Monday, December 12, 2011

Running Tips for Beginners

I found these tips on womenshealthmag.com. I thought they'd be helpful for any beginning runners that may be reading! They're also great for experienced runners...it can't hurt to learn something new! (Please excuse the formatting...it's not my specialty.)

Running Tips for Beginners

Every beginner wonders about these things at some point

How do I get started?
Start walking for a length of time that feels comfortable--anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Once you can walk for 30 minutes easily, sprinkle 1- to 2-minute running sessions into your walking. As time goes on, make the running sessions longer, until you're running for 30 minutes straight.

Is it normal if running hurts?
Some discomfort is normal as you add distance and intensity to your training. But real pain isn't normal. If some part of your body feels so bad that you have to run with a limp or otherwise alter your stride, you have a problem. Stop running immediately, and take a few days off. If you're not sure about the pain, try walking for a minute or two to see if the discomfort disappears.

Can I run in sneakers?
Running doesn't require much investment in gear and accessories, but you have to have a good pair of running shoes. Unlike sneakers, running shoes are designed to help your foot strike the ground properly, reducing the amount of shock that travels up your leg. They're also made to fit your foot snugly, which reduces the slipping and sliding that can lead to blisters. Visit a specialty running store to find the right shoe for you.

How is running on a treadmill different from outdoor runs?
A treadmill "pulls" the ground underneath your feet, and you don't face any wind resistance, both of which make running somewhat easier. Many treadmills are padded, making them a good option if you're carrying a few extra pounds or are injury-prone and want to decrease impact. To better simulate the effort of outdoor running, you can always set your treadmill at a 1-percent incline.

  • I always feel out of breath when I run--is something wrong?

    Yes, you’re probably trying to run too fast. Relax. Slow down. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is to run too fast. Concentrate on breathing from deep down in your belly, and if you have to, take walking breaks.

  • How do I prevent getting a side stitch when I run?

    Side stitches are common among beginners because your abdomen is not used to the jostling that running causes. Most runners find that stitches go away as fitness increases. Also, don’t eat any solid foods during the hour before you run. When you get a stitch, breathe deeply, concentrating on pushing all of the air out of your abdomen. This will stretch out your diaphragm muscle (just below your lungs), which is usually where a cramp occurs.

  • Should I breathe through my nose or my mouth?

    Both. It’s normal and natural to breathe through your nose and mouth at the same time. Keep your mouth slightly open, and relax your jaw muscles.

    Should I be doing anything in the gym to build my fitness?

    Working on stretching and flexibility is always helpful, especially to prevent injuries.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Ideal!

In February of 2009, I weighed in for the first time at Club One Silicon Valley. When I went over the printout with the trainer, she told me that I was in the "Needs Work" category. I remember thinking to myself, "if I could only get in the 'Fair' category, that would be great." I also remember thinking, "I'll never get to the 'Ideal' category." The printout said that to be considered healthy, I needed to make some significant lifestyle changes. So I did.

Well...tonight, 2 years and 10 months later, I entered the "Ideal" category for body fat percentage. It also said that, "no additional weight loss is recommended, unless a change in appearance is desired." Never thought I'd see THAT!
I don't really know what else to say, except that now, I want to not just be on the edge of that category, I want to be at least in the middle of it, if not at the other edge of it! Casey challenged the Club Circuit group to make some 90 day goals, as part of the "Jumpstart to the New Year" challenge. I listed the following goals:
*Lose 20 lbs
*Drop 3% body fat
*Work out 5 times per week.

At the 45 day mark...
*I've lost 4.4 lbs...not quite making that goal (but I'll keep working at it!)
*I'm down 3% body fat!!!!
*I'm making it to the gym at least 4 times per week, but most weeks I go 5 times (I'll keep working at this one too!)

Now, what this blog was actually meant for...RUNNING! Here's an update:
I am sticking to the "return to running" plan that my PT gave me. I have now worked up to 4 minutes of running on the treadmill and intend on continuing to increase 15% every week. I have set a new goal of running the Nike Women's Half next October (if I get chosen in the lottery!). Here's to progress!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

I'm at my lowest! (and that's a GREAT thing!)

