Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Had some renewed fire in my belly this weekend. Friday night I went to bed with a new determination to get up and really run. I didn't get up when I planned, in fact I was in some renewed funk. But I got myself up, gathered clothes, got the little ones breakfast and then got out of the house. And I ran, nearly broke 10 minutes in my first mile, which is the first time I have ran that pace in quite a while. I slowed some, but still hit the 3 mile mark overall, and was under the 12 minute mile average. Not great, but still much better than I have done lately. And more importantly I completed 3 miles of mostly running, which was the first time I completed that distance in several months.
Monday I was a little more energetic when I got up. And tried to maintain a good pace. It wasn't a great pace, but it was close to Saturday, and to be honest it isn't that easy to run real fast in the darkness when I am concerned with my footing. But I still reached that 3 mile mark again.
Bottom line is I got tired of making excuses, it was time to run. I could have held back some more and held to the short route, but there is no reason why. My legs are fine, a tad sore, but not a hurt sore. The long and the short of it is that I was the one holding myself back on distances and speed. And I got tired of driving past places that I used to run and thinking about how good it felt to run there. The reality is that the only way I was going get back to that level was to push myself a little and I was finally in a mental state where I could do that.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Bit off more than I could handle, readjusting
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Made yet another error with my body weight exercises. I thought I could handle a double day, turns out I was wrong. So time to adjust, no problem.
I did my first workout on Thursday, no problem, did a better job of handling the timing and reps. So didn't have the soreness from that one. Then Saturday I charged into my planned double down day: ran then came home and did my body weight work out. Turns out that was a mistake.
I was sore for 2 days. I was able to run on Monday, but slowly. And I didn't even try to do the body weight workout on Sunday or today, putting myself back behind schedule again. But I should be able to run again tomorrow, and keep the running schedule going.
Clearly I erred in thinking I was ready for a double day. But not a problem, I can adjust things. It means I lose Friday as a rest day, in order to get in my 4 body weight workouts per week, and my 3 running days. And if I complete a week with that schedule and feel that I need a rest day I will adjust again.
Because I can be flexible with this, so long as I am getting the exercises I want, and sticking to some programs. The hardest part right now is accepting that I cannot perform the long running routes I was doing last year, I see places I was running and think to myself how I want to run there again. But I know I can get there, I just need to be patient, stick to the program. And the body weight exercises will help me get there once I get into the flow with them.
Made yet another error with my body weight exercises. I thought I could handle a double day, turns out I was wrong. So time to adjust, no problem.
I did my first workout on Thursday, no problem, did a better job of handling the timing and reps. So didn't have the soreness from that one. Then Saturday I charged into my planned double down day: ran then came home and did my body weight work out. Turns out that was a mistake.
I was sore for 2 days. I was able to run on Monday, but slowly. And I didn't even try to do the body weight workout on Sunday or today, putting myself back behind schedule again. But I should be able to run again tomorrow, and keep the running schedule going.
Clearly I erred in thinking I was ready for a double day. But not a problem, I can adjust things. It means I lose Friday as a rest day, in order to get in my 4 body weight workouts per week, and my 3 running days. And if I complete a week with that schedule and feel that I need a rest day I will adjust again.
Because I can be flexible with this, so long as I am getting the exercises I want, and sticking to some programs. The hardest part right now is accepting that I cannot perform the long running routes I was doing last year, I see places I was running and think to myself how I want to run there again. But I know I can get there, I just need to be patient, stick to the program. And the body weight exercises will help me get there once I get into the flow with them.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Mind straight, Health good, time to get back to it!
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
After a couple of months of therapy I think I am ins a better head space to get back to taking care of my body. And with my foot healed, and last weeks cold gone I could finally get up and start on a new 'regime'.
I already have a running program (although I do need to adjust my schedule to account for taking some days off to get healthy.) And that is working so far. And more importantly the new shoes are doing what I expected as far as being able to handle the running.
Today I embarked on the Beginner program for the 'You Are your Own Gym' workout. I received a copy of the book a while back, and it really does seem to be a sensible approach, and I like the idea of just doing body weight exercises using what I have around the house. That goes along with my running as far as keeping as minimalist as possible (except the shoes, gotta buy good shoes.) It was a good workout, and I hope to be able to keep that up and stick to the regime.
And once I get settled into that I may start getting back to the calorie counting, but that is something on the horizon, because to be honest it is not the best thing for me to do as it does not get along with my OCD. Tracking calories when you are OCD is asking for a negative feedback loop ('I didn't hit my calories again?! Well screw it') It is better to just keep aware of my general eating, try to stick to keeping well rounded, and not over eating.
All this means that I feel that I can get back onto my Fitwinning lifestyle again.
After a couple of months of therapy I think I am ins a better head space to get back to taking care of my body. And with my foot healed, and last weeks cold gone I could finally get up and start on a new 'regime'.
I already have a running program (although I do need to adjust my schedule to account for taking some days off to get healthy.) And that is working so far. And more importantly the new shoes are doing what I expected as far as being able to handle the running.
Today I embarked on the Beginner program for the 'You Are your Own Gym' workout. I received a copy of the book a while back, and it really does seem to be a sensible approach, and I like the idea of just doing body weight exercises using what I have around the house. That goes along with my running as far as keeping as minimalist as possible (except the shoes, gotta buy good shoes.) It was a good workout, and I hope to be able to keep that up and stick to the regime.
And once I get settled into that I may start getting back to the calorie counting, but that is something on the horizon, because to be honest it is not the best thing for me to do as it does not get along with my OCD. Tracking calories when you are OCD is asking for a negative feedback loop ('I didn't hit my calories again?! Well screw it') It is better to just keep aware of my general eating, try to stick to keeping well rounded, and not over eating.
All this means that I feel that I can get back onto my Fitwinning lifestyle again.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Finally running again
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
This week I ran, for the first time in weeks I managed 2 days of morning running. I was finally able to get out and get that pair of Hoka's I wanted/needed for my toes. And it felt real good to get out there. Neither run was special in terms of speed or distance, but it was running, and that is good for now.
I am taking my time, pacing myself on distances, letting the build up occur gradually and naturally. Adhering to the plan, with a goal of returning to 10K distances by the end of the year. I figure that will be about my max distance from here on out, barring something miraculous occurring for my feet.
And I am in a real good head space as far as keeping the healthier eating habits compartmented from the running. Not going to let myself obsess about calorie counts or burns. For now it is enough to avoid the over eating and get back to regular exercise, and let the weight take care of itself.
This week I ran, for the first time in weeks I managed 2 days of morning running. I was finally able to get out and get that pair of Hoka's I wanted/needed for my toes. And it felt real good to get out there. Neither run was special in terms of speed or distance, but it was running, and that is good for now.
I am taking my time, pacing myself on distances, letting the build up occur gradually and naturally. Adhering to the plan, with a goal of returning to 10K distances by the end of the year. I figure that will be about my max distance from here on out, barring something miraculous occurring for my feet.
And I am in a real good head space as far as keeping the healthier eating habits compartmented from the running. Not going to let myself obsess about calorie counts or burns. For now it is enough to avoid the over eating and get back to regular exercise, and let the weight take care of itself.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Recognizing and accepting how powerful the mind is
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
This has been a crossroads summer for me regarding fitness. In June I finally recognized and admitted I needed help. First, the pain in my feet got properly diagnosed, and after some enforced time off the stress fracture has healed properly. And I know about my arthritic toes and what I need to do to cope with and minimize that pain. Second, I was diagnosed with Depression and got the help I needed. That is a continuing issue, with a fair amount of therapy still on the horizon.
But, regarding fitness the thing I have begun to recognize is how powerful the grip of depression was. Because as the anti-depressants and therapy have kicked in I have begun to see just how much of my eating was driven by Depression. Because in recent weeks it has become so much easier to just push away from the table after a meal, my body knows when it is full, and with the mind no longer driving me to eat in search of comfort I have already noticed a difference.
So I am recognizing how powerful the mind is, and what it was doing to me. And as I keep getting better, and begin to return to running I hope that a different cycle will begin. The most important thing is to get this started before I begin the running routine again, so I am not reliant on the running. I am certain that on some level the injuries affected me, and knowing what they are and recovering from those that are not permanent helps. But it is more important that I develop the skills to keep the weight off without the running, so that the running becomes an end of itself, separate from the overall fitness.
That being said, I do plan to begin light, limited running next week (hopefully with new shoes.) I plan to keep my mileage and time in check while my body works itself into shape again. I recognize that I might never get to that marathon distance, and possibly not even the Half. But if I can at least return to the level of running the Long series and running regularly again I will be happy (and that is something I really look forward to.)
This has been a crossroads summer for me regarding fitness. In June I finally recognized and admitted I needed help. First, the pain in my feet got properly diagnosed, and after some enforced time off the stress fracture has healed properly. And I know about my arthritic toes and what I need to do to cope with and minimize that pain. Second, I was diagnosed with Depression and got the help I needed. That is a continuing issue, with a fair amount of therapy still on the horizon.
But, regarding fitness the thing I have begun to recognize is how powerful the grip of depression was. Because as the anti-depressants and therapy have kicked in I have begun to see just how much of my eating was driven by Depression. Because in recent weeks it has become so much easier to just push away from the table after a meal, my body knows when it is full, and with the mind no longer driving me to eat in search of comfort I have already noticed a difference.
So I am recognizing how powerful the mind is, and what it was doing to me. And as I keep getting better, and begin to return to running I hope that a different cycle will begin. The most important thing is to get this started before I begin the running routine again, so I am not reliant on the running. I am certain that on some level the injuries affected me, and knowing what they are and recovering from those that are not permanent helps. But it is more important that I develop the skills to keep the weight off without the running, so that the running becomes an end of itself, separate from the overall fitness.
