So. Ok. What's the deal with fruits and vegetables? I have never been a lover of eating colorful food, I am a lover of the brown, tan, white color. I am even ok if you want to splash some food coloring in my food...but natural colors have never been my thing. Just take a look at the lovely foodie pictures I took a few months ago, it's pretty depressing. I read a lot of blogs where the authors have major love affairs with a salad!?!? How does that happen? Is it innate? Learned? How much work will it actually take to make me have a complete change of the foods I am comfortable eating?
My other gripe is time. It takes me 3 minutes and zero mess to clean up when I eat a Lean Cuisine, but when I make a salad - I mean a salad that I actually enjoy - it takes me at least 5 minutes plus the mess, and that is just for the salad. Also, I just never think it will fill me up. If some expert happens to stumble upon my blog...please tell me how can an ordinary person go from a dough and sugar lover to a fruit and veggie lover without having some sort of major awakening?
In other news, I completed the HB 4th of July 5K in 33:57, even though I am 2 minutes from the goal for this race, I feel like I am making some progress. Now I just have to keep it up and work hard to get to my goal by next month. I have a feeling I am going to get very close even if I don't get there.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Blog Addict
Call in the 12 step program people, I have a serious blog reading addiction. Now that I have one of those Smart Phones I have been able to read every one's blogs via my Google Reader. I swear, I refresh the Google Reader more then I do my Gmail - which is another major addiction. I went out "shopping" for more blogs to read last night - I found some good ones by checking out the comments section on the blogs I read most faithfully. I found some good ones! I am going to see if I can find some more today. I am learning so much and it is so cool to see real people who are able to incorporate running and nutrition into their daily lives.
If only I could read or comment on my Google Reader from my phone, my life would be utterly perfect.
I have another 5K to run on Monday morning, my goal is under 32 minutes, which seems ambitious knowing that just a couple weeks ago I did a 5K in 36 minutes - on a 20 gram of carbs a day diet. Remember how I said I was president of the bad idea club? Racing and Atkins do not mix for me. I am hoping that since I have added carbs back to my diet (watching calories), that it will make a difference in my time. I have 1 more 5K scheduled in August, if I don't make my 27 minute goal by then, there will be more 5K's.
My training has been moving right along, I have been using the treadmill most of the time now, I think because it is new and I have been liking it more and more, plus I can run while Jesse is taking a nap. My longest run is 4 miles, so it is not like I am spending a ton of time on it. My weight lifting has dropped off though. I need to pick that up again - I'll make it a priority next week. Speaking of next week, I have a 5 mile run on the schedule! It has been a long time since I have run 5 miles, to me 5 miles is a big turning point in my running; once I get there, I feel like a runner.
My schedule is going to change soon, I have been interviewing for a full time role where I will no longer be working out of my house (with my own hours). While contracting has been great for me as a mom and keeping up with my industry, it offers no stability or benefits. Jesse started Pre-school 3 days a week and I think it is time, to be honest, I really miss working with a team and going in the office. It gets pretty lonely on my own.
When I finally get something, I am going to have to figure out a new running schedule. I will have to make it work since I am signed up for the LB 1/2 in October! I will not be running another 2:50 half, I would like to be close to 2 hours, but I will take anything under 2:30...I guess we shall see when we get there.
Alright, it is time to publish this post and get my fix from other blogs!
If only I could read or comment on my Google Reader from my phone, my life would be utterly perfect.
I have another 5K to run on Monday morning, my goal is under 32 minutes, which seems ambitious knowing that just a couple weeks ago I did a 5K in 36 minutes - on a 20 gram of carbs a day diet. Remember how I said I was president of the bad idea club? Racing and Atkins do not mix for me. I am hoping that since I have added carbs back to my diet (watching calories), that it will make a difference in my time. I have 1 more 5K scheduled in August, if I don't make my 27 minute goal by then, there will be more 5K's.
My training has been moving right along, I have been using the treadmill most of the time now, I think because it is new and I have been liking it more and more, plus I can run while Jesse is taking a nap. My longest run is 4 miles, so it is not like I am spending a ton of time on it. My weight lifting has dropped off though. I need to pick that up again - I'll make it a priority next week. Speaking of next week, I have a 5 mile run on the schedule! It has been a long time since I have run 5 miles, to me 5 miles is a big turning point in my running; once I get there, I feel like a runner.
