Time to get serious.

This morning I signed my husband and I up for the Run Forest Run 5K on November 13th. That's 75 days away, well 74 now that today is almost over with. Seeing how I hadn't worked out in almost 2 weeks, I felt it was important that I get out there and run today. It wasn't as painful as I thought. I did 3 minute running with 3 minute walking. Now I need to keep up with this and get serious.

Losing track of time.

Distance: 2.4 miles
Time: Either 30 or 36 minutes with the 3 minute run/walk intervals.

I measured off a loop for me to run laps, .6 mile. I aimed to have at least one hill, even though it is slight and no streets to cross. The best part is that my home is on the route so I can literally walk out the front door and go.

I forgot which interval I was on. I am making an attempt to keep my gadgets to a minimum. I have my Timeex watch with a timer and that seems to be enough for me right now. I figured as long as I did at least 5 intervals, it really doesn't matter if I end up doing 6 or 7. I'm still getting a good work out in. Slow steps towards running 30 minutes straight.

Can't I cheat all the way?

I truly believe for one to successful in a weight loss plan, there needs to be a built in cheat. Whether it is a cheat in your diet or work out plan, one needs to be able to have a little vacation from their new routine. This can be a slippery slope, so caution needs to be used.

I have been working out hard and sticking to my diet. I weighed in yesterday to read 5 pound weight loss. I should be so excited but all I could think about is that I want a cheeseburger. I have been craving one for a few days. A nice, greasy cheeseburger. Not the kind sitting under a warming lap at a fast food restaurant, but one that's cooked to order. Medium, resting on a bun that has been smothered in condiments, with a hint of lettuce and tomato peaking out.

I needed a cheat on my diet, and I needed it fast. So for lunch today, Chris and I went to Cannery Row Brew Company. I ordered a Cowboy Burger, with fried onion rings, bacon, cheddar cheese and their BBQ sauce. I went overboard but it was so delicious.

When we returned home, I went to bed and took the longest nap. I was in a state of pure bliss. The problem is that I didn't want to go back to my weigh loss plan. I didn't want to climb out of bed and get dressed to do a 25 minute cardio/weight circuit. Boy did those excuses start flying.

1. I have to get the Tot and so it's better to wait until she's in bed.
2. I'm too tired, maybe I should take the night off.
3. I need to answer my email, facebook, and instant messenger.
4. I don't want to be a disturbance to Chris.

I pulled on my work out clothes as soon as the Tot was in bed and I went to answer my email. Because the video takes a few minutes to go through introduction, I put it on. 20 minutes later I was still "checking" my email when Chris decided to call me out on it. I need that.

I got my butt off the couch and did 30 Day Shed. I struggled with the motivation part but I managed to do the endurance without much of a fight. I have to wonder if going all out on a cheeseburger made me this way. One needs to satisfy cravings with a few cheats, but just not go overboard.

Back in the saddle...well run shoes

It has been over a week since my last run. I decided to take it easy and do 2 minutes running 3 minutes walking. It felt easy. I think I will up my run to 3 minutes on Thursday.

I have not been totally slacking on the fitness. I have been enjoying the torture known as Julian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Well worth the $9 spent on it.

Miss me?

I haven't ran since Saturday.

Sunday, I woke up not feeling well and decided that I needed a day off.

Monday, I had to keep the toddler home from child care because she had a fever. I took her to the doctors to find out that she had an ear infection. After realizing that my child was sick, I decided to call and make an appointment for myself. I managed to find 30 minutes after the toddler went to bed for the evening to do Julian Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 1, with 2 pound weights.

Tuesday, I met with my doctor who confirmed my suspicions on the respiratory infection. I was given a Z pack along with the order to rest for a day or two. I was also given a tetanus shot because there was no record that I had one in the last 10 years.

Wednesday, I felt miserable. I had to fast for 12 hours and go over to get my blood drawn. This was for my routine physical. Once I was home, it took all my strength to not climb back into bed and sleep. Aren't antibiotics suppose to make you feel better? Although in pain from the tetanus shot and weak from the infection battle going on in my body, I was able to find 30 minutes to do Julian Michael's 30 day Shred Level 1, with 2 pound weights. Damn I hate push ups.

Thursday, I went to my primary doctor to have my yearly woman exam and to find the results out from my labs. My A1c is 5.0, that's .7 less than my March testing. Cholesterol is a little high and I'll need to keep an eye on it. I have been given the order to continue working out, avoid processed foods, watch my carbs and sugar in take, eat more veggies, watch my fat intake, and eat lean meats. Pretty much, a High Protein, Low Fat Diet.

Running with Tot

Ever had to run with a stroller? I don't recommend it for any newbies to the sport of running. Sure it may look easy, but it's one more element that needs to be focused on.

The most obvious hindrance is that one if not both of your arms are forced to stay in one position out infront of your body. For me this threw off my rythm. Something about my arms pumping back and forth seems to help keep my legs going at a steady beat. I tried running with one hand on the stroller but felt I was loosing control of the stroller.

The three wheel design of the stroller makes me question who the engineers really are. The wheels do not pivit, which I understand is a safety factor. Think about it, if you are going at a fast pace and the front wheel were to turn, the whole stoller could easily topple over. The problem with the stroller not piviting is that one must push down on the handle bars to turn the stroller no matter how slight the turn may be. Which made for a fun time while we were on a portion of my run route that has a curvy sidewalk that sways back and forth between the road and a field.

I also found that I needed to be very aware of the edge of the pavement when it came to the back wheels. A few times one of the wheels would fall off the pavement and the whole stroller pulled that direction. Nothing like having to slow down or even stop just to get the stroller back on track.

I felt the entire time my stride was shorter than normal. And my focus was on everything but my running. I forgot which minute I was on, if I should be walking or runnig, and if I was on my 5th or 6th jog section. I do not feel that I did the best I could have done today and am dissapointed in my overall work out.

If you are new to running and planning to take a stroller out with you, I would like to recommend that you find another solution. Leave the stroller pushing to those who are more experienced.

Just not feeling it.

My voice sounds like I'm a 14 year old boy and I feel like I'm straining just to talk. I'm attempting to rest my voice but that is a little difficult when Chris is out of the house for the morning/afternoon and I'm with a toddler who wants to test the waters. Oh terrible two's how I despise you.

At least it's nap time in our home, maybe a little rest is what I need before I hit the pavement.