That being said, I do plan to begin light, limited running next week (hopefully with new shoes.) I plan to keep my mileage and time in check while my body works itself into shape again. I recognize that I might never get to that marathon distance, and possibly not even the Half. But if I can at least return to the level of running the Long series and running regularly again I will be happy (and that is something I really look forward to.)
Thursday, July 17, 2014
I'm back! Slow but sure, but back.
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Got up a little early this morning, got in my running clothes and shoes and actually got out of the house for a run. Which was my first run in over a month. The last time I ran was middle of June. The time off took it's toll: my wind isn't exactly where I want to be, and my legs did rebel some at the end. But by golly I still ran!
I took that time off to let the stress fracture in my right foot heal. And it appears that it did so just fine. I am not going to push it, give myself days off to recuperate, and probably not start an actual program for a couple of weeks. I know that is the smart thing to do and will do that.
I have not yet bought the new padded shoes I want and need. I was able to survive in my minimalist shoes for now, and will just have to stick with those for a while longer due to financial reasons, which does limit my miles, I can do 3-4 miles with sore toes, but that is my realistic limit. And of course it remains to be seen how sore my legs are tomorrow of course.
But all that being said, lots of cautionary notes. The most important thing is that I did get out and run today, and will continue to do so and eventually resume a decent running schedule. And that is a very good thing.
Got up a little early this morning, got in my running clothes and shoes and actually got out of the house for a run. Which was my first run in over a month. The last time I ran was middle of June. The time off took it's toll: my wind isn't exactly where I want to be, and my legs did rebel some at the end. But by golly I still ran!
I took that time off to let the stress fracture in my right foot heal. And it appears that it did so just fine. I am not going to push it, give myself days off to recuperate, and probably not start an actual program for a couple of weeks. I know that is the smart thing to do and will do that.
I have not yet bought the new padded shoes I want and need. I was able to survive in my minimalist shoes for now, and will just have to stick with those for a while longer due to financial reasons, which does limit my miles, I can do 3-4 miles with sore toes, but that is my realistic limit. And of course it remains to be seen how sore my legs are tomorrow of course.
But all that being said, lots of cautionary notes. The most important thing is that I did get out and run today, and will continue to do so and eventually resume a decent running schedule. And that is a very good thing.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
This week I walked
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Last week I did some experimenting on what footwear worked for daily use. I also did some research on the toe arthritis. After that work I came to the conclusion that for me at this stage what I need is padding. Not so much the stiff shoe that locks my toes, no, what I need is padding to give my toes someplace to go.
Which meant that I settled on the daily wear of my good old Crocs. Which has been nice in the summer as I prefer them anyway. The only place I didn't wear them was on the ride to the mountains because I thought I would spend more time wandering around in the dirt, but I reverted to Crocs for the rest of the day.
So, while I might try a few short runs with my minimal shoes I know my future running lies in getting a new pair of Hokas. But that is for another day and week. Because this week was my minimal last week to keeping off the feet for recovering from the stress fracture. So maybe this weekend I can try a run, but have to be smart and stop the minute that pain flares at all (understanding which pain is which is an intriguing experiment.)
For now, this week I walked. Kim & I took a couple of evening walks. And today I got out on my lunch break. But walking is better than nothing. And it is also progress to now know what I can wear on those walks to avoid pain afterwards.
Last week I did some experimenting on what footwear worked for daily use. I also did some research on the toe arthritis. After that work I came to the conclusion that for me at this stage what I need is padding. Not so much the stiff shoe that locks my toes, no, what I need is padding to give my toes someplace to go.
Which meant that I settled on the daily wear of my good old Crocs. Which has been nice in the summer as I prefer them anyway. The only place I didn't wear them was on the ride to the mountains because I thought I would spend more time wandering around in the dirt, but I reverted to Crocs for the rest of the day.
So, while I might try a few short runs with my minimal shoes I know my future running lies in getting a new pair of Hokas. But that is for another day and week. Because this week was my minimal last week to keeping off the feet for recovering from the stress fracture. So maybe this weekend I can try a run, but have to be smart and stop the minute that pain flares at all (understanding which pain is which is an intriguing experiment.)
For now, this week I walked. Kim & I took a couple of evening walks. And today I got out on my lunch break. But walking is better than nothing. And it is also progress to now know what I can wear on those walks to avoid pain afterwards.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Accepting the news with grace
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Just before I went on vacation the week before last I got the official call from the doctor with the results of my tests & X-rays. Good news was no gout. Bad news was two fold. First, they confirmed that I have arthritis in both big toes, more pronounced in my left foot. Second, I have a stress fracture in my right foot (fourth metatarsal I think, not sure how they count.)
What does that mean? First, ideally no running and minimal walking for 4-6 weeks until the fracture heals. Well the first week was a wash as I spent 4 days walking around the parks at Disneyland (yeah that hurt, thankful for remembering the ibuprofen.) But now I am on a rest period. Which is getting harder to deal with as the week progresses.
Second, I can kiss the long distances goodbye, kind of sad I never got in a full marathon but I will always have those 3 Half marathons. Not sure what will be a reasonable long distance for me moving forward, depends on how I adjust in other ways.
Third, kiss the minimalist shoes goodbye. Really the only acceptable running shoes will be ones with serious padding and middle rockers, which means a return to the Hokas. Good news on that is that since my mileage will be restricted one pair should last over a year.
Fourth, realistically need to find some alternative exercises. And yes mom, if you read this I have considered swimming, but serious swimming hurts my toes too. I think the best course of action for the warm weather months is getting a new bike or getting my existing one to a reasonable condition and using that more. And that will start with more time on the stationary bike.
Fifth, I really need to get better about my eating habits. Because without the constant running, and until I get the biking to a reasonable distance I will not have anywhere close to the calorie burn I need. So I had better figure out the eating ASAP.
Well that is it, I am accepting the news, and making decisions and plans to adjust. Bottom line I am still dedicated to finding a way to be healthy and active, I just need alter my approach to maintain that goal.
Just before I went on vacation the week before last I got the official call from the doctor with the results of my tests & X-rays. Good news was no gout. Bad news was two fold. First, they confirmed that I have arthritis in both big toes, more pronounced in my left foot. Second, I have a stress fracture in my right foot (fourth metatarsal I think, not sure how they count.)
What does that mean? First, ideally no running and minimal walking for 4-6 weeks until the fracture heals. Well the first week was a wash as I spent 4 days walking around the parks at Disneyland (yeah that hurt, thankful for remembering the ibuprofen.) But now I am on a rest period. Which is getting harder to deal with as the week progresses.
Second, I can kiss the long distances goodbye, kind of sad I never got in a full marathon but I will always have those 3 Half marathons. Not sure what will be a reasonable long distance for me moving forward, depends on how I adjust in other ways.
Third, kiss the minimalist shoes goodbye. Really the only acceptable running shoes will be ones with serious padding and middle rockers, which means a return to the Hokas. Good news on that is that since my mileage will be restricted one pair should last over a year.
Fourth, realistically need to find some alternative exercises. And yes mom, if you read this I have considered swimming, but serious swimming hurts my toes too. I think the best course of action for the warm weather months is getting a new bike or getting my existing one to a reasonable condition and using that more. And that will start with more time on the stationary bike.
Fifth, I really need to get better about my eating habits. Because without the constant running, and until I get the biking to a reasonable distance I will not have anywhere close to the calorie burn I need. So I had better figure out the eating ASAP.
Well that is it, I am accepting the news, and making decisions and plans to adjust. Bottom line I am still dedicated to finding a way to be healthy and active, I just need alter my approach to maintain that goal.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Gonna run, but putting a halt to the training #running
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Had to suck it up and make arrangements to see a doctor about the feet. Which means that it is likely in my interest to keep the distances and mileage to a manageable amount for now. So I will put off the training program for the Half, and depending on what the doctor(s) say I may even have to skip it this year entirely. That being said, after taking a week off for other reasons I had no problems doing 3 miles this morning, so if that is my limit for now I will have to be content with that.
Partly it is the suspected gout. For one, it doesn't seem to have reacted to the change in diet for 3 weeks. Second, I think it is important to get an official diagnosis and find out if there are any actual medical remedies (and if not then I will have to take the diet more seriously.)
But also it is because I have developed a recurrence of an odd issue that I had an operation for several years ago. At that time I was diagnosed with a bunion, but on the outside of my foot instead of the more normal inside, and the bone for my pinky toe was out of alignment. So I had an operation where the bunion was shaved down and the bone was brought back into alignment. Well the other, far more irritating, pain that I have had is that pain has returned. Which leads me to expect that I may have to get another operation, and after that could end up having to change what type of shoes I wear for running.
Either way, that is up to the doctors to decide. But in the meantime I will keep running as possible, just limiting the mileage to minimize the irritation. And that will be my plan until a doctor tells me that I absolutely have to stop.
Had to suck it up and make arrangements to see a doctor about the feet. Which means that it is likely in my interest to keep the distances and mileage to a manageable amount for now. So I will put off the training program for the Half, and depending on what the doctor(s) say I may even have to skip it this year entirely. That being said, after taking a week off for other reasons I had no problems doing 3 miles this morning, so if that is my limit for now I will have to be content with that.
Partly it is the suspected gout. For one, it doesn't seem to have reacted to the change in diet for 3 weeks. Second, I think it is important to get an official diagnosis and find out if there are any actual medical remedies (and if not then I will have to take the diet more seriously.)
But also it is because I have developed a recurrence of an odd issue that I had an operation for several years ago. At that time I was diagnosed with a bunion, but on the outside of my foot instead of the more normal inside, and the bone for my pinky toe was out of alignment. So I had an operation where the bunion was shaved down and the bone was brought back into alignment. Well the other, far more irritating, pain that I have had is that pain has returned. Which leads me to expect that I may have to get another operation, and after that could end up having to change what type of shoes I wear for running.
