I have been walk/running these hillsides for a few months now. Somedays I think I am doing something wrong and need to push myself to run further or faster. But then I have days like yesterday where I run across some inspirational thoughts and ideas that teach me a lesson and remind me about what has been working, no matter what information I use to confuse myself. Yesterday I was reminded that long and slow daily walking is all I used to be able to manage and that during that time I lost a pound a week and took 6 minutes off my 5k time.
Since then I have tried to get on certain plans and schedules that are really designed for people who are trying to improve their running and don't need to loose weight too. Instead of continuing with my long walks with occasional running, I have been doing a lot of running with occasional walking. And still have an extra 50 pounds banging around on my frame.
By doing that I managed to get my first real nagging injury, IT Band keeps flaring up, and I have been on again off again running which made me gain and loose the same 3 pounds like a yoyo for the last few weeks.
The holidays didn't help, but that was only part of the problem. EGO was most of the problem. I thought I needed to make training changes because I have a plan to run certain distances in coming months. Mistake - weight loss needs to come first.
In the end I will be running those races because if I stay on my long slow plan I will be able to move a lighter frame around for longer amount of time and at faster speeds. And that is what matters.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Holiday Fitness
Well, this holiday is going much better than the last one!
We went to Mom's in Georgia, which made being outside a lot more pleasant than it would have been at home. I managed to walk/run 4 miles one day, 3 miles the next day, took a day off, and then did 5 miles on Christmas day. That wasn't too bad for me. My knee didn't get a chance to hurt since I didn't push it too hard. There are a few more days left of my vacation and I hope to keep it up. I took two more days off to finish some projects at Mom's, do some shopping, and travel home. Now it is raining so I will hit the stationary bike in a few minutes and do some work on the Total Gym.
I joined SparkPeople last night, it is a free diet, nutrition motivational site. (Use slowmo202 as a reference if you check it out and sign up, I will get points that way.) The site has lots of information and an exercise plan that looks like something I can accomplish along with my running plan.
I hope you are all doing well. Happy New Year.
We went to Mom's in Georgia, which made being outside a lot more pleasant than it would have been at home. I managed to walk/run 4 miles one day, 3 miles the next day, took a day off, and then did 5 miles on Christmas day. That wasn't too bad for me. My knee didn't get a chance to hurt since I didn't push it too hard. There are a few more days left of my vacation and I hope to keep it up. I took two more days off to finish some projects at Mom's, do some shopping, and travel home. Now it is raining so I will hit the stationary bike in a few minutes and do some work on the Total Gym.
I joined SparkPeople last night, it is a free diet, nutrition motivational site. (Use slowmo202 as a reference if you check it out and sign up, I will get points that way.) The site has lots of information and an exercise plan that looks like something I can accomplish along with my running plan.
I hope you are all doing well. Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Probably Shouldn't Have Done That
You know, I read all the books and the blogs and the magazines. I find it crazy how some people know so much about running and still manage to do things that mess up their races or training. I talk about knowing that I ought to stop when it hurts. Then the big ol' ego kicks in and I just keep going. I guess that is what happens to those other people too. Just keep moving no matter what.
Probably shouldn't have done that.
Since last Wednesday's post I did a couple of runs. I was supposed to do a long run on Saturday or Sunday, but I didn't. Monday I was in a hurry, but I did manage to complete the two miles that were scheduled. I am supposed to do them at 15:09 minutes per mile. I do average that, but I like to run one and a half of the miles as fast as possible and then walk to cool off. This week I finished in 19 minutes.
This Wednesday's run was five miles including warm up and cool down. The schedule says to run 3 X 800 meters, with 400 meters jogs between the 800s. I think they wanted it done with all the running at once, but I knew I couldn't do that so I made a slight change.
Walked 800 meters at 20 minute/mile pace - half mile
Jogged 400 at 15 minute pace - quarter mile
Ran 800 at 12:20 minute pace - half mile
Jogged 400 at 15 minute - quarter mile
Walked 800
Jogged 400
Ran 800
Jogged 400
Walked 800
Jogged 400
Ran 800
Jogged 400
Walked 800
The total was 2 miles of walking and 3 miles of running, it took me about 82 minutes.
My left knee started hurting in the first round. I kept going.
Probably shouldn't have done that.
It is hurting, but not worse than ever before. I used my lunch box ice block on it during the drive home. Not very effective, but I tried. Looks like I will be on the elliptical again.
I need to find the Aleve.
Probably shouldn't have done that.
Since last Wednesday's post I did a couple of runs. I was supposed to do a long run on Saturday or Sunday, but I didn't. Monday I was in a hurry, but I did manage to complete the two miles that were scheduled. I am supposed to do them at 15:09 minutes per mile. I do average that, but I like to run one and a half of the miles as fast as possible and then walk to cool off. This week I finished in 19 minutes.
This Wednesday's run was five miles including warm up and cool down. The schedule says to run 3 X 800 meters, with 400 meters jogs between the 800s. I think they wanted it done with all the running at once, but I knew I couldn't do that so I made a slight change.
Walked 800 meters at 20 minute/mile pace - half mile
Jogged 400 at 15 minute pace - quarter mile
Ran 800 at 12:20 minute pace - half mile
Jogged 400 at 15 minute - quarter mile
Walked 800
Jogged 400
Ran 800
Jogged 400
Walked 800
Jogged 400
Ran 800
Jogged 400
Walked 800
The total was 2 miles of walking and 3 miles of running, it took me about 82 minutes.
My left knee started hurting in the first round. I kept going.
Probably shouldn't have done that.
It is hurting, but not worse than ever before. I used my lunch box ice block on it during the drive home. Not very effective, but I tried. Looks like I will be on the elliptical again.
I need to find the Aleve.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Getting Back To It
I told you last time that I pushed my knee harder than I should have. I was careful the rest of the week. Wednesday and Friday I did long sessions on the elliptical machine in the fitness room. I should have done a long run over the weekend, but really wanted to rest that knee for an entire week. This week I got started again on Tuesday. I decided to set a baseline on a fitness test. So I counted a minutes worth of crunches (30) and pushups (2). I had no idea I couldn't do more I need to work on that! Then I timed a 1 1/2 mile run on the treadmill (20:14). That was pretty good for me, I hadn't run more than a 1/2 mile straight before. I will be doing that check every week. I finished that session by completing 2 miles on the treadmill, spent another half hour on the bike, and then 20 minutes on the elliptical.
Tonight I was planning on working on those pushups, but we got about 4 inches of snow today, so to avoid driving on that mess in the dark I came home... and then ignored my home gym. I will try doing that in the morning instead. I can try.
I also started using a Runner's World training plan to get me in shape for a 10k on the 1st of March. The Tuesday workout included the scheduled 2 miles at 15:09 pace since I finished the 30 minutes by walking the last 1/2 mile. Tomorrow I am scheduled to do 5 miles. 1 mile warmup, 3 miles at 13:34, and 1 mile cool down. And then Saturday is 6 miles at 15:09. Hopefully it will be nice so I can double run the 3 mile course in Athens. I will give it my best effort, but do expect some Galloway walking to be included.
UPDATE!
I said I would try to work out in the morning - well I actually did do it! I amaze myself sometimes too. LOL I did some arm work and crunches. I should be feeling that in the morning.
This evening I did 3 1/2 miles instead of 5. The session included a 1 mile warm up and 2 miles at 13:20 and a 1/2 mile cool down. Running the 2 miles was all I could do tonight. My knee was hurting again too so the cool down was slower and thus shorter than it could have been. I realized this evening that the 6 miles at 15:09 scheduled for Saturday is really just a quick walk. That should be possible depending on my knee again though. I will have to work on the quads. I also got a good idea for a replacement to pushups today, the Plank. I will work it into my mornings.
Tonight I was planning on working on those pushups, but we got about 4 inches of snow today, so to avoid driving on that mess in the dark I came home... and then ignored my home gym. I will try doing that in the morning instead. I can try.
I also started using a Runner's World training plan to get me in shape for a 10k on the 1st of March. The Tuesday workout included the scheduled 2 miles at 15:09 pace since I finished the 30 minutes by walking the last 1/2 mile. Tomorrow I am scheduled to do 5 miles. 1 mile warmup, 3 miles at 13:34, and 1 mile cool down. And then Saturday is 6 miles at 15:09. Hopefully it will be nice so I can double run the 3 mile course in Athens. I will give it my best effort, but do expect some Galloway walking to be included.
UPDATE!
I said I would try to work out in the morning - well I actually did do it! I amaze myself sometimes too. LOL I did some arm work and crunches. I should be feeling that in the morning.
This evening I did 3 1/2 miles instead of 5. The session included a 1 mile warm up and 2 miles at 13:20 and a 1/2 mile cool down. Running the 2 miles was all I could do tonight. My knee was hurting again too so the cool down was slower and thus shorter than it could have been. I realized this evening that the 6 miles at 15:09 scheduled for Saturday is really just a quick walk. That should be possible depending on my knee again though. I will have to work on the quads. I also got a good idea for a replacement to pushups today, the Plank. I will work it into my mornings.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Holiday Week
It seems that taking the week of was contagious. I planned on running last week, it was a series of easy excuses that got in the way. Monday was a long day of meetings and Bill asked me to bake some cookies for Tuesday, so I went home instead of running. Then Tuesday was more meetings and it was nice out so I went home to run and then didn't. Wednesday was the day Mom arrived for the weekend, so of course I couldn't stay late at work. Thursday was the holiday, can't run on a holiday.
Friday, I finally made it. Mom's dog Molly is a Brittany Spaniel who never leaves a fenced yard or the house without a leash. She would run forever if she got the chance. SO I decided to take her for a walk. We jogged two of the normal miles. She really enjoyed running with the other dogs.