I weighed myself this morning, and I haven't seen that number since about October of 2003. I was just starting college and was coming off of a summer of a 16 lb weight loss (aided by having really bad mono). From that point, my weight just gradually got worse and worse.

I can honestly say that my brother's wedding was the event that kicked my butt into gear. (Thanks, Jesse and Marissa. I love you guys.)

I am 8.5 lbs away from the weight listed on my driver's license...and I lied about that weight at 15 years old because I was too embarrassed to put my actual weight (and even more embarrassed to step on the scale to find out what it was!). When I hit -50 lbs and keep it off for at least a week, I'm having an "I finally lost 50 lbs party", and you're all invited. I'm 11 lbs away from that, so mark your calendars. ;o)

Getting Better Everyday!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Get Better Everyday


I apologize in advance, because I know this post is going to be disjointed and not well written. My mind is racing and I want to get it all down before I forget anything I'm thinking. It has very little do do with the actual act of running. That being said, let's run with it...

A few months ago, my super-trainer Casey started telling us in class to "get better everyday". At first, I thought it was funny, and added a few pounds to what I was lifting and that was the extent of that. Now, I see it completely differently. About a month and a half ago, I had a long conversation with Casey about what it really meant to "get better". He told me to start by getting better at brushing my teeth in the morning...tying my shoes...easy things. Things that I would do my absolute best every day, just so I was focused. Today, my entire life is better.

This summer, I focused on my eating and my workouts. And thankfully, I was incredibly successful. With that success came confidence. A confidence that pretty much any of you know I have been lacking for a very long time. My summer started with a bit of heartbreak that I pretty much subjected myself to for way too long. I did that simply because I was making no effort to improve my life. I did not have the mindset I have now. My summer ended at a completely different point. I can honestly say that today, I am the happiest I have ever been. Ever.

I'm now going to go out on a limb and share something with the world that I've only shared with those that are extremely close to me. I'm single and perfectly happy with that. For a very long time I have tied being in a relationship with being happy. I have felt that there was no way someone could be truly happy with themselves if they had no one to share that happiness with. Now, I realize that I can't have a healthy, positive relationship without the contentment I feel now. I am perfectly good with where I'm at right now. I'm going to have a busy year, and if that ends up involving someone significant, great! If not, I'll be able to keep making my own schedule and do things as I please :o). I truly feel that I'm at a win-win point right now.

This realization that I've had is completely due to the fact that some part of my life needs to improve every single day in order to keep moving forward. I truly try to Get Better Everyday. This week, that included taking some steps I've been debating taking for a few months. I knew I couldn't truly "get better" if I didn't do them. Lululemon says to "do one thing a day that scares you." Well thank goodness I did what scared me...because I'm now a better person for it. I will bring the "get better" mantra to my students; I will encourage them to try their hardest every day in school, whether it be to make a new friend or try something new. I will continue to work towards the lofty goals I've set for myself. If I have no new goals to work towards, there's no way I can get better.

There are people in my life that have helped me get to this point, and I can't go without mentioning them. Vickie: my friend, coworker, gym partner, nutritionist, and overall motivator...I can't imagine where I'd be today without you. My Club Circuit group, you're a vital part of this as well. Thank you for constantly motivating me to keep going, even through my nagging, frustrating, annoying injury.

Yesterday, I took a look at the Vision Board I made for myself back in January. It has been on my wall since then, but has served very little purpose until I revisited it. Here it is:
See where it says "Fit, Proud, Strong"? That's how I feel. I'm going to add to it at the top. Where is says "NO EXCUSES", I'm going to add "...and Get Better Everyday".

How will you get better tomorrow?

Thursday, August 11, 2011

"Return to Running"

Today was a really great day.

First, I'm back at work. I love my job, and I love being in my classroom...I can't wait for Monday!

Second, I had physical therapy, and FINALLY got GOOD NEWS!!! I'll give the best part first, so that if you don't want to keep reading, you don't need to. Before I left, Kaia gave me a "Return to Running" plan. Yay! Now for the details...

To start off, I am now supposed to add 10 minutes of walking on the treadmill to my daily workouts. I need to do this on the treadmill so that I can stop if I have sudden pain and won't be stuck somewhere! After a week or so of these walks, I can start adding a 30 second jog into my walk. If the jog can be completed with no pain, I can do intervals of walking a few minutes, and jogging 30 seconds. However, I have to keep these short walk/jogs to no more than ten minutes, just to be safe.

