C25K: Week 7 Day 2

WTF. Seriously What. The. FUCK! Running, running, running this morning and bam - cramped out with 2.5 minutes to go in my 25. So pissed. I know I can do it. I've been drinking more water, eating a banana at night before bed. Why am I randomly getting these cramps that force me to walk. So annoying

C25K: Week 6 Day 3

I DID IT!!!! I ran for 25 minutes straight. Not the fastest, but 2 miles in 25 mins. I'm really proud of myself. I can do this!

C25K: Week 6 Day 2

So after a lot of searching and speaking a running coach, I tried a lot of things yesterday to avoid the cramp I had been experiencing during my runs. It worked. At least yesterday. Made it through my last run with walking intervals - 10 mins running, 3 walking and 10 minutes running. Now tomorrow is going to suck and I know I'll be walking some. Won't make it through 25 minutes of running without a break. Yikes!

If anyone has experienced the cramps that I got, I drank a TON of water the day before my run so I was really well hydrated over night and then ate a banana around 8:30/9 pm for potassium. Maybe that did the trick. Or maybe my muscles are getting a tiny bit stronger. Whatever it was, I'm going to do it again today for my run tomorrow.

Cheers!

C25K: Week 6 Day 1

INCOMPLETE. Ugh. It pains me to say that. I got yet another cramp this morning in my run and had to walk the rest of the way home. WTF? What's going on? I have to figure this out because it's pissing me off.

Any run coaches out there have any tips / advice?

C25K: Week 5 Day 3

Yes, I'm well aware that I haven't been posting lately (even my Dad called me out on it this week -- thanks, Dad), but it's been a very stressful and emotional few weeks for me and this blog just wasn't that important.  But I have been running and keeping up with the Couch to 5K program.

Today was the dreaded Week 5 Day 3 -- the first "long" run:  20 minutes, no breaks.  Let's just say I was able to hit "Complete Workout" on the app, but it didn't feel like it.  Going into the run, I was certain I wasn't going to be able to complete it.  I mean, I had NEVER run anything close to 20 minutes in my entire life.  I felt pretty good starting out and even around minute 12 I was kinda impressed.  I thought maybe I could do it, until I started getting a super painful cramp near my diaphragm.  At minute 14, I had to stop.  It was just too painful.  I actually had to stop, double over for a few seconds and then had to walk.  I was not happy with myself.  At minute 17, I decided to run again, but had to stop at minute 19 -- with 1, 1 freaking minute to go.

So like I said, I can say that workout is over, but I'm pissed I couldn't run the whole thing.  How can I avoid these cramps?  Anyone have any advice?

C25K: Week 4 Day 1

In looking ahead last week, I didn't think I was going to be able to do this run. I mean 3 min run, 1 1/2 min walk, 5 min run, 1 1/2 min walk, repeat? Last week I was doing a little huffing on the 3 min run and now that was the "short" run? I went to bed last night and woke up this AM thinking this was going to royally blow. But you know what? I did it. And I actually felt good doing it. On top of that, I goofed on hearing my run/walk transition and ended up running a little more than was called for. I'm pretty happy with myself!

Now to think if my nutrition was really on track how much better my runs could be. To use food as fuel instead of an emotional crutch. More to come on this later!

C25K: Week 3 Day 3

Well, week 3 is done. Still huffing a good but on my 3 minute intervals, but saw small progress. Recovery in between intervals feels better and faster. That's a good sign right?

Week 4 begins tomorrow. Yikes!

C25K: Week 3 Day 2

Better than yesterday. I didn't feel like a total loser trying desperately trying to catch her breath and no cramping. But the bigger thing is that I got it done and running as the sunrises is great. Still cool, a little crisp and super peaceful.

One step at a time.

C25K: Week 3 Day 1

Sucking wind. Hard. Thats how I'd describe the 3 minute run intervals on today's run. Doesn't make me very confident that I'm going to be able to run for more than 5 minutes - ever. Plus on top of that I can barely move from my training session the other day. And at the end of the run, I got this massive cramp just to the right of my diaphragm. It was so painful that I was doubles over at the end of that run. What causes that? Too much water? I only had a few sips during my run. Just out of shape? Who knows. Let's just say it was not my best.