Saturday was a day off and Sunday, just didn't happen. Monday finally got me back into the gym. I did my AF PT circuit training. The run went okay, I stayed at 4.5 on the treadmill for all of my quarter miles. Even at the end - when I shouldn't have. Yep, the knee again. Looks like I will be using the eliptical or bike for a while. Nah! It will be okay in a couple of days.
Friday, I finally made it. Mom's dog Molly is a Brittany Spaniel who never leaves a fenced yard or the house without a leash. She would run forever if she got the chance. SO I decided to take her for a walk. We jogged two of the normal miles. She really enjoyed running with the other dogs.
Saturday was a day off and Sunday, just didn't happen. Monday finally got me back into the gym. I did my AF PT circuit training. The run went okay, I stayed at 4.5 on the treadmill for all of my quarter miles. Even at the end - when I shouldn't have. Yep, the knee again. Looks like I will be using the eliptical or bike for a while. Nah! It will be okay in a couple of days.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Every Other Day
This was a good week. I think my progress has been moving along pretty well. My main goal now is to stay motivated through the winter and as long as I continue to lose weight that shouldn't be a problem. I spent this last week figuring out new ways to get my miles in when it is cold. In the last post I told you about the Air Force PT work out 1/4 mile runs with circuit training breaks - I did that Tuesday (3 miles) and Thursday (3.5 miles) at the office fitness room on the tredmill, which is good because that gives me speed references for the future. There isn't much speed so don't laugh at my numbers, they are faster than I can maintain when I am walking.
Tuesday I had on some walking shoes that I will not use for running again. I started running at 4.3 then slowed to 4.0 but by the third mile my knee was hurting, I think because the shoes were not right, so I slowed down and walked half of the last mile.
Thursday I wore my road shoes and felt much better. I stayed at 4.3 for most of the first 2 miles and then slowed to 4.0 for the 3rd. I got back on the tredmill to try using the Podrunner music for a little. I spent about 1/4 mile trying to get the rythem - and didn't, so I was running along at 3.8 (slow I know, but it was the 4th mile) and realized I felt fine so I ran on - ended up doing a half mile. I am very proud of that one, I ran every bit of 3.5 miles.
Saturday I waited until it warmed up in the afternoon and hit the Hayfields. I ran the usual route until the last field and there I started circling to get more distance. These fields are harder to run continuously because of the hills, but I did a pretty good job of it, especially toward the end. That makes me pretty happy too, being able to run at the end makes me think I am not working too hard at the beginning. Though if this was a real race I would probably be in trouble since I have no idea what my pace is to make sure I finish strong.
I am doing pretty good running every other day. I already know that if I take off 3 days my recovery will be painful. Taking 2 days off is available if the weather is messy, but every other day is turning out pretty comfortable.
I like the PT plan that I am using. I can always speed up the 1/4 miles or run 1/2 miles and I can use the weight machine to mix up the circuit training just to be creative. I am enjoying this because the progress is continuing and my expectations are staying within reason. Now the big test - here comes Thankgiving!
I wish you all a good holiday. Will you run after the feast?
Tuesday I had on some walking shoes that I will not use for running again. I started running at 4.3 then slowed to 4.0 but by the third mile my knee was hurting, I think because the shoes were not right, so I slowed down and walked half of the last mile.
Thursday I wore my road shoes and felt much better. I stayed at 4.3 for most of the first 2 miles and then slowed to 4.0 for the 3rd. I got back on the tredmill to try using the Podrunner music for a little. I spent about 1/4 mile trying to get the rythem - and didn't, so I was running along at 3.8 (slow I know, but it was the 4th mile) and realized I felt fine so I ran on - ended up doing a half mile. I am very proud of that one, I ran every bit of 3.5 miles.
Saturday I waited until it warmed up in the afternoon and hit the Hayfields. I ran the usual route until the last field and there I started circling to get more distance. These fields are harder to run continuously because of the hills, but I did a pretty good job of it, especially toward the end. That makes me pretty happy too, being able to run at the end makes me think I am not working too hard at the beginning. Though if this was a real race I would probably be in trouble since I have no idea what my pace is to make sure I finish strong.
I am doing pretty good running every other day. I already know that if I take off 3 days my recovery will be painful. Taking 2 days off is available if the weather is messy, but every other day is turning out pretty comfortable.
I like the PT plan that I am using. I can always speed up the 1/4 miles or run 1/2 miles and I can use the weight machine to mix up the circuit training just to be creative. I am enjoying this because the progress is continuing and my expectations are staying within reason. Now the big test - here comes Thankgiving!
I wish you all a good holiday. Will you run after the feast?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Next Step
In case you were wondering I am still out here. After the Pumpkin Run I got busy and procrastinated some runs, but I really missed them. I have been working on my next plan for Progress. I completed the goal of finishing a 5k in under 40 minutes. Now I want to finish another one with more running than walking and continue the weight loss.
I also had my follow up doctor's appointment that week.
Great news - I am healthy! After 7 weeks since the previous appointment my iron is back into the appropriate range, my cholesterol is 154 (scale is 100-199), just about everything on the blood test was mid-range like that, and I lost 9 more pounds.
The doctor's words were "amazing improvements". My words were "I'm going to keep doing what I have been doing!". I credit lots of exercise and generally less food.
I bought Jeff Galloway's books on running from Overstock. I got the Book on Running, the 5k/10k, and the Half Marathon books. Probably overkill, but the "O" had a good price on them. Galloway promotes long and slow training with plenty of walk breaks, even during the races to help people run further faster. I am trying to incorporate that idea into my plan, but it is hard. Almost as hard as beginning to run, but funny too... "I can't go that slow on purpose" is what I hear myself saying sometimes. I have been walking a lot during my runs, but mostly because my heart rate is getting high and I want to slow it down. This plan for walk breaks is designed to keep that from happening in the first place while giving the legs a bit of a rest for a few seconds.We will see how it goes. I expect good things.
I am also incorporating some Air Force PT into my world. Back in my military days ('84 to '94) the Air Force never had PT so I don't know what is happening out there, but they have a pretty good program put together. Maybe it is just for the Fat Club, so it fits me fine. Anyway, the plan is a 3 mile run broken up into 1/4 mile parts. Between each 1/4 mile run you do 30 seconds of jumping jacks, crunches, pushups, or different types of lifting using resistance bands. I did that today... it is a workout that really has potential especially since the 1/4 mile times should start to come down after a while. I am modifying some of the exercises though. It takes too long to get on the floor for crunches and pushups on my knees seem really stupid (what a way to do some damage!) and I can't do them the other way.
One of my goals is to learn about pace, so I have a bunch of podrunner files on my mp3 player that encourage me to run to the beat. Last week the only run I did was at 130 bpm (beats per minute) it took me 50 minutes to do my normal 3 mile run. That beat is kind of slow, but I am trying to learn.
I think I covered it all - I am healthy, motivated to continue, and doing it because I can!
I also had my follow up doctor's appointment that week.
Great news - I am healthy! After 7 weeks since the previous appointment my iron is back into the appropriate range, my cholesterol is 154 (scale is 100-199), just about everything on the blood test was mid-range like that, and I lost 9 more pounds.
The doctor's words were "amazing improvements". My words were "I'm going to keep doing what I have been doing!". I credit lots of exercise and generally less food.
I bought Jeff Galloway's books on running from Overstock. I got the Book on Running, the 5k/10k, and the Half Marathon books. Probably overkill, but the "O" had a good price on them. Galloway promotes long and slow training with plenty of walk breaks, even during the races to help people run further faster. I am trying to incorporate that idea into my plan, but it is hard. Almost as hard as beginning to run, but funny too... "I can't go that slow on purpose" is what I hear myself saying sometimes. I have been walking a lot during my runs, but mostly because my heart rate is getting high and I want to slow it down. This plan for walk breaks is designed to keep that from happening in the first place while giving the legs a bit of a rest for a few seconds.We will see how it goes. I expect good things.
I am also incorporating some Air Force PT into my world. Back in my military days ('84 to '94) the Air Force never had PT so I don't know what is happening out there, but they have a pretty good program put together. Maybe it is just for the Fat Club, so it fits me fine. Anyway, the plan is a 3 mile run broken up into 1/4 mile parts. Between each 1/4 mile run you do 30 seconds of jumping jacks, crunches, pushups, or different types of lifting using resistance bands. I did that today... it is a workout that really has potential especially since the 1/4 mile times should start to come down after a while. I am modifying some of the exercises though. It takes too long to get on the floor for crunches and pushups on my knees seem really stupid (what a way to do some damage!) and I can't do them the other way.
One of my goals is to learn about pace, so I have a bunch of podrunner files on my mp3 player that encourage me to run to the beat. Last week the only run I did was at 130 bpm (beats per minute) it took me 50 minutes to do my normal 3 mile run. That beat is kind of slow, but I am trying to learn.
I think I covered it all - I am healthy, motivated to continue, and doing it because I can!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
THE Pumpkin Run Results
Well, it is done. Today was the Pipestem Pumpkin Run, it was a beautiful day for running. Just cool enough for the weather to not play a factor in slowing me down and warm enough to allow shorts and a tech shirt.
I heard that the pre-registrations for both the 5k run / walk and 10k were down this year, but it looked like about the normal number of people were there, maybe 75, I will find out when they send me the results letter.
My friend MP and his Dad were there. MP ran the Marine Corps Marathon last week so he was just running this 5k to support his Dad. I didn't try to keep up with them, I just did my best to try and not lose them completely. That worked for most of the race.
