1:12:13 That's the time it took to compete a 6.27 mile run through semi-now covered streets this morning.
I'm pretty proud of accomplishing that task. I was looking for a five mile run. I felt pretty good in terms of breathing keeping the pace slow, looking towards time on my feet over speed. With the weather we have had these past few weeks, and more snow on the way I'm ahead of where I was hoping to be. Initial realistic goal was to make five miles on the road by mid February.
Still very concerned about my foot; dealing with the heel pain and morning stiffness from the plantar faciitis. I am realizing that in order to run more efficiently/effectively I will have to drop several pounds, as this is my real objective I am not phased by this, it is more the how that concerns me. In the past I needed only to be active to keep my weight under control. Active meant running.
I am not twenty something any longer and I find my little brain telling me that I deserve not to have to workout, rather you should be sitting around slugging beers and watch sports on TV. --- then I see what my father is doing. Sitting around watching TV and getting older every day. I won't do that. No I won't do that.
I'll continue to shuffle on down the road.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Milestone reached early
We had another snow day today. Best part is that the snow stopped early and the roads were cleared quickly.
I go tot the gym and ran 6 miles on the treadmill in under 63 minutes. I amazed myself a little and am looking forward to better weather in a few weeks so I can start training outdoors again, We have signed up for a 5K in March but I think something earlier will be needed. Looking at 10K in April and could be on a good track to make that half marathon before my birthday.
First I need to lose the weight then I can focus more on the running. Distances and speed will improve over time with running and losing a few more pounds, I decided not to get on the scale until I drop down a couple of pants sizes.
In the meantime I will need to get that core training working and I will continue with weights in the days between the runs,
Shuffling forward.
I go tot the gym and ran 6 miles on the treadmill in under 63 minutes. I amazed myself a little and am looking forward to better weather in a few weeks so I can start training outdoors again, We have signed up for a 5K in March but I think something earlier will be needed. Looking at 10K in April and could be on a good track to make that half marathon before my birthday.
First I need to lose the weight then I can focus more on the running. Distances and speed will improve over time with running and losing a few more pounds, I decided not to get on the scale until I drop down a couple of pants sizes.
In the meantime I will need to get that core training working and I will continue with weights in the days between the runs,
Shuffling forward.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Back in the saddle again
Yesterday was an anomally. Less the the fever and chills I would have sworn I had the flu yesterday. Took some medicine and wound up resting around the house all morning. Got out to the gym after clearing off the vehicles and did a fair lifting session. I'm glad I made it otherwise I would have been looking a two consecutive days of little to no activity.Thursday evening I did play 18 holes of indoor golf on a simulator. Some activity though not very strenuous.
This morning I felt determined to run two miles in order to keep up with my 30 in 30 Challenge. Running outdoors is always a possibility, though with the temperature below freezing (and this being projected as the warmest day for a few) I decided to continue my acclimating to the treadmill. Set for 5.5 mph at an incline of 2 off I went, and hour later I still felt pretty good, tired but a good tired.
Now that I am three week into this again the habits are starting to solidify themselves and I am feeling like I am making progress. We watched The Biggest Loser this week and still find it hard to come to grips with people letting themselves get that large. I know in my own case it sort of creeps up on you a pound a month or so for a while. Two months later and ten pounds heavier, it jumps to a pound and a half a week, then two pound a week. No excuses, changes in habits. Less physical activity and more junk foods.
Junk foods are not always chips, soda and cakes, they can be a box of mac and cheese, I mean a whole box! Fried foods full of fats that taste so good. Fat is full of flavor. I need to review what I learned from the book Te End of Over Eating in America. My wife and I are lucky enough to be able to go out for a meal here and there. I almost never eat all of what is presented. The portions are probably doable, but they are definitely more than necessary.
Changing habits takes a commitment. I need to get better at selecting the food I eat all day long. Get a few more healthy snacks stocked around the kitchen and remember that I am doing this.
This morning I felt determined to run two miles in order to keep up with my 30 in 30 Challenge. Running outdoors is always a possibility, though with the temperature below freezing (and this being projected as the warmest day for a few) I decided to continue my acclimating to the treadmill. Set for 5.5 mph at an incline of 2 off I went, and hour later I still felt pretty good, tired but a good tired.