I am beyond excited.

I want to take the chance right now to say thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this LONG journey. Your workouts (Casey), your daily support (Vickie), and your encouraging words and questions (Club One-ers, Brian, Parisa, Chuck, Laurelwood staff, and many others!). This has definitely been one of the most challenging years of my life, but I have still made progress because of all of you. I am really looking forward to getting back to running, whether it be next month or ten years from now. All of you have kept me on that path when I so easily could have gone another way. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Monday, August 1, 2011

My goals are within reach!

Well...I've been tracking absolutely everything I have eaten for the last 3 weeks using a the website www.myfitnesspal.com. I love it! I track all of my exercise as well, and it has really helped. Since June 15th, I've lost approximately 9 lbs!

IT'S FINALLY WORKING!

My health and fitness has become my absolute first priority, and it is paying off. Thanks to everyone who has stuck by me when I'm annoyingly measuring out what I'm eating, or saying I can't eat at certain places because they don't have nutrition facts available. I truly believe I am finally in reach of my goals, and I'm hoping to reach them by June 2012. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A New Challenge!

I'm going to make this short...more like an update type entry, not a full-out blog...mostly because I'm REALLY tired!

Tonight my super awesome amazing trainer Casey had me do some of our workout with the weighted vest on. It felt like it doubled the difficulty of what I was doing. It was so nice to finally feel like I have a challenge again that didn't affect my leg at all. As much as I wanted to cry while I was working out, I can't wait to do it again!

There's also a new challenge at the gym that is going on for the next 4 weeks. Most of it is leg-appropriate, except for the bench hops. I'm going to try to figure out something comparable that I can do that will allow me to work towards the challenge. I'm ready to be 100% again, but am not willing to set back all the progress I've made. We'll see what happens!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Some days are better than others

Today has been an especially frustrating day. Not only am I having car issues (again), but right when I found a way to get there, I can't go with friends to the Concert in the Park tonight because the closest we could park would include a total of about a mile-long walk. I'm trying REALLY hard to stick to what my PT said I can and can't do until this muscle heals, but its just frustrating that it is SO limiting. What's even worse is that I agree to do things with friends because I get excited about them, and then suddenly realize that I can't go because of these leg issues and have to bail at the last minute. Anyone that knows me knows how much it bothers me when people bail on me; I feel twice as bad when I do it to someone else.

Luckily, I have friends and family that understand the struggles I'm going through right now and know that I'm not bailing because I'd rather be doing something else. Trust me, I've had enough of sitting at home watching First 48 and counting calories.

I walked on the treadmill today so that I could charge my ipod (of COURSE it was dead when I got to the gym), but quit as soon as I felt a tightness in my leg (usually comes before the pain)...which added up to less than 6 minutes. I'm seeing the PT again on the 26th, so I'm hoping we'll add to what I can do at that point.

Thanks for all the support...this WILL eventually get better!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Update

I thought after my visit with the Physical Therapist today would be a good time to give an update. First, I think I'm really lucky to have a PT whose goal is the same as mine: to eventually get back to running! She told me today that she thinks I have also developed tendonitis in the anterior tibialis muscle (a muscle that runs down the inside of the leg, wraps around the back of the ankle bone, and holds up the arch of the foot). Because of this, the muscle isn't supporting to bone in order for it to heal correctly. The game plan is to rest this muscle enough to get rid of the inflammation, and then start strengthening the muscle so that I can begin doing short runs.

In the meantime, Kaia (my PT) said that I need to be wearing shoes with inserts at all times in order to protect and support the arch of my foot while the AT muscle isn't (goodbye, cute summer sandals.). She also said that I should refrain from doing any extended walking, or walking/standing on uneven surfaces (no hikes, walking on gravel/sand/grass) and no balance exercises that aren't on the floor (BOSU balls, balance platforms, etc.).

Kaia suggested I stick to the bike and the rower for cardio at the gym (no treadmill or elliptical, as they put weight on the leg), and work on upper body and core strengthening exercises. I also have limited strength, flexibility, and movement in my left hip, left side of my lower back, and IT band...so all of my at-home PT exercises are related to fixing that issue, just until the irritation in my AT muscle goes down.

