This was going to be a comment on your post...

but then it got long:

I haven't posted in forever because I'm not doing that good. I can't get motivated to run outside. In January we are cutting our commute by about 30 minutes a day when we move so i'm planning on joining the local gym or at least going walking every day.

The good news is we are eating out much much less. And I have lost much of my taste for eating out. Which is good.

Good luck on the portion control, that's my plan too---2 dinners plus pie at my dads, it's going to be killer. Maybe I should just commit to running Thursday and Friday to mitigate disaster.

Definitely post your food journal sticker chart. That sounds brilliant. Can't wait to see it.

I Confess I Love Donuts

I was running laps at the gym this morning when the thought popped into my head, "You haven't posted on that Blog in a Loooong time. Let's get 'er done." And so here I am. Confessing my successes and failures in the workout world the past month.

Success: I'm still getting up early and going to the gym. I'm averaging 5 workouts a week. At least one of those days is devoted to weight training and one day to a long run--I'm up to 7.5 miles now. My little sister, Allie, has been running with me and I don't think there's any doubt that makes her the bomb.com. She's awesome. Last Saturday we missed our long run in favor of a 5K, but hey--a 5K is always a good time! So yes, I'm still in the "keep on keepin' on" mode.

Failure: I love donuts. And cookies. And anything chocolate. And pasta. And sometimes I don't like to eat my fruits and vegetables. In the past month I have consumed a lot of treats. This isn't a good sign considering the "treaty" holidays are upon us. This is a weekend devoted to pie, after all. I could be in trouble. I'm going to try to stay focused on Portion Control this year. The fact that I have two Thanksgiving dinners to make this year should make this easier...and yet harder. I'm working with my roommate, Erin, the sticker chart queen!, to design a Food Journal Sticker Chart--something that will allow me to reward myself for eating right for a week or a month. I'll keep you posted on how that turns out.

So here I am. Still about the same.

What the...!?

This is a blog of confessions so here we go...

I ate a lot this weekend. And very little of it was good for me. A sampling of various meals would include Totinos pizza rolls, cheese enchiladas, cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, MORE MEXICAN FOOD THAN I SHOULD EVER EAT, brownies, ham, cheesy potatoes, rolls and more rolls...etc.

It wasn't pretty (even if it was REALLY REALLY tasty!). And I was feeling rather guilty as I got up this morning for the gym. I did some hard cardio to try and slowly begin to make up for all of my indiscretions this weekend. I ate like a pig...so I should definitely have to pay, right?

So keeping this incredibly unhealthy weekend diet in mind...CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW I HAVE SOMEHOW LOST WEIGHT?! I know I should just smile and be pleased, but I'm sort of annoyed. Why is it when I keep an eye on my diet--carefully including fruits and vegetables and a low number of carbs in each meal--nothing happens? Then I basically binge eat for 2 1/2 days and my weight drops? I mean, I didn't even get to the gym Friday or Saturday. All I did was sit around and eat all weekend. And I lost weight?

Really, where is my motivation anymore?!

Good News!

I think my training program is finally yielding some results. Its true the result I'm really looking for is the ability to run 13.1 miles in April. But weight loss isn't a bad side result. I'm definitely not going to complain. I ran 6 miles at the gym this morning and my weigh in put me under 149 lbs! Yes, I am willing to post my current weight for the entire Internet to see. I'm so willing because that is fantastic for me! I think I weighed more than that in 9th grade...which just goes to show what a porky teenager I was, I guess :)

Anyway, this is the confessions Blog and I have to confess I'm beaming this morning!

You need a plan, I'm thinking

I started following a training plan for a 1/2 marathon a couple weeks ago. And its fantastic. I don't usually have a problem finding the motivation to get up and go to the gym. But once there, I sometimes get bored doing the same thing over and over again. Or I think, "Today I'll do weights...I guess." So its been something of a struggle in the last few months. Anyway, this training plan has been great!

It tells me what workout to run or do each day of the week--including the days to take off. I love it! Mondays have been interval training, Tuesday and Wednesday were light days (I usually do weight training on Tuesday) and then a tempo run on Thursday. I take Friday off of the gym--a total bonus after going and going and going all week--and then I do a long run on Saturday.