The race started with me having a goal of completing the race in 40 minutes or less. If you recall on the test run that I did out here a few weeks ago I finished in 47 minutes. I hoped that all the work I had done since then and some comptetion to run against would help me meet that goal.
Since I haven't worked on pacing, just worried about finishing, I was probably a little fast at the beginning, but settled down pretty quick. I followed my plan to run to the bottom of the first hill and walk up the next. I ran across the top and down the next hill and then started walking as quickly as I could until I felt better to run some more again.
There were a couple of goals that developed as I ran/walked. The first was that I make it to the turn around before the 10k runners caught up with me. Made it! The second was that I make it to the water station before they caught me. Did that too! They weren't far behind though.
I had always planned to run most of the last leg. That worked out too... I rounded the corner with 4 minutes to finish the last 3/10ths or so. I jogged to one of the course marker pumpkins, walked for about 20 seconds and then asked myself why - and started jogging again, then the last 1/10th pumpkin came up and I started Running. I could see the clock said 39 minutes and I really pushed myself to the finish line.
39 minutes and 26 seconds (unofficially)
That was good for first place in my age group. There were two of us, but I beat her!
So I said I would post a picture, I really should stay out of the sun for pictures.
I still have a lot of weight to lose - another 50 pounds gone would make me unrecognizable - but I am getting there. The comparison picture is in the August 2007 file.
Thanks for all the support, next stop is ... not definate yet, but there are several options available.
I will be adding another mile to my training route. I plan on doing that every month. October was 3 miles, November is 4 miles and so on. Along with that - all of the miles need to be completed within 1 hour. Until that becomes unreasonable anyway.
What that means is I will have to start working on pace and speed. The dogs will like that part.
I heard that the pre-registrations for both the 5k run / walk and 10k were down this year, but it looked like about the normal number of people were there, maybe 75, I will find out when they send me the results letter.
My friend MP and his Dad were there. MP ran the Marine Corps Marathon last week so he was just running this 5k to support his Dad. I didn't try to keep up with them, I just did my best to try and not lose them completely. That worked for most of the race.
The race started with me having a goal of completing the race in 40 minutes or less. If you recall on the test run that I did out here a few weeks ago I finished in 47 minutes. I hoped that all the work I had done since then and some comptetion to run against would help me meet that goal.
Since I haven't worked on pacing, just worried about finishing, I was probably a little fast at the beginning, but settled down pretty quick. I followed my plan to run to the bottom of the first hill and walk up the next. I ran across the top and down the next hill and then started walking as quickly as I could until I felt better to run some more again.
There were a couple of goals that developed as I ran/walked. The first was that I make it to the turn around before the 10k runners caught up with me. Made it! The second was that I make it to the water station before they caught me. Did that too! They weren't far behind though.
I had always planned to run most of the last leg. That worked out too... I rounded the corner with 4 minutes to finish the last 3/10ths or so. I jogged to one of the course marker pumpkins, walked for about 20 seconds and then asked myself why - and started jogging again, then the last 1/10th pumpkin came up and I started Running. I could see the clock said 39 minutes and I really pushed myself to the finish line.
39 minutes and 26 seconds (unofficially)That was good for first place in my age group. There were two of us, but I beat her!
So I said I would post a picture, I really should stay out of the sun for pictures.
I still have a lot of weight to lose - another 50 pounds gone would make me unrecognizable - but I am getting there. The comparison picture is in the August 2007 file.
Thanks for all the support, next stop is ... not definate yet, but there are several options available.
I will be adding another mile to my training route. I plan on doing that every month. October was 3 miles, November is 4 miles and so on. Along with that - all of the miles need to be completed within 1 hour. Until that becomes unreasonable anyway.
What that means is I will have to start working on pace and speed. The dogs will like that part.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Another Training Lesson
Last week started out with a little too much work and then slid into not nearly enough work and finally ended up in Lesson Learned Land.
I did a hard run on Sunday that went pretty well, then Monday was a nice walk, but then Tuesday I went out and did another hard run, which didn't feel so good. It was very humid and on the edge of raining, but I think the problem had more to do with the fact that I have been being very cautious in my training and two hard runs that close together was pushing myself.
I started out with 70 pounds to lose and a strong paranoia about getting hurt. I am down about 25 pounds and my paranoia is still there, so psychologically this wasn't a good idea.
Wednesday it started to rain for the first time in weeks and I was sore so taking a day off was easy.
Thursday it was still raining, another day off was not a good idea, but that is what happened. I have an exercise bike in the basement that I could ride, but convinced myself that it would be boring to ride it in the basement watching the pool table go by.
Friday it was still raining and I went to an expo and then shopping for bargains, so I got a walk in, but no running or biking.
Saturday, even after 3 days of rain the ground was not squishy except in a couple of puddle spots. Since it wasn't wet I did a moderate run and discovered that the rainy day vacation was a really bad idea. I finished the 4 miles, but I had a backside muscle hurting the whole way, it has been bothering me for a while, but was worse than usual this time. Then after the run my thigh and lower back were hurting. Connected by the lack of exercise to be sure.
Sunday I was really sore, Aleve to the rescue! I went out for a 4 mile walk. The dogs weren't real happy with my training choice, they would run off and come back looking at me like 'what's your problem? Let's go!' I just kept walking.
Today, Monday, I felt pretty good. I also decided why that backside muscle was hurting, a bad case of West Virginia Mountain Leg. You know how all of the cows in WV have one leg shorter than the other from grazing the hillsides? Well, I have been running these hills in the same clockwise direction every day. I try to stay on the flat areas, but sometimes I am on a slope. Today I ran them counter-clockwise and you might think I am kidding, but I didn't have any problems in that area. LOL Hey something had to explain it, right?
So that is my most recent training lesson. No sitting around on rainy/cold/slushy days, do something, anything, just get off the couch! The rest of this week will be long walks or light jogs until Saturday morning when I head to Pipestem for the Pumpkin Run!
I did a hard run on Sunday that went pretty well, then Monday was a nice walk, but then Tuesday I went out and did another hard run, which didn't feel so good. It was very humid and on the edge of raining, but I think the problem had more to do with the fact that I have been being very cautious in my training and two hard runs that close together was pushing myself.
I started out with 70 pounds to lose and a strong paranoia about getting hurt. I am down about 25 pounds and my paranoia is still there, so psychologically this wasn't a good idea.
Wednesday it started to rain for the first time in weeks and I was sore so taking a day off was easy.
Thursday it was still raining, another day off was not a good idea, but that is what happened. I have an exercise bike in the basement that I could ride, but convinced myself that it would be boring to ride it in the basement watching the pool table go by.
Friday it was still raining and I went to an expo and then shopping for bargains, so I got a walk in, but no running or biking.
Saturday, even after 3 days of rain the ground was not squishy except in a couple of puddle spots. Since it wasn't wet I did a moderate run and discovered that the rainy day vacation was a really bad idea. I finished the 4 miles, but I had a backside muscle hurting the whole way, it has been bothering me for a while, but was worse than usual this time. Then after the run my thigh and lower back were hurting. Connected by the lack of exercise to be sure.
Sunday I was really sore, Aleve to the rescue! I went out for a 4 mile walk. The dogs weren't real happy with my training choice, they would run off and come back looking at me like 'what's your problem? Let's go!' I just kept walking.
Today, Monday, I felt pretty good. I also decided why that backside muscle was hurting, a bad case of West Virginia Mountain Leg. You know how all of the cows in WV have one leg shorter than the other from grazing the hillsides? Well, I have been running these hills in the same clockwise direction every day. I try to stay on the flat areas, but sometimes I am on a slope. Today I ran them counter-clockwise and you might think I am kidding, but I didn't have any problems in that area. LOL Hey something had to explain it, right?
So that is my most recent training lesson. No sitting around on rainy/cold/slushy days, do something, anything, just get off the couch! The rest of this week will be long walks or light jogs until Saturday morning when I head to Pipestem for the Pumpkin Run!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Run/Walking the Hillsides
I hade a pretty good week again, this exercise thing is hard work, but is paying off. I am still a long way from fit, but I am just about to hit the big 2-0, twenty pounds lost since June. What is my secret? Faithful readers know - hard work and a goal.
I was laughing to Fabulous Hubby this afternoon when I got done with my run. I was hot and tired and had just finished at least 3 miles of hillsides in about 49 minutes with a heart rate average of 156 bpm. It was barely 2 months ago when I started this phase of exercise that I was in the same hot and tired shape. I had walk/ran 1 mile around the flat course for about 20 minutes with a heart rate average of about the same if not higher. That is Progress, no doubt.
I have mentioned the hills that I walk quite a few times and thought now might be a good time to show you what they look like. The next part of this posting is lots of description of where I spend my time on the trail, so it is kind of odd, but the pictures are pretty.
From this location you can see those trees below the edge of the hillside. Another thing about this picture, if you look between those pines on the left side, you can just about see the spot from where I took the first picture.
On my left out of the picture is a tree line that slopes back down the ridge, crosses a fence line, and then up again to become that way back line of trees you might have noticed in the first picture. I get there by heading to that fence line, circling back to the gate I came in, then up to the top of the ridge and in the gate of the last field. I go around the edges of that one - the dogs and I avoid the cows when we can and walking quietly through them if we can't - and out the gate I came in again. Then go back down the road and up the driveway to the house. This route wouldn't be so long or tough if I could stick to the tree line, but since I have to do a sort of clover leaf rout along the fences it is a very effective workout.
Whew! I got tired just thinking about it. I hope you didn't get lost out there in the field trying to keep up with me... but hey, we missed the cow pies!
