and increasing on rest.

3 Weeks to go:

-Your total mileage should be cut by no less than 20%. My training consists of 29 miles (5 mile, 8 mile, 4 mile and a 12 mile with a cross-training of a relaxing yoga)

-All runs should be kept 1/2-1 minute slower than marathon pace

-Avoid any speedwork or hilly courses because it causes muscle-tissue damage

-Mentally prepare for problems that can arise mid-run and how you will deal with them such as starting too slow/too fast, a pesty pain arises, you get a side stitch. Have a plan of action so you are not caught blindsided.

-As far as nutrition, focus on proteins to help recovery. The previous week was the longest week of training, so focus on meats, eggs, eggs and dairy-approximately 75-100 grams a day

-Load up on vitamin c, you don't want a cold this close to race day

-I bought new shoes this week to get enough mileage on them to break them in. Look at your pair are they showing wear? A tennis shoe lasts 300-500 miles (most run that prior to this week)

2 Weeks to go:

-Mileage drops to 1/2-2/3 of your longest week of training. I am in this week and my plan is 21 miles (4 miles, 6 miles, 3 miles and 8 miles)

-This is the time to set goals for what you want. Setting multiple time goals can help you leaving not feeling disappointed. I like setting general goals such as not walking, finishing strong or just crossing that finish line

-Yes, you are running less but don't cut calories. Your body still needs the fuel to repair itself. Stay away from the scale, many gain a few pounds in tapering but it is needed to get you through 26 miles.

-Eat foods high in saturated fats such as nuts and fish in canola oils.

-Stop any weight training you have been doing in training. It won't help any and can lead to an injury

1 Week to go (2 weeks ago you ran 20 miles in a single run-this week you won't run that all week):

-Training has little effect this week, these runs are more for your head and nerves. No run should be more than 4 miles (I am doing 4 miles, 3 miles and 2 miles)

-Some people like to do 2 miles on Thursday and rest until race day and others move that 2 miles to the day before to stretch their legs-I like sitting and resting the day before but it is a matter of preference.

-Do breathing exercises and stretching to calm your nerves. Remind yourself of the weeks of hard work you have put in and how ready your body is for this.

-Minimize work and family stress as much as possible.

-The entire week should be about carbs with the last 3 days being vital. Shoot for 60-70% of your calories coming from carbs. That's right, enjoy pasta, potatoes, fruit, rice and cereals-even sweets can do (again, don't check the scale!!)

-Lots and lots and lots of water. If you aren't going to the bathroom frequently, you haven't had enough

-With the increase in water, your body needs an increase in salt. Snack on pretzels or popcorn throughout the day

-Don't do anything-a rest week doesn't mean you have the spare time to clean the rain gutters or wash your dog. Rest means rest

-Don't try anything new-no new foods, drinks, shoes, or sports

-Stop with cross training in this week

-Unless you are used to them, now is not the time for a massage. Save it for after the race. A massage can leave you with a soreness and a bruised feeling-not fun to try to shake on a 26 mile run

-You can't under-do, you can only over-do!!

Final hours:

-Have everything laying out the night before so their is no stress in the morning

-2 hours before have a light breakfast (oatmeal, bagel with peanut butter) with foods that you have had during training

-1 hour before drink 8-16 oz of a sports drink

-25 minutes before, walk around and light jogs to stretch out

I am feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as the day approaches but I have worked hard and am ready!

Megan

Get the Most out of What you Eat

"There is more difference in the quality of our pleasures than in the amount"

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

WEBSITE: Did you know diets can take a toll on your social and financial life also? Find out ways to fight the bulge without missing out on life http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/diet-rules

I am going to be honest with you...I could eat an entire bag of animal crackers gladly. Seriously, I sound like a 5-year-old at VBS, but I grab a handful throughout the day! 13 of those things are 100 calories-but who really stops at just 13? Whether it is animal crackers, pretzels, or whatever your guilty pleasure is, have you ever noticed how you are often left unsatisfied. Maybe another handful will do the trick? In no way do I intend to break my obsession with animal crackers, but maybe replacing it with foods that satisfy will be a better option.