And I feel great!

Out of Sight..Out of...mind...sort of

So for work I bought two big bags of Halloween Candy to give to our RAs. But there are leftovers. So I shoved them in my desk. Out of sight. Out of mind. That usually works for me...usually. Until I get bored and remember them. Or open my desk drawer. In any case, taking them off my desk was a good choice.

I'm an emotional eater

When I'm sad I eat something sweet.

When i'm frustrated I eat cheesy stuff like pizza.

I'm a total carb and sugar emotional eater. How do you combat such things?

I'm Being Stalked

Yes, stalked. Its the only explanation for the numerous donuts that have recently appeared in my life. I never actually purchase donuts for myself. And yet...here they are. At faculty meeting yesterday, in my 2nd period class (a student's birthday), and again in the lunchroom. As a woman who has very little will power in the face of greasy goodness, this has got to stop! I pack good lunches, eat fruits and veggies, and then WHAM! Donut Attack.

I'm trying to defend myself. And pretty much failing every time. (Yum, yum, yum...)

Ready to Run

I began the week with good intentions.

I ran once.

At least it's more than zero.

Here's hoping next week it ends up being three. I'm just happy I got back out there. It feels good, but somehow vacation killed the motivation I have going. Oh well.

Diet is getting better though, which is really good. I'm feeling lots better about what I eat these days.

Around the World

I've found a new reason to run and workout. My Stake is hosting a competition amongst the wards to see which ward can make it metaphorically "around the world" in workout miles. That's a lot of miles, but I think my ward can win. We're awesome like that. On top of the Stake competition, our ward is having a little competition of our own--Relief Society vs. Elders. We're going to blow them out of the water. At least, we will if I have anything to do with it.

I never realized how competitive I was before, but when that alarm goes off at 5 am, and I really really want to stay in bed, the thought of turning in a good number of miles on my score card next Sunday is enough motivation to get me up.

I'm also realizing how much I need to set a real preparation schedule for the half-marathon in April. I know--its in APRIL. But if I can't get my regular, normal, everyday run up to at least 6 miles...I might be in trouble.

So that's the goal for now! I'm also on the lookout for a good book or website to help me prep for the race next Spring. Any ideas? Send them my way!

Less Healthy Than I Thought

So I was a running slacker on vacation. And I haven't run yet this week. Yes. Slacker.

Today was crazy at work and I couldn't really afford to take an hour lunch break. I forgot my lean cuisine at home and so I ventured to the vending machine. I got a turkey cheddar lunchable. 17 grams of protein, wheat crackers and...."pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product" does that sound cancer causing or what? The other day in the airport a geneticist told me that processed foods are cancer causing, to which I replied "oh you mean like these [the pringles I was eating". She said yes. I think that if pringles are cancer causing than pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product definitely is.

I am eating it anyway. I'm starving.

Back to Work

I'm back to work which means I'm back to hitting the gym at 5:30 in the AM. Early. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't go to bed so late, but I do go to bed "so late" and so its bad. But all the same, I'm back at it.

I'm trying to get in at least a couple days of weight lifting each week, with hardcore cardio the other 4 days. That would be, of course, on a week of "perfect" gym attendance. Unfortunately, that won't be this week. The only way I was able to peel myself off the mattress this morning was the thought that I'll sleep in tomorrow. What can I say? You've got to make compromises in any sort of relationship.

Today I ran for 40 minutes, did 3 sets of stairs (I would have done more but I was already tired, and considering my butt is killing me from the hike we went on for FHE...it wasn't gonna happen), and then a few ab exercises. I burned 412 calories according to my heart rate monitor. Not too shabby. Now if only I could start eating better...

Overall, I like being back on a schedule. I eat better and workout more during the school year. I always think I'll do better in the summer when I have so much time...but its simply not true. So back to the grind, and hopefully back to shedding a few pounds here and there.

Relief!

I went to the gym this morning in my new running shoes, new running shorts, and sporting my always-popular Ipod. I ran laps and stairs, spent 10 minutes on the Eliptical machine, did 100 incline bench situps, and a few tricep dips. And then...I nervously ventured toward The Scale.

