Good morning, everyone. It's a dark, dreary, sad Thursday here. All week, it's been like this. It really doesn't help with the motivation, energy, or happiness levels. It makes me tired and wanna lay around on the couch and just snuggle with my puggles, Lucy and Sally. I've been trying really hard to make sure I'm getting in two workouts per day. I actually feel bad if I only work out once, but I'm slowly coming around to the realization that some days, you've got to give yourself a break, I guess. I'm very reluctant to give myself breaks because I feel like I spent 30 years giving myself a break and all it did was get me into a diabetic tangle requiring a weight loss of approximately 100 pounds. At the same time, I do enjoy my work outs and I don't want to have it turn into a chore that I don't look forward to.
Anyways, I am pleased to say I completed my first 10K run last night. I did it on a zero incline on the treadmill and it took me 94 minutes to do, which is pretty frigging long, but hey, I did it! I now know where I'm starting and will work on my time. I know I tend to run a bit faster outdoors, so once we get a decent day, I'd like to go out and give it a shot. I tried doing intervals of 9:1 and found them to be extremely comfortable. In other words, for the entire time I was on the treadmill, I was able to keep this up. I think I'm going to start using it on a regular basis. That one minute break is just enough to re-up and push out another 9 minutes. My next running race is on Canada Day (July 1st) and is 10K, so I want to prepare with that race in mind.
I'm struggling A LOT with tracking my points and I think it has to do with the fact that I've been eating rather poorly. I've just got this hankering for junk food. It's terrible. I'm not eating like I used to, but I'm pretty certain I'm going over my points. Maybe I'm not eating enough for my activity level, or I'm not eating often enough...I know after lunch, I'm usually still hungry and want a bag of chips. And last night, I totally pigged out on carrot cake. For supper, I had Cheerios...I just needed to eat sweet and/or starchy. Anyone have any ideas as to what's going on?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Boy is my face red!
Hey guys! Down 2 pounds this week. Can't complain considering all the interesting junk I ate over the long weekend! Another week has begun, though and while I can't promise it'll be perfect, I do promise to try my best.
This past week was pretty intense, training-wise. I kept a pretty steady pace between running, swimming, and cycling during the week. When Friday came, I decided I absolutely HAD to have clipless pedals. In case you're not familiar with the concept, you basically have a different type of pedal and specific shoes. They have a cleat on the bottom of them that allow you to clip in to the pedal, thus, keeping you in place FOREVER. So for a clipless pedal, you clip in and out. Makes sense, right? Well, it allows for more efficient pedal power because you're not just mashing your feet. You get the push->pull function, and in some ways, are safer for if you're you're say, standing on your pedals climbing - you won't slip off and hurt yourself.
No, my friends....there are other ways you can hurt yourself with these contraptions. I made the biggest, dumbest mistake I think you can make the first time trying to go clipless. One, I started out in my hardest gear and, second, started on an incline. See, if you wanna clip in both feet right from the word go, you clip in one, push off, get some momentum, clip in the other, off you go. Not this kid! I clipped in one foot, before got moving, panicked because I could get my other foot clipped in, fell over to the side that was attached, forgot to unclip, resigned myself to the impact that would be caused by my elbow coming into direct contact with pavement with the weight of my entire body behind it.
Yeah, I totally screamed when this happened.
I was all shaky and was so sad. I went inside and thought "maybe I better watch some YouTube videos on how to do this". I got some great tips....For instance, start out on level ground. Clip in one foot, build up some coasting momentum, clip in the other foot, and make a conscious effort to unclip long before, say, a red light or a stop sign. I even decided that, since the next day, I had a rather long cycle to do, I thought I'd do it with one foot unclipped. It was fine except for the hills...I couldn't stand up and climb. I just put er into a super easy gear and sat there pedaling all slow haha I felt like I should've had a basket on the front of my bike and some streamers!
Anyways, I got my mom to take me to a parking lot and just sit there while I practiced unclipping and clipping. It made a huge difference in my comfort level.
