As I mentioned in my last post, I have been kind of Blah this week. Unmotivated and tired. Not physically tired. Not really sleepy. Just mentally tired from the toll of work, kids, commute, no downtime. It is exhausting. Yesterday, I skipped my run just because I didn’t feel like going. I treated myself to a trip to the mall during lunch instead. It was wonderful to spend an hour window shopping and it was very motivating. I want to wear pretty clothes again!
Today, I was feeling the same apathy towards my planned run. I was looking for excuses. Maybe it’s raining. No. Meeting? There were no excuses, the weather was perfect and I just needed to do it. I made a deal with myself that I could walk if I did 10 minutes and still wasn’t feeling it. Walking is better than sitting on my butt. So I read a few posts in my favorite running blogs. Looked at my motivating pictures. Changed into my running clothes and got down to it.
The first half mile sucked as much as I thought it would. I started out uphill and just felt so tired. The next 5 minutes got better and I knew that I could do this run. They might be slow and uninspired but I would get my 3 miles in, but it was still sucking. The next 10 minutes got a little better and little better. Then I had to quicken my pace a little in a crosswalk to get out of the way of a truck and I realized that pace felt good and that miracle of miracles, I felt good. I decided to keep up the quicker pace for as long as it felt good and wouldn’t you know, it felt good all the way back to my finish point.
I’m so glad that I made myself get out there. I feel so much better this afternoon for having gone. I feel much more eager to run tomorrow and do my monthly 5K assessment. The cure for not wanting to run is running.
Blah. It’s how I feel right now. It’s no wonder. Friday and Sunday, I ate crap and way too much of it. I am really angry at myself. Especially, yesterday because I was only eating out of boredom and I was perfectly aware of that with every bite of cheese and crackers I stuffed into my face. Add to that, the run I skipped yesterday and well, it really wasn’t my finest day.
There was a good day sandwiched in between the badness. Saturday, I completed my 5 mile run before most people even roll out of bed. The joy of having a toddler and an infant means there is no such thing as sleeping in. The run went well, it was a cool morning and I ran on the path behind my subdivision that goes along the Monocacy River. I decided to do 9/1 run/walk intervals and it worked really well for me. I had 12-12:30 miles throughout. I would love to be faster but this is where I am right now. The only bad part of the run was this:
Blurry image. I took it through my armband holder.
Mud! A big stretch of it that was about 15 yards long. No way around it, I had to tiptoe through it. My Saucony’s are not so pretty anymore.
Saturday night I made a dinner of Bourbon-spiced pork with sweet potatoes and apples. Or as I like to call it Autumn. It was beyond delicious and you will definitely be seeing the recipe here since Hubby asked to have it again next weekend.
Hopefully, the bad eating is behind me and I can muster up the enthusiasm to get in all my runs this week. I’m glad I don’t have one scheduled today. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Scott was at the Ravens game and didn’t get home until almost 2:00 AM. I hate night games, I can’t sleep well until he is safe at home. Also, because I watch way too much ID channel. I’ll be getting to bed early tonight.
How do you cure the blah’s?
Welcome to my workout weekly.
Running
Sun 9/16- 5 miles, 66 minutes (maybe, GPS issues)
Wed 9/19- 3.12 miles, 37 minutes
Thu 9/20-3.01 miles, 34:47 min
Total: 11.13 miles
Eh, life got in the way this week and I wasn’t able to get all of my runs. Saturday turned into super family fun day and I never found time to
Family Fun Day at the Frederick Fair
run. Tuesday, I was meant to have run 3 miles but tornado warning squashed my plans. These things happen. This weekend should be a little calmer and I’ll be able to get runs in on both days. Likewise, work looks to be slow next week so lunchtime runs shouldn’t be a problem barring more natural disaster warnings.
In fact, next Thursday my work is having a 5K during lunch. It would be a no brainer to do it except that it takes place on the main campus and I work at a satellite site. So do I gear up, catch the shuttle and run or just do my normal run around the office? I’ll probably decide on that day. It would be a no-brainer if I had someone to do the 5K with me but my co-workers aren’t big on activity or socializing.
I’ll be repeating my 5 miler this weekend. I am just trying to build as good a base as I can going into my 10K on October 14. 5 miles this weekend, 6 miles next weekend and then I haven’t decided weather I’ll do 5 or 6 the next weekend, i.e. the last long run before race day. The schedule I have been loosely following has 7 miles scheduled but I don’t think that is right for me right now.
I also signed up for another race in November. the Baltimore Zoo ZooZoom 8K on November 18. This is one of my favorite races, in no small part because it was the first race I ever ran. Way back in 2003. I can’t believe that was 9 years ago! I remember it like it was yesterday. I haven’t run it since 2007 and can’t wait to go back. It is a hilly course that winds through Druid Hill Park in Baltimore and ends with a mile through the exhibits at the Baltimore Zoo. Such fun. All the proceeds go to the zoo and quite frankly, it is a zoo that needs the help. Best of all my friend, L., who will also be running the Freedom’s Run 10K and who has run all the past ZooZooms with me, will be there too. Only this year, we have kids to take on our trip to the zoo. The last time we ran this, neither of us had kids, now we both have two. I can’t wait.