For the record, I've never been one to fear The Scale. I always figure whatever it shows is my fault anyway. But after two weeks on vacation, and over two weeks since I've set eye on the gym, I was plain scared.

But relief! I haven't lost any weight, but I haven't gained any either! Woohoo! Sure, I've lost some muscle tone, but I can work on that quickly. Sweet relief. I'm not giving an inch, though. Its back to healthy eating and healthy living, 24-7.

I can do it!

Doing What I Can

I've been on vacation since July 28th. I had to pack tight, so no exercise clothes or running shoes. Bluh! I figured I'd be walking a lot (and that did turn out to be true!) and that would have to make up for my lack of a real workout.

Problem: One of the best things to do in New York City is EAT. And I did. I was on vacation! In one day I had a bagel for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and hotdogs for dinner. The New York Diet. So good but so full of nasty calories! On another occasion, I had gourmet mac 'n cheese for lunch. I don't even want to consider what the calorie counter would say to that.

But now I'm in Virginia and trying to do a little better. We're eating cafeteria style and its not always easy to find lower fat options but like I say, I'm "Doing What I Can." This morning I had grapenuts and a fruit bowl for breakfast. Dinner was brown rice and beans with a salad. I'm trying to avoid the salad dressings and instead eating low-cal cottage cheese with my salad. Its working out okay.

The real story won't come about until Saturday when I weigh in at the gym. I'll keep you updated there...*gulp*

Focusing on the Small Victories

Today I did not bring a lunch to campus.

I decided to get a jamba juice, went online, analyzed calories and grams of sugar (no thank you I will not be needing 78 grams of sugar in my lunch today). And I went with the healthier choice, despite my reservations regarding the tastiness of a "low calorie dairy base". But the mango mantra is fabulous, and so much better for you. Here's the stats:

Original Size
280 calories (its like a lean cuisine!)
1 g fat
57 g of sugar
9 g of protein (and that's without the soy boost that I added, so it was like 15 grams of protein)
5 g fiber

lots and lots of yumminess.

and I got some hot wheat bread sans the honey butter (and oh how I wanted that honey butter).

Not a perfect day, but I'm trying to rid myself of the belief that if I don't eat perfect I might as well eat whatever I want....

so today was not perfect, but nevertheless, I did not eat whatever I want.

Done and Done!

I went to bed last night at 8:30 pm. I got up this morning at 4:00 am. (Note that I never said I slept...though I did. A bit.) The 10K started at 6:00 am at Research Park at the University of Utah. So many people! And so many people looking more like "Runners" than I did. Oh well.

I started the race well back, allowing me to pass people throughout the route. This made me feel super cool, let me tell you! If I had started at the front, loads of people would have passed me--not so cool.

Anyway, long story short, I listened to some rockin' tunes on my Ipod, and danced/ran 6.2 miles in under an hour. WOOHOO! I'm super pleased with myself. And I'm already gearing up for my next 10K--hopefully the beginning of September.

Sense of accomplishment? HIGH.

*Picture courtesy of MY MOM.

Today I Went Running

I'll post on my regular blog later. Let's just say I went to bed at 10:30 last night, I woke up around 6:15 and I went running with Joe. He's a stellar running partner.

I need better running shoes, mine are too tight and give me blisters. But I'm making myself prove I'll run 3 days a week and wait til pay day to go buy some.

It was a beautiful morning.

10K, 6.2 Miles, or "Almost a 1/4 Marathon"

I signed up this morning for the Deseret News 10K on July 24th. What a great way to celebrate Pioneer Day, huh?! The race starts at 6:00 AM...and I think that's going to be too early. But I have no choice! The money is in, my name is in, and I pick up my Race Day packet on Tuesday. Wow! I'm really excited, actually.

On Friday I ran 5 miles at the gym. It took me 50 minutes. I run 4 miles on a regular basis and it usually takes me about 40 minutes. My goal is to run the 10K in under an hour. Here's hoping that happens!

My training regimen until then:
Monday = Run 4 miles, ab/core work
Tuesday = Run 6 miles
Wednesday = Run 2 miles and some weights
Thursday = Run the 10K!!

