A daily account of a misplaced Canadian working, living and training on the West coast...
Tuesday, September 26
How sluggish newbies ruined the marathon?
Wow. I am a believer in freedom of speech but this article, Running with Slowpokes, really got to me today. The author of the article criticizes first and one-time marathoners that are out there to "just finish the race". His basic point of view is that the marathon has been diluted by wannabee runners who are just trying to check things off their life goals list. Well SO WHAT?
Who said that the marathon needs to be for serious runners looking to finish in 3:20 instead of just crossing the finish line? What is wrong with setting a goal of completing a 26.2 mile run, even if it's in 6 hours and you have to run/walk/limp/crawl to get there? I know it's one runners opinion and I know there are many that share this point of view, but training for a marathon and completing it means so many different things to so many different people. Why can't a cancer survivor beat cancer and complete the marathon as a true testament to her strength and determination? Why can't an overweight individual make a life change and decide that the marathon will give them additional motivation to continue on their new life journey? Why can't two friends come home drunk after a night on the town and decide that they want to sign up for the marathon on a whim, just to prove to themselves they could do it?
So what does this mean for me? This article comes at a good time in my training when I haven't been able to sort out my body aches and I'm starting to really worry about whether or not I will be able to achieve my goal... based on the time I have left to train. It has made me reassess my goals and think back to why I wanted to begin this journey in the first place.
For me, it comes down to this. Since highschool, I have wanted to run the half marathon and never actually believed that I could do it. The marathon was an impossible dream that was reserved for "real runners". As I have said so many times before, these amazing women came into my life and all of a sudden, these dreams started to become reality. I ran a half marathon and loved training for and running the race. I did my first triathlon and loved training for and completing the race. The journey has been the truly amazing part of "checking things of the life goals list".
So my question again is, why can't the ups and downs of the journey, and the time spent with amazing friends be enough of a reason to train for the marathon? It can be! I feel blessed that this article came to me today, because I really needed to reevaluate why I decided to run/walk/limp/crawl the marathon in the first place. I want to do it because the journey with my friends does more for me and my self worth than crossing the finish line ever will. Yes, getting over that line is an incredible feeling, but it's the months leading up to that day that make me who I am and contribute so much to my happiness. It's an extra excuse to get up at 4:15 am on dark, cold mornings and make my way to the club to meet my favorite running partners.
As I lace up later today and walk out the door for my run I will remember this feeling and the feeling before I had the looming goals and pressure to complete the race. I want to have fun and yes, I want to complete the race. In case you are wondering, it would be nice to run a 10 minute mile and finish in 4:22. But I want my journey to my first marathon to be a great one, and I will work hard to get there. If I finish in 4:22 or I have to crawl across the line, I am only going to remember how I got there, and the beautiful friends and supporters that made it possible.
On that note, I want to thank all of my friends, family and supporters. Everyone contributes so much to this journey... even the friends that we've never met that leave comments on our blogs. Every bit of feedback means a lot and keeps us going when the going gets tough. None of you will criticize me if I cross the line in 6 hours, or if for some reason don't make it at all. You'll be there to help me get up and get moving again... as you always do! We're all at different points in our respective journeys, and I continue to gain strength from all of your big wins and from the determination you put in to hurdle the obstacles in your lives. Thank you. :)
Today's data:
Breakfast Cereal with banana and skim milk (360 cals) Milk in 2 coffees (60 cals)
I don't get it... podiatrist, check, osteopath, check, massage therapist, check, feeling great, not check.
What is the deal?!?! I'm less than two months out from my first marathon and I just can't get in a good run. I felt pretty decent on the rainy run last week but haven't felt solid in over a month. Saturday I went out for a long run with Latosha and finished with her after 12 miles (4 miles short of the 16 I wanted to do). To be honest, I don't know I would have lasted 12 miles if it weren't for her... she had plotted the most beautiful run and she packed a seriously positive attitude and lots of great conversation! It seems that I don't get out on any runs anymore where I don't get blisters on my toes, and feel pain in my legs and back. SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?! The plan is to revisit the podiatrist and see the massage therapist again. I'm not willing to quit... so whatever it takes, I'll try it!
