Weight Check 7/9/10

FatManRunning

Last Friday: 277.2 lbs.


Today: 274.8 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -2.4 lbs.


Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 25.6 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 64.8


Comment: I'll take 2.4 lbs! I still need to run yet today.


Mrs. F


Last Friday: 155.0 lbs.


Today: 154.3 lbs.


Gain/Loss: - .7 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 28.5 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 4.3


Comment: I expected to be up this week, I didnt overeat but I did eat up all my calories and some of my run burn. So Im extremely pleased with a 7/10 lb loss! The even better part was I looked at my bmi and I am officially, albeit barely, in the normal range with this latest loss!!!!!!!

Back to biking

Well, I got back to biking to work this week.  Mrs. F borrowed my bike to take a ride (hers was stolen a few weeks ago), and since she topped off the tires I no longer had an excuse.  So, that gives me four quick half-mile sprints a day, except on days like today when I needed to run back and forth one extra time to fix a faucet.  It feels good to be back in the saddle again.

Aside from July 4, calorie counts have been good over the past two weeks. We've had more fresh fruit and veggies around, so that has made a big difference. I'm due to run again today, but didn't feel like going out at five-thirty this morning.  I should run this evening, but might postpone until tomorrow morning so as to be back on the same running schedule as Mrs. F.  I'm due to run a longer one this week, and I'm not sure if that will be tomorrow, or on Saturday.

I've been thinking about doing a short (one mile) run on my off days, just for the calorie burn, but am wondering if that's a good idea. I'd still reserve one day as a complete day of rest, meaning I'd run my three primary runs and those three one-milers each week, leaving me one day for relaxation and recovery.

Temps have cooled off a bit here in the past few days, so the runs shouldn't feel like bathing in a roaster oven any longer.  I'm looking forward to the approach of fall, when the days will be cool even when the runs make me hot.

Well, I must go for now (break's over).

Todays run 7/7/10

Currently Im working on a 5 week training plan to helps with improving your time for a 5k. So todays workout was a 5 mile run - 1 mile warm up jog, 3 miles @ 10:52 pace and 1 mile cool down jog.

I thought, hmm I normally run around 11mm mile pace, this will be pretty easy. Um yeah ... It wasnt. It didnt help that I forget my mp3 player, so 5 miles felt really really long!

I took 8/10 of a mile warm up walk as well. I wanted to see if it made a difference to my inside leg muscles. It seemed to help some, the jury is still out on that one.It was bright and sunny as I didnt get out til after 7 am. I did the first mile at about 11:58 pace, nice and steady. Then came the fun part. I discovered that I really dont run at a very steady pace at all. One minute, id be pacing at 10:01 and the next 11:20. I focused on keeping my pace sub 11, that was a little easier than focusing on the precise second.

I did 3 miles (using the lap feature on my garmin) in 32:55, which comes out to a 10:59 pace. Thats pretty close to where I wanted it to be. I did walk a tenth of a mile after the 3 miles, I was beat! Then I took up running again. I ended at 5.0 miles even and walked the last couple of blocks home.

I did 5 miles in 57:20, which comes out to an 11:28 pace. Not bad at all for 5 miles!! and I beat my previous 5 mile time of 57:51!!! Even 31 seconds counts. My heartrate stayed pretty well within range, at least averaged out to 153. i think during the faster portion it was closer to 160's.

My legs are definitely feeling the workout today and Im glad to know there is a 2 day break after this! I have another 6 mile run slated for Saturday. I might shorten it depending on how my legs feel.

Keep on running
Mrs. F

Cross training

I borrowed Mr. F's bike(mine still hasnt been recovered) and went on a bike ride tonight. I really had forgotten how much I really do enjoy biking. It was really nice to get out by myself and just ride. I didnt even take my mp3 player.

I started by riding around the lake, which from my house, is about 5 miles. After coming back into town, I was feeling really good so I decided to press on. I added in another running route that I somtimes use.

I thought pretty seriously bout taking a 10 mile bike ride tonite but then I remembered my slated run for tommorrow is a 5 miler. Yeah probably best to take it easy! I was going to add in another run route which would have brought the total to 10.

I also thought bout walking the dog tonight as well. Is walking considered cross training or is it too similar to running? I do enjoy swimming but it would take a 10 minute drive to a lake that I could swim in. So its just not as convienent.


Mrs. F

Two miles

I had the pleasure of running with son #4 tonight.  He's been practicing for a run during the city festival in August, but he's never run two miles before.  We had a good run.  He was running through the mile-and-a-half point, and then walked a fast walk while I ran on.  As he felt able, he ran a bit more, then walked again. When we hit two miles, I was slightly better than 15mm (14:50), and we walked the last block or two home.  It was a nice run.

Long weekend in review...

I didn't post anything over the weekend, so here's the quick summary: one short run, too much food on the 4th, but otherwise a nice weekend.

We had a medical emergency Friday night (a daughter with significant burns from a bowl of soup), so I didn't get out running.  [She's okay now--our quick reactions and plenty of cold water limited the blistering burns to a narrow band on her abdomen.]  On Saturday, since I already had 12 miles in over the preceding seven days, I decided to run one mile as fast as I could.  I did a mile in 12:28.  I have no complaints. 

I never imagined myself running 12 miles, ever--whether over the course of a week or even over 100 days!

With a good week behind me, I decided to take a couple of days off before running again.

Independence Day brought too much food for me--too many bratwurst and too much cake--but that just means I'll need to work harder this week.  I planned to run this morning, but woke up with a headache, so I lingered longer in bed and will try for a run this evening.

Monday Madness

I did not want to run today -- I just wasnt in the mood at all. I had Mr. F snooze the alarm several times before I finally got up just after 7 am. I couldnt find my workout clothes and I seriously thought of not going at all.

I looked around and found the various workout clothes in 3 different spots. Still wasnt really keen on going. Mr F. was still sleeping as this is his off day.

Im looking at a new training plan that a friend created for me off Runners World website. So today was supposed to be 2 miles at a 12:30 pace. So i figured I could take it slow and easy.

I set out to do my 2.8 mile route( I never did follow directions well lol) and kept my pace slow. I sped up at various points but today waS just hard. I fully realize that my mental game just wasnt there today. I had some emotional stress this weekend and a lot of that is still lingering. It didnt help that I discovered my mp3 player wasnt charged when I went to use it. So I had more time to think bout how much I really didnt want to run.

I even allowed myself to walk up a hill in the middle -- I hardly ever do that. I finished stronger than I started though and that felt good. I did 2.8 miles at a 12:01 pace. Not too shabby for a slow run!

I had a little muscle soreness on the inside of my legs again today. Someone mentioned needing to warm up or that happens. So Im going to try doing a half mile or mile walk first and see if that helps.

Keep on running
Mrs. F

How fast can you go?

Today was slated to be a rest day for me. The weather dawned nice and warm and by 10 am, it was already 81 degrees. I thought -- you know Im kinda glad to not be running today.

Mr. F had gone out earlier in the morning, Ill let him chime in on his run later. Suffice to say though -- he did fabulous!

While chatting online with a friend -- a fellow runner-- she challenged me to run a mile as fast as i could. She guessed that Id do an 8:48. If you havent figured out by now, Im a bit competetive. I took that challenge and ran with it. I suited up in a tank top and shorts, strapped on my garmin and ran.

The first two tenths I was able to run between the pace of 6-8 minutes per mile. That quickly led to some serious huffing and puffing. I ended up doing the middle part of the run around 9-9:20 pace. At various points I was able to speed up a bit but not like the beginning. It was hot!

I ran a mile in 8:41, beating my friends guess by 7 whole seconds! Way to go me! :)
I seriously felt like I might just collapse right there in my driveway though. I was breathing really really hard. Ive wanted to run a mile as fast as I could go for awhile. I havent though wanted to give up a larger calorie burn to do that single mile run. So it worked out well that I snuck it in on a rest day. I wasnt feeling too sore from my 7 mile run yesterday and felt overall good.

As I sit typing tonight -- I feel great -- muscle wise at least.

On another note, eating today wasnt so well. I just felt hungry most of the day and kept eating and eating and eating. I think I ended the night 200 calories over and that already included 120 calorie burn for the run! Oh well ... tommorrow is a new day and its good to remember that. Part of me wonders though, if it could have been from undereating the day before. I ended up eating 1850 for the day, burned 823 on my long run, so only netting just over 1000 for the day. Hmmm ....

Switching back to a more fun topic -- I got a new dress today. Its really exciting to buy a dress in a much smaller size than I was 10 months ago! Im feeling really good about myself and Im really enjoying that. I even bought some toenail polish to go with my new sandals and dress.

I find myself talking bout couch to 5k everywhere. I mentioned to the fitting room clerk that I have lost almost 28 lbs. And she asked how I did it. It was exciting to talk about couch to 5k. The even more cool part was when she was skeptical about being able to do it herself. Thats when Mr. F chimed in and told her that he was over 300 lbs when he started and did this! I dont know if she will look it up or start it or anything but it was good to share a bit of our success.

I really should get to bed. For some reason, I stayed up late tonight. Usually its the opposite -- Mr. F is the night owl and IM usually the first asleep.

