So as I write this, I'm looking at a little icon on the top of my screen that's indicating a temperature of 85 degrees with humidity in the 60s...and when I click on the icon, I am whisked away to a screen that tells me it "feels like" 90 degrees (whatever that means).
In other words, Summer is here...well, at least it's here in Florida.
So what does that mean for me? In short, it means it's time to start running in the dark, which for me is to get to bed earlier on the nights before running days, waking up at 5:00am, and hitting the pavement by 5:30am (well, this morning I went with 6:00 because I was just doing a short run). It also means that hydration becomes even more important when pounding the pavement, and while I don't wear my belt for my three milers (which has become my short run distance), I'll definitely have it on for all other distances.
Regarding hydration in the Summer months, what I've read is that the body needs about four ounces of liquids per mile, so with a water belt with a capacity of 32 ounces, I can keep myself safely "watered up" for eight miles (probably ten if running completely in the dark). That said, because my upcoming hybrid half- and full-marathon training schedule (more about that in a few weeks) has me hitting the nine-mile plateau in late July, I'm already beginning to strategically consider where I can fill up the bottles along the way. Depending on the route and distance, on some weeks, I'll be able to fill up at a convenience store; but on others, I'll need Michelle to meet me with some fluids...and she's already told me she's willing to help keep her hubby from getting thirsty (or hungry...but I'll talk about nutrition in future posts).
Being that this is my first journey into the marathon world, it's been fascinating to see (and experience) that the physical challenge goes beyond merely getting one's legs, body, and cardio into "running" shape. There's this whole nutritional aspect that is key to endurance sports, and I never even considered how much thought, planning, and time needs to go into ensuring proper amounts of rest, fluids, and nutrition as one trains for a marathon. But to train through the heat of a Florida Summer, it's obvious that these are all critical components to my training success...and, of course, it all starts with hydration! So drink up!
On a different note, I meant to submit another post over the weekend about last week's and this week's training schedules, but I was sidetracked by the holiday weekend. So here are last week's results and this week's schedule (better late than never, right?)...
May 20 - May 26
Monday - Stationary Bike (45 Minutes, Hills, Level 7), Ab Machines (2 Exercises, 3 x 12 Reps)
Tuesday - 3.08 Mile Run (10:47 Pace)
Wednesday - Stationary Bike (45 Minutes, Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex Circuit
Thursday - 5.16 Mile Run (10:51 Pace)
Friday - OFF
Saturday - 3.11 Mile Run (9:33 Pace)
Sunday - 2.07 Mile "Family" Run
Total Distance on the Pavement: 15.1 Miles
For each run (other than the "Family" run, I also do 14-minute-paced Warm Up and Cool Down walks, which end up adding about 1.5 to 2.0 miles to my total distance for the week
May 27 - June 2
Monday - 4.10 Mile Run (10:48 Pace) - DONE
Tuesday - Stationary Bike (45 Mins, Hills, Level 7), Abs (4 Exercises, 3 x 12 Reps) - DONE
Wednesday - 3.13 Mile Run (10:17 Pace) - DONE
Thursday - Stationary Bike (45 Minutes, Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex Circuit
Friday - 6.5 Mile Run
Saturday - OFF
Sunday - "Family" Run
So the heat is here, and although I've seen my pace slow a bit as the temperatures have risen in the past couple of weeks, at the end of each training day, it feels so fulfilling to get out there and continue to strive toward the ultimate prize, which so much greater (and more important) than the collected race medals, tech shirts, and bibs...but let's talk more about that in future posts.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Reflecting on my 47th Year...
When I wake up tomorrow, I'll be another year older; and according to my driver's license, passport, and birth certificate, when someone asks me my age, I'll need to answer either indignantly with a shocked "How dare you ask me that question???" or honestly with a matter-of-fact "47" response. If I'm feeling particularly playful, I guess I could give the inquisitive "How old do you think I am?" reply. At the end of it all, I'll most likely go with the honest approach.
Over the past handful of years, though, I really didn't want to think about my passing years. I wasn't a big fan of my birthday, as it was a not-too-pleasant reminder of my loss of youth and (how do I put this?) my unhealthy race to the grave. I know that's a bit melodramatic, but for many who have crossed the line to obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, New Year's days and birthdays are often days to reflect upon how time to "stop smoking, lose weight, get back in shape, etc." is running out.
This birthday is different, though. Reflecting on my forty-seventh year on the planet has helped me to realize that although it's impossible for any of us to turn back the clock, we can certainly slow it down quite a bit through good choices and healthy living. Now, please forgive me for sounding so cliché, but on this birthday eve I have come to realize that age really is just a number on my driver's license. It is with utmost sincerity that I can say that I feel younger than I have in a very long time. Here are just a handful of the differences that I've experienced in the past 365 days:
So year number 47 was a good one for me, and I'm looking forward to starting number 48 tomorrow!
