This morning I ran 1.75 miles non-stop. That's right, I did not stop. It took me just over 22 minutes. At the first of the year, I could barley run for a minute, let alone 22!
I realized today, why it feels harder to run on our treadmill than outside. It has a built-in incline. Even at it's lowest position, it is still at an incline. So, all this time, I've been running at a slight incline! No wonder it wasn't much harder to run outside.
Anyway, had a good run today.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Council Bluffs 13 Mile Road Run
Last night I found out there is going to be a two mile race in our area this weekend. After calling about it, I've decided to make this my first official Road Race! I know that I may not be able to run the entire two miles, but I think it will be fun. Also, even thou it is a small race, it should give me a taste of what the 5k races are going to be like.
If you have any last minutes tips, let me have them!
I'll put up a post-race report on Sat.
Here are the details of the Race:
Where: Lake Manawa (North Shore - the entrance across from the Drive-In)
When: Sat. - Register at 9:30 am
Race: 10:00 am
Fee: $3
Distances: 13 Miles, 10k, 2 mile
If you have any last minutes tips, let me have them!
I'll put up a post-race report on Sat.
Here are the details of the Race:
Where: Lake Manawa (North Shore - the entrance across from the Drive-In)
When: Sat. - Register at 9:30 am
Race: 10:00 am
Fee: $3
Distances: 13 Miles, 10k, 2 mile
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Before and After Pictures
I had Tiffany, my wife, take some pictures of me today, so that I can share what I use to look like and what I look like now. Without further adu...
I Love My Wife!!
What are you giving up for lent?
For those of you that do not know what Lent is, Lent is the 40 days (period or season), prior to Easter. The period is actually 46 days long, but we suspend Lent on Sundays, because they are the Lord's Day and should be days of celebration.
So, why do we give something up? The actual purpose behind giving something up, is to help us connect with the suffering of Jesus. When giving something up, you should make it count. Suddenly, giving up our favorite show or food doesn’t seem so trying in light of what Jesus endured, does it?
Well, this year, I'm giving up something and I'm making it count! After giving it much thought, I'm going to give up something that I really love and enjoy...Red Meat.
For those who know me, I love steak. Just a couple weeks ago, I was telling a coworker (who is a vegetarian), that I could not give up red meat. I just could not do it, because I love it so much. When I was thinking about what to give up, I remembered that conversation. So, I'm doing what is going to be very hard for me. I'm giving up Red Meat.
What are you giving up this Lenten Season?
So, why do we give something up? The actual purpose behind giving something up, is to help us connect with the suffering of Jesus. When giving something up, you should make it count. Suddenly, giving up our favorite show or food doesn’t seem so trying in light of what Jesus endured, does it?
Well, this year, I'm giving up something and I'm making it count! After giving it much thought, I'm going to give up something that I really love and enjoy...Red Meat.
For those who know me, I love steak. Just a couple weeks ago, I was telling a coworker (who is a vegetarian), that I could not give up red meat. I just could not do it, because I love it so much. When I was thinking about what to give up, I remembered that conversation. So, I'm doing what is going to be very hard for me. I'm giving up Red Meat.
What are you giving up this Lenten Season?
Where did the 20 pounds go?
Well,I weighed in at 195.4 this morning. I have lost exactly 20 pounds since the first of the year! So where did they go?
First, as you know, I have starting running. Although I only have a distance PR of 1.5 miles, I run three days a week. I think that has a lot to do with my weight loss.
Second, I cross-train, I have a Stretch and a Strengthen routin that I do on days I'm not running.
Third, I'm also watching what I eat. Here is what I usually eat in a day:
Breakfast: 100% Whole-Wheat Honey Bagel with a little honey - ~300 Cal.
Lunch: Soups - I keep the soups around ~110 Cal. per serving, I have two servings
Dinner: ~8 oz. portion of Chicken, Fish or Beef, push a vegi or baked potato: ~500-700 Cal.