Friday morning I weighed in and was surprised that I lost 1.4 lbs in the first week of the challenge (not sure how that happened given the week that I had). So I was down to 151.6 lbs. I spent the weekend in Vancouver for a bachelorette weekend full of bad food and of course, too much alcohol. So today is Monday and I have a week of good habits before I try to fit into a bridesmaid dress on Saturday. Can I tell you how much I'm looking forward to the end of wedding season? Yes, wedding 4 of 4 is up this weekend... and I'm hoping to get some sort schedule back in my life. Well, except for work travel... but that just doesn't seem to go away. :)
I'm spending this week in Vancouver and away from my workout partners. Makes training a LOT less fun. But I'm blogging now, at 11:33 am to tell everyone that I'm in my running clothes and about to walk out the door for a run (so that I don't change my mind for some crazy reason)! I'll report back on the success of the run and to complete today's food log, but here's what it looks like so far.
Breakfast Cereal with banana and skim milk (360 cals) Milk in 2 coffees (60 cals)
Workout I wasn't planning on hill repeats but that is what the run was like. Turns out the neighborhood here in Vancouver is a series of connected hills. I felt like I was running hill repeats on 40th by the Pro Club... but not as long of course. And what a boring run, side street after side street, I couldn't find my way to any decent road or trail. Anyways, I didn't feel strong... major pain in my feet and achilles... but to me, this means it's in the orthodics. Everything else actually felt good, so I am going to keep positive about that and book time with the podiatrist to look at the adjustments he made to my orthodics. I'm going to hope that it will make a difference and that it's a work in progress to get my body in training shape. Anyways, I planned on 60 minutes but managed to stretch it to 48 only. And why can't I get my heart rate to just be normal when I run alone? I swear running by myself adds 5-10 beats per minute and I know I'm not running faster than when I run with the girls. Like I'm extra alert or something and it elevates my heart rate.
Temperature - It was HOT today! Much warmer than my 50 F morning runs. :) Today's noon temp clocked at 75 F, with no shade in sight... a sweaty, yucky run! I have so much respect for you hot weather runners! Time - 48 minutes Avg Heart Rate - 163 Max Heart Rate - 182 Calories Burned - 516 cals
Lunch 3 whole grain dark rye crisp breads (120 cals) 2 with eggs (150 cals) 1 with peanut butter and jam (110 cals) Tomato (30 cals)
Snack Apple (80 cals)
Dinner My aunt's homemade tomato soup with noodles :) (250 cals) Rice (200 cals) Ribs (400 cals) Cabbage (50 cals)
Summer is over. Officially. Today I met Jess, Nancy and Wendy at the club for a 90 minute run. It was about 52 degrees outside and drizzling. Not for long... we quickly got full on rain. Yup, soak through your clothes and shoes and hat, full on rain. I couldn't help but smile... it was just beyond control. Everytime a truck drove by and splashed us it didn't even matter... we were wet from head to toe and it was great! Even my body was cooperating today... I am feeling good, just a little tightness that can be taken care of with a massage which I have booked for tonight!
I wanted to go for breakfast with the girls but unfortunately work was filling up my email inbox and I couldn't get away. I'm working from home, waiting for my 1 pm meeting so I can join the girls afterwards for some shopping! Here is the food log so far.
Oh, random joke of the day... What did the alien say to the gas pump? . . . . Why is your finger in your ear?
Workout Food Pria bar (170 cals) Gu (100 cals)
Workout 90 minute run (871 cals)
Breakfast/Lunch (noon) Cereal with peach and skim milk (350 cals) Milk in coffee (30 cals) A little later... veggie burger with ketchup (165 cals)
While shopping with the girls Black bean soup (150 cals) 1/4 desert bar (125 cals) 1/2 Pria bar (85 cals)
Ok, after falling off the wagon AGAIN yesterday I knew that I needed one good day to get back on track. Excuse after excuse, I finally got there today. Even with a trip to Red Robin with my friend and her adorable 4 year old daughter. :)
One thing, check out my horoscope for today. Since when do horoscopes comment and diet and how do they know that I have been struggling to drink enough water since it started getting really cold and rainy out???
Drink plenty of water, dear Pisces, in order to keep your system properly hydrated. Water is the most important part of your diet, and it is likely that you are not drinking nearly enough. Being a water sign means that this element is the foundation of your being, making you extremely emotional, caring, and sensitive. Make sure to distance yourself from people who try to suck this life force from you.