Other workouts:
A couple of walks. I am still struggling here.
Food:
I’ve done OK. I had some treats over the weekend and have just been snacky all week. I am still in the lose weight range but it is more calories than I am aiming for. I’m trying to stay off the scale this week. I caved last week but this week, I’m not as eager to see it since I haven’t been at rock solid with my eating and I missed some runs. I can tell that the pants I have on are a wee bit roomier.
Goal for next week:
Run 15 miles
One non-running workout (still)
Track every single bite that goes in my mouth. Slay the night time snacking demon that dwells within me.
I was going to run at lunch today and then this happened..
I will run in heat. I will run in cold. I will run in wind (but I won’t like it). And I will run in rain up to a certain point. But I have to draw the line at tornados. 
I knew there was a strong chance of nasty weather today so I really wanted to go running last night after getting my kids to bed, but a certain little guy has a bad cold and needed to snuggle with his mommy all night.
We here at Fat Mom Industries put mothering above all else, so I made the difficult sacrifice of snuggling up with the cutest, sweetest baby boy in the world on my nice comfy bed, instead of going out for a sweaty run. Tough life.
I hate getting off schedule but these things happen. Such is life, such is Mango.
I caved and stepped on the scale on Saturday morning. After a week of knowing that I killed it on eating and running, the temptation of seeing a lower number was too much for me. 220.2, my lowest weight since Baby #2 was born.
I caved and ate a piece of birthday cake at a birthday party on Saturday morning. But I picked a small piece and not a corner piece. Small victories.
I caved and ate a pumpkin whoopie pie at the Great Frederick Fair on Saturday evening. But it’s a once yearly thing and they are delicious. It was not an eating free for all.
I caved and skipped my run on Saturday. I chose to a total family fun day instead. Totally worth it.
And then on Sunday, I laced up my Saucony’s and got back to business. 5 miles. They hurt but I made it through. I’m still on my path even if I veered slightly off course for a day.
10K in 26 days.
It’s been quiet here this week. No time to blog at work or at home. Such is the life of a working mom. While I would happily trade in the “working” part of that title, I really, really love being a mom.
Anyhoo, I have been in the zone this week. Really I am rocking it right now with eating and running. Four weeks until the 10K and I really hope I can sustain this momentum for those 4 weeks.
Running
Sat 9/8- 4.6 miles, 57 min (I’m a little iffy on the exact distance. I know it was at least 4.5 but my GPS gets a little squirrly in all the shade on my path)
Sun 9/10- 2.6 miles, 30 min
Tue 9/11- 3 miles, 35 min
Wed 9/12- 2.65 miles, 30 min
Thu 9/13- 2.85 miles, 32 min (should have been 3 but again with the GPS issues)
Total: 15.7 miles
I am very happy with that. My goal was 12.5 miles, so way better. The runs are really starting to feel easier. I think that has as much to do with a break in the heat and humidity but I will take it. I was averaging 11:30 minute miles pretty consistently in the last half of the week when I had been much closer to 12 min/mile. I will happily take some speed.
I switched running apps. I was using Nike+ but trying to log into their website was so horrific, I had to find something else. I started using RunKeeper and the jury is still out. I also log my runs into DailyMile (see the badge on the side bar) and in an excel sheet.
What?
Other workouts:
2 easy walks. I really need to cross-train but there is a limit to what I can do on my lunch break when my gym is 30 miles away and also, doesn’t open until November.
Food:
Nailed it. I have averaged about 1200-1250 net calories most days. That equates to consuming 1600-2200 calories when you factor in breastfeeding and runs. Alas, my milk supply tanked a bit this week so I am going to have to bump the calories back up. I ‘m hoping it was the sudden decrease that caused it and that I will be able to gradually reduce back down to my current level. But for now it is 1500 net calories per day. That’s not bad but when I am in the zone, I want to max it out. Oh well, my little guy’s eats are more important than maximal weight lost. My son is increasing his solid food intake all the time now (he loves food!) and the nursing will be decreasing so I’ll start losing those extra calories. Hopefully, I’ll also get a decrease in hunger.
It has been a struggle to stay off the scale, but I have resisted. I keep putting it in the closet but my 2 year-old keeps bringing it back to the bathroom. She is so helpful. I feel thinner, no matter what.
Goal for next week:
Run 15 miles
One non-running workout (still)
Stay on track with eating. I have some challenges this weekend, a birthday party and the County Fair. Can I resist a pumpkin whoopie pie? I can’t make any promises.
What is your Fall weakness? Pumpkin Pie? Candy Corn?