Snacks: I have two (sometimes three) snacks throughout day. I eat trail-mix or 100 Cal. packs. For the trail-mixes, I look for serving sizes to be about 1/4 cup at about ~150 Cal.
So, that is where the 20 pounds went.
First, as you know, I have starting running. Although I only have a distance PR of 1.5 miles, I run three days a week. I think that has a lot to do with my weight loss.
Second, I cross-train, I have a Stretch and a Strengthen routin that I do on days I'm not running.
Third, I'm also watching what I eat. Here is what I usually eat in a day:
Breakfast: 100% Whole-Wheat Honey Bagel with a little honey - ~300 Cal.
Lunch: Soups - I keep the soups around ~110 Cal. per serving, I have two servings
Dinner: ~8 oz. portion of Chicken, Fish or Beef, push a vegi or baked potato: ~500-700 Cal.
Snacks: I have two (sometimes three) snacks throughout day. I eat trail-mix or 100 Cal. packs. For the trail-mixes, I look for serving sizes to be about 1/4 cup at about ~150 Cal.
So, that is where the 20 pounds went.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Distance PR! 1.5 Miles!
1.5 Miles... 39 Degrees... 18 MPH SE Winds...
Today I ran outside for the first time!
I also had my longest non-stop run: 1.5 miles...
...Okay so I had to stop for a minute, because I little dog started chasing me. As soon as I stopped and turned to look at him, he got scared...lol. I stood there watching his owner run around trying to get the dog to go inside. Every time time I started running, he would come after me.
I think I'm going to starting carrying Pepper Spray. Now I wasn't freightened by this dog, but was anouyed that he wasn't on a lesh and I had to stop running. What I am nevious about, is I saw a couple bigger dogs in fences...one was a Pitbull. No offence to Pitbull owners, but we have had several attacks in our area lately!
I donned my recently purchased tights and long sleeve base layer. Over that I had on Shorts and a running shirt.
Things I learned:
1. When the weather channel says, “Feels like 30,” they mean “Feels Really Cold!
2. When the weather channel says, “18 mph wind,” they mean "Very Windy!
3. I need to invest in running gloves, hands were really cold.
4. I need to invest in a running jacket. The wind cut thought the Shirts.
5. Need to wear something over my ears, when its cold and windy.
6. The end of our street floods when it rains really hard the night before.
7. I run faster outside.
8. It seems easier to run outside...who knew? Why is this?
9. It started to sprinkle and I didn't care
10. My New Shoes feel Great!
11. I'm glad I got tights.
12 . What it feels like to run outside when its cold, wet and windy: Fantastic!
Oh, yea...Dogs like to chase you.
Today I ran outside for the first time!
I also had my longest non-stop run: 1.5 miles...
...Okay so I had to stop for a minute, because I little dog started chasing me. As soon as I stopped and turned to look at him, he got scared...lol. I stood there watching his owner run around trying to get the dog to go inside. Every time time I started running, he would come after me.
I think I'm going to starting carrying Pepper Spray. Now I wasn't freightened by this dog, but was anouyed that he wasn't on a lesh and I had to stop running. What I am nevious about, is I saw a couple bigger dogs in fences...one was a Pitbull. No offence to Pitbull owners, but we have had several attacks in our area lately!
I donned my recently purchased tights and long sleeve base layer. Over that I had on Shorts and a running shirt.
Things I learned:
1. When the weather channel says, “Feels like 30,” they mean “Feels Really Cold!
2. When the weather channel says, “18 mph wind,” they mean "Very Windy!
3. I need to invest in running gloves, hands were really cold.
4. I need to invest in a running jacket. The wind cut thought the Shirts.
5. Need to wear something over my ears, when its cold and windy.
6. The end of our street floods when it rains really hard the night before.
7. I run faster outside.
8. It seems easier to run outside...who knew? Why is this?
9. It started to sprinkle and I didn't care
10. My New Shoes feel Great!
11. I'm glad I got tights.
12 . What it feels like to run outside when its cold, wet and windy: Fantastic!