It's time to set some new goals...I'll post them as soon as I've written them out. Thanks for everyone's support. I'll hopefully be back up and running (ha!) by January 2012.

Monday, June 13, 2011

What Saved Me

I think this to myself often, but today it was especially strong...

HOW DID I EVER SURVIVE THE UPS AND DOWNS OF MY LIFE WITHOUT WORKING OUT??

I have found in the last year and a half that working out has become my vice. At the beginning, I thought it was running. Now, I'm starting to realize that a successful workout gives me the same feeling that a successful run always did. I am attempting to follow a few friends on their challenge of 100 workouts for the summer. With that mindset, I worked out twice today. This morning, I did an upper body workout, and tonight I had my favorite...Club Circuit!

The last couple of months have been especially trying. I found myself quickly falling back into old coping habits (food, food, and more BAD food), and it took a few weeks for me to realize what I was doing. Once I realized it though...I found out that my new coping habits (healthy cooking, a great workout, time outside with good friends) are much more satisfying than the old ones. Working as hard as I possibly can during a one minute challenge at the gym gives me the confidence that I can be successful at whatever I put my mind to...even if I thought it was impossible from the start.

I know I talk about working out a LOT (for goodness' sakes...this blog is dedicated to it), but I simply want to share what I've learned! I am someone that REALLY struggles with change. But this change in lifestyle has saved me.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

She's baaaaaackkk!

I got the go-ahead to ease back in to running from the physical therapist today. I can't even begin to explain how excited I am. But that being said, I'm going to EASE back in. Getting re-injured is not an option.

For now, I can run on the treadmill, and then move to an all-weather track. She said that I can't run any inclines or hills for now. We'll see how this goes!

YAAAAYYYYY!!!!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Boot Free!

Well, I've been boot-free for a couple weeks now, and my leg is feeling pretty great. Had a minor setback because I went for a short one-mile run (I was desperate...that's another story.), but it's feeling pretty good now.

The best part is that I'm almost back to my workouts 100%. I've been a little more brave with what I try to do, and just stop if it hurts, but most things have been okay. I really want to get back to running, but after that one miler hurt the way it did, I know I'm not ready.

Soon enough!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Patience

My patience is dwindling. I should be done with the boot by now. We're 7 weeks in!

Emailed my orthopedist tonight...we'll see what he says.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Good News!

Time for another update.

I got some great news today from the Physical Therapist! She said that I can do a slow, short jog as soon as I can go all day without the boot. For now, I have to start weaning myself off the boot. I am to start with 2-3 hours on, 2-3 hours off for a few days, and then gradually increase the off time. I can't wait to get back to running!!

The PT said that she thinks the main issue with my legs is that I have very little hip strength and flexibility. She said my body has basically been compensating for that with other muscles/bones. She gave me 6 exercises to start with that I have to do daily to work on that, and then when I see her a month from now, we'll start working on the actual shin problems. She said after feeling my bones that she thinks the actual fracture is on its way out, and we're dealing with severe shin splints at this point.

It was nice to get good news...I needed it!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Update

Today is a good day for an update.

I went to the orthopedist on Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Cappiello told me that things are definitely getting better with my stress fracture, and he said we could trade the crutches in for a boot (air cast). Dr. Cappiello also said that he wished Dr. Bhaskar (my MD) had called him, because he would have started me with the boot in the first place. However, we both decided that because my leg doesn't hurt all day long anymore, the crutches served their purpose.

This boot is SO much better than being on crutches. My leg feels a lot better, but does get a little achy at the end of the day. I'll be starting physical therapy in two weeks, and Dr. Cappiello said that the physical therapist will determine when I can run again. Dr. Cappiello said that it could be 8 weeks before I take a "brisk walk" again, or it could be 12 depending on how the PT goes. At this point, I'll do anything to make this get better.

I asked the Ortho what caused this in the first place. When we talked about my running history, he said that most likely I ramped up my training too quickly after my last half marathon. Out of that, I realized that following a training plan is important not only to get you mentally ready, but physically, it allows your muscles to grow and change to handle the stress of the activity. I hadn't realized that muscles change based on what you're doing. Dr. C said that your muscles move and grow to support your bones based on the exercise you're doing. He also said that the PT will give me a training schedule specific to my injury that will allow me to run again.