The next day was a workshop on triathlons. Things that people often take for granted. For instance, transitions. This impacts your time. So are you really going to take your time and dry off every part of your body? Or mess around with leggings or a tight bike shirt when you're wearing a wet swimsuit underneath it? Or fix your hair? Stuff like that. It was so informative. I need to think about things that bother me like, hair in my face...How will I deal with that on race day, sunscreen, socks or no socks (hey, lots of people forgo them), etc. Then we practice dismounting and racking our bikes. It's all very considerate of the rest of the racers, which I really like. Then we went out and biked the route, which was great....It's a gorgeous ride with some moderate inclines here and there, but altogether nice - not too busy or anything. Then we did the 5K trail run. Well, about 3.5K's of it then we had to get off the trail. So it was a great training day!
It's coming up on June 9th and I'm pretty pumped. A girl I know in the triathlon club I'm in mentioned another one at the end of the summer, but I don't know about it. There's talk of wetsuits and while I can get one for a good price, I do have some shame. I know most chicks don't look so hot in them, but jeez...Even the models don't look that great in them. It's a little unnerving. Also, I start training for a half marathon on July 1st. That is sort of an ultimate goal for me this year, so I might take it easy and once this triathlon is over, continue to train, but just focus more on running. Who knows what'll happen! All I know is by the end of this year, I will have gone from couch potato to triathlete and half marathon runner! Woot! Talk to you all lata!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This past week was pretty intense, training-wise. I kept a pretty steady pace between running, swimming, and cycling during the week. When Friday came, I decided I absolutely HAD to have clipless pedals. In case you're not familiar with the concept, you basically have a different type of pedal and specific shoes. They have a cleat on the bottom of them that allow you to clip in to the pedal, thus, keeping you in place FOREVER. So for a clipless pedal, you clip in and out. Makes sense, right? Well, it allows for more efficient pedal power because you're not just mashing your feet. You get the push->pull function, and in some ways, are safer for if you're you're say, standing on your pedals climbing - you won't slip off and hurt yourself.
No, my friends....there are other ways you can hurt yourself with these contraptions. I made the biggest, dumbest mistake I think you can make the first time trying to go clipless. One, I started out in my hardest gear and, second, started on an incline. See, if you wanna clip in both feet right from the word go, you clip in one, push off, get some momentum, clip in the other, off you go. Not this kid! I clipped in one foot, before got moving, panicked because I could get my other foot clipped in, fell over to the side that was attached, forgot to unclip, resigned myself to the impact that would be caused by my elbow coming into direct contact with pavement with the weight of my entire body behind it.
Yeah, I totally screamed when this happened.
I was all shaky and was so sad. I went inside and thought "maybe I better watch some YouTube videos on how to do this". I got some great tips....For instance, start out on level ground. Clip in one foot, build up some coasting momentum, clip in the other foot, and make a conscious effort to unclip long before, say, a red light or a stop sign. I even decided that, since the next day, I had a rather long cycle to do, I thought I'd do it with one foot unclipped. It was fine except for the hills...I couldn't stand up and climb. I just put er into a super easy gear and sat there pedaling all slow haha I felt like I should've had a basket on the front of my bike and some streamers!
Anyways, I got my mom to take me to a parking lot and just sit there while I practiced unclipping and clipping. It made a huge difference in my comfort level.
The next day was a workshop on triathlons. Things that people often take for granted. For instance, transitions. This impacts your time. So are you really going to take your time and dry off every part of your body? Or mess around with leggings or a tight bike shirt when you're wearing a wet swimsuit underneath it? Or fix your hair? Stuff like that. It was so informative. I need to think about things that bother me like, hair in my face...How will I deal with that on race day, sunscreen, socks or no socks (hey, lots of people forgo them), etc. Then we practice dismounting and racking our bikes. It's all very considerate of the rest of the racers, which I really like. Then we went out and biked the route, which was great....It's a gorgeous ride with some moderate inclines here and there, but altogether nice - not too busy or anything. Then we did the 5K trail run. Well, about 3.5K's of it then we had to get off the trail. So it was a great training day!
