W00t! Did it. I got to the one month mark and am going strong. At this point I am ready to go out every weekday. This past weekend I think my body actually missed the routine, but I do need the weekends for rest at this point. So, go me! I stopped blogging daily. It's hard with a strong work presence, but I'll update from time to time. I haven't noticed much of a loss in weight (though honestly I am not really keeping track, no scale in the house). But, I feel good and the runs are getting a little easier and more fun.
I found a ski slope near my work. Ran up that on Thursday. It crushed my calves. Let's see if I can see progress with this damn thing as time goes on.
Resolved: Progress is progress. One pound here, one extra step, there. Small steps, small steps.
This has gone so well that I'm adding two new items to my every weekday category. A workout of crunches and a page of writing. We'll see how it goes. Today was day one for both. Must stay vigilance.
Gotta see more, gotta be more!
Until next time, trying to me honest with the world and myself.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Unplugging
It's been raining the past two days. I found a lull in the rain yesterday and got my run in. I'm waiting for the rain to stop today at around 2:00 to head out today. Yesterday was unique for me. Not only was it a rainy run, but it was also an unplugged run. That is, I forgot my iphone so couldn't listen to anything. No music, no podcast, no Pandora, nothing. Just the sprinkling rain, the birds, and the sounds of the lake. I have to say, I enjoyed it more then my other distractions. Now, I'm not going to say that I'll never listen to something on a run again, quite honestly, I'll do it more then not, but what I was amazed at was all the sounds I was missing. It was unique and fantastic to change it up and unplug from my tech life. I have no idea how long the run took me, I have no idea how far I went, (though I can estimate it), I had no idea of my pace. I just ran, simply, and lightly, and enjoyed it.
Resolved: Changing the status quo from time to time can open up a world of opertunities.
So, that being said, I think I'll find a new route today. I'll head down a path and see where it goes. It's Friday, I can afford to go out for a little longer, and it looks like I'll be able to get at least an hour of dry time. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend. It is suppose to be over 100 degrees here. Might warrant a special Sunday, sweat run!
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Time out: ?? Time in: ??
Distance: ?? ~ 3 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions: Just the world.
Resolved: Changing the status quo from time to time can open up a world of opertunities.
So, that being said, I think I'll find a new route today. I'll head down a path and see where it goes. It's Friday, I can afford to go out for a little longer, and it looks like I'll be able to get at least an hour of dry time. Hope everyone enjoys the weekend. It is suppose to be over 100 degrees here. Might warrant a special Sunday, sweat run!
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Time out: ?? Time in: ??
Distance: ?? ~ 3 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions: Just the world.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Pushing Through
Today seemed like it was going to be hard. Work made me come in early and fun made me stay up late. All this adds up to a very sleepy me. I'm writing this and counting down the minutes until I can get home for a nap. I neeeeeed one. Anyway, because of this I was very unhappy about getting out on the road. I battled this by simply putting my head down and pushing through. It seemed like the run was slow, but oddly enough, it was just about the same time as always. I guess that was just a phantom of my crappy feeling. It ended up going well, but I'm fricken tired now.
Resolved: The thought of doing something is often harder then actually doing something.
Seriously. I thought for sure I would dread this run. But, honestly, it went quite well and I finished feeling good. So, in the future when I'm feeling like I shouldn't or don't want to do something, just do it. Nike the bitch and I guarantee in the end it won't be as bad as you thought it would. Something for me to remember on those long, hot, Summer days.
Last evening I was speaking to the wif about my chip idea. I had the idea that people are often rewarded with chips for kicking a bad habit. AA gives out their chips, rehab clinics do, so why not give myself for successfully CREATING a healthy habit? Makes sense to me. I told my dear wif this idea and was a bit surprised by her response. She said it was a good idea, but didn't want to be punished for failing. I.E. If she didn't succeed on her goals, it would be a punishment not to get the reward. I never looked at it this way. Seems strange in fact. After all, I'm trying to create a life change here, in the same vein addicts have to change their lives. They don't create this change for the chip, the chip is a reminder of what you want to achieve. Looking at it the other way seems counter productive to me. What do you think?
This got us into a discussion of the difference between "excuse" and "reason", which to me, mean the same thing. She believes excuse has a negative connotation to it, which I can understand, but disagree with in principal. I refuse to allow a reason or excuse to stop me from my goal. It's such a seemingly small goal, in the grand scheme of things, but one that can fundamentally change who I am. One I want to achieve. One I will achieve.
Time out: 1235 Time In: 1304
Distance: 2.85
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions: Plus One Per Diem on SIR
Resolved: The thought of doing something is often harder then actually doing something.
Seriously. I thought for sure I would dread this run. But, honestly, it went quite well and I finished feeling good. So, in the future when I'm feeling like I shouldn't or don't want to do something, just do it. Nike the bitch and I guarantee in the end it won't be as bad as you thought it would. Something for me to remember on those long, hot, Summer days.
Last evening I was speaking to the wif about my chip idea. I had the idea that people are often rewarded with chips for kicking a bad habit. AA gives out their chips, rehab clinics do, so why not give myself for successfully CREATING a healthy habit? Makes sense to me. I told my dear wif this idea and was a bit surprised by her response. She said it was a good idea, but didn't want to be punished for failing. I.E. If she didn't succeed on her goals, it would be a punishment not to get the reward. I never looked at it this way. Seems strange in fact. After all, I'm trying to create a life change here, in the same vein addicts have to change their lives. They don't create this change for the chip, the chip is a reminder of what you want to achieve. Looking at it the other way seems counter productive to me. What do you think?
This got us into a discussion of the difference between "excuse" and "reason", which to me, mean the same thing. She believes excuse has a negative connotation to it, which I can understand, but disagree with in principal. I refuse to allow a reason or excuse to stop me from my goal. It's such a seemingly small goal, in the grand scheme of things, but one that can fundamentally change who I am. One I want to achieve. One I will achieve.
Time out: 1235 Time In: 1304
Distance: 2.85
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions: Plus One Per Diem on SIR
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Nothing To Say
I honestly have nothing to say today. Sorry. Run was fine. Not many people out today. It was a little colder then usual, like 80 degrees or so, so people must have just stayed in doors. Sunday is suppose to be 100! I will wait until my thermometer says 100 and then head out for my first scorching run! Love a good scorcher. You get back and feel like a hundred gallons of water and all the toxins you have ever ate are pouring out your skin. Yea, I like that, so what?
I guess I can talk about Friday's movie. Saw Horrible Bosses. It was really good. Good dialogue and excellent comedic timing. It's nice to see the dude from Always Sunny getting a shot with big name actors as well. Kevin Spacey continues to remain one of my all-time favorite actors. Some people just have it, he's one.
Getting a new kitty for Persephonee. Any thoughts on what we should name it? Oldest is Battle Cat and youngest right now is Prometheus. Thoughts? Discusses my chip idea with the wif last night. (yes, its spelled that way intentionally). She had an interesting perspective on it. I may write on that tomorrow. Whose Pottering tonight at Midnight? I'm getting old so will wait until Friday.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Out: 1214, In: 1248
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Can't remember, phone is dead, but loooooooooots of Green Day. (Go figure)
I guess I can talk about Friday's movie. Saw Horrible Bosses. It was really good. Good dialogue and excellent comedic timing. It's nice to see the dude from Always Sunny getting a shot with big name actors as well. Kevin Spacey continues to remain one of my all-time favorite actors. Some people just have it, he's one.
