Nouriched: Eat, Move and Rest Your way to Wellness

It’s been a hot near-freezing minute (keep reading for context) since I popped in to write. Sad, because writing really is therapy. I’m not even sure anyone’s reading this, but getting thoughts out of my head and onto these pages does wonders for my clarity—so much so, that I hardly care about followers or likes.

Anyway! Weeks 2 and 3 of 5K training? Done and dusted. I only got in three runs total across the two weeks, but I’m so proud of that. It was my luteal phase, and both my energy and mood were… not giving. Add a busy season at work and a couple personal projects, and I had to extend myself a healthy dose of grace.

Still, I strength trained 3 times per week. My body has been so responsive lately, and I’m grateful! Even without that ovulation-phase pep, my PMS was surprisingly chill—no bloating, no headaches, no cramps, no pre-period weirdness. The hormonal acne, though? Whew. My jawline was fighting for its life.

The 5ks themselves were deeply restorative. Week 2, Run 1: 47 mins (woot woot!). Run 2: a slow hour-long jog the day before my period. The humans joined in, which meant stopping every few feet so the tiny human could point out trees, rocks, and fast cars. He even challenged me to a sprint race (my knees are still filing a complaint). Easily my most memorable run yet—I love my little crew.

Week 3 was a beast. Not because of my period, but because the North East decided to cosplay as winter. Snow. In May. My flabber was gasted! So I took it inside and only ran once—50 minutes on the treadmill at the gym. Not bad… not bad at all.

Tomorrow’s Memorial Day, and if the sun shows up, I might head outside for a run. If not, it’s back to strength training and saving the 5K for another day.

Biggest lesson from these two weeks? Fueling well is everything.
As a PCOS girlie with insulin resistance, carbs have always been tricky. But now that I’m building muscle and running more, I’ve had to up my intake—mindfully. Thanks to my health coaching background (and a CGM!), I spent the past couple weeks experimenting with what actually fuels me best. Spoiler: protein + slower carbs before workouts are the move (for me). Two boiled eggs and half a McIntosh apple = the sweet spot for strength training sessions. For 5Ks, I might try Greek yogurt and a fruit —lighter, but still solid.

That’s all for now! Send good vibes, steady energy, and no snow for Week 4. Please.

Sweats and Smiles,
Chantelle