In the words of Eminem in "Lose Yourself," "You can do anything you set your mind to.". I need to remember this more - in running, in eating, in everything

Sweat Session

I got all of my Week 2 C25K runs in last week, so I was happy about that - even running with a tiny hangover.  Sweating it out helped I think. 

Yesterday, I trained with The Angry Trainer and holy shite, I'm so sore today.  Like so sore that it's kinda difficult to pick up my kids.  Isn't that special?  Let's see how many days it'll take to recover from this.  I'm hoping that by going for a run later today the blood will pump into those muscles and help heal them.  Please, heal them!

Monday Morning Weigh In + Weekend Recap

Let's just say this weekend was another one full of way too much fun and booze, but it was a blast to be back in Baltimore with our old friends.  Totally hammers home that it's the right decision to move back.  But if you thought you were following a blog tracking my weight loss, you were sadly mistaken.  I wrote down my weigh in from yesterday, but I can't find it now.  Needless to say, I gained again.  I think my weight was up to 131.something. 

Monday Morning Recap + Weekend Recap

Ok, so it's Tuesday and not Monday.  Let's just say, it was a weekend full of bad food that was delicious going down, but made me feel bloated, gross and full of guilt.  And when I reveal this week's number, it'll be no surprise and I just want to vomit all over myself.  And it's embarrassing.  Why did I want to put this out there publically?

This Week's Weigh-In

• Weight:  130.2 -- yep, you read that right...an INCREASE
• BMI:  23
• Body Fat:  27.4%

So freaking gross and like a lot of you, I'm an emotional eater.  So any emotion, I'll eat or have a cocktail, then the weight goes on, then I get super depressed and upset, so I'll do it again.  OR, if I'm bored (I work at home) or pass by the fridge, I'll just open it and grab something.  Did I eat?  Sure, I did.  Was I hungry?  Nope.  What the F was I doing then?  No clue.  It's like I'm in slow motion and it just happens.  What the hell is my problem!?!?!!
 

C25K: Week 2 Day 2

So I got the run done this morning, but I wasn't feel as good about it as I did yesterday. Somehow I messed up the starting point, so on my last run interval of the session I was running up a LONG, massive hill. I was tired. I had to stop running with 25 seconds left. Not happy about that one. And I ran after I ate, when I usually workout at the crack of DAWN.

But whatever, it's done.

C25K: Week 2 Day 1

This run felt good - including the tiny hills I seemed to hit on every run interval. I'm ready for this.

How are you doing?

Saturday's Gone Downhill, Already

At this moment in time, I am frustrated. (I Thank god Riley is sleeping and I'm happy I got my run in). But I've been trying to make R's birthday cake since 8 am and because it's a special sized round, I cannot get the timing right. Either too much batter and the middle caves in or the top is too brown because it takes forever to cook all the way through. So. Freaking. Annoying.

And whats even more annoying is that I've let my eating go to shits. Wheat returned yesterday in the form of pizza. I then had sushi for dinner. This morning, despite starting out so well with a run and oatmeal with banana and Akins butter, I've consume way too much cake batter (seriously too much) and had left over pizza for lunch. Awesome, Lindsey. Tomorrow won't be any better with an extended family Father's Day celebration.

On top of hating myself for eating like crap, my son won't nap at all and will not be allowed to be put down. That means I constantly have to hold him. Ugh!!!!!

C25K: Week 1 Day 3

Well, week 1 of the Couch to 5K is officially done. Got up early this morning to head over to the track to run, but on the way had this urge to run outside. It was in the mid 50s and the run was still rising - thought it would be perfect. And I was right. I felt great during today's program and loved running outside. I think I'm going to try to keep that up. I know I don't need to start week 2 tomorrow (I'll do that Monday or Tuesday), but I might do another week 1 tomorrow morning. Feeling energized.

TRX is here!

I kinda feel like its Xmas around here. My TRX came today and I can't wait to break this puppy in. I see it in my future tomorrow.