It's coming up on June 9th and I'm pretty pumped. A girl I know in the triathlon club I'm in mentioned another one at the end of the summer, but I don't know about it. There's talk of wetsuits and while I can get one for a good price, I do have some shame. I know most chicks don't look so hot in them, but jeez...Even the models don't look that great in them. It's a little unnerving. Also, I start training for a half marathon on July 1st. That is sort of an ultimate goal for me this year, so I might take it easy and once this triathlon is over, continue to train, but just focus more on running. Who knows what'll happen! All I know is by the end of this year, I will have gone from couch potato to triathlete and half marathon runner! Woot! Talk to you all lata!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, May 17, 2013
Ding a ling it's Friday!
Thank goodness!!!! It's been a long-ish week, it seems. I've kept quite busy though, I must say. So! I'm pleased to say I've been tracking, staying within my points, sticking to plan, everything that is good. :) I even had a minor slip up yesterday but adjusted accordingly so that I didn't go over. I'm very happy and in just a couple of days, I already feel better.
In terms of training, I've been going like a mofo! Twice a day, taking Monday off. I don't do the same thing in the same day, but for instance, Tuesday morning, I swam. Tuesday evening, I ran. Wed am, I got out for a walk at lunch, Wed pm, cycling, Thurs am, swimming, Thurs pm, run, Fri am, Swim, and I think tonight calls for a nice bike ride. I'm seriously contemplating getting the clipless pedals and shoes for my steed (that's what I call my bike) so I can go super fast! However, the cost is turning me off. I mean, where does the spending end? My friend says it doesn't, but c'mon! Anyways, tomorrow, I've scheduled myself in for my "long run". I'm trying to work on increasing my distance, so I'm going for 10k. Yeah, I plan to walk a bit, but I want to get accustomed to the distance, I suppose. I did 8 the other night, 5 last night, so I think I should be alright to go for 10. Later on in the day, I might walk or bike, who knows. Sunday, I'm scheduled to partake in a triathlon training session for the one I'm in in June. Really looking forward to that! So it's going to be a 20k bike ride as well as at least a 2.5k run. I may stick to just walking later on in the day since the running clinic isn't on for Sunday.
So yeah! Things are good here. Oh! Also....Something I found and have to share with you. At the grocery store, they sell angel food cake. For 1/6th of it, only 3 points! That's a good sized chunk. I take strawberries, sprinkle it with sweetener and a bit of water (this is called maceration) so it creates a sort of syrup, cut the cake into smaller pieces, mix it up, yummy! My mother also suggested poking holes in it and pouring sugar free jello over the top of it and letting it set up. I'm definitely trying that when I buy the next one!
In terms of training, I've been going like a mofo! Twice a day, taking Monday off. I don't do the same thing in the same day, but for instance, Tuesday morning, I swam. Tuesday evening, I ran. Wed am, I got out for a walk at lunch, Wed pm, cycling, Thurs am, swimming, Thurs pm, run, Fri am, Swim, and I think tonight calls for a nice bike ride. I'm seriously contemplating getting the clipless pedals and shoes for my steed (that's what I call my bike) so I can go super fast! However, the cost is turning me off. I mean, where does the spending end? My friend says it doesn't, but c'mon! Anyways, tomorrow, I've scheduled myself in for my "long run". I'm trying to work on increasing my distance, so I'm going for 10k. Yeah, I plan to walk a bit, but I want to get accustomed to the distance, I suppose. I did 8 the other night, 5 last night, so I think I should be alright to go for 10. Later on in the day, I might walk or bike, who knows. Sunday, I'm scheduled to partake in a triathlon training session for the one I'm in in June. Really looking forward to that! So it's going to be a 20k bike ride as well as at least a 2.5k run. I may stick to just walking later on in the day since the running clinic isn't on for Sunday.
So yeah! Things are good here. Oh! Also....Something I found and have to share with you. At the grocery store, they sell angel food cake. For 1/6th of it, only 3 points! That's a good sized chunk. I take strawberries, sprinkle it with sweetener and a bit of water (this is called maceration) so it creates a sort of syrup, cut the cake into smaller pieces, mix it up, yummy! My mother also suggested poking holes in it and pouring sugar free jello over the top of it and letting it set up. I'm definitely trying that when I buy the next one!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
MMMMMMmmm toast!