Getting a new kitty for Persephonee. Any thoughts on what we should name it? Oldest is Battle Cat and youngest right now is Prometheus. Thoughts? Discusses my chip idea with the wif last night. (yes, its spelled that way intentionally). She had an interesting perspective on it. I may write on that tomorrow. Whose Pottering tonight at Midnight? I'm getting old so will wait until Friday.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Out: 1214, In: 1248
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Can't remember, phone is dead, but loooooooooots of Green Day. (Go figure)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Making It A Habit
Today was weekday number 10 in a row that I went out for a run. That, to me, is impressive. It's important not to rest on my laurels though. Creating a habit, making running second nature to say, brushing my teeth (another habit I had to create!) is not easy. I read a report once that stated that you need to do something 27 times in a row when you are suppose to do them in order to train your body to accept a habit. Well, I'm at 10 and looking good! By my calculations this means that July 26th will be my habit day. This is the day my body is used to getting a run in on weekdays, as long as I don't fall off the wagon that is! I sound like an alcoholic now. Maybe they should give out chips for positive habits like running, learning new things, etc. That's not a bad idea. Maybe I will create some chips for running, writing, language learning, everything I want to accomplish in life. It's not much, but is a physical representative of my hard work. Might be useful.
Resolved: Turing a workout into a habit is worth celebrating.
For simplicity sake, I'll use 30 days in a row. Then, maybe give myself a chip at 60, 90, 6 months, a year, etc. I'm getting way ahead of myself though. Let's start my getting to this first milestone and making running a habit. I've found some good ideas in an article to help in this process.
Stay Consistent. Pick lunch or the morning and stay consistent with it. If its raining, try a treadmill or go after work, but shoot for lunch or morning each day!
Get a buddy. Get a buddy or others involved. Keep each other motivated. Maybe I can convince my wife to join me in our daily workout chip thingy.
Be imperfect. You might miss a day. You might fail. Everyone fails at one time or another. Be honest with yourself and simply start over if need be.
Use, "But". Stay motivated with the word "But". I might me really tired and not feel like running, but afterwards I will feel amazing and be proud of myself.
Associate with Role Models: Find someone who runs consistently and follow them on Twitter or what have you. Follow and contribute to a running Twitter thread or Facebook page.
Visualize: Visualize yourself with the negative. I.E. Not running. then, visualize yourself with the positive, I.E. running. Realize what the positive means to you and how it will positively affect your life.
Acknowledge Change: Do you feel better after a run? Do you have more energy that night or are you in a better mood with people? What changes can be made to the routine? Acknowledge the positives and learn from the negatives. I run and I feel better. I am nicer and interact with people in a more positive manner.
Do it for Yourself: You will never change something that isn't for you. Make the change or habit your own and embrace it.
That's all for now. I've lost count with counting calories. I'm still acknowledging what I eat and estimating my intake to around 2000 or so calories a day. But, specifics are rather difficult to remember without having some sort of live journal. Maybe look for one, Chris. Thanks for reading!
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Time Out: 12:12 Time In: 12:43
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Depeche Mode, Policy of Truth
The CUre, Just Like Heaven
Spandau Ballet, True
Duran Duran, Rio
A-Ha, Take on Me
U2, With or Without You
Resolved: Turing a workout into a habit is worth celebrating.
For simplicity sake, I'll use 30 days in a row. Then, maybe give myself a chip at 60, 90, 6 months, a year, etc. I'm getting way ahead of myself though. Let's start my getting to this first milestone and making running a habit. I've found some good ideas in an article to help in this process.
Stay Consistent. Pick lunch or the morning and stay consistent with it. If its raining, try a treadmill or go after work, but shoot for lunch or morning each day!
Get a buddy. Get a buddy or others involved. Keep each other motivated. Maybe I can convince my wife to join me in our daily workout chip thingy.
Be imperfect. You might miss a day. You might fail. Everyone fails at one time or another. Be honest with yourself and simply start over if need be.
Use, "But". Stay motivated with the word "But". I might me really tired and not feel like running, but afterwards I will feel amazing and be proud of myself.
Associate with Role Models: Find someone who runs consistently and follow them on Twitter or what have you. Follow and contribute to a running Twitter thread or Facebook page.
Visualize: Visualize yourself with the negative. I.E. Not running. then, visualize yourself with the positive, I.E. running. Realize what the positive means to you and how it will positively affect your life.
Acknowledge Change: Do you feel better after a run? Do you have more energy that night or are you in a better mood with people? What changes can be made to the routine? Acknowledge the positives and learn from the negatives. I run and I feel better. I am nicer and interact with people in a more positive manner.
Do it for Yourself: You will never change something that isn't for you. Make the change or habit your own and embrace it.
That's all for now. I've lost count with counting calories. I'm still acknowledging what I eat and estimating my intake to around 2000 or so calories a day. But, specifics are rather difficult to remember without having some sort of live journal. Maybe look for one, Chris. Thanks for reading!
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Time Out: 12:12 Time In: 12:43
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distractions:
Depeche Mode, Policy of Truth
The CUre, Just Like Heaven
Spandau Ballet, True
Duran Duran, Rio
A-Ha, Take on Me
U2, With or Without You
Friday, July 8, 2011
Your own worst Enemy
I was struggling to think of something to write about today. Then, I went for my run. It was brutal run. You know the day, when everything just seems off. Your legs and arms feel heavy and it feels like you are the most out of shape person on the planet! It was especially annoying being that yesterday I felt so amazing. But today? Geesh. I struggled over rises and even the dips didn't lead to any rest. I took my time at a stop light and waited for a car, so far down the road I could have walked across the street before it passed! We all do this from time to time, but its time to call a spade a spade and say that was a pseudo rest. Why didn't I just take another walking break?
Resolved: We hold ourselves to a higher caliber and stricter definition of failure then anyone else does. In essence, we are our own worst enemy.
I came to this conclusion after that light I stopped at. My Own Worst Enemy from Green Day (I know!) was playing on my ipod and it got me thinking that every single person I passed; the girl walking in sweats, the shirtless kid, the construction workers, the elderly couple walking, none of them care about how fast or slow we are going more then we do. None of them really give a crap about us. They pass us, trying to look as good as possible, just like we do them, and then we pretty much forget about them forever. Even in a circular route, like my lake, by the time I see them again I barely remember them and doubt they remember me at all. So stop worrying about it!
That being said, pushing ourselves is important and being our own worst enemy can be a good thing. Just be sure to know your enemy. Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Time out: 12:37. Time In: 1303
Distance: 2.82 miles
Walks: 2 (plus one long light), Inhaler Use: 4
Distractions:
No idea as it was lost, but music that ended with Know Your Enemy from Green Day
Calories In: 1680
Calories Out: ~2500
Resolved: We hold ourselves to a higher caliber and stricter definition of failure then anyone else does. In essence, we are our own worst enemy.
I came to this conclusion after that light I stopped at. My Own Worst Enemy from Green Day (I know!) was playing on my ipod and it got me thinking that every single person I passed; the girl walking in sweats, the shirtless kid, the construction workers, the elderly couple walking, none of them care about how fast or slow we are going more then we do. None of them really give a crap about us. They pass us, trying to look as good as possible, just like we do them, and then we pretty much forget about them forever. Even in a circular route, like my lake, by the time I see them again I barely remember them and doubt they remember me at all. So stop worrying about it!