If you want to come watch me, you can find the route online here. Or just stick around here and I'll post my results next weekend. YAY!

Oatmeal=Go Power!

Okay, I feel like I'm back on the track for a week of fitness and healthy living. I got up this morning and went for a 4-mile run. It wasn't the easiest run I've ever been on, but definitely not the worst. I think having good tunes to run to really helps.

I got home in about 40 minutes and did some ab work in front of The Today Show. I hate ab work (but its oh so important! BAH.), so it helped to have something to keep my mind off it.

I decided to make up some oatmeal for breakfast. Its super healthy, and totally fills me up for hours. So...oatmeal at 8:30 in the morning. If I drink lots of water, I can hopefully go until 1:00 before eating a HEALTHY lunch. Let's hope it all works out!

Here's to a new week of healthy eating and living!

I'm eating carrots, but still not a runner

I'm eating carrots for my snack / part of my lunch today, just so you know. Also I'm drinking TONS of water lately...too many trips to the restroom, makes me crazy.

haven't been running yet, it was a crazy week. But I did ride the bike to the grocery store yesterday, which I think counts for something.

What was I thinking?!

What do you do when you like...blow it? I know its just one day, but how do you excuse it when you go to a BUFFET?! Sheesh...

I went to a buffet. This is a confessional blog, right? Yeah, I went to a buffet with the fam tonight for dinner. I feel like I have to eat a whole bunch to get my money's worth or something at said buffet. And I ate A LOT. The guilt didn't set in until afterward, but boy howdy, did it! I didn't eat anything else tonight. I drank a lot of water, but I even avoided dessert at our Enrichment night. Nope...I'm feeling like I did something bad. *sigh*

Back on the bandwagon tomorrow, I guess...

OLD DUDE or My Life as a Runner

In response to Anna's post, I thought I'd offer a quick history of my life as a runner. Because it didn't really start until my senior year of college...

Let's start by saying I got incredibly out of shape during high school. I gained almost 10 lbs. during Senior year alone. And that wasn't from any drug or anything. It was from eating too much and working out too little. I was FAT. And lazy. And just...out of shape. And I didn't do too much to remedy this through much of college. Fast forward to 2004. I was watching the Ironman competition on television and the network did a special feature on one competitor who was in his 70's...nearing 80 if I remember correctly. Here was an OLD DUDE running, swimming and biking in one of the toughest competitions in the world. In that moment all I could think was, "I can't even run a mile...I'm pathetic."

Rather than give in to my pathetic nature and live out the remainder of my life as a loserish tub of lard, I decided that if OLD DUDE could do the Ironman, I could at least run a 5K. That seemed a small enough goal. So how did I do it?

I set out a 3-mile running route near my apartment complex. 3-4 times a week i ran this route. I would run as far as I could, and then I would walk until my heart rate came back down, and then I would run again until I had to stop. At first, I could only run for maybe 5 minutes before I had to rest. Keeping this up for weeks on end, I was able to finally run the entire route without stopping. I ran my first 5K, without stopping, about 2 months after I started this entire experiment.

I found music was KEY to a successful run--especially in my first few years of running. I started out with the old school Discman. I made myself a mix of songs with upbeat tempos that made me want to dance. Instead of dancing, though, I was running. I should also note that if you ever saw me running with my headset on, it would be a normal occurrence to see me singing along or bopping my hands to the beat. I have fun...even if I look weird.

Going further than a 5K distance simply meant practicing. Even after my first 5K, I kept running the same route. I found the more in shape I got, the faster I could make it through the route. The first 5K took me close to 40 minutes I think. In my most recent 5K, in May, I came in under 30 minutes. Plus, the more you run, the longer distance you can handle. I've set routes now for 4 or 5 miles as well. So far, 7 miles without stopping is the furthest I've gone. But it really comes down to setting a goal and then working toward it.