My schedule is going to change soon, I have been interviewing for a full time role where I will no longer be working out of my house (with my own hours). While contracting has been great for me as a mom and keeping up with my industry, it offers no stability or benefits. Jesse started Pre-school 3 days a week and I think it is time, to be honest, I really miss working with a team and going in the office. It gets pretty lonely on my own.
When I finally get something, I am going to have to figure out a new running schedule. I will have to make it work since I am signed up for the LB 1/2 in October! I will not be running another 2:50 half, I would like to be close to 2 hours, but I will take anything under 2:30...I guess we shall see when we get there.
Alright, it is time to publish this post and get my fix from other blogs!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Still Here
Yup, I am still here and still going. I am up to 4 miles now. There hasn't been too much to report. I tied going back on Atkins, ran a 5K (me+low carb+running=out of gas)that was my worst time ever, 36 minutes. Then I got the stomach flu, now I am back to just plain counting calories. In the midst of everything, I have lost 10 pounds. I have another 5K coming up on the 4th of July, lets see how much better I do with carbohydrates. It feels better running with carbs - I feel like running is less work and more fun. I know their are people out there that run on low carb diets, but I can say, for me, it is too difficult.
The best thing about Atkins is that it forces me to cut out sugar completely. I need to watch my sugar intake, my Grandma had diabetes, and my mom is pre-diabetic. I could probably eat sugar for every meal if I could actually keep a stash (instead of eating it all in one sitting). So, along with calories, I have incorporated some of the sugar free products (as a replacement). It was definitly a great jumpstart to my weight loss (stomach flu included).
I have really been doing great with running - my old TM finally died, so I bought a used one off of Craigslist for $250 - it was hardly used and is much quieter then my last one. I have been running about every other day - about 4 days a week. The consistency has been helping me to get my mileage back up and I seem to getting zero injuries/pain this year.
My goal is still a 27 minute 5K. I doubt I will get there by next week, but I am aiming for 32 minutes on the 4th of July. I am doing one more 5K in August at the OC Fair - I am determined to hit my goal by then. We shall see.
The best thing about Atkins is that it forces me to cut out sugar completely. I need to watch my sugar intake, my Grandma had diabetes, and my mom is pre-diabetic. I could probably eat sugar for every meal if I could actually keep a stash (instead of eating it all in one sitting). So, along with calories, I have incorporated some of the sugar free products (as a replacement). It was definitly a great jumpstart to my weight loss (stomach flu included).
I have really been doing great with running - my old TM finally died, so I bought a used one off of Craigslist for $250 - it was hardly used and is much quieter then my last one. I have been running about every other day - about 4 days a week. The consistency has been helping me to get my mileage back up and I seem to getting zero injuries/pain this year.
My goal is still a 27 minute 5K. I doubt I will get there by next week, but I am aiming for 32 minutes on the 4th of July. I am doing one more 5K in August at the OC Fair - I am determined to hit my goal by then. We shall see.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
5 Things I Wish I Knew Last Year
Let me make this clear: I am in no way any type of expert in running – I AM a new runner. Last year I learned a lot about running, through making bad decisions and I thought I would share.
1. Go to the running store immediately and invest in some shoes. When I first started running, I kept getting shin splints and muscle pulls. Once I finally broke down and got everything measured, I found out I had high arches, narrow feet, I pronate inward and I was buying shoes a ½ size too small. Once I got the correct shoes and inserts for myself my re-occurring injuries magically went away.
2. When it hurts, stop. I am not talking about tired muscles, I am talking about when it actually HURTS, like when something is wrong. I kept taking a day and getting back to running. I was popping Advil like candy. Unfortunately Advil does not actually heal pain, it just masks it. So when I was down, I was down for at least a week. This year I am taking it easy if I feel something awkward.
3. When you get sick, unless you have a fever, stomach flu, or cannot breath – run anyways. You may not agree with me on this one, but I insist this is the best idea for me. First of all trying to get my mileage back after taking a week or two off, especially since I am a new runner, takes twice as long. I am not a “natural” talent; I didn’t run my first half marathon in some amazing time without training. I have to work at it. Taking long amounts of time off do not help me.
4. Stretch, Yoga, do bendy stuff – whatever the trend – do it. Yes, it is boring. Yes, I am a person with no patience – that is actually how I started running – I got impatient with walking. It takes more self discipline for me to make time to stretch then it does to follow my training plan. BUUUUUUUT, it does make a difference for me. Oh – and just a side note, I always wait till after my body is warm to stretch.