Either way, that is up to the doctors to decide. But in the meantime I will keep running as possible, just limiting the mileage to minimize the irritation. And that will be my plan until a doctor tells me that I absolutely have to stop.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Too early to tell, but changes feel good, plus a little celebration
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
First, I know it has only been a week of the new diet, but so far so good. Too early to tell how much of a difference it is making, That will probably take at least a month, and to be honest I am probably stuck on this for the rest of my life. But it does feel good to say that I haven't had red meat in a week and had 1 entirely meatless day.
Of course it would probably have been better if there hadn't been a few temptations. Like the will power sapping donuts in the break room yesterday. But overall the fight against sweets was okay, just not as good as the reduction of meats (which is surprising, I would have thought I would have a harder time giving up meats than sweets, although to be fair I haven't given up on meat, just reduced my intake by a large margin.)
First, I know it has only been a week of the new diet, but so far so good. Too early to tell how much of a difference it is making, That will probably take at least a month, and to be honest I am probably stuck on this for the rest of my life. But it does feel good to say that I haven't had red meat in a week and had 1 entirely meatless day.
Of course it would probably have been better if there hadn't been a few temptations. Like the will power sapping donuts in the break room yesterday. But overall the fight against sweets was okay, just not as good as the reduction of meats (which is surprising, I would have thought I would have a harder time giving up meats than sweets, although to be fair I haven't given up on meat, just reduced my intake by a large margin.)
Best run since New Years. And when looking at the history this should end up being my best month since September when it comes to mileage. So a little celebration as I have begun to work myself back into shape. It is slow, and I am slower, but I feel better about getting back into the groove. I just need to manage the next month, with a week of vacation, so I don't lose the slightly dull edge I am gradually acquiring.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
It's a Good News - Bad News situation #Diet
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Saturday at the end of my run one of my feet really acted up, got real painful. So Sunday I did the right thing, no running, stayed off it as best I could. But that didn't seem to help, as my other foot flared up Sunday night and stayed sore most of the day Monday. So I decided to do a little research, and while I don't have a doctors official diagnosis I am pretty confident that what I found is correct. The symptoms are pretty much an exact match for gout. Which is a good news bad news situation.
Good News:
This isn't something that should require surgery, or even any real down time from running. I can deal with it primarily with diet.
Bad News:
Sayonara to eating meat, as the recommendation for a gout diet is a maximum of 4 ounces a day (and no sugar sweets or items with high fructose corn syrup.) Which will make a pretty darn big dent in my current eating habits.
Good News:
The suggested diet mentioned above is pretty much in line with what I should be eating anyway, so converting to that will only be good for me in the long term.
Bad News:
It took a major flare up to get me to make this change.
Good News:
I know that when properly motivated (major pain, medical problems) I can make a change like this. I just need the proper motivation some times (other than the always present: 'gee I should eat better'.)
That's it then. I should be able to run for now, and keep training. And I have a renewed focus and commitment to adjust my eating habits.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Beginning to sense the building
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
I commented on my other blog the other day that one of the things I like about running is how I can build. I can set a goal, and then follow a plan that allows me to gradually build up to that goal. I know that is true for other forms of fitness: weight training, crossfit etc. But it is a part of running that appeals to me.
And I can sense that improvement in runs like this. I can feel that I am getting back to the point where I can do training runs like this.And from here start increasing my distance every week. And I am allowing the training app to do it's thing. Even if that means that I am not 'running' as fast for the entire time. Which is an adjustment, but one that I am learning is for the better long term.
I am trying to find ways to use these runs as a form of meditation. Trying to get an idea in my head just before I start, and then I can focus on that idea while I run, really ponder it and attack it mentally. That is a good time and place to do things like that.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Not going to let the negative outweigh the positive
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
So much of getting fit is about mindset. You have to want to make the changes. And then when things happen that delay or create setbacks in that plan you have to just move past them. A recent example is what happened on my recent runs.
Last week I mentioned how my training app often gives me a low 'score' because I run too fast for the planned workout. I discussed how I have to work to ignore that score. Well on the positive side a friend of mine asked if there wasn't some way to adjust those zones (thanks Joe.) Well I went ahead and did some exploring and lo and behold there was a way to do that, so my scores are coming closer to my effort. That's one example of not letting the negative (low scores) take control of my effort.
Sunday I went for what was supposed to be my weekly long run. But a variety of factors led to my not coming anywhere close to my mileage goal. But, my score was not terrible. And then, when I remarked to Kim that it wasn't my best run she had the best comeback: 'but at least you did run.'
Which led to today and this week. As I have joined Kim in a renewed emphasis on eating better. With differing success. But I have scores like that to remind myself that the building blocks are there. And to not let the negatives take over.
So much of getting fit is about mindset. You have to want to make the changes. And then when things happen that delay or create setbacks in that plan you have to just move past them. A recent example is what happened on my recent runs.
Last week I mentioned how my training app often gives me a low 'score' because I run too fast for the planned workout. I discussed how I have to work to ignore that score. Well on the positive side a friend of mine asked if there wasn't some way to adjust those zones (thanks Joe.) Well I went ahead and did some exploring and lo and behold there was a way to do that, so my scores are coming closer to my effort. That's one example of not letting the negative (low scores) take control of my effort.
Sunday I went for what was supposed to be my weekly long run. But a variety of factors led to my not coming anywhere close to my mileage goal. But, my score was not terrible. And then, when I remarked to Kim that it wasn't my best run she had the best comeback: 'but at least you did run.'
Which led to today and this week. As I have joined Kim in a renewed emphasis on eating better. With differing success. But I have scores like that to remind myself that the building blocks are there. And to not let the negatives take over.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Being too fast doesn't bother me #humblebrag #running
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
One of the things about having done that new assessment is that for whatever reason my zones are very different now. To recap, my training App, MiCoach, sets up a training program and then when I run I am supposed to spend time in certain speed zones. Blue zone being the slowest, then Green (theoretical race speed), Yellow, Red. And when I finish my run I get a percentage score showing how well I did at staying in the speed zones.
When I first began using the App a few years ago I did an assessment, and held to those speeds for a while. But this year I decided to bow to the inevitable and do a new assessment, figuring I had slowed down some. Well what I have been finding is that I might have reset a little too much. Because about the only way I get in the Blue zone is to walk instead of run. And while I can do that for a short time I get bored, frustrated (cold) and have to pick up the pace at least a little.
Which means that when I do a threshold or tempo run like today I end up with a low score, because while I don't do a bad job of holding the higher speed in the middle, I am running too fast for the beginning and ending blue zone sections. Now I have a choice. I could just slow down and walk.Or I can ignore the low scores, especially on days like today, and just accept that I may be running 'too fast'. Well you know what? This may be the first time in my life that I will just accept being too fast (laugh out loud.)
One of the things about having done that new assessment is that for whatever reason my zones are very different now. To recap, my training App, MiCoach, sets up a training program and then when I run I am supposed to spend time in certain speed zones. Blue zone being the slowest, then Green (theoretical race speed), Yellow, Red. And when I finish my run I get a percentage score showing how well I did at staying in the speed zones.
When I first began using the App a few years ago I did an assessment, and held to those speeds for a while. But this year I decided to bow to the inevitable and do a new assessment, figuring I had slowed down some. Well what I have been finding is that I might have reset a little too much. Because about the only way I get in the Blue zone is to walk instead of run. And while I can do that for a short time I get bored, frustrated (cold) and have to pick up the pace at least a little.
Which means that when I do a threshold or tempo run like today I end up with a low score, because while I don't do a bad job of holding the higher speed in the middle, I am running too fast for the beginning and ending blue zone sections. Now I have a choice. I could just slow down and walk.Or I can ignore the low scores, especially on days like today, and just accept that I may be running 'too fast'. Well you know what? This may be the first time in my life that I will just accept being too fast (laugh out loud.)
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Holiday break done, and some added energy
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
I had planned to run over the weekend but circumstances prevented me from getting my early start. Late night, and then having to be there for the Easter Bunny. Whatever it was, that's in the past. Now is the time to keep the focus on my fitness goals.
I am not 100% sold on how this slower pace will help me in the long run, but I will give it a try, although consciously slowing down during the set times is a lot harder than it sounds. But today was my first early morning run with the shorts, which does provide a boost, if for no other reason that I want to keep moving so my legs don't freeze!
With the last big eating holiday/family event past for a few months we can try to get some better habits established. It will help that I am not alone in it for now. The biggest challenge is keeping the mutual support going.
I had planned to run over the weekend but circumstances prevented me from getting my early start. Late night, and then having to be there for the Easter Bunny. Whatever it was, that's in the past. Now is the time to keep the focus on my fitness goals.
I am not 100% sold on how this slower pace will help me in the long run, but I will give it a try, although consciously slowing down during the set times is a lot harder than it sounds. But today was my first early morning run with the shorts, which does provide a boost, if for no other reason that I want to keep moving so my legs don't freeze!
With the last big eating holiday/family event past for a few months we can try to get some better habits established. It will help that I am not alone in it for now. The biggest challenge is keeping the mutual support going.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
I choose one focus #fitness
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
What this boils down to is I decided that I really only have so much will-width (willpower + bandwidth). And it is in my best interest to focus what I do have on my running. Getting up at 0 Dark thirty 3-4 days a week and dragging myself out to run around the West Side. I'm not going to let my eating go entirely, I will continue to try to eat well, not too much crap, or late night snacks etc. But my focus is on making sure I run, not on skipping that snack or counting calories.
