This was a great week! I lost 2.4 pounds this week (for a total loss of 3.4 lbs.). I have been working out really hard, so it looks like it is finally paying off. Brad and I have been doing pretty good with what we are eating. I did make Pumpkin Spice Bread this weekend and we have been gobbling that down in nothing flat (oh so naughty!).
I have a Q for Becky and Jen, since you two are the runners in the group. What pointers can you give me on running? I am the slowest runner ever. I think a speed walker could pass me up. So are there tricks of the trade to help with speed, calf/shin pain, that good old runners stitch? Anything would help at this point!!
So seriously, is no one else going to do the Triathlon with Myles and I. I am doing it just to complete it, not to compete. I will probably be close to the last over the finish line, but as long as I finish I will be stoked. Come on guys, at least think about it!
Monday, January 19, 2009
April -- Week 3
Posted by Ape at 9:41 AM
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1 comments:
Ape,
If you are looking for tips on speed, I am exactly the wrong person to ask. I am not a speedy runner. I am consistent, but I am not fast. Sometimes I am bothered by that. Like the day Seth was looking at my workout log and laughed at how long it takes me to run a mile. But I have had to come to grips with the fact that I am not fast and try to challenge myself against myself, not against others. Easier said than done. I try to go longer, farther, burn more calories....I will try to push myself in my own way to get better.
Getting a heartrate monitor and figuring out where my heartrate should be was helpful in finding a good pace for myself (which actually taught me that I don't have to be running fast to be in my ideal target heart rate).
I've found that there is a certain speed that I'm pretty comfortable in....it is actually harder to run at too slow of a speed. That said, I also rarely run at more than 5mph. For me, it is all about mind games with myself. I'm weird that way. Every single run is a mind game. Always new and different.
Tips in general....
It really does get easier and easier. Just keep doing it.
Wear two bras for the first while. Your boobs will thank you for it.
I absolutely have to watch tv while I run. It is seriously the only way I can stand it. I'm not good at running outside. Some people can't stand the treadmill...I like that I can't hear myself breathe when I'm on the treadmill and it keeps my pace more consistent.
I'm not very good at stretching before I run, but I usually try to do strength training after I run, so that usually includes good stretching (core secrets does stretches on the ball that are good for hams, calves, etc.) For instance (for shins), sit on the ball, stick one leg out in front of you, heel on floor, flex your foot, bend at the waist. Another (for calves), lay on the ball (your upper thighs and stomach will be in contact with the ball), put your hands down on floor in front of you, put one foot (your toes actually) behind you on floor and stretch your calves. To get more into your hams, do the same thing but put both feet on floor and put your feet flat this time and push up (straighten your legs) so you are basically making a v-shape over the ball. I'm totally bad at explaining this, so sorry if it is no help.
Running stitches...I really don't know other than not drinking too much at a time before/during a run. At least that is what always gets me...if I drink too much all at once. I also try not to run too soon after eating because I get heartburn (this is recent...didn't use to happen to me...I must be getting old).
Hope that helps a little.
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