Pre-Workout 1/2 Pria bar (85 cals)
Workout Warm up and 2 mile tempo run (15:33 min) (291 cals) Spinning class (483 cals)
Breakfast Veggie egg beater omelette (100 cals) Toast with jam (140 cals) Non-fat latte (100 cals)
Dinner (Red Robin!) 2 chicken breasts (300 cals) Salsa (25 cals) Salad with tortilla strips no dressing (100 cals) 5 french fries and ranch dressing (150 cals)
Total 1545 cals
So the plan for tomorrow is to SLEEP IN!!! I'm playing hookie and skipping the company meeting. We're going to do a 9 mile run at 8:30 am followed by breakfast! I have a meeting at 1 pm that I can call into which means I get to spend the day in my sweats! I can't believe I'll be getting a full 3 extra hours of sleep tomorrow... zzzzzzz! Oh yes, and let's not forget... tomorrow I am going to stick to the eating plan. Promise. :)
I've been bad... really bad. It's no secret, I haven't been feeling up to par the last couple of weeks and the aches in my body aren't going away. I am slacking on the training and what do I do? Rather than eating really healthy and staying on plan, I spiral... way down.
Where did this downward spiral start? Somewhere between traveling, work, dating, being bummed about not feeling great, and of course, FOOTBALL SEASON. Those of you who know me know that I'm not a big drinker. Correction, not anymore. In my prime, I not only enjoyed the nightly glass of wine (or 2-3) with dinner but also the weekend boozefest with my friends. However, this all ended early this year when I decided that it was a lot more fun to workout with new friends, than it was to drink and get fat with my drinking friends.
So what is going on with me lately? Where has the motivation gone? What is my excuse? Is there an excuse, especially with The Challenge being underway? Saturday I ran 9.5 miles with Nancy followed by the cycling class with Danielle. But that was the morning... college football starts at 2 pm. College football tends to go well with alcohol and food... for 8 glorious hours. That was Saturday.
Sunday I didn't workout, I was up early to make my way to Qwest Field for the Seahawks home opener. I went down with one of my good friends, one that I always enjoyed partying with. More bad news... more drinking and more food (stadium food). Gawwwwwd!
I decided to sleep in Monday and give my body one more day to recover in hopes that I would magically wake up Tuesday morning and feel great. The diet yesterday was actually pretty good, except for the "vanilla ice cream and cinnamon & brown sugar peaches" slip up I had at 10 pm last night. 10 pm?!?!? Who the hell eats ice cream at 10 pm? Really?
Ok, so today is a new day. Offically. I got up this morning and met Jess and Nancy at the club at 5 am for a longer run. I felt decent, much better than the last few runs... but it was dark and rainy. We dropped Nancy off at the club after 4.8 miles. She's a trooper. She dilligently attends the Mon/Wed "Sculpt in 4 Weeks" class each session. Yesterday they had a killer leg workout and she still managed to do 5 miles in the crappy weather. Jess and I continued on for another 2.2 miles, 7 miles total. I felt so much better this morning after working out than on my non-workout days. Exercise really does release happy hormones. :)
I have lots of off days to make up for so today I have to stick to the nutrition plan. So here it goes.
Pre-Workout 1/2 Pria Bar (85 cals)
Breakfast Cereal with banana and skim milk (340 cals) Coffee (30 cals)
Lunch (aka. the downfall) Thai... family style. Can't even determine total quantity and calories. I was going in for another helping and stopped myself, but still!
Dinner Veggie and shrimp stir fry (no rice) (200 cals) Whole wheat crackers with laughing cow cheese (100 cals) And yes, vanilla ice cream with peaches and Galaxy granola
There has been a LOT of talk around these parts lately about weight loss. It seems as though summer is ending, a summer full of training but also full of indulgence. The weight on the scale is creeping up and none of us want to go into winter with additional pounds to deal with.
A bunch of us now have little side support groups going on. Tracking our meals, weighing in and fessing up to damage done. So inspired by Jessi, I have decided to make this into my own little challenge. Why? Well, it will give me a serious goal to shoot for. It's always hard to stay motivated when faced with temptation, and blogging for all to see is definitely more motivation.
I am also a firm believer in calories-in versus calories-out and creating the right calorie deficit is the only way to meet this challenge. Some background on my goal weight. A few years ago I started weight watchers and got down to 138 lbs (I'm 5'6 with a pretty solid frame). Though I was exercising a lot, I wasn't nearly as fit as I am today at 153 lbs. I would like to say that I will get down to 138 lbs again, but the reality is that I am carrying more muscle than I did 3 years ago. That being said, I am going to set a higher goal weight and rethink the goal when I get there.
