Have a question that is not answered here?
Email me: marathonsweetheart@yahoo.com. I’m always happy to help you with running, health, life, etc.!
Brittny, what makes your blog different than other running blogs?
Running brings harmony to my life – physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. I used to weigh a lot, but now I run a lot. People can relate to me, because I have been overweight and I know the struggles to lose weight through running. I always have a goal in mind – to be better, faster, and stronger – and that’s something everyone can relate to, no matter what fitness level they are. I care about the overall health of myself and others. My purpose is to motivate people, and I try to do that through my blog by posting pictures that inspire people to move and eat better. You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Oh yeah, and I’m in college, studying nutrition and biochemistry! Yes, I’m a glutton for punishment.
Are you vegan or vegetarian?
I was vegetarian for 3.5 years. I recently made the amazing decision to go vegan in December 2011! I eat mostly raw vegan foods, but I still enjoy some cooked foods daily.
Who is Taco Runner? Does he have a blog?
He was my boyfriend from May 2010 – January 2012. I talked about him a lot on my blog posts during that time and wrote a blog about our breakup explaining everything. You can read that HERE.
Do you have a training plan you recommend?
Yes. I actually devised my own marathon training plan here. Disclaimer: I do not stick to it on most days. My schedule is hectic, so I try and go with how I feel. Bare minimum, I run 1 long run, 1 short fast run, and 1 middle length mid-tempo run. Mix in some strength training a few times a week in there, and you are golden!
I’m a beginner. Actually, I don’t even know where to start. Do you have any tips?
I envy you. I’d give anything to go back and re-live my moments of my first race or my first long distance run. SOAK IT ALL IN. Here is my Guide To Becoming A Marathon Runner.
Do you have a meal plan for weightloss?
Ultimately, you need to cut calories and exercise if you wish to lose weight. Taking small steps each week like eliminating sodas, fried foods, ice cream, and red meat will help ensure that you keep the weight off for good! I did not lose 70 pounds overnight. It happened in 2 years, by making small changes. Personally, I became a vegetarian, gave up ice cream, fried foods, ate less chocolate, and processed foods. You can do it, I promise!
Without knowing your food preferences, allergies, and special dietary needs, it’s hard to give a one-size-fits-all meal plan. I do encourage whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and non-meat protein. Daily, this is what I typically eat:
- Breakfast: Quinoa (or steel cut oatmeal), agave nectar for sweetening, frozen blackberries, greek yogurt, almond butter, and dried fruit.
- Snack: Organic pear.
- Lunch: Kale, sweet potato, garbanzo beans, salsa.
- Snack: Homemade whole grain bread w/cinnamon and agave nectar, almond milk.
- Dinner: Butternut squash, mushrooms w/garlic and onion, kale, sweet potato, garbanzo or lentil beans.
- Dessert: Greek yogurt, dried fruit, almond butter
If I eat too much for dinner, I’m not usually as hungry in the mornings. But I never ever leave home without some breakfast in hand. So, I will make a protein smoothie: kale, vegetarian soy protein powder, chocolate almond milk, and frozen blackberries.
What vitamins or supplements do you take?
I don’t take any supplements for weight loss or endurance. I take 2000 I.U. of Vitamin D daily for my deficiency/hair loss problem. I also take 1 Omega 3, 65 mg of Iron, Super B complex, and Calcium.
Where did you get your Garmin?
I’m glad you asked! I scored my Garmin from Heart Rate Monitors USA for super cheap. The watch came in really quickly, and it was brand new. Don’t pay full price when you can get it this cheap.
December 14, 2011 at 3:08 PM
Wow what a horrible disappointment. I ran Vegas last year and it was awesome. I had 4 family members go this year, and I heard it was an utter nightmare. I am sorry that my family (and you
did not get good shots during the race. This was not the case last year!! I had such a good shot that I framed it for my mother for Christmas. I thought about doing it next year. Not going to do it if it is going to be more people / worse.
Sounds like they are getting gready with the big money maker that it is. Sad.
Thank you for your thoughts…..
Elisabeth Doll
Cincinnati, Ohio
December 27, 2011 at 8:26 PM
Elisabeth,
I anticipate them making huge changes for next year and honestly, I can’t wait to read about them! But I will never run it again. It was definitely a one time deal for me. You can read my all 3 or 4 of my blog posts and read more in detail about why Vegas just wasn’t for me.
Thanks for stopping by,
Brittny
January 1, 2012 at 2:23 PM
hey girl! I wanted to tell you that you inspire me each and everyday! Keep up the hard work! You rock!
January 1, 2012 at 4:08 PM
Thanks Michelle! Reminded me to post today
I love this running fitness community!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
February 11, 2012 at 8:38 PM
Hi! I found your blog through a random running search on Google. I’m an Aggie too and I just signed up for the Armadillo Dash HM on March 4th. This will be my first half marathon. I was wondering if you were gonna do it this year? It would be great to have someone else to maybe do runs with. Most of my friends freak out if I mention running for more than 3 miles. Lol
-Adriana
February 11, 2012 at 9:52 PM
Hi Adriana!
I think that is so awesome! Armadillo Dash is a great race. Check out my “Races” page up top for a race recap. I ran it the last 2 years. Unfortunately, I won’t be running it this year. I graduated from TAMU and I’m taking a few months of racing off due to an injury. I’m still running and would love to be your virtual running buddy
Are you on Twitter? Tweet me (@MarathonSweet) and I’ll direct you to a friend who is training for that race. She’s on twitter too and is in Cstat. Good luck!
-Brittny
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
October 18, 2012 at 10:30 AM
I tried to access your guide for marathon- beginners…and the page comes up error. Do you think you can repost it or email it to me? Thanks!!! I love your page BTW!