I was laughing to Fabulous Hubby this afternoon when I got done with my run. I was hot and tired and had just finished at least 3 miles of hillsides in about 49 minutes with a heart rate average of 156 bpm. It was barely 2 months ago when I started this phase of exercise that I was in the same hot and tired shape. I had walk/ran 1 mile around the flat course for about 20 minutes with a heart rate average of about the same if not higher. That is Progress, no doubt.
I have mentioned the hills that I walk quite a few times and thought now might be a good time to show you what they look like. The next part of this posting is lots of description of where I spend my time on the trail, so it is kind of odd, but the pictures are pretty.
See the bit of hayfield on the right hand side between the two tree lines? My house is to the left of that field behind the trees. The start of my run goes from the house down that lower tree line, back up the road that is below the hillside between me and the cows, past those bushes on the left side of the picture, and then in the gate where I follow the fence line (out of view) back down the hill to the right in this picture and around to the get to the top of the ridge where I am taking this picture.
I continue to the left and out the gate I came in. Then go to the next field.
This is another view about half way up another slope. I go up the inside of the fence on the right and to the right in the back and circle that small field and then come back to a gate on the right and go back up the outside of the same fence and around the back of that field that you see in the distance. See the trees on the right?
From this location you can see those trees below the edge of the hillside. Another thing about this picture, if you look between those pines on the left side, you can just about see the spot from where I took the first picture.
On my left out of the picture is a tree line that slopes back down the ridge, crosses a fence line, and then up again to become that way back line of trees you might have noticed in the first picture. I get there by heading to that fence line, circling back to the gate I came in, then up to the top of the ridge and in the gate of the last field. I go around the edges of that one - the dogs and I avoid the cows when we can and walking quietly through them if we can't - and out the gate I came in again. Then go back down the road and up the driveway to the house. This route wouldn't be so long or tough if I could stick to the tree line, but since I have to do a sort of clover leaf rout along the fences it is a very effective workout.
Whew! I got tired just thinking about it. I hope you didn't get lost out there in the field trying to keep up with me... but hey, we missed the cow pies!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
PWWHM Kick the Couch 5k
I had a great race today! Myself and over 1100 of my new running friends hit the roads at various times in various locations to compete against the grip that the couch and cheesy poofs have had on our lives. I chose to use the Roth Memorial 5K course for my personal race and finished in 42 minutes. That was faster than when I walk it and a time to compete against when I do the regular race in May.
It was a beautiful running morning. I did wait until after 10am to get started, not just because it was chilly, but I wanted to get a package in the mail (Jen, you can tell him it is on the way).
When I got to the starting point on the Concord University campus track I found they were setting up for a football game, glad I didn't plan on doing this in the afternoon! So, I got started and made my first goal to get around the track and out the gate to the parking lot before I stopped, Made It! LOL okay this was a no speed zone for sure. I walked for a bit and then jogged down the hill to the first dorm, then ran a bit and walked a bit for the whole 42 minutes. I found my self jogging up and down the hills, walking when I needed to and using the growing football crowds as inspiration to run just a little bit more to get past them. It worked pretty well I think, not a lot of speed, but I burned a bunch of calories and got off the couch to do it! Thanks for everyone who shared encouragement, next stop is the Pumpkin Run in 3 weeks.
It was a beautiful running morning. I did wait until after 10am to get started, not just because it was chilly, but I wanted to get a package in the mail (Jen, you can tell him it is on the way).
When I got to the starting point on the Concord University campus track I found they were setting up for a football game, glad I didn't plan on doing this in the afternoon! So, I got started and made my first goal to get around the track and out the gate to the parking lot before I stopped, Made It! LOL okay this was a no speed zone for sure. I walked for a bit and then jogged down the hill to the first dorm, then ran a bit and walked a bit for the whole 42 minutes. I found my self jogging up and down the hills, walking when I needed to and using the growing football crowds as inspiration to run just a little bit more to get past them. It worked pretty well I think, not a lot of speed, but I burned a bunch of calories and got off the couch to do it! Thanks for everyone who shared encouragement, next stop is the Pumpkin Run in 3 weeks.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
I Found a New Gear
Today was an exceptional run (yes, I think I ran more than walked) that reinforced everything that I have been working on for the last few weeks. My 5k plan said I was supposed to do a hard run today. I have been avoiding these days since at the beginning of my new adventure I had a difficult time staying out of the 80 to 90% heart rate zone, but I figured 35 minutes was possible.
Back in August when I started this it seemed like I hardly took 30 jogging steps before my heart rate was zooming up into the 90% of max range. Then I would have to walk about 100 yards before it was back down low enough for me to jog another 30 steps and repeat the whole process. I was about worn out after 15 minutes of that on the first day.
Since my max heart rate is 187 beats per minute today's goal was to stay between 155 and 170 for 35 minutes. I could hardly believe it, but I actually had to run uphill to stay in that range. When I got near the top of the hill I would be at about 165 so I would walk for a bit and my rate would level off and then drop pretty quickly. Then I would jog across the flat area and my rate came up slowly. I even picked up the speed a bit hoping to get to a point where I could walk, which means I have found another gear. I am still more Penguin than Deer, but I see improvement.
Saturday is my PWWHM Couch to 5k run in Athens, so tomorrow I am doing nothing and then Friday is a long walk in the fields to warm up for Saturday morning. Today's experience made me believe that I can push myself and have a pretty good 5k. It should be interesting.
P.S. We have a Marathon Celebrity in West Virginia - Michael Cox was the first American to cross the Chicago Marathon finish line, in 8th place, with a time of 2:21:42, which qualified him for an Olympic trial (the cut off was 2:22:00). Cox graduated from the same high school as Fabulous Hubby, where FH now teaches, and Cox is the cross-country coach at our alma mater, Concord University in Athens, WV (not Athens, Georgia as the Chicago Sun-Times reported).
Back in August when I started this it seemed like I hardly took 30 jogging steps before my heart rate was zooming up into the 90% of max range. Then I would have to walk about 100 yards before it was back down low enough for me to jog another 30 steps and repeat the whole process. I was about worn out after 15 minutes of that on the first day.
Since my max heart rate is 187 beats per minute today's goal was to stay between 155 and 170 for 35 minutes. I could hardly believe it, but I actually had to run uphill to stay in that range. When I got near the top of the hill I would be at about 165 so I would walk for a bit and my rate would level off and then drop pretty quickly. Then I would jog across the flat area and my rate came up slowly. I even picked up the speed a bit hoping to get to a point where I could walk, which means I have found another gear. I am still more Penguin than Deer, but I see improvement.
Saturday is my PWWHM Couch to 5k run in Athens, so tomorrow I am doing nothing and then Friday is a long walk in the fields to warm up for Saturday morning. Today's experience made me believe that I can push myself and have a pretty good 5k. It should be interesting.
P.S. We have a Marathon Celebrity in West Virginia - Michael Cox was the first American to cross the Chicago Marathon finish line, in 8th place, with a time of 2:21:42, which qualified him for an Olympic trial (the cut off was 2:22:00). Cox graduated from the same high school as Fabulous Hubby, where FH now teaches, and Cox is the cross-country coach at our alma mater, Concord University in Athens, WV (not Athens, Georgia as the Chicago Sun-Times reported).
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Time Management
I have had a week of unorganized distraction when it comes to getting my miles in.
Monday I came home to find Fabulous Hubby at work removing the standard, rusty bed of his truck in prep for installing the replacement flat metal bed that he bought at an auction. So I helped him with that some and then made dinner, by the time I was ready to start the miles it was cold out, and I realized that my Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain that I have been ignoring since July) didn't hurt for once - I went back in the house. Thus began my unplanned easy week.
Tuesday since I had decided my foot might actually need the rest, I went to the fitness center and reintroduced myself to the elliptical machine. I spent 30 minutes at about 75% of my max. When I got done I realized that I should have done more.
Wednesday I worked late since I had a business trip coming up. It was dark by the time I could have been ready to start the miles, so I didn't again.
Thursday was the trip and I didn't get home until dark, no miles again.
Friday I was going to go do a long bike ride, but that plan didn't work out so I did 4 miles - yes! finally some real miles!
Saturday is usually my long miles in the morning, but Friday's 4 miles were harder than they should have been so I planned to do a light walk, but that got dropped for a trip to town - and a new boycott on Applebee's - not a story for this blog, though it does include salmon instead of steak.
Sunday should have been off, but since my week was so messed up, I chose to hit the hills for a moderate heart rate hour.
So the week didn't start out too promising, but by the weekend I think I redeemed myself.
New gadgets in the house include a fat scale - I was telling Fabulous Hubby about the one that MP brought to work for us to use and he didn't disagree about buying one. He might have changed his mind about that since he isn't too happy to see what his personal numbers are, but my success so far has caught his attention, we will see where he goes with this.
Speaking of that fat scale - the difference between the first of September and the first of October showed nothing. That is right, not a change. As a verification to that, I got exactly the same readings on the scale that MP brought in and on the one I purchased, no fat loss at all. One reason was that wedding trip, I actually saw a slight gain, which I managed to get rid of again, but my fat percentage did not change for the month. The second reason might be because most of my miles have averaged in the "Hard" range. According to what I have read on the subject, that would be good for exercise, but not for burning fat. So, this week is going to be long walk/runs at 75% HR because that is supposed to be the best burning zone. Since I have my own scale I will be able to check out my progress weekly. That is it for this week. Keep moving everyone!
Monday I came home to find Fabulous Hubby at work removing the standard, rusty bed of his truck in prep for installing the replacement flat metal bed that he bought at an auction. So I helped him with that some and then made dinner, by the time I was ready to start the miles it was cold out, and I realized that my Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain that I have been ignoring since July) didn't hurt for once - I went back in the house. Thus began my unplanned easy week.