Oh, yea...Dogs like to chase you.
Registered For My First 5k Today
Today I registered for my first 5k, however there has been a slight change in plans. Instead of making the ARBOR DAY 5K my first 5k, I'm going to run in the Blarney Stone 5k on March 17th.
Pat and BryanM suggested I run/walk a 5k in March, even though I won't be able to run the 5k completely. Per my plan, I should be able to run the first 2.25 miles. I'll then alternate running and walking to the finish line.
I'm really excited! I can't wait for the 5k. It will be my first race ever!
Pat and BryanM suggested I run/walk a 5k in March, even though I won't be able to run the 5k completely. Per my plan, I should be able to run the first 2.25 miles. I'll then alternate running and walking to the finish line.
I'm really excited! I can't wait for the 5k. It will be my first race ever!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Second Annual Arbor Day 5K
Everyone has been telling me that I need to train for and run a few 5k's, before I attempt the Half-Marathon in Sept. Well, I think I found the first 5k that I'm going to run in. It will be the
Second Annual ARBOR DAY 5K in Historic Nebraska City, the Home of Arbor Day.
Once part of J. Sterling Morton’s estate, the trial highlights many acres Morton and his family planted and nurtured for years. The run begins at the Nebraska City High School, traversing a portion of Steinhart Park, Arbor Day Farm and through the amazing Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.
The race is on April 28, 2007 and starts at 8:30 am. If you are near the area, you should look into the race. The area that the race goes through is really beautiful!
They have not posted the information on the net yet, but you can contact Lori Sterling the Project Coordinator of NC Tourism & Commerce, Inc. at loris@nebraskacity.com
Second Annual ARBOR DAY 5K in Historic Nebraska City, the Home of Arbor Day.
Once part of J. Sterling Morton’s estate, the trial highlights many acres Morton and his family planted and nurtured for years. The run begins at the Nebraska City High School, traversing a portion of Steinhart Park, Arbor Day Farm and through the amazing Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.
The race is on April 28, 2007 and starts at 8:30 am. If you are near the area, you should look into the race. The area that the race goes through is really beautiful!
They have not posted the information on the net yet, but you can contact Lori Sterling the Project Coordinator of NC Tourism & Commerce, Inc. at loris@nebraskacity.com
Still No Running
Even though I feel a lot better, I'm still waiting to run until Saturday. Hopefully, if everything feels good, I'll be running outside of the first time! I have already planned my run using MapMyRun.com.
The only other thing worth mentioning right now, is I lost another pound. I weighed in at 198.8 this morning. It is nice to see the pounds coming off. Especially after a put a couple on over the weekend. It is hard to diet when traveling!
Well, I'll keep everyone posted on how things are going and if I run on Saturday.
The only other thing worth mentioning right now, is I lost another pound. I weighed in at 198.8 this morning. It is nice to see the pounds coming off. Especially after a put a couple on over the weekend. It is hard to diet when traveling!
Well, I'll keep everyone posted on how things are going and if I run on Saturday.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Map My Run
OK, I have found the coolest site! MapMyRun.com
I do have to credit letsrun10keveryday for his post at the Runner's Worlds Beginner's Forum:
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/608106477/m/2151025542
At Map My Run, you can pull up a map of your area, then plan your run. Once you have it laid out, it will tell you how far your planned run will be! It is excellent, because I do not have a GPS unit and do not feel like driving around checking the distance.
I will have to admit, I have not run outside yet. But that is going to change very soon!
I do have to credit letsrun10keveryday for his post at the Runner's Worlds Beginner's Forum:
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/608106477/m/2151025542
At Map My Run, you can pull up a map of your area, then plan your run. Once you have it laid out, it will tell you how far your planned run will be! It is excellent, because I do not have a GPS unit and do not feel like driving around checking the distance.