Hey guys. I know I know...It's Tuesday and blah blah blah. I ran my last race for a few weeks on Sunday morning. I was pleased with the result of 37:05 for 5K, which is great given that I really didn't run much the week leading up to it. My only complaint is this: If you're REALLY slow, have some consideration and stay near the back. It's good to be confident, but if you're walking the route and there are people who are running standing behind you, they have to weave around you and it's excess energy and time. Also, to the girl who kept dropping her cell phone: Are you for real?! Get some sort of band to hold that thing in place or put it in your pocket! Yeah, believe it. SO frustrating!!!!!!
Anyways, I was pleased :) and now I can sort of turn my focus to triathlon training. I've been having the suckiest time of tracking my points. Today's day one of yet another week. I'm not up, but I ain't down! So I am putting a special effort into tracking once again. I find the excitement of racing and all that makes it hard to remember to do things like write down all the food you hoover away. No excuse though! I started all of this as a way to augment my weight loss, not to take over! And yes, I know I'm training alot, but it's not going to compensate for all the crappy food. So I am back on the wagon and tracking like a fiend. Watch out you...non trackers...cuz I be trackin. haha
Anyways, I was pleased :) and now I can sort of turn my focus to triathlon training. I've been having the suckiest time of tracking my points. Today's day one of yet another week. I'm not up, but I ain't down! So I am putting a special effort into tracking once again. I find the excitement of racing and all that makes it hard to remember to do things like write down all the food you hoover away. No excuse though! I started all of this as a way to augment my weight loss, not to take over! And yes, I know I'm training alot, but it's not going to compensate for all the crappy food. So I am back on the wagon and tracking like a fiend. Watch out you...non trackers...cuz I be trackin. haha
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Oh hi there, friend!
It's been like, 8 days since I last posted and I am VERY sorry! I didn't even realize the time flying by. I guess I've just been so busy having fun. Or just been busy!
Saturday evening, I ran my second 5k and actually had a personal best. Now, I can't say it was my best for that particular run because I don't go out running at the airport on the runway all that often. Actually, Saturday was my first time haha! I've been around 42-45 minutes for my 5k runs and actually managed to do it in 36:37. So I was VERY pleased.
This weekend coming up is the 39th Fredericton Marathon. I'm running in the 5k and apparently, the course is even faster than the airport. So keeping my fingers crossed I can get in at around 35:00.
Last week, I joined Masters for swimming. The season runs Sept-June so I'm joining at the tail end of it all. I thought it'd be a good chance to find out if it's something I really want to do. Since starting, I've gone from a 500m workout to a 1600m workout this morning. My stroke is really improving as is my level of comfort in the water. A lot of it has to do with that....If you're relaxed, you can swim so much more effectively. Thus far, I'm loving it!
I also joined the local triathlon club. I wanted the chance to meet some people, get some advice, and get a chance to go out cycling with people who actually cycled. Well, Sunday morning, bright and early, I was ready to go. Sure, I had dead legs from the night before, but they said it was going to be a relaxing ride. It was not relaxing, unless you're a total pro haha! It was a grueling 37 km's. I know a lot of experienced cyclists think this is a joke, but given that my longest ride was 12k thus far, 37 was pushing it. It was hot, I didn't bring food or water (recently resolved that with some cages installed on my bike for bottles), I didn't wear bike shorts so I was a wee bit uncomfortable, and I just felt awkward. They were an amazing group though. I wanted to try my best because someone always stayed behind with me because I wasn't moving as fast as them. When you're impacting someone else's ride, you kind of feel implored to give it your best shot. It might have been too much for me to do, but I did it and I'm proud of that. Last night, I went out for a 16.5 km ride and found it so much easier to deal with. I was wearing actual bike gear, a felt more comfortable climbing hills, and going down them as well. Tonight, I'm supposed to be heading out to bike the triathlon route I'll be doing on June 9th. It's gonna be awesome!
