I am combining all of last week into one entry because lets face it, the holidays were here and I was a very busy person! I was able to get some exercising in, and did do some running. I had full intentions of running 7 miles this past weekend, but just could not find the time to do it! I know this is a terrible excuse, but it is what it is. It just goes to show that even though I'm motivated, I too get off track and just don't always get my exercising in.
The good news that comes from the previous week was that I only ended up gaining 4 pounds total and pretty much ate whatever I wanted. Thats much better than the 12 pounds I had gained last Christmas. =) The exercise was a big factor for why I didn't gain as much this year. Last year not only was I eating what I wanted, but also wasn't exercising. I'm expecting my weight to drop back down pretty quickly since I have now gotten back into routine and am running more again. I've decided that I would like to lose 10 more pounds by the Half Marathon - RunnersWorld says you have a faster pace for each pound you lose. That doesn't seem unreasonable, though it has gotten a lot harder to lose the weight.
Yesterday I went to the gym with my sister-in-law and worked out for about an hour. We went right after dinner, so I was dreading trying to push through the side cramps (I get side cramps if I try to run right after eating). It wasn't too bad though, and even though I got some cramping, it wasn't bad enough to hinder my workout. I went 2.55 miles in 30 minutes, which is slower than my last 30 minute run, but not bad considering I just spent four days eating everything in sight. =)
I am going to exercise every day this week and will probably do my next 30 minute run on Wednesday rather than Thursday. I would like to burn a lot of calories for New Year's Eve so I'll most likely go to the gym and workout on the elliptical for 60 minutes. That machine seems to burn the most calories for me. Depending on the weather, I want to run outside again for my long run this week, though I don't think I'm going to attempt to run on 202 anymore. There are just too many cars and the road slopes, which causes one foot to constantly be at an angle. My right knee was pretty sore at the end as a result.
I've decided to change my current gym to the Planet Fitness in Sanford rather than Dover. It was working out very well for me to drop the kids off at daycare, then go to the gym near my work, but now that I have to drive into Sanford, it makes more sense to drop him off, go to the gym, then drive to work. So if any of you want to do early morning workouts at the gym, I'll probably be there!
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Its all about the calories! No matter what diet you try, or what you eat, it all comes down to calories. A lot of people tell me they are trying to cut out this or that - such as carbs or sugar or soda - and although these things can affect you (sugar can give you a high, then your body crashes), it really all comes down to the calories. The reason you lose weight if you cut out sugar is because you're cutting out calories. There are two scenarios: You can eat grilled chicken, a baked potato, and broccoli for 350 calories. You can also go right down the street to your local Dairy Queen and get yourself a sundae for the same 350 calories. In terms of weight loss, which is better? The first scenario seems like it would be better for you (and to some extent that is true because it will keep you full longer and there are more nutrients) but in terms of WEIGHT LOSS, they are considered the same. It's just that if you choose the sundae, you are more likely to be hungrier sooner and eat more overall.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
WEEK 6 - DAY 3
My Saturday run was AWSOME! I never thought I'd say running was awsome, but it really was! I decided that I was going to attempt to run outside - and I must say I was quite nervous because I thought I would struggle with it since I have been primarily using the treadmill. But to my surprise I was able to run 6.58 miles without a problem! It made me feel a lot better about using the treadmill for my training during the winter.
It was about 30 degrees out when I was running and I actually didn't even notice! I wore a long sleeve shirt and a fleece-lined windbreaker, a pair of leggings, and a pair of yoga pants over that. I also wore a hat and mittens. When I first started running I was a bit chilly, but I warmed up quickly and it was quite comfortable. I even ended up taking my mittens off about half way through because my hands were too warm. I think I'm going to start running outside more now that I know it's not as uncomfortable as I imagined.
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Just because you exercised, doesn't mean you can eat whatever you want. This is such a hard mindset to break free of. I know for me, I like to reward myself with food after I exercise, and that can sometimes backfire on all my hard work. I've especially been struggling with this one the last couple of weekends. I'll eat whatever I want on Saturday because it was my long run and burned 900 calories. Then I'll just continue right into Sunday, and before I know it, I've gone right over those 900 calories and then some. Its VERY easy to do.