This orthopedist was amazing. It was so refreshing to hear him say that his ultimate goal is to get me back out and running, and that exercising is a vital part of the recovery process. He said that I can try anything I want (except running) in the gym, and if it hurts, I scratch it off the list. I'm really looking forward to seeing what new things I will start doing in the gym. For now, he recommended weights, the stationary bike, and light squats, etc. He said to wait on the elliptical and treadmill until after I see the physical therapist. He also suggested I get a trainer...and smiled when I said I already had a great one! Lastly, Dr. C said I could email him with any questions I may have, especially ones related to exercise so that I don't hurt myself. He was definitely the best doctor I've ever seen. I highly recommend him!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Training Plans

Well, today's the day. I am seeing the orthopedist this afternoon, and can't WAIT.

Until then, I found these training plans on active.com. It gives beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans for many different races and sports (swimming, biking, running, etc.). Thought I'd share!

http://search.active.com/search?f=training&k=&v=list&page=1

Sunday, April 3, 2011

THINK POSITIVE.

Being on crutches has given me a lot of insight into my life and the way I see things. In the last few days, I have had the chance to really take a look at how I view and respond to things. I am a firm believer that I am the driver of my life. I determine whether or not it is going to be a good day or a bad day, simply based on how I react to the situations that arise that day. If something less than stellar happens, I have two choices: I can get upset, or I can force myself to see the good in the situation. By looking for the good, I am able to keep myself on the road to meeting my goals...no matter what happens.

Most of this insight came to me today when I left my Weight Watchers meeting. I decided to go back to Weight Watchers because I knew I was going to need some serious accountability. I wanted to make sure that I was doing everything possible to keep making progress towards my goals, and being forced to weigh in once a week was just the kick in the pants that I needed. In the last week, I have lost 2..2 lbs! I was only hoping to maintain; apparently carrying myself around all day is a serious workout!

Although the situation I have put myself in is less than ideal, I can do things NOW to make it better. I can choose to not be stubborn and USE my crutches at all times (keep in mind, I've been walking around on this injury for 3 months, so the use of crutches has to be a conscious decision. Yes, there is pain when I walk, but it alone is not enough to keep me from doing it when I get frustrated) so that I am not right back where I started. I have plans for 3 more races in the future, and I want to be sure I can do them!

MRI results should come back this week...I'll keep you all posted. Until then, THINK POSITIVE!

Monday, March 28, 2011

I decided to enter the Fitness Magazine Cover Contest...go vote for me!

http://photos.fitnessmagazine.com/category/vote/photo/758224

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Crutches!

Well...those are going to be my mode of transportation for the next 6 weeks. Yup, 6 WEEKS.

I finally went in to the doctor on Monday to get my leg checked, because the pain was pretty constant. When I originally walked into the office, the doctor told me that I wouldn't be leaving that day without a cast or a boot, but we'd need an Xray to determine which. She felt down the bone and was surprised by the excruciating pain I was having about 3 inches above my ankle on my left tibia.

I walked all the way to the other side of Kaiser, into the hospital, and had my xray done. I then had to walk back to the doctor's office (not very nice for someone with leg pain!) and waiting in a room for 45 minutes for the xray to come back. The doctor found nothing in the pictures. She went and talked to the podiatrist and the orthopedist, and the three of them decided that I most likely have small tears in the muscle that runs along the tibia, and that crutches would be the best option. The orthopedist was adamant that the muscle needed to move and that it needed to recover with no body weight on it for a significant period of time in order to fully heal. I was also told that if I chose to be stubborn and run my half marathon in April that I would most likely break my leg in the process. That was enough for me...no half in April. (However, I'm planning on driving up the morning of the half and cheering on the group that is still running it. I can't wait!)

Before leaving the doctor's office, she told me that in 6 weeks if I'm still having pain, then we should do an MRI. In my opinion (and many others at work that I have talked to), I should just get the MRI done now so that I don't do a whole 6 weeks with these crutches, and then have it be for nothing! Crutches are not easy or fun!