As promised in last week's post, here is the fitness plan I followed over the past week (May 13 - May 19)...
Monday - Stationary Bike for 45 Minutes (Hills, Level 7), Ab Machines (Cybex)
Tuesday - Ran 4.12 Miles (Pace - 10:28)
Wednesday - Stationary Bike for 45 (Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex circuit
Thursday - Ran 3.11 Miles (Pace - 9:53)
Friday - OFF
Saturday - Ran 7.19 Miles (Pace - 11:13)
Sunday - Easy 2-3 Mile "Family" run (with Michelle and Mary) before dark this evening.
And here's the plan for May 20 - May 26 (no, I'm not taking my birthday off)...
Monday - Stationary Bike for 45 Mins (Sticking with Hills at Level 7), Ab Machines
Tuesday - Run 3 Miles
Wednesday - Stationary Bike for 45 (Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex circuit
Thursday - Run 5 Miles
Friday - OFF
Saturday - Run 3 Miles
Sunday - Easy - 2-3 Mile "Family" run with Michelle and Mary
As I turn the calendar to May 20, 2013, it feels really good to reflect upon my health in a positive light for the first time in such a long time; and while it's a little daunting to think about, it's also exciting to strive for some even more aggressive goals over the coming twelve months...but let's talk more about those in future posts.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
Over the past handful of years, though, I really didn't want to think about my passing years. I wasn't a big fan of my birthday, as it was a not-too-pleasant reminder of my loss of youth and (how do I put this?) my unhealthy race to the grave. I know that's a bit melodramatic, but for many who have crossed the line to obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, New Year's days and birthdays are often days to reflect upon how time to "stop smoking, lose weight, get back in shape, etc." is running out.
This birthday is different, though. Reflecting on my forty-seventh year on the planet has helped me to realize that although it's impossible for any of us to turn back the clock, we can certainly slow it down quite a bit through good choices and healthy living. Now, please forgive me for sounding so cliché, but on this birthday eve I have come to realize that age really is just a number on my driver's license. It is with utmost sincerity that I can say that I feel younger than I have in a very long time. Here are just a handful of the differences that I've experienced in the past 365 days:
- Weight on May 25, 2012 - 247.1 Pounds
- Weight on May 13, 2013 - 193.0 Pounds (Loss of 54.1 lbs)
- Snoring / Sleep Apnea - Gone (You can't imagine how different it feels to be well rested every day)
- Slowest Run Pace (on September 1, 2012) - 15:05 per Mile for 1.92 Miles
- Fastest Run Pace (on April 27, 2013) - 9:28 per Mile for 3.10 Miles
- Total Miles Run - Approximately 620 (I didn't track the first thirty days, so I estimated based on my initial 1.5-Mile route)
- Road Races - Seven (Six in this year alone) totaling 33.5 Miles...
 |
| Seven Races! |
- Medals Earned - Four (All in 2013)
 |
| Always Nice to Get One of These at the Finish Line! |
So year number 47 was a good one for me, and I'm looking forward to starting number 48 tomorrow!
As promised in last week's post, here is the fitness plan I followed over the past week (May 13 - May 19)...
Monday - Stationary Bike for 45 Minutes (Hills, Level 7), Ab Machines (Cybex)
Tuesday - Ran 4.12 Miles (Pace - 10:28)
Wednesday - Stationary Bike for 45 (Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex circuit
Thursday - Ran 3.11 Miles (Pace - 9:53)
Friday - OFF
Saturday - Ran 7.19 Miles (Pace - 11:13)
Sunday - Easy 2-3 Mile "Family" run (with Michelle and Mary) before dark this evening.
And here's the plan for May 20 - May 26 (no, I'm not taking my birthday off)...
Monday - Stationary Bike for 45 Mins (Sticking with Hills at Level 7), Ab Machines
Tuesday - Run 3 Miles
Wednesday - Stationary Bike for 45 (Hills, Level 7), 30-Minute Cybex circuit
Thursday - Run 5 Miles
Friday - OFF
Saturday - Run 3 Miles
Sunday - Easy - 2-3 Mile "Family" run with Michelle and Mary
As I turn the calendar to May 20, 2013, it feels really good to reflect upon my health in a positive light for the first time in such a long time; and while it's a little daunting to think about, it's also exciting to strive for some even more aggressive goals over the coming twelve months...but let's talk more about those in future posts.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
Friday, May 10, 2013
Building a Fitness Plan...and Following It!