That being said, pushing ourselves is important and being our own worst enemy can be a good thing. Just be sure to know your enemy. Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Time out: 12:37. Time In: 1303
Distance: 2.82 miles
Walks: 2 (plus one long light), Inhaler Use: 4
Distractions:
No idea as it was lost, but music that ended with Know Your Enemy from Green Day
Calories In: 1680
Calories Out: ~2500
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Short & Sweet
Nothing today. I missed writing yesterday as well. Work has me pulling late hours these days. I did run both days and have been excited about my progress. I haven't seen any reduction in the gut, but I'm down to one walk in the last two runs and was in at 27 and 28 minutes as well! See, progress. Wednesday I even felt amazing.
Wednesday, July 6
Total Time out: 27 minutes
Distance: 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 3
Thursday, July 7
Out: 1303 In: 1331
Distance 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 4
Wednesday, July 6
Total Time out: 27 minutes
Distance: 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 3
Thursday, July 7
Out: 1303 In: 1331
Distance 2.73 miles
Walks: 1, Inhaler use: 4
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Distractions
Distracting yourself from the actual running process is one of the easiest ways to forget the pain, heat, humidity, cramps, nags, or other naggings that putting one foot in front of the other can bring with it. Now I know we should all be concerned with thinking about our breathing, our posture, and our foot strike, but let's be honest, after the first mile or two those are the last things that matter. Sucking wind becomes your dominant feature, and there is only so much of that you can think about! The most widely used distraction is, of course, music. A good series of songs can not only make the minutes and miles fly by, but can serve to motivate you through a rough patch on the run. Everyone has that one song that hits home and makes them want to push themselves further and further. I have mine, but I'll keep it a secret for right now.
Resolved: Thinking about literally anything other then running while running can be useful.
I tried a book on tape once. I think it was "The Da Vinci Code" the book, for all the rave it got, was really a let down. I had set a goal that I would only listen to the book while running. That way, if the book was amazing, I'd want to run more. Makes sense in theory. That being said, I wasn't very impressed with this book and began dreading going out and listening to an utterly unremarkable book. I might try it again in the future, but only if its something I'm pretty sure I know I'll like. There are several merits to a book on "tape"; its generally pretty long, which means you'll have something to run to for many hours, if it is interesting you'll be motivated to keep running / go out again, finally, it can be immersive and a fantastic distraction.
My personal basis recently has been comity shows / albums / podcasts. I'm a big Kevin Smith fan. Say what you will about the guy, but he's a self made man who is a terrific writer and is at the forefront of internet entertainment. He has a few daily, live shows, one with his witty wife Jennifer, and one with his constant, hedro-life mate, Jason Mewes. Both are free and available on his radio website, SIR. I highly encourage you to check them out as a great distraction. The shows are generally both entertaining and funny. Speaking of which, you should try Smith and Ralph Garmon on their weekly show, "Hollywood Babylon". It's amazing. Anyways, the other day I was running to Smith and TV's Joe Rogan and had to stop to catch my breath from all the laughter I was belting out. So, while I did look a bit insane holding my side, laughing up a storm with sweat pouring down my face, that run was one of the one's that went quickly. Indubitably a fantastic distraction.
Some people however, can't seem to get into the hang of running with electronic equipment. I was in this camp for a long time. My headphones hung on me weird and I didn't enjoy them. I'd brainstorm in my head over writings, the daily life, etc, in order to whittle away the time. This worked well, but couldn't deal with the "hard" times during the run. During these times I did some weird things, the oddest being pseudo-complex math problems. Quick, what's 357 x 125? Can't get it yet? Exactly. Keeping track of this problem in my head would take upwards of ten minutes to complete! The miles would fly by as I struggled to maintain what numbers were where and the totals. Jeesh, it's a hassle, but fairly rewarding, especially when you missed an entire mile of running time! Of course math isn't for everyone. There are a host of other ways to bide your time; mentally going through / preparing yourself for the day, reflecting on a hobby or other activity, trying to memorize your drivers licence or other useful information, learning a foreign language via audio. Do you have any distractions you use? Tell me about it and I'll give it a try one day.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Out: 1211, In: 1243
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distraction: Plus on Per Diem on SIR
Calories took in Friday, July 1
2580
Expelled: 2767
Net: -187
Resolved: Thinking about literally anything other then running while running can be useful.
I tried a book on tape once. I think it was "The Da Vinci Code" the book, for all the rave it got, was really a let down. I had set a goal that I would only listen to the book while running. That way, if the book was amazing, I'd want to run more. Makes sense in theory. That being said, I wasn't very impressed with this book and began dreading going out and listening to an utterly unremarkable book. I might try it again in the future, but only if its something I'm pretty sure I know I'll like. There are several merits to a book on "tape"; its generally pretty long, which means you'll have something to run to for many hours, if it is interesting you'll be motivated to keep running / go out again, finally, it can be immersive and a fantastic distraction.
My personal basis recently has been comity shows / albums / podcasts. I'm a big Kevin Smith fan. Say what you will about the guy, but he's a self made man who is a terrific writer and is at the forefront of internet entertainment. He has a few daily, live shows, one with his witty wife Jennifer, and one with his constant, hedro-life mate, Jason Mewes. Both are free and available on his radio website, SIR. I highly encourage you to check them out as a great distraction. The shows are generally both entertaining and funny. Speaking of which, you should try Smith and Ralph Garmon on their weekly show, "Hollywood Babylon". It's amazing. Anyways, the other day I was running to Smith and TV's Joe Rogan and had to stop to catch my breath from all the laughter I was belting out. So, while I did look a bit insane holding my side, laughing up a storm with sweat pouring down my face, that run was one of the one's that went quickly. Indubitably a fantastic distraction.
Some people however, can't seem to get into the hang of running with electronic equipment. I was in this camp for a long time. My headphones hung on me weird and I didn't enjoy them. I'd brainstorm in my head over writings, the daily life, etc, in order to whittle away the time. This worked well, but couldn't deal with the "hard" times during the run. During these times I did some weird things, the oddest being pseudo-complex math problems. Quick, what's 357 x 125? Can't get it yet? Exactly. Keeping track of this problem in my head would take upwards of ten minutes to complete! The miles would fly by as I struggled to maintain what numbers were where and the totals. Jeesh, it's a hassle, but fairly rewarding, especially when you missed an entire mile of running time! Of course math isn't for everyone. There are a host of other ways to bide your time; mentally going through / preparing yourself for the day, reflecting on a hobby or other activity, trying to memorize your drivers licence or other useful information, learning a foreign language via audio. Do you have any distractions you use? Tell me about it and I'll give it a try one day.
Until next time, trying to be honest with the world and myself.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Out: 1211, In: 1243
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2, Inhaler Use: 3
Distraction: Plus on Per Diem on SIR
Calories took in Friday, July 1
2580
Expelled: 2767
Net: -187
Friday, July 1, 2011
Heat, Hills, and Humidity
It’s summer! I can tell from the oppressive heat and damning humidity outside. Last time we hit the mid-nineties power was failing all over the grid as people sought the comfort of the Gods of Air Conditioning. Luckily, my house was exempt and I was able to wallow away the day in stagnant, recycled air. I’m not generally a fan of closing up the windows. I feel I get enough of that during the nine months of Winter up here. But, the wife and daughter need it, so I make the contention without too much complaint. Anyway, today I’m applying all this to the running lifestyle.