I will have to admit, I have not run outside yet. But that is going to change very soon!
No Running Until Saturday : (
Well, my groin feels a lot better than it did this morning. However, I'm not going to let that trick me. I have decided not to run until Saturday. I'm still going to do my upper body weight training, but not the lower body.
This is my first set back and I realized, that I cannot be a true runner, unless I'm smart enough to take the rest I need.
This is my first set back and I realized, that I cannot be a true runner, unless I'm smart enough to take the rest I need.
Setback
Last week, I had this pain in my groin. It was getting better, then this weekend (after being in a car for over 16 hours) it came back. Well today, using my new New Balance 857's, I stopped 2 minutes into the run. I'm really bummed.
Today I was suppose to run 1.5 miles (I'm a beginner). As soon as I started running, it just didn't feel right and I could tell my stride was not the same.
Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm not going to run until Thursday or maybe even Sat., to see what happens.
BTW, the new shoes felt great!
Thanks!
Today I was suppose to run 1.5 miles (I'm a beginner). As soon as I started running, it just didn't feel right and I could tell my stride was not the same.
Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm not going to run until Thursday or maybe even Sat., to see what happens.
BTW, the new shoes felt great!
Thanks!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
New Running First
Well, today I had a runner first. I went to a professional running store and got fitted for running shoes. This is a first for me. My current pair of shoes came from Foot Locker and I got them based on price...cheap!
After walking, standing, measuring and probing (just joking), they came out with seven boxes of shoes. For those of you that have never been fitted for shoes, here is what happens. Once inspecting your feet and stride, they determine what kind of shoe you need. In my case, I found out I needed a Stability shoe. They then bring out several brands of that type of shoe.
Here is the fun part. They put one brand on one foot, then another brand on the other foot. They have you walk around a bit, then have you tell them what you like and dislike about both. Then, they have you tell them which one of the two you think you like best. After you choose the one you like, they take the one you do not like off, then put on another brand, leaving on the one that you liked the first time around. They repeat this process, until you have tried on all the brands they brought out.
Now, two things that I have been told and read about: Never buy a shoe buy looks, price, ad or brand name. Buy the shoe because it feels the best on your feet!
Well, the New Balance 857 felt best for me:
After walking, standing, measuring and probing (just joking), they came out with seven boxes of shoes. For those of you that have never been fitted for shoes, here is what happens. Once inspecting your feet and stride, they determine what kind of shoe you need. In my case, I found out I needed a Stability shoe. They then bring out several brands of that type of shoe.
Here is the fun part. They put one brand on one foot, then another brand on the other foot. They have you walk around a bit, then have you tell them what you like and dislike about both. Then, they have you tell them which one of the two you think you like best. After you choose the one you like, they take the one you do not like off, then put on another brand, leaving on the one that you liked the first time around. They repeat this process, until you have tried on all the brands they brought out.
Now, two things that I have been told and read about: Never buy a shoe buy looks, price, ad or brand name. Buy the shoe because it feels the best on your feet!
Well, the New Balance 857 felt best for me:
I know they look a little cluncky, but they felt really good. They are snug around my heels, but there is plenty of room for my toes. They have a lot of cushion, too. I had to buy inserts for my current pair of shoes.
Any ways, I think tomorrow I'm goin back and getting them. I wanted to look online and look at reviews and compare pricing. They retail for $95, but I can get them for $81.50. That's about $5 less then what I have found online, plus no shipping! Also, I have read nothing but great reviews on them.
I'll let you know if I get them!
On the Road
Today we are in Iowa City, traveling to Chi Town to visit my brother-in-law. I got up this morning and did my 1.25 mile run. It was a really good run. Very smooth and I felt I could go longer, but I didn't want to over do it.
My goal for this trip, is to eat as healthy as I can. So far, so good.