When you walk into a meeting at work, you are handed an agenda; when you arrive at your first class of the semester, the professor provides a syllabus; when you walk into any conference, there will undoubtedly be a schedule of events; and even when you go on vacation (especially if your named is Clark W. Griswold), it is not uncommon to have a detailed itinerary of fun activities.
The common thread through each of these examples is that they are planning tools with an end goal in mind, and they help someone to achieve something...right? The meeting agenda helps the meeting organizer to, well, organize his or her staff and ensure that operations are running smoothly. The course syllabus helps the professor to map out the semester and set appropriate expectations. The schedule of events sees to it that conference attendees are in the right place at the right time. And the vacation itinerary doesn't allow a family to miss the world's largest frying pan as they're driving through rural America.
In this context, it should stand to reason that we would, as physically fallible humans, put together fitness plans for ourselves. After all, our bodies are indeed "breakable" vessels. We are susceptible to disease, our bones can break, our stomachs (and the rest of our bodies) can swell to large proportions, our blood can cease to flow smoothly, and our lungs can struggle for the right amount of oxygen. Yes, it should stand to reason that we do our best to ensure that we give our bodies the best chance of staying intact...but do we?
If you're like I was until last year, you've probably uttered things like "I need to get in shape" or "I'd work out if I had the time" or "it's too late to go workout now...I'll just get started tomorrow."
These were the words that came out of my mouth for about twenty-five years...when I was no longer playing college baseball, when there was no longer a "reason" to work out, when there was no longer a coach to answer to, that's when my body started becoming more fragile and, thus, "breakable."
But last September 24, I finally made my overall health (not just my diet, as I talked about last week) a priority and put together a formalized fitness plan for the first time in my life - yes, I had been told what to do by my coaches in the past, but I had never actually put together a plan of my own. To this day, I don't allow myself to lose sight of this daily, weekly, monthly, and annual fitness schedule...yes, I currently have it mapped out through January 2014. Oh sure, I make periodic updates to the plan, but if you ask me what's on tomorrow's docket (or next week's), I can tell you exactly what I'll be doing to work toward my fitness goals.
So now you're probably thinking (and some have said to me, both directly and indirectly)..."little over the top, don't you think?" Well, maybe so...but you might think differently if you ever ventured well onto the wrong side of the Obesity Line, if you ever smoked a pack a day for about twenty-five years, if you ever found yourself polishing off a bag of chips (solo) or a second Big Mac while watching Sunday's third football game, or if you ever looked into a mirror and wondered just who the heck that person was and why was it that he looked so unhappy. As I said to a friend earlier this week, at the end of the day, it's not at all about how I look...it's about living and dying; and to me, that certainly warrants being a "little over the top." Don't you think?
Anyway, for accountability's sake, since I've just about gotten everybody caught up to the present, I will now be adding my weekly training plan (and my monthly weight ins, when applicable) to my blog posts...and I'll keep you posted on the progress, which is to say that I'll let you know whether I'm actually continuing to follow the map.
Until next time, enjoy your journey...
The common thread through each of these examples is that they are planning tools with an end goal in mind, and they help someone to achieve something...right? The meeting agenda helps the meeting organizer to, well, organize his or her staff and ensure that operations are running smoothly. The course syllabus helps the professor to map out the semester and set appropriate expectations. The schedule of events sees to it that conference attendees are in the right place at the right time. And the vacation itinerary doesn't allow a family to miss the world's largest frying pan as they're driving through rural America.
In this context, it should stand to reason that we would, as physically fallible humans, put together fitness plans for ourselves. After all, our bodies are indeed "breakable" vessels. We are susceptible to disease, our bones can break, our stomachs (and the rest of our bodies) can swell to large proportions, our blood can cease to flow smoothly, and our lungs can struggle for the right amount of oxygen. Yes, it should stand to reason that we do our best to ensure that we give our bodies the best chance of staying intact...but do we?
If you're like I was until last year, you've probably uttered things like "I need to get in shape" or "I'd work out if I had the time" or "it's too late to go workout now...I'll just get started tomorrow."
These were the words that came out of my mouth for about twenty-five years...when I was no longer playing college baseball, when there was no longer a "reason" to work out, when there was no longer a coach to answer to, that's when my body started becoming more fragile and, thus, "breakable."