In my humble opinion (imho), running in the heat is all a matter of perspective. I’ve always liked the heat. Not sure why. Maybe some of my ex’s are right and I’m actually from hell! But honestly, I think people hate running in most extreme conditions mainly because of perspective. People think running in the heat and humidity is going to suck, thus it sucks.
Resolved: A proper mind-set can make anything not only doable, but enjoyable.
I read an article a while back that said the very act of having a smile on your face can make you happy. In other words, my forcing yourself to smile and to stay smiling, you can positively affect your mood, change it to one of positivity and happiness. I can’t verify this one way or another, but from time to time, when I’m in an especially foul mood, I give it a try. It can’t hurt to try to be in a good mood, can it?
So how does all this translate to running? Well, like I said, I’ve always liked running in the heat and humidity. Oddly enough, my run time gets faster in the extreme heat! I’m not sure why, but I have a theory. My theory involves hills. You see, I’ve also always loved running up hills. I know, I know, I may be a masochist! But, I see it as a challenge. In the Marines they compounded this by compounding this challenge with cadence. “Up the hill… Fuck the hill… Little hill… No pain…. No gain…” This, of course, sounds better in cadence and with sing-song. So, I’ve always attacked hills with gusto. “I’ll be damned if I’m going to let this hill kick my ass.” You need to walk? You walk going down the hill. There’s plenty of downhill to rest.
Now I know hills are not easy. I know they are physically harder then running on a flat surface, but yet I want to attack them. The only logical reason for me enjoying them is my state of mind. This can just as easily be turned toward the heat and humidity. Every time the temperature goes up, the treadmills inside fill up. No, not me. I’m attacking this day and making the heat pay for daring to challenge my pride! For that reason alone I look forward to the mid-nineties and ninety percent humidity. Are they easy? Hell no! I feel the cramps and pain as much as the next person, but when I finish I feel better about myself and my abilities. So what do you think? Can a positive mental imagine impact your activities or is it all happenstance?
Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Time Out: 1207 Time In: 1239
Distance: 2.67 miles
Walks: 4! Inhaler Use: 1
Songs:
Plus One Per Diem Live Show
Breakfast:
Yesterdays Calorie Intake:
Bagel, plain; 250
Lunch:
Bag of Cheetos; 160
2 slices of small frozen pizza; 300
2 small pieces of cheese bread; 250
Weird Old Chicago pasta thingy; 250
Dinner:
Mac & Cheese, 1 serving; 259 Calories
1 Slice of Dominoes Pizza; 390 Calories
½ Cheese Bread Dominoes Pizza; 300 Calories
3 Glasses of Cool Aid; 133 Calories
Total Intake: 2,292
Total Expended:
Sedentary Activity Level; 2,300
Running: 467
Total Expended: 2,767
In: 2,292
Out: 2,767
Net: -475
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Loosing It
Loosing weight should be easy in theory. Take in x calories per day, expel y calories per day. If x is greater then y, you are gaining weight. If y is greater then x, you are loosing weight. Like I said, this is relatively simple in principal… In practice, well that’s another matter. My running has two goals; trying to improve health, and loosing weight. They do go hand in hand, but are also separate entities. So, I’ve been on a quest to learn exactly what my x and y are.
Resolved: Keeping track of x and y can be a good thing. No need to get hysterical about it, but knowledge is power.
Unfortunately, x is rather hard to estimate. For instance, I have a sandwich and bag of chips for lunch. Well, the chips are easy, it tells me on the side how many I’m putting into my body. But the sandwich? Well, two pieces of bread, some cheese, some lettuce, and a small bit of mayo. What about that? Well, there’s a nice calorie estimator for some common foods over at webmd. http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-food-calorie-counter That can help a little, especially if I eat out. From there, I’ll have to begin estimating. To take this to the next level, I’ll begin recording what I eat each day, adding up the calories, and seeing where I’m at. I have a feeling I’ll be astounded by how much I take in. I know that caloric intake is not the only thing that matters in weight loss; there’s fat intake, cholesterol, and all that stuff. But, it’s a start. Need to start somewhere, right?
Now for y. I found an interesting device over at http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/calories-burned.php which can estimate how many calories you burn on average on a daily needs. Looking at that it informs me that I burn about 2400 calories a day doing everyday activities. That seems a bit high, but we’ll take it for now. Finally, I can see what running or other exercise burns from Runners World; http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html. It’s a pretty simple formula and should be a bit accurate.
So, this gives me a baseline x and y. I’ll do my best to start recording the previous days x and y and seeing where I’m at. My weekends should be lopsided, being that I drink a buttload of pop on the weekend and often go out to eat as well, but, we’ll see.
Run today was amazing. 102 degree heat index and loving it! Sweat, sweat, and more sweat. It was a good day. Tomorrow promises to be even hotter, thus, even better. I’ve seen no change in physical appearance yet, I didn’t really expect to, but as anyone whose ever been working out knows, it’s hard to stay motivated without results.
Resolved: Motivation is in the mind. Find something that motivates you and hold onto it for dear life!
Until tomorrow, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Thursday, June 30.
Time out: 1204 Time In: 1234
Walks: 3 Inhaler Use: 2
Songs:
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Dangling Few
I'm a dangling runner. For a long time I thought I was alone. It turns out I'm part of a special breed of "runners". Let me explain. Have you ever been out running, walking, biking, or what have you and just had to go, well, for lack of a better word, poo? The old number two. Now, I'm not talking about you have to go, finish your run thirty minutes later, then stumble into the restroom and finish your business. No, no, no, I'm talking about you need to go, NOW! You can make it maybe two, three hundred more feet, but even then there's some nasty work pushing out your backside and it takes every once of strength not to destroy your shorts. If you are incredibly lucky you can find a store with a restroom. Most of the time you have to make due with a random port-a-potty. Every so often its just you, the woods, and a few hopefully clean, leaves.
It can come on suddenly and threatens to not only ruin your run, but the rest of your day. (not to mention your underwear) Now, like I said, I thought I was alone for most of my youth. It takes some special training to be a Dangling Runner. Pushing out anything that is in there before the run is mandatory. Failure to do this can be catastrophic. You need to plan your routes so that you are never too far away from a restroom of some sort. This takes time and with luck you run in a well populated area. Finally, don't even think of having Mexican the night before!
Now, like I said, for most of my life I thought I was alone. It's not like running is a common topic to talk about with people. Talking about what your bowels do while on a run is even more taboo! I eventually found out my sister and mother are also amazing Dangling Runners. I branched out a bit and found a few others, but also found out we are a pretty unique breed. When I started teaching running at the store I would bring this topic up around week six or so and find most people laughing it off. But, every now and then someone's eyes would light up with understanding. They, like me, had been a Dangling Runner all their lives and suffered in silence about it.
Resolved: People are more alike then we think. Our commonalities make life better.
Today i went out at lunch. It's finally like 90 degrees here and I love the heat. So, I chose lunch more then breakfast. I knew in the morning it was going to be a bad run. All morning I tried to get out what I could before the run, but was improperly backed up! So, around the lake I went. Half way through my Dangling hit full force. Thankfully there was a port-a-potty near by. I used it for about 90 seconds, jumped up and ran off. The run finished and I did likewise in a proper restroom. My run was good and faster then usual. I'll always be a Dangling Runner. I'm not ashamed of it. It's as a part of me as my hair or eyes. These days when I talk to people about running, I usually bring up my "gift". Most of the time it gets a laugh, but every now and then, it changes a life.