So what exactly does it mean to be satisfied? It is that feeling at the end of the meal that you are finished and no longer deprived. Unfortunately, being full and being satisfied are not the same. A lot of times our bodies our physically full but our minds convince us we are not satisfied. Ever talk yourself into being hungry so that you can eat that Raspberry Cheesecake after a meal? You were probably full just not completely satisfied.

Before we go into feeling satisfied, I wan't to debunk the term calories for a minute. Calories have such a bad rap and they should not be avoided like the plague. How often people glance at the food labels and check out the calorie count of the food without taking anything else into consideration. Calories simply mean the energy in the food that will provide for your body's fuel. Skim milk has roughly 90 calories. A fun size of skittles is roughly 90 calories. Calories alone won't tell you that milk packs potassium, calcium, vitamin D, protein and many other nutrients into the 90 calories while skittles provide sugar sugar and more sugar.

Satisfaction is not a luxury and may even be your ticket to success. Achieve satisfaction by eating foods that fill you up. Last night my mom made rice and we were all talking about how a little goes a long way. You truly feel full when you eat just a little rice. Looking to eat about the same number of calories just choosing a food with more volume can lead to satisfaction. 1/4 cup of raisins and 1 2/3 cup grapes have the same number of calories but think about how many more grapes you get to eat (with a lot less sugar). Using a smaller plate allows the foods to fill up more and tricking your mind.

When looking for satisfaction, think about what you are putting on your plate. Find high fiber foods such as spinach, apples or broccoli and complex carbs such as whole wheat rice. Go with a lean protein like skinless chicken breast, non-fat yogurt, fish or beans (which have the double benefit of fiber). Savor the fiber, carbs and proteins by eating slowly so your body registers it and gives your mind a chance to respond with satisfaction.

Real life ways to get satisfaction (because no real person can be successful with an all-liquid diet!)

-Start meal with a first course. This is not loading up on the cheese fries but rather choosing a broth-based soup or a salad while staying under about 100 calories. Research shows that starting a meal with a first course will reduce the amount eaten throughout the meal because it fills you up and leads to satisfaction.

-Fill up on vegetables. Loaded with water so they are high-satisfaction, high-volume, low-calorie superstars!

-Limit dry foods. Foods such as pretzels and my loved animal crackers lack water and are low-volume. Thus, these foods pack more calories into smaller portions and are easy to overeat.

-Choose foods you enjoy. You are never going to feel fully satisfied on broccoli if you force yourself to eat it while eyeing the cheesy garlic bread. Find foods that are good for your body that you enjoy so you aren't left feeling deprived.

What is your secret for satisfaction?

Megan

The Rest of my 100 Favorites

Well, courtesy of TAKS-ALT, planning lessons, and training for a my marathon, time has been in short supply lately. That being said, I did not forget my 100 list was only half done. Here is number 1-49 of my 100 favorite things!

49. Sweet Potatoes-Good plain or with brown sugar...thrown in chili or just heated in the microwave. Oh, how I love me a good sweet potato!

48. Hal Higdon-Our as I loving call him-Big H. Good ol' Hal has gotten me through every half and full marathon I have done. Check him out, he helps in training from everything for a Novice 5k to an advanced marathoner. He helps improve distance and speed and offers advice all along the way.

47. Livestrong Daily Plate-An online guide that helps you with your specific needs. Looks at your unique personal profile and helps develop and track an eating plan and fitness regime so you can maximize results.

46. IT Band Stretch-The IT band runs down from the outside of your hip to your knee. After a run, I can feel that IT Band tense and a good stretch is needed. Sitting on the floor, extend the right leg up and cross it over your left. Place your left arm on the outside of your right leg and gently twist your torso.

45. Hill Training-I absolutely hate speed work. I am slow and to be honest I am very much OK with that. It is very rare you will catch me working speed or fretting too much about my pace. For me, I include hills in for a more intense interval training. It is on my favorites list, not because I enjoy it at the time but how great it feels to truly accomplish it because it is not an easy workout!

44. Family-my entire family (almost) has recently joined Daily Mile. It is so fun to have them on there encouraging each other and being able to support each other in each of our fitness goals.

43. Protein Shake-I have a blueberry-vanilla protein smoothie almost everyday during my conference at school. My coworkers make fun of me because for whatever reason it looks like I am drinking mud. Despite how it looks, they are so good and the protein helps fill me up, give me energy and pull me through until lunch.

