Is this realistic?

[Waiting2goback]

I know a small treat isn't a bad thing. It just doesn't feel small. Compared to what I used to eat I realize a few chips is nothing. But, I was having so much trouble losing the last few months adding a chip here and there can't be helpful.

The calf is back to normal. My bike was broken and I got it fixed yesterday. So, I got out for a ride. That was GREAT. I love riding my bike. It's like my ZUMBA. I dread running until I get out there. I look forward to my bike rides.

Sorry to hear about your ears. Don't get HURT!

I leave tomorrow for vacation for a week. Not bringing the computer so I hope you have a good week and I will check back in when I get home.

 

[StayCool]

Enjoy your trip!!

Today was my 5 mile run/walk. For the first two miles I did run part of it. The last 3 miles I walked. I worked on keeping my pace steady as much as I could. I have found that if I focus on taking shorter steps I go faster. It feels almost choppy but it definitely makes a difference. Knees were a little sore but as soon as I got home they felt fine. My right arch is a bit sore and I'm probably going to give in and see a podiatrist at some point. All in all I'm continuing to see progress in my fitness so I'm happy. I'm not expecting to see any positive change on the scale this week because I definitely overindulged at my party yesterday. And I'm ok with that.

 

[StayCool]

Today was weigh in day and like I expected I was up. 1.2 lbs. I had been eating ok as far as meals go, but too much cake and ice cream in the evenings. So this week I need to focus on not only getting my exercise in, but controlling my snacking at night. I am good all day long until right before bed time. Time to rein it in.

This week will be a little tough for getting in my runs. My son has football camp in the evenings all week long and they are calling for thunderstorms. Blah. I guess that leaves the treadmill. I've really learned to love running outside which means I don't love the treadmill as much as I used too. lol Wednesday night will be Zumba. Friday the kids have an orthodontist appt. during my normal class time. My options are to go to the 5 am class (which stinks because I really like to sleep in!) or skip it. I will do my best to drag myself out of bed. Saturday is a graduation party, and Sunday is my 3 mile run. I'm following Galloway's plan and this is the first week I am supposed to do a miracle mile. I'm not really sure I understand the concept.

Yesterday my second stridebox came. Some more interesting things to check out. This time it had a water bottle as well. If I remember I will take a picture of the stuff tonight. I really haven't used too much out of the first box only because I haven't gotten to the point in my training where I really need that stuff. I'm kind of stock piling everything for when I do need it. lol

Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[StayCool]

Went to Zumba last night. Love the fact that I have a friend to go with and do not have to depend on myself for motivation. Today I work all day and then after work I have to represent my office at a local carnival/fair. This means lots of tempting things that I do not need! I am going to do my best to behave. It does mean that I probably won't get home until midnight tonight though. And I am going to do my best to drag myself out of bed in time for the 5 am Zumba class tomorrow. Hopefully it will work!

 

[StayCool]

I missed Zumba today due to my kids orthodontist appointments. There is a 5 am class on Friday mornings but I was up until almost midnight so when my alarm went off I just couldn't do it. Instead I went for a 2 mile run this afternoon. It was one of those awful ones. You know, where you don't want to go in the first place. Then everything hurts all at once. Plus I felt like I was dodging ridiculous amounts of traffic. BUT I did do the run. I did actually run and didn't walk it all because I wasn't feeling it. And as crappy as I felt, I was able to maintain the same total time as last time. That made me feel good. Tomorrow is a rest day and Sunday is 3 miles with my very first miracle mile.

In a week we are going camping. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to make things work but I will do my best. One of my friends is trying to restart her exercise and diet so hopefully the two of us can pull through. I do need to figure out how to get my workouts in and I'm not exactly sure how. Hopefully my gps works up there.

Have a great weekend everyone and I will be back on Sunday after my run.

 

[StayCool]

Today was my 3 mile run with a miracle mile. I started out feeling strong and pushed myself for that first mile. Today I ran one mile in... 16:59. I know it is not fast enough to avoid getting swept but considering that my fastest time before today was 17:50 (I believe), I will take it. Progress is progress.