Resolved: Don't be afraid of the embarrassment of sharing your uniqueness. Most of the time people will find you even more amazing.
That's all for now. Hope everyone enjoys the amazing week. Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Wednesday, June 29
Time out: 1210, Time in: 1241
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2.5 / Inhaler use: 3
Songs:
Live streaming Jay and Silent Bob Get Old on SIR, guest host Ralph Garmon.
It can come on suddenly and threatens to not only ruin your run, but the rest of your day. (not to mention your underwear) Now, like I said, I thought I was alone for most of my youth. It takes some special training to be a Dangling Runner. Pushing out anything that is in there before the run is mandatory. Failure to do this can be catastrophic. You need to plan your routes so that you are never too far away from a restroom of some sort. This takes time and with luck you run in a well populated area. Finally, don't even think of having Mexican the night before!
Now, like I said, for most of my life I thought I was alone. It's not like running is a common topic to talk about with people. Talking about what your bowels do while on a run is even more taboo! I eventually found out my sister and mother are also amazing Dangling Runners. I branched out a bit and found a few others, but also found out we are a pretty unique breed. When I started teaching running at the store I would bring this topic up around week six or so and find most people laughing it off. But, every now and then someone's eyes would light up with understanding. They, like me, had been a Dangling Runner all their lives and suffered in silence about it.
Resolved: People are more alike then we think. Our commonalities make life better.
Today i went out at lunch. It's finally like 90 degrees here and I love the heat. So, I chose lunch more then breakfast. I knew in the morning it was going to be a bad run. All morning I tried to get out what I could before the run, but was improperly backed up! So, around the lake I went. Half way through my Dangling hit full force. Thankfully there was a port-a-potty near by. I used it for about 90 seconds, jumped up and ran off. The run finished and I did likewise in a proper restroom. My run was good and faster then usual. I'll always be a Dangling Runner. I'm not ashamed of it. It's as a part of me as my hair or eyes. These days when I talk to people about running, I usually bring up my "gift". Most of the time it gets a laugh, but every now and then, it changes a life.
Resolved: Don't be afraid of the embarrassment of sharing your uniqueness. Most of the time people will find you even more amazing.
That's all for now. Hope everyone enjoys the amazing week. Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Wednesday, June 29
Time out: 1210, Time in: 1241
Distance: 2.85 miles
Walks: 2.5 / Inhaler use: 3
Songs:
Live streaming Jay and Silent Bob Get Old on SIR, guest host Ralph Garmon.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Art of Failure
So I failed yesterday. Quite literary failed. My weekend was a mess of activity with long, wild bouts of inactivity. My time got messed up and I ended up being up until 3:30 or so Monday morning. You can imagine my ire when 6:00 came... I saw the girls off to work/school and went back to bed, crying foul of illness. I spent the day doing a little work, trying to get a broken lawn mower working, and cleaning up a bit. What I failed to do, was go for a run. Why? No idea. Maybe my mind hates me, maybe something inside just said, no.
Resolved: Failure is a part of life. Better to learn from it then dwell on it.
I felt bad all day. So bad I had a pop. I don't usually dink pop except for the weekends and holidays, so that made me feel even worse! Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was being tired, but the day dragged and my mood worsened. Honestly though, I think it was just a lack of will power. This running thing needs to be a lifestyle, the norm, no the exception. I'm still getting used to that and will stumble along the way. Yesterday I put a giant foot in a pothole along my road to not being fat. Time to patch up that hole, set out again, this time with a little self knowledge of what failure makes me feel like and how to avoid it.
So, that's that. This morning was good. I was out for about 32 minutes and the same amount of time, which means I'm speeding up a bit. Good to see, I just wish my gut would begin to show it! I know, I know it takes time. They say not seeing immediate results is the biggest reason people stop exercising. The biggest pothole of them all, maybe even a potcanyon.
Resolved: Immediate Results are easy; Lifestyle changes take time.
Sp reset, buckle up and push yourself out of bed. Have running cloths stationed and ready to go so that there is nothing hanging you up getting outside the house in the morning. You failed yesterday? Make it better tomorrow. Hell, make it better today. Wednesday is normally an off day for me. This week, Wednesday can go to hell cause I'm running the shit out of you!
Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Tuesday, June 28
Time out: 6:07. Time in: 6:38
Distance: 2.82 miles
Walks: 2; Inhaler use: 3
Songs:
Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown
Green Day, Before the Lobotomy
La Roux, Bulletproof
Katy Perry, California Girls
Green Day, Christians Inferno
Mike Posner, Cooler than Me
Usher, DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love
(Note, got a new phone/ipod last night. I thought I sinked all my music. I guess I just put the crappy 61 songs on that I've been listening to for like a month! I need to re-sink tonight with more / better music!
Resolved: Failure is a part of life. Better to learn from it then dwell on it.
I felt bad all day. So bad I had a pop. I don't usually dink pop except for the weekends and holidays, so that made me feel even worse! Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was being tired, but the day dragged and my mood worsened. Honestly though, I think it was just a lack of will power. This running thing needs to be a lifestyle, the norm, no the exception. I'm still getting used to that and will stumble along the way. Yesterday I put a giant foot in a pothole along my road to not being fat. Time to patch up that hole, set out again, this time with a little self knowledge of what failure makes me feel like and how to avoid it.
So, that's that. This morning was good. I was out for about 32 minutes and the same amount of time, which means I'm speeding up a bit. Good to see, I just wish my gut would begin to show it! I know, I know it takes time. They say not seeing immediate results is the biggest reason people stop exercising. The biggest pothole of them all, maybe even a potcanyon.
Resolved: Immediate Results are easy; Lifestyle changes take time.
Sp reset, buckle up and push yourself out of bed. Have running cloths stationed and ready to go so that there is nothing hanging you up getting outside the house in the morning. You failed yesterday? Make it better tomorrow. Hell, make it better today. Wednesday is normally an off day for me. This week, Wednesday can go to hell cause I'm running the shit out of you!
Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Tuesday, June 28
Time out: 6:07. Time in: 6:38
Distance: 2.82 miles
Walks: 2; Inhaler use: 3
Songs:
Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown
Green Day, Before the Lobotomy
La Roux, Bulletproof
Katy Perry, California Girls
Green Day, Christians Inferno
Mike Posner, Cooler than Me
Usher, DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love
(Note, got a new phone/ipod last night. I thought I sinked all my music. I guess I just put the crappy 61 songs on that I've been listening to for like a month! I need to re-sink tonight with more / better music!
Friday, June 24, 2011
The Walking Game or Pride
I used to hate walking during a run. I was trained to consider it weak, a failure, something to avoid at all costs. Run slow if you have to, but never walk. This was especially true in the Marines. You ran, you did not run. I was a fairly good runner, so it was OK for me. This all changed when I began managing at The Running Room. If you are unfamiliar with this store, I'll enlighten you. It's Canadian, with a few stores here in Minnesota and the outlining states. They pride themselves on talking anyone, in any shape, and offering them a class to learn to run. The founder apparently transformed him life by alternating running and walking, lamp post to lamp post in the night, so no one would see him. So, this is the way I learned to train people to run. Run for a minute, walk for a minute, repeat ad hock. Each week, add a minute of running, until eventually you are doing 10:1's. Ten minutes of running, one minute of walking. For two years while I was struggling with a new annoyance, asthma, this is how I got back into running.
Resolved: Walking is exercise.