Now that I am three week into this again the habits are starting to solidify themselves and I am feeling like I am making progress. We watched The Biggest Loser this week and still find it hard to come to grips with people letting themselves get that large. I know in my own case it sort of creeps up on you a pound a month or so for a while. Two months later and ten pounds heavier, it jumps to a pound and a half a week, then two pound a week. No excuses, changes in habits. Less physical activity and more junk foods.
Junk foods are not always chips, soda and cakes, they can be a box of mac and cheese, I mean a whole box! Fried foods full of fats that taste so good. Fat is full of flavor. I need to review what I learned from the book Te End of Over Eating in America. My wife and I are lucky enough to be able to go out for a meal here and there. I almost never eat all of what is presented. The portions are probably doable, but they are definitely more than necessary.
Changing habits takes a commitment. I need to get better at selecting the food I eat all day long. Get a few more healthy snacks stocked around the kitchen and remember that I am doing this.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Sick but not stopped
I don't feel well. Actually I've had a cold for a few days now and today I hit the wall. So tired, slept or dozed most of the morning. Fortunately it coincided with a snow day.
I am blessed to have a wonderful wife who takes care of me (though I have a hard time letting anyone take care or me). Made it out to the gym for a warm up and a short weight lifting session today. So the streak goes on.
I am not full of witticisms today. Snow, cold with a cold and tired.
I am blessed to have a wonderful wife who takes care of me (though I have a hard time letting anyone take care or me). Made it out to the gym for a warm up and a short weight lifting session today. So the streak goes on.
I am not full of witticisms today. Snow, cold with a cold and tired.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
HIIT hits a little after the fact.
There those days when you fell like you are dragging yourself around. Today was not like that, today I was looking forward to the afternoon workout. I sat out yesterday and never felt totally settled. This morning was a delayed start at work due to last yesterday's snow storm. That also equated to having to digging out the vehicle for work to start the day.
By the end of work my heel was hurting pretty good. I'm still sorting out what footwear works and which pairs shoes have to go. I have a candidate for going out. When I got home I couldn't wait to get my shoes off and message my poor heel. As I started preparing to go to the gym She Who Must Be Obeyed came in from her walk outdoors with a friend of hers. She then inquired as to whether or not I had already been to the gym. I hadn't and was just getting ready. She asked if I minded if she joined me. Her walk was too short and she needed more.
Off we went. She climb on the elliptical and I headed to a treadmill. My work out had me travelling 2.5 miles in 28 minutes. A two minute walking session followed by five minutes at 5.5 mph pace my projected half marathon pace (today). A minute at 8 mph back to 5.5 then 7.5 (2xs) 7.0(3xs) 5.5 for a while and top 8 to finish out the at the 2 mile mark. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) low or normal effort alternating with high intensity intervals H-L-H-L etc. I generally run a minute intervals because it is easier to change the treadmill. Outdoors I usually see thirty second intervals.
That is written in a confused manner, but then again this blog is more for me that you though I hope at point it proves useful or helpful.
By the end of work my heel was hurting pretty good. I'm still sorting out what footwear works and which pairs shoes have to go. I have a candidate for going out. When I got home I couldn't wait to get my shoes off and message my poor heel. As I started preparing to go to the gym She Who Must Be Obeyed came in from her walk outdoors with a friend of hers. She then inquired as to whether or not I had already been to the gym. I hadn't and was just getting ready. She asked if I minded if she joined me. Her walk was too short and she needed more.
Off we went. She climb on the elliptical and I headed to a treadmill. My work out had me travelling 2.5 miles in 28 minutes. A two minute walking session followed by five minutes at 5.5 mph pace my projected half marathon pace (today). A minute at 8 mph back to 5.5 then 7.5 (2xs) 7.0(3xs) 5.5 for a while and top 8 to finish out the at the 2 mile mark. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) low or normal effort alternating with high intensity intervals H-L-H-L etc. I generally run a minute intervals because it is easier to change the treadmill. Outdoors I usually see thirty second intervals.
That is written in a confused manner, but then again this blog is more for me that you though I hope at point it proves useful or helpful.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Snow Day #2
Another snow day, this time not able to get out to the gym due to ice. Besides not being able to sit still for long periods of time, I have difficulty sleeping.
Sleep patterns have gotten disrupted over these past couple of days. I find that when I exert significant energy as in yesterdays run, I fall asleep quickly and deeply, only to wake early feeling rested, two hours ahead of my alarm clock's ringing. On days like this when I am house bound I am not feeling tired at bedtime and have difficulty falling to sleep. Once out for the night it's a crap shoot when I'll rise.