I have a question for everyone. When I go further than 2 miles my fingers swell up like sausages. Today I tried an electrolyte packet that I got in my Stridebox and it did seem to help. But I don't know if I should be drinking that much. In the 3 miles I drank 12 oz. Does that sound about right? I wasn't sweating profusely today but there was a nice breeze too. I'm not sure what to try. Is Gatorade or PowerAde a better choice? Any suggestions would be helpful.

Have a great Sunday!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Glad to see you are making progress. I just got back from vacation and I am happy to say I did very well with my diet. I ate as closely as I could to what I would normally eat at home. It was hard as they didn't have all the same brands and foods I like but I substituted the best I could. I only got one run in though but I didn't think I would even do that so I am satisified with it.

As far as your question. I am not sure why your fingers would swell during a run. I know swelling can be caused by salt and water retention but I could see it in your feet and ankles and stuff. Not sure about the fingers.

I don't do Gatorade type drinks. I did a few years ago but they started bothering my stomach so I stopped. So, I can't help you there either. How long after you exercise do the fingers stay swollen?

 

[StayCool]

Glad to see you are making progress. I just got back from vacation and I am happy to say I did very well with my diet. I ate as closely as I could to what I would normally eat at home. It was hard as they didn't have all the same brands and foods I like but I substituted the best I could. I only got one run in though but I didn't think I would even do that so I am satisified with it.

As far as your question. I am not sure why your fingers would swell during a run. I know swelling can be caused by salt and water retention but I could see it in your feet and ankles and stuff. Not sure about the fingers.

I don't do Gatorade type drinks. I did a few years ago but they started bothering my stomach so I stopped. So, I can't help you there either. How long after you exercise do the fingers stay swollen?

on getting a run in and sticking to your diet. That's awesome.

It's not salt/water retention or I would have issues other times. As far as how long it lasts, well it depends on how bad it gets. The longer I run, the longer they swell. So the longer it takes for the swelling to stop. It's just my fingers though. It doesn't take too long. An hour or so for it to completely stop and go back to normal.

 

[StayCool]

Off topic but the military discount was renewed and I was able to upgrade to a royal room and still save $80!! Sooo happy right now!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Great news on the discount and upgraded room.

I did a google search to see if I could find anything on your swollen finger issue. It sounds like it is a pretty normal for a lot of people. It appears to be a way for the body to cool itself down by moving blood closer to the surface of the skin. If I read it right, it happens more in the fingers because there aren't as many muscles there to move the water around???

I got in a nice bike ride today. Felt good to get back at it. I felt it in my legs after not really working out the last couple of weeks. I am sorry to say though that it looks like I may not be joining you at the ToT. My future ex-wife is beginning to give me a hard time financially and has decided she'd rather me waste the non-refundable money I have put out than actually go run the race.

So, unless I can find a job in a hurry it looks like I am out. As you can imagine I am a bit aggravated right now. Very hard living with someone who is trying to make your life miserable. But, I will eventually make it to a runDisney race and when I do I will do it on my terms and therefore I will get the really enjoy it.

But, I still have my marathon in October so I will still be running because it is fast approaching and I am WAY behind schedule.

 

[StayCool]

That stinks about missing TOT. Hopefully you can work something out. You are right though, at least you have a marathon to look forward to.

Today is weigh in day and I am down 2 lbs for a total of 9.8 lbs. It's not going as fast as I would like but I'm going in the right direction so I will take it! Last week I had gained 1.2 so I lost that and then some. Now I just need to keep my diet together while I'm camping next week.

This week's plan includes Zumba tonight (I'm off of work), Zumba tomorrow and Friday. Then I am seriously considering getting my 6 mile run in on Saturday before we leave for camping. That will be rough considering I will be sitting for 4 1/2 hours after, but I think it would be easier than trying to figure out where to do it on Sunday.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I can't believe your up to 6 miles already, not because I didn't think you could do it but it feels like just yesterday you were injured and now you are at 6 miles. That's great. I would do it on Saturday like you are planning. Then you can go on vacation and relax. Otherwise you will be worrying about fitting it in. Just my opinion.

