Powered my way through another tempo run as fuel for working on a new habit #running #diet

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

I was pretty darn tired this morning, the dogs were restless last night, so I didn't get my full nights rest, plus I was up a little later than I would have liked. Despite all that I managed to just crush my tempo run today! It was nice to return to intervals instead of trying to maintain yellow zone for a longer period, but either way I was very happy with the results.

That being said I am still not overly pleased with my eating habits. And came up with one idea to make a change this week. I had been reading a smattering of articles about the importance of taking your lunch break, and not eating at your desk and came up with an idea for a new habit to try to break. 

My goal is restrict all of my eating to actual break times, and only eat at a designated eating are or outside. No more eating at my desk, and no more just lounging on the coach at home and snacking. There's nothing wrong with the snacks per se, so long as I get away from the habit of just nibbling because the food is there. Instead, I need to make the eating a separate action from whatever I am doing, be that sitting at my desk at work, sitting at home watching TV, etc. I don't know how successful I will be with this goal, but I am going to make it my focus for the time being. I can't say how much of a difference it will make weight wise, but I cannot imagine it will hurt. 

Celebrated a return to the routine with another strong run #running

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

This week hopefully we can return to the routine. All planned trips are done with, and hopefully there won't be any more emergency down time to deal with kids for the foreseeable future. Last week was good as far as exercise, I did my Tuesday run, then followed it up with some volleyball and hiking with kids. Then Wednesday I did more hiking, and then some swimming. The only workout I missed was Thursday, although I did work in a decent short walk. Saturday and Sunday I got in my scheduled runs. Sunday I even hit a new high of 5.7 miles of straight running, on a day when I had all of the reasons and excuses to skip or cut it short. 

But I am still looking forward to resuming a more normal schedule. If for no other reason than it will be easier to control my eating. Last weeks travelling, and the previous weeks stress had done a real number on my eating habits. I am hoping we can resume a regular menu and meal planning now that things should be settling down.

I am seeing my mileage and calorie burn starting to climb, which is a good thing. I just need to follow better eating habits and the weight should start to come back under control.

Not the best tempo run, but made it 6 days again #running

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

I had a hard time getting the ideal pace on the tempo run today. But I still had a good run, I mean how can I get upset about a 3.4 mile run?

My mind and life have kind of been focused on dealing with Jimmy and his health issues. Needless to say all of those issues have disrupted my plans and ideas for the big 3 generation run for now. Because if he can't make it through a day of school a 3 mile run would definitely not be advisable.

But in the long run I am thankful for the diversion and meditative time I get on those morning runs and walks.

Feeling the momentum turn, must have passed another tipping point #running

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

Today was another good run, and based on how I felt the last couple of days, including after my Easter 5+ mile run, I think I must have passed another threshold. Because I am definitely feeling stronger about these midweek runs. I felt real good about that long run on Sunday, even though I pushed it a little as far as adding to the challenge with some more hills and elevation gain in the first 2 miles. And even after that, and being on my feet all day Sunday, then yesterdays walk, I felt strong today. It took a little effort to get going, and I definitely kept it easy as far as elevation, but I still felt real strong.

So all of this must be a threshold, as I move past the 3-4 mile range to the next level, where my runs go into the 5-7 mile range. Which is all part of the training plan, and I love it when a plan comes together!

I am pondering challenging myself with a second half marathon this year. I know that distance, and I know I can do it, after the training. And I think it would feel real good to say I have done 2 in 1 season. And if I can do that, and not feel like a total wreck like I did last year, that might give me the extra motivation and confidence to consider the full thing next year.

Also, I am going to look for a relatively easy 5K race to sign up Jimmy and also Dad. I think it would be fun to do a 3 generation run. And James and Dad have both agreed to do so.

Last, after being on my feet a lot on Sunday wearing some older shoes I was reminded how important shoes are. It was definitely time to consign those shoes to the give away pile. 

Just finished 6 days straight of AM exercise & I feel great! #fitwinning

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

It wasn't easy, especially getting up this morning, but I did it! For 6 days straight the first thing I did after getting up was either go for a run or a long walk. Which was one of my new goals. There is nothing like a good 30 minutes or more of exercise to wake you up and get you moving in the morning.

Today's Run

A tempo run, I did far better than I felt when I was running. It was pretty tough to keep the speed up, but I kept it going. Even though my feet hurt, and my legs were starting to burn a little at the end. 

Concerning my feet, this was the last run for that pair of shoes, this weekend I pull out the other pair I bought in the fall. I made it over 250 miles on this pair, but when my feet hurt that much after the run that is the sign that it is time to roll over. Which is something I just cannot get some of my friends to understand. They keep complaining about sore feet or ankles etc. And when I ask them about their shoes they just shrug. It took me a little while to understand how important the shoes are, but now I am a serious convert, and keep very close attention to my shoes and the mileage.