42. Intense workouts-Like hill training, these are not fun at the time but I love getting myself psyched for something and pushing through. What a great feeling to know you didn't give up! I just love it!!

41. Easier workouts-On the flip side, I can't say I don't love getting my body moving and doing something fun to enjoy it. While it isn't a complete rest, even the most intense athletes have days where they give their body a little bit of a break. I love a shorter run where I just get out and clear my head and get home feeling rejuvenated instead of exhausted.

40. "Thunder" by Nuttin' But Stringz-The ultimate pump you up song! When this song comes up I catch a second wind and push hard. When I taught cycling, it was so hard not to put this on my playlist every single week!

39. Giada At Home-I don't really cook much, but I love watching other people cook. Giada is my absolute favorite and she has some incredibly amazing italian recipes. Not always healthy, but she doesn't typically throw 2 sticks of butter in everything like the famous Paula Dean!

38. Sweet Potato, Black Bean Chili-2 of my favorite things combined. I found this recipe in Eating Light and fell in love. I will have to share it in another post but it was low-fat, incredibly filling, insanely delicious and had a little kick for spice lovers.

37. Peppermint-No runner is stranger to some stomach issues. I have found these little peppermint pills (that smell wonderful) to help with long runs. I know some runners pop a peppermint during the runs for the dual benefit of easing their stomach and giving a sugar kick.

36. Eat This Not That-Hugely popular and will surprise you with some healthy and not-so-healthy food items. I love checking out some of my favorites to see if they are truly as great as I am thinking.

35. Kashi GoLean Cereal-Yummy! Slice some bananas, throw in some vanilla almond milk and this is one of my all-time favorites! I usually don't do it for breakfast but rather as a mid-day snack to tide me through to the next meal. High protein and high fiber so it's benefits are thrown into great flavor.

34. Kashi Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars-If I am going to mention Kashi, I can't overlook these! If you can't tell, I love pumpkin! Thankfully they sell this flavor year round, but such a great fall snack!

33. HEB-I literally live a hop, skip and a jump from a Kroger so I run in there when I need to pick up one or two things at the last minute but for the most part I drive out of my way to hit up the HEB. It is so much more organized and typically cheaper. There fruit and produce selection knock Kroger out of the water.

32. Blueberries-I throw these in EVERYTHING! Protein smoothies, over oatmeal, in a pancake! So wonderful!! One great benefit is they help fight inflammation so load up to help with some aches and pains.

31. My job-I teach High School Life Skills and words can't describe how much I love my kids. Everyday is an adventure and they are such a huge blessing in my life. Yesterday the kids had off and we had a teacher workday. Yes, it was nice to be productive without interruptions but I realized I could not have a desk job. I love the constant activity of being away from a desk and interacting with my students.

30. Spinach-A spinach salad is a great complement to any meal. It is sort of pathetic how fast I tear through a bag of spinach-I barely get it home from the grocery store before I am out again! It is so versatile and is scrumptious plain, with strawberries, with nuts or with fresh vegetables.

29. Hot Tea-I get the caffeine-free kind and love the nice brew before bed. It is calming and relaxes me as I get ready for rest. I like to change it up and try new ones but this Vanilla Chamomile has been my favorite so far.

28. Crossing the finish line-There is no feeling like working hard for a goal and finally accomplishing it. This can be a figurative finish line, but I am a concrete person and truly revel in the feeling of physically crossing a real finish line. After 26.2 grueling miles, the joy felt as I pushed over that line was indescribable. I did it and no one could take that feeling away from me (well for a while at least-the fatigue and pain set in on the car ride home!)

27. New Windbreaker-I got a wonderful, pink Adidas windbreaker and think it was such a great investment. Workout gear is not cheap, but this was worth it! This past week has been pretty cold for a Texas girl and this windbreaker has truly worked wonders as I braved the cold for my runs.

26. Poached Eggs-I am a very routine person so every Friday morning I have poached eggs. Way easy and quick to make. I throw them on some toast and am weekly amazed by how much I love that yoke soaking into the bread! Yum, I look forward to Friday mornings!!