Keep on running,
Mrs. F

Thwarted twice over

I got up early to run this morning, but when I realized that the garden didn't get watered last night, I ended up taking care of that.  More than an hour later, my running time was gone and I found myself rushing to get to work by 8 AM.

This afternoon, things were going pretty well. We were allowed to leave a little early today, and when I got home, I found myself adjusting to the fact that I don't have any homework to do.  I had started soup when I was home over lunch, so I decided to make some bread. Of course, in our house, making bread is more than baking a loaf.  When all was done, we had three large whole wheat sandwich loaves, a wheat batard, and four French baguettes.  In addition, I reserved half a batch of wheat dough to retard in the refrigerator, and used the other to grill up some flat bread to eat with the soup.  My formulation came out far better than I expected--the flat bread puffed perfectly, making them wonderful, homemade pocket-style pita bread.  All seemed wonderful, and all was wonderful.

Then, it happened.  As we sat down for dinner and Mrs. F served bowls of extremely hot Cajun-seasoned soup, our four year old daughter tipped her bowl out onto her belly.  Her wail made it clear it was no push from a brother or a minor injury.  We rushed her into the bathroom, and I had her lay down in the bathtub.  We got her shirt off, and immediately started applying cold water.  Given the location, the upper part of her abdomen, it would have been tough to immerse the burned area.  We took a wet rag, laid it across the burn (about 2" by 8"), and kept pouring cold water on the rag.  Her screaming and wailing was... She was inconsolable.  In time, she said her fingers hurt, too, so we soaked them in a cup.  We let the tub fill part way with cold water, and kept her in as long as she could stand it.  Then, getting her out of the tub, I loosely wrapped a cold, wet triangular bandage around her trunk. [Thanks, Mrs. F--They were a great birthday gift, and they've proven useful, too.]  It was clear that some blisters were developing, so we headed in to the emergency room.

To make a long story short, our daughter is okay and I didn't get my run.  Because we cooled the wound so quickly (and for so long), by the time the ER doctor took a look, she was left with a line of relatively mild second degree burns.  The rest of the 2"x8" area looked like normal skin again.  Had we not cooled her so soon and so long, she likely would have blistered over a larger area.

She's in bed now, with a bit of medicated ointment and a fresh bandage on.  I'm trying to wind down, and wondering how cool it will be in the morning.  My plans to run today were thwarted twice, but tomorrow dawns a new day.

Weight check 7/2/10

FatManRunning

Last Friday:    280.2 lbs.


Today:          277.2 lbs.


Gain/Loss:       -3.0 lbs.


Goal:           210.0 lbs.


Cumulative:      23.2 lbs.
[I readjusted this cumulative total after going to back to realize Mr. F's starting weight was actually 300.4]


Pounds to lose:  67.2


Comment:  I don't feel too bad considering I've run 12 miles this week. I still need to run tonight.


Mrs. F


Last Friday:   155.4 lbs.


Today:         155.0 lbs.


Gain/Loss:      - .4 lbs.


Goal:          150.0 lbs.


Cumulative:     27.8 lbs.


Pounds to lose:  5.0


Comment:  I expected to have a small loss this week since last weeks was so large. So Im pleased with nearly a half pound loss. I really hit running hard this week, in the last 7 days, Ive run over 18 miles!

The 7 miler

Today was slated to be my long run. I was planning on doing at least 6 today since my longer runs lately have been on the shorter end. I got up with the idea that maybe, just maybe, I wanted to try 7.

I set out on a gravel road heading out of town and then connected up to a state trail. Its an old rail line, so its fairly leval with minimal elevation.

The first 3 miles were tough. It just felt long and drug out and I started rethinking the plan. I kept telling myself that I just need to get to 2.5 miles(I was doing a turn around and doubling back). I just keep plugging away.

I set a pacing goal of 12-13 minute miles. It was harder than I thought to keep my pace slow enough to do that long of a run. There were points that I allowed myself to go faster for a short while at least.

At about 3.1 miles, I start thinking about how far out I am and the fact that I didnt bring a cell phone. I started wondering bout the brilliance of this plan. I hit 3.25 and I found my stride for awhile! At 3.5 miles run, I turned around on the trail and started running back.

This is the point where I really regretted forgetting my sunglasses as I was facing directly into the sun. Thankfully the trail was wooded and had various shade patches along the way. It was about 66 degrees out with a nice breeze.

My insides of my legs hurt for the first 3 miles, than at mile 4 my quads took up the mantra. The weird thing was the inside of my legs felt fine then.

I didnt hit the wall til mile 5. Then it was tough, I still had two miles to go and I was in direct sunlight. I had come off the trail section back unto the gravel road. Just keep running, just keep running was my mantra for awhile. The songs changed on my playlist and uplifted my mood a bit. I found a bit more of my stride at mile 6. It just might have been the fact that it was a downhill moment though.

For the last mile, I allowed myself to go as fast or as slow as I wanted. I ran sub 12 for the first half mile, then slowed to sub 13 for awhile and finished by sprinting sub 10. I ended up with overall average pace of 11:57.

This was my longest run yet for distance and time both. It took me 1 hour and 23 minutes and 41 seconds!!!

I will definitely take the next two days off as rest days as Ive run 13.9 miles this week total. And if I included last Saturday as well, it would be 18.6 in the last 7 days. I suspect its time for a rest!

Weight check later today. Im not sure what to expect. Part of me wonders since I had really really low calorie days(1200-1400) last week and had a big loss, if this week will be a gain. I kept my calorie intakes to a reasonale leval this week, but they just werent as low as last weeks. I also ran 3 days this week as well. Time will tell!

Stay tuned folks...

Mrs. F

New personal distance record, scary breathing problem

[5.0 miles in 82 minutes]

I missed going out with Mrs. F this morning, because I was up until 3AM getting my paper done.  Rather than letting it slide for the day, I decided to go out for a run this evening. I decided to push myself a bit, and ended up running five miles!  I currently feel like warmed-over death, but that's much better than shortly after my run ended.  Let me explain...

After the end of the run, I came in and planned to take a shower.  As I entered the bathroom, I noticed an odd smell in the air.  Mrs. F told me that one of our daughters had, without permission of course, sprayed a bunch of Febreeze air spray in the bathroom.  I've always disliked strong smells (some will give me headaches), but as I prepared to shower, I found myself gasping for breath.  I literally felt my lungs tighten up, and I couldn't get a good breath without making a horrible, wheezing gasps.  We had an inhaler around, so I took two hits, and I stayed in our bedroom under the ceiling fan until my breathing was better.

Let me just say this: it scared the crap out of me.  For a minute, I thought there was a chance I might die.

I've never been diagnosed with asthma, and this is the first time this ever happened.  I'll mention it to the doctor.  I think the thickness of that scent in the air, on top of my lungs being fatigued from the run, was the source of the trouble, but it still scared the snot out of me.  I'm still coughing every few minutes, even thought I got home 90 minutes ago. Mrs. F is throwing the bottle away, and I plan on writing the manufacturer (at a minimum, they need to know what happened).

That was scary.  It sort of took the enjoyment out of my accomplishment--five miles is my longest run ever, and it brings my total for the past five days to 12 miles.

A family affair

Now that Mr. F is back on the running bandwagon, some of the kids are following suit. We had some discussions about what we wanted for our kids. Neither of us had good healthy execise habits. Imagine where we could have been if that had been part of our lives all along.

So we've decided that being active 3 times a week is going to be mandatory. Most of our kids dont struggle with weight and are fairly active. Although, like other kids, video games and sedentary activities like reading pull at them. So 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes(or they can do distance based like the minumum is a mile). Our family has a genetic history on at least one side of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholestol and heart disease. So they have a strike right off the bat. I want to encourage them to develop life long habits of making exercise a part of their lives.

Most of the kids are fine with this. A few are puzzled at the requirement -- after all they are pretty active kids. The lone holdout is my 16 yr old daughter. She is very resistant to the idea of adding exercise into her routine. In fact, she is flat out refusing. It doesnt have to be running -- it can be walking, running or even dancing. The main goal is to get out there and be active. I might need to pull out my parental arsenal of consquences :)

I expect some resistence to change but Im hoping we can make this a family affair!

Musical words

I had my yearly physical today. It had been a year since I was last in that clinic. The last time I weighed 183 pounds and today I weighed 155.4. My doctor said that Im at a healthy weight for my height. Those words were music to my ears. Its been a long and hard year.

There are other indicators that my health is on the right track -- my cholesterol numbers were fantastic and my blood pressure was nice and low.

This is the fruit of my labor. I think back to some of those frigid cold days of running. I remember putting on layer after layer just to get out to run. It was worth it. There were months that I thought Id never get here -- after the scale read the same or higher each week.

For some of you, the journey is longer. I just want to encourage to keep plugging away. Keep moving, whether its running or walking or dancing. You can do it!

Mrs. F

Two times in three days...not bad for a reboot

Mrs. F and I were out again this morning.  My pace was still a bit slow (over 16mm), but this route had more long climbs, and one steep one, so I won't complain.  With today's 2.75 miles, that brings me to just a hair under seven (7) miles over the past three days.