5. Get a hand held water bottle. I drink a lot of water, when I get thirsty out on a run I NEED to drink. If I have no water, it can get to the point of me coughing a bunch and then it takes me forever to come back from that. I tried that belt thingy and hated it. First of all, it bounced everywhere. Second of all, I am already carrying around my own extra weight; I definitely do not need to carry around more weight. I have found that my little hand held water is perfect, I can fill it up at water stations everywhere.
I am sure I will have a whole new list after this race season, so stay tuned.
1. Go to the running store immediately and invest in some shoes. When I first started running, I kept getting shin splints and muscle pulls. Once I finally broke down and got everything measured, I found out I had high arches, narrow feet, I pronate inward and I was buying shoes a ½ size too small. Once I got the correct shoes and inserts for myself my re-occurring injuries magically went away.
2. When it hurts, stop. I am not talking about tired muscles, I am talking about when it actually HURTS, like when something is wrong. I kept taking a day and getting back to running. I was popping Advil like candy. Unfortunately Advil does not actually heal pain, it just masks it. So when I was down, I was down for at least a week. This year I am taking it easy if I feel something awkward.
3. When you get sick, unless you have a fever, stomach flu, or cannot breath – run anyways. You may not agree with me on this one, but I insist this is the best idea for me. First of all trying to get my mileage back after taking a week or two off, especially since I am a new runner, takes twice as long. I am not a “natural” talent; I didn’t run my first half marathon in some amazing time without training. I have to work at it. Taking long amounts of time off do not help me.
4. Stretch, Yoga, do bendy stuff – whatever the trend – do it. Yes, it is boring. Yes, I am a person with no patience – that is actually how I started running – I got impatient with walking. It takes more self discipline for me to make time to stretch then it does to follow my training plan. BUUUUUUUT, it does make a difference for me. Oh – and just a side note, I always wait till after my body is warm to stretch.
5. Get a hand held water bottle. I drink a lot of water, when I get thirsty out on a run I NEED to drink. If I have no water, it can get to the point of me coughing a bunch and then it takes me forever to come back from that. I tried that belt thingy and hated it. First of all, it bounced everywhere. Second of all, I am already carrying around my own extra weight; I definitely do not need to carry around more weight. I have found that my little hand held water is perfect, I can fill it up at water stations everywhere.
I am sure I will have a whole new list after this race season, so stay tuned.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
2-MGTNYDVDWL
So yesterday I did another 2 mile "long run." I stopped to stretch out my calves after I finished the first mile (cause guess what!?!? they are hurting again) and the watch stopped timing, then I started messing around with it, pushed every button and finally gave up on it. I realized, I have no idea how to work that thing. So I spent a good part of the afternoon learning how to use it. I finally was able to download the software and find out where I can see my results on the computer.
Oh! I am convinced for sure that my treadmill is off on the speed setting. My Garmin said I was going 10:30 avg - which is substantially different then my 12-13 minute miles on the treadmill. Something is up. I can say, if that is the case, well that will be my secret weapon to 9 minute miles....that and a lot of praying....and some weight loss....and some more praying...begging....pleading....please God help me get there!!!
I bought the Yoga DVD from Target and will be committing to doing it every Sunday.
Source
This year I am combining strength with running (which is another reason why my miles are building slow). I was hesitant last year since #1 I had no idea what I was getting myself into in the first place and #2 I build muscle very fast - I mean the bulky unfeminine kind not the pretty long lean kind. But I am guessing I will need muscle to get faster and I am hoping that as long as I am not lifting heavy weights and just do more repetitions of lighter weights I won't bulk up too much.
Wow - this post is really all over the place...I have no idea what the title should be...perhaps "2 Mile Garmin Troubles New Yoga DVD Weight Lifting," hmmmm I think that is just a tad too long - aha! I will make it an acronym!
Oh! I am convinced for sure that my treadmill is off on the speed setting. My Garmin said I was going 10:30 avg - which is substantially different then my 12-13 minute miles on the treadmill. Something is up. I can say, if that is the case, well that will be my secret weapon to 9 minute miles....that and a lot of praying....and some weight loss....and some more praying...begging....pleading....please God help me get there!!!
I bought the Yoga DVD from Target and will be committing to doing it every Sunday.
Source
This year I am combining strength with running (which is another reason why my miles are building slow). I was hesitant last year since #1 I had no idea what I was getting myself into in the first place and #2 I build muscle very fast - I mean the bulky unfeminine kind not the pretty long lean kind. But I am guessing I will need muscle to get faster and I am hoping that as long as I am not lifting heavy weights and just do more repetitions of lighter weights I won't bulk up too much.