25. Resistance Bands-Easy, portable and provide a great workout. Seriously, these things are cheap and really can hit just about every muscle. They have different intensities so you can go for less or more resistance.

24. Step Aerobics-As I said, I was a dancer. I am very particular about my step classes to be honest. They can either be really great or absolutely terrible. If they are exciting then time flies, but poorly planned classes can really make the time drag.

23. Whole Wheat Pasta-Italian has always been my favorite. I could set up camp and be completely happy living at Olive Garden! Spaghetti and bread-what more could you want in life? When eating Italian out, most places offer whole-wheat options, don't be scared to just ask!

22. Ground Turkey-A replacement for ground beef, and you won't know the difference. I use it for turkey burgers and turkey tacos but they offer so many options and are 98% fat free!

21. Take-Home Boxes-Who else gets excited about a really great meal that you can bring home for tomorrow's lunch? Really, I truly look forward to getting to eat something again (well, if it is good at least!)

20. Stevia-This has been a fairly recent switch and I love it. It has less of an after-taste and I think it is a little sweeter.

19. Tomato-Call me crazy but I think I could eat a tomato like an apple. I don't, but I do typically find my self slicing it-one slice on the sandwich, one slice in my mouth! How much more appetizing does a sandwich look with a juicy, red tomato!!

18. Google-This seems weird but bear with me for a minute. Seriously, I find just about everything off google! Question about a pain, a new recipe, where can I find the cheapest workout clothes! Plug and go. Yes, there is a lot of crummy information out there but you often stumble across some goldmines in your search.

17. Chick-fil-a-When on a crunch, this is truly the best fast food option. Even there fried selections have less breading and are healthier choices. I get the grilled chicken sandwich with a fruit cup! Not only that it is Christian-owned, highly active in giving back to the community, makes large contributions to charities and work with people with disabilities. Many of them have employees with disabilities!!

16. A stretch session-All too often I forget to do this but there are times when my body is just crazy tense when all I can think about is a need to stretch head to toe. Really getting into each muscle and letting my body benefit from it is such a great feeling and often is just what I need for that day!

15. Run Through the Woods-This was a 5k I did with my dad last summer. It was on July 4th (yes, CRAZY hot day!) and was a pretty small little run around my parents neighborhood. It was my dad's first race and he got really into it. He worked and trained so hard and it was fun to get out there and complete it with him.

14. Fox Fit 10k-This past summer I did a 10k run in Austin. Unbelievably beautiful run through the Hill Country around million dollars home. It was a good thing the scenery was there to get my mind off the steep hills. I swear it was 6 miles uphill. By this point I had completed both half-marathons and a full, but this hill run was a huge challenge.

13. Sleep-yes, I love my sleep! Getting enough sleep is vital for any type of physical activity. Skipping out can slowly break you down and cause your fitness to suffer. When I have a long, hard workout I know I have a great night sleep to look forward to.

12. Grits-No, not the food (although I do like those too!) but the band. They typically fill up my playlist and get me pumped for a run, cycle or gym push!

11. Tilapia-a light fish that can be easily thrown on the George Foreman. I typicall marinate it with some Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic and Rosemary. Quick, simple meal!

10. George Foreman Grill-With mention of Tilapia, I can't skip on my love of this grill. Seriously, if it wasn't for good ol' George I would never cook. It is not an exaggeration to say I throw everything on here. He cooks my meats and my vegetables and even has a convenient compartment to warm up my bread! He makes cooking easy!!

9. Lululemon-It's good to dream right? OK, I totally can't afford this store on a teacher salary but they have wonderful clothes and gear! While they are in the fitness gear business, they have a push to help people achieve their goals. Check out their website for more information on how to fill in your own personal "I will _____ by ______"

8. Friends-Having people to go to the gym with or even just throw the frisbee at a park with is such a great joy in life. Surrounding yourself with positive people that build you up, encourage you and support you through the hard times is a huge part of this life.

7. Quotes-If you haven't picked it up by now, I am a huge quote person. I am not deeply profound and can't come up with these things myself. I love searching for quotes that fit what I am currently facing in life and use other people's words to motivate me. Before a long run, I find a quote or bible verse that is my inspiration to complete the task. It is what I think on when I find my body fighting to give up.

