Welcoming back fresh air with strongest run since vacation #running

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

I was a little concerned about how I would do on my run today, which is normal for my tempo runs it seems. But I got out, got moving, and enjoying the fresh air. And it just came together! I managed my strongest run since returning from vacation. I am certain that had something to do with getting sleep, fresh air instead of smoky, and less stress. But it felt great regardless of the reason!

On the diet front things went well this week. Especially considering we were jumping into the new diet after a week of splurging. And then everything else happened. Ending up with extra people for dinner for 2 nights, irregular sleep and work schedules etc. But we persevered, and while we may not have stuck 100% to every Skinny Rule, we held well within the spirit. And for myself I can say that I have lost 2 pounds so far. Of course I know that weight is not the greatest measurement or predictor, but it's what I have to work with for now. 

New schedule, new diet, new shoes, ready to get back from vacation #running

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Today's Run

Today is the first day of my new running schedule, switched to MWFSu schedule. Also, today is the first day on my new eating plan (or as close to it as I can get.) And it was my second run with the new shoes. So it is official: the vacation is over!

Unfortunately, circumstances beyond my control led to my coming no where close to my target time & distance today. Coming home to the middle of a heat spell of 100 degree temperatures, coupled with the inability to open windows and turn on the fans at night because of the smoke in the air from the wildfires, meant I have not slept well at all. And I also didn't want to prolong my time out running in the smoky air if I could avoid it. And I am still in the break in period of the new shoes, which are putting different stresses on my feet, leading to some new aches. All of which led to my doing a shorter run today (still feels odd to say that about a 5K+ run), but that's okay.

Gonna do my best to adhere to the Skinny Rules today, and moving forward. I enjoyed myself for the last week, ate pretty much whatever I wanted. But it is time to make that change, start taking my eating habits as seriously as I take my running.

Got carried away again today, in a good way #running

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Can't link to the MiCoach site for details so here is what I have for today's run:

5.66 miles / 00:11:07 pace / 62:52 min / 847 cal.

Another one of those runs where I just got going, and didn't feel like stopping. Finally stopped and walked at the 5 mile mark. It helped that I ran an essentially flat route. But it still feels good to get in a good one like that before heading out for vacation.

Also glad I ran early, before the bad smoke blew in, it is really bad out there, especially up north where I work. I am in cold, air conditioned comfort and I can still smell the smoke. My eyes are watering in fact.

I am looking forward to getting in at least one, hopefully 2 runs on the beach next week. I won't know for sure until I get there but it looks like there are a couple ways to run from our hotel to the beach. It should be a fun change. 

Accepting the fact that running alone is not the solution, but maybe #theskinnyrules will help

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Sat down and made a deal with Kim. When we return from vacation we will go on the same general diet plan. This does not mean I will stop running. In fact at this point I can't imagine not running. After a couple of weeks of running without a training plan I am still running, and getting in good runs, like today:

Today's Run

But, I have to admit that exercise alone won't get rid of the belly. And I decided that a more scientific approach was needed. Not that the simple calories in, calories out formula doesn't work, it worked great for me. But it's not as good at maintenance. So I decided to seek out more knowledge.

Kim & I, mostly Kim, have been watching the television show The Biggest Loser for a while now. And we have learned some good tips. And we have also grown to respect the knowledge of the trainers there. And I began following the twitter feed for Bob Harper. So when he wrote a book about weight loss & maintenance I was intrigued. And after checking out some snippets it is clear that this is the type of book that should work for both of us:

The Skinny Rules

So we bought the book for the Kindle, so we can read it at the same time. And have agreed to follow the Skinny Rules as our plan for at least a month. I think it will be easier for both of us if we follow the same basic plan, since we eat the majority of our meals together, or at least the same thing. As most of our lunches come from leftovers from dinner. So it should be relatively easy to follow the same plan. We'll see how it goes. For now we will enjoy our eating, and our upcoming vacation. And when we return it will be time to go to work on the Skinny Rules!

Enjoying myself, knowing a vacation is coming up, but know that change is needed

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

Enjoyed today's nice, easy run. Breathing the rain swept air, the nice clean side walks and trail, the full creek. And that's what my focus is now: enjoy myself. Enjoy the running, not stress about any races or race prep. 

In a little over a week we will be on vacation, enjoying a week in California. And I should get the chance at least once, if not twice to take a run on the beach. Which is something I heartily look forward to. 

But after that vacation I know that something has to give, I have to get my appetite back under control. My body has adjusted to my current level of activity and calorie burn. And I am unlikely to increase that. So the only option is to return to more vigorous portion control and calorie counting. I know I can do it, and while I know it's an empty excuse, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to try and buckle down on vacation. 

So I will enjoy this time, enjoy my running, not sweat too much on the diet (within reason of course). And know that when I return will be time to buckle down.

Acknowledging I lost my edge & taking steps accordingly #eyeofthetiger #running

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Today's Run

After the second week of failing to get through my long run it is time to acknowledge that I have lost a little of my edge. It's not a bad thing in the big picture. And in fact it's better to acknowledge it now, and adjust, then to just struggle and feel bad about it.

Realizing that and admitting it led me to decide two things: first, stop my plans to do the half marathon in July. All things being equal I might have been able to do it, but circumstances have led me to realize it just isn't in the cards. Second, push my training program out, basically stop following the plan until I get back from vacation in 3 weeks. I knew that it was going to be tough to get in my training during that week. And that was going to just 1 more disruption. So I decided to make that change.

Today I went out having decided those 2 things, and just set up a free workout on MiCoach. My whole plan was to just get in around 3 miles today. Then once I got going I thought well maybe I'll get to 4 miles. But when I hit that mark, and walked a short distance I just started running again. I ended up running for 5 miles, which is the best distance I have done in a couple of weeks. 

Go figure, maybe it took a combination of freeing myself from the training program, and also the knowledge that I could just relax and enjoy the run, for me to really get back in the groove. I'm not going to let the good feelings from 1 run change my decisions above, instead I will just enjoy these couple of weeks, still do my 4 runs a week (as best I can, not sure about the vacation week.) And then I will be able to really get back in the training groove in 3 weeks.