So I will try to burn as much energy as possible between now and when I begin counting sheep. I shoot for a minimum 6 hours of sleep though find that 7 is good..
Ice and snow tomorrow - I will plan accordingly.
Sleep patterns have gotten disrupted over these past couple of days. I find that when I exert significant energy as in yesterdays run, I fall asleep quickly and deeply, only to wake early feeling rested, two hours ahead of my alarm clock's ringing. On days like this when I am house bound I am not feeling tired at bedtime and have difficulty falling to sleep. Once out for the night it's a crap shoot when I'll rise.
So I will try to burn as much energy as possible between now and when I begin counting sheep. I shoot for a minimum 6 hours of sleep though find that 7 is good..
Ice and snow tomorrow - I will plan accordingly.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday of a long weekend
Woke up this morning and discovered this link on msn.com. Fortunately for me I have discovered that I have already incorporated many of these into my lifestyle. There is always room for improvement as I well know. Making plans to progress and a renewed commitment to excellence in fitness for myself.
15 Habits from msn.com
Breakfast, a workout, and weather watching. It looks like snow possible tomorrow at the time of day that could cause a snow day. We already have a shortened week with final exams on Thursday and Friday. Can't control the weather, but do control whether or not I get to the gym.
In fact I did get to the gym and stepped up onto the treadmill. I completed 3.75 miles. A two minute walking warm up, 30 minutes at under 10 minute miles and four minutes of cool down. The start was a little challenging, but once I got going it felt good though a little harder than I was hoping.
It is strange that now I fear failing. That for some reason unbeknownst to be I will not complete a 5K. There is not rationale for this, none that I can think of that makes any sort of sense. I simply do not want to fail, and the logical reasoning of: not doing it at all means I can't fail because I never attempted it. Is somehow more powerful that the logic of: not trying is failing. Know I see how and why I may have ceased in the first place in my previous running regiments. (Except for the heel spur/plantar faciitis.)
Devil on one shoulder, angel on the other. After completing my run I wonder if I should have attempted to get the full four miles in or am I slacking off by finishing as I did. I do believe I did a little more than I had set out to do and should be content with my progress. Then I wonder if I am trying to make too much progress too quickly which may in turn reignite the tendinitis?
Mondays on long weekends get you thinking of all sorts of things.
15 Habits from msn.com
Breakfast, a workout, and weather watching. It looks like snow possible tomorrow at the time of day that could cause a snow day. We already have a shortened week with final exams on Thursday and Friday. Can't control the weather, but do control whether or not I get to the gym.
In fact I did get to the gym and stepped up onto the treadmill. I completed 3.75 miles. A two minute walking warm up, 30 minutes at under 10 minute miles and four minutes of cool down. The start was a little challenging, but once I got going it felt good though a little harder than I was hoping.
It is strange that now I fear failing. That for some reason unbeknownst to be I will not complete a 5K. There is not rationale for this, none that I can think of that makes any sort of sense. I simply do not want to fail, and the logical reasoning of: not doing it at all means I can't fail because I never attempted it. Is somehow more powerful that the logic of: not trying is failing. Know I see how and why I may have ceased in the first place in my previous running regiments. (Except for the heel spur/plantar faciitis.)
Devil on one shoulder, angel on the other. After completing my run I wonder if I should have attempted to get the full four miles in or am I slacking off by finishing as I did. I do believe I did a little more than I had set out to do and should be content with my progress. Then I wonder if I am trying to make too much progress too quickly which may in turn reignite the tendinitis?
Mondays on long weekends get you thinking of all sorts of things.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Divisional Playoff weekend
Start of a long weekend with MLK Day on Monday. It was also below freezing outside today so I decided it was time to move indoors this morning. A good move on my part I am proud of my decision. The only problem (if there is one at all) is getting adjusted to looking a the same scene for the duration of the run on the treadmill.
To get over the tedium I play little games with the controls. I am trying to teach myself to run longer distances by keeping the same pace for long periods of time. So for now it's incline angles. Lateron another day it will include speed as well - those are both physically challenging as well as more interesting to my brain.
Today the challenge was to run 5 continuous miles. I completed 5.5 in a tad less than an hour. Including a couple of minutes of walking for a warm up and again during a cool down the total came to 5.89 miles overall.