I’ve been busy this week, with no time to post. So this is some filler, my current playlist for running. I pay no attention to beats per minute or anything like that. It’s just songs that I like that make me fill a little energetic.
Obsession- Animotion
Boom Boom Pow- Black-eyed Peas
Call Me Maybe (yes, I know)- CRJ
Jumpin’, Jumpin’- Destiny’s Child
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart- Elton John and Kiki Dee
The Rockafeller Skank- Fatboy Slim (I like this song because of the dance scene in “She’s All That”. I am that nerdy)
Fat Bottomed Girls- Glee Version
Whatever Happened to Saturday Night – Glee
Byust Your Windows- Glee
Teenage Dream- Katy Perry
Stronger- Kelly Clarkson
Sexy and I Know It – LMFAO
Back tomorrow with my Workout Weekly.
So when I wrote about my 6 week plan earlier in the week, it seemed like the 10K was about 6 weeks away. Turns out it was closer to 5 weeks (I blame the holiday weekend for effing with my perception of time) and is in fact five weeks from today.
Five weeks is not very long and yet it is plenty of time to get some things done. I’ve decided to focus hard for the next five weeks so that I can go into the 10K in the best shape possible for the shape I’m in. To that end:
- I have set my MyFitnessPal goal at 2 lbs a week. That gives me about 1250 net calories a day. I get another 400 for nursing and I will eat back any exercise calories. (It’s only 5 weeks. It’s only 5 weeks). If I can stick to that I could be down about 10 pounds (in theory) by race day. I’d like to run 6 miles with 10 less pounds*
It won’t be easy. I will be combing my MFP entries, looking for places to cut that won’t totally make me cry (I’m not giving up the creamer. Stop suggesting it). My breakfast sandwich will now be open face. There is no place for Pirate Booty. But being half-assed about food has gotten me nowhere. Time to focus.
- Though my training plan only calls for runs 4 days a week, I am going to try to sneak a 5th day in there. 5 days a weeks isn’t excessive and I will make that extra run an easy run.
Those two things are my focus. 5 weeks. 5 weeks. 5 weeks. I want to make things happen. I want some noticeable results.
Now 223 lbs (actually this is 2 weeks old, but nothing has changed)
Runs
Saturday 9/1: 2.44 miles, 30 min
Monday 9/3: 4 miles, 52 min
Wednesday 9/5: 3 miles, 36 min
Thursday 9/6: 2.53 miles, 30 min
Total Running Miles: 11.97 miles
Other workouts
Umm, I went for a walk on Sunday with my 2 year old. At her pace.
So I’m not really getting it done outside of running, but I think I had a pretty great week of running. You can always find time for what is important to you and for me, right now, running seems to be the only fitness activity that fits that bill.I have that 10K on the horizon and that keeps me focused. If only I could be so dedicated to my eating.
Next weeks goals:
Run 12.5 miles
1 non-running workout (I’ll keep putting it on here until I manage to do it)
Oh, also!
Hello, my name is Laura and I am a sugarholic. It has been 7 days since I last had sugar (excluding coffee creamer because I’m nevah evah gonna give that up). 7 days! That’s big for me. I can’t say it has been easy or that the cravings have gone away because they haven’t. But I have done and I plan to keep avoiding sugar until I get it out of my system.
On that note, I am going to have to stay away from my beloved Pinterest because seeing all those delicious, fall/pumpkin goodies is breaking my sugar-lovin’ heart.
Since the spring of 2009, I have only run 3 races, all 5Ks. My running has been intermittent due pregnancies and other life craziness, until recently when I have finally gotten some consistency with my running. So I was a little nervous when I hit the enter button for the 10K portion of the Freedom’s Run in Shepherdstown, WV.
The race is in less than 6 weeks which doesn’t give me much of a margin for error in my training. A 10K at the end of October or in early November would be more reasonable, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to run this gorgeous course at a beautiful time of year. My husband ran the half-marathon here a few years back (being 7 months pregnant, I skipped that one) and it was a great time. The next year, I had no fitness level and couldn’t dream of participating. The year after that, pregnant again. Finally, this year, I’m in.
There is a 5K option but I want to see as much of the course as I can and I want the pressure of a 10K. I can run a 5k tomorrow with no problems. It might not be fast but it would be pretty easily handled. A 10K is going to take some training, but I have no doubts I can do it. I ran 4 miles on Monday with minimal walking (less than a minute total) and I have 5 more weekends to add two miles to that. Worst case scenario, this race is walker friendly and I can walk those last few miles in. But I want to run. 
So I have my training plan mapped out, 4 runs a week. And for the next 6 weeks I need to get focused on my calorie intake. I don’t think I can drop 20 pounds by race day but even 5 pounds would be nice. Imagine running with a 5 pound sack of potatoes versus without. I must quell the night time snacking monster that dwells within me. He is my saboteur.
37 days of focus. I think I can, I think I can.
*Photos from Freedom’s Run website. http://www.freedomsrun.org/Course.aspx
fat mom gets fit 