And at least for last week that worked, I got in my 4 days worth or running, back to double digit mileage for the week. And I am going to be sure to follow the program and not push too much so I don't hurt myself while my body rebuilds its strength.
Made a decision over the weekend. I'm gonna do my best to fulfill the Webb Wilder Credo:
work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard, grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em!
Well not so much on that grow big part, I'm actually gonna try to minimize that. And I don't exactly 'rock' but you know it's more of a guideline than a rule.
Actually let's take that and modify it:
Play hard, run hard, eat well, sleep hard, parent hard, wear glasses 'cause I need 'em!
How is that? Make more sense for me?
What this boils down to is I decided that I really only have so much will-width (willpower + bandwidth). And it is in my best interest to focus what I do have on my running. Getting up at 0 Dark thirty 3-4 days a week and dragging myself out to run around the West Side. I'm not going to let my eating go entirely, I will continue to try to eat well, not too much crap, or late night snacks etc. But my focus is on making sure I run, not on skipping that snack or counting calories.
And at least for last week that worked, I got in my 4 days worth or running, back to double digit mileage for the week. And I am going to be sure to follow the program and not push too much so I don't hurt myself while my body rebuilds its strength.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Just set the right alarm
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Yeah Tuesday I set the wrong alarm, so I didn't run on my scheduled time. So yesterday I did set the right one, and that was really all it took to get me up and moving. There was no playing with snooze (well after the first one), no changing the alarm, nope I got up and into my running gear and out the door. And amazingly enough I did the same thing today! How about that? Think it is that simple?
That remains to be seen, but I am feeling pretty damn good right about now about getting in my running 2 days in a row. And despite what the app says about my score I thought I did pretty good today for matching what I was supposed to do. And if you look at the chart I did, I actually did a decent job of maintaining speed during the tempo part, the reason for the low score is I apparently didn't run slow enough during the slow parts (LOL).
I think that is really a key for my weekends moving forward, unless there is a reason calling for me to be home when everyone gets up I need to get back to the habit of setting the alarm even on weekends and getting out there. Well at least on Sundays. I actually plan to make Jimmy run with me on Saturdays (regardless of route or tempo) since he chose to quit the track team for health reasons, I want him to keep up the running so that he has the necessary endurance when wrestling season resumes.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Health took top billing over fitness again
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Well crap, I was excited to get out and run today, only it turned out I set the wrong alarm. But I at least got up and forced myself to do some stretching (ow!) I was excited because I missed another week fighting a cold and other concerns.
This was a brutal cold, and you know this has been a tough winter for health. I have been sick far more this year than the past couple of years. A couple of colds, a flu, sinus infection and then the eye on top of all that. Couple that with a normal, snowy winter and it has been a bitch getting into any kind of routine.
So I made sure to sleep as much as possible, and then I had some family jobs on Sunday (had to get up early and cook for 8 boys, as well as start the green chili for dinner.) But I can confidently say that today at least has been my first dry one in about 7 days which is normal. So hopefully I can just run tomorrow instead and get back into the swing of a routine.
Because the drain of not having a routine is starting to really take its toll. Mentally and physically, I am far more run down than the last couple of years. Which is a good reminder of why I do all this in the first place, and then why I want re-establish my desired routine.
Well crap, I was excited to get out and run today, only it turned out I set the wrong alarm. But I at least got up and forced myself to do some stretching (ow!) I was excited because I missed another week fighting a cold and other concerns.
This was a brutal cold, and you know this has been a tough winter for health. I have been sick far more this year than the past couple of years. A couple of colds, a flu, sinus infection and then the eye on top of all that. Couple that with a normal, snowy winter and it has been a bitch getting into any kind of routine.
So I made sure to sleep as much as possible, and then I had some family jobs on Sunday (had to get up early and cook for 8 boys, as well as start the green chili for dinner.) But I can confidently say that today at least has been my first dry one in about 7 days which is normal. So hopefully I can just run tomorrow instead and get back into the swing of a routine.
Because the drain of not having a routine is starting to really take its toll. Mentally and physically, I am far more run down than the last couple of years. Which is a good reminder of why I do all this in the first place, and then why I want re-establish my desired routine.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Pondering Health and fitness
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
2 weeks ago (roughly) I developed a corneal ulcer. As I was sitting in the Emergency room I commented to my Dad (who was kind enough to be the one to take me so Kim could get kids ready for Mom to take to school) that I want to healthy and fit, but first I needed to focus on being healthy.
I know that the 2 concepts are linked. It is hard to be healthy without being fit. And even less likely to be fit but not healthy. But given my recent struggles with fitness and a bit of a rash of health issues this winter I have not been 100% healthy for any real long periods of time.
So that is a primary focus: get healthy. Which meant that the last 2 weeks I got as much sleep as my body could handle. And I only ran as far as I could handle without pushing it. And that means I am going to stop experimenting with some eating habits and try to get back to what I know works: eat smaller meals, exercise more.
I also decided to do 2 things as far as running. First, I decided to commit to at least running the Half on Labor Day. Which means setting up a training program that should get me ready for that. And then I went ahead and did my assessment workout so I will have a better idea what level I need to push myself to when I run the training programs. Because while I can ignore those little percentage numbers to some extent, it is still a little subconscious downer when I finish what I thought was a good workout and get that response that I only met 40% of my desired effort.
Which is another thing to ponder: effort. When I am honest with myself I realize that I haven't been putting 100% of effort into my health and fitness efforts lately. Part of that is health related (hard to really push myself when I haven't had enough sleep, stomach bothers me, eyes bother me etc.) Part of that is environment (weather, kids.) But what it really boils down to is I really need to get into a better mind set for pushing myself to run harder, eat less and better etc.
2 weeks ago (roughly) I developed a corneal ulcer. As I was sitting in the Emergency room I commented to my Dad (who was kind enough to be the one to take me so Kim could get kids ready for Mom to take to school) that I want to healthy and fit, but first I needed to focus on being healthy.
I know that the 2 concepts are linked. It is hard to be healthy without being fit. And even less likely to be fit but not healthy. But given my recent struggles with fitness and a bit of a rash of health issues this winter I have not been 100% healthy for any real long periods of time.
So that is a primary focus: get healthy. Which meant that the last 2 weeks I got as much sleep as my body could handle. And I only ran as far as I could handle without pushing it. And that means I am going to stop experimenting with some eating habits and try to get back to what I know works: eat smaller meals, exercise more.
I also decided to do 2 things as far as running. First, I decided to commit to at least running the Half on Labor Day. Which means setting up a training program that should get me ready for that. And then I went ahead and did my assessment workout so I will have a better idea what level I need to push myself to when I run the training programs. Because while I can ignore those little percentage numbers to some extent, it is still a little subconscious downer when I finish what I thought was a good workout and get that response that I only met 40% of my desired effort.
Which is another thing to ponder: effort. When I am honest with myself I realize that I haven't been putting 100% of effort into my health and fitness efforts lately. Part of that is health related (hard to really push myself when I haven't had enough sleep, stomach bothers me, eyes bother me etc.) Part of that is environment (weather, kids.) But what it really boils down to is I really need to get into a better mind set for pushing myself to run harder, eat less and better etc.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Ignored the excuses, ran the race, got the kick in the butt I needed #Running #Fitwinning
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Last week was all about disruptions, disruptions and then sickness. First I let weather affect me. Then I let a schedule disruption throw me off. Then I got sick. But I still ran the 5K race with Jimmy, because I had a commitment to make. And now trying to use that as a springboard to get back into things.
Boy I am ready for some heat! Looking out the window as 40+ Mph winds blow snow and dust all over the place. I am so tired of this, I am perfectly content to run in some 90 degree temps at this point. I will simply consign this to being a sign of aging but the weather has affected me more this year than I can recall in the past. Either way one of the reasons I have not ran as much this year has been weather: ice on the ground, wind etc.
Along with the weather the other thing that has thrown me off lately has been a lack of sleep. I have had some nights when I just could not get to sleep, due to a dinner soda or being cold or having a spinning mind or all 3. Which resulted in being too groggy to answer that early morning wake up for a run. This has been my own fault, as I have added a new social event to my life and have not yet figured out completely how to manage it.
And illness, I caught a stomach bug Thursday that was compounded by an eye problem on Friday. Led to me being stuck at home, hiding from the sun and bright lights. But that was not something within my control like adapting to the weather and handling my sleep better.
All of that meant that by Saturday morning I had every reason to not run in the race. I wasn't prepared having been out of training for too long. I hadn't eaten a decent meal in 2 days. My eyes were still bothering me. But I had a commitment, to myself and to my son. So I sucked it up (helped by overcast skies keeping the sun away) and ran the race.
I got my butt kicked. I had a decent pace the first 2 miles, but in the third mile I fell apart. When everyone (including Jimmy) was hitting it for their final kick to the finish line I was actually slowing down! I wasn't happy with my final time (just under 35 minutes.) Yeah, I know I should just be happy I did it, how many other people were just sitting on their couches or in restaurants being lazy while I ran. But I know I could have done better. Sure if I had not been fighting the sickness for 2 days and been running on a real diet I probably would have had more energy for that final kick and that was beyond my control.
But what was under my control was the lack of training and preparation. And my big take away from the performance is to use that feeling as the mental kick in the rear end to get moving, no more excuses for skipping a training session. Time to get out there and run again! And make smarter choices about the things I know will disrupt my schedule (If I am eating out, no caffeine for dinner for example.) And also time to get back to pushing myself, especially on the weekends. I know I have it in me, just have to push that part of me back to the surface again.
Last week was all about disruptions, disruptions and then sickness. First I let weather affect me. Then I let a schedule disruption throw me off. Then I got sick. But I still ran the 5K race with Jimmy, because I had a commitment to make. And now trying to use that as a springboard to get back into things.