I felt pretty good during the run. Breathing was great and my body handled it well. I was a little light headed at the end, just enough to feel it but not noticeable to others. Wow, that was a good run for me. And I overcame the tedium in building time on my feet.
The time on my feet has led to new running shoes. The ones I was running in are two + years old so it was time for a change to protect my poor feet.
To get over the tedium I play little games with the controls. I am trying to teach myself to run longer distances by keeping the same pace for long periods of time. So for now it's incline angles. Lateron another day it will include speed as well - those are both physically challenging as well as more interesting to my brain.
Today the challenge was to run 5 continuous miles. I completed 5.5 in a tad less than an hour. Including a couple of minutes of walking for a warm up and again during a cool down the total came to 5.89 miles overall.
I felt pretty good during the run. Breathing was great and my body handled it well. I was a little light headed at the end, just enough to feel it but not noticeable to others. Wow, that was a good run for me. And I overcame the tedium in building time on my feet.
The time on my feet has led to new running shoes. The ones I was running in are two + years old so it was time for a change to protect my poor feet.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
2.9 ok
After working I ran a couple of errands to fix some banking issues. Then a run of nearly 3 miles in 31 minutes at a fairly comfortably pace.
It's Thursday evening and I'm tired tonight.
Still made it out the door and am better for it.
Nagging heel injury continues, as do I.
It's Thursday evening and I'm tired tonight.
Still made it out the door and am better for it.
Nagging heel injury continues, as do I.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Snow day
I changed my "recovery" run to yesterday due to an impending snow event here in New England. It did come and we have over 5 inches already this morning. With some good luck I may be able to get to the gym this afternoon/early evening for a weight training session.
Plan on spending today reading, resting up and preparing for the rest of the school week. Focusing on planning out a running/race plan. I will also research a developmental/incremental core strengthening plan.
Planning is easy - it's the execution that counts!
Plan on spending today reading, resting up and preparing for the rest of the school week. Focusing on planning out a running/race plan. I will also research a developmental/incremental core strengthening plan.
Planning is easy - it's the execution that counts!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Did it anyway
I did not want to go out and run today. I feel like I have left everything I have done thus far in my life to chance, that it would just remain as it was t the best place I left it. Tired from yesterday and I wanted to sit on my ass at home read while drinking beer I even ate an awful lunch to reinforce my potential and impending failure. I ran outdoors anyway!
Yeah for me. It is hard to keep to a plan that I internally want to best. Increase mileage by 10 percent appears reasonable and reachable, but I want more and more quickly. Mt latest mantra out on the road is "pace". I will have a lifetime on which to build if I remain true to making these changes a lifetime of experiences.
It can only happen with some support from outside my pea brain and allowing those around me to help, I am just too set in my ways at this point in my life to see it otherwise.
Every one count, for or against me,
Yeah for me. It is hard to keep to a plan that I internally want to best. Increase mileage by 10 percent appears reasonable and reachable, but I want more and more quickly. Mt latest mantra out on the road is "pace". I will have a lifetime on which to build if I remain true to making these changes a lifetime of experiences.
It can only happen with some support from outside my pea brain and allowing those around me to help, I am just too set in my ways at this point in my life to see it otherwise.
Every one count, for or against me,
Monday, January 10, 2011
It's next week
Week two and what's a boy to do?
The excuses mounted in my pea brain all day long. I wasn't even home and I could hear that devil on my shoulder tell me all the reasons I needed not to get out today. It's cold dude. You a can go tomorrow before the snow because you can't go out in the storm that's coming. You need to stop and listen to your wife tell you about her appointment today, that will take time a then it will be too late go.
I came home changed without thinking it out too much. Do I have the correct layers on, wool socks and gloves. Go now and get started,. It was a little tough, my heel hurts right now but I feel that "good tired" inside. 4.6 miles this afternoon.
Yesterday I joined a challenge from http://www.mapmyrun.com/ listed as the 30 in 30 Challenge, simply run 30 miles in 30 days. There are lots of options from running one mile a day for thirty days to running 30 miles in one day. I am looking at the moderately conservative approach of 8 to 12 miles a week for four weeks (actually building up from 12 a week to 20 a week over the month).
