My own worst enemy is my mind. My mind which today while running was at one time saying, "You can do just one more minute!" and at another saying, "I just can't make it."
Part of me knows, I ran a 5k. I ran it slow, but I ran it. My body can do this. I'm not asking too much.
Another part doubts it. I've gained weight since then, I've not stayed on top of running, and a million other excuses.
How do I get beyond my own mind? My own hurdles? I simply do not know.
The good news is, Today I recognized what is going on in my mind. Knowing is half the battle, right?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wintertime run?
Yesterday at work was crazy busy. Between leading a new training series and meetings I didn't have time to fit my run in during work. So Laura and I vowed to run after work.
I got home, cooked a quick supper for the boys then donned my new sneakers
And my new underlayers... then put on my overlayers, headphones and headed out for a run!
I did have trouble breathing a few times, but I managed to get equal parts of running and walking in. I ended at 2 miles with a cool-down and felt proud of myself. I even snapped a photo before heading inside!
I continued having problems breathing throughout the evening. Jonas even asked me at one point if I wanted his inhaler. I passed, figured I could get through it. And I did. I fell asleep before 10.
Today is another 2 miles, however it's at the gym on a treadmill. Today's goal is to finish the 2 miles in 28 minutes and do a 5 minute cool-down.
I got home, cooked a quick supper for the boys then donned my new sneakers
And my new underlayers... then put on my overlayers, headphones and headed out for a run!
I did have trouble breathing a few times, but I managed to get equal parts of running and walking in. I ended at 2 miles with a cool-down and felt proud of myself. I even snapped a photo before heading inside!
I continued having problems breathing throughout the evening. Jonas even asked me at one point if I wanted his inhaler. I passed, figured I could get through it. And I did. I fell asleep before 10.
Today is another 2 miles, however it's at the gym on a treadmill. Today's goal is to finish the 2 miles in 28 minutes and do a 5 minute cool-down.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Food Journaling Follow-up
Firstly, let me say I lovelovelove the simplicity of dietSNAPs! Even though I'm not logging weights or measurements, I am staying accountable to myself, which is what I needed. The other cool thing? I can e-mail myself the log with pictures at the end of the day. The text is the tags on the pictures. Here's my text log from yesterday:
Jan 6, 2011 10:38 AM
Snack
Large Honeycrisp apple & justin's honey peanut butter
Jan 6, 2011 12:08 PM
Lunch
Roti: steak roti with rice, cous cous, hummus and cabbage; pita; chicken lemon soup (ate no rice and 1/4 of soup)
Jan 6, 2011 2:30 PM
Exercise
Elliptical! 4.26 miles!
Jan 6, 2011 5:00 PM
Snack
Hungry after workout. Cheetos on train!
Jan 6, 2011 7:33 PM
Dinner
2 whole wheat pancakes with sugar free syrup; 2 eggs with ham slices, 2% cheese and ketchup. And hot cocoa!
Kinda cool, eh?
Jan 6, 2011 10:38 AM
Snack
Large Honeycrisp apple & justin's honey peanut butter
Jan 6, 2011 12:08 PM
Lunch
Roti: steak roti with rice, cous cous, hummus and cabbage; pita; chicken lemon soup (ate no rice and 1/4 of soup)
Jan 6, 2011 2:30 PM
Exercise
Elliptical! 4.26 miles!
Jan 6, 2011 5:00 PM
Snack
Hungry after workout. Cheetos on train!
Jan 6, 2011 7:33 PM
Dinner
2 whole wheat pancakes with sugar free syrup; 2 eggs with ham slices, 2% cheese and ketchup. And hot cocoa!
Kinda cool, eh?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Food Journaling
My friend Laura over at http://www.thirteenpointonex2.com is doing a series of posts on accountability currently, or she made the first of a series of posts. :)
Something in her recent post sparked something within me. Over the past six months I've become lax in recording what I eat. I religiously recorded it for 18 months, ounce for ounce. Yet recently, with life changes, came a change not only in my eating patterns but in recording everything I ate. Sure I have the tools, sure they are easy to use. Its not them, it's me. :) I need to start recording what I eat again. Becoming accountable to myself for everything I put in my body, not just what I exercise out.