But last September 24, I finally made my overall health (not just my diet, as I talked about last week) a priority and put together a formalized fitness plan for the first time in my life - yes, I had been told what to do by my coaches in the past, but I had never actually put together a plan of my own. To this day, I don't allow myself to lose sight of this daily, weekly, monthly, and annual fitness schedule...yes, I currently have it mapped out through January 2014. Oh sure, I make periodic updates to the plan, but if you ask me what's on tomorrow's docket (or next week's), I can tell you exactly what I'll be doing to work toward my fitness goals.
So now you're probably thinking (and some have said to me, both directly and indirectly)..."little over the top, don't you think?" Well, maybe so...but you might think differently if you ever ventured well onto the wrong side of the Obesity Line, if you ever smoked a pack a day for about twenty-five years, if you ever found yourself polishing off a bag of chips (solo) or a second Big Mac while watching Sunday's third football game, or if you ever looked into a mirror and wondered just who the heck that person was and why was it that he looked so unhappy. As I said to a friend earlier this week, at the end of the day, it's not at all about how I look...it's about living and dying; and to me, that certainly warrants being a "little over the top." Don't you think?
Anyway, for accountability's sake, since I've just about gotten everybody caught up to the present, I will now be adding my weekly training plan (and my monthly weight ins, when applicable) to my blog posts...and I'll keep you posted on the progress, which is to say that I'll let you know whether I'm actually continuing to follow the map.
Until next time, enjoy your journey...
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Changing the Meal Plan in 2013...And It's Working!
As mentioned in last week's post, 2012 ended on a positive running note, with a four-mile run on December 31st and then a six-mile run on January 2nd...both of which I completed at decent paces (and without pain!). On the other hand, however, the long runs had caused me to become a little lazy with adhering to a healthy diet, and for the first time in a year, I had gained weight in a calendar month.
The primary problem was that my body needed more carbs to fuel the longer distances, and although the South Beach Diet allows for some carbs, it definitely limits the intake of that particular piece of the nutritional puzzle (comprised of carbs, proteins, fibers, and fats). As such, I pretty much ignored the South Beach "rules" in December and decided to fuel myself with carbs for the longer runs. What I didn't do, though, was reduce my portions of protein and fat, so in essence I was adding calories with the carbohydrates without an offset...which translated to weight gain.
So it was time to reevaluate the meal plan and start fresh with a balanced approach. What I knew I needed was to track everything I was eating, as well as all of my running (and other exercise). Rather than calorie counting on my own, I decided to go with Weight Watchers Online, which through its PointsPlus system pretty much tracks calories on my behalf (as long as I am diligent in entering everything I consume). In addition, I enter all my running (and other exercise) statistics, and Weight Watchers gives me some extra points to play with for the week. At the end of it all, I pay Weight Watchers are fairly nominal fee each month to count my calories for me and to tell me how much I can eat while continuing to lose weight...
My most important job in the Weight Watchers model is to be honest with myself and with the tracking of what I eat (and how much I exercise). If I want to continue losing weight, I know I need to enter every single item of food I consume and to track every minute of easy, moderate, or high intensity exercise. While that seems daunting at first, it's something I've gotten used to...and it's tough to argue with the results. Since January, I've experienced a nice, steady weight decline by maintaining adherence to the program...
January 5, 2013 - 228.9 Pounds (Total Loss of 46.7 Pounds since January 2012)
February 4 - 215.7 lbs (Total - 59.9 lbs)
March 4 - 208.3 lbs (Total - 67.3 lbs)
April 1 - 201.5 lbs (Total - 74.1 lbs)
April 29 - 195.3 lbs (Total - 80.3 lbs)
Like I said, it's tough to argue with positive results, and it's also nice to know that as I am now increasing my exercise (running longer distances, cross training), I earn even more points that allow me to have a little extra at the table once in a while...as long as I track it!
Unlike the past, this isn't just about diet. It's about a complete lifestyle change. It's about having a detailed exercise schedule (and adhering to it). It's about watching (and tracking) everything I eat. It's about having races on the calendar to keep motivations high. It's about picturing and then ultimately living a life of complete physical fitness.
And every dessert I've skipped, every "tough" mile I've run, every revolution of the pedals I've spun on a stationary bike, and every ounce of food I've weighed have all been worth the time and effort. It's not always easy...but it's always worth it. But let's get into some of those things next week.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
The primary problem was that my body needed more carbs to fuel the longer distances, and although the South Beach Diet allows for some carbs, it definitely limits the intake of that particular piece of the nutritional puzzle (comprised of carbs, proteins, fibers, and fats). As such, I pretty much ignored the South Beach "rules" in December and decided to fuel myself with carbs for the longer runs. What I didn't do, though, was reduce my portions of protein and fat, so in essence I was adding calories with the carbohydrates without an offset...which translated to weight gain.