There are several internal concerns I am dealing with: plantar faciitis and a heel spur, adding weight lifting into the exercise routine, getting my diet in order and starting up a new class schedule. OK so the last one doesn't fit as smoothly as the others but if you teach you know what I mean. It involves dealing with outside activities that can cause stress. It is important to live in the moment, and as I do enjoy being a lone when I running, I still don't want it invaded on by stress.
There's the rub, exercise relieves stress, but stress conflicts with effective exercise.
Successful again, got out the door and returned safely.
The excuses mounted in my pea brain all day long. I wasn't even home and I could hear that devil on my shoulder tell me all the reasons I needed not to get out today. It's cold dude. You a can go tomorrow before the snow because you can't go out in the storm that's coming. You need to stop and listen to your wife tell you about her appointment today, that will take time a then it will be too late go.
I came home changed without thinking it out too much. Do I have the correct layers on, wool socks and gloves. Go now and get started,. It was a little tough, my heel hurts right now but I feel that "good tired" inside. 4.6 miles this afternoon.
Yesterday I joined a challenge from http://www.mapmyrun.com/ listed as the 30 in 30 Challenge, simply run 30 miles in 30 days. There are lots of options from running one mile a day for thirty days to running 30 miles in one day. I am looking at the moderately conservative approach of 8 to 12 miles a week for four weeks (actually building up from 12 a week to 20 a week over the month).
There are several internal concerns I am dealing with: plantar faciitis and a heel spur, adding weight lifting into the exercise routine, getting my diet in order and starting up a new class schedule. OK so the last one doesn't fit as smoothly as the others but if you teach you know what I mean. It involves dealing with outside activities that can cause stress. It is important to live in the moment, and as I do enjoy being a lone when I running, I still don't want it invaded on by stress.
There's the rub, exercise relieves stress, but stress conflicts with effective exercise.
Successful again, got out the door and returned safely.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Playoffs, can't stop right now.
Saturday morning and it wasn't snowing very much so I decided to go out for a run. Cool and comfortable, slow and easy resulting -> 4.3 miles.
Spent the remainder of the day fairly mentally alert and physically satisfied. As I continue this week I will need to remind myself that I am doing this for myself. Getting healthier and staying there is a goal I am committed to achieving and maintaining. Looking back on how I got to this point is only going to help if I use it to not repeat the same or similar mistakes.
Weighed in at 224 this morning. I expected to put on or maintain the weight despite the increased physical activity. This has occurred every time I began an exercise program. My body just doesn't want to give it up. I know after a week or so of daily activity seeing a weight gain can be disconcerting or discouraging but I'm "not gonna let it happen" that way.
My initial idea was to get to 5 miles by mid February, should be able to meet that, barring any foot problems. Need to increase both flexibility and core strength. Two things I must change and incorporate into my training. Reading Long Distance: Testing the Limits of Body and Spirit in a Year of Living Strenuously by Bill McKibben for motivation and insight on physiology.
Right now my thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Tuscon AZ dealing with the tragic incident there.
Spent the remainder of the day fairly mentally alert and physically satisfied. As I continue this week I will need to remind myself that I am doing this for myself. Getting healthier and staying there is a goal I am committed to achieving and maintaining. Looking back on how I got to this point is only going to help if I use it to not repeat the same or similar mistakes.
Weighed in at 224 this morning. I expected to put on or maintain the weight despite the increased physical activity. This has occurred every time I began an exercise program. My body just doesn't want to give it up. I know after a week or so of daily activity seeing a weight gain can be disconcerting or discouraging but I'm "not gonna let it happen" that way.
My initial idea was to get to 5 miles by mid February, should be able to meet that, barring any foot problems. Need to increase both flexibility and core strength. Two things I must change and incorporate into my training. Reading Long Distance: Testing the Limits of Body and Spirit in a Year of Living Strenuously by Bill McKibben for motivation and insight on physiology.
Right now my thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Tuscon AZ dealing with the tragic incident there.
Friday, January 7, 2011
TGIF
I don't often look forward to the end of the week. I usually fell Friday as valid and energized as Tuesday (no one truly looks to Monday with eager anticipation). Today however I am ready for the weekend to begin. Something about that first week of jumping into an exercise and fitness plan. Eagerly awaiting physical changes, anxious about the impending sore muscles and stiffness.
While I am pleased with the progress made this week I wonder ... about every thing that will come along and attempt to side track me. My motivation and purpose is simply me.
I want to succeed:
I want to run a half marathon.
I want to lose 40 pounds and
I want to lower my cholesterol.
