Lisa's Running Away from Excuses Journey....Please Comment

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Ok, a few updates: my coolrunning site has been down for a couple days, and I haven't been able to log my runs, which is throwing me off, lol.

For 1/5: Took off today from running. I worked a long day, and felt like my legs needed a rest.

For 1/6: Did a treadmill run since it was raining outside. I did a walk/run combo; I did 3' run, 1 min walk, 4' run, 1' walk, 3' run, 1' walk, 2' run. For those 15 total minutes, I made it about 1.3 miles if I remember correctly. I then walked to finish the 1.5 mile total. Felt pretty good with this.

For yesterday: I wanted to try walking only a 5 K course. I did a fast walk the whole time, and made the 3.1 miles in 47:49. Ok, so I would have been swept, but I felt the whole time like I could have easily gone to a jog. I wasn't winded at all, but my legs felt a little tired (like a de-conditioned tired) by the end. I felt like I was walking as fast as I could go on my short little legs- I can't imagine going any faster! (I am only 5'2"!) It was nice to know that I could finish!

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Oh, I forgot to add: I weighed in yesterday at 166.5. Down 1/2 a pound! Not as much as I would like, but still something!

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Grr, this website being down is really interfering with my logging my miles and pace!

I did a quick run after work tonight so I could come home and shower before dinner and the game tonight!

I ran 1.43 miles in 17:41. I did have 2 pretty big hills, so I think that didn't help, but I feel like I need to strengthen my quads some, so I had to do it. Then I got home and did an ab workout. Who would have ever thought that a c-section would destroy your stomach muscles so much?

One thing I noticed today- I looked in the mirror at myself, and I am definitely seeing some changes there. The scale isn't showing it, but I am starting to see some definition in my legs, and my stomach looks a little smaller than before.

I decided this week to not worry about food intake, and see what happens. I am wondering if I was cutting too much last week, and that is why I didn't lose as much?

Ok, gotta run..............GO BUCKEYES!!!!!

 

[DisDee]

Good job with all that exercise! How do you find your motivation? I find it vey difficult to make myself just do it. Share your secret with us! Denise

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Ok, so I haven't been keeping track too well on the journaling, but I have continued to do my workouts pretty well....here is an update:

Tuesday: Took off from running, and did a little strength training with free weights and ankle cuff weights. Also 100 crunches.

Wednesday: Broke down and did a treadmill run- IN A GYM!! Let me say, this is HUGE for me- I have always been terrified of gyms, because I felt like I wasn't in good enough shape to be working out in front of all the "beautiful people". I know, stupid, but just getting in there and doing it felt great- and I did notice, not many people seemed to even notice I was there! I managed to do 2.25 miles run/walk in 30 minutes, so I felt pretty good about that.

Thursday: Dh was out of town, so I didn't run because I was at home with my ds all night. So, we made a game out of who could dance the craziest to loud music just to get a little cardio in, haha. Then after he went to bed I did a little strength training.

Friday: Did a mile for time outside- I finished it in 12:19- definitely improving over the 14:30 I started out with! Nice to see some improvements!

Saturday: Took completely off. We are doing a total remodeling project, so I was climbing ladders all day, and lifting boards, drilling, hammering, you name it, so I thought that was good enough.

Today: Did a long slow run. I was able to run continuously for 25:00 before my legs were tired. I almost got attacked by a dog that came out of its yard at me- I stood frozen in the middle of the street while it stood and growled ferociously at me, so I think I lost some time there, lol. Felt like hours, but probably only a minute or two until I was able to get by it. Darned owners were nowhere to be found! Anyway, after I ran, I came inside and mapped out my course, and was shocked to find that I ran 2 miles! I couldn't believe it!

Food this week was ok until Thurs- dh came home from his trip to NYC with all kinds of treats for me- even though he knows I have been trying to watch what I eat! I think sometimes he is trying to sabotage me. I ate a couple things that he got (mini canolis, some chocolate babka, candied peanuts), and just went downhill for the weekend. Ugh, well, it's behind me now, so on to better eating this week!

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Weigh-in Sunday:

166.5! Ugh, same as last week!!! I guess it is better than a gain, but I need to get moving to make that scale go down!!!