Tuesday since I had decided my foot might actually need the rest, I went to the fitness center and reintroduced myself to the elliptical machine. I spent 30 minutes at about 75% of my max. When I got done I realized that I should have done more.
Wednesday I worked late since I had a business trip coming up. It was dark by the time I could have been ready to start the miles, so I didn't again.
Thursday was the trip and I didn't get home until dark, no miles again.
Friday I was going to go do a long bike ride, but that plan didn't work out so I did 4 miles - yes! finally some real miles!
Saturday is usually my long miles in the morning, but Friday's 4 miles were harder than they should have been so I planned to do a light walk, but that got dropped for a trip to town - and a new boycott on Applebee's - not a story for this blog, though it does include salmon instead of steak.
Sunday should have been off, but since my week was so messed up, I chose to hit the hills for a moderate heart rate hour.
So the week didn't start out too promising, but by the weekend I think I redeemed myself.
New gadgets in the house include a fat scale - I was telling Fabulous Hubby about the one that MP brought to work for us to use and he didn't disagree about buying one. He might have changed his mind about that since he isn't too happy to see what his personal numbers are, but my success so far has caught his attention, we will see where he goes with this.
Speaking of that fat scale - the difference between the first of September and the first of October showed nothing. That is right, not a change. As a verification to that, I got exactly the same readings on the scale that MP brought in and on the one I purchased, no fat loss at all. One reason was that wedding trip, I actually saw a slight gain, which I managed to get rid of again, but my fat percentage did not change for the month. The second reason might be because most of my miles have averaged in the "Hard" range. According to what I have read on the subject, that would be good for exercise, but not for burning fat. So, this week is going to be long walk/runs at 75% HR because that is supposed to be the best burning zone. Since I have my own scale I will be able to check out my progress weekly. That is it for this week. Keep moving everyone!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Pipestem Test Run
First off, I want to say Hi to anyone visiting from Phedippidations. I have been run/walking for such a short time and at such short distances that I haven't actually caught up with the current pod cast. I am downloading it now to find out what the buzz is about, but a friend emailed me that my blog is mentioned on the current podcast - episode 116 I expect. Thanks Steve at www.steverunner.com . I have something in common with you now - uncomprehending awareness that more than my family is looking at this Blog. Why? I don't know, but I hope you find me interesting.
I did my hardest run for the week today. I left the comfort of the hayfields behind and risked shinsplints by hitting the pavement. My goal for the fall is to run the Pipestem Pumpkin Run 5k in November. I have been aiming my training at that event and this weekend I chose to go out to the park and give it a test run instead of going back down to 'the creek' like I had done last week. It was just me, a couple of deer, a dead squirrel, and the traffic. Minor traffic compared to what most people experience on runs, but I am happy to say I handled it well by not getting hit. I did have to share some disgusted looks with some drivers though - 30 mph is pretty reasonable, slow down and enjoy the park for a minute, please!
My fellow local runners will agree that the Pipestem course is not flat. I really enjoyed the flatness of that run on 'the creek' last week since my typical choices seem to be made up of hills. The course I will be doing for the "drumroll please" Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and Kick the Couch 5k is in the town of Athens, which is - wait for it - hilly too! So anyway, Pipestem is hilly, Athens is hilly. When I start running in Hinton it will be hilly. I can't avoid it so I just as well train for it, which sort of explains my love of that hayfield. I just hope all of these hills help flatten out some of my personal rolls and lumps. LOL
Oh Steve is talking about happiness. I think I know why he mentioned me now. Still crazy though. Good music - I need to get this band from his pod notes.
SO the Park. I have been reading a lot about different training plans and have decided that the best plan for me to follow is to run with walk breaks. Today I did 2 minute run, 3 minute walk X 3 turns before I just had to walk. My heart rate monitor was not very happy, if it could glow red and give me dirty looks it sure would have. I ended up walking for about 12 minutes before I continued running and then it was run for a minute to the sign, walk up the hill, run for 2 minutes so that I could pass the three seniors out on a nature walk, walk up the hill, run for a minute to get around the curve, walk some more and then finally run past the cemetary so the residents didn't catch me. HA. I made it!
Overall it took me 47 minutes and 14 seconds and I ran 12 minutes of it. Not burning up the road, but as a friendly dofus just said in my headphones "Life is about pushing yourself as a human being both for yourself and for others." One month from now I will be back at Pipestem running the sanctioned race. I will be able to push myself because there will be people to chase and I might even have a new friend with whom to share the race. She is just getting out of the Army so I would expect far beyond my pace, but I will invite her to participate in my new adventure.
Goals are a big part of what I am using to keep me motivated. I know I haven't even really run a 5K yet, but I already have another goal. I have become aware of the Marine Corps Marathon over the last few weeks because a friend in the office has entered and received his bib. I think that is a wonderful goal for him. I on the other hand have another goal. I was an Air Force jet avionics mechanic from '84 to '94 and just can't bring myself to do another Service's race before I do the Air Force race. So, my extended goal is to run/walk the Air Force Half Marathon in September of 2008. I know it is way out there, but I figure if I can add just one mile a month onto my start of 3 miles, I CAN do it. Life will have its way with that plan, but I will do what I can do be there when the race starts. Maybe I will meet some of you there.
There I am! Featured blog! WOW!
Thanks again for the comment Steve and everyone for visiting.
I did my hardest run for the week today. I left the comfort of the hayfields behind and risked shinsplints by hitting the pavement. My goal for the fall is to run the Pipestem Pumpkin Run 5k in November. I have been aiming my training at that event and this weekend I chose to go out to the park and give it a test run instead of going back down to 'the creek' like I had done last week. It was just me, a couple of deer, a dead squirrel, and the traffic. Minor traffic compared to what most people experience on runs, but I am happy to say I handled it well by not getting hit. I did have to share some disgusted looks with some drivers though - 30 mph is pretty reasonable, slow down and enjoy the park for a minute, please!
My fellow local runners will agree that the Pipestem course is not flat. I really enjoyed the flatness of that run on 'the creek' last week since my typical choices seem to be made up of hills. The course I will be doing for the "drumroll please" Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon and Kick the Couch 5k is in the town of Athens, which is - wait for it - hilly too! So anyway, Pipestem is hilly, Athens is hilly. When I start running in Hinton it will be hilly. I can't avoid it so I just as well train for it, which sort of explains my love of that hayfield. I just hope all of these hills help flatten out some of my personal rolls and lumps. LOL
Oh Steve is talking about happiness. I think I know why he mentioned me now. Still crazy though. Good music - I need to get this band from his pod notes.
SO the Park. I have been reading a lot about different training plans and have decided that the best plan for me to follow is to run with walk breaks. Today I did 2 minute run, 3 minute walk X 3 turns before I just had to walk. My heart rate monitor was not very happy, if it could glow red and give me dirty looks it sure would have. I ended up walking for about 12 minutes before I continued running and then it was run for a minute to the sign, walk up the hill, run for 2 minutes so that I could pass the three seniors out on a nature walk, walk up the hill, run for a minute to get around the curve, walk some more and then finally run past the cemetary so the residents didn't catch me. HA. I made it!
Overall it took me 47 minutes and 14 seconds and I ran 12 minutes of it. Not burning up the road, but as a friendly dofus just said in my headphones "Life is about pushing yourself as a human being both for yourself and for others." One month from now I will be back at Pipestem running the sanctioned race. I will be able to push myself because there will be people to chase and I might even have a new friend with whom to share the race. She is just getting out of the Army so I would expect far beyond my pace, but I will invite her to participate in my new adventure.
Goals are a big part of what I am using to keep me motivated. I know I haven't even really run a 5K yet, but I already have another goal. I have become aware of the Marine Corps Marathon over the last few weeks because a friend in the office has entered and received his bib. I think that is a wonderful goal for him. I on the other hand have another goal. I was an Air Force jet avionics mechanic from '84 to '94 and just can't bring myself to do another Service's race before I do the Air Force race. So, my extended goal is to run/walk the Air Force Half Marathon in September of 2008. I know it is way out there, but I figure if I can add just one mile a month onto my start of 3 miles, I CAN do it. Life will have its way with that plan, but I will do what I can do be there when the race starts. Maybe I will meet some of you there.
There I am! Featured blog! WOW!
Thanks again for the comment Steve and everyone for visiting.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Progress is Fun
Wait, that would mean I am enjoying this?! Training for anything that forces you to move your body is hard work, but I had another inspiring session this afternoon. Rain was in the forecast FINALLY and Billy and Jake were not home so I put on my new shoes, mp3 player, heart rate monitor, and GPS (lol, probably had more computers on me today than the first F-15 fighter jet that I worked on back in the day) and then Poochy and I took off for the hayfields.
We made pretty good time today. With the rain coming I sure wasn't poking along, but my course today was supposed to be in the moderate heart rate range, which would be 134 to 150 beats per minute today. I actually managed to do a pretty good job of keeping it in that range too. There were a couple of spikes - it started sprinkling when we were about a half mile from the house. Poochy and I started running a short cut across a flat piece of ground and then I remembered I had left the gate open at the top of the hill - so after that run and then hiking to the top of the hill I was working.
The part that was inspiring and put me in a good mood is that I covered 3.1 miles of hayfield trail in 53 minutes and had an average heart rate of 143 bpm or 80% of my max. Yes that means I could have worked harder, but this was Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning I am going to be working a lot harder.
Now some people might think that time was really nothing to be inspired by, but you can just come on out to my hayfields and we will compare your road times and average heart rate to what you can do out here. Unless you run hills all the time I expect that you will notice a difference.
