I did another walk/run this morning. About 3.5 miles and 60+ minutes of activity. About one third of my steps were "running" according to my Striiv. A few notes to myself:
1. Find something to keep the sweat out of my eyes.
2. Gotta get clothes that are a bit less in coverage, more absorbent, and thus, less hot!
3. Make sure my iPhone is charged so I can use those nifty Apps like Runtastic Pro and Heart Rate and to be able to make a call if I need to!
4. Get air in my bike tires so I can ride my bike! Which is what I had planned to do this morning.
5. Consider sunglasses and a hat.
6. Do something about that left hip!
7. There is a noticeable difference having the insoles in my running shoes! I won't make that mistake again!
It was successful today. I had a 200 calorie bar that had both protein and carbs in it for breakfast. I got a good 2 glasses of water in before I went out and took 2 more with me which I drank while I was out. I had an early lunch after a shower. I walked for 5-10 minutes and then stopped to stretch. When I got home I did several stretches for my legs. My Striiv says I burned 650 calories. Not bad.
I signed up for the Firecracker 5K on July 4th here in Warrenville. It is a walk/run, so I think I'll be fine. It is more to do it and finish that drives me. It will be my first!
I'm excited about those changes. I have no idea where I'll be going with it. I'm not sure I can see myself running in winter. Time will tell!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Walk/Run - A First Try
Exercise continues to be my difficulty. My weakness. I do not have discipline in this area. I am continuing to loose weight, but at a slower pace. I have had a rough winter, health-wise. I had extended stays with my parents to help out in Florida. Then a sinus infection, which went into an ear infection. Shortly after, I had a major allergic reaction to something, probably a med. For several weeks I was in pain and itched! The meds for it were worse than the rash. I had a cyst removed from my underarm. Then a molar pulled. And then a virus that turned into bronchitis and another ear infection. My immune system has been under attack!
All that to say, my meager exercise routines got trashed during the last few months and I am trying to get back into routines. I am doing Pilates, which I really like. My core muscles are starting to respond with some strength! It is not cardio, but I really feel like I've had a workout! I'm trying to get out walking. Last week, when I was walking in the neighborhood, a bee kept buzzing around my head. I walked faster. It kept up with me. Then I did something I haven't done in many years- I ran away. And it felt good, so I kept running. It wasn't far, but it caused me to think of what has been the impossible for me- to run for exercise.
So what do I need? How do I start? These questions came up in my therapy session (I am still dealing with food issues, mindless eating occurrences, emotional eating and the like) and I was told all I need is a sports bra and running shoes. The suggestion: walk for a while, set as goal to run when I get to an object I've picked, and then run until I get to the next object I've picked. That's what I did today.
I started out in the neighborhood on pavement. I chose the cul-de-sac intersection on the next block for my first run, and chose the traffic cone as my stopping point for that run. And so it went, setting small goals, working on running short distances, and walking fast in between.
First mistake: not planning a route. I ended up on a forest preserve path that took me quite far from home, making it quite a walk to get back. Second mistake: forgetting a bottle of water! Duh!
But, on the whole, I did what I started out to do. I ran. I walked. I set small goals. I achieved most of those goals. What gave out first? My lungs. Given I've just gotten over bronchitis, that shouldn't surprise me.
I was out running/walking for over an hour! I remembered to start a stopwatch so I'd know how long I was out. I had my Striiv pedometer to track steps, effort, running steps, climbing and calories burned. (4 miles, 717 calories, 9200 steps including 1500 running steps). Part way through I remembered I had an App that would chart my run, speed, distance and the liked and started it. It charted 17 of the 60 minutes.
About 45 minutes into the walk/run, my hip and knee on the left side began to hurt. Not injured-hurt, just sore and tired hurt. So the last 15 minutes was walking at a normal pace. I am now home with ice on the hip and knee. Sigh.
What did I learn? Overdoing it isn't the best way to start. Walk/running is actually enjoyable. I need shorts or light weight capris. The shoes are a good fit. The sports bra actually worked. I might do this again, but in a bit more imited, controlled exercise until my lungs and hip/knee are stronger.
So, after 40- some years, and minus almost 60 pounds, I am starting to run. For exercise. I have no delusions about becoming a marathon runner, or running long distance. But for daily exercise? This may work.
My current plan: Pilates once a week. Bike once a week. Walk/run once a week. That sound almost doable!