Wow - this post is really all over the place...I have no idea what the title should be...perhaps "2 Mile Garmin Troubles New Yoga DVD Weight Lifting," hmmmm I think that is just a tad too long - aha! I will make it an acronym!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Races on the Calender
Yesterday I signed up for 3 races. I will be doing the Anaheim 5K next month, then the Huntington Beach 5K on the 4th of July and the Long Beach 1/2 in October. I am probably going to sign up for the OC Fair 5K - but I figured I would hold off since I just spent a lot of money all at once (somehow it is more economical if I break it up). I am determined to break 27 minutes on one of the 5K's I do.
I am sure next month's 5K time will be horrid - but hey I figured I'd get started trying right away. I am hoping for 32 minutes next month, based on where I am at right now, that is ambitious. The OC Fair 5K is in August, so if I do not get to 27 minutes by the HB 5K, then I WILL get it there!
My goal for the Long Beach 1/2 Marathon is 2-2:15. I have plenty of time to get there and I have all of the mistakes I made last year under my belt; hopefully I wont make them again. PLUS I have my supersweet Garmin. I have big plans for that little guy. Poor thing has been collecting dust for a couple months. The LB 1/2 is like my rematch of last year - where I actually completed it, but I had MUCH room for improvement. This year I am coming back to pick the fight again...grrrrrr.
I will pick a marathon too - eventually. That's right, you heard me, I will finally pick, pay, and then be forced to train for the event I have had as a gaol for over a year. Since it will be far out in like Jan or so - I figured as long as I schedule it before I complete the 1/2 in October I will be fine.
I have realized that I NEED to have a race on the calender. I am a goal oriented person and while I really like to run, I LOVE to run races and get to my goal times.
I am sure next month's 5K time will be horrid - but hey I figured I'd get started trying right away. I am hoping for 32 minutes next month, based on where I am at right now, that is ambitious. The OC Fair 5K is in August, so if I do not get to 27 minutes by the HB 5K, then I WILL get it there!
My goal for the Long Beach 1/2 Marathon is 2-2:15. I have plenty of time to get there and I have all of the mistakes I made last year under my belt; hopefully I wont make them again. PLUS I have my supersweet Garmin. I have big plans for that little guy. Poor thing has been collecting dust for a couple months. The LB 1/2 is like my rematch of last year - where I actually completed it, but I had MUCH room for improvement. This year I am coming back to pick the fight again...grrrrrr.
I will pick a marathon too - eventually. That's right, you heard me, I will finally pick, pay, and then be forced to train for the event I have had as a gaol for over a year. Since it will be far out in like Jan or so - I figured as long as I schedule it before I complete the 1/2 in October I will be fine.
I have realized that I NEED to have a race on the calender. I am a goal oriented person and while I really like to run, I LOVE to run races and get to my goal times.
Monday, May 9, 2011
2 Mile "Long Run"
Man I have a LONG way to go. This weekend I did a 2 mile "long run" - it's almost embarrassing to say that - I won't even post the time - it was even more embarrassing....ok it was 26 minutes and some change (there were walking breaks). I feel ok today - no shin splints so tomorrow is 1.5 plus 30 Day Shred (same for the next 2 days). I am just going to work at this slowly, with balance and moderation. I will get to that Marathon one day - I know it. First things first - I am going to tackle a 27 minute 5K.
So I made the Vegan Enchiladas that Angela from Oh She Glows raved about - with some modifications - OH MY!!! Really super and really filling. They are as good as she says. I made mine with Zucchini instead of Sweet Potatoes and Anaheim Peppers instead of Bell Peppers (I hate Bell Peppers). Delish! You don't even realize the cheese is missing. That will be a good go to recipe.
Also, I made the Almond Butter she made, while it is not exactly the best thing I ever ate - it does make a great lower fat replacement for my nut butter addiction.
So I made the Vegan Enchiladas that Angela from Oh She Glows raved about - with some modifications - OH MY!!! Really super and really filling. They are as good as she says. I made mine with Zucchini instead of Sweet Potatoes and Anaheim Peppers instead of Bell Peppers (I hate Bell Peppers). Delish! You don't even realize the cheese is missing. That will be a good go to recipe.
Also, I made the Almond Butter she made, while it is not exactly the best thing I ever ate - it does make a great lower fat replacement for my nut butter addiction.
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