6. Positive Outlook-Stress and trials will come and go, and these all too often get us down. It seems like as we begin to get beaten down by life, we resort to skipping out on workouts and lacking motivation to complete the goals we set out to achieve. Staying positive will help you as you face each day but can also bring about more effective and enjoyable workouts.

5. Warrior Dash-I can't say yet that I am just going to love slushing through the mud and sliding down a hill, but this has been such a fun race to prepare for. Two of my brothers and my sister-in-law will be at the start line with me as we get ready for a crazy 5k. We are all in this together and have had fun relating to each other as we prepare for the day!

4. Applesauce-I mentioned earlier I am hugely addicted to apples. Well, mash it up and my addiction carries over to applesauce. I like the plain kind where I can add my own cinnamon, so much better than buying the pre-made Cinnamon-flavored kind! Pair it with animal crackers and I am set :)

3. Blogs-Yes, I mentioned Blogging earlier, and I am not doubling up I promise! I really and truly enjoy reading other peoples blogs to see what they have to say. I am subscribed to some Special Education ones, fitness ones, health ones and even some straight-up Gourmet cooking ones (not that they make healthy stuff but it is all so fun to look at!). There is always something to learn!!

2. Bananas-Great for energy pre-run and helps with cramping. I love it on a peanut butter sandwich, in a smoothie, with some cereal or just plain! Cheap and delicious...2 of my favorite things!!

1. A healthy lifestyle-It is true that a healthy lifestyle has so many all-around benefits. Yes, it may help you lose weight and get more in shape but I truly love how it makes you feel. You are taking care of your body and doing what is best for you. It makes you feel good physically, mentally and emotionally!

Whew! 100-that took way longer than I thought it would!!

Hope you enjoy some of my top 100 things also!

Megan

100th Post and My Top 100

Thanks Blogger for keeping count of the number of posts! I have actually been looking forward to this one for a long time!! Since starting 'This So Called Healthy Lifestyle' in June I have written exactly 100 posts. Over the summer I was faithful in posting every single morning but when school started in August I have had less time to devote to posting.

For the 100th celebration I have decided to commit to my top 100 things health related, at first I was going to do them in order but that was harder than I thought it would be! I am breaking it up to do this over 2 posts so that it is not pages and pages! Here of 50 of my top 100 things :)

100. Mushrooms-this is a new found obsession. I have started putting them in just about everything or even eating them raw with some salsa. They provide zinc for optimal immune functioning and are high in antioxidants

99. Cycling-I am absolutely, unbelievably in love with cycling classes. There is something so motivating in the music, the people around you and the great feeling of dripping with sweat and powering those legs through another challenge

98. Asics-I am kind of an Asics snob. For the past couple of years I have been faithful to sticking to Asics everytime I buy a new tennis shoe. They are comfortable, supportive and built to last

97. IPOD-a really great playlist can be the secret to a great warm-up. There are so many times when I am just about ready to give up and a song comes on that picks up my spirit and gets me to push forward another step

96. Armadillo Dash-An absolutely wonderful little half-marathon in College Station. It was my first run ever and is what got me hooked on the sport. It has become an annual thing and is fun to look forward to.

95. Cinnamon-Virtually calorie-free and a perfect flavor for just about anything-coffee, oatmeal...help pick up your favorite foods!

94. Oatmeal-It is actually hard for me to eat something other than oatmeal for breakfast! I LOVE it with peanut butter, cinnamon, blueberries, or vanilla protein powder. Yummy and fat-free

93. DailyMile-I have actually gotten my whole family addicted to this website. Check out my DailyMile post, but it is a really great way to keep track of your training and get connected with other runners, cyclists, walkers, swimmer, triathletes or athletes

92. New Running Clothes-Getting new fitness gear is always fun! I love trying on new tops and pants and finding ones that feel great. There are so many to choose from but once I get something new I always want to get out there and run it as soon as I can. This can be a great way to get to the gym-show off what you got!

91. Jason's Deli-This is actually probably an unhealthy addiction. Since graduating I have gone less than when in College, but I can't explain how in love I am with this place. If you ask me to choose the restaurant, this is probably what I will choose. Mediterranean Wrap, no olives, with fruit...too bad it is only 8 am right now because this sounds so good!