My running has been lacking. I have been eating very late dinners, which means not enough time to digest before running so I would end up getting cramps. But, I am not doing nothing. On those days I have been doing long bike rides instead. I find I do not get stomach cramps on the bike. But, I need to seriously get back on track with the running if I am going to finish my marathon in 3 months.

That's great on the total weight loss. Yes, it would be nice for it to be quicker. I know the feeling. But, just think of it this way. If you weren't exercising you'd probably be gaining weight so you have lost more than 10 lbs. Next week is weigh in day for this month. Not expecting much since the exercise has been slow with vacation and stuff but we'll see.

I am not giving up on ToT as bleak as it looks. I have an offer from a friend to let me come live with him for a while until I get back on my feet. While I don't want to do that yet if the future ex keeps making my life difficult I may just do it. Then the race is back on, since its paid for already.

Oh well. Not much I can do about it now. I'll just wake up tomorrow, have the best day I can have and keep plugging along.

 

[StayCool]

I can't believe your up to 6 miles already, not because I didn't think you could do it but it feels like just yesterday you were injured and now you are at 6 miles. That's great. I would do it on Saturday like you are planning. Then you can go on vacation and relax. Otherwise you will be worrying about fitting it in. Just my opinion.

My running has been lacking. I have been eating very late dinners, which means not enough time to digest before running so I would end up getting cramps. But, I am not doing nothing. On those days I have been doing long bike rides instead. I find I do not get stomach cramps on the bike. But, I need to seriously get back on track with the running if I am going to finish my marathon in 3 months.

That's great on the total weight loss. Yes, it would be nice for it to be quicker. I know the feeling. But, just think of it this way. If you weren't exercising you'd probably be gaining weight so you have lost more than 10 lbs. Next week is weigh in day for this month. Not expecting much since the exercise has been slow with vacation and stuff but we'll see.

I am not giving up on ToT as bleak as it looks. I have an offer from a friend to let me come live with him for a while until I get back on my feet. While I don't want to do that yet if the future ex keeps making my life difficult I may just do it. Then the race is back on, since its paid for already.

Oh well. Not much I can do about it now. I'll just wake up tomorrow, have the best day I can have and keep plugging along.

I'm kind of excited that I am up to 6 miles, but I am starting to get nervous about going 10 miles... I know I've come a long way, but to actually reach my goal is kind of scary.

At least you are getting out there on the bike. At least that is what I tell myself when I do Zumba instead of a 30 minute run. Do what you can and the rest will fall in place. It sounds like you are at a place with your running that you will finish no matter what even though you may not finish in the amount of time that you want. Finishing is an accomplishment in itself.

As far as working out your personal issues, good luck. From personal experience, I know how tough it can be while you are in the middle of things. Eventually things settle down you will fall into your new life. It is the inbetween that is tough. Just have faith that it will all work out and keep moving forward.

I struggled with motivation this week because it was so hot and humid. But tomorrow will be Zumba and then my run Saturday. I am going in circles trying to get everything ready for the trip. Prepping food is a big deal right now and I'm trying to make sure there are healthy things that I can grab and go.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I kinda understand what you mean about being scared about reaching your goal. It sounds silly to be scared to reach what you are working so hard to reach but I guess it is common. I've been listening to the running podcast I mentioned and each person he interviews they all get depressed when they finally cross that finish line because they get this feeling of "now what am I going to do".

I'm not giving up on the ToT race and that is a huge goal for me but so is the marathon and I will be kinda excited and bummed when I cross the line because I have been so focused on it for months now. Once I cross the line then what will I have to figure out what to do next because we can't go back to couch potato, right?

I ran for the first time today in a week and a 1/2. It was tough. I did 4.5 miles. My legs are a bit sore. Planning on a LONG bike ride tomorrow and my long run for the week on Sunday.

You are on vacation tomorrow, right? Hope you have a great time.

As far as my situation right now. I appreciate the support. I know things will get better. I might have my old job back as a financial advisor. I will find out for sure next Friday when I meet with my old boss. He said he'd take me back but we'll work out the details then. It's a hard job but at least its finally a door opening for me instead of being slammed in my face.