My goal for this trip, is to eat as healthy as I can. So far, so good.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Under 200
I broke the 200 mark today! I weighed in at 199.4. That's a total of 16 pounds lost since 1/1/07!
Also, here is a link to a Before and After thread on Runner's World's Beginner's Forum. You'll need to register to see it, but it is worth it. The photos are pure motivation!
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/608106477/m/4231040442
Also, here is a link to a Before and After thread on Runner's World's Beginner's Forum. You'll need to register to see it, but it is worth it. The photos are pure motivation!
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/608106477/m/4231040442
Thursday, February 15, 2007
BMI, Schmee-Em-I
"A senior at Hanover College in Madison, Ind., Giles Garrison has spent nearly half of his life playing football. When his team’s 2006 season ended late last fall, so did Garrison’s career.
Even so, the former offensive lineman can bench 415 pounds and run the 40-yard dash in 5.2 seconds. Not too shabby, by all accounts, and even Garrison’s friends seem impressed.
“He’s a physical specimen. Just rock solid,” a male friend offers and three others quickly agree.
But according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s calculations, Garrison, 21, is not in shape; he’s obese. Standing just a hair above 6 feet tall and weighing 255 pounds, the young man’s body mass index (BMI) is 34.6." (Click here to read the rest of the article from MSN.com)
Okay, I know that I am overweight, but I don't think I need to be under 165 pounds, as the BMI suggests. I was once under 175, I was so small, friends and family will tell you that I looked like a cancer patient. Part of that my have been not eating right (or not eating enough...college). But I know that is just too small for my body.
So how do you figure out what you should weigh? Well, don't think about it that way. There's two numbers that I have read to look at.
1. Body Fat Percentage - is an estimate of the fraction of the total body mass that is adipose tissue (or referred to as Fat Mass), as opposed to lean body mass (muscle, bone, organ tissue, blood, and everything else) or referred to as Fat Free Mass.
According to Wikipedia, "The percentage for women is greater than that for men, due to the demands of childbearing and other hormonal functions." The recommenced percentage for women is 20-21%, but up to 31% is acceptable. The recommended percentage for men is 13-17%, but up to 25% is acceptable.
NOTE: You can get a hand-held unit for under $15 at target. It may not be the best or have all the bells and whistles that more pricier models have, but it will get you started.
2. Waist-to-Hip ratio - is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. It measures the proportion by which fat is distributed around the torso.
According to Wikipedia: "A waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of 0.7 for women and 0.9 for men have been shown to correlate strongly with general health and fertility. Women within the 0.7 range have optimal levels of estrogen and are less susceptible to major diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and ovarian cancers. Men with WHRs around 0.9, similarly, have been shown to be more healthy and fertile with less prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
WHR is a better measure of assessing a person’s risk of heart attack than Body mass index (BMI). If obesity is redefined using WHR instead of BMI, the proportion of people at risk of heart attack worldwide increases threefold."
Personally, I am throwing out the old BMI calculation. Instead of determining a weight goal, I have decided to set a Body Fat Percentage goal of 18%. To see if I'm Healthy, I'm using WHR!
Even so, the former offensive lineman can bench 415 pounds and run the 40-yard dash in 5.2 seconds. Not too shabby, by all accounts, and even Garrison’s friends seem impressed.
“He’s a physical specimen. Just rock solid,” a male friend offers and three others quickly agree.
But according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s calculations, Garrison, 21, is not in shape; he’s obese. Standing just a hair above 6 feet tall and weighing 255 pounds, the young man’s body mass index (BMI) is 34.6." (Click here to read the rest of the article from MSN.com)
Okay, I know that I am overweight, but I don't think I need to be under 165 pounds, as the BMI suggests. I was once under 175, I was so small, friends and family will tell you that I looked like a cancer patient. Part of that my have been not eating right (or not eating enough...college). But I know that is just too small for my body.
So how do you figure out what you should weigh? Well, don't think about it that way. There's two numbers that I have read to look at.