All that to say, my meager exercise routines got trashed during the last few months and I am trying to get back into routines. I am doing Pilates, which I really like. My core muscles are starting to respond with some strength! It is not cardio, but I really feel like I've had a workout! I'm trying to get out walking. Last week, when I was walking in the neighborhood, a bee kept buzzing around my head. I walked faster. It kept up with me. Then I did something I haven't done in many years- I ran away. And it felt good, so I kept running. It wasn't far, but it caused me to think of what has been the impossible for me- to run for exercise.
So what do I need? How do I start? These questions came up in my therapy session (I am still dealing with food issues, mindless eating occurrences, emotional eating and the like) and I was told all I need is a sports bra and running shoes. The suggestion: walk for a while, set as goal to run when I get to an object I've picked, and then run until I get to the next object I've picked. That's what I did today.
I started out in the neighborhood on pavement. I chose the cul-de-sac intersection on the next block for my first run, and chose the traffic cone as my stopping point for that run. And so it went, setting small goals, working on running short distances, and walking fast in between.
First mistake: not planning a route. I ended up on a forest preserve path that took me quite far from home, making it quite a walk to get back. Second mistake: forgetting a bottle of water! Duh!
But, on the whole, I did what I started out to do. I ran. I walked. I set small goals. I achieved most of those goals. What gave out first? My lungs. Given I've just gotten over bronchitis, that shouldn't surprise me.
I was out running/walking for over an hour! I remembered to start a stopwatch so I'd know how long I was out. I had my Striiv pedometer to track steps, effort, running steps, climbing and calories burned. (4 miles, 717 calories, 9200 steps including 1500 running steps). Part way through I remembered I had an App that would chart my run, speed, distance and the liked and started it. It charted 17 of the 60 minutes.
About 45 minutes into the walk/run, my hip and knee on the left side began to hurt. Not injured-hurt, just sore and tired hurt. So the last 15 minutes was walking at a normal pace. I am now home with ice on the hip and knee. Sigh.
What did I learn? Overdoing it isn't the best way to start. Walk/running is actually enjoyable. I need shorts or light weight capris. The shoes are a good fit. The sports bra actually worked. I might do this again, but in a bit more imited, controlled exercise until my lungs and hip/knee are stronger.
So, after 40- some years, and minus almost 60 pounds, I am starting to run. For exercise. I have no delusions about becoming a marathon runner, or running long distance. But for daily exercise? This may work.
My current plan: Pilates once a week. Bike once a week. Walk/run once a week. That sound almost doable!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Four months banded
The lack of posts and updates is evidence of not only a busy holiday season, but also an extended trip to help my parents!
I went for a Lap-Band check up today. I lost 9.7 pounds in two months! I'm now down 52 pounds and over half way to the goal I've set. The weight loss has slowed but continues. I did not get a fill today as the surgeon feels the band is working. I feel satisfied with three meals a day and no snacks. I'm getting in my protein and water. I'm loosing, but could loose more if I got my exercise routine discipline working for me.
I'm happy with the weight loss so far, but do realize I can't get it all off without physical activity increasing. I'm battling congestion in my ears and head and it is hard to motivate myself to get moving!
It was a stressful three weeks in Florida. I did well on my eating but much of my time was needed to help with my mom. I needed to let my dad get a break from the 24/7 care. I enjoyed my time with them, lost four pounds while there, and lived through some stressful medical issues without turning to food!
I'm home but overwhelmed with all that I need to do and totally unsure of where to begin, or what needs to be done first. Tomorrow I will work on my list of things to do and prioritize. I hope to go to the cardio class for the Bariatric Group to see how that might fit in my schedule, I could try to get some strength training in if I'm not dizzy like I was today. This ear congestion makes me want to sit and the eye and head congestion makes me feel fuzzy.
I'm eating about 1,000 calories a day now. I have yet to try bread, rice or pasta. I tried pistachios today and I think I will not have nuts for a while yet as it felt a bit uncomfortable. I can only do pork tenderloin, not loin chops. I've had beef tenderloin and stew meat. Chicken and turkey if not cooked dry are great, but my favorite is salmon! Tilapia and shrimp don't seem to keep me feeling full long enough so I stay away from them.