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Yesterday I did pretty well on food, until I got home from work. I worked yesterday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, and I was starving when I got home. I did take dinner with me to my game, but I had to eat it at 4:00, so I went way too long in between snacks/meals. So, at 10:00 I ate leftover chicken (bbq with cheese and bacon ), and a big piece of chocolate babka with caramel sauce on it. Oh, and some chocolate milk to top it all off. Grrr, I need to get on track better. I have another long day today- I had to get up at 6:00 am for a repairman to come to my house for a water meter. Then off to work at 9:00 am, and I will be working until 10:00 pm again. I have another basketball game tonight, and it is just so hard to eat something during the game because I stay so busy while I am there. We'll see.


Then there is the workout; I took off yesterday because I was exhausted when I got home. Tonight I am sure I will feel the same, but I am scheduled for a run. Problem is, we are supposed to get ice/snow mix today, so I may not be able to run after all. I will have to come up with some other alternative since the gym will be closed by the time I get off work.

Blah, just having a bad day. I think maybe I will try and journal my food today and see what I come up with. Lisa

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Well, so yesterday wasn't too bad, until of course I came home from my game! Then it was some rice, a Pop Tart, and a big piece of babka!

I do still feel though that overall my choices have become much healthier. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips for a snack, I reach for fruit or a rice cake or something. I definitely still have moments of weakness (ok, quite a few of them! ), but overall doing much better.

I am happy to report that my clothes are starting to fit a little differently now. I have decided not to obsess over the scale anymore, because even though it is showing no change, my pants are definitely looser, and I have moved to the next notch on my belt!!! Yeah for that achievement!!

Ok, for workout yesterday- too cold for a run (a windy 10 degrees...brrr!)- so instead I managed a toning/pilates dvd for 30 minutes. It was ok, but I really find myself looking forward to my runs now.

 

[hockeygirl]

Lisa-I have enjoyed reading your journal. You are doing a great job. Always keep in mind that you just started, and by the looks of your workouts they are going well. I know the feeling about looking forward to your runs...that is how I feel now, I love it. Talk about motivation.

As for the eating habits, try to change little things. I am a junk food addict, but I have tried to cut down on the junk food and have been doing a good job. Soda and fast food have been the worst for me. I am down to one can of soda a day, and fast food only once a week, which is a huge improvement from 4-5 cans of soda a day and fast food 3-4 times a week.

I also know the feeling about people doubting you. Everyone in my family and my co-workers don't think I will be able to run a half or full marathon. The only person that has been super supportive is my DBF...he is awesome!!! Don't worry about them, you will show them when you come home with the medal!!!!

Keep up the good work!

Laurie

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lisa~

Thank you for stopping by my journal! I appreciate your kind words and support!

I think you are doing a great job! Remember that in the long run, making gradual changes in your diet and exercise will help you with your long term goals. I know that I have a tendency to want everything now. I've found that in my own experience if I take baby steps and make gradual changes, they are more likely to become lasting habits than if I try to change everything at once.

Above all else, remember... You CAN do this! We are cheering you on to VICTORY!

Have a great Thursday!

~Tracy

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Thanks, Laurie and Tracy- it's nice to hear some words of encouragement now and again, kwim?

Food today was all in all pretty good. I felt like I made good choices, and for a late night snack my ds and I cuddled in bed to watch Monsters, Inc (for the 500th time! ), and instead of junk food, we made some popcorn, and I had water. So, I managed to curb my late night cravings a little. I did have 3 pieces of french toast for dinner, though! Dh made it, and it was too good to pass up!

I did make it for a run today, too, and it was COLD! My legs felt terrible today; they felt like they were cramping up the whole time, and I felt like I just couldn't find my rythm. I was having trouble catching my breath with the air being so cold. I think tomorrow I may hit the gym and do the elliptical or something instead. I did manage to do 1.53 miles in 18:25, and that is a 12:02 pace, even with 2 walk breaks on hills, so I must have been going faster than I thought.

 

[hockeygirl]

Lisa--I hear you about it being hard to breathe in the cold weather. I went for my long run yesterday for 5 miles, and it was COLD!!!! And I found it hard to breathe, but I tried to concentrate on breathing in for 4 counts through my nose and then breathing out for 4 through my mouth and I felt like my breathing got better. Don't know if that is what you are supposed to do, but it seemed to work for me. I also feel like my breathing has gotten better this last week overall, so maybe as we train more, the breathing part will get better.