Boy I am ready for some heat! Looking out the window as 40+ Mph winds blow snow and dust all over the place. I am so tired of this, I am perfectly content to run in some 90 degree temps at this point. I will simply consign this to being a sign of aging but the weather has affected me more this year than I can recall in the past. Either way one of the reasons I have not ran as much this year has been weather: ice on the ground, wind etc.
Along with the weather the other thing that has thrown me off lately has been a lack of sleep. I have had some nights when I just could not get to sleep, due to a dinner soda or being cold or having a spinning mind or all 3. Which resulted in being too groggy to answer that early morning wake up for a run. This has been my own fault, as I have added a new social event to my life and have not yet figured out completely how to manage it.
And illness, I caught a stomach bug Thursday that was compounded by an eye problem on Friday. Led to me being stuck at home, hiding from the sun and bright lights. But that was not something within my control like adapting to the weather and handling my sleep better.
All of that meant that by Saturday morning I had every reason to not run in the race. I wasn't prepared having been out of training for too long. I hadn't eaten a decent meal in 2 days. My eyes were still bothering me. But I had a commitment, to myself and to my son. So I sucked it up (helped by overcast skies keeping the sun away) and ran the race.
I got my butt kicked. I had a decent pace the first 2 miles, but in the third mile I fell apart. When everyone (including Jimmy) was hitting it for their final kick to the finish line I was actually slowing down! I wasn't happy with my final time (just under 35 minutes.) Yeah, I know I should just be happy I did it, how many other people were just sitting on their couches or in restaurants being lazy while I ran. But I know I could have done better. Sure if I had not been fighting the sickness for 2 days and been running on a real diet I probably would have had more energy for that final kick and that was beyond my control.
But what was under my control was the lack of training and preparation. And my big take away from the performance is to use that feeling as the mental kick in the rear end to get moving, no more excuses for skipping a training session. Time to get out there and run again! And make smarter choices about the things I know will disrupt my schedule (If I am eating out, no caffeine for dinner for example.) And also time to get back to pushing myself, especially on the weekends. I know I have it in me, just have to push that part of me back to the surface again.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Just trying to be happy & take my exercise where I get it #Fitwinning
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
There are times when these posts feel like a repetitive downer. Like I am doing nothing but repeating things like 'I am trying to get better about watching what I eat' or 'didn't run as much as I would like'. Yeah a lot of that does feel like excuse making. And some of it feels like I am just beating myself up.
Really the whole reason I keep this up, keep running when I can, keep trying to stay focused on eating better, keep trying to drop some weight; is because I want to be happy. And I know that there is a connection between health, fitness and happiness. I have friends who have pretty much always been fit, who are now fighting battles over things like injuries, and that is a good reminder that it doesn't end with getting lean and fit, it is an ongoing process.
Where this is leading is this, my kids are growing, and getting more active. Saturday we went to Jimmy's wrestling club banquet, which led to my spending almost 2 hours in the swimming pool, not active swimming, but still moving around, and getting in some real swimming her and there. Sunday we had an impromptu family picnic and kickball game at the park, which led to my running all over the place trying to catch up to the ball etc. Now I didn't run either morning (for a variety of reasons.) But I was still somewhat sore from those exercises. Which is basically okay, those are not activities I normally engage in, I rarely swim (although I intend to do more of that this summer with the kids), and while I run I rarely engage in sudden all out sprints like the kickball game. My real life goal is to be there whenever the kids ask about joining in those activities (and I don't have other commitments.)
So, if you ask what my real purpose is in all this running and trying to be food conscious it is so I can be out there with the kids. Hiking, biking, swimming, playing games. Because if there was any single motivating moment prior to my losing weight and beginning to run that sticks in my head it was one time when Jimmy wanted me to play basketball with him and I tried but my back kept spasming. I do all of this to avoid going back to being that guy, who cannot run and play with the kids as much as he wants.
Another prime example, I had not planned to run in the St. Patrick's Day 5K this year since I wasn't running in the Grand Prix series. But when Jimmy asked about it this weekend and said he really wanted to run it, how could I say no? In fact we even have a pact: I will stick with his early jack rabbit pace if he tries to keep it going the entire race and stays with me at the end when he normally runs out of gas. That is the guy I am and work to remain: willing to jump when my son wants me to join him for a run, game etc. Because more than anything else that is my definition of #Fitwinning.
There are times when these posts feel like a repetitive downer. Like I am doing nothing but repeating things like 'I am trying to get better about watching what I eat' or 'didn't run as much as I would like'. Yeah a lot of that does feel like excuse making. And some of it feels like I am just beating myself up.
Really the whole reason I keep this up, keep running when I can, keep trying to stay focused on eating better, keep trying to drop some weight; is because I want to be happy. And I know that there is a connection between health, fitness and happiness. I have friends who have pretty much always been fit, who are now fighting battles over things like injuries, and that is a good reminder that it doesn't end with getting lean and fit, it is an ongoing process.
Where this is leading is this, my kids are growing, and getting more active. Saturday we went to Jimmy's wrestling club banquet, which led to my spending almost 2 hours in the swimming pool, not active swimming, but still moving around, and getting in some real swimming her and there. Sunday we had an impromptu family picnic and kickball game at the park, which led to my running all over the place trying to catch up to the ball etc. Now I didn't run either morning (for a variety of reasons.) But I was still somewhat sore from those exercises. Which is basically okay, those are not activities I normally engage in, I rarely swim (although I intend to do more of that this summer with the kids), and while I run I rarely engage in sudden all out sprints like the kickball game. My real life goal is to be there whenever the kids ask about joining in those activities (and I don't have other commitments.)
So, if you ask what my real purpose is in all this running and trying to be food conscious it is so I can be out there with the kids. Hiking, biking, swimming, playing games. Because if there was any single motivating moment prior to my losing weight and beginning to run that sticks in my head it was one time when Jimmy wanted me to play basketball with him and I tried but my back kept spasming. I do all of this to avoid going back to being that guy, who cannot run and play with the kids as much as he wants.
Another prime example, I had not planned to run in the St. Patrick's Day 5K this year since I wasn't running in the Grand Prix series. But when Jimmy asked about it this weekend and said he really wanted to run it, how could I say no? In fact we even have a pact: I will stick with his early jack rabbit pace if he tries to keep it going the entire race and stays with me at the end when he normally runs out of gas. That is the guy I am and work to remain: willing to jump when my son wants me to join him for a run, game etc. Because more than anything else that is my definition of #Fitwinning.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Enjoying some unexpected exercise #fitwinning
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Some times the exercise you were not planning is that much sweeter. Wednesday was like most other Wednesdays, I struggled but got out of bed, ran my 3 mile run, not super speedy, but my legs were definitely feeling the soreness from my 45 minutes on the bike Tuesday morning. For some reason I rarely have problems getting out for that Wednesday run.
When I got home I discovered that Emily was awake and not feeling well at all. After a thermometer check showed her running about a 100 degree fever I called in to work, as she is 6 and can't really be left at home alone and I try to limit the baby sitting from grandparents when the kids are sick to limit exposure. The rest of the morning pre-school preparations went as normal. Except that Danny was a little fidgety, kept wandering off to find something to do. Around 7:30 he announced he was bored, so I jokingly told him to start walking to school.
He asked if I was serious, with that look in his eyes that said he would like to do it but was nervous. I did a little math in my head and figured out that I should be able to walk him to school and still be back right around the time that Jimmy left for school, so Emily would have someone there. And the weather was reasonable. So I got my stuff and had a nice, enjoyable walk with my son. Although my legs were more sore than normal after adding another 2.5 miles, meaning a total of 6 miles traveled for the day.
Later, since I was home Kim decided to get into the action herself. Instead of just going and picking Jimmy up from school I drove her and their bikes to the school so she could go for a ride with him. I figure that between running with me and going on bike rides with her Jimmy has no excuse for not staying in shape.
If there is one thing that the improving weather means it is that days like this should become more of the norm rather than the exception. Heck I might even consider breaking with my attitudes about working from home if I could arrange to get in that walk instead of driving in for that commute.
Some times the exercise you were not planning is that much sweeter. Wednesday was like most other Wednesdays, I struggled but got out of bed, ran my 3 mile run, not super speedy, but my legs were definitely feeling the soreness from my 45 minutes on the bike Tuesday morning. For some reason I rarely have problems getting out for that Wednesday run.
When I got home I discovered that Emily was awake and not feeling well at all. After a thermometer check showed her running about a 100 degree fever I called in to work, as she is 6 and can't really be left at home alone and I try to limit the baby sitting from grandparents when the kids are sick to limit exposure. The rest of the morning pre-school preparations went as normal. Except that Danny was a little fidgety, kept wandering off to find something to do. Around 7:30 he announced he was bored, so I jokingly told him to start walking to school.
He asked if I was serious, with that look in his eyes that said he would like to do it but was nervous. I did a little math in my head and figured out that I should be able to walk him to school and still be back right around the time that Jimmy left for school, so Emily would have someone there. And the weather was reasonable. So I got my stuff and had a nice, enjoyable walk with my son. Although my legs were more sore than normal after adding another 2.5 miles, meaning a total of 6 miles traveled for the day.
Later, since I was home Kim decided to get into the action herself. Instead of just going and picking Jimmy up from school I drove her and their bikes to the school so she could go for a ride with him. I figure that between running with me and going on bike rides with her Jimmy has no excuse for not staying in shape.
If there is one thing that the improving weather means it is that days like this should become more of the norm rather than the exception. Heck I might even consider breaking with my attitudes about working from home if I could arrange to get in that walk instead of driving in for that commute.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Good riddance February, time for more #fitwinning days
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
February was a rough month. Distractions galore, bad weather, stress all combined to make it a bad month from a fitness perspective. But this is the month that I will regain my focus in Fitwinning.
