C25K - Week One, Day Two

You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.


Yay! I did it! I completed each running interval!
 
I decided to go back to the treadmill today and I think it made all the difference. Even though it was challenging, I was able to push through and complete each 60-sec run. I think it’s because I can control the pace of my running much better on the treadmill than on the pavement. I have no idea how to pace myself without the aid of the treadmill.


I’m not sure if I’m going to go back to the park on Saturday for Day 3. I’m thinking I may train on the treadmill until I build up my stamina.

At any rate, I’m very proud of myself for trying.

C25K - Week One, Day One

OMG! It was brutal! I've been walking/running on the treadmill for about a month or two.  Nothing compares to running outside.  It also probably made a big difference that I have been walking four to five minutes between each one to two minute run.  I've been wishy washy about training on the treadmill vs. outside.  I figure since the race is going to be on the road it's best to train under similar conditions. 

First of all, I was very nervous.  The walking trail I chose has a pretty good mix of inclines.  I was good until the fifth and sixth run.  I couldn't even finish them.  I stopped after 30 seconds on the fifth run and after 50 seconds on the sixth run.  I'm not sure if it was a good idea or not but I repeated both of them.  Running up an incline was pretty challenging but I know in the long run it will be worth it. 

Next, I'm not so sure about my pace.  I think I may need to slow down a bit.  It was only the first day.  Now that the first day jitters are over I can learn what is going to be best for me by trial and error.  I'm also thinking that I may need to repeat Week One.  We'll see....

At any rate, I'm so proud of myself.  I was so afraid I was going to talk myself out of it.  I was feeling a bit self-conscious but I believe I did okay.  Looking forward to day two on Wednesday!

The Starting Line - Couch to 5K Running Plan

I’m Ready!

I am going to start the Couch to 5K running program on Monday. I’m so nervous but I’m committed to trying. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while but was afraid to try. Truthfully, I wish I was about 20 pounds lighter. There’s no time like the present. I can always find an excuse to delay starting.

I’m Nervous!

More than anything I know this is going to be mental. I already hear the negative thoughts. I just need to push them aside and be willing to go for it. I do not believe Spirit would place this desire on my heart without supporting me.

Test Results

I'm pretty pleased with my quarterly test results.  Everything is within the normal ranges.  I'm still working on lowering my A1c.  Right now it's at 6.1.  Even though my doctor's goal for me is 6.5, I'm determined to get it below 6.  I want off this medication!

My total cholesterol went from 123 to 100.  It appears eating oatmeal is paying off. 
Triglycerides: 93
HDL: 51

April Update - Treadmill 5K

I joined My Fitness Pal last month after meeting with a dietician.  I was very frustrated with the fact that I was not losing any weight.  It turns out I wasn't eating enough.  The dietician says I should be eating between 1700 - 1800 calories a day.  I've been hesitate to keep a food journal or count calories since I began this journey.  I have to admit I absolutely love this site!

We figured I was averaging about 1100 - 1200 a day.  Factoring in my workouts, this was too low. 

This has been a balancing act for me because I'm still active in Overeater's Anonymous.  In fact, I earned my 6-month coin last week.  I cannot believe I haven't had any sweets or chips in six months.  My sponsor is trying to encourage me to try to have a serving of one of my trigger foods.  I'm not interested in trying that right now.  Plus, I think it may make me sick.  I had a burger about two weeks ago and felt awful for three days.

Anyhow, there are some days I feel like I'm eating way too much food and my calorie total  is barely 1300.  I don't want to eat just to meet the minimum calories but I'm afraid it will trigger overeating.  Some days I just feel like I've had enough food, despite what the numbers say.  So, I'm not worrying about getting up to 1700 each day. For the most part, I'm averaging 1500 - 1600.  Guess what?  The scale is moving.  I'm back down to 237. 

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I've decided to do a 5K on the treadmill the first Sunday of every month to monitor my progress.  Today I completed it in 54.5 minutes. 

I also decided to hold off on starting my Couch to 5K running plan until I drop 20 more pounds.  I've been playing around with the intensity of my cardio workouts.  I'll walk for 5 minutes and then jog for 1 minute.  Other days, I've been increasing the incline.  When I'm on the Elliptical or bike, I punch it for a minute or two every 5 minutes.  I also play around with the resistance.  I'm really doing my best to keep my body guessing.  I remember when I was working out with a trainer she said it was important not to let your workouts get stale.

I order a heart rate monitor, Polar FT7, on Saturday.  I can't wait for it to get here.  I'm anxious to use it.

Oh, I'm beginning to see my abs.  I'm not brave enough to post pics but they're coming along quite nicely.

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I had my blood work done on Friday so I'm looking forward to seeing my results.

Here's to a great month!

I'm Going to Run

Today I took my first steps to become a runner. I did 30 minutes on the treadmill: alternating between 5 mins walking, 1 mins jogging. I’m going to do this for three days a week for two or three week and then officially begin a Couch to 5K training program.


It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I can’t believe I’m so nervous about doing this. I have so many negative thoughts going on in my head about trying to achieve this goal. I already know most of my work is going to be mental.

Overall, I’m excited. Never in my wildest dreams would I think I could run. But, I’m going for it. I am going to be a runner! Hmm…does this mean I should change the name of my blog to “Run with Me.” Lol!

Think Spring!

It's March 1st and I'm ready for another month of fitness!  I had to reduce my workouts back to 30 minutes due to awful headaches due to caffeine withdrawls.  I'm feeling better and going back to 45 minute cardio workouts beginning today. 

My weight loss is at a stand still.  I'm working with a dietician and trusting the process. 

Things are great with OA.  Today I have been abstinent, no recreational sugar, for 151 days.  At this point, I'm afraid if I do eat something sweet it will make me sick.  This is funny because last night I had a dream that I ate a whole plate of cupcakes.  My sponsor thinks I should try to eat a serving of one of my trigger foods but I'm not feeling it at all.  Although there are times I feel deprived from indulging in certain treats, it's just not worth it to me to try to eat a serving of potato chips or something. 

Anyhow, I'm very excited to be a part of Healthy Loser Gal's Spring Challenge.  It's always fun to check in with others to keep motivated.

My Spring goal is to be able to jog a mile without walking by June 20th.  Wish me luck!