At this point I am just focused on my running and exercise because it will keep me focused on everything else too.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I know you're on vacation. I hope your having a great time. Today was my monthly weigh-in day so I had to stop by and post that I lost 4 more lbs this past month. I was surprised. I didn't think I'd lose any because of vacation and stuff, but I did. The total is up to 29 lbs since December. Still not as much as I hoped but good nonetheless.

 

[StayCool]

Once I cross the line then what will I have to figure out what to do next because we can't go back to couch potato, right?

Exactly. I've been looking around at other things to keep me motivated. Haven't found anything yet...

I know you're on vacation. I hope your having a great time. Today was my monthly weigh-in day so I had to stop by and post that I lost 4 more lbs this past month. I was surprised. I didn't think I'd lose any because of vacation and stuff, but I did. The total is up to 29 lbs since December. Still not as much as I hoped but good nonetheless.

Congrats!! That is awesome!

 

[StayCool]

So I officially got back from camping on Friday. We came home a day early because it was supposed to rain on Saturday and we didn't want to pack up in the rain. That's no fun.

I did not run before we left. There was just too much to do, plus being on call and I ran out of time and energy. I didn't run while I was up there either. But I did a 2.3 mile walk, a trail hike that was around 2-3 miles and canoed for 5 hours (no joke, it was awful lol). So I was very active, just in a different way.

Today I did my 6 miles. And for the first 3 miles I was all about negativity and was just using sheer stubbornness to make myself push through. It crossed my mind to only do 3 miles and call it a day, but next weekend I have 7 miles to do and I know that it would be a mental stumbling block if I didn't get 6 out of the way first. Anyway, I was all about this hurts and that hurts, I'm tired, I don't want to, blah blah blah. Then about halfway I started thinking that there is no way I could have done this before. I am the person that struggled to walk 1/2 mile in the beginning of the year. I am still slow but I can go the distance.

I am worried that I am going to get swept. The 6 miles I did today was in 1 hour 53 minutes. Not quick enough. I'm not sure if I will be able to do 10 miles in 2:40 or not. I'm going to keep trying though. I'd really like to earn the medal vs. being given it.

As far as my diet while camping, it was ok. I did eat out a few times and had ice cream a couple times too. Definitely more salt than I am used to as my feet were swollen. I don't think that I did too badly though. I'm going to skip my weigh in this week because if I am up it will mess with my head. I will give my body time to get back to normal.

Another positive is that I paid my room off yesterday! Now I just have to wait for the military tickets to become available. I can't believe I will be in Disney in 55 days!

 

[StayCool]

Ok so I changed my mind (I do that sometimes ) and weighed myself this morning anyway. Up 0.4 lb and I'm not complaining. I feel good and this may sound weird but I feel thinner. Idk. But I will take it. I'm trying to talk myself into a 2 mile run tonight after work. I always have good intentions until I am on my way home. The 1 hour commute erodes my motivation. I'm trying to tell myself that if I run more often I will get faster which will allow me to finish the race vs getting swept... I'm not sure if it is working though.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Today I did my 6 miles. And for the first 3 miles I was all about negativity and was just using sheer stubbornness to make myself push through. It crossed my mind to only do 3 miles and call it a day, but next weekend I have 7 miles to do and I know that it would be a mental stumbling block if I didn't get 6 out of the way first. Anyway, I was all about this hurts and that hurts, I'm tired, I don't want to, blah blah blah. Then about halfway I started thinking that there is no way I could have done this before. I am the person that struggled to walk 1/2 mile in the beginning of the year. I am still slow but I can go the distance.

I am worried that I am going to get swept. The 6 miles I did today was in 1 hour 53 minutes. Not quick enough. I'm not sure if I will be able to do 10 miles in 2:40 or not. I'm going to keep trying though. I'd really like to earn the medal vs. being given it.

As far as my diet while camping, it was ok. I did eat out a few times and had ice cream a couple times too. Definitely more salt than I am used to as my feet were swollen. I don't think that I did too badly though. I'm going to skip my weigh in this week because if I am up it will mess with my head. I will give my body time to get back to normal.