My body still remembered Saturday's run as we began, and it seemed to take a very long time to find my slogging stride.  I didn't get that feeling of "everything's good" on this run, and I didn't feel like I was getting into a grove until at least a mile-and-a-half in, perhaps closer to two miles.  It was nice to be on a different route again, however--many visual distractions to keep my mind from focusing on its desire to go back home and crawl into bed.

There was a good, stiff wind this morning, and it was just cool enough to make me feel chilled as we began. We were going head-on into the wind after our first turn, so the wind and the hill opposed us.  Mrs. F has run the route before, so she knew what we were facing.  She told me that there was a "wicked" hill on our next segment, and I could soon see why she described it that way.  I took my eyes off the hill and looked down and around.  I admired the densely wooded lot on our left.  By the time I looked up again, I was well up on my climb, and I just needed to keep moving.

When we reached the intersection that marked where we'd turn back toward the house, I thought about continuing on.  Rather than risk pushing myself too far, however, I decided it was best for me to suffice with a bit less than three miles today.  That four-plus route can wait for another day.

I'm looking forward to weight-check on Friday.  In looking back on my chart (which I had to fill in with dummy numbers around those weights I had recorded in order for the graph to show up in Excel), I realize just how much I messed up over the past six months.  Instead of losing another 30 or more pounds, I had gained back ten (or more) and am only now back to where I was shortly after our secret plan was revealed.

At the same time, however, the prospect of the November Turkey Trot suddenly seemed less intimidating.  After all, I really could drop another 30 (or more) pounds between now and then, and I can only imagine that running will be easier when I weigh less.

Oh, well.  That's all for now.  I need to top off my bike tires so I can get back to riding, and I need to plan on running again on Wednesday.  For today and tomorrow, however, I need to put my nose to the grindstone, and crank out my final research paper.  I'm so looking forward to school being done.  Hurrah!

Not bad, considering...

I actually feel pretty good, considering I ran 4.24 miles yesterday.  I can feel it in my quads, but I had expected to feel it in my lower back.  My quads aren't too bad, either.  I only really notice it when stooping, or when going down the stairs.  Going up feels fine.

Mrs. F has asked me to run again in the morning.  Though I need to get in to work early tomorrow, I just may go for that run (though I don't think I'll be trying for four!).

Good night.

The FatMan Runneth

It's been a month since my last run, and that one was only a mile.  At the end of it, I felt deflated and defeated. It seemed that all the progress I made last fall under the Couch-to-5k program had been undone. I wondered if I could ever get active again, despite all the encouraging comments I received here.

Well, over the past month, Mrs. F has been walking a fine line between encouraging me and nagging me about running.  There's always been a reason not to run (e.g., up too late, need to get in to work early, headache, too hot, too many mosquitos, general malaise), so when she asked again last night, I was ready to blow it off again.  "After all," I reasoned, "I need to finish my final paper, and I really need some sleep because it's been a long week at work and a stressful week at home.

To my surprise, when I woke at six o'clock this morning, I found myself waking up our eldest son to watch the kids so that Marie and I could go running.  I guess I just took action this morning before I could think my way out of it.

It's been hot and humid lately, so I was pleased to find it in the low- to mid-60s when we left.  The air was thick with mosture--fog clung close to the earth.  It's my first summer run, so I wasn't sure what to wear.  I went with a pair of compression boxer briefs and a pair of swim trunks for shorts, and a light tech shirt for on top.  Knowing that I hoped to go more than a mile today, I grabbed a toy I picked up over the intervening months--a CamelBak resevoir--and took it along.

Remembering my last run, and the fact that I started out way too fast, I told Mrs. F that I wanted to pace at about 14 or 15 as we set out.  My route was entirely new today, as I've never run along the roads in town before. I'm starting to think that Biggest Loser has done a lot for altering people's perspectives.  Somehow, seeing that show available every week acclimates those "normal" or "healthy" body types to seeing a fat guy like me out there trying to make a difference.  Well, that, at least, was how I rationalized things.  I guess it (though I don't watch it regularly) has made me feel more comfortable about being seen as a fat guy trying to make a change.

The first half-mile was just what I expected--grinding against the machine.  My body and mind were asking "Why?" and they weren't interested in my reasoned and logical responses. Mrs. F started ticking off milage, but I asked her not to do so--it was too early in the run.  I didn't want to give my mind more fuel for fighting me. We began on an uphill stretch.  When she did announce that we finished the first half-mile, I was still fighting to call the shots in my body.  I wasn't as sore as I was on my last run, but I was still working to regulate my breath and to keep my arms relaxed.  At that point, I determined that I had to try for two miles.

Mrs. F was being kind.  She stuck close, and even ran backwards so she could stay with me.  Perhaps three-fourths of a mile in, I told her to go ahead and take a loop through a subdivision while I continued ahead and to the right.  I knew she wouldn't have a problem catching back up to me, and I didn't feel right holding her back.

She made her turn and I set my face on making it the two or three blocks to my next turn.  Somewhere on that stretch, things settled in a bit.  When I made the turn, I had to head down a fairly steep grade for about a block, and I let my stride lengthen as I tried to relax further.  Coming up the next hill wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

I made it back to the street where we were to rendezvous, and I looked for signs of Mrs. F.  Part of me wondered if she had completed her loop, cut across, and gotten ahead of me.  I quickly set it out of my mind as I began to notice something.

My body remembered.

Yes, after six months puncuated by only a single mile of running, my body remembered how to run and it found its stride. I didn't have a runner's high, and it's not as if it didn't require any effort.  It's just that everything felt fine.  I was happy with my pace, I had no aches or pains, and my breathing was not labored.

Soon after, Mrs. F caught up to me and informed me of our distance.  I don't know if she thought I'd want to turn around or not.  I found myself thinking about running home.  After all, two miles was a big improvement over last time.  Yet everything seemed right, so I decided to keep going for as long as I could.

We ran along the lake front promenade, and I enjoyed the chilled breeze that came off the water.  We ran by one of the parks we like, and past the home of some friends.  We soon approached the trailhead where we had done much of our Couch-to-5k running, and Mrs. F told me that I had already gone about 2.1 miles.  That's when the craziness hit me.  Rather than turning around, turning a corner, and heading home, I decided to trace my path back home.  I decided to run more than four miles.

Now, I know that overdoing it when getting back into something is a real risk.  Everything today, however, felt fine.

Of course, after turning around, we were headed uphill again.  A couple of blocks later, I hit what I'll describe as my wall.  The funny thing is that I remembered the feeling from my first 5k race, and I think it happened at about the same point. I reminded myself that my body does what I tell it to do, and that, if I were careful not to push my pace too much, I should be able to finish the four.

Things evened out again.  They didn't seem as perfect as they had before, but I still knew I could go on.  My next mental test came when we came to a point where I could turn left and make a straight shot to near our house, or continue on a block and then turn right to finish re-tracing our path.  I decided to remind my body who was in charge, so I pressed on. I told Mrs. F of my plan to run to four.

The next turn brought a long, gradual downhill segment, and I enjoyed it, even though I knew what was ahead.  That steep downhill I enjoyed on the way out was now a challenge to be faced.

I remembered advice someone had given me about hills--to shorten my stride, lean into them a bit, and to swing my arms more.  It was certainly a challenge, but I made it to the top.  When we turned west, however, I saw that the next half mile (or more) was a long, gradual climb.  I slowed again to regulate my breathing, but kept myself moving along as best I could.  Not wanting to disappoint myself, I told Mrs. F that I would run to 4.1, just to make sure the mapped route didn't come up under four.  She told me as we hit four, and I told her I would run to 4.1.  Seeing a stopsign and T-stop ahead, marking our final turn toward home, I decided to forego 4.1 and to run right up to the stopsign.  As Mrs. F and I came up to the final street before the stop, we sped up.  Her ability to sprint has really improved in the past six months! We both finished that last segment on a sub-8:00 pace--not too shabby for a FatMan who just ran over four miles.

The final tally for me: 4.24 miles in just over 1:10.  That turned out to be a 16:50mm pace.  I won't complain about that, since it was my first run in a month, my first run over a mile in more than six months, and my longest run ever.

Perhaps a new day is dawning...

Weight Check 6/25/10

FatManRunning

Last Friday: 280.6 lbs.


Today: 280.2 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -.4 lbs.

Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 19.8 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 70.2


Comment: This was an extremely stressful week on many fronts. My head is caught in too many things to even think about exercising. I'm not getting enough rest, so it makes it hard to get up early in the morning to run.



Mrs. F
Last Friday: 158.5 lbs.


Today: 155.4 lbs.


Gain/Loss: - 3.1 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 27.4 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 5.4

Comment: I was really jazzed to see how much i lost this week. It was an extremely stressful week and I ate way less. For once, stress worked to my benefit!!! I was really busy and didnt get in any runs in at all this week. Im sure that next week will be a much smaller loss but im enjoying this one!

Weight check 6/18/10

FatManRunning

Last Friday: 282.8 lbs.


Today: 280.6 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -2.2 lbs.

Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 19.4 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 70.6


Comment:



Mrs. F
Last Friday: 159.9 lbs.