1. Body Fat Percentage - is an estimate of the fraction of the total body mass that is adipose tissue (or referred to as Fat Mass), as opposed to lean body mass (muscle, bone, organ tissue, blood, and everything else) or referred to as Fat Free Mass.
According to Wikipedia, "The percentage for women is greater than that for men, due to the demands of childbearing and other hormonal functions." The recommenced percentage for women is 20-21%, but up to 31% is acceptable. The recommended percentage for men is 13-17%, but up to 25% is acceptable.
NOTE: You can get a hand-held unit for under $15 at target. It may not be the best or have all the bells and whistles that more pricier models have, but it will get you started.
2. Waist-to-Hip ratio - is the ratio of the circumference of the waist to that of the hips. It measures the proportion by which fat is distributed around the torso.
According to Wikipedia: "A waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of 0.7 for women and 0.9 for men have been shown to correlate strongly with general health and fertility. Women within the 0.7 range have optimal levels of estrogen and are less susceptible to major diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and ovarian cancers. Men with WHRs around 0.9, similarly, have been shown to be more healthy and fertile with less prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
WHR is a better measure of assessing a person’s risk of heart attack than Body mass index (BMI). If obesity is redefined using WHR instead of BMI, the proportion of people at risk of heart attack worldwide increases threefold."
Personally, I am throwing out the old BMI calculation. Instead of determining a weight goal, I have decided to set a Body Fat Percentage goal of 18%. To see if I'm Healthy, I'm using WHR!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Forgive Me, For I Have Sinned
My will-power wavered today and I sinned. I committed four Sins.
1. The cupcake I had after lunch.
2. The chips I had about an hour later.
3. The small Sloppy Joe I had after the chips.
4. The second larger Sloppy Joe I had after the first one.
Lord, Please forgive me for losing my strength and falling victim to unhealthy food. Please help me get back on track and keep my will-power strong, Amen.
I know from time to time, there will be moments of weakness. We all have them. The test then, is to get back on track. This is not the first time that my will-power has wavered. I have recovered before and I beleive I can recover again.
Please ask the Lord to answer my prayer.
1. The cupcake I had after lunch.
2. The chips I had about an hour later.
3. The small Sloppy Joe I had after the chips.
4. The second larger Sloppy Joe I had after the first one.
Lord, Please forgive me for losing my strength and falling victim to unhealthy food. Please help me get back on track and keep my will-power strong, Amen.
I know from time to time, there will be moments of weakness. We all have them. The test then, is to get back on track. This is not the first time that my will-power has wavered. I have recovered before and I beleive I can recover again.
Please ask the Lord to answer my prayer.
Oh, What a Feeling
This morning, I really didn't want to get out of bed. Did not want to! I hit the snooze, then hit it again, then once more. I was tired and comfortable where I was. I did not want to leave the warmth and security, that is bed. But I did.
I did get out of bed. I did leave the warmth. I did do my Strength workout. Oh, how glad I am I did. It is amazing how working out boosts your energy and mood. This morning I felt like crap! Now I feel strong, refreshed and ready to meet the day.
Next time you don't want to get out of bed to run or cross-train, remember how good you are going to feel after you are done. It is incredible!
I did get out of bed. I did leave the warmth. I did do my Strength workout. Oh, how glad I am I did. It is amazing how working out boosts your energy and mood. This morning I felt like crap! Now I feel strong, refreshed and ready to meet the day.
Next time you don't want to get out of bed to run or cross-train, remember how good you are going to feel after you are done. It is incredible!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Goal Reached - 1.25+ miles non-stop
So my goal for today was to run 1.25 miles non-stop.
I did it!
Not only did I reach my goal, but I exceeded it...by accident. After my warm up I was at .38 of a mile. I was to then add 1.25 to that amount, so I would know where to stop. So, it was supposed to be 1.63. I miscalculated the addition in my head and thought I was to run 1.66. It wasn't too much further, but it is still more than Ithought I was going to do.