Feeling fit and being able to bend over,
to tie my shoes without discomfort.
Moving gliding and travelling distances
on foot, enjoying every step.
To see my daughter and eventually
play with grandchildren when the time arrives.
Make love to my wife with being embarrassed
by my spare tire and love handles.
Today was weight lifting partially disrupted by a personal matter that was resolved.
TGIF and TGI over.
While I am pleased with the progress made this week I wonder ... about every thing that will come along and attempt to side track me. My motivation and purpose is simply me.
I want to succeed:
I want to run a half marathon.
I want to lose 40 pounds and
I want to lower my cholesterol.
Feeling fit and being able to bend over,
to tie my shoes without discomfort.
Moving gliding and travelling distances
on foot, enjoying every step.
To see my daughter and eventually
play with grandchildren when the time arrives.
Make love to my wife with being embarrassed
by my spare tire and love handles.
Today was weight lifting partially disrupted by a personal matter that was resolved.
TGIF and TGI over.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Moving isn't always as easy as it seems.
I honestly had difficulty today trying to remember what day of the week it was. Taking a day off yesterday was a good idea. Woke up and spent much of the day a little stiff and sore in the joints. Regardless of that I got out and ran (you say jogging I say tomatoes) this afternoon for four miles, felt pretty good at the end. Then played nine holes of indoor golf with my partner.
Now I need to start focusing on what I am putting into my body. Had a few beers last night and right now I don't think it was such a good idea. Otherwise I have been working on cutting out the fried foods (making solid progress), easing off the bagels for breakfast when I am too lazy to eat a proper breakfast and watching those snacks especially at night.
Looks like we are dodging the snow storm that all week long we have been informed that it would be measurable. Now it is a two day event totalling 2 - 5 inches.
I am going to make it to Friday. Short but direct ... I got out the door and ran today!
Now I need to start focusing on what I am putting into my body. Had a few beers last night and right now I don't think it was such a good idea. Otherwise I have been working on cutting out the fried foods (making solid progress), easing off the bagels for breakfast when I am too lazy to eat a proper breakfast and watching those snacks especially at night.
Looks like we are dodging the snow storm that all week long we have been informed that it would be measurable. Now it is a two day event totalling 2 - 5 inches.
I am going to make it to Friday. Short but direct ... I got out the door and ran today!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Paying attention and feeling guilty
I'm still here so I didn't hit the 355 million dollar lottery jackpot last night.
Yesterday's workout left me sore today, with a muscle pull in my upper back. Rested, by that I mean I did several errands I have been putting off and one I needed to get done today. Overall I am already starting to feel better and adjusting to the exercise. Funny even though I know my body was telling me that I needed to rest today I feel a bit guilty. I'm glad I do, but it's nearly bedtime and now it hits the hardest.
My energy and ability to focus has started to rebound. I was actually able to focus on a task this evening - creating a final exam for my students (I know they'll be happy that). My energy during the day is better and I honestly feel rejuvenated already. Back of my mind has half marathon, front has a caution sign flashing.
Tomorrow is a 5K plus run, and some indoor golf a little . I am so looking forward to the run.
Yesterday's workout left me sore today, with a muscle pull in my upper back. Rested, by that I mean I did several errands I have been putting off and one I needed to get done today. Overall I am already starting to feel better and adjusting to the exercise. Funny even though I know my body was telling me that I needed to rest today I feel a bit guilty. I'm glad I do, but it's nearly bedtime and now it hits the hardest.
My energy and ability to focus has started to rebound. I was actually able to focus on a task this evening - creating a final exam for my students (I know they'll be happy that). My energy during the day is better and I honestly feel rejuvenated already. Back of my mind has half marathon, front has a caution sign flashing.
Tomorrow is a 5K plus run, and some indoor golf a little . I am so looking forward to the run.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
So it hurts a little .. go or stay home?
Read a book titled The Long Run about Matt Long, a former firefighter from New York. He survived 9/11. Would you believe me if I told you that was the easy part? A couple of years later he was run over by a charter bus while riding his bicycle to work during a transit strike in New York City. The bike he was riding was embedded in him under the bus.
My heel hurts. While I do not advocate ignoring pain, I do advise against wimping out. Though I have a heel spur, the podiatrists I visited didn't appear concerned. One told me that most people have a heel spur and that it is nothing to be concerned about, the pain I was felling was actually plantar faciitis. My heel hurts all the time, still I wonder. After all they practice medicine, they don't play.