Today: 158.5 lbs.


Gain/Loss: - 1.4 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 24.3 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 8.5

Comment: I was really excited to see the numbers finally go below 159!!! I worked harder at tracking this weekend and was successful on one of the two days -- Baby steps, though! And I got in two good runs this week before weigh in as well as a really good eating week. I kept my calories 1850 or less each day. Im pleased with the progress and IM enjoying seeing the cumulative total inch closer to 25 lost. Once I hit my goal weight, I plan to reevaluate once i hit 150 and detemine if I want to lose the other ten that reach my 2nd goal of 140.

Weight Check 6/11/10

weight check 6/4/10
FatManRunning

Last Friday: 285.0 lbs.


Today: 282.8 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -2.2 lbs.

Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 17.2 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 72.8


Comment: I've not gotten back to running regularly, but I did my best to limit my portions to what Mrs. F was eating. I think doing that will help me feel a little better, perhaps helping me to get out running again.

Mrs. F
Last Friday: 159.8 lbs.


Today: 159.9 lbs.


Gain/Loss: +.1 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 22.9 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 9.8

Comment: I was discouraged with this weeks gain,even though its not much, it still was frustrating. I am thankful to be staying steady but being in the same pound range for 4 weeks is very frustrating. Part of it, Im sure is less consistency with running. Its been a lot harder getting up to run in the early mornings. Eating has been okay, although weekends are a lot tougher to eat consistently. I guess I just need to keep plugging away!

weight check 6/4/10

FatManRunning

Last Friday: 285.4 lbs.


Today: 285.0 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -.4 lbs.

Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 15.0 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 75.0


Comment:

Mrs. F
Last Friday: 159.3 lbs.


Today: 159.8 lbs.


Gain/Loss: +.5 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 23.0 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 9.8

Comment: It was a week with more indulgences -- mememorial day picnic, birthday cake and housewarming party all factored in. So while Im not happy for the gain, Im thankful its only a half pound up.

Weight check 5/27/10

FatManRunning

Last Friday: 285.6 lbs.


Today: 285.4 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -.2 lbs.

Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 14.6 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 75.4


Comment:

Mrs. F
Last Friday: 159.8 lbs.


Today: 159.3 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -.5 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 23.5 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 9.3

Comment: I was pleased to see the half pound gone. I didnt have a very consistent eating week, so I had feared it might have gone the other direction. Its very encouraging to see the numbers go below 10 towards my first goal. After I reach 150, I plan to reevaluate, and see if I want to lose that last 10 towards my 2nd goal of 140.

Recap

I know its been ages since I blogged but Im still here. I made it through the winter,and did keep running. :) Now its on to learning to run in the heat of the summer!

I ran 39.5 miles in January, 26.5 in february, 33.5 in March, 39.4 in April and thus far 15.8 in May. Im still trying to find the balance of the right amount of running that doesnt cause my legs to hurt. I dealt with some shin splints along the interior of my legs. My desire to run more and faster may have had something to do with that!! I had to take a few weeks off here or there to let the muscles heal and then I dialed back the milage. I have been using runnign ahead to track my miles and i love seeing the numbers!

Mr. F got me my birthday present a few months early - a Garmin 305 watch! I absolutely love it. I love having the data at my fingertips and having the distance as Im running is very very helpful. I opted for the version with the heartrate monitor and have been using that as well.

My current plan for running is to do 3 runs a week, 1 longer run (4-6 miles) and two shorter runs (less than 4), totally 8-11 miles per week. The weeks I went past that and hit 13 and 14 miles run, were weeks that really did my legs in. So while the desire to run a lot is there, I just have to take my time in getting there.

Im also trying on the off days to bike anywhere from 3-7 miles. That hasnt been as consistent for me. Its not as high of a calorie burn so its easier for me to just skip that workout.

Speaking of calorie burn, I officially have lost 23 lbs since last august. I fully believe thats why I have kept running, i can see visable results in having lost 6 sizes of clothing. Well and the fact that I like to eat chocolate, running, allows me that indulgence in moderation. Dont get me wrong, there have been plenty of plateaus and losing and regaining the same five pounds over and over. Lots of weeks of bad eating thrown in there. I just keep on going though. One of the keys to making this work for me was learning not to beat myself up over a bad day. Nor to let that bad day torpedo me into many more bad days of eating. Just to let it stand for what it is and move on to eating better the next day. In fact, yesterday was a really really bad day for eating but today is a new day. Im still using my daily plate for calorie counting and then using the calorie burn on my garmin watch for a more accurate exercise calorie burn.

I dont have any specific races planned but Im hoping to do a few this summer. Im a bit anxious to see how my training has paid off. I can see the results in that my pace is getting better and better but race running is a different ballgame.

Im in the process of transitioning to running in the mornings again. Its been wickedly hot and humid here (80-95) and running in the afternoon was just not an option. Its been a much harder transition than I anticipated. The pull of sleeping is strong. I really need to be hitting the sack much earlier in the night, if Im going to pull off a 530 am run! Its way too easy for me to say, Im not getting up today. When I was running after school, I was very consistent in getting out at least every other day. Just need to keep plugging away at making the change, I guess!

Keep on running folks
Mrs. F

15 Minute Mile

Saturday morning, Mrs. F convinced me to go for a run.  It was my first run in close to six months. The treadmill we bought has a belt-slippage problem, so it hasn't been used.  We know what needs to be done to test it so we can get warranty service, but until the last week or two, I've been tied up with my grad studies and have not been available to help Mrs. F complete the test.

It was only one mile.  I likely could have held on for more, but I spent most of the first half mile trying to get control of my breathing, and I was ready to be done before we even hit the half mile mark.  On the way back, Mrs. F had to jog in place to stick with me at times, and she asked me if I wanted to walk some.  Stubborn as I am, if I was out for a run, I was out for a run. I slogged through the entire mile, and Mrs. F's Garmin Foreruner told her that I had completed it at a 15 minute mile pace. Not bad for a fat old dog who has been sitting in his room reading books and writing papers for what seems like forever.

Actually, she said I started at an 11 minute mile pace, and slowed from there.  When I get my stamina back, I might even surprise myself.

Okay, it wasn't just agreeing to go with her on the run, either.  I don't remember what bargain we struck the night before, but when I asked her to do something, she replied, "Only if you agree to run with me in the morning." I need to watch what I agree to when I'm tired.  ;-)

Speaking of bargains, Marie has been trying to bait me back into the health and fitness thing (I've not even ridden my bike to work since we hit a particularly cold stretch this winter).  She offered that, if I can get to my goal weight, I can get a motorcycle.  At first, I thought she was kidding, but she's made the offer numerous times over the past couple of months.  Before some of you go off on how dangerous motorcycles can be, let me just say that I'm aware of the risks of riding an open-air vehicle at highway speeds.  Had I gotten a motorcycle when I was in my 20s, I would have been afraid for me.  As I am today, I'm much less inclined to be reckless--there's no one I want to impress, and I have plenty of reasons why I want to stay injury free (not the least of which is knowing that one good accident would mean that the motorcycle woiuld go bye-bye).

At first, the thought of a motorcycle really didn't motivate me at all.  As the weeks have worn on, however, that little voice in the back of my head is saying, "Why not? You can do that." Perhaps I can.

I didn't weigh on Friday, but I did weigh at home on Saturday morning: 285.6.  Thankfully, I've held at this plateau without losing too much ground.

It's not that my first run in a while went off without a hitch.  I don't know if it is just starting again after so long, or the run coming so soon after all that time carrying our gear up in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, but I really had some discomfort in the time after the run.  Of course, my legs were starting to feel like Jello when I finished, but I really feel the strain in my quads.  Then there was the back pain.  On Saturday evening, Mrs. F and I made four batches of Hudson Bay Bread, and that left me standing and bending (for the lower oven) a lot.  By the time we were done, I was too sore to stand.

Hudson Bay Bread, by the way, is definitely not a low-calorie food.  It's basically ground oats, brown sugar, butter, honey,  and molasses.  We make some varieties with nuts and dried fruit as well.  It was one of the foods we took with us to the Boundary Waters on our canoe trip, and since we signed up for snack at our church fellowship for the weekend after we returned, we thought it would be a fun treat to share with others.

Taking time to follow this rabbit trail, I'll admit that making it re-awakened some of my entrepreneurial leanings.  We figured that, if it was well received, we could look into renting some food-grade kitchen space to make a few batches for samples and sale.  I know someone who has a website through which he sells camping gear (aimed primarily at canoe trekkers), and I've seen a number of inquiries online from people who have searched for places to buy Hudson Bay Bread, so I thought it might be a good fit.  Getting ready for this canoe trip also had me working on a design for a lightweight, packable, wood-burning stove, but that has not gone past the drawing stage (though I do have a friend who is a design engineer working up the sketches in AutoCAD). Thus, I've obviously had some time beyond my studies, but allocating time is always easier when you enjoy what you're doing.