Sweat Session

It didn't happen today and it prob won't.  After listening to Nate cry during the wee hours (we're trying to break him of waking up -- this chunker doesn't need it), I was exhausted and slept through my 4:30 am alarm.  Oops.  

But I am still gluten-free today, I think it's day 3?  Maybe 2 (sad I'm already losing count).  And actually, I don't feel as bloated, like Sally said.  But maybe that wine she and I will be having later tonight will change that.  

Hey....it's a rough week trying to work and watch the kids while our nanny is on vacation.  The juggling act of a very head-strong almost 2-year-old and a teething 6-month-old is hard.  A cocktail here and there are needed!

I'll sweat it out tomorrow morning.  Week 1 Day 3 tomorrow.

C25K: Week 1 Day 2

Done. 

Funny this is that I did my run on the track at the local town youth academy that is more like a massive sports complex for adults and kids.  Pretty nice set up.  Anyway....as I was running there was this girl who was also running, but she was huffing and puffing along and bright red in the face. 

Wait...yep, that was me.  Jesus, who knew alternating 60 second runs with walking would having me suck wind.  But there you have it, I suck a running.  Am I really going to be able to run a 5K in 8 or 9 weeks?  I have my doubts.

Cheers!

Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp

One of my new favorite foods is spaghetti squash.  We've used it as pasta with meatballs and sauce and we've used it as a based for shrimp instead of rice or couscous.  A few times a week we make this delicious spaghetti squash and shrimp recipe with onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes and goat cheese.  Since we had this last night, I thought I'd share.

Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp

Spaghetti Squash (seeds and stringy middle mess removed)

Shrimp (about 10-14 shrimp)

Chopped Tomatoes

Garlic 

Salt & Pepper - to taste

Sauteed Onion (we saute a whole onion)

Goat Cheese (about 3 oz)

Parmesan Cheese

To cook the actual squash is so easy.  Slice it in half lengthwise, take all the crap out in the middle and place it slide side down on foil on a cookie sheet.  Cook it for about 35 minutes just like that on 350. 

Saute the onions so they're a light golden brown and tender.  Throw minced garlic in toward the end of the onion cooking time, so you don't burn the garlic.  Use the same pan to cook the shrimp as you did the onions without wiping it down -- adds to the flavor of the shrimp.  You might want to add a little salt and pepper to the shrimp.

Once everything is cooked, grab a large bowl.  Scoop out the squash into the bowl.  Be careful because it will be hot.  Those suckers retain a ton of heat.  Then add the shrimp (you can pre-cut the shrimp into bite sized pieces if you want before adding to the bowl), onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes (you can use canned chopped tomatoes if you want), and goat cheese.  You may want to add more salt and pepper, to taste.  Mix it all together and there you go.  Put into a bowl and top it with some parmesan.  YUM!

Cheers!

photo from Steamy Kitchen

I'm a Slave for Food

Like handcuffed to it.  Can't escape it.  Get.  Me.  Out.  I think about food ALL of the time:  when I'm eating it, after eating, when I'm on a conference call, when I'm working out.  Basically whenever I'm not sleep.  I can't get out.  AH!!!!!!  Yes, it's a problem.  

The problem isn't that I don't know what I'm doing from a nutrition standpoint.  I do.  It's that, like a ton of other people, I'm a massive emotional eater.  And I work from home.  And I have little willpower.  Which all equals a big mess and bloat and weight gain and depression.  So I eat more.  What an awesome cycle.  

Here's yesterday's outline of what I ate:

• Egg substitute with reduced fat cheese, a piece of Ezekial bread and 1/2 banana
• Fat free ricotta with vanilla and strawberries
• Sauteed spinach
• Spaghetti squash with shrimp -- it's freaking delicious and will post recipe
  

Looks good, right?  Well, let's look at it again with everything really built in there.

