Just as I was complaining my average pace was so slow, I have started to see my pace drop during my runs as of late last week. Yeah!
On Saturday my overall average pace was 8:08 minutes/mile, which is considerably better than the 8:45/9:00 minutes/mile I could only manage this winter. This morning my overall pace was 8:11, which included my first mile at 9:00 due to a bad GPS signal. There must be a poor reception area right when I started because I looked down at my watch after a couple minutes and see my pace is supposedly 12:00 minutes/mile. I knew this couldn’t be right, so I stopped my watch and then quickly restarted it, which seems to help it recalibrate faster.
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 57:20
Weather: 42* F, overcast and drizzling
I would challenge anyone to show me a more red face than mine post-run. Sheesh!
For some reason I have been craving eggs, so I made some hard boiled eggs this weekend. It totally hit the spot this morning for breakfast along with a slice of Sweet Potato Sage Bread with peanut butter and fresh blackberries from Costco. 
At work I treated myself to a decaf iced hazelnut latte and a homemade Blueberry Lemon Scone.
The coffee wasn’t that great. I only drank half of it before I threw it out. I hate wasting food, but it was too sweet.
I made a batch of Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze for my mother-in-law for Mother’s Day because they are her favorite treat I make. I made sure to save one for myself because they are divine. I don’t know that I’ve had a better scone! 
Everyone knows they should drink (at least) 8 cups of water each day. But how much do you actually drink?
I love my water and drink almost a gallon (16 cups) of plain water every day. I know this may seem like a lot (It probably is!), but I honestly don’t find it hard to drink this much water.
Before we get to my tips, there probably are those who say you only need to drink water when you are truly thirsty. I don’t know if this is true or not; I haven’t read the research reports. But what I do know, is I feel better about my health when I drink a lot of water every day. So whatever it is you choose to do, just make sure it is the best thing for your body.
Tricks and Tips to Drink More Water
1.) Have a water bottle (or two) near-by at all times.
I find that if the water is there, I drink it—even if I am not actually thirsty. I always have a filled water bottle on my desk or sitting out at home because if it is there, I will drink it.
2.) Add flavor to your water.
I know a lot of people complain they don’t like the taste of plain water, so I would recommend adding some (low calorie, natural) flavor to your water. Some good options: lemon or lime juice, cucumber slices, electrolyte tablets , or some other flavor enhancer like these Crystal Light Pure packets (15 calories and no fake sweeteners).
3.) Drink other beverages
I think one should get the majority of their liquid intake via plain water, but I have no problem with supplementing that intake with other healthy beverages as well: hot or iced tea; no calorie, natural, carbonated beverages (such as LaCroix); or coffee to help you reach your liquid intake for the day. However, these types of beverages should be consumed in moderation and only help you to meet your quota for the day.
4.) Carry a beverage wherever you go.
My water bottle is like my smart phone to most people. I carry my water bottle with me wherever I go. Doesn’t matter if I am running errands, going to church, on a shopping spree, or just going outside to check the mail (okay, not really), my water bottle is attached to my hip like a baby.
5.) Buy a new water bottle.
It is fun and makes you want to drink out of the new water bottle.
Also, I find I drink more through a straw than sipping out of a cup.
(Picture taken from this post.)
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Anchorage-locals! Don’t forget about the Boston Strong 5K Run on Wednesday at 7 p.m.!!
I picked up my bib tonight, but I think you can register that evening as well.
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Questions
What tips do you have for drinking enough water each day?
Is anyone else doing a run in honor of one-month post-Boston on Wednesday?
I drink more through a straw than a cup too. And a pretty new cup (Matt gets annoyed when I buy them sometimes though..but really I’ve only got three) helps motivate me to drink more, I’m not sure how much, but it feels good when I’m really hydrated. I don’t really add flavoring to my water, but I will add some lemon juice if I’m feeling wild.
You are super fast compared to me! ha and my face is at least as red and maybe even more red when I finish a run. Beet red. I love water too in fact it’s the only liquid I regularly drink. Not a coffee or tea fan and don’t really like/choose to drink anything else like soda. And I pretty much have to have water to eat – I drink at least three glasses with any meal at restaurants. I think the key to drinking more water is just having it there and ready to drink, just like you said. Most people will drink it if its there, but won’t get up to get it if it’s not.
I wish I could do the run for Boston but I don’t think I can make it into town that ‘late’ at night with Riggs’ bedtime being at about that time. I hope there’s a good turnout though!
I love your trick about having a water bottle with you at all times. I try to do the same. I find it is so much easier getting in all the water I need when I am carrying it around. If you are like me, if I don’t remind myself to drink consistently throughout the day, I won’t. As a fellow runner and athlete, it seriously makes a world of difference. Btw, I am new to blogging so check out my blog! myfoodforlife.wordpress.com
I love those flavor packets. I definitely chug more water when it’s a bit sweetened than just plain. I need to start carrying a bottle with me more. I carry a giant purse anyway, it’ll definitely fit. 😉
i got a new cup with lid/straw for my birthday! i love drinking out of straws. it’s so fun 🙂 in the summer, i love putting a little crushed mint in a looseleaf tea strainer and placing it in a pitcher of water in the fridge overnight. mint water is so good!
I’ll have to try that. My father-in-law usually grows a ton of mint in his garden.
I do keep a bottle of water armed at my desk at all times, it definitely helps you drink more if you’re staring at it all day!
My face gets really red too after I run or work out. I have Norwegian/Irish blood in me too, so I’m blaming it on that 🙂
I fill up an empty gallon jug and drink it throughout the day. It really helps to visually see how much I’ve drank. Its a bit harder to take places, so I only use it when I’m home.
i’ve been enjoying my blackberries from costco too! it’s so funny…from florida to alaska, costco connects us all 🙂
i wish i was more regular about my water intake. some days i’m awesome and i kill it…others i don’t pay attention until super late in the day and realize i’ve only had a cup or two. i needed these tips!
I am an awful water drinker!! I only drink it while working out and eating out. I am trying to be better about it though. When we eat out, I get water a lot and plus it saves money. Sometimes I just want something with flavor though!!
I feel guilty if I order anything but water when I eat out because it quickly jacks up the bill and that was our only option as a kid.
I have one of these: http://www.brita.co.uk/brita/en-gb/shop/water-bottle/fill_go_filter2.grid?category=offer and since getting it I drink a lot more water, it’s like a sippy cup for adults! I think it’s great. Sometimes I add lime & mint or cucumber to it to make it more interesting. When I first started upping my mileage for half marathon training I found that drinking lots of water really helped my recovery and made me more alert rather than sleepy!