Here are the starting stats: Start weight: 153 lbs Goal weight: 140-145 lbs Goal loss per week: 1.5 lbs (which I know will be really tough the closer I get to goal) Weigh in day: Friday
Some other info: BMR: 1500 cals Weekly calorie deficit to lose 1.5 lbs per week: 5250 cals Avg daily calorie deficit to lose 1.5 lbs per week: 750 cals Weeks to 145 lbs: 7 weeks Weeks to 140 lbs: 10 weeks Obstacles: Wedding #4 of 4 is coming up in a couple of weeks. That's another 9 days away from my super supportive circle of friends, in a drinking and eating environment. At least this is it for wedding season. And this other thing... dating. I haven't been in a relationship in over a year and we all know what tends to happen when you start dating. More eating out and less sleep... a diet-killing combination. I wish there was an solution for this, other than sheer determination.
The Plan: The plan again is simple to understand, difficult to execute. Of course, exercise. 5-6 times a week for at least an hour a day. As usual, high protein and fiber diet to stay satisfied longer after I eat. Lots of water. 4 liters a day, which should help keep me off the diet pop and alcoholic beverages. Also keeps me away from snacking. And I guess I have to make the ultimate commitment, aim for 1500 calories a day and never stray past 1800.
Some pretty scary stuff and hefty goals to stick to. I do feel like I have a lot of support behind me so I'm going to stick with it! That being said, here is the data for today:
Pre-Workout 1/2 Pria carb select bar (85 cals)
Workout 1 hour run (600 cals)
Breakfast 2 hard boiled eggs and toast (320 cals) Coffee (30 cals)
Chi Running and Osteopathy - All about aligning your body!
I know, I know... I have been slacking on posting to the blog and I promise to get back into action. Today was the perfect opportunity because I have a couple of interesting things to talk about. :)
First, I had my apt with the orthodics doctor on Tuesday and he made some adjustments to the orthodics I had. I'm going to test it out and if it works well, he's going to make a new pair to replace the old ones.
Secondly, I had my apt with the doctor of osteopathy today. I used to go to an osteopath in Ontario (not actual doctors in Ontario though) and it always worked wonders for me. Osteopathy is really about aligning your body. Regular day-to-day activities and exercise can really throw your body off. I usually end up with my pelvis twisted, shortening one leg. This throws everything off and when I run I get the token pains that I am so familiar with... achilles, knees, and hips. So the osteopath normally aligns your body with different movements. They also work on your diaphram (huge for getting more air in when you run) and your head which is really the control zone for your body. Proper alignment is critical to good running mechanics and injury prevention.
Today's apt was a little different than I'm used to. I have never been to a chiropractor so have never had anything "cracked". Needless to say, I wasn't exactly prepared when he started cracking every bone in my body from the pelvis to lower and upper back, and my neck. Wow. I almost got the giggles because it was so unexpected and LOUD. I have to admit, I was a little worried because it was something I had never experienced before. Especially the neck... having someone turn your head as far as it would go and then yanking hard letting out a series of loud cracks. He said that our vertebrae twist and turn and get stuck out of alignment and the cracking puts them back in their own place. So I feel pretty good now, but the real test will be on the long run this weekend! I'll have to report back to tell you how it went.
Now, on to Chi running. Our good friend Wes has been reading the book on Chi running and on my way back from the osteopath I heard this report on NPR news. Turns out, Chi running is also "all about aligning your body and keeping it aligned for efficiency".
The timing was too coincidental... getting aligned and then a message on running in the proper alignment. If one works for me, maybe the other will too? I think it might be time to read my first running book, and it looks like Chi may be the way to go. Wes, what was that book called again? I will also have to report back and let you all know how that goes.
Now, back to just the regular blog... I got up to meet the girls for a run this morning and my roommates car didn't show up to take them to the airport. They tried for 30 minutes to reach the car company with no luck, and asked me to drive them to SeaTac. So, I missed out on the morning run with the girls and spent 1:45 minutes getting to and from SeaTac. What is going on in the Renton S curve through the Kennydale Hill? I swear the world stops in rain! I think I'll head out on my own later today for a short run just to get my legs moving and to see if I have any immediately noticeable improvements in how I feel when I run.