Today a trial of riding a stationary bike, lifting and running today. Overall a pretty good workout.
These past couple of nights I have slept better than I have in a while. Good.
My concern is getting the stomach acid in check, I know that as the fat around my mid-section increases my gastric distress increases. Hoping this doesn't last much longer.
My heel hurts. While I do not advocate ignoring pain, I do advise against wimping out. Though I have a heel spur, the podiatrists I visited didn't appear concerned. One told me that most people have a heel spur and that it is nothing to be concerned about, the pain I was felling was actually plantar faciitis. My heel hurts all the time, still I wonder. After all they practice medicine, they don't play.
Today a trial of riding a stationary bike, lifting and running today. Overall a pretty good workout.
These past couple of nights I have slept better than I have in a while. Good.
My concern is getting the stomach acid in check, I know that as the fat around my mid-section increases my gastric distress increases. Hoping this doesn't last much longer.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Me time
5K. Ran outdoors to spend a little time clearing my head. My computer screen is blank again so it is time to send it into the shop again. Second time in a month. Got home and found some sort of charge on my phone that I had to dispute with my service provider. I had to get a little belligerent but I did get it removed form my bill. The rep told me her supervisor was busy but would call be back in 24 - 48 hours if I would give her my phone number, I told the rep I would wait on the line. Why would the phone company that uses my phone number as an account number need me to give them my phone number so they could call me back? Two more attempts to get me to hang up failed and then they agreed to remove the charge.
I got dressed and out the door. By the end of the run I was refreshed and ready to continue with the afternoon. Sometimes it's the me time that I enjoy the most. Time alone with my music and my thoughts that allow me to reflect on the day's events and clear my mind so I can move into the things to yet come.
Today things are a little out of sorts as I am a bit tired. But feeling better overall.
off the couch and moving
I got dressed and out the door. By the end of the run I was refreshed and ready to continue with the afternoon. Sometimes it's the me time that I enjoy the most. Time alone with my music and my thoughts that allow me to reflect on the day's events and clear my mind so I can move into the things to yet come.
Today things are a little out of sorts as I am a bit tired. But feeling better overall.
off the couch and moving
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day of rest and preparation.
I have been looking into several programs to follow in this quest to get my weight under control. One suggestion in nearly all is that I take one day a week as a "day off." A day I do not have to focus on keeping everything in check. In the past when I worked on using these couple of programs, I found it very helpful and actually not wanting to"go hog wild" all day long.
While I take today off, and I usually plan it around days my team has a game, I nap, snack and recuperate from the week's work. Today however I am searching for a plan to incorporate weight lifting into my regiment. Understanding weight lifting plans and the jargon is a bit like trying to comprehend Klingon: sets, reps, max weight.
I fear this part as I don;t like those first day lifting when It causes muscle soreness and aches. I am telling myself that I will be easing myself into these workouts, much the same way I am gradually going to be increasing my running time and distance.
To compensate ie: get out the door, am cleaning part of the house. This is bigger than it sounds and I am usually not allowed to clean several areas around the house. It appears that I don't clean deeply enough ... two possible causes first I'm guy and I don't like to clean messes I didn't make, secondly I don't clean very well (this may or may not be intentional).
Tomorrow it is back to work and stopping at the gym on the way home.
Good luck getting out the door!
While I take today off, and I usually plan it around days my team has a game, I nap, snack and recuperate from the week's work. Today however I am searching for a plan to incorporate weight lifting into my regiment. Understanding weight lifting plans and the jargon is a bit like trying to comprehend Klingon: sets, reps, max weight.
I fear this part as I don;t like those first day lifting when It causes muscle soreness and aches. I am telling myself that I will be easing myself into these workouts, much the same way I am gradually going to be increasing my running time and distance.
To compensate ie: get out the door, am cleaning part of the house. This is bigger than it sounds and I am usually not allowed to clean several areas around the house. It appears that I don't clean deeply enough ... two possible causes first I'm guy and I don't like to clean messes I didn't make, secondly I don't clean very well (this may or may not be intentional).
Tomorrow it is back to work and stopping at the gym on the way home.
Good luck getting out the door!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
What great day!
