Because U Matter

I think it comes a time for every runner to start seriously tracking his/her runs and time.  I am using this half-marathon as my inspiration to get better.  I had been running with a few iPhone apps as my motivation.  It started as a mean to know how far can I run. Now I know how fast I can run.

It is time to take it to the next level.  I’ve started implementing speed drills into my running routine.  I understand better about different concepts of running, now that I actually have ran enough times.  And the biggest motivation of all, I want to do this half marathon in 1:50.  That’s my current 10K pace. Still quite a way to go before qualifying for Boston, but everyone has to start somewhere.

I am excited about this the Training Workouts.

Training Workouts (Pro only)

Time-based, distance-based, and interval training workouts can be completed using voice guidance through your headphones. You can program them before you set out, and the audio cues will coach you through your workout.

via RunKeeper | How It Works.

If you use an iPhone, download the Free version.  I think the website is clean and easy to use. I love how they do your actual split for you as well so you can compare.

It is not easy to get started on an exercise routine.  I know. And it is even harder to get help, aka a trainer.  And when you actually find the trainer that you like, you pretend he/she is your friend. Bad idea.  I am not suggesting that you don’t make conversation with your trainer, but I am saying that the training hour you guys spend together should be about you and your health and wellness.  Not about his/her weekend, or the 3D movie you watched last night.  (You should mention the  popcorn you had in the theatre though.)

The the Type As tends to want to control every situation. I know! (Yes, I admit it).  However, when you are working out with a trainer, remember you hired him/her because it is their area of expertise.  That is why they do what they do.

I’ve became good friends with my trainer, but not really until we were out of the gym.   If you hired them, trust them.  And yes, I want 20 pushups now.

Trainers: Drop the ‘tude, give us your all – CNN.com.

If you haven’t notice, I’ve taken a bit of hiatus.  So here’s a little update. No, I haven’t fallen off the wagon. LOL.  I am actually running about 35-45K a week along with 2-3 lifting sessions.  I did the Resolution Run. It’s a 5K run.  My next goal is a half marathon at the Mississauga Run.  And if all goes well, the Toronto Harbourfront Marathon.  So what’ s your goal?  I find that it keeps me motivated through the year.

If you for a monent think that you will never touch a tasty fattening dessert again, I feel for you. No, you can’t eat that all the time. But once Awhile, a treat keeps your overall healthy and fitness in check. Don’t feel quilty. Just work it off the next day!

I guess I will call myself a casual runner now. I am consistently running 2-3 times a week. I will be traveling to Hong Kong for a week soon. Of course I will take this opportunity to go for a few leisurely jog around where my sister lives.

I went onto mapmyrun.com and check out the locals’ runs. I mostly see 3-5K runs. I wondered why such short runs. Immediately I remember how “hilly” Stanley is. Now I question if I can even do a 5K there. This may prove to be just the training I need to up my speed. (And some warmth wouldn’t hurt.)

MapMyRun.com | View Stanley Beach Road & Stanley Garrison in Stanley, Hong Kong.

Let’s be honest. I think we all start our journey of weight loss with vanity in mind.  I did, and still is!  However, I must admit I’ve changed my thought to being more functional.  And that “function” changes from time to time.  Currently, I am going through a phase of running.  I want to run faster, longer and better.  Undoubtably, one day I will retire running and maybe go for swimming.  My training right now has less to do with shaping my body, then to be a better runner.  I believe weight training is still very important as part of my routine.  I have added a little more cardio into my weekly regiment.  My Sunday long run is becoming a bit of a ritual for me.  I still have 2 rest days.

So people ask why I am still “counting”.  That is actually a great question.  I count because I want to make sure I am eating enough to fuel my training.  Yes, calories counting is associated with weight loss.  But it actually has its root in athletic training.  Athletes must eat enough to enable their body to perform during training and race.   My body has a tendency to naturally eat around 2500 calories.  But with my training, I really need to eat about 3000-4000, depending on the day.  Yes, clean food (mostly).  If I don’t count my calories, I won’t be able to fuel my workouts.

Point of interest.  My body type is closer to Endo-Meso (This is a scale).

Today is the day of the CN Tower Climb for United Way.   When I got there and met my “teammates”, they were all very nice people.  I’ve never really been in any kind of a athletic “race”.  I didn’t go into this climb with any kind of idea about how I will perform.  I just wanted to do it and see what it feels like.  Now that I know, next time… <evil laugh> watch out! I bet you I can do it in 15m30s. (Yes, I am very competitive.) Competitive for a good cause!

OMG. Panic attack.  I just realized that I know nothing about stair climbing.  I’ve done it before, but I never really thought about it in term of efficiency.  Tomorrow, I will be climbing the CN tower for charity (Thanks Julie!).  I think it’s important that I learn a little bit of that right about… now.

Stair Climbing – iVillage Your Total Health.

So Yeah, I went for a long run today. 16K.  Now I need to love myself a bit more.  Being in my bedroom all by myself, I need to learn to massage my foot. Check out the link below.  This guy has a few good videos.

VideoRunners

A lot of people who are used to an exercise routine will eventually ask themselves “Why am I doing this?”  Of course, I will say things like “Because I want to look good” or “Because my body love being fit”. We all have our reasons why we want to be fit and healthy, but why not use it for some good causes.
I decided to pick a few events each year that involve some kind of athletic training.  Its a win-win situation.

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