As to side aches, I've found I get them most often when I set too fast a pace, drink too little water in advance, or even if I eat too soon before running. And shin splints might be my expertise as I've developed them way too often for my liking. If you push yourself too hard too fast, shin splints can develop. But that's a great excuse for any of us who want a reason not to work out. Shin splints most likely develop because your shoes aren't supportive enough. I'm a huge fan of Asics. I just by mine at Big 5. But if you really want to find the right shoe for your foot, and you're willing to pay the price for them (Maybe close to $100 or more?), I'd suggest Salt Lake Running Company. They work with you and help fit your foot to the best shoe out there.

Final thought before I post--running really can be fun. A lot of it is psychological. Not psych yourself out before you begin. Just go out there and have a good time. And remember, that starting anything new isn't always easy. You'll be sore and there will be days/weeks you'll want to stop. But let me "TESTIFY" that the feeling of finishing a race or a course you've worked for weeks to be ready for, is one of the best feelings in the world. YOU CAN DO IT!

Becoming a Runner

Felicity: I am dual posting this here on on my regular blog, thus the broader scope of my language. But I do want your advice on this.

After reading my cousin's blog posts lately about my cousin's beginning running excursions it has rekindled my spark of a desire to become a runner. You, Felicity have become a runner. So has our friend Brooke. So have many many of my friends. And though I tried multiple times, including a few years ago, to run, I have never succesfully regularly done so. I keep wishing I could go to sleep and wake up as one of those people who can't sleep without putting in a 30-45 minute run, but alas Professor Harold Hill's revolutionary "think system" was, indeed, a scam, and my thinking has amounted to little more than me being an excellent walker, eliptical rider and cycler. But I think I'm ready to make a plunge. I'm at a time in my life where I want to run. I'm inspired by those around me. And best of all, my lifestyle right now allows me to make time to run (I'm super busy, but my life is more structured than it was during school which makes it easier to run). Plus its summer! And I love being outside. Plus it is easier to go for a run outside than it is to haul my but to the gym.

Unfortunately, I am still slightly scared of running (and scared I will fail, yet again, never to try once more). I need some help so I can relabel myself as a runner and get myself into shape.

How do I avoid shin splints?

How do I avoid those annoying pains in my side? These are one of the reasons I have hated running.

Does anyone know a good place online where I can track my running skills/times/progress?

What is the best system you can think of for becoming a runner? (I searched on google and came up with no fewer than 8 million results, lol). Please note you are advising someone who hated the 12 minute run in gym class and has still never come to appreciate it even when it isn't forced. Also note, however, that I do love the elliptical. I can push myself to do a good half our on that thing at a good pace, but I'd rather be outside.

Where can I get good running shoes, I hear this is critical?

What kind of music do you listen to on your ipod? What should I listen to on my ipod? I have some thoughts and they already make me smile.

Where can I go online to track out good running routes?

Do you want to run with me? Having running buddies can always helps.

Any other good tips? I'm counting on your wisdom.

Thanks!

Quick, easy, tasty...and good for you!

This morning I ran like a crazy person and burned 534 calories in an hour. WOOT! And because of that, I was feeling all health-conscious this afternoon. I had a delightful lunch, and I have to pass this one on.

Baby spinach
Dried cranberries
Garbanzo beans--chilled.
Kraft Light Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing.

Blend it together and Wa-La! A lovely salad. I love it.

And I think our running "date" might need to change week-by-week. Whatever works...

I ate this

I am proud to say that I ate this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! I bought poppyseed dressing (which others used) but I ate it plain. Spinach from my garden. Strawberries (from the store, come on now I'm not that good of a farmer) and almonds. The only semi-naughty part was that I candied the almonds with sugar and cinnamon. But that's what made it so I didn't need to waste all those calories on dressing. I also had some steak, a reasonable portion of problably 5oz. And...a not so good bunch of doritos while I was cooking. But be proud, look at that gorgeous salad.

And after dinner I went for a lengthy bike ride along the parkway and around the neighborhood. I worked up a little sweat, but mostly it was just energizing. Definitely, things are on the way up. Felicity, what would a better day be than Thursday for you to help me become a jogger?

I figured it out...

I gain weight when I eat too much. Therefore, to lose weight, I need to stop eating so much. Its funny because its true. No, I'm not wasting an entire post just writing about the amazing "discovery." More, this is my post to announce I'm recommitting.