So it was time to reevaluate the meal plan and start fresh with a balanced approach. What I knew I needed was to track everything I was eating, as well as all of my running (and other exercise). Rather than calorie counting on my own, I decided to go with Weight Watchers Online, which through its PointsPlus system pretty much tracks calories on my behalf (as long as I am diligent in entering everything I consume). In addition, I enter all my running (and other exercise) statistics, and Weight Watchers gives me some extra points to play with for the week. At the end of it all, I pay Weight Watchers are fairly nominal fee each month to count my calories for me and to tell me how much I can eat while continuing to lose weight...
My most important job in the Weight Watchers model is to be honest with myself and with the tracking of what I eat (and how much I exercise). If I want to continue losing weight, I know I need to enter every single item of food I consume and to track every minute of easy, moderate, or high intensity exercise. While that seems daunting at first, it's something I've gotten used to...and it's tough to argue with the results. Since January, I've experienced a nice, steady weight decline by maintaining adherence to the program...
January 5, 2013 - 228.9 Pounds (Total Loss of 46.7 Pounds since January 2012)
February 4 - 215.7 lbs (Total - 59.9 lbs)
March 4 - 208.3 lbs (Total - 67.3 lbs)
April 1 - 201.5 lbs (Total - 74.1 lbs)
April 29 - 195.3 lbs (Total - 80.3 lbs)
Like I said, it's tough to argue with positive results, and it's also nice to know that as I am now increasing my exercise (running longer distances, cross training), I earn even more points that allow me to have a little extra at the table once in a while...as long as I track it!
Unlike the past, this isn't just about diet. It's about a complete lifestyle change. It's about having a detailed exercise schedule (and adhering to it). It's about watching (and tracking) everything I eat. It's about having races on the calendar to keep motivations high. It's about picturing and then ultimately living a life of complete physical fitness.
And every dessert I've skipped, every "tough" mile I've run, every revolution of the pedals I've spun on a stationary bike, and every ounce of food I've weighed have all been worth the time and effort. It's not always easy...but it's always worth it. But let's get into some of those things next week.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Longer Runs & Weight Gain...Wait...What???
In light of the tragic event in Boston last Monday, and with all due deference to the many excellent blog posts and moving commentaries about that event, I decided to forego putting out a post last week and instead watched the rest of the week's events unfold. That said, if I may make one quick observation in the wake of Boston's horrible turn of events, I was comforted to watch a positive human spirit rise from the proverbial ashes.
From what I could see, I'm only about 100% certain that nobody spent time asking the victims questions of their political inclinations, of whether they supported or opposed marriage equality, or of whether they thought their taxes were too high or too low...no, these questions weren't on anyone's mind. Competitors finished the marathon and then sprinted to hospitals to donate blood; First Responders protected runners and spectators alike; strangers ran to the aid of other strangers; and at the end of it all, we all had the opportunity to bear witness to the positive human spirit that rears its beautiful head in the most dire of circumstances, in those times when we choose to recognize only our interconnectedness and to ignore our differences. And it is to that aspect of April 15, 2013, that I am going to choose to remember.
Okay. I told myself I wasn't going to do that, but I guess I did have something to say. I'll get on with my little post now...
A couple of months ago, I posted about my initial pre-running weight loss and the weight loss plateau. Well, as you can imagine, after I started running, the pounds started shedding again, and over the next few months, my weight dropped consistently, as follows:
August 4, 2012 - 243.4 Pounds (Total Loss Since January - 32.2 Pounds)
September 1, 2012 - 238.3 lbs (Tot - 37.3 lbs)
October 6, 2012 - 233.5 lbs (Tot - 42.1 lbs)
November 3, 2012 - 229.5 lbs (Tot - 46.1 lbs)
December 1, 2012 - 225.8 lbs (Tot - 49.8 lbs)
But two (not so) funny things happened in December:
On January 5, I found myself looking at a scale telling me I was back to 228.9 pounds...meaning that I had pretty much gone back to where I was back on November 3rd. ARRRGH! Very very frustrating...and on top of being angry with myself, I also had to share my disappointing numbers with my friend and mentor, Roger (whom you met in an earlier post), and he didn't coddle me (thanks, Roger) nor did he give up on me (thanks again, Roger). Basically the message was that I had screwed up, I needed to recognize how I screwed up, and I needed to dust myself off and try not to screw up anymore.
So what happened? Well, during December, I started the "longer run" portion of a 5K-to-10K running program, which meant that three or four times per week, I was getting out there and running five to six miles and burning over 1,000 calories each time...which is an awesome feeling!