While in Florida, I got some new clothes. I'm amazed at the sizes- some 16, but also a few size 14! My goal of a size 12 may be too modest! A lot of people are noticing my weight loss and say I look good, especially when I'm wearing clothes that fit instead of the baggy look I've had after surgery.
I find I'm still having trouble when I'm eating with a group. I must eat faster or not chew enough, cause I've had that breastbone pain that sometimes results in vomiting my meal. It has helped to go to a liquid diet in those cases until my stomach calms down.
I've added coconut milk fudgesicles to my evening time a few days a week. Something cold does feel good at night. I found that Meyer lemons are wonderful in hot tea with honey. I resurrected my old tuna fruity salad (recipe to follow) and it was a wonderful lunch. I got a subscription to Cooking Light to get new ideas for meals.
So, I'm not working. Probably a good thing given my need to help my parents and be available when my kids are around. But work did add structure to my day, I had to drop my photography class this semester. That I will miss. Now I just need to get organized and productive with tasks here at home!
Tuna Fruitty Salad
1 5 oz. can tuna, drained (I use white albacore)
1 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple in its own juice, not drained
2 tablespoons light mayo
1/2 teaspoon ginger
Mix all ingredients. Split into two servings. Nutritional data: 197 calories, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 31mg cholesterol, 27g carbs, 14 g protein, 254 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 16 g sugar, 12 mg vitamin C, 2mg calcium, 3mg iron.
I went for a Lap-Band check up today. I lost 9.7 pounds in two months! I'm now down 52 pounds and over half way to the goal I've set. The weight loss has slowed but continues. I did not get a fill today as the surgeon feels the band is working. I feel satisfied with three meals a day and no snacks. I'm getting in my protein and water. I'm loosing, but could loose more if I got my exercise routine discipline working for me.
I'm happy with the weight loss so far, but do realize I can't get it all off without physical activity increasing. I'm battling congestion in my ears and head and it is hard to motivate myself to get moving!
It was a stressful three weeks in Florida. I did well on my eating but much of my time was needed to help with my mom. I needed to let my dad get a break from the 24/7 care. I enjoyed my time with them, lost four pounds while there, and lived through some stressful medical issues without turning to food!
I'm home but overwhelmed with all that I need to do and totally unsure of where to begin, or what needs to be done first. Tomorrow I will work on my list of things to do and prioritize. I hope to go to the cardio class for the Bariatric Group to see how that might fit in my schedule, I could try to get some strength training in if I'm not dizzy like I was today. This ear congestion makes me want to sit and the eye and head congestion makes me feel fuzzy.
I'm eating about 1,000 calories a day now. I have yet to try bread, rice or pasta. I tried pistachios today and I think I will not have nuts for a while yet as it felt a bit uncomfortable. I can only do pork tenderloin, not loin chops. I've had beef tenderloin and stew meat. Chicken and turkey if not cooked dry are great, but my favorite is salmon! Tilapia and shrimp don't seem to keep me feeling full long enough so I stay away from them.
While in Florida, I got some new clothes. I'm amazed at the sizes- some 16, but also a few size 14! My goal of a size 12 may be too modest! A lot of people are noticing my weight loss and say I look good, especially when I'm wearing clothes that fit instead of the baggy look I've had after surgery.
I find I'm still having trouble when I'm eating with a group. I must eat faster or not chew enough, cause I've had that breastbone pain that sometimes results in vomiting my meal. It has helped to go to a liquid diet in those cases until my stomach calms down.
I've added coconut milk fudgesicles to my evening time a few days a week. Something cold does feel good at night. I found that Meyer lemons are wonderful in hot tea with honey. I resurrected my old tuna fruity salad (recipe to follow) and it was a wonderful lunch. I got a subscription to Cooking Light to get new ideas for meals.
So, I'm not working. Probably a good thing given my need to help my parents and be available when my kids are around. But work did add structure to my day, I had to drop my photography class this semester. That I will miss. Now I just need to get organized and productive with tasks here at home!
Tuna Fruitty Salad
1 5 oz. can tuna, drained (I use white albacore)
1 8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple in its own juice, not drained
2 tablespoons light mayo
1/2 teaspoon ginger
Mix all ingredients. Split into two servings. Nutritional data: 197 calories, 4g fat, 1g saturated fat, 31mg cholesterol, 27g carbs, 14 g protein, 254 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 16 g sugar, 12 mg vitamin C, 2mg calcium, 3mg iron.
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