• Egg substitute with reduced fat cheese, a piece of Ezekial bread and 1/2 banana 
• A little peanut butter before my workout 
  
• Then a few pieces of R's waffles when she wouldn't eat them, a bit of her toast with peanut butter and fluff that Mike put on it
• Fat free ricotta with vanilla and strawberries
• Too much Cool Whip with Sugar-Free/Fat-Free vanilla instant pudding
• A couple of bites of R's chocolate chocolate chip muffin at the grocery store (and FYI she only had a few bites herself -- I don't let her eat crap all day.  Actually, I should eat like she does)
  
• Sauteed spinach
• 1/2 mini calzone with marinara from Stew's and 1/2 mini empanada 
•  2 bite sized sugar-free chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods
• Spaghetti squash with shrimp
• Couple of pieces of multigrain baguette with some fake butter
• Captain and diet 

WTF is wrong with me, right?  Who eats all that?  How do I not weight 1000 lbs?  Don't eat like I have recently.  UGH, I look at that and I'm disgusted with myself, but it's like I'm floating through air when I reach for this stuff and I.  Just.  Can't.  Stop.  Myself.  So I vent to my friend Sally, who's slowly becoming my little healthy mentor buddy (lucky her on so many levels).   She follows a modified gluten-free diet, but allows for indulgences and take breaks on the weekend.  For Sally, she's not eating this way for health reasons, but she's seen a huge difference in her body and her workouts since making the switch.  Last night, I told her I'd commit to making today a gluten-free day to see how I feel.  If the bloat goes away, I'm all for it.

Cheers

Sweat Sessions: 6/12/12

Another cardio session this morning.  45 minutes on the Arc Trainer = 467 calories burned.

(I know I need to add in more strength training -- it's really important -- but my cardio time is MY time, without clients, without kids.  Just me).  With that, I'm eagerly awaiting the delivery of my new TRX Training System.  If you don't know what it is, check it out.  It's such a cool piece of equipment.

Sweat Sessions

This morning's workout consisted of:

- 45 mins on the arc trainer (470 calories burned)
- 2 sets of: sumo squats, back lunges, planks, calf raises (lighter day)

Going to try to start the Couch to 5K today, but with our nanny on vacay this week it might be challenging to squeeze it in.

Couch to 5K Running Program: Week 1

The Couch to 5K program gets you running a 5K in 9 weeks.  It's three days a week and seems doable.  You can pick the days during the week you run, so fit it to your schedule.  

Here's the schedule for Week 1:

• Workout 1:  Start with a brisk 5 minute warmup walk.  Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging with 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes
• Workout 2:  Start with a brisk 5 minute warmup walk.  Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging with 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes
• Workout 3:  Start with a brisk 5 minute warmup walk.  Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging with 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes

 

Taken from Cool Running

 

Monday Morning Weigh-In + Weekend Recap

If you read my post from Saturday, you'll know that my healthy eating went to hell in a giant hand-basket with a family party being the main culprit bringing me down.  (I'm talking cocktails, apps, pasta, cake, cookies.  Oh yeah).  Well, Sunday wasn't any better.  It's not that I didn't want to eat healthy -- I thought about it, but it just didn't happen.  So I chalked the weekend up to a complete and utter loss.  And jesus, my Monday Morning Weigh-In shows it.  Barf.  

Here's the damage in real numbers:

• Weight:  129.3 lbs -- yup, an increase.  Awesomeness.
• BMI:  22.8
• Body Fat:  26.2%

Wallowing in such disgust and my glutenous ways, I decided last night that I want to try to do something I've thought about doing for years, but never would do.  Running.  Yep, running.  Now, I was the lazy competitive tennis player, who didn't want to practice and always tried to get out of the runs.  I had knee surgery 10 years ago and I've always used my lack of cartilage as an excuse not to run.  At the same time, though, I've looked at my friends (many of whom now run half and full marathons) and thought "how cool would it be if I could say I was a runner?"  So....what's what I'm going to try to be -- a beginner runner though.  I'm going to do the "Couch to 5K" program with the goal of running a 5K at the end of the summer.  If you're not a runner and want to try, I'll post the Week 1 schedule.

Wish me luck.