It was about 30 degrees out when I was running and I actually didn't even notice! I wore a long sleeve shirt and a fleece-lined windbreaker, a pair of leggings, and a pair of yoga pants over that. I also wore a hat and mittens. When I first started running I was a bit chilly, but I warmed up quickly and it was quite comfortable. I even ended up taking my mittens off about half way through because my hands were too warm. I think I'm going to start running outside more now that I know it's not as uncomfortable as I imagined.
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Just because you exercised, doesn't mean you can eat whatever you want. This is such a hard mindset to break free of. I know for me, I like to reward myself with food after I exercise, and that can sometimes backfire on all my hard work. I've especially been struggling with this one the last couple of weekends. I'll eat whatever I want on Saturday because it was my long run and burned 900 calories. Then I'll just continue right into Sunday, and before I know it, I've gone right over those 900 calories and then some. Its VERY easy to do.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Week 6 - Day 2
Yes, I once again missed running on Tuesday. Its the holidays and I'm having a hard time juggling all these things I have to do! Anyways, now that I have gotten the excuses out of the way... I had a really good run today and finished the 30 minutes with 2.63 miles, which beat my time last week. YAY! My runkeeper says my pace was 11.24 min per mile.
In reading an article recently I am now motivated to start running outside. The article mentioned ways to keep warm while running in the winter and the clothing you should do it in. Take a look at the article here: www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-267-269-12420-0,00.html. Why I haven't really wanted to run outside was because I wasn't sure what clothing I should wear, as well as the fact that I just don't like being cold. I'm thinking though, if I have the appropriate clothing, it won't bother me as much as I think. I'm going to take a look at some stores and see what I can find. Some things they mention I already have, its mostly just the first layer - like the "tights" they refer to and the long sleeve shirts with "technical fabrics" that wick sweat away from you - that I really need to buy. It seems like these would be the most important pieces to keep dry while still keeping warm. If any of you runners out there have suggestions as to what I should get, please feel free to comment.
The Disney Princess Half Marathon is now 65% full! I was quite surprised at how fast it is approaching! I read more on the discussion boards on Facebook about others' experiences and so many people have mentioned mile 11/12 as being the most difficult, because it involves going up those on/off ramps on the highway. I'll have to make sure I am prepared for that once I get into running the 10-12 mile runs. Maybe I can incorporate some hills in the last miles to simulate how it will be on the actual run.
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Drink Coffee or Tea - I know this seems like a strange tip, and may not work for everyone, but for me it worked VERY well. I like drinking coffee for several reasons. The most obvious is because it gives me more energy throughout the day (they actually recommend you drinking a cup of coffee half an hour before you run too). The other reason is because it seems to keep me feeling full and there are very little calories involved if you use Splenda and sugar free creamers. Even if you use an individual packet of Half and Half, its still only 20 calories.
In reading an article recently I am now motivated to start running outside. The article mentioned ways to keep warm while running in the winter and the clothing you should do it in. Take a look at the article here: www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-267-269-12420-0,00.html. Why I haven't really wanted to run outside was because I wasn't sure what clothing I should wear, as well as the fact that I just don't like being cold. I'm thinking though, if I have the appropriate clothing, it won't bother me as much as I think. I'm going to take a look at some stores and see what I can find. Some things they mention I already have, its mostly just the first layer - like the "tights" they refer to and the long sleeve shirts with "technical fabrics" that wick sweat away from you - that I really need to buy. It seems like these would be the most important pieces to keep dry while still keeping warm. If any of you runners out there have suggestions as to what I should get, please feel free to comment.
The Disney Princess Half Marathon is now 65% full! I was quite surprised at how fast it is approaching! I read more on the discussion boards on Facebook about others' experiences and so many people have mentioned mile 11/12 as being the most difficult, because it involves going up those on/off ramps on the highway. I'll have to make sure I am prepared for that once I get into running the 10-12 mile runs. Maybe I can incorporate some hills in the last miles to simulate how it will be on the actual run.