So now when I go out I usually have a few walking breaks in the middle. I don't regulate it like I used to do. I just walk whenever my body says no for the third time. You see, if you walk every-time your body says no, you'll be walking a lot. But, if you push through that until your body says no again, then push through that, then you can walk the next time. It generally has me walking about every 12 minutes or so I think. though this is highly dependent on the day and location. The day is solely how I feel on that day. Everyone has those days where you just seem to be dragging. Some days ten minutes will feel like 2 minutes, other days it will feel like 2 hours. It's the second part though, the location I want to talk about today.
I did not go for a run this morning. I know! Only 4 days in and he's failed! But, hear me out. It was fracken cold, like 51 degrees this morning. I didn't feel like freezing. As such, I resolved to run at lunch. There is a nice lake around my work so I thought that would do. I set out and the first 10+ minutes went well. Then came by body yelling at me for the third time that it was time for a walk. But, it was nice this afternoon, like almost 80, so there were a ton of people out. I can't walk in front of people! It will look weak, like I'm a failure. Never mind that they are all out walking, not running, never mind that they don't know me, never mind I may never see them again, I'll look weak! What to do? My body demanded I stop for a breather, my pride insisted I can not. Is this even an healthy attitude to have?
Resolved: Walking is NOT failure.
Seriously, look at every single sport played. Soccer, lots of walking, football, lots of walking and stopping, baseball, lots of walking, basketball, plenty of walking, tennis, a good amount of resting. So, why is it I tell myself I can't walk in running? It's such an odd paradox that I consider myself successful at most of these other sports, yet spend a good chunk of time, walking in them. So what did I do, I did pushed on until the people had passed me, then walked a little. Of course my walk was shorter then usual as more people came creeping around the corner, more so as they were girls! I can't let a girl see me walk! ugh.
Resolved: Walking is NOT failure.
I'll need to repeat this a lot over the next few months in order to get it to sink in. But, I think once I can embrace it, I'll be better at not only judging my own level of success, but of the world as a whole. Thanks for reading.
Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Lunch Run!
Out: 11:46, In: 12:17
Distance: 2.72 miles
Walking breaks: 2 (kind of), Inhaler use: 3
Song List:
Green Day: Restless Heart Syndrome
Jay-Z: Run This Town
Michael Franti: Say Hey
Green Day: See the Light
Tal Bachman: She's so High
Green Day: Static Age
Soft Cell: Tainted Love (Did NOT work as a running song.)
Kesha: Tik Tok
Green Day: Viva La Gloria (Worked really great as a cool down song)
Resolved: Walking is exercise.
So now when I go out I usually have a few walking breaks in the middle. I don't regulate it like I used to do. I just walk whenever my body says no for the third time. You see, if you walk every-time your body says no, you'll be walking a lot. But, if you push through that until your body says no again, then push through that, then you can walk the next time. It generally has me walking about every 12 minutes or so I think. though this is highly dependent on the day and location. The day is solely how I feel on that day. Everyone has those days where you just seem to be dragging. Some days ten minutes will feel like 2 minutes, other days it will feel like 2 hours. It's the second part though, the location I want to talk about today.
I did not go for a run this morning. I know! Only 4 days in and he's failed! But, hear me out. It was fracken cold, like 51 degrees this morning. I didn't feel like freezing. As such, I resolved to run at lunch. There is a nice lake around my work so I thought that would do. I set out and the first 10+ minutes went well. Then came by body yelling at me for the third time that it was time for a walk. But, it was nice this afternoon, like almost 80, so there were a ton of people out. I can't walk in front of people! It will look weak, like I'm a failure. Never mind that they are all out walking, not running, never mind that they don't know me, never mind I may never see them again, I'll look weak! What to do? My body demanded I stop for a breather, my pride insisted I can not. Is this even an healthy attitude to have?
Resolved: Walking is NOT failure.
Seriously, look at every single sport played. Soccer, lots of walking, football, lots of walking and stopping, baseball, lots of walking, basketball, plenty of walking, tennis, a good amount of resting. So, why is it I tell myself I can't walk in running? It's such an odd paradox that I consider myself successful at most of these other sports, yet spend a good chunk of time, walking in them. So what did I do, I did pushed on until the people had passed me, then walked a little. Of course my walk was shorter then usual as more people came creeping around the corner, more so as they were girls! I can't let a girl see me walk! ugh.
Resolved: Walking is NOT failure.
I'll need to repeat this a lot over the next few months in order to get it to sink in. But, I think once I can embrace it, I'll be better at not only judging my own level of success, but of the world as a whole. Thanks for reading.
Until next time, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Lunch Run!
Out: 11:46, In: 12:17
Distance: 2.72 miles
Walking breaks: 2 (kind of), Inhaler use: 3
Song List:
Green Day: Restless Heart Syndrome
Jay-Z: Run This Town
Michael Franti: Say Hey
Green Day: See the Light
Tal Bachman: She's so High
Green Day: Static Age
Soft Cell: Tainted Love (Did NOT work as a running song.)
Kesha: Tik Tok
Green Day: Viva La Gloria (Worked really great as a cool down song)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Dora Pillow
The run this morning was incredibly easy. Maybe I went slower then normal or something, or maybe it was the day off I took, either way it seemed easier. On that note, I've decided to take Wednesdays as a rest day. I'll try to get some gym workout in at lunch, but no morning runs. The reason for this is twofold. First, it is healthy to take a day off every now and then. It gives the muscles time to rest and rebuild. Also, I've heard it said if you run everyday your legs slowly turn into dynamite inside and then blow up. No one wants that. I've a million excuses, the most logical of course is that I'm up Tuesday nights till after midnight playing games, specifically, usually D&D. So Wednesdays are my new day off. Indeed.
Resolved: It is better to want then to have; better to have then to want; better to want rather then loose.
This morning on my run I saw a Dora the Explorer pillow on the side of the road. If you are unfamiliar with the genius that is Dora the Explorer, simply know that it is a kid's show that teaches them counting, colors, etc. It's genius really. My daughter, Persephonee, almost two, loves it. She has a Dora doll, tent, shirt, and bathroom toy. See, like I said, genius. Of course seeing the blanket there my mind immediately raced to her and if she would like it. It looked relatively clean and a run through the wash a few times would remove any unwanted bacteria or germs. She would be happy to have it. I wasn't thinking about the logistics of getting it home. Just that it would probably make her happy.
So, I resolved to take the same route home and pick it up for her on the way back. During the run my mind kept going back to that stupid pillow. Why was it there? Was it discarded as childish to a pre-teen? Did an angry father toss it from the window to punish his crying child? Had it been in a stroller and fell off as a mom and little girl strolled down the way? The more and more I thought about it, the sadder I became for its previous owner. I pictured Persephonee trying to comprehend that her favorite baby doll, or blanket didn't exist in her world anymore. I imagined how her eyes turned inward, trying to analyse this new theory of something that was, suddenly being no more. I heard her begin to cry over it and sob with perpetual sadness. Let me tell you, it made the run quite sad. That sadness eventually turned to anger, as it is want to do for me.
Truth: I am broken emotionally. I grew up trying to be completely self reliant which, in turn, lead to me not sharing my emotions much. I've been trying to change this for about ten years now, but every now and then I slip back into my own ways. To me, sadness is often equated with anger.