When I first completed the Couch-to-5k program, I can't say I really enjoyed running.  There were a few runs that felt great, but it never became the butter to my bread as it seems to have become for Mrs. F.  She'll be the first to admit that it hasn't been easy for her by any means, but running did seem to "click" for her (I'll let her post as to whether or not I characterized that correctly).  Of course, it probably helps that, since she was able to stick with it better than was I, she's seen a bit more of a return on her labor: she's looking great.  It might not make sense to most of you, but while I'm glad for her success, it also makes me feel worse about my inability to keep going.  I try to focus on the former (being happy for her success) without dwelling too much on the latter.  She's able to run with another friend in town now, and she's talking about 10k races, half-marathons, and even mini-triathalons.  All the while, I was just realizing how much my mind really is a one-track mind: when I got into running, that's all I cared about.  When school started up again, that's all I could do.  As our BWCA trip got closer, it was the only thing on my mind.  Now that the trip is over, school is nearly done, and a motorcycle is being dangled in front of me, my mind might be realigning to return to running/fitness as its focus-du-jour.

Now, if I could only remember to brush my teeth every day...

Weight Check 5/21/10

Mrs. F
Last thursday: 161.6 lbs.


Today: 159.8 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -1.6 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 23.0 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 9.8

Comment: I know i havent posted a weight check in several months but I have been tracking my progress. Its really exciting to be in thre 150's, even if its only barely! The boundary waters trip did definitely help in losing a bit more than my normal pound! Mr. F will weigh and report back later. Keep on running!

Finally, a break

This past weekend, Mrs. F and I got our first alone-by-ourselves (no family or friends to visit) getaway in more than 10 years.  We went past Ely, Minnesota into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness  (affectionately know simply as the BWCA) inside Superior National Forest. We paddled more than 15 miles in to our campsite, carrying everything we needed on our backs as we portaged between lakes.  That included a 65+ lb. canoe and three packs ranging from 35 to 45 lbs.  We made camp on Lake Insual, about eight or nine miles from a lake with native American pictographs, so that was our primary day trip.  All in all, we paddled between 45 and 50 miles, and carried our gear around three miles! It was great fun, and quite a workout!

Long, dark winter

I've been away (mentally) for too long.  The pressure of finishing grad school is really getting to me. I've only taken one short run in the past three months.  Health issues are starting to press again.  Weight is still hovering on a plateau, though, so that's the only good news (beside the fact that I'm still upright and taking nourishment).  I've really come to hate the short days of winter, so am glad to see spring finally here (and even a bit early in our area).  I'm in a funk I just can't shake.

I have only 11 weeks of classes left, though I think I have a break in there somewhere for Independence Day.  I walk in May, but am not very excited about it (but that's another story).

Stress levels at home are high.  My fuse has been short, and I feel like a prisoner in my own home: every evening is defined by needing to do homework.  Unfortunately, I get distracted far too easily, putting me behind, and that adds to the stress.

[Sigh!]

The only thing that has kept me going is knowing that Mrs. F and I will be taking a canoe trip together in May, to celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary.  It will be our first four-day weekend together, without the kids (and without a schedule of family or friends to visit) in ten or more years.  We're headed up into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA for short).  We'll put in as early as we can on a Friday morning, and paddle out on the following Monday.

Mrs. F has continued running.  She was already faster than me while we were doing the C25K program.  Now, I don't stand a chance of running with her again.  She's up to six miles, and I think I'd struggle through one now.  I don't want her to feel bad about it, but it just makes it so much harder for me.  This was really working when she and I were getting up and squeezing our half-hour in early in the morning.  With longer runs and longer times now, however, it's best for her to run mid-afternoon, right after the kids get home from school.  That's right before I get home from work, and I simply have no energy to run at that time.

I ran across an article in Newsweek (online) about Lesley Kinzel, who blogs at Fatshionista.com.  She was featured because of all of the recent discussions on childhood obesity.  She was overweight as a child, and it became central to her self-identity at a very young age.  In reading her story, I realized the same was true for me: from an early age, I was always "the fat kid", and that became how I see myself.  I was always "the fat kid", and, even as an adult, I still see myself as "the fat kid".

The real kicker is that I actuall dropped to a healthy weight for a while.  During my senior year in high school, I was studying karate and was biking everywhere.  Looking back on photos now, I see that I looked pretty good, but I still saw myself as "the fat kid".  How is it that we can get a self-image so far ingrained into our being that it becomes the permanent filter through which we see ourselves and our lives?

I have no clue what I weighed when that picture was taken.  All I now know is that I look at it and I want to cry.  Had I only been able to see myself as I was, versus how I perceived myself to be, it might have helped me keep the weight off.

About four years later I was around 230 lbs.  A year or two after that, I was 260 lbs.

Yet, to me, I felt no different at 260 lbs. than I did when that photo was taken.

Even now, as I hover just under 290 lbs., I feel just as fat as I've always felt--sometimes even bigger--even though I know my peak weight was 348 lbs!

There's a lot of pain tied up inside somewhere.  I hate being "the fat kid".  Right now, however, I have no energy or motivation to go out there and fight for a change.

This is how I looked during the summer of 2009, before I started the C25K program.  I can see the difference between the pictures, but my mind has always seen me the same way, regardless of how large I was. When Mrs. F posts family picutres online today, I still cringe.  I don't like the way I look.  I never have liked the way I look, because I remember that no one likes "the fat kid".

Here we were after our second 5k, the Howard Lake Turkey Tagalong.  This is after completing C25K and proving I could run over three miles.  Yet, I still see myself as "the fat boy". How can I ever reprogram that image? How can I ever get beyond that identity? I know many of you will think of your own journeys, and the things that worked for you.  I thought I had found a new life, but being "the fat boy" has been like a boat anchor.  The way I figure it, I'll  probably need to start C25K all over again, because I don't know if I can even run a mile at this point.  The bike has been in the garage, too.

Am I feeling sorry for myself? Is that all this is? Is it just a pity party? If it is, I wish I knew how to stop the music.  If this is a carnival ride, I want to get off. I'm madly envious of the success Mrs. F has achieved.  I just feel powerless to follow in her footsteps.  I'm back to feeling like I'll be trapped this way for the rest of my life, and I know that means it will be a shorter life.  That just feeds the depressive cycle.  I find myself craving more sweets and comfort foods because I'm feeling down.  I know they're no good for me, but I want them anyway.  I just want a little relief now--I'm not thinking about the long-term.  As I'm writing this, I'm beating myself up even more, because I realize how odd it must sound for a guy to be rambling on like this.  This struggle, and my self image, don't help me feel masculine.  Do other overweight guys simply never feel this way, or are they stronger than I so as to shrug it all off?  I wish it were possible for the old Simon and Garfunkel song to be true: "I am a rock. I am an island. / And a rock feels no pain. And an island never cries."

Weight check 2/12 - Mrs. F

Mrs. F
Last Friday: 166.8 lbs.


Today: 164.9 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -1.9 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 17.9 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 14.9

Comment: Woot! Im very pumped to see the lose this week. Last week,I didnt even weigh in cause it was a bad week! I got back on track this week, did two good runs and watched my intake. I love seeing the numbers go down! Almost 18 lbs lost, it still amazes me.

Saturday run

This week has been lighter on the workout front as Ive been dealing with shin splints on the side of my legs. Plus my knees were a bit achy. I thought it best to keep it slow and easy this week.

I did two runs on the treadmill on monday and wednesday at 2 miles a piece. I finally got my first outside run in over a week in today. I set out hoping to hit 3 or 4 miles today but my muscles didnt agree. I cut the run short and ended up going only 2.2 miles. My pace was 13:45 -- so I figured slow and short is good for this week.

I think I just need to ease back into upping my miles. I went too far too fast. I looked at my running tracking site and realized I doubled my output -- oops! I was doing about 6 miles a week and then the next went to 13, then 10. So thats likely why Im dealing with shin splints. My goals got a bit ahead of my body!

But I did put in 39.5 miles for the month of January. I am extremely pleased with that output. Ideally, Im shooting for 42 a month but I will definitely take the 39!

Keep on running folks
Mrs. F

Weight check January 29

FatManRunning

Last Friday: 280.9 lbs.


Today: 281.6 lbs.


Gain/Loss: +.7 lbs.

Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 18.8 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 71.6


Comment: My focus this week was homework, I only have three more classes to go.

Mrs. F
Last Friday: 166.9 lbs.


Today: 166.8 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -.1 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 16.0 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 16.8

Comment: I was dealing with some shin splints on the side of my legs so I deliberately took an easier workout week. I only ran 6 miles this week. I feel pretty good about not gaining as I seemed to eat a lot and worked out less! Hopefully I can get back in gear and get the numbers trending downward again.

FatManRunning and climbing and skiing...

It's so nice to have a free evening.  I got my school work in a day early this past week and am facing a lighter list of assignments for this week (one week before my finals).  Tonight's Scout meeting was also cancelled because of the weather (blizzard conditions here resulted in recommendations against any travel this evening and two of the other leaders indicated that they wouldn't be able to make it). That meant I was home on a Monday evening without any real pressure to be doing anything other than getting the treadmill up.

I was excited to learn that Mrs. F and our eldest son got a head start on putting the treadmill together.  By the time I got home, there weren't too many steps left to complete.  I let our son continue the fine job he was doing while I went upstairs and made some calls to make sure the boys knew there would be no meeting tonight.  When finished, I helped him finish the treadmill assembly.