I'm not going to lie, I let myself get away from what I should have been doing in February. I slacked off on my meal tracking. Te weather kept me inside due to snow, icy trails and cold. And When I could have been spending that time on the stationary bike I let it slide. And gradually the presence of junk food took away what little gains I made in January.
But like I said last week I need to regain my focus on 1 day at a time. Make each day about getting another fitness win. By that I mean some kind of exercise and recording all meals, resulting in a negative to my ideal calorie intake. Any day I can get below that line is a fit win. And my focus is to to get into that mode each day, eventually stringing those days together into a week.
Today was a good start, I got myself out of bed and did my 45 minutes on the bike, really worked up a sweat. I tell you, there are few things that match how it feels to start a day with that feeling you get when you complete a good workout.
I have to tell you it feels odd to not be planning and focusing on the St. Patricks Day 5K. But this year is not about running races, it is about overall fitness and balancing that with diet. So that maybe next year I can really tackle some tougher races.
February was a rough month. Distractions galore, bad weather, stress all combined to make it a bad month from a fitness perspective. But this is the month that I will regain my focus in Fitwinning.
I'm not going to lie, I let myself get away from what I should have been doing in February. I slacked off on my meal tracking. Te weather kept me inside due to snow, icy trails and cold. And When I could have been spending that time on the stationary bike I let it slide. And gradually the presence of junk food took away what little gains I made in January.
But like I said last week I need to regain my focus on 1 day at a time. Make each day about getting another fitness win. By that I mean some kind of exercise and recording all meals, resulting in a negative to my ideal calorie intake. Any day I can get below that line is a fit win. And my focus is to to get into that mode each day, eventually stringing those days together into a week.
Today was a good start, I got myself out of bed and did my 45 minutes on the bike, really worked up a sweat. I tell you, there are few things that match how it feels to start a day with that feeling you get when you complete a good workout.
I have to tell you it feels odd to not be planning and focusing on the St. Patricks Day 5K. But this year is not about running races, it is about overall fitness and balancing that with diet. So that maybe next year I can really tackle some tougher races.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
A triumph of will
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
So far so good this week. I managed to get up Tuesday and rid the bike. I even pushed myself to a 40 minute ride, with the first 20 on a program that had some real resistance intermittently. Yeah my legs felt like rubber afterwards. And I was a little sore the rest of the day. But I wasn't going to let that stop me Wednesday morning.
When I got up it was cold, like 9 degrees. But I made myself get dressed and get out there. I promised myself that if I got too uncomfortable I would cut it short and head home. I knew that the workout plan called for a long interval (20 minutes) at race speed (9:30 to 10:30 minute miles roughly.) And I wasn't sure how my legs would hold up after that bike workout.
One of the advantages of listening to the same play list when I run is that I can kind of gauge how fast I am going, because I know that if I am going at my regular pace I know where I would be on my route. Well the funny thing is yesterday is I started noticing that I was ahead of that pace. I did my best to keep that pace, letting the mile marks go past.
Next thing I knew I had made the 3 mile mark at just over 30 minutes! I finished the run out, walked home and felt physically great the rest of the day! I had remarked on Tuesday that I didn't feel up to the 10 minute mile pace, well it turns out I can make that pace, I just need to decide that run that fast. It really was just a matter of willpower and mentally deciding that that day I was going to meet my goal pace.
Which makes me feel better overall, I will still keep focusing on 1 day, 1 work out at a time. But, I now know that when I want to I can bust out that big effort run.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Focus is on rebuilding now, after acceptance
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
All of that inconsistent running and breaks has taken a toll. I hadn't really realized or accepted how big of a toll until this weekend when I did back to back days for the first time in a while. I was hurting on that Sunday run, glad that it was short.
So now I have to accept that I am not anywhere close to where I want to be in terms of conditioning. But, I cannot change what happened, no excuses, it just happened. Life, bad weather, poor mental state, it all added up to just not running enough. Whatever the reasons there is only one thing to do.
Time to rebuild! I am taking my time to focus on meeting the scheduled workouts and stick as close as I can to the workout. And take my rest days seriously. But most importantly: run! Not run so much that I hurt myself, but get running to the point where things come back.
I know at this point I can run a 5K with consistently under 11 minute miles, but I can't say the same for being under 10 or 9 minute miles. And while I could complete a 10K it would be a slow time. But, most importantly, I know I can get to that point, it just means I have to focus on getting there. And the focus has to be on running to rebuild that strength and wind. Which means sticking to the plan, and challenging myself to get there. And most importantly, getting out there and running, no more excuses for not doing so.
As a side note: people, please control your damn dogs! Keep them on leashes when you walk them. And keep them securely in your house or yard if you are not walking them. Because Saturday morning I had to deal with being chased by a pair of loose dogs with no apparent owner, and encountered another couple that were not on the leash while being walked. I don't care if you say that you know your dog is under control, dogs are animals and therefore not 100% under your control. And for those of us who are trying to use the public streets and trails it is a real pain to have to constantly worry if that dog is going to decide to lung at me.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Man, sometimes I just need to take a step back
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
I think I need to find a better way to approach all of this. Need to boil it down to some simple things I can just do day by day. Because my current mental approach just isn't working, I find myself upset and angry when I indulge, or come up with a reason to not run. And I know that self-recrimination is not healthy.
My new goal is to make it simple: live more day by day regarding my fitness. I can still set long term goals: run a race, drop X number of pounds, etc. But do that by taking it day by day. Ask myself a few simple questions each day:
1. Is it an exercise day or recovery day? Because I do need to respect the recovery days. If it is an exercise day than do something, most likely go for a run.
2. Did I eat right today? If not, then oh well, do better tomorrow.
Questions to avoid:
1. Why didn't I exercise yesterday? Last I checked I don't know how to time travel so there is no reason to fall into the trap of wondering why I didn't do something in the past. Instead focus on what I can do today.
2. Why didn't I eat better yesterday? See above, no reason to get worked up about what I can no longer control and instead focus on making good choices now.
Because life is doing it's thing and throwing all kinds of reasons at me to not exercise, or not eat right or both on any given day. And some days those reasons will make perfect sense at the time so I don't do what I want or should. And it doesn't do my mental health any good to beat myself up when life does that. So again my new focus is on what I can do today to exercise and/or eat right, and that is all.
I think I need to find a better way to approach all of this. Need to boil it down to some simple things I can just do day by day. Because my current mental approach just isn't working, I find myself upset and angry when I indulge, or come up with a reason to not run. And I know that self-recrimination is not healthy.
My new goal is to make it simple: live more day by day regarding my fitness. I can still set long term goals: run a race, drop X number of pounds, etc. But do that by taking it day by day. Ask myself a few simple questions each day:
1. Is it an exercise day or recovery day? Because I do need to respect the recovery days. If it is an exercise day than do something, most likely go for a run.
2. Did I eat right today? If not, then oh well, do better tomorrow.
Questions to avoid:
1. Why didn't I exercise yesterday? Last I checked I don't know how to time travel so there is no reason to fall into the trap of wondering why I didn't do something in the past. Instead focus on what I can do today.
2. Why didn't I eat better yesterday? See above, no reason to get worked up about what I can no longer control and instead focus on making good choices now.
Because life is doing it's thing and throwing all kinds of reasons at me to not exercise, or not eat right or both on any given day. And some days those reasons will make perfect sense at the time so I don't do what I want or should. And it doesn't do my mental health any good to beat myself up when life does that. So again my new focus is on what I can do today to exercise and/or eat right, and that is all.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
All I want to do is run
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Sick of the cold weather and ice everywhere! I was hoping to get out this week, but while it has warmed up some, I have determined that it has not really cleared the paths where I run. Which means that I would be limited to a jog while worrying about my footing because of ice and darkness. Because ice + darkness = great danger of slipping -> Mike has to slow jog. But, after a winter of slow jogging, I am mentally ready to open it up.
Therefore I am trying to be patient. But I have determined that next week I return back to the MiCoach app and working on upping my speed and tempo. The free running and relaxed tempo have been good over the cold and darkness season. But those conditions are gradually easing. And so it is time to force myself to get back into the faster pace, even if it is only for short periods.
One big change is that I have resigned to not running the Grand Prix races this year. For scheduling reasons (our family vacation has us returning the day before one of the 10K's.) And financial reasons (said family vacation not cheap, trying to curb at least some spending. But I still plan to run in my Half Marathon again this year, and maybe another one in mid summer if I can get my training to cooperate.
Otherwise my other big focus this year, beyond trying to just improve my speed is to embrace the hills. Get myself out and running some more challenging routes, even if I sacrifice a little speed, because the long term benefit is more important. While that sounds contradictory I think I can make both plans work together.
In addition I am planning to ride the stationary bike at least once a week instead of running. First, because that should improve my overall fitness. Second, I am hoping that as the weather improves that at least Kim & I can maybe ride some together, and maybe even do some family riding.
Sick of the cold weather and ice everywhere! I was hoping to get out this week, but while it has warmed up some, I have determined that it has not really cleared the paths where I run. Which means that I would be limited to a jog while worrying about my footing because of ice and darkness. Because ice + darkness = great danger of slipping -> Mike has to slow jog. But, after a winter of slow jogging, I am mentally ready to open it up.
Therefore I am trying to be patient. But I have determined that next week I return back to the MiCoach app and working on upping my speed and tempo. The free running and relaxed tempo have been good over the cold and darkness season. But those conditions are gradually easing. And so it is time to force myself to get back into the faster pace, even if it is only for short periods.