My students have really stepped up to help me out. They get me everything I need, and they really enjoy being little helpers! That's the good part about this. We'll see what else comes of it!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Another race in the bag!


Remember I wrote about how important a buddy is? Well...my buddy surprised me this morning at my 10k with a sign!

So proud of myself...and this is one of the major reasons I run. Crossing the finish line feels amazing every single time. I have the feeling it will never get old. Working towards a goal is what I survive on. I had 2 goals for this race: to run the 10k in under and hour (still waiting for my official time), and to run the ENTIRE thing. Any by entire, I mean ENTIRE. And I did! Didn't even take 2 walking steps for water. I brought my own and drank it while I ran.

Bring on that Half Marathon in April!!!


Monday, March 7, 2011

2 Parts

I'm going to break the rules here and write a two-part entry. Two totally unrelated ideas in one blog.

Part 1: Get a buddy!
After talking to one of my closest friends tonight about weight loss, it occurred to me just how vital she has been in my weight loss efforts. I've lost around 40 lbs, and I have to credit my progress in large part to her (read her blog at www.vickiejoan.blogspot.com). Now don't get the idea that we constantly discuss exercise, food, and weight loss. We do talk about it a lot, but certainly not constantly. Vickie and I work together and spend a large amount of our free time together. Just being around her and seeing the healthy choices she makes motivates me to make healthy choices too. Vickie is currently at my goal weight; seeing what that looks like and the dedication it takes helps me to stay motivated to create a healthy lifestyle. Last year, Vickie even ran a half marathon with me as well as many other races (even though she doesn't really like running) just so that I could stay motivated and meet my goals!

All of that being said, get a buddy! It really is vital in the process.

Part 2: Running
On Saturday, I ran 6 miles for the first time since January. I was SO elated. I taped up my shins, took my inhaler, and set off on the Campbell park trail. I finally got that "I love running" feeling back. After my run, the endorphins were kickin' and I was planning out how I was going to jump back into the half marathon training plan. It was quite a successful weekend!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Sparkpeople

In order to keep with my "no french fries" deal and eating to fuel my body for workouts, I recently joined a free website recommended by my trainer, Casey Miranda. The website is www.sparkpeople.com . I absolutely love it! It not only has a food and activity tracker, but it gives a week long meal plan complete with a shopping list and recipes! It's pretty amazing. My username is kcasellini...you should check it out!

And an update...no, I haven't had french fries. :o)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Fearless

Now, I realize this is my blog about my adventures with running. But I'm going to go off on a slight tangent with this one.

I was realizing yesterday that skiing is literally the one and only place where I am TOTALLY fearless. And running is one of the places I am most afraid. I literally flew straight down the mountain, over and over. It was SO unlike me.

I woke up yesterday morning all packed and ready for my day trip with my brother, and the first thing I did was take my temperature. I didn't do that to figure out of I should go or not; I KNEW I was going under any circumstances. I took it out of curiosity. Sure, I had a very slightly raised temp (99.1), but it wasn't enough to keep me from going. My asthma was nagging. My shins were taped to be sure I wouldn't aggravate my shin splints. I was ready to go. Fearless.

I realized today that I come up with a lot of excuses why I can't or shouldn't run on any given day. Weird, I know...because I talk about how much I love running. I do love running...but it scares me. How do I bring the fearlessness I feel when skiing to my running? How do I channel that inner confidence that I am good at running, and that I will be successful, like I felt flying down that mountain?

I had absolutely NO fears yesterday of getting hurt. I knew I'd be fine. I want that fearlessness to spread through my life, in every area: running, work, relationships...life.

Monday, February 21, 2011

3 and a half miles! Woo hoo!

What a relief! Ran 3.5 miles around the neighborhood today (helloooo concrete!) and my shins feel great. Now I just need to remember to not overdo it...ease back into running!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Challenges

I really enjoy giving myself challenges, especially giving up something I really enjoy. Usually these challenges are related to foods I eat that I shouldn't be eating. In August of 2010 I gave up caffeine and soda. I was very successful at doing this; after going to Starbucks every day and getting a grade soy chai, I didn't think I'd be able to do it. I realized I had been spending $3.90 per day (5 days)...equalling $19.50 a week. That was way too much! Also, a grande soy chai from Starbucks has approximately 230 calories...the amount I'm now eating for my WHOLE breakfast. At the time, this was on top of what I was eating in the morning.

