We Kin Get Thin!

I just hopped off the treadmill... and I mean JUST. I am laying on a towel, on my bed because I am dripping so much sweat.

Today I did two things for the first time -

#1.  My first time trial for 5k.  I decided to just go for the 3.1 miles no matter how long it took. And it sure did take a long time. 53 minutes and 10 seconds to be exact.  I walked mostly, but worked in 1 ten minute jog, and about 5 tenth of a mile sprints (and one .15 of a mile!)  I felt it was important to start working up to that distance, if I really intend on doing a 5k some time this year.  My knee is beyond mad right now, so I am going to go ice it after I finish up here!

#2. I ran barefoot.  It was strange, but nice! I read a lot about this whole barefoot running phenomenon and I do agree with its basic principles. While I don't think it is something I am going to adopt as a lifestyle... I do intend on trying it a few more times in the future.  It feels so different. SO incredibly different. My stride, gait, and rhythm are completely altered. It feels much more natural, and easier. I ran .25 miles and it felt like a little jaunt. I could have easily kept going, but I remembered all the articles I read which insisted on starting slow, no matter how good it feels.  So I hopped off and put on my socks and sneaks and hopped back on. Wow, suddenly my sneakers felt like moon shoes. Like they were made of heavy cottonballs, a foot thick.
Of course, it took no time at all to get used to them again but I am honestly astounded at the difference.

Has anyone else tried this?

Good day yesterday. I tracked my food without getting all anal on it, I got a good workout  in, and even Joel worked out!! So nice :-)

I had a disappointing run, though. I set out to run 15 minutes straight. I made it 14 minutes and 30 seconds. Can you believe that? So close, so frustrating. I could not push through that last 30 seconds.  It was pretty rough, I had to hop right off and lay flat down on the floor, before getting back on. I did 13 minutes relatively easily before, I was sure 15 minutes would be cake!
Well, it was rough... but, I got close so....  next time!! :-)

After my treadmilling, I fixed Joel a sandwich, and convinced him to come upstairs and get on the treadmill himself. While he did that, I did 500 rotations with the jump rope, and about 15 minutes on the agility ladder.  My ankle is a bit mad from all the jumping, but, it was good!

Two days ago, I had the inclination to let everything go to hell until after New Year's. Typical. I thought, it's only a few more days, why not just laze around and pig out!? Sounds lovely.
But I won't. Heck no, I won't!
I want to finish this year out as strong as I can so I can feel proud about all the work I've put in in 2009.  Set a good example for 2010 to follow, you know? :-)

I actually convinced Joel to come to the track with me yesterday. (for those just tuning in, Joel doesn't exercise. And most definitely not with me) So it blew my mind when I asked him to come and he said "Hrmmm. OK" I assured him it'd be a quick and easy workout and he could just walk if he wanted to.

I started to jog and he was right beside me. I looked over again, and he was gone. But then I see him, pull right back up next to me :-). He finished the first lap with me, but he said he was wanting to stop yards before. He only finished out the jog because I did. What a nice feeling... to know that pushed someone just by pushing myself. I wasn't doing it to affect him, or to beat him. I was doing it because that was my plan and I stick to my plan. And that alone made him want to try :) How nice is that?

We did the rest of our walk/jog/sprint business and headed back home. I was proud of him :) I wish he'd come again!

First day back to training was good! I was so afraid for my shoulder, but we did all sorts of things that were non-shoulder related and still great. I ended up with 1010 calories too! Niiiice :-) We did a lot of jogging, even outside! Which is super nice.

Bob encouraged me to do a 1-Mile Run For Fun. He swears there is a 5K runner in me, but I don't agree..... yet.

Anywho, I am strongly considering the mile run, Currently I can't run a mile consistently, or even a half mile outside, so to prep myself for even such a short race in 4 weeks is very ambitious. But, we'll see. Maybe Fatty and Melissa will do it with me!

I ate well today. Even had lunch out (sushi) and kept the proper portions and ratios.

Here's my breakfast -
Egg beaters, tabasco, homemade salsa & whole wheat english muffin, fat-free cream cheese on 1/2


For snacks I had some fruit, yogurt, protein bar, cottage cheese..same deal as yesterday.
Lunch was sashimi/sushi plate.

Dinner, was a filet, an artichoke, and a some whole wheat pasta. I made a dipping sauce for my artichoke out of some low-fat butter, fresh lemon juice, and a tiny bit of pesto sauce. Deeeelicious.


So, another good day!

After dinner, I swapped the laundry, filled and ran the dishwasher and cleaned the counters. I explained to Joel that this type of diet takes more planning, more time, and more dishes... and I feel that organization can be my downfall sometimes. Although in the beginning I start out hyper-organized, and I love it.. I quickly start of feel overwhelmed by it. Like I have no time, like it's consuming me!
I am determined to beat it this time by really staying on top of things. If I keep the dishes done and the kitchen clean, I'll always be ready to make my eggs in the morning, and have containers to pack my snacks for the day. If I keep the laundry moving, I will never have to wait or worry about packing my gym bag. Its all related, and its all life.
I need to find a way to get all the cogs moving together!

That will be part of my journey, and I vow to stay conscious of it, and not just ditch everything for the diet... but more-so keep up with everything so that the diet can succeed!