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Drink Coffee or Tea - I know this seems like a strange tip, and may not work for everyone, but for me it worked VERY well. I like drinking coffee for several reasons. The most obvious is because it gives me more energy throughout the day (they actually recommend you drinking a cup of coffee half an hour before you run too). The other reason is because it seems to keep me feeling full and there are very little calories involved if you use Splenda and sugar free creamers. Even if you use an individual packet of Half and Half, its still only 20 calories.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Week 5 - Day 3
I ran 6 miles today on the treadmill! There were no interuptions, no crises to rush home for, nothing! :) There were several things I observed during my run:
I can now run 3 miles without too much effort - it's just a matter of keeping my mind occupied
The Gu stuff that's supposed to energize you during long runs wasn't all that helpful. Plus it was pretty nasty to gulp down.
The fourth mile wasn't too bad, but the fifth and sixth miles were pretty tough. That was the time when my mind wanted to tell me I couldn't go anymore. It's great to be aware of when my mind does that because that's when I start telling myself I CAN do it. It kind of counteracts what my mind wants to say and being able to do that is crucial to me being able to run for so long. I can't believe that something so simple can work so well!
It's weird to be running and watch people come and go - there were a couple of women that came in and started around the same time I did, and stopped walking after 20 minutes. Not that there is anything wrong with that because any exercise is good, its just a very different perspective than im used to. That was me a year ago actually and I remember seeing people that would run thinking they're crazy. Now I'm the crazy one I guess. :)
WEIGHTLOSS TIP: Any exercise is better than no exercise! Even if you can squeeze in just 10 minutes here or there, just incorporating it into your schedule really makes a difference. That 10 minutes can give you an extra 100 calories for the day!
I can now run 3 miles without too much effort - it's just a matter of keeping my mind occupied
The Gu stuff that's supposed to energize you during long runs wasn't all that helpful. Plus it was pretty nasty to gulp down.
The fourth mile wasn't too bad, but the fifth and sixth miles were pretty tough. That was the time when my mind wanted to tell me I couldn't go anymore. It's great to be aware of when my mind does that because that's when I start telling myself I CAN do it. It kind of counteracts what my mind wants to say and being able to do that is crucial to me being able to run for so long. I can't believe that something so simple can work so well!
It's weird to be running and watch people come and go - there were a couple of women that came in and started around the same time I did, and stopped walking after 20 minutes. Not that there is anything wrong with that because any exercise is good, its just a very different perspective than im used to. That was me a year ago actually and I remember seeing people that would run thinking they're crazy. Now I'm the crazy one I guess. :)
WEIGHTLOSS TIP: Any exercise is better than no exercise! Even if you can squeeze in just 10 minutes here or there, just incorporating it into your schedule really makes a difference. That 10 minutes can give you an extra 100 calories for the day!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Week 5 - Day 2
If you're wondering why I did not post for Week 5 - Day 1, it is because I did not end up running that day. I've come to realize that sometimes life just gets in the way, no matter how much you plan. But I've also realized that I can put that behind me and continue on.
Yesterday I did my 30 minute run on the treadmill and was able to run 2.5 miles - the farthest I've been able to run in a 30 minute span. I also incorporated hills this time, and also ran at speeds of 5.5 to 5.7 mph for short periods of time during the workout. I really felt great, even at the end - which doesn't usually happen for me. Usually by the end I am exhausted. I'm also noticing that my recovery time is becoming shorter and shorter and I don't become fatigued as easy.
Its good to know that even if you miss out on a workout, you are still able to bounce back. That was my biggest worry - that if I missed a workout that I would lose momentum and lose the strength I've been building. For some reason I was in the mindset that even though it takes awhile to be able to workout for long periods of time, you could lose it quickly. That is just not the case and I'm so glad!
WEIGHTLOSS TIP: Measure everything! At least at first - I know when I started measuring it was a pain! But it made me feel much better knowing EXACTLY how much I was eating. It also made me realize how much MORE I was eating than I should. Its really a wake up call. After awhile you get used to it, and can start to visualize how much you really should be eating. Pretty soon you'll be able to look at food and know how much you should eat without using the measuring cups and spoons.