Another positive is that I paid my room off yesterday! Now I just have to wait for the military tickets to become available. I can't believe I will be in Disney in 55 days!

I wouldn't worry about the diet while on vacation. It's vacation. You enjoyed yourself so put it behind you and move forward.

As far as not being fast enough and getting swept. First, I heard if you get swept you don't get the medal. Not sure if you heard differently. So, I would try to make sure you don't get swept because you don't want to risk it.

As for not being fast enough. One thing I learned through the podcast I told you about on how to improve speed is to do speed drills one day a week. After a 5-10 minute warm up you run as fast as you can for 30 seconds, then you walk for 30 seconds, run for 30, walk for 30, and so on. You do this for about a 1/2 hour. Then you follow it with a cool down run/walk. This gets your heart used to pumpng quicker and burning the oxygen more efficiently, which will in turn allow you to be faster overall. You have to do it for about 6 weeks, so you will have enough time to fit it in before you leave.

As far as your most recent post. You are correct. Running more will make you build your stamina quicker and allow you to go faster. I would try to do 4 times a week if you can with 2 easy runs, 1 day of speed drills, and one day for your long run. I know it sounds like a lot but it is worth it if you don't get swept, right?

Anyway, if you need further explanation about anything I said let me know. If you decide to do the speed drills I found an APP that you get set it up to do 30 second intervals. So do a search and see what you can find. My APP is just called seconds.

I'm jealous you'll be in Disney in 55 days because it is almost a certainty that I am not going. I thought the wife was changing her mind and then nope. So, unless I move out, I won't be going. I will still be following your journey and hopefully you will share how the race (and your trip) was when you get back.

 

[StayCool]

I wouldn't worry about the diet while on vacation. It's vacation. You enjoyed yourself so put it behind you and move forward.

As far as not being fast enough and getting swept. First, I heard if you get swept you don't get the medal. Not sure if you heard differently. So, I would try to make sure you don't get swept because you don't want to risk it.

As for not being fast enough. One thing I learned through the podcast I told you about on how to improve speed is to do speed drills one day a week. After a 5-10 minute warm up you run as fast as you can for 30 seconds, then you walk for 30 seconds, run for 30, walk for 30, and so on. You do this for about a 1/2 hour. Then you follow it with a cool down run/walk. This gets your heart used to pumpng quicker and burning the oxygen more efficiently, which will in turn allow you to be faster overall. You have to do it for about 6 weeks, so you will have enough time to fit it in before you leave.

As far as your most recent post. You are correct. Running more will make you build your stamina quicker and allow you to go faster. I would try to do 4 times a week if you can with 2 easy runs, 1 day of speed drills, and one day for your long run. I know it sounds like a lot but it is worth it if you don't get swept, right?

Anyway, if you need further explanation about anything I said let me know. If you decide to do the speed drills I found an APP that you get set it up to do 30 second intervals. So do a search and see what you can find. My APP is just called seconds.

I'm jealous you'll be in Disney in 55 days because it is almost a certainty that I am not going. I thought the wife was changing her mind and then nope. So, unless I move out, I won't be going. I will still be following your journey and hopefully you will share how the race (and your trip) was when you get back.

I didn't worry about what I ate while I was camping. I knew that I was more active overall than usual so I did splurge. I found that I could not eat things I normally would have as they gave me a stomach ache. That was interesting. I'm good with how it worked out.

All reports I have read indicate that participants get a medal whether they finish or not. It has made a lot of finishers upset and there's a lot online regarding this. I stand by my comment to *earn* it vs *getting* it. 2 months to go to work on that. I will try to fit in more runs as I've kind of substituted zumba in their place recently. I'm not sure about doing speed work. I kind of feel as though it would be pointless because of where I am at.

This weekend my mom commented on how I looked as though I had lost weight. Today my boss made a comment as well. It is nice for people to be commenting on it and reinforces all my work. I have not lost much weight, but I have toned and strengthened what I do have. I am ok with slow progress as long as it is trending in the right direction. Could I lose faster? Sure I definitely could BUT I know that I would fall off the wagon and end up right where I started. So this way I am incorporating it as a permanent change. Works for me.