I was riding home yesterday from doing some errands and Nickleback's song "If Today Were Your Last Day" came on. Of course with it being New Year's Eve it fit perfectly with my thinking about the impending year. What is it about our mortality and the "new year" that causes us to care? Shouldn't it be on our birthday that we reflect and recommit ourselves to what ever it is we resolve to quit on in the upcoming months. I don't see very many people returning to the gym in February as I do the middle three week in January.
What if today were my last day? Narrowed down and twisted a little to create a focus, what if the last day were caused by a lack of physical fitness?
"Gee Peter these gates are more pearly than I could have ever imagined?"
"Thank you Arthur we work hard on keeping the image here clean and tidy, OK then let me look this up, you are by way of a heart attack brought on by a cholesterol block caused by a diet rich in deep fried food, with no exercise to speak of in ... Oh my, quite a long time!"
"Yeah that sounds right, but here I am none the less. do I qualify for entry or am I off to the sweat lodge down stairs?"
He looks carefully at my file and reads my record. A few grunts, some chuckles"Oh no you didn't!" turns the last page of my heavenly file and gives me the final verdict, "You got it, but there is a little glitch you will need to rectify first. You see there is a clause in our agreement that you will take care of you body. Since you haven't completed that part you will need to meet these requirements before passing through the gates and into eternal bliss."
I am a little concerned as he hands over a sheet of paper with :
12% or less
2-4 pound a week maximum
handwritten on it.
"Mr. Peter sir what does this mean?" I am a little confused. He informed my that I would need to lose some the fat I decided to store on my body and I would have to do it losing no more than 2-4 pounds a week until i reached 12% body fat or less before I could enter. "So I just sit here outside the gates watching everyone come through until I make that goal?" At this point I am pretty anxious about getting started on heavenly pleasures.
"No that would be cruel, you will be placed in an environment that you are more accustomed to, a setting just like you left, until you meet your goal, you have an eternity to get it done, just like you believed on Earth. Only now you really do have eternity to get it done. You can put it off until tomorrow forever."
"Purgatory?" I question.
January 1, 2011 I am 5'10" tall and currently weigh 223 pounds. My cholesterol generally matches my weight. No really it does freak me out a bit. I have enjoyed beer and fried foods, very much this past couple of years probably to excess.
I have an account on MapMyRun.com and will be using a log to document eating habits and exercise patterns.
My lovely wife has signed us up for our first 5K on March 13.
Today I got out the door and ran 2.8 miles.
What if today were my last day? Narrowed down and twisted a little to create a focus, what if the last day were caused by a lack of physical fitness?
"Gee Peter these gates are more pearly than I could have ever imagined?"
"Thank you Arthur we work hard on keeping the image here clean and tidy, OK then let me look this up, you are by way of a heart attack brought on by a cholesterol block caused by a diet rich in deep fried food, with no exercise to speak of in ... Oh my, quite a long time!"
"Yeah that sounds right, but here I am none the less. do I qualify for entry or am I off to the sweat lodge down stairs?"
He looks carefully at my file and reads my record. A few grunts, some chuckles"Oh no you didn't!" turns the last page of my heavenly file and gives me the final verdict, "You got it, but there is a little glitch you will need to rectify first. You see there is a clause in our agreement that you will take care of you body. Since you haven't completed that part you will need to meet these requirements before passing through the gates and into eternal bliss."
I am a little concerned as he hands over a sheet of paper with :
12% or less
2-4 pound a week maximum
handwritten on it.
"Mr. Peter sir what does this mean?" I am a little confused. He informed my that I would need to lose some the fat I decided to store on my body and I would have to do it losing no more than 2-4 pounds a week until i reached 12% body fat or less before I could enter. "So I just sit here outside the gates watching everyone come through until I make that goal?" At this point I am pretty anxious about getting started on heavenly pleasures.
"No that would be cruel, you will be placed in an environment that you are more accustomed to, a setting just like you left, until you meet your goal, you have an eternity to get it done, just like you believed on Earth. Only now you really do have eternity to get it done. You can put it off until tomorrow forever."
"Purgatory?" I question.
January 1, 2011 I am 5'10" tall and currently weigh 223 pounds. My cholesterol generally matches my weight. No really it does freak me out a bit. I have enjoyed beer and fried foods, very much this past couple of years probably to excess.
I have an account on MapMyRun.com and will be using a log to document eating habits and exercise patterns.
My lovely wife has signed us up for our first 5K on March 13.
Today I got out the door and ran 2.8 miles.
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