One big change is that I have resigned to not running the Grand Prix races this year. For scheduling reasons (our family vacation has us returning the day before one of the 10K's.) And financial reasons (said family vacation not cheap, trying to curb at least some spending. But I still plan to run in my Half Marathon again this year, and maybe another one in mid summer if I can get my training to cooperate.
Otherwise my other big focus this year, beyond trying to just improve my speed is to embrace the hills. Get myself out and running some more challenging routes, even if I sacrifice a little speed, because the long term benefit is more important. While that sounds contradictory I think I can make both plans work together.
In addition I am planning to ride the stationary bike at least once a week instead of running. First, because that should improve my overall fitness. Second, I am hoping that as the weather improves that at least Kim & I can maybe ride some together, and maybe even do some family riding.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Back into the saddle, remembering this is a process
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
I was able to return to running over the weekend, which was really nice. And what turned into a cheat week is over and done with. Not beating myself up over these failures.
The weather finally cooperated somewhat over the weekend and I was able to get out for runs both days. Unfortunately the paths are still covered with ice and/snow or slush so the footing was more than questionable. Which meant my focus was on not hurting myself as much as running so I didn't exactly push the speed. And today I knew it would be just as bad, and dark, so I chose to ride the bike again. Which I am thinking may end up being part of the weekly ritual, cut back 1 day of running and swapping in the bike 1 day a week. Just to condition myself to a different exercise and not wear out the running.
Yeah, between the weather, stress from family issues and post-Super Bowl burnout I did not eat well last week. About the only positive is that I at least recorded it all so I know it happened and can remind myself. It really was the perfect storm (pun intended) as the weather prevented me from my normal stress relief of running, and then the weather itself contributed to the stress, turning into a vicious cycle. What do you do when the thing that is causing you stress also prevents you from using your normal stress relief outlet?
But I know from experience that getting fitter and losing weight is a process, not something that happens overnight. Which means I cannot beat myself up over the failures, I just have to move on, get back in the saddle and move on. I know what I need to do, and I cannot let the failure of 1 week cause me to give up.
I was able to return to running over the weekend, which was really nice. And what turned into a cheat week is over and done with. Not beating myself up over these failures.
The weather finally cooperated somewhat over the weekend and I was able to get out for runs both days. Unfortunately the paths are still covered with ice and/snow or slush so the footing was more than questionable. Which meant my focus was on not hurting myself as much as running so I didn't exactly push the speed. And today I knew it would be just as bad, and dark, so I chose to ride the bike again. Which I am thinking may end up being part of the weekly ritual, cut back 1 day of running and swapping in the bike 1 day a week. Just to condition myself to a different exercise and not wear out the running.
Yeah, between the weather, stress from family issues and post-Super Bowl burnout I did not eat well last week. About the only positive is that I at least recorded it all so I know it happened and can remind myself. It really was the perfect storm (pun intended) as the weather prevented me from my normal stress relief of running, and then the weather itself contributed to the stress, turning into a vicious cycle. What do you do when the thing that is causing you stress also prevents you from using your normal stress relief outlet?
But I know from experience that getting fitter and losing weight is a process, not something that happens overnight. Which means I cannot beat myself up over the failures, I just have to move on, get back in the saddle and move on. I know what I need to do, and I cannot let the failure of 1 week cause me to give up.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Must... find... stress... relief soon...
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
This perpetual week of cold and snow is really taking its toll. Being cooped up inside, and not being able to run. Couple that with an onslaught of new stresses at home and I am going more than a little stir crazy. And fighting like hell to not stress eat (and not as successfully as I would like.)
It just cannot get back to normal soon enough for me: weather I can run in, take the kids to school at a normal time, etc. I can handle running in below freezing temps, I can layer and run. What I have trouble with is snow and uncertain footing since I run in the dark. And I do draw the line at zero degrees.
And I am a creature of habit, which means the disruption of school drop off times throws my whole day off. Which it shouldn't, in fact it really should mean I have more time to run. But the obstacle is that uncertainty throws of my timing, when do I get up, when do I run etc.
And I know all of the above is creating excuses for not just doing something. But some times that happens, and the real world goal is how to live with these obstacles and fight through them. If I had more money/time I would just join a gym so I could go run every morning regardless of weather, but that's just not an option right now. I am closing in an elliptical trainer choice that will solve a lot of these issues. But until then I shall endeavor to persevere.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Figuring out how to stop the backslide
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
This was a tough weekend. First, there was food, lots of food as there were Super Bowl celebrations at work, then our own party. Second, the damn white crap just never stopped coming down, making it tough to run. So I ate too much a couple of days, and did not get nearly as much exercise as I would like. Now the task is to fight back against that negative momentum.
Strange to say but I actually ate less the day of the Super Bowl. Too busy cleaning and preparing the house, then the nerves during the game kept me away from the grazing to the large extent. The same could not be said when we had a pre-game party at work, or the day we were effectively stuck in the house due to the weather. About the only positive thing I can take away is that I at least tracked it all, so I knew how much I ate. Because that habit is really important, keeping track of what you eat makes a big difference in developing better eating habits.
I have 1 message to the people of the world: shovel your damn sidewalks! I don't really mind running in the cold, I can layer up and eventually my body heat kicks in. But, running on deep snow is a lot like running on a beach. And running on sidewalks covered with snow is really kind of dangerous since you never know if you are going to hit an icy spot just right. There are 2 ways to resolve this issue. First, if people could just shovel their sidewalks properly like we do on our block. Second, I could buy a treadmill or elliptical or drive to a gym.
This last weekend I substituted shoveling snow (when my neighbor with the tractor didn't beat me to it.) But that isn't a real viable option on regular school days since it is dark when I get up. This week I am going to try using the stationary recumbent bike for a few days. But long term I am going to get serious about getting a treadmill or preferably an elliptical trainer as an alternative for days when I am forced to be inside.
The most important thing is to maintain my focus on the good habits. And not let the bad habits that resurfaced over the weekend gain any momentum. I know that is possible. And think of all the things I have to look forward to.
This was a tough weekend. First, there was food, lots of food as there were Super Bowl celebrations at work, then our own party. Second, the damn white crap just never stopped coming down, making it tough to run. So I ate too much a couple of days, and did not get nearly as much exercise as I would like. Now the task is to fight back against that negative momentum.
Strange to say but I actually ate less the day of the Super Bowl. Too busy cleaning and preparing the house, then the nerves during the game kept me away from the grazing to the large extent. The same could not be said when we had a pre-game party at work, or the day we were effectively stuck in the house due to the weather. About the only positive thing I can take away is that I at least tracked it all, so I knew how much I ate. Because that habit is really important, keeping track of what you eat makes a big difference in developing better eating habits.
I have 1 message to the people of the world: shovel your damn sidewalks! I don't really mind running in the cold, I can layer up and eventually my body heat kicks in. But, running on deep snow is a lot like running on a beach. And running on sidewalks covered with snow is really kind of dangerous since you never know if you are going to hit an icy spot just right. There are 2 ways to resolve this issue. First, if people could just shovel their sidewalks properly like we do on our block. Second, I could buy a treadmill or elliptical or drive to a gym.
This last weekend I substituted shoveling snow (when my neighbor with the tractor didn't beat me to it.) But that isn't a real viable option on regular school days since it is dark when I get up. This week I am going to try using the stationary recumbent bike for a few days. But long term I am going to get serious about getting a treadmill or preferably an elliptical trainer as an alternative for days when I am forced to be inside.
The most important thing is to maintain my focus on the good habits. And not let the bad habits that resurfaced over the weekend gain any momentum. I know that is possible. And think of all the things I have to look forward to.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Reminder: it's going to take take time & patience
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Boy it was a struggle to get up & running today! But I did it, it was actually warmer than I expected, kind of nice. Which made it easier, and all the threatened wind stayed away until I was in cool down. And I had to get out today because it is supposed to snow again tonight and I might not have the motivation to run in snow tomorrow, and I know I won't have time Saturday morning.
I had to remind myself this morning that it will take some time to get this weight off, as I plateaued from last week. Plus, I was spoiled by all that initial weight loss courtesy of 2 illnesses keeping me from eating 2 weekends in a row. It's okay, I am settling into better habits, and now that I can resume running those habits will start to bear real fruit. And I can start to see a more normal progression instead of big drops followed by plateaus.
Sadly it appears that it is time to move on to my backup shoes. I was hoping to get more miles from this pair, just broke past 200, but I can blame some of that on the weight that I am trying to work off. Hopefully the next pair will last longer. But that is one reason why I am not falling back into the trap of getting the expensive shoes again. So long as my feet can take the minimalist, less expensive shoes I will keep wearing and buying them.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
When life gave me deep snow, I grabbed the shovel
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
In the grand scheme of things I could have run in the snow this morning. It wasn't that deep, just a couple of inches. And the sidewalks were probably better today than they will be tomorrow morning. But that is neither here nor there. Bottom line is I didn't feel like running in the snow, so I didn't.
What I did do was grab the broom and snow shovel and spent a good 30 minutes clearing the steps and driveway. So I still got my exercise. I could have done more but our wonderful neighbor beat me to it and had already cleared the sidewalks for the entire block. So I only had to clear our driveway and steps and mom's steps. Which was just enough to get a little blood pumping.
All of these delays in resuming my regular running schedule are a test, and good practice. I am being forced to rely on perfecting my eating habits as my sole method of weight reduction until I get back into a regular exercise habit. Which is good for the long run, even if a little frustrating now. But it is working as I can feel my pants getting looser, and I can wear my belt again without it bothering me.
So this mornings decision to make the best of a negative situation (deep snow preventing me from running) by getting my exercise by shoveling is an example of the overall plan of turning the negative (weather, sickness) into positives (reduced appetite, lost weight solely from eating less, finding exercise where I can.)
