Sunday, February 28, 2010

My name is Lily and it's been 3 weeks since my last post.

I've seriously been MIA. Sorry bout that. I've thought about posting but haven't actually made it to the website to do so.

The good news is, I haven't slacked off of running nearly as much as I slacked off of posting. I mean, I slacked off of running a little bit. I missed quite a few days in the last two weeks but I am still on track to start off week 9 with the same workouts I had planned and ready to add in cross training and strength training with the running. I say running. Right now I'm still working on a pathetic form of walking/jogging but I'm working my way there man. I'm working my way there.

Today is the first day of week 9. Time for phase two. Instead of chosing a completely different goal I am going to stick with the same category. My first goal was to get active and work up to running. I can now jog for short distances and I am used to getting exercise almost everyday. I can get down right cranky without it. (Or it could just be PMS. I'm not sure which and I don't care.) Now I'm ready to add in some cross training and to really work hard at increasing the amount of time I can run. And to add in some other healthy habits- drinking water, eating healthy meals and snacks, getting my 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. I am NOT calorie counting. That just seems like cruel and unusual punishment and quite honestly I'd probably fail miserably. Maybe later. Anyway,  it's gonna be a slow build, just like the walking was in the first 8 weeks. Also, I still plan to do the 5k at the end of March. Still trying to chose between the Wounded Warriors 5k and the VA Duathlon 5k, any suggestions?

My main 'goal' for phase two is to lose 16 pounds in the next 8 weeks. Two pounds a week is doable. I am currently at *gulp* 162.2lbs. You hear that internet? 162.2  ugh! It's disgusting and it comes with flab. I'm not having it ANYMORE. So, in 8 weeks I will be down to 146.2lbs and I will have more muscle tone to boot! Like I said, it's going to be a slow but steady build to new healthy habits. The plan for week 9 is:

-add in short periods of strength training and cross training to the running schedule already posted
-eat 1 fruit or veggie a day
-drink at least 1 cup of water a day
-get 7-8 hours of sleep each night

I know 1 fruit or veggie and 1 cup of water seems like nothing. Most days I do that without thinking; but there are days when I do not and I wanted to take it easy on myself while I work on adding in additional and longer workouts. So, there you have it. This is where I am currently. I have survived the first 8 weeks. Go me!

I believe I promised you all an IT band stretch. If you are already a runner, you are already well acquainted wtih this stretch. But as a first time runner it has been an invaluable addition to my cool down routine.

You basically cross one leg in front of the other (while standing) and lean your torso in the same direction as the back foot. You can check out the stretch and the site I learned it from here: http://www.marathonrookie.com/iliotibial-band-syndrome.html

Ciao for now. Peace, Love, and M&M's,
Flower

2 comments:

  1. Try drinking a cup of water one hour before a workout or run. Sip as needed durring.

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  2. Alrighty, I'll give that a shot! :O)

    ReplyDelete