Yesterday I did my 30 minute run on the treadmill and was able to run 2.5 miles - the farthest I've been able to run in a 30 minute span. I also incorporated hills this time, and also ran at speeds of 5.5 to 5.7 mph for short periods of time during the workout. I really felt great, even at the end - which doesn't usually happen for me. Usually by the end I am exhausted. I'm also noticing that my recovery time is becoming shorter and shorter and I don't become fatigued as easy.
Its good to know that even if you miss out on a workout, you are still able to bounce back. That was my biggest worry - that if I missed a workout that I would lose momentum and lose the strength I've been building. For some reason I was in the mindset that even though it takes awhile to be able to workout for long periods of time, you could lose it quickly. That is just not the case and I'm so glad!
WEIGHTLOSS TIP: Measure everything! At least at first - I know when I started measuring it was a pain! But it made me feel much better knowing EXACTLY how much I was eating. It also made me realize how much MORE I was eating than I should. Its really a wake up call. After awhile you get used to it, and can start to visualize how much you really should be eating. Pretty soon you'll be able to look at food and know how much you should eat without using the measuring cups and spoons.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Week 4 - Day 3 Long Run Day
I knew this weekend was going to be crazy busy and that I'd have to squeeze in my long run somewhere. I was planning on going over to the gym after our Christmas Play practice Saturday afternoon, but was very happy to learn that I didn't have to stay the whole time. That allowed for an extra hour I wasn't anticipating on having. I went over to the gym, got dressed, got on the treadmill, and was feeling good. I brought with me the Jelly Belly Sport Beans to try out while I ran.
I started running and really felt very good! I started using the sport beans at about the 30 min mark, since that's when I started feeling really tired and ready to give up. Then my energy started to pick up again and I felt like I would complete the 5 mile run. I was up to about 4 miles, when I got a call from my husband. He informed me that while he was showering, our daughter decided it would be a good idea to take red food coloring (I had it on the counter for making Christmas cookies) and squeeze it all over herself and our new sofa chair. Needless to say, I got off the treadmill, went over to Shaw's to pick up some upholstry cleaner, and went home to try and help my husband. The good news is that after 2 hours of trying to take care of the stains on the couch, we got it ALL out! The bad news is I had to stop my run and didn't get to my 5 mile goal on Saturday.
I will be attempting to run outside on Tuesday and Thursday over lunch - its in the low 40's on Tuesday and I want to see if I can handle running outside. I would really like to run outside rather than on the treadmill because it is such a different workout, but I don't want to be freezing either. I'll let you know how it goes for me. =)
HOLIDAY WEIGHT LOSS TIP: At Christmas parties, do not mingle anywhere near the food table. Its a lot harder to pick at the food if you're far away from it. I know for me it's hard to not gravitate toward the food. I had to stop myself a couple of times at a party yesterday and still somehow managed to eat more food than I wanted to.
I started running and really felt very good! I started using the sport beans at about the 30 min mark, since that's when I started feeling really tired and ready to give up. Then my energy started to pick up again and I felt like I would complete the 5 mile run. I was up to about 4 miles, when I got a call from my husband. He informed me that while he was showering, our daughter decided it would be a good idea to take red food coloring (I had it on the counter for making Christmas cookies) and squeeze it all over herself and our new sofa chair. Needless to say, I got off the treadmill, went over to Shaw's to pick up some upholstry cleaner, and went home to try and help my husband. The good news is that after 2 hours of trying to take care of the stains on the couch, we got it ALL out! The bad news is I had to stop my run and didn't get to my 5 mile goal on Saturday.
I will be attempting to run outside on Tuesday and Thursday over lunch - its in the low 40's on Tuesday and I want to see if I can handle running outside. I would really like to run outside rather than on the treadmill because it is such a different workout, but I don't want to be freezing either. I'll let you know how it goes for me. =)
HOLIDAY WEIGHT LOSS TIP: At Christmas parties, do not mingle anywhere near the food table. Its a lot harder to pick at the food if you're far away from it. I know for me it's hard to not gravitate toward the food. I had to stop myself a couple of times at a party yesterday and still somehow managed to eat more food than I wanted to.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Week 4 - Day 2
I had a pretty good run yesterday. It was in the 60's outside, so I was pretty happy that I was able to take advantage. I took a different route from work than I normally do - mainly because I wanted to incorporate some steep hills.