You can probably guess where this is heading. I passed the pillow on the side of the road a few minutes later and left it be. I held out hope that whomever had lost or discarded the pillow would come to their senses and return for it. I imagined the smile and wide eyes that would dominate a little girl's face when her mom returns to the house with it again. I've lost before, and I was for damn sure not going to be a party to a little one loosing their pillow. Loosing something is hard enough as an adult, it should be forbidden for children. When I got home Persephonee was eating cereal and greeted me with her happy yell of, "Daddy!" It always makes my day, maybe more so then the run. I never really wanted or knew I wanted that high pitched, giggle of a yell, now I don't know what I would do without it.
Until next time, Trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Thursday, June 23 run. Rainy and unseasonably cold.
Out- 6:06, In: 6:38
Distance: 2.7 miles; walks: 2, Inhailer use: 3
Songs:
Green Day, "Before the Lobotomy"
Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean"
Jesse McCartney, "Body Language"
Weezer, "Buddy Holly"
La Roux, "Bulletproof"
Katy Perry, "California Girls"
Green Day, "Christian's Inferno"
Resolved: It is better to want then to have; better to have then to want; better to want rather then loose.
This morning on my run I saw a Dora the Explorer pillow on the side of the road. If you are unfamiliar with the genius that is Dora the Explorer, simply know that it is a kid's show that teaches them counting, colors, etc. It's genius really. My daughter, Persephonee, almost two, loves it. She has a Dora doll, tent, shirt, and bathroom toy. See, like I said, genius. Of course seeing the blanket there my mind immediately raced to her and if she would like it. It looked relatively clean and a run through the wash a few times would remove any unwanted bacteria or germs. She would be happy to have it. I wasn't thinking about the logistics of getting it home. Just that it would probably make her happy.
So, I resolved to take the same route home and pick it up for her on the way back. During the run my mind kept going back to that stupid pillow. Why was it there? Was it discarded as childish to a pre-teen? Did an angry father toss it from the window to punish his crying child? Had it been in a stroller and fell off as a mom and little girl strolled down the way? The more and more I thought about it, the sadder I became for its previous owner. I pictured Persephonee trying to comprehend that her favorite baby doll, or blanket didn't exist in her world anymore. I imagined how her eyes turned inward, trying to analyse this new theory of something that was, suddenly being no more. I heard her begin to cry over it and sob with perpetual sadness. Let me tell you, it made the run quite sad. That sadness eventually turned to anger, as it is want to do for me.
Truth: I am broken emotionally. I grew up trying to be completely self reliant which, in turn, lead to me not sharing my emotions much. I've been trying to change this for about ten years now, but every now and then I slip back into my own ways. To me, sadness is often equated with anger.
You can probably guess where this is heading. I passed the pillow on the side of the road a few minutes later and left it be. I held out hope that whomever had lost or discarded the pillow would come to their senses and return for it. I imagined the smile and wide eyes that would dominate a little girl's face when her mom returns to the house with it again. I've lost before, and I was for damn sure not going to be a party to a little one loosing their pillow. Loosing something is hard enough as an adult, it should be forbidden for children. When I got home Persephonee was eating cereal and greeted me with her happy yell of, "Daddy!" It always makes my day, maybe more so then the run. I never really wanted or knew I wanted that high pitched, giggle of a yell, now I don't know what I would do without it.
Until next time, Trying to be honest with myself and the world.
Thursday, June 23 run. Rainy and unseasonably cold.
Out- 6:06, In: 6:38
Distance: 2.7 miles; walks: 2, Inhailer use: 3
Songs:
Green Day, "Before the Lobotomy"
Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean"
Jesse McCartney, "Body Language"
Weezer, "Buddy Holly"
La Roux, "Bulletproof"
Katy Perry, "California Girls"
Green Day, "Christian's Inferno"
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Pain and the Mighty Yelp!
So today started early enough. Oddly, I haven't found it that hard to get out of bed in the morning. I guess going to bed at 10:30 actually makes you less tired in the morning. The wife and I had our mini-golf league last night, complete with at least two dozen Happy Gilmore references. I ended the evening with a Double Cheeseburger and snickers Ice Cream bar from a local bar. This probably wasn't very healthy, but it sure did taste good.
Resolved: Cheeseburgers are delicious, addicting, and are the single greatest threat against my quest to loose weight.
Anyway, this morning was a good run. I only stopped twice, though I did pseudo-stop twice to take pictures. Eventually I'll learn how to add them to this and do so. It was a rainy morning and I stepped in more then one puddle on the run. Thank the gods of technical socks that wick the water away. My feet were dry within two minutes. I almost didn't go this morning, but figured I'd rather be batting 1000% rather then 500%. So, I crawled out of bed, through on some shorts and a shirt, and hit the road.
Tangent: Oddly enough to seems to take me exactly 7 minutes to get dressed and get outside. Strange.
So I've come to the conclusion that I'm not a great runner. I'm an OK runner. But, what I am good at is willpower. My wife, and formerly my mother, called it stubbornness. I call bull-shit on that though, its willpower damn it! I rarely refuse to admit I'm beaten, especially in some sort of sporting event. We play in a yearly state basketball tournament and routinely get crushed 100-65 or so. The more down we get, the harder and faster I play, up to the last seconds. I won't go down without a fight. How does this apply to running you say?
Resolved: The Mighty Yelp can save you.
You know those moments when you are about to die? You are about to fall down, stop, throw in the towel and call it quits? Yea, we've all been there no matter what distance we're running. I'm not talking about "The Wall" when you've been running for hours, but about the little hurtles, let's call them "Midget Walls". The points were, as Green Day would say, "Does the pain weigh out the pride?" Yea, you know what I'm talking about. Well, its at that moment I let myself enjoy a mighty yelp! A primal, gurgling scream / yell that rumbles from my inner being, resonates through my stomach, builds as it spills down my throat, only to below forth in a mixture of elation-pain-joy-anger. Done correctly, it is followed by a rush of endorphins that washes away all pain and makes life... amazing. It is primarily the reason that I run, well, that and I'm sick of being fat.
It's the same feeling you get when everything is right with the world, the perfect song plays at the perfect moment in life, or the sun hits the water at an amazing angle as a perfect, calm breeze caresses your face. When I was young they told me it was the Holy Spirit. I've moved past such things though. To me its life in perfect harmony. A chemical response to a sight, sound, or smell coupled with the perfect emotional state. It's amazing. So, next time you are out and The Midget Wall is kicking your shins, try a Yelp! Don't worry, those people that turn to stare at you are just impressed by your mental fortitude and good looks!
Until tomorrow, trying to be honest with myself and the rest of the world.
Resolved: Cheeseburgers are delicious, addicting, and are the single greatest threat against my quest to loose weight.
Anyway, this morning was a good run. I only stopped twice, though I did pseudo-stop twice to take pictures. Eventually I'll learn how to add them to this and do so. It was a rainy morning and I stepped in more then one puddle on the run. Thank the gods of technical socks that wick the water away. My feet were dry within two minutes. I almost didn't go this morning, but figured I'd rather be batting 1000% rather then 500%. So, I crawled out of bed, through on some shorts and a shirt, and hit the road.
Tangent: Oddly enough to seems to take me exactly 7 minutes to get dressed and get outside. Strange.
So I've come to the conclusion that I'm not a great runner. I'm an OK runner. But, what I am good at is willpower. My wife, and formerly my mother, called it stubbornness. I call bull-shit on that though, its willpower damn it! I rarely refuse to admit I'm beaten, especially in some sort of sporting event. We play in a yearly state basketball tournament and routinely get crushed 100-65 or so. The more down we get, the harder and faster I play, up to the last seconds. I won't go down without a fight. How does this apply to running you say?