Once it was up and running, I took the first run, and then a number of the older kids wanted to give it a try.  My run was very short (I inadvertantly activated a pre-programmed run and worked myself up to a headache within moments), but I got on for another one later. Mrs. F got a couple of miles in.  Since this was my first night of running in weeks, I opted for a single mile.  I started at four miles per hour, and increased my speed as I went on, until I finished one mile at seven.  I don't know why, but running that one mile on the treadmill felt longer than three miles outside! We do have the TV up on the wall now, though, so I was able to watch as I was running, so I did not focus on the clock or mileage figures in front of me. All in all, I finished with a 14 minute mile pace.

Since I've not been running, I kept it to one mile and will see how I'm feeling tomorrow before committing to run again.  On my last weight check, I was glad to find out I was within one pound of where I was back at Thanksgiving.  Since I've not been running--and have not been eating so well--I was afraid that I could have been up at least 10 lbs.

Last week, I chaperoned a trip with the local 6th grade class.  We had lots of fun, and activities included cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and climbing on an indoor climbing wall.  I've always wanted to try cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and was excited that they had gear I could use.  Both activities were really fun, and I hope I'll have a chance to try them again.  I never imagined, however, that I would ever try a climbing wall.  I was always afraid of heights when I was a kid, and I've always figured my size and weight would make climbing a 45' wall an impossible feat.  I agreed to give it a try (in part to try to convice one of the kids who was a bit fearful to try it), and I made it to the top! Wow!

That one activity helped renew my hope that I can yet get back on top of this weight loss initiative. I still have a hectic schedule ahead of me.  Finals for my current class are just a week away, and I have three more classes coming in rapid succession, so I don't have any illusions about it being easy.  I've also made it clear that I need someone else to take on my responisbilities with the local Boy Scout Troop, at least until I am done with my schooling.  Hopefully, that will allow me to set aside a little more time for running.

It's good to be back!

The treadmill run

Our eldest son did a good part of putting the treadmill together this afternoon before Mr. F came home from work and helped. It was very exciting! All the kids who were old enough were asking for turns on the treadmill. It was fun seeing them all run!

Mr. F got a run in as well, but Ill let him tell you about that. I was really excited to try it out. Overall I found it harder to use. I like the ablity to slowly increase my speed or lower it. But in general, it just seemed like my mileage progress was sooo slow! I think it will be great for short runs (1-2 miles) and great for bad weather days. I think I will stick to my outside runs for the long ones though.

I started the run with the intention of running for 45 minutes. I even let all the kids have their turns first, so that I could get my longer time in. Ha! After it felt like forever(really only 11:49 ) I got to the first mile point. I adjusted my plan to run for 30 minutes. At about 1.5 miles, I thought, forget it -- Im only running 2 miles lol! So I ended up doing 2 miles in 22:30 -- which is an awesome pace -- 11:15. Perhaps if I had slowed it down, maybe it wouldnt have seemed so hard. It just seemed to drag though.

My mp3 player wasnt charged. So Im looking forward to trying that option out. Mr. F also spent several hours getting our wires rewired so that we could get reception downstairs where the treadmill and tv are. I found it hard to concentrate though on the show. It might depend on how interested in the program. It would be interesting to run while watching biggest loser!

On the eating front, it was a tough weekend. On Saturday, I think I was about 300 calories over. Sunday -- I did okay during the day but watching the football game, gave in to the snack cravings. Eeek! Today, too, wasnt the best. But Im officially going to get back on track!!!


Keep on running folks
Mrs. F

Fridays run 1/22

I didnt get out as early as I normally do during the week. So it was a bit different running more in the dusk with the street lights coming on. I had to pick up Mr. F from the field trip, so timing was an issue. Im glad though that I pushed through and still managed to run.

I wondered if part of my problem on Wednesday, might have been that I was less active during the day. I had sat more than I was up and moving that day. Generally Im up and down the stairs lugging laundry, up folding clothes or loading the dishwasher. Those little things make a difference in warming muscles for sure! I still think Ive been pushing a little too hard and I need to back down on increasing my mileage so much but overall todays run was much better.

I didn't get any burning shin pain -- woot! I was really worried bout shin splints. I still got some pain on the side of my leg but that didnt start in til mile 2 or so. That periodically has been where I feel the strain, on the side of my leg and going up. Its almost like shin splints but on the side, kinda weird. Thankfully, it feels fine today, so I know I just need to slow down my adding mileage. Or if I do a long run, make sure I take a full rest day the next. I think if Im going to do multiple days in a row, I have to take shorter runs and only do one long run.

I did 3.31 miles in 44:25, thats a 13:26 pace. I tried to slow it down especially after my leg muscles were showing strain. That brings my total for the week to 10.6 which meets my goal of hitting 10 miles a week. Ive done 33.3 miles for the month! Im excited about seeing that number go up. I need 42 miles a month to reach my goal of 500 miles for the year. At first, the monthly number was going up so slowly, I was afraid I wouldnt make it. I think though I can do it!

Its raining today and with the potential of freezing rain on the radar, I wont be running today! If conditions are okay tommorrow, Ill try to do 2 miles or if Mr. F gets our treadmill up and running!

Keep on running folks
Mrs. F

Weight check January 23rd

FatManRunning

Last Friday: 279.4lbs.


Today: 280.9 lbs.


Gain/Loss: +1.5 lbs.

Goal: 210.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 19.5 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 70.9


Comment: I've been lazy and swamped with schoolwork. I'm not exercising regularly at all right now. I did get to chaperone a school trip with one of our boys, so I got to cross country ski, hike, snowshoe, and climb a rock wall -- all over two days. The treadmill is still waiting for my attention, as is the TV that we are going to mount on the wall (it's what most of the kids voted to buy with Christmas monies that came in). Once its up and running, I hope to be doing the same in the morning before work. I've not gained as much as I feared. I just feel pretty horrible right now.


Mrs. F
Last Friday: 167.2 lbs.


Today: 166.9 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -.3 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 15.3 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 16.9

Comment: I was pretty disapointed with today's weigh in. I really had hoped for at least a pound. I guess though overall, Im very thankful I didn't gain. Its likely that last weeks loss was artifically low(since i had been sick and undereating or not eating at all) and the regular eating put my weight back more stable. I thought I did well with my calorie counting but I know my sleep was dreadfully low. I dont sleep as well when Mr. F is out of town, so I tend to stay up later. That impacts weight loss as well. A friend pointed out that I lost 4.5 lbs over two weeks and if you list it that way, it doesnt sound so bad!

Wednesday

I really wanted to try and run 4.5 miles today. I modified my favorite in town route and got it up to 4.5 miles. The weather was bout 28 degrees (20 degree windchill) with bright sun.

It felt good for the first mile or so. Then I noticed my left shin was starting to burn a bit. I slowed down my pace and that eased up some then. Anytime that I upped my pace again, it started hurting. I was also having some muscle pain along the side of my leg, which has plagued me periodically.

After this not getting much easier by the 2 mile mark, I elected to ditch my planned route and cut it short. I really was disapointed. I so badly, wanted to increase my mileage, even if it was only .3 more. I kept telling myself though, that its better to run short today in order to run long another day. And I know for sure, that I dont want to mess around with shin splints.

I love running. So I have my mind on my next goal and its already jumping ahead of where my body is. I need to dial it back and remember that I just started running 5 months ago and Im doing great considering! AFter all I ran 13 miles last week, thats no small feat.

I ended up running 3.07 miles in 41:40, which is a 13:35 pace. I was pleased that I at least got 3 miles in . That brings me my total so far for the month of January to 30 miles!!!!

I think I will see how I feel tommorrow. My original plan was to try and run 2 tommorrow. I think, Im scrapping that and just going to run 1 if I feel okay. If Im overly sore, then I will take it as a rest day and run again Friday.

I wonder if I need to get back to stretching. As winter approached, i slacked on the stretching routine. So that maybe part of it and the other part might just be that Im running longer and farther.

Looking forward to my weight check on Friday. Mr. F is out of town chaperoning one of our sons field trips, so weigh in will be not until late afternoon.

Keep on running folks
Mrs F

3 days in a row!

I did get out and run on Saturday as well. So I made it 3.6 that day before I had enough. i think my pace that day was 13:30. That brought my weekly total up to 13 miles. Boy was I sore!!! I was pleased though, I had run 3 days in a row for the first time. I thought I might need two days of recovery but one was enough.

So I rested yesterday and began my new week today. I ran 4.2 miles in roughly 53 minutes. My watch disapeared between yesterday and today, so I didnt have as accurate of a time. I noted the time, on the stove clock when I left and then returned. So pretty close. That was a 12:23 pace!

Im thinking more about running the half marathon. Im still not sure I cna pull it off this year but Im thinking bout trying. Im trying to get my mileage up to 15 miles a week and running 5-6 days a week as well. Im aiming for 4 days this week as well, and then next week working my way up to 5. I plan on increasing my mileage slowly until IM running at least 3 miles every day.