While weighing and measuring food is the way I should be doing things, right now, its not realistic. My goal right now is to do my running training and just eat healthy options. However, I do want to start recording approximations of what I eat. What is the best option for me? Pictures of my plates before I eat? Writing down in a journal what I'm eating? Finding an app for my phone that will let me just record food descriptions and not amounts? I'm tempted by the paper journal. Carrying it around with me. When it's not with me, taking pictures for later recording. But somehow, that seems like it would become cumbersome really quickly. I think the ultimate option for me is to see if I can find an application for my phone. I found one thats seem interesting. One is called dietSNAPs which allows you to take pictures of your food, the time, etc. This looks promising. I think I'll try it for a while and see what happens with it.
While searching, I found another app that looks interesting called Track & Share. It tracks things like mood, food, water, sleep and graphs it. Being a geek, I'm a sucker or graphs. I might just play with it for a while and see whats what.
Something in her recent post sparked something within me. Over the past six months I've become lax in recording what I eat. I religiously recorded it for 18 months, ounce for ounce. Yet recently, with life changes, came a change not only in my eating patterns but in recording everything I ate. Sure I have the tools, sure they are easy to use. Its not them, it's me. :) I need to start recording what I eat again. Becoming accountable to myself for everything I put in my body, not just what I exercise out.
While weighing and measuring food is the way I should be doing things, right now, its not realistic. My goal right now is to do my running training and just eat healthy options. However, I do want to start recording approximations of what I eat. What is the best option for me? Pictures of my plates before I eat? Writing down in a journal what I'm eating? Finding an app for my phone that will let me just record food descriptions and not amounts? I'm tempted by the paper journal. Carrying it around with me. When it's not with me, taking pictures for later recording. But somehow, that seems like it would become cumbersome really quickly. I think the ultimate option for me is to see if I can find an application for my phone. I found one thats seem interesting. One is called dietSNAPs which allows you to take pictures of your food, the time, etc. This looks promising. I think I'll try it for a while and see what happens with it.
While searching, I found another app that looks interesting called Track & Share. It tracks things like mood, food, water, sleep and graphs it. Being a geek, I'm a sucker or graphs. I might just play with it for a while and see whats what.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Ow!
Yesterday my friend and I decided to swap our run day for a strength training day. I devised a fairly simple routine focusing on muscles used for running. I was excited to do some strength after not doing any for about a month.
Our routine was 2 sets of 8 reps of the following: Squats, Curls, Dead Lift, Triceps Extension, Lunges, Push-ups, Heel Raises, Dumbbell Rows, Good Mornings, Superman and Crunches.
I was good until the first set of lunges. I went into the first lunge and thought I was going to fall down. I had intense pain in my left knee. I started to try a second and decided that I couldn't do them. The second set of squats hurt, and I didn't even attempt the lunges. I used a foam roller on my knee instead.
On the way to the train I noticed that going down steps caused intense pain, while going up caused some, but not as bad. I started to worry about my running plan. What will I do if I have a serious injury? How can I continue running? Will I make it to my 10K?? I put myself into a bit of a frenzy about this.
I decided when I got home that I needed to calm down. I needed some good old RICE. So I did. I took a bath to relax first then I elevated my leg on a pillow with some ice and an ace bandage and watched TV with Jonas. I tried leaving it wrapped in bed but that didn't last long. I put some Biofreeze on and slept just fine.
I thought I was OK this morning. I was able to do the steps to the car without much issue, but getting out of the car at my mom's I realized I was not OK. So I snagged a knee brace and some Aspercreme from her and went onto work. The stairs on the walk were killer, but I figured out a way to do them without causing pain in that knee.
I'm resting today and possibly tomorrow. We'll see how the pain is tomorrow morning. I did some reading about the type of pain and where it's located. While it says that some non-impact activity is okay if you ice for 10-20 minutes afterwords, I should say away from impact activity, ie running for a while.
My question is, how long??
Sure, I set up a 10 week training program, and there are 8 week ones out there... but I think I need the 10 weeks. What happens if this doesn't get better? When do I seek medical help? Is this going to completely blow my 10k training out of the water?
I'm trying to think positive on this... really.
Our routine was 2 sets of 8 reps of the following: Squats, Curls, Dead Lift, Triceps Extension, Lunges, Push-ups, Heel Raises, Dumbbell Rows, Good Mornings, Superman and Crunches.
I was good until the first set of lunges. I went into the first lunge and thought I was going to fall down. I had intense pain in my left knee. I started to try a second and decided that I couldn't do them. The second set of squats hurt, and I didn't even attempt the lunges. I used a foam roller on my knee instead.