So after this weekend, I have a triathlon training session the weekend after to prepare me for the sprint triathlon that happens 2 weeks later. For the swimming portion, I'd like to do it in 10 minutes or less, biking - 45 or less, running, 35 - 40 mins. That puts me at a little over an hour and a half. I've started working out twice a day trying to push it and get ready. I'll get a better feel for it tonight once I see the courses (biking and running).
Then after the tri, I'm booked to run my first 10k race on Canada Day, then 6 days later, a 5 miler. Not sure what's going to happen then....I know I want to do something for Marathon by the Sea here in Saint John as well as Legs for Literacy in Moncton at the end of October. In mid October, I plan to partake in my first half marathon, so that might be it for this year - we'll see. I've really caught the bug!
In terms of food and weight, I'm not gonna lie. I haven't been perfect. I decided this week, after being stagnant for 2 weeks, I need to get back to basics and track everything. So that's what I'm doing! I might not be losing pounds, but I can really tell a difference in my upper body with regards to just general muscle tone. I have so much more energy, I sleep better, you know how it goes. Everything is better! I just have a very bad tendency to go WAY overboard if I don't eat enough before a workout. I know a lot of people who say it's alright to pig out after a big run, and I'm cool with that, but I've got to limit that to one meal - not the entire weekend! haha
Anyways, I'm excited to see how Sunday goes but also a little excited to get a break from racing. They're only 5k, but they're tiresome because there's so much excitement and adrenaline. I like to run alone but I still catch the energy and it's just amazing. I'll let you guys know how it goes!!!
Saturday evening, I ran my second 5k and actually had a personal best. Now, I can't say it was my best for that particular run because I don't go out running at the airport on the runway all that often. Actually, Saturday was my first time haha! I've been around 42-45 minutes for my 5k runs and actually managed to do it in 36:37. So I was VERY pleased.
This weekend coming up is the 39th Fredericton Marathon. I'm running in the 5k and apparently, the course is even faster than the airport. So keeping my fingers crossed I can get in at around 35:00.
Last week, I joined Masters for swimming. The season runs Sept-June so I'm joining at the tail end of it all. I thought it'd be a good chance to find out if it's something I really want to do. Since starting, I've gone from a 500m workout to a 1600m workout this morning. My stroke is really improving as is my level of comfort in the water. A lot of it has to do with that....If you're relaxed, you can swim so much more effectively. Thus far, I'm loving it!
I also joined the local triathlon club. I wanted the chance to meet some people, get some advice, and get a chance to go out cycling with people who actually cycled. Well, Sunday morning, bright and early, I was ready to go. Sure, I had dead legs from the night before, but they said it was going to be a relaxing ride. It was not relaxing, unless you're a total pro haha! It was a grueling 37 km's. I know a lot of experienced cyclists think this is a joke, but given that my longest ride was 12k thus far, 37 was pushing it. It was hot, I didn't bring food or water (recently resolved that with some cages installed on my bike for bottles), I didn't wear bike shorts so I was a wee bit uncomfortable, and I just felt awkward. They were an amazing group though. I wanted to try my best because someone always stayed behind with me because I wasn't moving as fast as them. When you're impacting someone else's ride, you kind of feel implored to give it your best shot. It might have been too much for me to do, but I did it and I'm proud of that. Last night, I went out for a 16.5 km ride and found it so much easier to deal with. I was wearing actual bike gear, a felt more comfortable climbing hills, and going down them as well. Tonight, I'm supposed to be heading out to bike the triathlon route I'll be doing on June 9th. It's gonna be awesome!
So after this weekend, I have a triathlon training session the weekend after to prepare me for the sprint triathlon that happens 2 weeks later. For the swimming portion, I'd like to do it in 10 minutes or less, biking - 45 or less, running, 35 - 40 mins. That puts me at a little over an hour and a half. I've started working out twice a day trying to push it and get ready. I'll get a better feel for it tonight once I see the courses (biking and running).
Then after the tri, I'm booked to run my first 10k race on Canada Day, then 6 days later, a 5 miler. Not sure what's going to happen then....I know I want to do something for Marathon by the Sea here in Saint John as well as Legs for Literacy in Moncton at the end of October. In mid October, I plan to partake in my first half marathon, so that might be it for this year - we'll see. I've really caught the bug!