90. Lactaid-A few years ago I found out I was lactose intolerant. This was huge because the original thought was that I couldn't take gluten, so dairy was way easier to cut out. I have always been in love with milk and have found lactaid to be an excellent alternate-I can't tell the difference.

89. Stairmaster-For some reason this is always one of the least popular machines at the gym, so it typically isn't hard to get one (even at the busy times!) The stairmaster offers a workout for the glutes like you can't imagine and also hits the leg muscles and is an excellent option for a cardio workout

88. Apples-I love, love, love any and every type of apples. Green, yellow, red...I am not picky! "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". High in fiber so they are filling and great for those wanting to lose weight.

87. Free weights-All too often girls overlook their strength training needs. Their entire focus is on cardio and miss out on the benefits of weights. For more information check out my post on 'lose your fear of weights', but building muscle replaces fat and helps speed metabolism significantly and helps to create a leaner body.

86. Tuna-Although the mercury prevents eating too much, tuna is an excellent health option for those wanting to work on their eating habits. It is easy to throw on bread, in a salad or with some eggs and is high in Omega-3, helps prevent cardiovascular disease and lowers blood pressure.

85. MapMyRun-MapMyRun.com allows you to log in your specific location and map out a run. It shows distance ,elevation, parks, water, bathrooms and other helpful information that can be used to plan your next run

84. Insanity-I am in love with Shawn T. and his sweat-producing, body-busting workout videos. Seriously one of the most intense workouts put out and is not for the fainthearted. It is a 60-day challenge that works your body in ways you can never imagine. It provides hard days, lighter days and rest days so your body receives maximum benefits.

83. Whey Protein-While it is expensive, it has been such a great way to increase my protein intake. Easy to throw into a smoothie, on oatmeal, or mixed into a pancake.

82. Dancing-I was a dancer all growing up and something I was very passionate about. While I don't do it anymore it is a truly wonderful way to give your body an excellent workout without feeling like your exercising. The music and the movement help get your mind off of it and you are able to just enjoy the sport.

81. Rest days-Taking a day off seems like a strange thing to say but I love working hard and getting that day to just truly let my body relax. It is such a great feeling to take a day or two off and then start back feeling strong and energized

80. Crystal Light Strawberry Kiwi-I get the single serving Crystal Light packages. They have a little bit of caffeine to keep me energized and help me increase my water intake

79. Coffee-While the Crystal Light's are great, I could not possibly survive without my coffee. I have it set-up so I can get it the second I wake up!

78. Women's Health Magazine-Great tips, recipes and ideas for health, fitness and living a balanced lifestyle. I am subscribed via-email so I get daily tips and articles that I can research more on

76. Blogging-I have really enjoyed finding out more information and being able to share it. A healthy lifestyle is something I am very passionate about and I love being able to share that one post at a time.

75. Blender-I make a protein smoothie everyday. I mentioned in a prior-post that I actually eat 5 full meals each day, with my second being a smoothie. This keeps me full, my metabolism running high and prevents cravings. I have truly fallen in love with the ease of being able to throw things into a blender and trying new mixes

76. Luke's Locker-This is a running store in the area I live that has all sorts of fun running gear. My favorite thing is they will get you up on a treadmill and watch you run in order to provide you with your best running shoe.

75. Peanut Butter-This has been my comfort food my entire life. I can put it on absolutely anything or just eat it with a spoon. When I was younger, my mom actually had to limit me to one peanut butter sandwich a day! I love it and it is great for protein!

74. Frozen Vegetables-While I really do adore and prefer fresh vegetables they go bad all too often. It is nice to stock the freezer with some fresh veggies so I can bust them out as needed and not worry about having to trash them for going bad.

73. Plank-this has always been my favorite ab exercise. It is a mindless move and work the entire core. When I taught fitness classes this was a great move because it allows for all type of variations in order to accommodate beginners and advanced exercisers.

72. Marathon running-LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the marathon world! It has become a huge part of my life and something I really have enjoyed. My favorite part is that it is truly a challenge and requires dedication and commitment to complete. It is not a one time event but rather months of effort and work in order to be fully prepared.