I have been doing well on my calorie counting. So well that Im under on most days. Anyone know on the days you run or exercise, should you keep your net calories at a certain leval? Do you need to eat back some of the calories burned? Today, partly cause I skipped lunch and only had some peanut butter toast, due to crazy busy today, but after supper I had only eaten 957 calories and netted 257. I decided that was way too low especially since i ran a good distance today and then I ate a bagel. I know I need to work on eating regularly and not skipping when Im stressed or busy.

Keep on running
Mrs. F

An extra run and a weight check

I did get out and do a 1.13 mile run. The little neighborhood behind our house, loops around. I calculated that and it comes out to 1.1 mile if I run the inner circle as well. I could defnitely feel that I had run yesterday. It wasnt as bad as I thought it might be. I was glad to only be running a mile though! I did 1.l3 miles in 13:50, which translates on the running site to a 12:15 pace. Hmm, doesnt quite seem right but hey Ill take it!

Mrs. F
Last Friday: 171.4 lbs.


Today: 167.2 lbs.


Gain/Loss: -4.2 lbs.


Goal: 150.0 lbs.


Cumulative: 15.6 lbs.


Pounds to lose: 17.2


Comment: I was sick this week, so I definitely had a little extra help. Im a little nervous that once my regular eating catches up to me, that I might gain a pound or two back. I was so excited to hit the 15 lbs lost marker! It finally feels like Ive made a significant dent in my weight loss. Plenty of work to go!

Thursday's Run

The weather was great, even though the roads were a bit messy. It was 30.4 degrees, it felt heavenly.

I set out with no specific route in mind and with the intent of doing a minumum of 3 miles or at least 45 minutes. I was a bit brave today and went up one of the longer hills in town. I didnt really like that much but it was good to get it out of the way.

I varied my route again today in hopes that I would find one that totaled 4 miles that worked for me. And I did! I was looking for a route that didnt make me feel like I was doubling back. So I went from my house, up an east/west street and over and back down another east/west street. I also added in, an additional couple of blocks on another north/south street. And then went back to my traditional ending points. Overall it worked well. I didnt feel like I was doubling back, since I was on a different road rather than the one I started on.

I went 4.23 miles in 52:30. Thats a 12:25 minute pace. I was definitely pleased with that time! Im trying to build up my distance, so I can start the half marathon training. The treadmill hasnt been assembled yet so all of my runs are still outside. Once we get the treadmill up and running, then I want to add in my 1-2 mile runs on the off days on the treadmill. In theory, it should be easier to sneak it in during the day, while the little kids are watching a movie. Otherwise I have been going out after my big kids get home from school. I like running in the daylight and the warmth of the day but thats a tough time to be gone from the house. Its called the crazy hours, between 3-5 when the kids are a bit riled up! So Ive limited it to going out 2-3 times a week but I have been slowly increasing my distance.

I had a good tracking and eating day today. In fact, I probably need to eat some more since I burned a good bit with my run. My net is really low lol, I like having that problem. Im looking forward to the weigh in tommorrow. Im hoping for at least a pound.

Mr. F and our eldest son are off this weekend to a wrestling tournament. Im hoping maybe I can go over to a friends house and try out her new wii fit. It will be nice to try it, so I can see if I like it before I buy it. Thats on the longer term purchase list anyway lol.

Keep on running folks
Mrs. F

Catching up (again lol)

Ive not been able to get to blogging as regularly as I would like. I hope to get back into a regular pattern of writing again though.

Last week I was able to get out for runs on Monday and Wednesday. After that it got bitterly cold(-20 real temp) and I couldnt get out. I so wanted my treadmill!! On Monday, I ran just under 3 miles and Wed, I ran about 3.6. Its tough to find a good route that doesnt double back yet stays in town. I prefer to stay in town, at this point, since the roads generally are clearer and a little less icy.

I was really excited about wednesdays run. My pace was 12:02~! I was booking it! Usually the beginnings of the run are tougher and then I find my groove.

Thankfully this week, the temps went up to a balmy 21 degrees. Monday's run was foiled by an afternoon meeting. That really bummed me. I was so looking forward to getting out and running in the warmer winter weather. Plus I hadnt run since Wed and I needed to get moving.

Thankfully, yesterday's schedule allowed me to get out for a run. I had mapped out a route ahead of time to try to get up to that elusive 4 mile mark without running around the lake. It seemed a bit chilly at first, but I quickly warmed up. The fun part about running in town is Im definitely getting a harder workout with all the hills! I did 3.95 miles(running ahead rounds up the total to 4) in 50:51. Thats a pace of 12:58.

Once the treadmill is up and assembled, Im planning on trying to add in 1-2 mile runs on the off days. I want to run 3-5 miles every other day outside and then do 1-2 on the off days. My ultimate goal is to do a half marathon. I beleive though, I have to be running 25 miles a week before I can start the half training plan. So it looks like it will probably be the summer of 2011 before I get ready for my half.

Im rather sore and achy today. Not sure though if its the run or getting the stomach flu last evening. Not fun for sure! Thankfully I got my run in before I got sick! It started with our baby girl and of course at 14 months old, she cant hold her own throw up bowl. So momma got the duty of that one. Thus now its my turn to be sick. I have two others who have sucombed to this bug as well. I'm grateful though, that it seems to be a 24 hr bug and doesnt last long. Today, Im feeling somewhat better, just weak and dehydrated.

Oh almost forgot, my weigh in last Friday wasnt great. It could have been worse! Im up to 171.4. I just need to work off the holiday pounds and get back on track. There may have been some residuel water weight in there too. We shall see what this weeks weigh in brings. Im sure being sick will help lol -- not my preferred method of weight loss though!!!

Keepon running
Mrs. F

Holiday Recap

Sorry folks for being absent so long ... it was tough finding some blog time with all the kiddos home!

I did a weigh in on christmas eve and was down about 3/10ths of a pound. I didnt get a weigh in the next week, but Im pretty sure I gained! Now its back to tracking calories and getting my eating under control. I didnt track the entire two weeks the kids were off of school -- oops!

On an upnote, I did get several runs in. One of the highlights was getting to run with my eldest son on christmas eve morning. He ran slow for his dear old mother but we ran together for 2 miles before he took off on his own. The week of christmas, I got 3 runs in. We had a major snowstorm that left us with 16+ inches of snow and I was pleasantly surprised to sneak some runs in! I ran Tuesday before the storm hit for about two miles. Then as Mr. F noted, we got a run in on Christmas eve during a lull in the snow. Then I got out on Sunday for another 3.6 miles. Ive started tracking my run totals with running ahead. One of my goals for this year is to run 500 miles. Its a pretty neat site and I love how it automatically calculates your minutes per mile for you.

I got an after christmas present of a new watch, so I have been enjoying the stopwatch features! I also got a new outer layer. I opted for a soft lined duo dry jacket from target. Previously one of my layers was a very light windbreaker, basically just the outer shell. So I tried out my new jacket on the run yesterday and it was great. I even left off the arm warmers and my fleece vest and was still plenty warm. Which really is amazing since it was about 1 degree!

I finally found a combo for pant layers that works. I borrowed hubbys spandex running tights and added those under my other layers and it works great! So I plan to eventually get a pair of my own. I wear those, then some warm wear, and two loose fitting running pants over the top of that.

Most of my runs have been in town now that its icy and snowy out. I find that when the traffic is light enough, I end up running down the lane of traffic to find the ice free road. Its interesting to me that my feet seem to automatically slow down as I come upon icy road patches. Even with the ice and the cold, I have been pleased that my pace is staying around 13 -14 minute miles.

I got out on the 29th and again on new years day. Each of those runs were over 3 miles. Im trying to work my way up to 4-5 miles on a run. Its been really cold here though, so its tough to run much longer than that right now. And this past weekend, it was dangerously cold, so I didnt get out to run. -23 real temp is just too much for me!

On another sidenote -- we finally ordered a treadmill. The really cold subzero temps and the plethora of ice around town prompted getting that in order. Im kinda excited! Im sure the lure of the treadmill will wear off after running in place for awhile. I like the idea of being able to run during naptime for the little ones while the preschoolers watch a movie or something. Plus I love then knowing how far I ran without either mapping it or driving my route in the car to map it! One of my wish list items is a gps watch ... although with the price range ... it will be a loong while before I save up enough for that one!

When we checked out the treadmills, we actually brought our running shoes in to try them out. I think it amused the store clerks to see such seriousness lol. We ended up with a medium range nordic track. Im hoping this will help Mr. F get back to running as well. Since we wont have to layer up for the run on the treadmill!

I got out for another run yesterday. Not quite as far, 2.86 miles, but I ran it in 36:51. So a good pace for the cold temps. My fleece scarf is a lifesaver on these really cold days. My total for the year, is 6.2 -- woot!

Keep on running folks
Mrs. F

White Christmas

Well, here in Minnesota it surely was a white Christmas.  We had about 14" of snow going into midday today. I'm sure glad I got my run in yesterday.