In terms of food and weight, I'm not gonna lie. I haven't been perfect. I decided this week, after being stagnant for 2 weeks, I need to get back to basics and track everything. So that's what I'm doing! I might not be losing pounds, but I can really tell a difference in my upper body with regards to just general muscle tone. I have so much more energy, I sleep better, you know how it goes. Everything is better! I just have a very bad tendency to go WAY overboard if I don't eat enough before a workout. I know a lot of people who say it's alright to pig out after a big run, and I'm cool with that, but I've got to limit that to one meal - not the entire weekend! haha
Anyways, I'm excited to see how Sunday goes but also a little excited to get a break from racing. They're only 5k, but they're tiresome because there's so much excitement and adrenaline. I like to run alone but I still catch the energy and it's just amazing. I'll let you guys know how it goes!!!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
I'm SUCH a fiend!
I can't seem to stop signing up for things or looking for ways to get more involved in the triathlon community here in Saint John. Currently, I'm signed up for my first sprint tri in June and it's been suggested to me to do another one a week later. I haven't decided on whether I want to or not, but I've managed to, in the past two days, join the local triathlon club and get my hands on a half marathon training schedule that begins on July 1st with me doing a 10k race.
Down a couple of pounds, which is always nice, especially given that I ate like a garbage disposal all weekend. I'm a wee bit worried about all the racing and stuff that I'm not putting enough focus on what I'm putting into my body. For instance, last night, I came home from work and got the dogs and tied them out back and worked on clearing some brush from the yard. I didn't feel hungry but, by the time I was done, I was ravenous and ended up having a McChicken and Fries. I think I'm going to have to become one of those people who put all their meals together on Sunday afternoon and their fridge is full of containers of meals because I started doing all of this training as a way to lose weight.
Anyhoo, I know there are tons of resources out there for meal planning ahead of time, etc, but if anyone has any recommendations or little tricks, by all means, feel free to share! All I ever do is talk about myself and what's new in my life but I'd love to get to know some of my readers. Take care everyone!
Down a couple of pounds, which is always nice, especially given that I ate like a garbage disposal all weekend. I'm a wee bit worried about all the racing and stuff that I'm not putting enough focus on what I'm putting into my body. For instance, last night, I came home from work and got the dogs and tied them out back and worked on clearing some brush from the yard. I didn't feel hungry but, by the time I was done, I was ravenous and ended up having a McChicken and Fries. I think I'm going to have to become one of those people who put all their meals together on Sunday afternoon and their fridge is full of containers of meals because I started doing all of this training as a way to lose weight.
Anyhoo, I know there are tons of resources out there for meal planning ahead of time, etc, but if anyone has any recommendations or little tricks, by all means, feel free to share! All I ever do is talk about myself and what's new in my life but I'd love to get to know some of my readers. Take care everyone!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday Monday.....
Ok. It's official. I'm sore. I did my first race on Saturday and, due to the condition of the road, my hip flexors were really sore from trying to get some leverage to push off. Then yesterday, I tackled a 400m incline - baby steps running, but 400m nonetheless. Then, I woke up early this morning, got out there, and ran my usual 5k. When I got out of my car at work, I felt like I could probably jog better than I could walk.
The good news is that, usually, when I run the 5k in the morning, I can barely make it 2.5km's before I have to stop jogging. Then on the way back, I allow myself to stop and walk here and there. This morning, I started jogging and I jogged the whole thing without stopping. I also beat my usual time of 45 minutes. I did it in 43. Every minute counts! Not sure what I'll do tonight, but I'm tempted to go biking. Either way, just thought I'd let you all know that, yes, I am sore now haha
The good news is that, usually, when I run the 5k in the morning, I can barely make it 2.5km's before I have to stop jogging. Then on the way back, I allow myself to stop and walk here and there. This morning, I started jogging and I jogged the whole thing without stopping. I also beat my usual time of 45 minutes. I did it in 43. Every minute counts! Not sure what I'll do tonight, but I'm tempted to go biking. Either way, just thought I'd let you all know that, yes, I am sore now haha
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