I still don't drink coffee or soda regularly. Occasionally I indulge in a Sprite, but not more than once a month or so. I've decided on my newest challenge: french fries. I am a french fry addict. If they're there, I eat them. And I eat LOTS of them. They're my kryptonite. I realized today that eating french fries isn't going to give my body the fuel it needs in order to have a successful run. Every single time I eat french fries I get disappointed in myself; I feel like I've failed my body. I don't want this feeling anymore. So, starting tomorrow, I will no longer be eating french fries. For anyone that knows me well, you know this is a big deal for me. I've debated giving up french fries since I started dieting in August of 2009...I'd say a year and a half later, it's time.


I need to keep in mind that if I want to be a good runner, I need to be sure I'm giving my body the fuel it needs to keep going. French fries are NOT one of those foods. I have a list of things I want to eliminate from my diet, but we're starting with one thing at a time. Here goes nothing!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The right shoes can make a huge difference!

Yesterday my super star trainer told me about how he took his wife to Running Revolution in Campbell, CA to get fitted for new running shoes. After having the dreaded bluish toenails from my last half marathon, I decided it might be a good idea to check it out. The shoes I've been running in aren't all that comfortable. I thought that running shoes were supposed to be snug so that they kept feet stable. Apparently, that's exactly what they're NOT supposed to be.

I went and got fitted yesterday, and the salesman actually put me in a pair of shoes that are a size and a half larger than my normal shoe size! He had me stand on this sensor that showed where I distribute my weight when standing. I then had to walk up and down the store so that he could see how my feet move when I walk. It was a very thorough process! I tried on 4 different pairs of shoes, and had to run with them on outside the store to see how they felt.

The salesman told me that the right shoe feels like you don't even have it on. He also encouraged me to buy a pair of shoes that was LESS expensive than the other pairs. From www.goodrunningshoes.net: "Price is definitely a factor here. That old saying "you get what you pay for" holds true for running shoes as well, and you should steer clear of absurdly cheap brands. However, you don’t need to spend an absolute fortune either to get good running shoes that are right for your body. A realistic figure could be anywhere between $50 and $200."

Let me tell you...these new shoes are like a new world. I ran two miles on a track in them this morning, and I could have told you I was wearing only socks. I have NO pain in my shins, and my toes don't hurt at all! Goodbye, blue toenails!


Saturday, February 12, 2011

First Run....A Success!!

First run after a week off with shin splints....done! It was definitely a success. First, I'll say I have the best trainer ever. Casey met me and a couple others at the Campbell Community Center track with a workout in hand. Ran a total of about 5 miles at a relatively slow pace, and my taped-up shins managed to hold up. Hopefully this progress continues! You'll be proud to know that I even upgraded to a REAL CVS ice pack (I've been using a bag of Trader Joe's brand frozen corn for 3 weeks)!

I have to attribute a lot of my progress to this video...I've been taping my shin with KT tape for a week now, and it has really helped! Check it out!



The Background

I've never been a blogger, but I think my adventures with running are pretty hilarious...so I thought I'd find somewhere to share them. Here's a little background that will help with reading future posts on this blog:
1. I ran my first mile (EVER) in January of 2010, ran a handful of 5ks and other races, and completed 2010 with a Half Marathon in Las Vegas. Over the course of the year, I learned more about myself than I ever thought I would.
2.Running had always been something that I couldn't do. My asthma was a big problem, but so was my mind. I had always told myself that I couldn't run, so obviously, I couldn't.
3. Now, I love running. It is my vice; when I'm having a rough day, I go for a run. In that hour of running, I forget absolutely everything. I focus on my breathing, my pace, and how far I've gone. By the time I get home, I feel amazing. The sense of accomplishment takes over and makes every other part of my day feel like it never happened.
4. I now have my first running injury: posterior shin splints in my left leg. It SUCKS so bad! I've taken about two weeks off, and am going to attempt a short, slow run on an all-weather track with a group of people I'm supposed to run a half marathon with in April. We're running at 10am. Wish me luck!