My new Asics trail shoes are just as comfortable as my other Asics road shoes. The purpose of buying the trail shoes (top in the picture) was mostly for that dark part you see by the toe - that section is what keeps my foot from sliding sideways on the edges of the hills. They are also water resistant and have deeper treds to manage the rocks and sticks on the trail. The cushioning is pretty nice too. The shoes that I had been wearing have little to no cushion.
The only problem I have is that I need more dri-wicking socks.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Progress Update
I figure maybe I ought to talk about my actual progress since looking at my past posts there doesn’t appear to be any. The truth is the opposite though, I think I just don’t dare write about it since it might break my stride, no pun intended just can’t think of another word. So far my progress is being measured in heart rate and clothing.
In the heart rate area I have been very impressed with my improvement. When I started this I would get my heart rate set in the monitor somewhere between 60% and 90% of my max heart rate. My course was a fairly level path in the hayfield about the length of a track – 5 laps was a mile. I would start jogging and within 50 feet be maxed out. I would walk about a lap before the rate was down into the middle of that day’s range and then jog again for another 25 feet until I was maxed out again.
I have been walk/jogging about 5 days a week for the last 3 weeks since then and moved from that field to a very hilly course that is just over 2 miles long. The progress I have seen is that my heart rate doesn’t get crazy high anymore. I can jog quite a distance before I max out and then I recover down into the mid-range pretty quickly.
This weekend I went down to “the creek” with Bill. While he was helping put windows in the house his brother is building I went for a run. The road down there is paved, not very hilly, and has almost no traffic. I took off walking for 90 seconds, jogged for 90, walked for 2 minutes, jogged for 2 minutes, walked for 3 minutes, jogged for almost 3 minutes. The almost happened because I saw that my heart rate was at 104%. I could have finished, but it worried me for a second. This had taken me to within a few feet of the first mile. I finished that mile and then walked calmly 7 more minutes out. Turned around walked 7 minutes back and then thought I would rotate again. I sped up the walk and went 90 seconds which happened to be up a slope, then jogged for 90 seconds without going over 95%, then walked until it was down and jogged a bit more a couple of times, then finally I came around the last curve and I jogged the last minute up to the yard. Overall I jogged 10 minutes out of a 43 minute 3 mile course. I feel pretty good about that. Next weekend they are putting the front door in – I will go do it again.
I found out two things during that test – my max heart rate is actually 188 beats per minute and my new running shoes (Asics GT-2120) are great on pavement. I haven’t been able to wear them in the hayfield because they have no lateral support and the hills make it hard to walk when you feet are sliding off the top of your shoes. To solve that I decided I needed some good trail shoes. Sunday evening I found a really good sale on line and ordered a pair, Asics Trail Sensor WR – they are water resistant, which is going to be helpful someday if it rains. I hope they fit as well as the other pair; there are no stores in my local mall that sell decent trail shoes so I couldn’t try them on first.
What I have been able to identify in the clothing area is that there are four different groups of clothes in my closet.
1. Things that I was wearing this summer, but are now actually too big.
2. Things that I was wearing this summer, but now fit better than ever.
3. Things that I couldn’t wear this summer and now I can.
4. Things that I expect to be able to wear in the next couple of months.
I will be weeding the number one items out of the closet when more of the number fours are available. I know it looks a little sloppy, but since I refuse to shop in the Women’s department anymore – and I am not quite out of there yet – people will just have to realize this is a transition period.
That is my current progress. Heart rate is doing better, legs are doing better, and my closet is confused. Things are headed in an awesome direction. Pipestem watch out!
In the heart rate area I have been very impressed with my improvement. When I started this I would get my heart rate set in the monitor somewhere between 60% and 90% of my max heart rate. My course was a fairly level path in the hayfield about the length of a track – 5 laps was a mile. I would start jogging and within 50 feet be maxed out. I would walk about a lap before the rate was down into the middle of that day’s range and then jog again for another 25 feet until I was maxed out again.
I have been walk/jogging about 5 days a week for the last 3 weeks since then and moved from that field to a very hilly course that is just over 2 miles long. The progress I have seen is that my heart rate doesn’t get crazy high anymore. I can jog quite a distance before I max out and then I recover down into the mid-range pretty quickly.
This weekend I went down to “the creek” with Bill. While he was helping put windows in the house his brother is building I went for a run. The road down there is paved, not very hilly, and has almost no traffic. I took off walking for 90 seconds, jogged for 90, walked for 2 minutes, jogged for 2 minutes, walked for 3 minutes, jogged for almost 3 minutes. The almost happened because I saw that my heart rate was at 104%. I could have finished, but it worried me for a second. This had taken me to within a few feet of the first mile. I finished that mile and then walked calmly 7 more minutes out. Turned around walked 7 minutes back and then thought I would rotate again. I sped up the walk and went 90 seconds which happened to be up a slope, then jogged for 90 seconds without going over 95%, then walked until it was down and jogged a bit more a couple of times, then finally I came around the last curve and I jogged the last minute up to the yard. Overall I jogged 10 minutes out of a 43 minute 3 mile course. I feel pretty good about that. Next weekend they are putting the front door in – I will go do it again.
I found out two things during that test – my max heart rate is actually 188 beats per minute and my new running shoes (Asics GT-2120) are great on pavement. I haven’t been able to wear them in the hayfield because they have no lateral support and the hills make it hard to walk when you feet are sliding off the top of your shoes. To solve that I decided I needed some good trail shoes. Sunday evening I found a really good sale on line and ordered a pair, Asics Trail Sensor WR – they are water resistant, which is going to be helpful someday if it rains. I hope they fit as well as the other pair; there are no stores in my local mall that sell decent trail shoes so I couldn’t try them on first.
What I have been able to identify in the clothing area is that there are four different groups of clothes in my closet.
1. Things that I was wearing this summer, but are now actually too big.
2. Things that I was wearing this summer, but now fit better than ever.
3. Things that I couldn’t wear this summer and now I can.
4. Things that I expect to be able to wear in the next couple of months.
I will be weeding the number one items out of the closet when more of the number fours are available. I know it looks a little sloppy, but since I refuse to shop in the Women’s department anymore – and I am not quite out of there yet – people will just have to realize this is a transition period.
That is my current progress. Heart rate is doing better, legs are doing better, and my closet is confused. Things are headed in an awesome direction. Pipestem watch out!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Running/Walking Plans
On October 13th I will be participating in the Phedippidations Worldwide Half Marathon - actually the Couch to 5K portion but it is a start. This is the link for more information. www.worldwidehalf.com Basically, it is a Think Global - Run Local event where people all over the world will be competing together, but seperately. Maybe I can get some team mates - How about it Germany, Iowa, Georgia? Anyone else? Any interest? Doesn't cost anything, just sweat equity! 3.1 miles of walking the dogs, no time limit just a good reason to get out of the house for a while.
I got caught up in this one because MP told me about a podcast called Phedippidations that you can find at this website. www.steverunner.com
Steve is interesting to listen to, has lots of tidbits about running, plenty of humor, and distracting commentary. I put him on my mp3 player and the dogs and I take off down the driveway.
As I have said before I am actually training for the Pipestem Pumpkin Run on November 3rd, but this Couch to 5k has motivated me to train with another reason in mind. Every year in May there is a 5k run in Athens. In October I am going to run that 5K course in Athens and use it to give myself a base for a comparison to the actual event in May. I should be able to see some pretty decent progress. I will be able to do the same thing about the Pumpkin Run but in reverse. I will run the actual event November and then when I am training for the Athens 5K in the spring I can go back out to the course at Pipestem and run that to see a difference.
All for now. Keep Moving.
I got caught up in this one because MP told me about a podcast called Phedippidations that you can find at this website. www.steverunner.com
Steve is interesting to listen to, has lots of tidbits about running, plenty of humor, and distracting commentary. I put him on my mp3 player and the dogs and I take off down the driveway.
As I have said before I am actually training for the Pipestem Pumpkin Run on November 3rd, but this Couch to 5k has motivated me to train with another reason in mind. Every year in May there is a 5k run in Athens. In October I am going to run that 5K course in Athens and use it to give myself a base for a comparison to the actual event in May. I should be able to see some pretty decent progress. I will be able to do the same thing about the Pumpkin Run but in reverse. I will run the actual event November and then when I am training for the Athens 5K in the spring I can go back out to the course at Pipestem and run that to see a difference.
All for now. Keep Moving.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Wedding Cake
So this weekend got beat up by a wedding. Good news is I drank more water than wine, bad news is I drank a LOT of water! LOL
We had a good time. I did try to eat a bit sensibly, except for at the wedding. HEY I skipped dessert at the buffet - and it even looked good. I didn't skip the Amish homemade pumpkin pie. That would have been a bad idea, it was really good.
When we got back I sent some pictures back up there and then headed outside.
I have a new route through the hay fields - it is just over 2 miles long and is rolling hills, some steep some slight, but all up or down. I will move to pavement in a couple of weeks, but until then the hayfields are giving me a good work out.
I have a new toy to help monitor my heart rate during excercise. I shopped around and decided that a Polar F11 would be the best option for me. It doesn't do distance and speed, but I have Billy's handheld GPS to give me distance and speed if I want it. The F11 does tell me what I need to know to keep me working out at the most effective levels. Right now I am finding out that I need a lot of work, but not as much as I was doing. I did some research and found out that a person can workout too hard if they want to lose weight.So I work out lighter and longer. I will be running.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Shoes to Run In
Some of this is a duplicate from my other blog, but it seemed to fit both places.
I went shopping for running shoes today.
MP told me about the chain store called Fleet Feet in Roanoke, VA where they do a real good job of helping you get a good fit. We made the trip down there to see what they had.