Today Was a Lost One

From a health / fitness perspective, today turned into a complete sh*tstorm.  My son decided he wanted to eat right when I was going to go workout, so I lost that one.  Then with a family party, I consumed delicious food and birthday cake that added way too many calories and let's not forget the drinks I had.  Oh and when we got home, I decided that the day was already a lost one, so we ordered sushi and I made a cosmo to cap it off.  Sooooo.....not my finest moment.

No workout + Delish food & drinks = Starting over tomorrow.  

(And yes, I don't feel good about it)

Blogs to Share

There are a couple of people that I know who are super into fitness and also blog. I love reading / following along, so thought I'd share them here.

Check out:

Miss Fancy Pants Tris: http://missfancypantstris.blogspot.com

Marli McFitness: http://marlimcfitness.wordpress.com

My friend Sally is into running and training for tris, but doesn't blog. He should. Maybe she'll share here. She's my inspiration. Ha!!

Cheers

Happy Hour

It's that time. I earned it. :)

Sweat Sessions

4:45 am.  Yup, that’s what time my ass was on the Arc Trainer this morning.  Normally the alarm goes off at 4:30 am to work out, but Riley decided that she’d start crying around 4.  I see more coffee coming. 

Anyway, you probably think I’m nuts for working out so early in the morning, but let’s face the facts.  I have two small kids – a nearly 2-year-old and a 6-month-old who doesn’t like to keep a schedule.  I also run my own business, so finding time during the day isn’t always feasible.  And I’m a morning person, so getting up and getting my sweat on is my quiet time, alone – no kids, no whining.  But I am always looking at the monitor to see if my cardio sessions will be interrupted, if Nate decides he’s ready to get up.  Sometimes I don’t finish, but if I can’t, I’ll squeeze in the rest of the time some other point during the day.  I’ve learned that I have to do what I can, even if I feel guilty when my sessions aren’t as intense as they should be.  (I’ve also been known to do squats and lunges in my office behind closed doors when I worked in NYC.  I try…)  Ha!

So, what does this mean?  It means that I’m going to try to post my workouts here.   We’ll try for daily, but life happens – especially with two kids.

Today’s sweat session:  45 minutes of cardio on the Arc Trainer (in my completely gross, unglamorous basement), burning 466 calories.

Girl vs The Flab Starts Now....

That's me, Flinny.  You know, a flabby skinny girl?  I could have easily called this blog Girl vs Bread, Girl vs FroYo, Girl vs Bloat, Girl vs A Cocktail.  You get the point, right?  I've always been a little flabby, even chubby as a kid.  Never the skinny girl my friends were.  After college I was a little chubbier than I would have liked and lost it.  More recently, I had two kids almost back-to-back and I'm gross and flabby.  But let's be honest, I'm not obese, I'm not overweight.  I'm 32-years-old, married with two kids and I'm FED. UP. being flabby.  

I have problems and they would include bread, baked goods, cheese, cashews, cocktails and nibbling on random things throughout the day.  I've been as low as 115 lbs in my more recent adult life.  I've worked with personal trainers and done well in small group training sessions.  I've read a shit load of "get healthy, lose weight" books.  I know a good bit about what I should eat (I actually eat healthy and have people asking for recipes a lot).  I know how to work out and train.  Somehow I keep falling back.  I know I can be one of the skinny-minis I saw in Miami this weekend.  But more than that, I want to feel good about myself and to show my kids how to be super fit and how to live a healthy lifestyle without deprivation.  I'm hoping this will be an embarrassingly public forum to kick flab's ass out the door.  

So here's the deal.  I'll be sharing what I eat during the day, the recipes I use and the workouts I endure, hopefully, everyday.  I'll also tell you if I eat a cookie, or 10 of them.  (I have a hard time lying about what I eat -- even when I track it offline in a food journal.  Catholic guilt, maybe?)  I know I'm not alone, so if you want, share along.  If not, whatever.  

Now, this is my starting point at 5'3", as of this morning:
          - 129.1 pounds
          - 25.7% body fat
          - 22.8 BMI

I have loads to say, but I'm doing it my own way, with my own rules.  Remember, I'm not a personal trainer or a nutritionist.  Stay tuned...

Cheers,
Lindsey