As eating habits go, I'm a grazer. Unfortunately, my grazing habits aren't healthy. I like to graze on Dove chocolates, chocolate chips, cookies, and anything else sweet that I happen upon. Its pathetic, really. And I need to stop. It really is just a conscious decision. You know how in Young Women's they always said if we made the decision NOW to keep the Word of Wisdom, it would be easier when the moment came? I think the same thing goes for my every day eating habit. If I wake up in the morning and say, "Today I will not graze on chocolate. Today I will eat healthy, and I will not snack in between meals to excess" it really helps. I also find I do better if I have backup plans.

Backup Plan #1: Water. Every time I go to eat a treat, I instead drink a glass of water.

Backup Plan #2: Brush my teeth. Really, this helps. With my mouth tasting all tingly and minty fresh, I'm not one to immediately ruin that by shoving in a cookie.

Backup Plan #3: Leave. I've found my room is a good retreat from the kitchen and all the temptations that lie therein. And I have movies, books, and other things to keep my mind off a treat.

So there you go. I'm really working to drink more water and eat less.

And as for a once-a-week fitness "PAR-TAY!" I'm all for it. But I'm pretty much booked the next 3 Thursday nights. Oy vey... But hey, we'll work something out :)

New Supplement

So for years I have been taking some medicine that has made it very difficult to lose weight. Well recently the Elder's Quorum President came over to visit and he owns some nutrition/supplement stores (and has several degrees in that type of stuff so he knows what he's talking about). He mentioned a supplement that he thought I should try and when he talked about the 10 or so symptoms it could help resolve I elbowed Joe...because they were ALL me. Wow. I was impressed. So I nervously asked him how much it costs and he said $7.00 a month. Sold. Done and Done. So I went, got a bottle and stopped taking my pills. The pills are expensive and due to a gap in insurance I would be paying full price right now. So now is the perfect time to experiment. And so far it appears that the supplement has eliminated my sugar cravings (okay not eliminated, but reduced by at least 1/2). Since this is the major source behind much of my weight trouble I am delighted. It has also helped my mood (the other major source of my overeating/ eating improperly, I'm a total emotional eater). So there you go. The herb is called "Vitex" and you can buy it at Dave's health food / nutrition stores. He has one by RC Willey on 90th south and Redwood. Check it out. I'm in love.

Also, Felicity, I'm thinking it'd be good if we had a once a week workout time. I was thinking we could do walk/jog intervals on the parkway. You're probably busier than I am, but if you have time Thursdays would be a good evening for me.

Back on the wagon

Okay, so I went on vacation and metaphorically "fell off the wagon." I think the vast majority of our activities involved eating. And much of what I consumed was high in calories. Oops! Yesterday was pretty terrible with fried food for dinner and then a huge dish of ice cream late at night. Oy vey...

But I'm back in town which means we're back to the gym (YAY!) and back to healthy eating. I have fruits and veggies at my disposal, so I'll hopefully be able to get myself on to a scale sometime in the near future. Today I'm too scared.

Great Cardio Workout...High Fiber Breakfast

So the point of this Blog, as I understand it, is to talk fitness. And to confess our diet mistakes, revel in our successes, and make fitness fun all-around. Or something like that. Let me start by saying I didn't have seconds at dinner last night--WOOT! And I didn't have a late-night snack, either. I just had a glass of milk and went to bed.

This morning I had an awesome cardio workout. At my gym, the track is 1/16th of a mile, and to get there you climb 30 stairs. I ran 10 laps, and then ran the stairs 10 times. I repeat that doing 8 reps, then 6 reps, 4 reps, 2 reps, 1 rep. You end up running just about 2 miles, and then massive numbers of stairs. Its AWESOME. Totally gets the heart rate going, and it mixes it up enough that I don't usually get bored. Just running around a small track 32 times? BORING. So, there you go. One idea for you.

I sometimes end the workout (after a few walking laps) with a lap of lunges. They totally work your butt!!

And before I jet off to the airport (wish me luck on not eating too much/working out too little on vacation!), I'm pleased to report a healthy breakfast of Grapenuts (high in fiber!) and an apple. 3 Cheers for Me!