MP told me about the chain store called Fleet Feet in Roanoke, VA where they do a real good job of helping you get a good fit. We made the trip down there to see what they had.As you can see they had lots of stuff to buy. Those are Asics GT-2120s, with Superfeet liners, and Balega socks. They have lots of other products too, wicking material clothing of all sorts. Cold weather running clothes too.
The staff there is great. I spent an hour with one clerk, she had me walk to evaluate my step, I tried on a few pairs of shoes, and ran a little in them to make sure they felt good. I had on some Saucony shoes while I did some other shopping and after a while realized they were rubbing my toes wrong. So we backed up and tried again with the Asics. The clerk asked more questions about my activity and plans than the doctor did last week. She even cut the liners to fit and taught me how to tie my shoes so my heels don't slip anymore.
I am pretty pleased with the purchase. We will see how I feel after a few runs.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Why I don't go to the Doctor
I decided to do the "right" thing and make an appointment for a check up. My insurance didn't include the doctor that most of my family goes to, but since there weren't any other options available in my area I chose to go to him anyway. The last time I went to this Dr. was in August 2001. I know this because I saw it on my chart today. There were other things on my chart that I had never seen because after that visit, they never scheduled a follow up appointment and I figured no news is good news. Turns out I should have gone back.
So he starts to ask me questions based on that six year old information. Kind of annoyed me. I wanted to talk about my new fitness plan, a couple of new problems I have, and get the paperwork so I can get new bloodwork done and start over with the diagnoses. That is where my biggest concern lies. Not in stuff that I think will solve itself if I can lose some weight.
He didn't ask about what type of excercise program I was starting so I told him that I had started a run/walk program and I want to run the 5K in November. He said - you don't need to run, walking is just as good. Then he said how he had been walking with some people that I know as if that was a good example. No offense to anybody, but they haven't done more than maintain. I have been maintaining for the last six years, I want to lose some weight and walking isn't good enough for me. It might work for some people, but what I have discovered is that my metabolism needs hours of walking each week to burn off the weight I want to lose. I don't want to spend hours walking. I don't want a quick fix either, but I know what works and he didn't care to ask any questions.
So anyway I am sort of annoyed with the appointment, but I managed to get confirmation on what is wrong with my foot - plantar fascitis - he didn't ask what I was doing, but agreed when I told him I suspected that it was caused during my Steps phase. I will keep stretching it and hoping it isn't really a spur developing. I also got some drops for my itchy ear. AND I got the paperwork for the lab test, I managed to get that taken care of today too. This time I do have a follow up appointment scheduled.
I guess what I am saying is that it doesn't really matter to me what he wanted to find wrong, I wanted to talk about my fitness plan and current problems. So that is why I don't go to the doctor. My problems were cheap his ideas were expensive.
So he starts to ask me questions based on that six year old information. Kind of annoyed me. I wanted to talk about my new fitness plan, a couple of new problems I have, and get the paperwork so I can get new bloodwork done and start over with the diagnoses. That is where my biggest concern lies. Not in stuff that I think will solve itself if I can lose some weight.
He didn't ask about what type of excercise program I was starting so I told him that I had started a run/walk program and I want to run the 5K in November. He said - you don't need to run, walking is just as good. Then he said how he had been walking with some people that I know as if that was a good example. No offense to anybody, but they haven't done more than maintain. I have been maintaining for the last six years, I want to lose some weight and walking isn't good enough for me. It might work for some people, but what I have discovered is that my metabolism needs hours of walking each week to burn off the weight I want to lose. I don't want to spend hours walking. I don't want a quick fix either, but I know what works and he didn't care to ask any questions.
So anyway I am sort of annoyed with the appointment, but I managed to get confirmation on what is wrong with my foot - plantar fascitis - he didn't ask what I was doing, but agreed when I told him I suspected that it was caused during my Steps phase. I will keep stretching it and hoping it isn't really a spur developing. I also got some drops for my itchy ear. AND I got the paperwork for the lab test, I managed to get that taken care of today too. This time I do have a follow up appointment scheduled.
I guess what I am saying is that it doesn't really matter to me what he wanted to find wrong, I wanted to talk about my fitness plan and current problems. So that is why I don't go to the doctor. My problems were cheap his ideas were expensive.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Week 2 of 5k Training
After surviving last weekend's food craziness my week has been okay so far, well other than finding out "SHOCK" that I am obese! MP brought in his fat/water scale. Thanks man! Really needed that. Bring it back next month and we will try again!
Turns out my body composition is 38.5% fat and should be below 32% by the charts. I am also dehydrated since my body water is also 38.5% and should be 51%. That might explain some things about why I get tired. SO I drink more water and continue my 5K training program hoping that next months measurements are better, I sure hope so anyway!
I tried to mess up my training Monday, waited too long to go run my course, it got dark early. By the way I GPS measured that course, twice, and found out that it is in fact exactly 2/10 of a mile long. So it is not a bad measurement, just a woman on her way to a body change doing the measuring and looking for excuses. (notice how I avoided that negative impression of myself back there? BFFM reading is having an influence.)
I got back on track Tuesday when I did manage to get up early and work out in my gym - and then that night I ran the 15 minute plan, but changed it to 2 minute run for 3 minute walk. That went ok, only managed to go do 5 laps in that time frame though. I can WALK a 15 minute mile so I don't know what the problem is. I looked for another excuse, maybe I can't count my laps, surely it was more like 7 or so!
One thing I have noticed while I have been doing all my crazy things, eating less while stair climbing and running, is that I rarely get hungry. I eat breakfast at 0600, fruit at about 0930, lunch at 1130, fruit at about 1pm, and drink water all day. Wednesday was different, I forgot to eat my afternoon apple and by the time I got home I was hungry! Dinner was reasonable so all is good.
Since it was Wednesday I had a 20 minute walk/run scheduled and though I bumped Monday to Tuesday maybe I shouldn't have done it, but I did... and bumped it to 2 run/ 3 walk. The last set was pretty slow and I tried to count better, found out I don't have a counting problem either. I only managed 7 laps.
Things I learned this week:
1. There is nothing wrong with the GPS
2. I do know how to count laps
3. I need to learn how to do those laps a little faster instead of look for excuses
4. Dark comes sooner than it used to
4. Food keeps me from getting hungry
5. Water keeps me from getting dehydrated
Turns out my body composition is 38.5% fat and should be below 32% by the charts. I am also dehydrated since my body water is also 38.5% and should be 51%. That might explain some things about why I get tired. SO I drink more water and continue my 5K training program hoping that next months measurements are better, I sure hope so anyway!
I tried to mess up my training Monday, waited too long to go run my course, it got dark early. By the way I GPS measured that course, twice, and found out that it is in fact exactly 2/10 of a mile long. So it is not a bad measurement, just a woman on her way to a body change doing the measuring and looking for excuses. (notice how I avoided that negative impression of myself back there? BFFM reading is having an influence.)
I got back on track Tuesday when I did manage to get up early and work out in my gym - and then that night I ran the 15 minute plan, but changed it to 2 minute run for 3 minute walk. That went ok, only managed to go do 5 laps in that time frame though. I can WALK a 15 minute mile so I don't know what the problem is. I looked for another excuse, maybe I can't count my laps, surely it was more like 7 or so!
One thing I have noticed while I have been doing all my crazy things, eating less while stair climbing and running, is that I rarely get hungry. I eat breakfast at 0600, fruit at about 0930, lunch at 1130, fruit at about 1pm, and drink water all day. Wednesday was different, I forgot to eat my afternoon apple and by the time I got home I was hungry! Dinner was reasonable so all is good.
Since it was Wednesday I had a 20 minute walk/run scheduled and though I bumped Monday to Tuesday maybe I shouldn't have done it, but I did... and bumped it to 2 run/ 3 walk. The last set was pretty slow and I tried to count better, found out I don't have a counting problem either. I only managed 7 laps.
Things I learned this week:
1. There is nothing wrong with the GPS
2. I do know how to count laps
3. I need to learn how to do those laps a little faster instead of look for excuses
4. Dark comes sooner than it used to
4. Food keeps me from getting hungry
5. Water keeps me from getting dehydrated
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Holiday Weekend
Friday I was good, I got the Pipestem registration form in the mail from the DNR, good timing on their part! I ran the 1/5 30 minute plan. That was sort of tough. Need to keep it up.
Saturday we went to the Hillsville Flea Market and walked and walked and walked. Hips were sore and tired, but we enjoyed it. Food was bad though - split 100 cal packs of oreos and gold fish for lunch, split a funnel cake to keep it from wasting (yeah that's it). Then stopped at the "german" place for dinner. Beer, schnitzel and spaetzel are not on the plan, but there were steamed vegetables and it was blandly delicious. Small Moolata for dessert - lol Oh well!
Sunday was pancakes and eggs for breakfast and medium plate of Chinese for late lunch/dinner.
Monday was hotdogs and salads for lunch, pork chops, veggies and baked fries for dinner, and pineapple upside down cake for snack. Messed up and didn't run the 1/5 15 minute plan - just didn't.
Not quite sure why, but somehow after all that the scale shows 2 pounds lost from last week. Maybe something is working to burn it off. Whatever, now back to normal levels. Did the circuit workout this morning and will do yesterday's run tonight.
Saturday we went to the Hillsville Flea Market and walked and walked and walked. Hips were sore and tired, but we enjoyed it. Food was bad though - split 100 cal packs of oreos and gold fish for lunch, split a funnel cake to keep it from wasting (yeah that's it). Then stopped at the "german" place for dinner. Beer, schnitzel and spaetzel are not on the plan, but there were steamed vegetables and it was blandly delicious. Small Moolata for dessert - lol Oh well!
Sunday was pancakes and eggs for breakfast and medium plate of Chinese for late lunch/dinner.