71. Sandwich Thins-These are the new 'IT' thing in sandwiches. At only 100 calories, they are an excellent alternate to the loaf of bread.

70. My Garden Tub-When apartment hunting, I didn't think twice about the bathtub in the place but since moving in, this has been one of my favorite features. After a long run or hard workout there is nothing more relaxing then a warm bath to ease my muscles.

69. Elastic Shoelaces-About 2 months into training I bruised the top of my foot on a long run from my shoelaces being too tight. Stupid me continued to complete my runs and the pain continued to get worse. At first I freaked thinking it was a stress-fracture but I tried some elastic laces and have been pain free ever since (well as far as that area-there have been many other aches along the way!)

68. Yoga-I have actually never been most of a yoga person. I have tried to get into it but typically find myself leaving bored but recently I have loved doing yoga on my cross-training day in order to get a good stretch and work my body in new ways.

67. RunningHope-Steven Curtis Chapman has a charity called Show Hope to raise money for orphans and to help place them in loving homes. A runner teamed up with Show Hope to create RunningHope that has runners raise money to provide money to the effort. It is such a powerful way to use what you love to love others.

66. Fitness Classes-I was an aerobics instructor throughout college and thought it was the best job ever. I love how motivating it is to workout with a group of people and being able to try new and fun fitness classes.

65. Family Walks-Even if it is just an evening stroll it is great to spend time with family and get moving. A better option than sitting on your laptops in separate rooms of the house.

64. Whole Wheat Gingerbread-Hodgson Mills makes a whole-wheat gingerbread mix that is absolutely fantastic! Muffins, pancakes, breads, cookies-AMAZING!

63. Whole Foods-Wholefoods.com is a great place to find recipes that are healthy and tasty. They have a broad assortment of all types of amazing recipes and I haven't tried one that I haven't liked yet.

62. V8-OK I know I am alone on this, but I actually really like the tomato juice. They offer a low-sodium option and it is a great way to amp my veggie intake

61. Garmin ForeRunner-The other day I posted about my running watch that I received for Christmas. The more I play with it, the more I love it! It shows distance, pace, time and has so many other fun tracking features to help evaluate my runs.

60. Animal Crackers-Yes, this makes me sound like a 5-year old but these things are wonderful! I always keep my pantry fully stocked with these. Not exactly extremely healthy but at least they are low-fat!

59. Sunny Days-You know the feeling, you wake up and it's cold and rainy outside. You want to do nothing more than lay on the couch with a blanket and watch movies all day. But those pretty days when the sun is out gets me motivated and excited to get outside.

58. Pumpkin Pie Cliff Bars-There are so many options out there for energy bars but I have grown attached to Cliff. They really taste great and I have found them to provide me the longest lasting energy for running. Recently they had seasonal Cliff Bars and the pumpkin pie flavor was to die for. I already can't wait to get it next year!!

57. Spaghetti-This has been my favorite meal for as long as I can remember (good thing it is quick and easy!) My mom has made every year for my birthday and I always look forward to Spaghetti night. With some whole wheat pasta, this does not need to be a meal that you avoid.

56. Salsa-At only 10 calories, salsa is a great staple to keep in the fridge. Try it on vegetables, chips, tacos, potatoes or anything else you can think of!

55. 100 Push Up Challenge-hundredpushups.com provides a 6 week program to get you to 100 push ups. Sounds pretty intense? I took it and reached the goal and it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

54. Workout Friends-Having friends who are dedicated to fitness helps keep me motivated. Having someone else to encourage you and to workout with you makes it more enjoyable and gives you some motivation to complete your challenge.

53. Big D Marathon-In April I completed my first marathon and experienced one of the greatest feelings of accomplishments. It was a gorgeous route around a beautiful lake, through the scenic neighborhoods and with a view of a pretty area.

52. Monte Bene Sauce-Speaking of spaghetti, this sauce is wonderfully flavorful, 40 calories, low fat and all-natural.

51. Stretching-Give your body an all-around benefit that helps you relax and prevent injuries. How great does it feel to get a deep stretch?

50. White Wine Vinegar-Calorie-free and is so good on salads and sautéed with some vegetables. I am not as big of a fan for red wine vinegar, but I know a lot of people use that for some of the same purposes.