C25K: Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

It’s hot!  I’m exhausted! I don’t have the energy!
Excuses, I know.  Ugh!  Unfortunately, my C25K training has slowed down a bit. I have been walking and stretching but I just don’t have the energy to push myself. I’ve managed to complete one C25K session this week. I am very frustrated but I am determined not to give up.

It’s not what’s going on in the gym that is keep me from moving forward. It’s other factors:  work, lack of sleep, last week I think I may have had some dehydration issues. I realize that if I expect to finish this training I am going to need drink more water and get more than six hours of sleep each night.  If I take care of my body, my body will take care of me.

One thing I am learning is that running/jogging is a different beast.  You really learn a different type of respect for your body.  The mental challenge has been totally different for me as well.

C25K: Repeat: Week Four

I'm still plugging away!

Week Four, Day 3

Done! It was a struggle to get to the gym yesterday. Ideally, I like to do C25K during my lunch breaks because I have more energy during this time. Work was crazy so I couldn’t get away. When I logged off at 4, I sat on my sofa, and just stared for a while. I was so tired. I ended up falling asleep. I guess I needed that nap.

Anyhow, I didn’t head out to the gym until 7. Part of me was tempted to hop on the Elliptical for 30 minutes and call it a day. I did the C25K training plus an additional 30 minutes on the treadmill. I made an unofficial goal to burn at least 500 calories. I have to admit this training is taking a lot out of me. I know I need to get more sleep. I feel much better about hydration. The stretching is going well. Now, if I could just get to bed at a decent hour….

C25K: Week Four, Day Two

Yesterday's workout went pretty well.  I definitely need to take more time with my stretching.  My legs were pretty stiff and sore while running.  My muscles loosen up as I continued.  While it's evident this is going to be a slow process for me, I'm so happy I am making progress. 

The heat is also slowing me down a bit.  I need to do a better job with hydration.  I also need to do better with getting adequate sleep.

I'm going to start over with Week Four next week.

No-Bake Oatmeal Protein Bars

Here's another attempt at a new recipe.

2 cups quick oatmeal
1/2 crunchy peanut butter (I used chunky almond butter)
4 scoops protein powder
1 tbs. flax seeds (I think I'll grind them next time)
1/2 water

Freeze for 45 minutes and then cut into squares.

According to the recipe maker I used on My Fitness Pal, each bar contains:

202 calories, 16 g. carbs, 10 g. fat, 13 g. protein
 

While very quick and easy to prepare, I was a bit disappointed in them.  They're pretty bland.  It could be because I used almond butter instead of peanut butter.  I think they could use some chocolate chips...but that doesn't fit into my OA food plan right now.  I do think I'm going to try them again with chocolate protein powder and/or craisins.

C25K: Week Four, Day Two

I didn't make it to the gym today.  I tried.  I was tired.  I had a headache. I was nauseous.  I think it's the heat. 

This is really throwing off my training schedule if I want to get in three sessions a week.  Hopefully, I'll feel better tomorrow.

C25K: Week Four, Day 1

Yay! I did it! Staying on Week Three for three weeks obviously paid off.  Although I struggled a bit with the second five-minute run, they are doable.  It's so amazing how much progress I'm making.  I can't believe I ran for five minutes!