Resolved: The Mighty Yelp can save you.
You know those moments when you are about to die? You are about to fall down, stop, throw in the towel and call it quits? Yea, we've all been there no matter what distance we're running. I'm not talking about "The Wall" when you've been running for hours, but about the little hurtles, let's call them "Midget Walls". The points were, as Green Day would say, "Does the pain weigh out the pride?" Yea, you know what I'm talking about. Well, its at that moment I let myself enjoy a mighty yelp! A primal, gurgling scream / yell that rumbles from my inner being, resonates through my stomach, builds as it spills down my throat, only to below forth in a mixture of elation-pain-joy-anger. Done correctly, it is followed by a rush of endorphins that washes away all pain and makes life... amazing. It is primarily the reason that I run, well, that and I'm sick of being fat.
It's the same feeling you get when everything is right with the world, the perfect song plays at the perfect moment in life, or the sun hits the water at an amazing angle as a perfect, calm breeze caresses your face. When I was young they told me it was the Holy Spirit. I've moved past such things though. To me its life in perfect harmony. A chemical response to a sight, sound, or smell coupled with the perfect emotional state. It's amazing. So, next time you are out and The Midget Wall is kicking your shins, try a Yelp! Don't worry, those people that turn to stare at you are just impressed by your mental fortitude and good looks!
Until tomorrow, trying to be honest with myself and the rest of the world.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011.
Time out: 6:07; Time in: 6:44
Distance: 2.82 miles
Walked: 2 times
Inhaler use: 2
Songs Listened to:
Lost, but I do remember Debby Gibson's, "Heaven is a place on Earth" at the end of the run.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Honesty Blog
Yea, so this has turned into an honest attempt to turn my life around. It's said that in order to be happy, you need to be honest with yourself. Well, that starts right now. In turn, I have a place to be accountable for my actions and inactions. So let's begin week one, day one:
Resolved: I'm fat.
Time to bite the bullet and admit it. I'm fat. I'm over-weight and, according to the government, damn near obese. Gone are the ideals of being "a big guy" and "muscle is heavier then fat". Been living with that my entire life. I'm 6'0" 230 and have begun to feel it. My gut is the largest its ever been and I have love handles suitable for Paul Bunyan. Time to stop denying it if things are going to change.
I haven't always been fat. I used to be skinny. Hell, when I graduated from the Marines I was a lean, mean, fighting machine. So what is the culprit to by becoming fat? Well, age is a part, but only a small part. No, my problem lies in two other factors. Over-eating and inactivity.
Resolved: Eating snacks after dinner, before bed is bad for my health.
This is a no brainer. I love me a bag of chips and large glass of juice around 11:00 or so each night. In order to combat this I've come up with a two step approach.
1. Go to bed earlier
2. Work up until bedtime.
By going to bed around 10:30 or so, I'll avoid those late night snack attacks. It will not be easy! I am a creature of the night. Always have been. I hate the mornings and crave the crickets and moonlight. I'll still stay up late on the weekends. I can't completely change who I am without a little window back to the safe. (I hope) Second, by taking the last hour or so before bedtime and writing, I'll keep myself busy enough to avoid wanting food. I'll work on my book, blog, or games the hour before bed after the wife and daughter go down.
Resolved: Running is Good for me and will remove unwanted weight.
I've always been a good runner. Well, that's not entirely true and if this is to be a blog of honesty, I need to address this. I've always been an OK runner.
When I was young I ran the mile, was in cross country, and excelled at the 800 m.
Tangent: A group of friends even set an informal record at the 4 x 400. Of course, when we tried to re-create it and make it a formal record, we were always a few seconds off. I like to think it wasn't me that brought us down, but who can say for sure.
In the Marines I ran well. In my late twenties I worked a running store and trained people for distance running. I've run a few marathons in that distant past, but not as many as I would tell people when they came in the store. (Honesty and all) I was suppose to run The Frozen Half in Minneapolis one year with my training group. I didn't go. I told them I was there, but I wasn't. It wasn't the distance or temperature, I'd run 11 miles the weekend before, but honestly, it was just laziness and apathy. Anyway, I am no longer that runner. I went this morning. Here is the hard truth of this mornings run:
Resolved: I'm fat.
Time to bite the bullet and admit it. I'm fat. I'm over-weight and, according to the government, damn near obese. Gone are the ideals of being "a big guy" and "muscle is heavier then fat". Been living with that my entire life. I'm 6'0" 230 and have begun to feel it. My gut is the largest its ever been and I have love handles suitable for Paul Bunyan. Time to stop denying it if things are going to change.
I haven't always been fat. I used to be skinny. Hell, when I graduated from the Marines I was a lean, mean, fighting machine. So what is the culprit to by becoming fat? Well, age is a part, but only a small part. No, my problem lies in two other factors. Over-eating and inactivity.
Resolved: Eating snacks after dinner, before bed is bad for my health.
This is a no brainer. I love me a bag of chips and large glass of juice around 11:00 or so each night. In order to combat this I've come up with a two step approach.
1. Go to bed earlier
2. Work up until bedtime.
By going to bed around 10:30 or so, I'll avoid those late night snack attacks. It will not be easy! I am a creature of the night. Always have been. I hate the mornings and crave the crickets and moonlight. I'll still stay up late on the weekends. I can't completely change who I am without a little window back to the safe. (I hope) Second, by taking the last hour or so before bedtime and writing, I'll keep myself busy enough to avoid wanting food. I'll work on my book, blog, or games the hour before bed after the wife and daughter go down.
Resolved: Running is Good for me and will remove unwanted weight.
I've always been a good runner. Well, that's not entirely true and if this is to be a blog of honesty, I need to address this. I've always been an OK runner.
When I was young I ran the mile, was in cross country, and excelled at the 800 m.
Tangent: A group of friends even set an informal record at the 4 x 400. Of course, when we tried to re-create it and make it a formal record, we were always a few seconds off. I like to think it wasn't me that brought us down, but who can say for sure.
In the Marines I ran well. In my late twenties I worked a running store and trained people for distance running. I've run a few marathons in that distant past, but not as many as I would tell people when they came in the store. (Honesty and all) I was suppose to run The Frozen Half in Minneapolis one year with my training group. I didn't go. I told them I was there, but I wasn't. It wasn't the distance or temperature, I'd run 11 miles the weekend before, but honestly, it was just laziness and apathy. Anyway, I am no longer that runner. I went this morning. Here is the hard truth of this mornings run:
6-20-11:
37 minutes; out 6:07 – in 6:44. Distance: 2.8 miles walking breaks: 4; Inhaler Use: 4 uses
Songs Listened to:
La Roux Bulletproof
Weird Al CNR
Jason Deruio Watcha Say
Jesse McCartney Body Language
Rick Springfield Jessie’s Girl
Green Day Horseshoes and Handgrenades
Kesha Tik Tox
Jay-z Empire State of Mind
Green Day 21st Centur Breakdown
and that wasn't that bad of a run! I am no longer then runner I was in the past. The extra 40 pounds I'm sure do not help.
So, this is day one. I'll do my best to keep this updated for accountability. I'll keep the progress of my writing updated as well as I need someplace to be accountable for that as well. Until tomorrow, trying to be honest with myself and the world.
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