Yes, I got a run in yesterday, on Christmas Eve day. It was the first real run I've taken in a month.  I ran a bit over the weekend a week or two ago, but nothing major.  I guess yesterday wasn't anything major, either. Since it was my first run in a month, I stuck to a mile (actually, just a bit over a mile).  Since we had a break in the snowfall during the morning and the plows were keeping the roads clear, we decided to take a run through the neighborhood.  Mrs. F and I set out with our eldest son and our almost 10-year old daughter.  Josiah ran with Mrs. F, and Ariana ran with me.  I was pleased that I was able to keep Mrs. F and Josiah in my sights--at the end of my mile they were less than two blocks ahead of me.

I could have pushed further on, but decided to take it easy on my first day back at it.  Overall, it didn't feel too bad.  At the end, I finally felt myself rolling off of my legs.  I was tempted to keep running, but erred on the side of caution.  Sitting here as I write, I'm glad I took it easy.  My leg muscles are a bit sore today, but I can't be sure if it is from the running, or dealing with the snow yesterday, or helping to build some huge snowmen in the yard today.

I was up 1.9 lbs. this week, and my sugars have been edging higher again.  I really need to get back to my regular exercise routine.  I really need to get back to getting out with Marie, because if I'm left to do it on my own I'm more likely to just take a pass with the intention to try again the next day.  Argh! I guess I'll just be thankful that I had some time off yesterday and today, and am now looking forward to a nice weekend.

Whether you observe it or not, I hope you've all had a Merry Christmas day.

Friday 's run

Its been a very stressful week, so I was tempted not to run. I knew though, that I had a holiday party for Mr. F's work and probably needed to burn some calories before hand!

The temps felt tropical compared to the subzero stuff from before. Its amazing how relative tempature feels. I remember complaining bout running in 30 degree temps earlier in the season. Now Im particularly thankful for a 20 degree day to run in!

I ran my alternate neighborhood route. Basically I run from my house, through a neighborhood and out of town on a gravel/dirt road. It works well since the traffic ie really light and the roads are fairly clear of snow and ice.

Overall it was a good run, had a few slow spots but I did 3 miles in 44 minutes. Not too shabby for cold weather running. I keep reminding myself, its not so important how fast but that Im out there moving and improving my fitness.

Weight check went well. I was hoping for two pounds down but I'll take the 1.2!

I'm enjoying being in the 160s's even if its on the high end. Im down a total of 14.3 pounds. Seeing the weight come off definitely helps on the motivation end. Plus if I run, i can eat some chocolate. You know the important stuff!

Im hoping to get to run with my eldest son over break. Hes been super busy with wrestling, that we havent had a chance to run together. Im sure he will take off and meet me on the run back but hey, we can start together. Some of my younger kids want to come run too. They will likely not make it hte entire three miles but it should be fun getting out together.

Keep on running
Mrs. F

The run around the lake, number two

The temps were warmer, a balmy 10 degrees, and the sun was shining -- so I took off for my long run around the lake ( 4 miles). It was nice not having subzero winds blowing for a change.

The first two miles are the tougher of the 4. So I reminded myself of that as I was running. I didnt get to borrow a watch, so I carried the cell phone instead. That gave me a starting and ending time but I elected not to pull it out as I ran each mile. Good thing I didnt, it died right after that lol.

I was looking forward to the mile segment of the trail I often run on. Last time, I was able to make up some time on that stretch as its mostly flat. Not this time! The recent snows left the trail tough to run down. Snowmobilers had packed down some of the snow but it made it hard to get traction to run. The uneven terrain of snow bumps didnt help either. I ended up walking 3 different times during that segment. It really was just hard slogging along. I allowed myself those walking segments, for 15 or 30 seconds. I figured I was at least moving!

Next time I run around the lake, I plan to take the parallel road nearby. It will add some distance but not too much more. It seems to parallel the trail fairly closely. I think though I will lose my flatness and have more hills to run.

The last mile seemed the easiest. Perhaps cause I knew I was almost done or perhaps just getting back to the mostly clear roads. It was much easier runnign there, than on the snow covered trail.

All in all, it was pretty tough running it out but IM glad I got out there and did it! I did 4 miles in 58 minutes. For comparison, last time I ran around the lake I did it in 52 minutes. It was warmer and no snow too though.

I made some good choices on food today as well. I knew I wanted a bigger sandwich at mcdonalds (the crispy chix), so I elected to skip the fries and go with water as well. I did ask my son if I could have a few of his fries and that satified my desire for those. Been busier and more stressed lately and less time for snacking. All good for weight loss, I suppose.

Keep on running
Mrs. F

A short run

I knew I needed to get out last night, since I didnt run this weekend.

It really was an out of sorts day. I was really super tired and grumpy. So I elected to just go for 2 miles or so. It was getting colder and with the windchill warnings hitting like 30 below. I knew I wouldnt want to run in that!

It actually felt slightly warmer than when I went out in the 3 degree weather. I was dreadfully slow of course but I kept reminding myself that Im getting out there and moving!!!

All in all, I think it ended up being like 2.25 miles. I even got to try out my new headlamp since it was nearing dark.

I really enjoyed the run but coming home to chaos wasn't so much fun. My off day turned into the kids off day too. Sigh. Oh well, today is a new day.

I did semi okay on the eating. A bag of one of my favorite types of xmas candy did not help. Thankfully I ran, so i had a few extra calories of indulgence.

Keep on running folks
MRs. F

Into the new week

I woke up tired and sore yesterday, and woke up down today.  My calves are sore from running in my winter gear this weekend, and from hiking over many hills throughout the day.  I came home from work yesterday not excited to run, but ready to run, but then I realized that all of my tech undergarments were still in the wash from this past weekend's camping trip, so I took a pass on the run.  I made productive use of the time, however, and got nearly all of this week's coursework done by the time I turned in.  I now only need to stay active on the course discussion board for the balance of the week.  That will let me get a head start on next week's work.

I remember my mother being after me regularly to get my room clean.  Typically, when I set about to do it, I'd find something interesting that would take my mind off the task and the task would then drag on and on and on.  I think I started keeping my room better when I discovered girls, and was allowed to have an occasional visitor of the finer persuasion.  Perhaps it is only fitting that my kids seem pretty much cut from the same cloth.  Unlike my childhood home, where my mother would not let us do household chores apart from our rooms (she said it was her job, after all), our kids have been doing chores since they've been able to follow instructions.  There's enough of them to spread out the work (perhaps that's part of the problem?), so none of them are overloaded.  Each has one chore room or area to care for each week, along with one specific dinner-related chore (e.g., clearing and washing the table, washing up the little ones, doing the dishes, sweeping the floor).  They are on a rotation.  Yet getting them to do that oftentimes feels like trying to pull teeth from a velociraptor.  If we put our attention one one or two who are slacking, the others start slacking.  If one gets a room cleaned well and early, some others will toss some things in it or make it a complete mess again.  I now understand why one of my schoolmate's parents made some rooms of the house off-limits, but that's a policy I would not be able to tolerate.  Perhaps I'll resort to my mother's course of action: wishing that her kids would grow up to have kids just like them. No, I would not wish that on my kids, though should they ever have kids of their own they might finally understand why I could so often get so frustrated so easily.

Anyway, I just wish they would realize that they get more freedom, and more privileges, when they take care of the house and keep up on their chores.  Time spent on chores--doing them, doing them again, re-doing them yet again--is time that could be spent elsewhere.  The extra wear and tear on the house and furniture means we need to repair or replace things more often, taking monies we could have spent on other things.

To top it all off, I'm not super-handy when it comes to home repairs.  There are some things I can do (I really like mudding and taping drywall), but most things take me so much longer and are so far outside of my comfort zone that I'm always second-guessing myself.  When the budget allows it, I'd rather hire one of the handy fellows from the church to come over and take care of project A or B, but the budget rarely affords such luxuries.

I'm really starting to sense that being healthy goes way beyond nutrition, rest, and exercise.  It has to do with limits and margins; it encompases how you live in all areas of life, not just what goes into the body through the mouth.

The cabin this past weekend had no TV, no computer, and no phone.  Heat was a wood stove. While there was time for fun and conversation, much time was spent preparing meals and keeping the fire going (to keep warm).  It hearkened unto a much simpler life.  Admittedly, a much harder life, but a simpler one.  I would just love to figure out some ways to simplify my own life, without making a drastic change like joining the Amish or moving to a cabin in the woods.  I really believe that a lot of the inner struggles that plague me arise from all the craziness I've allowed to come into our lives.  Running should be one of those things that gives me a taste of that simpler life, but in many ways it seems more like "just one more thing" I'm supposed to be doing.

Until my outlook changes, I just need to keep my feet going, my intake limited, and my sleep regular.  For now, that's all I can do.

The weekend

Mr. F was gone for the weekend, camping with 3 of our boys. It was a looong weekend with doing some deep cleaning and not getting enough sleep. Sick baby girl added to the fun.

I found it much more difficult to make good choices and get out and run when tired. So I didnt run either Sat or Sun. And I ate an entire small supreme pizza -- no I didnt track that day! I really dont want to know how many calories I overate!!!!

But Im trying to get back on track today even though kids were up again last night. Its hard not to reach for food when you are tired. I already had an extra cup of my coffee. That added enough calories with my creamer!

Mr. F and I plan to run tonight. So Im hoping to get my body back into submmission.

Mrs. F