But here's the not-so-awesome part...if you burn 1,000 calories, it doesn't mean you can eat 1,500 to make up for it, and that's exactly what I started to do. When reaching for that second (or third...or fourth) holiday treat, I would think to myself, "Hey...I just ran six miles this morning! I burned 1,000 calories! Of course it's okay to eat a little extra!"
While that is certainly true, the key word in my statement was "little." The problem, however, was that my definition of "little" did not correspond with the actual "extra" I was taking in.
At the end of it all, I fell into the long-run "trap" of eating more than had been burned on those six-mile jaunts. Fortunately, my self loathing healed quickly, and I dusted myself off and started with a fresh new attitude (and a different diet plan) at the year's outset. After all, I had more weight to lose and races to run...but let's talk about that next time.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
Okay. I told myself I wasn't going to do that, but I guess I did have something to say. I'll get on with my little post now...
A couple of months ago, I posted about my initial pre-running weight loss and the weight loss plateau. Well, as you can imagine, after I started running, the pounds started shedding again, and over the next few months, my weight dropped consistently, as follows:
August 4, 2012 - 243.4 Pounds (Total Loss Since January - 32.2 Pounds)
September 1, 2012 - 238.3 lbs (Tot - 37.3 lbs)
October 6, 2012 - 233.5 lbs (Tot - 42.1 lbs)
November 3, 2012 - 229.5 lbs (Tot - 46.1 lbs)
December 1, 2012 - 225.8 lbs (Tot - 49.8 lbs)
But two (not so) funny things happened in December:
- I really started undertaking some longer runs, which was the good news.
- I actually gained a few pounds in December, which was the crappy news.
On January 5, I found myself looking at a scale telling me I was back to 228.9 pounds...meaning that I had pretty much gone back to where I was back on November 3rd. ARRRGH! Very very frustrating...and on top of being angry with myself, I also had to share my disappointing numbers with my friend and mentor, Roger (whom you met in an earlier post), and he didn't coddle me (thanks, Roger) nor did he give up on me (thanks again, Roger). Basically the message was that I had screwed up, I needed to recognize how I screwed up, and I needed to dust myself off and try not to screw up anymore.
So what happened? Well, during December, I started the "longer run" portion of a 5K-to-10K running program, which meant that three or four times per week, I was getting out there and running five to six miles and burning over 1,000 calories each time...which is an awesome feeling!
But here's the not-so-awesome part...if you burn 1,000 calories, it doesn't mean you can eat 1,500 to make up for it, and that's exactly what I started to do. When reaching for that second (or third...or fourth) holiday treat, I would think to myself, "Hey...I just ran six miles this morning! I burned 1,000 calories! Of course it's okay to eat a little extra!"
While that is certainly true, the key word in my statement was "little." The problem, however, was that my definition of "little" did not correspond with the actual "extra" I was taking in.
At the end of it all, I fell into the long-run "trap" of eating more than had been burned on those six-mile jaunts. Fortunately, my self loathing healed quickly, and I dusted myself off and started with a fresh new attitude (and a different diet plan) at the year's outset. After all, I had more weight to lose and races to run...but let's talk about that next time.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Running Lesson #2: You Can Do More Than You Think!
As mentioned in a previous post, my first trips on the pavement were not that fun. I was still hovering in the 240s, I was feeling aches and pains I had never felt in the past, and I was breathing laboriously during every single step of every single run. So for motivation, I signed my daughter and myself up for the 5K at Disney World in January 2013.
And to be honest, I wasn't sure I would be ready. Yes, I had about four months to prepare and had even put together a 1.5 consecutive mile (but very painful) run...but my mind was filled with doubts. At the end of it all, though, my thinking was that at the very least, my daughter and I would certainly be able to walk ourselves to the finish line if Daddy wasn't quite in "race" condition.
My "runner" friends - who were giddy with excitement that I was running - were not only telling me that the 5K would "be a breeze" but also that I would certainly be ready for the 15K Gate River Run in March; and even though I nodded and smiled, I silently (and perhaps sheepishly) thought that they were out of their minds. They had absolutely no idea of how terrible my physical condition actually had become...and if they knew the truth, they would probably be less optimistic about my ability to run a 5K, let alone 9.3 miles. If they knew the truth, they might take my arm and cautiously guide me back to the safety of my sofa.
But a funny thing happened in late August. I downloaded a "Couch to 5K" app on my phone and decided to give it a shot...and although it was a nine-week program (that literally would tell me when to walk and when to run during every workout), I realized around week four or five that I would not only be ready for Disney but also for a race in the Fall; as such, I signed up for a 6K that was scheduled for Thanksgiving morning (November 22). I couldn't help thinking that my nutty runner friends might have been onto something!
