Diet

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!

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!

I have decided that next year, I will run a half marathon. I have about 9 months to work up to it. It’s cold out. But I can’t help myself but to at least go for a run once a week. Today, I did my second 10K run. Love it and here is my route. Don’t let the weather stop you. Go for your run!

Someone asked me this week, “what is your fitness goal now?”  I gave him a very technical answer. (He is a fitness trainer) Afterward, I thought about it for the rest of the day.

What is my fitness goal? I am doing 5 hours of hyperthroy weight-lifting, plus about 2 hours of cardio weekly.  I am eating about 2600-3000 calories a day right now. I’ve been maintaining my weight very steadily. I feel good being here right now.  I am not in the mood to go insane in my training right now.  And I must admit having 3000 calories a day to eat is really a feast!  (Coming from 1800 calories just a few months ago).

I am still eating fairly clean.  Been incorporating more treat food into my diet.   I will say that I have adapted living as a Pescetarian.  My carb intake is probably higher than when I was in weight-loss mode.  (Mostly good carbs though!)  I don’t flip out now if my toast isn’t dry when I eat out.

I guess my new goal is to maintain this weight for awhile and enjoy! It’s fascinating looking at recent pictures/videos of yourself and don’t immediate recognize it.  In my head, I am still looking for the big boy!

www.sparkpeople.com  - Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Video – Breaking News Videos from CNN.com.

I know people tend to think of coffee as a bad thing. But the truth is that moderate amount of caffeine helps you mentally, as well as physically.  The key word there is moderate amount.  200-400mg of caffeine.  That’s about 1-2 large cup of coffee.  Here’s a good rule of thumb. Your hands should not be shaking!

The Health Benefits Of Caffeine – Men’s Health .