Stay warm, I want the warm temps back!!!!

Keep up the good work!

Laurie

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lisa,

We've had some wacky weather here in Ohio the past few days.... Has it hit PA yet? We were just in Erie yesterday... My DH had some work orders he needed to finish up. We like the Erie area.... There is a lot to do there!

Great job getting your run in! It is so hard to get motivated to get outside when it is so cold, but you did it! Great job! Keep up the good work! Just be sure and stay warm.

Have a great week ahead!

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Ok, time for an update; we had a rough couple of days at our house; our furnace died on the coldest day of the season so far, and our house temperature lingered just above freezing! Then my car wouldn't start, so I had to get that towed! Ugh! Then it snows today, so it looks like running outside may be on hold for a little while. Good news is, I am kind of starting to like the gym I go to. I like the whole cross training thing, and it is sort of nice to be able to put my headphones on and just zone out for a while during a workout.

Ok, for the past couple days:
Thurs 1/18: Worked late, so I did a Pilates Dvd- did and arm workout and a hip/thigh workout for about 30 total minutes.

Fri 1/19: Basketball game, so I took off completely.

Saturday 1/20: Went to the gym for a treadmill run- did 1.5 miles in 20:13 for a 13:28 pace. Not my best, but my legs felt really tired for some reason.

Sunday 1/21: Cross training today: did 10 minutes on the stairclimber, then 15 minutes on elliptical. Next I lightly lifted legs and arms. Total time, about 1 hour. Felt pretty good about it all; definitely felt it in my quads/hams. I am interested to see if I will be sore tomorrow, but so far so good.

Lisa

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Official weigh-in today:

165.5 !! Down 1 pound!!

 

[hockeygirl]

Lisa--Sounds like you had a rough weekend...I hope things are looking up and I hope you got the furnace and car fixed!

That is great that you found a gym that you like going to, I haven't been that lucky so far. I feel like all the gyms I have tried have always been so crowded, and there is always a line for the equipment. And since I HATE running on the treadmill, I have to get outside as much as I can. When the time comes for the snow/ice I will come up with plan B, which might mean working out at the gym at the high school, in the district where i teach.


Sounds like your training is going well--keep up the good work!

Laurie

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lisa,

Congratulations on your weight loss! You are off to a great start!

Sorry about the weather .... I hope sunny skies prevail in PA soon!

Have a great week! Keep up the good work!

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Ok, so for an update. Training has been good so far this week; I took yesterday off because I had a basketball game, and then I had to rush home to catch the end of "Heroes"- new episode!

Today I headed to the gym again for a treadmill run. I felt like I have been hitting a plateau a little bit, until I read the first entry or two from this journal, and then I realized how far I have come in such little time! I went from not being able to run a 1/2 mile without stopping, to now completing 1.5 miles without stopping! Granted, the time is not record-breaking, but I am doing it!

I am working on a race calendar for work, compiling all of the local races. There is a race here in town on March 25- a 5 miler, and a 2 miler. I am really thinking about signing up! I don't think I would be ready for the 5 miler yet, but the 2 miler might be a good way to get started! I think I will make it my goal to do the 2 miler, and finish it in under 22:00. (I am currently at a 12:30-13:30 pace for 1-1.5 miles)

Ok, so todays workout- I had a hard time mentally with this one; just wanting to stop and quit, but I pushed through it, and finished 1.5 miles in 19:45. (13:10 pace.) Afterwards I felt fine, and so I finished walking 2 miles in 30 minutes.

 

[toystoryduo]

You are doing a great job, Lisa! Keep up the good work!

 

[hockeygirl]

Lisa-That is great that you found a race to register for. Just out of curiosity, what training plan are you following? You will definetely be able to do a 2 mile run by March 25, but a 5 miler may not be out of the question depending on your training plan. I am following the Hal Higdon novice half marathon plan. I will officially start it on Feb. 5, to prepare for my half marathon on April 29th. I found the Higdon training plan online and he has plans for all types of races.

Remember, some days will be harder than others mentally. I know the feeling, today was hard for me too, I did just want to stop but i pushed through and finished my workout.

Keep up the good work in your training!

Laurie