It feels really good to know, not only did I reach my goal, but I went further!
I did it!
Not only did I reach my goal, but I exceeded it...by accident. After my warm up I was at .38 of a mile. I was to then add 1.25 to that amount, so I would know where to stop. So, it was supposed to be 1.63. I miscalculated the addition in my head and thought I was to run 1.66. It wasn't too much further, but it is still more than Ithought I was going to do.
It feels really good to know, not only did I reach my goal, but I went further!
Training Plan
Okay, So I thought I would share my training plan. I took Hal Higdon's beginner plans, then modified them, so that they would be more comfortable for me. My goal for this year is to run my first half-marathon. I have put in some 5Ks and a 10K.
Please let me know what you think!
Please let me know what you think!
*S&S = Stretch and Strengthen - No running, unless there is a number in front of it.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Quote of the Week
"The runner does not run because he is too slight for football, or hasn't the ability to put a ball through a hoop, or can't hit a curve ball. He runs because he has to. Because in being a runner, in moving through pain and fatigue and suffering, in imposing stress upon stress, in eliminating all but the necessities of life, he is fulfilling himself and becoming the person he is."
-Dr. George Sheehan
Over 15 Gone
I have lost over 15 pounds!!!!
This morning I got on the scale and was amazed. I weighed in at 200 pounds! I have lost 15.4 pounds, since I started running at the first of the year. On Jan. 1st., 2007, I was 215.4 pounds. I know that I still have a ways to go, but it feels really good to be down.
The only questions is, how much should I weigh? I will be covering that in an up coming post.
This morning I got on the scale and was amazed. I weighed in at 200 pounds! I have lost 15.4 pounds, since I started running at the first of the year. On Jan. 1st., 2007, I was 215.4 pounds. I know that I still have a ways to go, but it feels really good to be down.
The only questions is, how much should I weigh? I will be covering that in an up coming post.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Why am I posting this...Just because!
I know this is not running related, but I just wanted to share this. I saw the Oscar Meyer Wiener Mobile tonight!!!! It was great, I just wish I had a camera!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Voice in My Head
So, I had an enlightening experience this morning. I woke up before the alarm went off and was almost ready to run. I say almost, because being new to running, I haven't gotten to the point where I enjoy running. Don't get me wrong, every day I'm starting to enjoy it more and more, but I don't jump out of bed and say, “Yes! I'm going to run!” There is still a little dread left in my mind when getting up, but it is getting easier though.
So I get dressed and start my warm up. Immediately, I feel different. The dread is there, but not as much as normal. I do a mental body check and everything is feeling good. I don't have any of the first five minute doubts or any unexplained feelings. I found myself thinking, today is going to be a good day. Then it started...
Before I tell you what happened, let me just inform you that I have just finished reading John “The Penguin” Bingham's book “No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running.” I must tell you this is an excellent book. If you are thinking about getting into running or if you are a beginner, this is a must read.
In it he talks about firing your inner critic. He tells a story of a particular race where the voice inside of his head changed and he could start to hear faint sounds of encouragement. I'm not going to tell you his story, but I will tell you it starts on page 175 of the copy that I own. He also asks, “What kind of voices do you hear inside your own mind?”After thinking about it a bit, I knew most of the time, they were not really positive voices. So, I decided I would try to make those voices positive, not negative as in the past.
So I just finished the book a couple days earlier, and here is what happened. The voice inside my head changed and I wasn't even trying to change it!. I no longer heard: “Why are you doing this?” “Stop, you are not a runner,” “ Your body is not meant for this,” etc.
I started hearing: “Wow, you're looking good,” “Keep it up, you're doing great,” “You are now a runner,” etc. They were words of encouragement. The were motivating me to finish the work-out, to get to the end of the one mile mark. They made it the easiest run this year! Looking back, I don't think that I ever had those positive words in my head before. Sure I've ran longer than a mile before, but I never had the mental encouragement that was there today. It was amazing! So much so, that I now know, I am a runner.