Food for today:
Trip back from SeaTac: Tall non-fat latte, one pump syrup (125 cals)
Breakfast: Cereal with peach, skim milk (325 cals)
It feels like it's been so long since I last blogged and it really has... but I'm back! Back from traveling and back to writing AND READING the blogs!
Just a quick summary of last week... after the wedding I knew that I had to start the week right and get back on track. I did! I worked out Monday through Thursday and took Friday off to recover before my long run Saturday. Happy I did! I ran for 16.5 miles (all alone in Peterborough) on Saturday. The weather was perfect... it was raining when I started out and cool, which combated the humidity Ontario normally gets. I felt great for the first 10 miles, got a little rough through 12 and the last 4.5 up a steady incline and into some strong wind was tough! But I did it!
Had you asked me before I left if I would have done 2 of the 3 long runs I had blanned and worked out for 10 of the 14 days I had planned to work out I would have thought that was generous. But other than the 4 days that I lost to being a bridesmaid, things worked out great!
The new shoes definitely helped out the long run but I'm still feeling some pain on the homestretch of the long runs. So after dragging my feet for way too long, I have finally booked an apt to see the osteopath this Thursday! I'm hoping this makes the long run this weekend feel much better. I have also booked an apt to see the podiatrist at the Pro Club tomorrow afternoon because it's time to reassess my feet and get new orthodics. There really is no fooling around any more, I have to start making time to take care of my body or I'll be out before I get close to marathon day. I'm no longer taking a back seat to work, funny how your body will make you make yourself a priority. Did that make any sense? :)
Oh, speaking of which... I didn't go on the 6:30 bike ride with Jess this morning because I had a 7 am con call instead. I had emailed the meeting organizer last week to ask him to move the time, and he insisted that it stick. He emailed out the doc for review last night at 11 pm and was a NO SHOW this morning. Ask me how p*$@(# I was! Claimed he had "laptop issues". After work today we're going straight to the Mariners game so he basically wasted my one opportunity to workout this morning. Does anyone else get bitter when this type of thing happens? The least he could have done was gotten on the phone to tell us he had problems so that we weren't all sitting there waiting! I wish people had more respect for other people's time, we had groups from the UK and France on the phone too.
Wow, I have a lot of haterade when people interrupt my regularly scheduled workout time. :)
Back to tracking this week! Challenge tonight will be to stay in control at the Mariners game tonight. The beer, not such a big problem... the hot dogs, bigger problem. :)
Breakfast Veggie egg beater omelet (100 cals) Brown toast with peanut butter and jam (200) Coffee (30 cals)
Ok, I have been completely MIA on the blog since Wednesday, but also MIA on the exercise and diet train. However, I have been anything but alone. In fact, other than in the shower or in the few hours I have between Wednesday and last night, I have not had a second to myself.
I had planned to get up in the mornings and run with my friend the bride leading up to the wedding. But to be honest, I just didn't have it. I got into town on Wednesday night and have not stopped moving until I got back late last night. The only thing I did stick to was being a good bridesmaid and a good time. ;)
The last four days were filled from early morning to late night with wedding errands, dress fittings (which didn't go so well), eating, drinking, dancing and visiting family and friends. I had hoped that I would magically have the energy to get up a couple of hours before the rest of the wedding party and workout in the mornings... not so easy when you're up late and know you have a long day ahead and really want the sleep.
That being said, I can't remember the last time I took 4 days off working out. It's so odd... it used to be completely normal not to workout for much longer periods of time. These days, I start to feel really uncomfortable and not at all like myself. So I thought today I would be all over working out... but wow, to my surprise, after finally getting some sleep... I'm moving slower than I thought. I guess that there is something very tiring about being on the go from the minute you wake up until you minute you go to sleep, but I just can't get motivated.
So the plan for today is this... I just downloaded a boat load of email from last week to get through today (yes, on Labor Day). I just can't go into next week this far behind. I'm then going to pack up and go to Toronto and check into the hotel. I'm meeting my friend tonight and we're going to go for a nice run along the Toronto waterfront... we like to do active things together. It's a great way to catch up and get our exercise in. :) Oh right, and today is the day I start eating normally again... and hydrating... I am SO dehydrated I feel sick.
Off to get the day going. Hope you all had a great weekend, looking forward to catching up on my blog reading this week! :)