On the way to the train I noticed that going down steps caused intense pain, while going up caused some, but not as bad. I started to worry about my running plan. What will I do if I have a serious injury? How can I continue running? Will I make it to my 10K?? I put myself into a bit of a frenzy about this.
I decided when I got home that I needed to calm down. I needed some good old RICE. So I did. I took a bath to relax first then I elevated my leg on a pillow with some ice and an ace bandage and watched TV with Jonas. I tried leaving it wrapped in bed but that didn't last long. I put some Biofreeze on and slept just fine.
I thought I was OK this morning. I was able to do the steps to the car without much issue, but getting out of the car at my mom's I realized I was not OK. So I snagged a knee brace and some Aspercreme from her and went onto work. The stairs on the walk were killer, but I figured out a way to do them without causing pain in that knee.
I'm resting today and possibly tomorrow. We'll see how the pain is tomorrow morning. I did some reading about the type of pain and where it's located. While it says that some non-impact activity is okay if you ice for 10-20 minutes afterwords, I should say away from impact activity, ie running for a while.
My question is, how long??
Sure, I set up a 10 week training program, and there are 8 week ones out there... but I think I need the 10 weeks. What happens if this doesn't get better? When do I seek medical help? Is this going to completely blow my 10k training out of the water?
I'm trying to think positive on this... really.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011 - Looking Forward
So I recently joined Me You Health's daily challenge and the challenge on the 30th was to make and share a resolution. This is what I wrote:
---------------------------
This year, I was thinking I would make a goal for 2011, not a resolution. The difference is that a goal, for me, is attainable, a resolution is just something that people say and how many don't do them? I've never been someone who does New Years Resolutions.
What is my goal for 2011? I'm going to make 2011 a running year. In March I will be running a 10k. In June a half marathon. The fall will be a couple of 5Ks for fun with the family.
What does running give me? A sense of accomplishment. When I trained for my 5k last year, I felt so accomplished with each day that I crossed off my calendar. It was the mot excellent feeling, to accomplish my run for that day. I have my training schedule set (and started) for my 10k. I'm excited every day that I get to do this.
I have another goal for 2011 that I want to share. I want to help motivate my friends to live healthier lives. I have my own issues with eating healthy at times, but knowing that I motivate others to move and eat healthy helps motivate me to stay on my path to meet my goals.
-------------------
As part of the last goal; motivating others, I want to write more. Write of my struggles and my successes. Share what I go through. I figure today is as good of a day as any to start.
Today's running schedule is to walk or walk/run for 30 minutes. All this week I did walk/runs on the treadmill at work. To better prepare for my workout today I'm updating my playlists on my phone, getting more "hoppy" music as I like to call it. I'm excited about the new playlist and trying out my underlayers that I got for Christmas.
We're celebrating New Years and "Jonas' Christmas" with family today. Jonas will be able to open presents he missed on Christmas morning by being at his dad's house. Mom is bringing the bean soup for good luck in the new year. It'll be a great evening of family centered time that I am looking forward to.
One other goal that I want to aim for is drinking more water. I don't drink nearly enough water. I know I need to hydrate to keep my runs doing well. My aim is for 64 oz of liquid a day. I drink mainly tea, crystal light and water. If I do have soda, it won't count toward my goal.
I know I can do this. :)
---------------------------
This year, I was thinking I would make a goal for 2011, not a resolution. The difference is that a goal, for me, is attainable, a resolution is just something that people say and how many don't do them? I've never been someone who does New Years Resolutions.
What is my goal for 2011? I'm going to make 2011 a running year. In March I will be running a 10k. In June a half marathon. The fall will be a couple of 5Ks for fun with the family.
What does running give me? A sense of accomplishment. When I trained for my 5k last year, I felt so accomplished with each day that I crossed off my calendar. It was the mot excellent feeling, to accomplish my run for that day. I have my training schedule set (and started) for my 10k. I'm excited every day that I get to do this.
I have another goal for 2011 that I want to share. I want to help motivate my friends to live healthier lives. I have my own issues with eating healthy at times, but knowing that I motivate others to move and eat healthy helps motivate me to stay on my path to meet my goals.
-------------------
As part of the last goal; motivating others, I want to write more. Write of my struggles and my successes. Share what I go through. I figure today is as good of a day as any to start.