I'm asking everyone to listen to the voices in your head when you are running. What are they saying? Are they encouraging, or are they negative? If they are negative, try to replace them with motivating words. Trust me, if you do, your next run may be one of your best runs yet.
So I get dressed and start my warm up. Immediately, I feel different. The dread is there, but not as much as normal. I do a mental body check and everything is feeling good. I don't have any of the first five minute doubts or any unexplained feelings. I found myself thinking, today is going to be a good day. Then it started...
Before I tell you what happened, let me just inform you that I have just finished reading John “The Penguin” Bingham's book “No Need for Speed: A Beginner's Guide to the Joy of Running.” I must tell you this is an excellent book. If you are thinking about getting into running or if you are a beginner, this is a must read.
In it he talks about firing your inner critic. He tells a story of a particular race where the voice inside of his head changed and he could start to hear faint sounds of encouragement. I'm not going to tell you his story, but I will tell you it starts on page 175 of the copy that I own. He also asks, “What kind of voices do you hear inside your own mind?”After thinking about it a bit, I knew most of the time, they were not really positive voices. So, I decided I would try to make those voices positive, not negative as in the past.
So I just finished the book a couple days earlier, and here is what happened. The voice inside my head changed and I wasn't even trying to change it!. I no longer heard: “Why are you doing this?” “Stop, you are not a runner,” “ Your body is not meant for this,” etc.
I started hearing: “Wow, you're looking good,” “Keep it up, you're doing great,” “You are now a runner,” etc. They were words of encouragement. The were motivating me to finish the work-out, to get to the end of the one mile mark. They made it the easiest run this year! Looking back, I don't think that I ever had those positive words in my head before. Sure I've ran longer than a mile before, but I never had the mental encouragement that was there today. It was amazing! So much so, that I now know, I am a runner.
I'm asking everyone to listen to the voices in your head when you are running. What are they saying? Are they encouraging, or are they negative? If they are negative, try to replace them with motivating words. Trust me, if you do, your next run may be one of your best runs yet.
I am a Beginner.
I have been trying to start running off and on for about three years now. I would have never called myself a runner, but have started many running plans. I never had a problem starting them, it was following them that didn't work. Well, at the first of the year (Jan. 2, 2007), I decided to try again. But this time, I made my own plan.
I reviewed other plans that were out there. I did not follow what someone said in a book, website or magazine, but I used them as guidance. See, in the past, all of the plans that I followed progressed too fast for me. I would get to a certain point in a plan only to give up, because I couldn't keep up. This time I put pride aside and modified some plans to come up with my own half-marathon training plan.
So far it is working great! I'm on day 40 and I'm not pushing myself too hard or too fast. I'm increasing my mileage, when I feel like it is right for me, not when someone else thinks it should be increased.
If you are a beginner, I suggest you use all those plans that you have found, seen or purchased and customize them to you and your level. If the plan is moving too fast, slow it down. If it says to increase your run by a quarter of a mile, increase it by an eighth. Put pride aside and do what feels good to you.
I reviewed other plans that were out there. I did not follow what someone said in a book, website or magazine, but I used them as guidance. See, in the past, all of the plans that I followed progressed too fast for me. I would get to a certain point in a plan only to give up, because I couldn't keep up. This time I put pride aside and modified some plans to come up with my own half-marathon training plan.
So far it is working great! I'm on day 40 and I'm not pushing myself too hard or too fast. I'm increasing my mileage, when I feel like it is right for me, not when someone else thinks it should be increased.
If you are a beginner, I suggest you use all those plans that you have found, seen or purchased and customize them to you and your level. If the plan is moving too fast, slow it down. If it says to increase your run by a quarter of a mile, increase it by an eighth. Put pride aside and do what feels good to you.
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