In the grand scheme of things I could have run in the snow this morning. It wasn't that deep, just a couple of inches. And the sidewalks were probably better today than they will be tomorrow morning. But that is neither here nor there. Bottom line is I didn't feel like running in the snow, so I didn't.
What I did do was grab the broom and snow shovel and spent a good 30 minutes clearing the steps and driveway. So I still got my exercise. I could have done more but our wonderful neighbor beat me to it and had already cleared the sidewalks for the entire block. So I only had to clear our driveway and steps and mom's steps. Which was just enough to get a little blood pumping.
All of these delays in resuming my regular running schedule are a test, and good practice. I am being forced to rely on perfecting my eating habits as my sole method of weight reduction until I get back into a regular exercise habit. Which is good for the long run, even if a little frustrating now. But it is working as I can feel my pants getting looser, and I can wear my belt again without it bothering me.
So this mornings decision to make the best of a negative situation (deep snow preventing me from running) by getting my exercise by shoveling is an example of the overall plan of turning the negative (weather, sickness) into positives (reduced appetite, lost weight solely from eating less, finding exercise where I can.)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The morphing or evolution of bug forces me to change my focus
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
I was sure confident that I had moved past the flu bug. I was ready to take the next step in my running over the weekend, resuming my plan of running my hillier routes. And let the calorie burn of the running help me move along on my overall fitness and weight loss plan. Yep that was where things stood on Thursday.
Friday morning I felt kind of crummy, but mainly just sore and had trouble warming up, so I didn't push the miles. By Friday night I was starting to feel bad, so I just sat & watched a couple of movies. Saturday morning when I got up I felt roughly like death warmed over. It felt like the same damn flu bug had returned, only not quite as much coughing.
So I curled up on the couch and watched TV/slept the day away (while Kim played Super Mom, I love her for that.) By Sunday I was marginally better but still pretty miserable. I suffered through the day, able to do a little more, mainly taking care of Kim and watching football. Monday we both skipped work and made a point to go the the Dr. Mainly with the goal of seeing what it was, because on a cursory reading of symptoms I was afraid we had contracted pneumonia. Fortunately it turned out that all we have is matching sinus infections.
Which means once I feel up to it I can resume running. Which sadly enough means that I am not running for at least a week, because I need to get past this, and the best weapon in my arsenal (aside from antibiotics) is sleep.
And that means I have to focus my mental energy on my improved eating habits, and keeping myself under my calorie count without the help of the burn of running. Which is harder. But, in the long run will be better, because if I can get myself used to following that calorie number without running than when the running resumes it will that much easier, hopefully leading to more weight loss! See there is a positive spin to this whole sad tale.
I was sure confident that I had moved past the flu bug. I was ready to take the next step in my running over the weekend, resuming my plan of running my hillier routes. And let the calorie burn of the running help me move along on my overall fitness and weight loss plan. Yep that was where things stood on Thursday.
Friday morning I felt kind of crummy, but mainly just sore and had trouble warming up, so I didn't push the miles. By Friday night I was starting to feel bad, so I just sat & watched a couple of movies. Saturday morning when I got up I felt roughly like death warmed over. It felt like the same damn flu bug had returned, only not quite as much coughing.
So I curled up on the couch and watched TV/slept the day away (while Kim played Super Mom, I love her for that.) By Sunday I was marginally better but still pretty miserable. I suffered through the day, able to do a little more, mainly taking care of Kim and watching football. Monday we both skipped work and made a point to go the the Dr. Mainly with the goal of seeing what it was, because on a cursory reading of symptoms I was afraid we had contracted pneumonia. Fortunately it turned out that all we have is matching sinus infections.
Which means once I feel up to it I can resume running. Which sadly enough means that I am not running for at least a week, because I need to get past this, and the best weapon in my arsenal (aside from antibiotics) is sleep.
And that means I have to focus my mental energy on my improved eating habits, and keeping myself under my calorie count without the help of the burn of running. Which is harder. But, in the long run will be better, because if I can get myself used to following that calorie number without running than when the running resumes it will that much easier, hopefully leading to more weight loss! See there is a positive spin to this whole sad tale.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Working out the scheduling kinks, ignoring silly thoughts & challenging myself
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
I had a plan, I was going to use Monday & Friday as my new off days. But I must have been forgetting what i was like to work a full week, after 3 weeks of partial or full days off work, and then before the schedule was anything but consistent. But this morning I remembered why I used Thursdays as a recovery day. Trying to run 3 days in a row, on work days, with out current school & activity schedule, just isn't practical. By Thursday morning I am tired, so I need that day off.
Makes more sense to run Friday & then the weekend days as my long stretch, because it is easier to sleep in and recoup some time on those weekend days. No big deal, just commenting on why I didn't run today. Plus, since Friday and Saturday are traditionally the days when we don't eat as well for dinner (eating out, split meals etc.) it is better to start that day with a run.
My other challenge for the week was not being silly. By that I mean trying not to get that feeling that I should eat something sweet after dinner, and succumbing to that since Kim is out doing something with a kid. That is just a silly, partially stress related thought, and exactly the sort of thing I have to challenge myself to move away from and ignore.
Tomorrow is my weigh in and will be the best test of where my new approach is really taking me. And then I get to start really running again this weekend. I have been purposely taking it easy this week, running my simplest flattest route. But starting this weekend I want to get back to challenging myself to incorporating the hills again. Because I think that if I want the running to be something useful I need to challenge myself a little more this year, and not be so content with just running my normal flat 3 mile route a few days a week.
I had a plan, I was going to use Monday & Friday as my new off days. But I must have been forgetting what i was like to work a full week, after 3 weeks of partial or full days off work, and then before the schedule was anything but consistent. But this morning I remembered why I used Thursdays as a recovery day. Trying to run 3 days in a row, on work days, with out current school & activity schedule, just isn't practical. By Thursday morning I am tired, so I need that day off.
Makes more sense to run Friday & then the weekend days as my long stretch, because it is easier to sleep in and recoup some time on those weekend days. No big deal, just commenting on why I didn't run today. Plus, since Friday and Saturday are traditionally the days when we don't eat as well for dinner (eating out, split meals etc.) it is better to start that day with a run.
My other challenge for the week was not being silly. By that I mean trying not to get that feeling that I should eat something sweet after dinner, and succumbing to that since Kim is out doing something with a kid. That is just a silly, partially stress related thought, and exactly the sort of thing I have to challenge myself to move away from and ignore.
Tomorrow is my weigh in and will be the best test of where my new approach is really taking me. And then I get to start really running again this weekend. I have been purposely taking it easy this week, running my simplest flattest route. But starting this weekend I want to get back to challenging myself to incorporating the hills again. Because I think that if I want the running to be something useful I need to challenge myself a little more this year, and not be so content with just running my normal flat 3 mile route a few days a week.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Using the momentum of recovery as basis for moving forward
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
The first few days of the New Year went well, I was running, and eating right. Then I caught the terrible flu bug that is making the rounds. Leading to several days of laying around, coughing so much it hurt, and having little to no energy. I was only able to get back to running this past Sunday, and even then it is clear I don't have my full wind back.
I could let this bring me down, forget about all my attempts to get back into good habits, and focus on rest as my form of recovery. Instead I am going to attempt to pull a mental jujitsu move, and let the momentum of recovery pull me forward into better habits.
The biggest place I am using this is eating. Specifically my appetite. One of the hardest things to change is appetite, eating less is hard. But, one of the byproducts of the flu was that I had several days with little to no appetite. And I have focused on not returning to the holiday eating habits as my body has recovered. Because, even in recovery, I simply don't need to be eating that much. So I am doing my best to simply ride that temporary loss of appetite and convert it into the good habit of eating less.
And so far so good. I am starting to see some small, subtle differences. Just have to retain my focus while the good habits take hold. And I have also been better at holding to the 'is it protein or fiber' question when eating anything. I haven't been perfect, but I have gotten better.
And while the physical recovery may take another week before I am back to the New Year running level I am at least at the stage where I am running again this week. And I know that if I just run, even if it is not the desired route or distances, those will come.
All in all, it sucked to get sick. But I can at least find ways to use the enforced down time to my advantage and let that be my basis in not only recovering from illness but also recovering from the lapsed bad habits of the extended holiday season.
The first few days of the New Year went well, I was running, and eating right. Then I caught the terrible flu bug that is making the rounds. Leading to several days of laying around, coughing so much it hurt, and having little to no energy. I was only able to get back to running this past Sunday, and even then it is clear I don't have my full wind back.
I could let this bring me down, forget about all my attempts to get back into good habits, and focus on rest as my form of recovery. Instead I am going to attempt to pull a mental jujitsu move, and let the momentum of recovery pull me forward into better habits.
The biggest place I am using this is eating. Specifically my appetite. One of the hardest things to change is appetite, eating less is hard. But, one of the byproducts of the flu was that I had several days with little to no appetite. And I have focused on not returning to the holiday eating habits as my body has recovered. Because, even in recovery, I simply don't need to be eating that much. So I am doing my best to simply ride that temporary loss of appetite and convert it into the good habit of eating less.
And so far so good. I am starting to see some small, subtle differences. Just have to retain my focus while the good habits take hold. And I have also been better at holding to the 'is it protein or fiber' question when eating anything. I haven't been perfect, but I have gotten better.
And while the physical recovery may take another week before I am back to the New Year running level I am at least at the stage where I am running again this week. And I know that if I just run, even if it is not the desired route or distances, those will come.
All in all, it sucked to get sick. But I can at least find ways to use the enforced down time to my advantage and let that be my basis in not only recovering from illness but also recovering from the lapsed bad habits of the extended holiday season.
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