Today's running schedule is to walk or walk/run for 30 minutes. All this week I did walk/runs on the treadmill at work. To better prepare for my workout today I'm updating my playlists on my phone, getting more "hoppy" music as I like to call it. I'm excited about the new playlist and trying out my underlayers that I got for Christmas.
We're celebrating New Years and "Jonas' Christmas" with family today. Jonas will be able to open presents he missed on Christmas morning by being at his dad's house. Mom is bringing the bean soup for good luck in the new year. It'll be a great evening of family centered time that I am looking forward to.
One other goal that I want to aim for is drinking more water. I don't drink nearly enough water. I know I need to hydrate to keep my runs doing well. My aim is for 64 oz of liquid a day. I drink mainly tea, crystal light and water. If I do have soda, it won't count toward my goal.
I know I can do this. :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Reevalutation of myself
Spending a week sick has given me time to reflect on things. I read something today that made me rethink the way I've been doing things in the past few months. Willpower is something I've been lacking, in great proportions, since Dustin moved in. I have been blaming him instead of blaming myself. I mean, yeah, my house has been turned upside down and there has been adjustments on everyone's part. In reality, I was using him as an excuse to lose my willpower. After all, it is easier to place the blame with someone else, right? Say things like, "Well he's not used to doing things like I do... it's okay if I do this, this time..."
Coming to this realization has made me reevaluate my goals and what I want to do with my personal journey. Also, I had done some thinking around the weight lifting portion of my workouts. While building muscle is great and muscle helps burn fat... I have alot of fat I need to burn and I can't continue to ignore cardio workouts. Instead I have to balance the two.
I really enjoyed completing the 5k101 training and finishing the 5k run in September. I realized just how much I enjoyed it when I did the Pumpkin Plod on Thanksgiving. I didn't run, but I walked, pretty darn fast. While I didn't enjoy running, 100% I did enjoy the end goal of finishing the 5k and competing in something I could do and time myself on and see my own improvements. I don't see myself doing distances longer than 5ks but I would like to schedule more 5ks in my future.
All that being said, I've come up with a new plan for myself. Oddly enough, based on where I started. Going along with the lifelong plan that is stressed in Fat2Fit Radio... Eating will be done on a calorie counting basis based on my BMR and activity level. My calorie level is 2000 - 2300 / day.
Exercise, I want to get back into working out 5x a week. MWF will be running days, these will be done on the treadmill, elliptical and track at Lincoln Center (or outside if it's closed). TR will be strength training days. I am going to redo the 5k101 program, working on increasing my speed. Starting in January, I want to sign up to do at least one 5k a month. I want to have some of the 5ks be family affairs where I drag Jonas and Dustin along with me. It is OK to walk. It is about doing a family activity together :)
I know I have the strength to do this and keep my willpower up. I have to think of willpower as another muscle that with enough working out, will remain strong.
Coming to this realization has made me reevaluate my goals and what I want to do with my personal journey. Also, I had done some thinking around the weight lifting portion of my workouts. While building muscle is great and muscle helps burn fat... I have alot of fat I need to burn and I can't continue to ignore cardio workouts. Instead I have to balance the two.
I really enjoyed completing the 5k101 training and finishing the 5k run in September. I realized just how much I enjoyed it when I did the Pumpkin Plod on Thanksgiving. I didn't run, but I walked, pretty darn fast. While I didn't enjoy running, 100% I did enjoy the end goal of finishing the 5k and competing in something I could do and time myself on and see my own improvements. I don't see myself doing distances longer than 5ks but I would like to schedule more 5ks in my future.
All that being said, I've come up with a new plan for myself. Oddly enough, based on where I started. Going along with the lifelong plan that is stressed in Fat2Fit Radio... Eating will be done on a calorie counting basis based on my BMR and activity level. My calorie level is 2000 - 2300 / day.
Exercise, I want to get back into working out 5x a week. MWF will be running days, these will be done on the treadmill, elliptical and track at Lincoln Center (or outside if it's closed). TR will be strength training days. I am going to redo the 5k101 program, working on increasing my speed. Starting in January, I want to sign up to do at least one 5k a month. I want to have some of the 5ks be family affairs where I drag Jonas and Dustin along with me. It is OK to walk. It is about doing a family activity together :)
I know I have the strength to do this and keep my willpower up. I have to think of willpower as another muscle that with enough working out, will remain strong.
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