And a few months later, their first formerly-outlandish prophesies came to fruition when I ran that 6K (without stopping) in just over 41 minutes...certainly not gazelle-like speed (11:00 per mile for approximately 3.8 miles), but I was able to start running at the Starting Line and not stop until I reached the Finish! The nine-week "Couch to 5K" program had worked...and, actually, by the time Thanksgiving rolled around, I had already started a 5K-to-10K program.
Although I was still, by definition, above the obese line in this picture - weighing in at about 226 pounds - I was able to run the race, which was well beyond what I had imagined when I had hit the pavement just a few months earlier.
Now, was it easy? Absolutely not. For me, it took disciplined adherence to the "Couch to 5K" program. It took moments of not wanting to take that next step but taking it anyway, in spite of my own thoughts. It took aches and pains, a lot of sweat, and the ability to fight and overcome the little voice telling me that I really didn't need to be in THAT good of shape, that I had gone far enough.
Perhaps there should be a few words added to this post's title...maybe it should end with "as long as you're willing to work hard and stay focused!" And my advice to any people doubting themselves is don't sell yourselves short! Your bodies - with the help of your minds and your hard work - can do much more than you think. Much, much more than you think...
Until next time, enjoy your journey...
And to be honest, I wasn't sure I would be ready. Yes, I had about four months to prepare and had even put together a 1.5 consecutive mile (but very painful) run...but my mind was filled with doubts. At the end of it all, though, my thinking was that at the very least, my daughter and I would certainly be able to walk ourselves to the finish line if Daddy wasn't quite in "race" condition.
My "runner" friends - who were giddy with excitement that I was running - were not only telling me that the 5K would "be a breeze" but also that I would certainly be ready for the 15K Gate River Run in March; and even though I nodded and smiled, I silently (and perhaps sheepishly) thought that they were out of their minds. They had absolutely no idea of how terrible my physical condition actually had become...and if they knew the truth, they would probably be less optimistic about my ability to run a 5K, let alone 9.3 miles. If they knew the truth, they might take my arm and cautiously guide me back to the safety of my sofa.
But a funny thing happened in late August. I downloaded a "Couch to 5K" app on my phone and decided to give it a shot...and although it was a nine-week program (that literally would tell me when to walk and when to run during every workout), I realized around week four or five that I would not only be ready for Disney but also for a race in the Fall; as such, I signed up for a 6K that was scheduled for Thanksgiving morning (November 22). I couldn't help thinking that my nutty runner friends might have been onto something!
And a few months later, their first formerly-outlandish prophesies came to fruition when I ran that 6K (without stopping) in just over 41 minutes...certainly not gazelle-like speed (11:00 per mile for approximately 3.8 miles), but I was able to start running at the Starting Line and not stop until I reached the Finish! The nine-week "Couch to 5K" program had worked...and, actually, by the time Thanksgiving rolled around, I had already started a 5K-to-10K program.
 |
| Happy Thanksgiving - Successfully Completed a 6K! |
Now, was it easy? Absolutely not. For me, it took disciplined adherence to the "Couch to 5K" program. It took moments of not wanting to take that next step but taking it anyway, in spite of my own thoughts. It took aches and pains, a lot of sweat, and the ability to fight and overcome the little voice telling me that I really didn't need to be in THAT good of shape, that I had gone far enough.
Perhaps there should be a few words added to this post's title...maybe it should end with "as long as you're willing to work hard and stay focused!" And my advice to any people doubting themselves is don't sell yourselves short! Your bodies - with the help of your minds and your hard work - can do much more than you think. Much, much more than you think...
Until next time, enjoy your journey...
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Where Should I Run? Just a 5K, Right?...Thanks Deanna and Roger!
I honestly thought I would be at the point in this blog where I'd be telling you about my current training schedules, weight loss accomplishments, race goals / results, and other updates along that same vein. Reflecting upon my journey, however, has evoked memories of other moments, of critical interactions with people that have shined a light on the path from my couch to a marathon.
In an earlier post, I told you about my wife, Michelle, telling me to just "go out there and start running"; and last week, I shared how my brother-in-law Mike's Ironman Triathlon and his running for Cystic Fibrosis really pushed me down the path.
So I was on the road...but I still didn't know where it was going. To be perfectly candid, when I first started running, it was not just to get myself in shape. In fact, an underlying reason to my running was because I was getting tired of the South Beach Diet, and I knew that if I could get to the point where I could run around my neighborhood (3.66 miles) five times a week, I would burn a lot of calories and would thus be able to go back to eating what I wanted whenever I wanted. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Knowing myself - and recognizing these unhealthy thoughts - in order to get out of the "I just need to run so I can eat more" mindset, it became obvious to me that I had to start putting road races on the schedule (5Ks were all I had in mind). Having competed at different levels in multiple sports, I just knew that working "for something" like a race would really help motivate me to keep on keeping on. But then a question (and its answer) arose...