I joined the Disney Princess Half Marathon group on Facebook and learned some GREAT info about the race. First of all, it sounds AWSOME and I am looking forward to the race more than ever. We start off at the Epcot ball, then run over to the Magic Kingdom, run through Cinderella's Castle, then end back up at Epcot. Sounds great to me!!! Secondly, I found out that the race route includes running on the highway AND running up one of the on-ramps, which is why I am now going to add in some hills on my running routes. I also found out that there are a lot of people like me, that are just starting out running and this will be their first race. Its very encouraging to read others' stories.
Another tip that was suggested on the group Facebook page was to use Jelly Belly Sport Beans. I had never heard of this before, but apparently they have electrolytes and some vitamins in them which give you a boost of energy while you're running. I bought some on my way home last night and am going to try them on my long run this weekend. I also bought this item called "Gu" that pretty much does the same thing, except its a liquid you drink rather than a jelly bean you chew. We'll see if they make a difference in my performance. =)
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Find a variety of exercises you like to do. I started out using the elliptical machine a lot because I felt like I was burning the most calories using it. Then I started to get bored with that, so I started trying to find other activities I really enjoyed. I now go ice skating, biking, swimming (when I can), running, walking, and attend Zumba classes. Now I don't get bored and burn more calories because I am working different muscles all the time.
I joined the Disney Princess Half Marathon group on Facebook and learned some GREAT info about the race. First of all, it sounds AWSOME and I am looking forward to the race more than ever. We start off at the Epcot ball, then run over to the Magic Kingdom, run through Cinderella's Castle, then end back up at Epcot. Sounds great to me!!! Secondly, I found out that the race route includes running on the highway AND running up one of the on-ramps, which is why I am now going to add in some hills on my running routes. I also found out that there are a lot of people like me, that are just starting out running and this will be their first race. Its very encouraging to read others' stories.
Another tip that was suggested on the group Facebook page was to use Jelly Belly Sport Beans. I had never heard of this before, but apparently they have electrolytes and some vitamins in them which give you a boost of energy while you're running. I bought some on my way home last night and am going to try them on my long run this weekend. I also bought this item called "Gu" that pretty much does the same thing, except its a liquid you drink rather than a jelly bean you chew. We'll see if they make a difference in my performance. =)
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Find a variety of exercises you like to do. I started out using the elliptical machine a lot because I felt like I was burning the most calories using it. Then I started to get bored with that, so I started trying to find other activities I really enjoyed. I now go ice skating, biking, swimming (when I can), running, walking, and attend Zumba classes. Now I don't get bored and burn more calories because I am working different muscles all the time.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Week 4 - Day 1
I felt back on track today. I had been fretting all morning about whether or not to run outside. Just when I decided to take a chance and run outside, I realized I didn't bring a sweatshirt to run in. I ran on the treadmill instead and it actually went really well. I was able to do the treadmill for the full 30 minutes and stayed at a speed around 5 mph. It was good to get back to normal now that Thanksgiving is over.
I realized after last week that food has more to do with running than I thought. I started reading some articles today and what food you eat makes a difference in performance. I'm going to work hard at finding what works for me the next few weeks, because food definately worked against me last week.
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Measure with inches as well as weight. One of the things I noticed while I was losing weight was that the loss of weight and inches alternated. I'd lose weight and still be in the same size. Then I'd notice that even though I hadn't lost any weight, I'd be down a dress size. Getting on the scale and not seeing results can be discouraging, so I recommend having a couple different measurements, such as waist, hips, etc.
I realized after last week that food has more to do with running than I thought. I started reading some articles today and what food you eat makes a difference in performance. I'm going to work hard at finding what works for me the next few weeks, because food definately worked against me last week.
WEIGHT LOSS TIP: Measure with inches as well as weight. One of the things I noticed while I was losing weight was that the loss of weight and inches alternated. I'd lose weight and still be in the same size. Then I'd notice that even though I hadn't lost any weight, I'd be down a dress size. Getting on the scale and not seeing results can be discouraging, so I recommend having a couple different measurements, such as waist, hips, etc.
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