Monday was hotdogs and salads for lunch, pork chops, veggies and baked fries for dinner, and pineapple upside down cake for snack. Messed up and didn't run the 1/5 15 minute plan - just didn't.
Not quite sure why, but somehow after all that the scale shows 2 pounds lost from last week. Maybe something is working to burn it off. Whatever, now back to normal levels. Did the circuit workout this morning and will do yesterday's run tonight.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
First Week of 5k Training
Ok. I am putting it all out there just to have a record. I did some measurements this morning and have found that my waist/hip ratio is 1.04. My height/weight BMI is 31.8.
That puts me in the range of a lot of health risk problems. If that doesn't motivate me to continue, I don't know what will.
My 5k training schedule for this week includes the following:
Monday - Brisk walk for 15 minutes. Jog for 1 minute of each 5 minutes (walk 4 jog 1, walk 4, jog 1, walk 4 jog 1.)
I did it and survived. The dogs went with me down the driveway and back up, back down and back up. They were so confused. I was tired. That gravel is hard to run on.
Tuesday - got up early and went downstairs to work out. Fairly light, but working on increasing intensity.
Wednesday - Brisk walk for 20 minutes. Jog 1 minute for each 5 minutes.
I moved to the hay field for a much easier run. The ground is so dry from lack of rain that it is like pavement, but a softer landing if I trip. I need to mow my path out to get rid of some tall weeds. I did a repetitive sort of figure 8 from one fence line to the other on a flatish area. The dogs gave up on my very quickly though, they went and sat in the yard and watched.
Because Pipestem has some long hills future field work, not too soon, will include going down the slope along the driveway and across the bottom and then up the slope to the top at the other end.
Thursday is off - I will be walking though, just not hard or running.
Friday is Brisk walk for 30 minutes with same 1 jog for 5 minute theme.
Saturday is weights again
Sunday is off again - we are going to the Flea Market in Hillsville, so I will be walking easy.
That puts me in the range of a lot of health risk problems. If that doesn't motivate me to continue, I don't know what will.
My 5k training schedule for this week includes the following:
Monday - Brisk walk for 15 minutes. Jog for 1 minute of each 5 minutes (walk 4 jog 1, walk 4, jog 1, walk 4 jog 1.)
I did it and survived. The dogs went with me down the driveway and back up, back down and back up. They were so confused. I was tired. That gravel is hard to run on.
Tuesday - got up early and went downstairs to work out. Fairly light, but working on increasing intensity.
Wednesday - Brisk walk for 20 minutes. Jog 1 minute for each 5 minutes.
I moved to the hay field for a much easier run. The ground is so dry from lack of rain that it is like pavement, but a softer landing if I trip. I need to mow my path out to get rid of some tall weeds. I did a repetitive sort of figure 8 from one fence line to the other on a flatish area. The dogs gave up on my very quickly though, they went and sat in the yard and watched.
Because Pipestem has some long hills future field work, not too soon, will include going down the slope along the driveway and across the bottom and then up the slope to the top at the other end.
Thursday is off - I will be walking though, just not hard or running.
Friday is Brisk walk for 30 minutes with same 1 jog for 5 minute theme.
Saturday is weights again
Sunday is off again - we are going to the Flea Market in Hillsville, so I will be walking easy.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Shopping
I am tired of shopping in the women’s section. Nothing really fits right. It is all made for short women with big butts. I am 5’11” and have a smallish butt with a big middle so I am screwed when it comes to buying clothes in most regular department stores. I end up buying men’s pants to get the smaller hips and women’s tops that don’t fit right. I am going to start shopping in the Misses section or not at all!
See more progress on: Shop in the Misses section instead of the Women's section in the department store.
Friday, August 24, 2007
8 Weeks and Counting
I have been walking off and on for several years. I started back in 2002. Mostly to get out of the office without hanging around the smokers on break. I walked all over the small town that I work in, even the dogs got used to me after a while. It is a safe way to excercise and I lost about 20 pounds over the months that I was diligent about it. I walked a couple of 5K races and felt good even though it took me about 45 minutes each time. 15 minute mile, not speedwalking, but not crawling either.
Through all the walking and noticable weight loss I never really changed my diet. I cut out some things and considered cutting portion sizes, but other than eating from the cabbage soup diet (don't laugh it is cheap on calories and filling) for lunch every day for a year (cheap on the pocket too), not much else changed. So when I changed contracts and found myself busier I made excuses to not walk so much and the weight started coming back.
This picture is me in 2005 at the Pipestem State Park 5K/10K Pumpkin Run wearing the 2004 t-shirt. I think the trophy is for 3rd place in my age group, there were probably 3 of us racing. I am pretty heavy in the picture, about 245 I think. I hadn't really trained much for the race that year. I agreed to walk it when a friend wanted to give it a try for the first time. We finished, but I felt bad after that one.
That leads me to my next goal, which is to run the 2007 5K Pumpkin Run. Yes I said run. Now my disclaimer is that just because I sign up to run doesn't mean I have to run the whole thing, but I do want to aim for a 10 minute mile. I have an 8 week training plan prepared, actually I found it in a book, but it is perfect. A nice mix of walking with a little running, some off days, some weight training, and then a little less walking and more running.
I will be posting my weekly plan and progress. Hopefully there is some. Hopefully there is a much better picture to post at the end of the 8 weeks. I am shopping for a heart rate monitor to keep an eye on me while I excercise so I will be reviewing that when I get it too.
Through all the walking and noticable weight loss I never really changed my diet. I cut out some things and considered cutting portion sizes, but other than eating from the cabbage soup diet (don't laugh it is cheap on calories and filling) for lunch every day for a year (cheap on the pocket too), not much else changed. So when I changed contracts and found myself busier I made excuses to not walk so much and the weight started coming back.This picture is me in 2005 at the Pipestem State Park 5K/10K Pumpkin Run wearing the 2004 t-shirt. I think the trophy is for 3rd place in my age group, there were probably 3 of us racing. I am pretty heavy in the picture, about 245 I think. I hadn't really trained much for the race that year. I agreed to walk it when a friend wanted to give it a try for the first time. We finished, but I felt bad after that one.
That leads me to my next goal, which is to run the 2007 5K Pumpkin Run. Yes I said run. Now my disclaimer is that just because I sign up to run doesn't mean I have to run the whole thing, but I do want to aim for a 10 minute mile. I have an 8 week training plan prepared, actually I found it in a book, but it is perfect. A nice mix of walking with a little running, some off days, some weight training, and then a little less walking and more running.
I will be posting my weekly plan and progress. Hopefully there is some. Hopefully there is a much better picture to post at the end of the 8 weeks. I am shopping for a heart rate monitor to keep an eye on me while I excercise so I will be reviewing that when I get it too.
The Beginning
What a non-creative, uninspired title for the first entry on a blog that is supposed to keep me moving!
Well, at least the Blog title itself is okay. Progress. Funny, the first definition of Progress that comes up in Wikipedia is "Evolutionary Progress". Well, that fits. This will be me evolving into another view of the person that I am. I can see me - but not when I look in the mirror below my neck. I have plans that will bring the person I see back out where I should be. Not exactly, but very close to who I was back when the Air Force told me I was over weight. I have video to prove they were wrong.
I started working on my weight several years ago, but have been more off than on the band wagon since then. Now I have decided enough is enough.
Several weeks ago (16th of July 2007 to be exact) I read an article about a place in Ohio that had banded together to use the number of miles to Baghdad as their goal for number of miles walked. I forget how many they calculated, but I found a website that told me Baghdad is 6,432 miles from my home. So I got the idea to count the number of steps in my office building. There are 60 steps. Then I split that up and found out it would take me 107.2 trips on those steps to hit 6,432, I only counted the Up steps.
The first week I managed 17 laps on the stairs.
The second week = 26
The third week = 41
The fourth week = 63
The fifth week = 80
The sixth and final week = 107.2
Results after the stair climbing adventure, I dropped a few pounds down to (oooh should I really post that? why not ok, here goes) 228 by my home scale and am wearing my size 38s again. Ok, that sounds really bad. I should add that I am 5 foot 11 inches tall! No excuse, but better than being short and better than wearing the 40s for sure!
Next week I start a new adventure with a new goal. I need to go hit some more of those stairs before the day is done - Stay tuned.
Well, at least the Blog title itself is okay. Progress. Funny, the first definition of Progress that comes up in Wikipedia is "Evolutionary Progress". Well, that fits. This will be me evolving into another view of the person that I am. I can see me - but not when I look in the mirror below my neck. I have plans that will bring the person I see back out where I should be. Not exactly, but very close to who I was back when the Air Force told me I was over weight. I have video to prove they were wrong.
I started working on my weight several years ago, but have been more off than on the band wagon since then. Now I have decided enough is enough.
Several weeks ago (16th of July 2007 to be exact) I read an article about a place in Ohio that had banded together to use the number of miles to Baghdad as their goal for number of miles walked. I forget how many they calculated, but I found a website that told me Baghdad is 6,432 miles from my home. So I got the idea to count the number of steps in my office building. There are 60 steps. Then I split that up and found out it would take me 107.2 trips on those steps to hit 6,432, I only counted the Up steps.
The first week I managed 17 laps on the stairs.
The second week = 26
The third week = 41
The fourth week = 63
The fifth week = 80
The sixth and final week = 107.2
Results after the stair climbing adventure, I dropped a few pounds down to (oooh should I really post that? why not ok, here goes) 228 by my home scale and am wearing my size 38s again. Ok, that sounds really bad. I should add that I am 5 foot 11 inches tall! No excuse, but better than being short and better than wearing the 40s for sure!
Next week I start a new adventure with a new goal. I need to go hit some more of those stairs before the day is done - Stay tuned.
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