Where Should I Run?
"I'm Running the Marathon at Disney" - Deanna Foerman
Around this time last year, a Facebook friend of mine posted that she was running the Full Marathon at Disney World in January 2013...and (no offense, Deanna) I was shocked ("blown away" is probably a better description). I remember thinking, "she hasn't been running that long...can she really be running a full marathon?" At the same time, though, after picking myself up off the floor because I was so impressed, I also remember thinking that running at Disney seemed like it would be a good time, so when the time came to choose a race, I thought back to Deanna's post...at the same time, this thought went through my head..."Even though I'll never be able to run a marathon or a half marathon, I bet they might have a 5K, too."
After checking the RunDisney website, I found there was indeed a 5K on marathon weekend as well, so I signed up and thought, "now that's something I could get ready for!" And then I had the idea of having my daughter Mary would run it with me...and the rest was history. Mary and I had a blast, and now Michelle is going to be joining us to make it a family affair in the coming year!
Thanks for introducing me to RunDisney, Deanna!
But I'll Never Run More Than a 5K...Right?
"I know it may be hard to imagine, but at some point, I believe that you will want to run a marathon (I actually believe everyone wants to run a marathon whether they know it or not) and when you do, let me know and I will come down and run one with you." - Roger Wright
Just a few days before Mike's Ironman, I was motivating myself with some running videos on YouTube, and after coming across the following, I had no choice but to reach out to Roger because he had been where I was and had gotten to a place I had not imagined possible...
...and I'm proud to say that Roger has been a (sometimes tough, which was needed) mentor and, more importantly, a good friend since last September and that next year we will be running a full marathon together. But I'll tell you more about that in a future post.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
In an earlier post, I told you about my wife, Michelle, telling me to just "go out there and start running"; and last week, I shared how my brother-in-law Mike's Ironman Triathlon and his running for Cystic Fibrosis really pushed me down the path.
So I was on the road...but I still didn't know where it was going. To be perfectly candid, when I first started running, it was not just to get myself in shape. In fact, an underlying reason to my running was because I was getting tired of the South Beach Diet, and I knew that if I could get to the point where I could run around my neighborhood (3.66 miles) five times a week, I would burn a lot of calories and would thus be able to go back to eating what I wanted whenever I wanted. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Knowing myself - and recognizing these unhealthy thoughts - in order to get out of the "I just need to run so I can eat more" mindset, it became obvious to me that I had to start putting road races on the schedule (5Ks were all I had in mind). Having competed at different levels in multiple sports, I just knew that working "for something" like a race would really help motivate me to keep on keeping on. But then a question (and its answer) arose...
Where Should I Run?
"I'm Running the Marathon at Disney" - Deanna Foerman
Around this time last year, a Facebook friend of mine posted that she was running the Full Marathon at Disney World in January 2013...and (no offense, Deanna) I was shocked ("blown away" is probably a better description). I remember thinking, "she hasn't been running that long...can she really be running a full marathon?" At the same time, though, after picking myself up off the floor because I was so impressed, I also remember thinking that running at Disney seemed like it would be a good time, so when the time came to choose a race, I thought back to Deanna's post...at the same time, this thought went through my head..."Even though I'll never be able to run a marathon or a half marathon, I bet they might have a 5K, too."
After checking the RunDisney website, I found there was indeed a 5K on marathon weekend as well, so I signed up and thought, "now that's something I could get ready for!" And then I had the idea of having my daughter Mary would run it with me...and the rest was history. Mary and I had a blast, and now Michelle is going to be joining us to make it a family affair in the coming year!
Thanks for introducing me to RunDisney, Deanna!
But I'll Never Run More Than a 5K...Right?
"I know it may be hard to imagine, but at some point, I believe that you will want to run a marathon (I actually believe everyone wants to run a marathon whether they know it or not) and when you do, let me know and I will come down and run one with you." - Roger Wright
Just a few days before Mike's Ironman, I was motivating myself with some running videos on YouTube, and after coming across the following, I had no choice but to reach out to Roger because he had been where I was and had gotten to a place I had not imagined possible...
...and I'm proud to say that Roger has been a (sometimes tough, which was needed) mentor and, more importantly, a good friend since last September and that next year we will be running a full marathon together. But I'll tell you more about that in a future post.
Until then, enjoy your journey...
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