Today I had planned to do a 5k time trial run. This is so I can figure out where I am currently, and watch my progress over the next month when I have another one scheduled on my training program.
Over the 5k (3.1 miles) I averaged 8:18 min/mile pace. I was really hoping for something closer to 8:00. I did have some stomach issues while I was out there, basically it felt like my stomach was punching itself which I think was due to various pills (vitamins, Advil, etc) I popped too close to the run time. Next time, I will take the vitamins, etc after the run so that they won’t interfere. I haven’t run a 5k TT in years, and last time I don’t remember my time, just that it was between 21-22 minutes.
I was looking back at my various runs over the last several months. Most of them were easy when I run the jogging path at Memorial Park, and then I stumbled across one I did in early October, where I ran 3 miles with a 8:24 min/mile pace. That kind of stung. How was I able to run that fast with out really trying? And yet when I was trying I barely did better? One of the things was the stomach issue that’s for sure. I had to stop to a walk for about 15 seconds twice to try to set aside the pain. I’m thinking the another thing, was I had a super busy weekend. I ran 5.5 miles on Saturday morning, where I didn’t use 5/1s. Simply because I forgot until after the first mile and decided to go with it. That was a surprisingly quick run from and I was quite happy with it.
After that run, I went mountain biking, which I was feeling the run while pedaling around. So, the legs were well worked on Saturday. Sunday, I went outrigger canoeing. Not a leg workout but definitely a back workout. And last time I had planned the 5k TT I had to stop because it was a day after an OC practice and my back gave out. Today, I did feel my back a little bit, so I had prepared for it with a super hot shower and stretching, and Advil (yeah those pills I popped too soon to running time.) I think if I ease off the weekend activities just before the TT, then I should have better times. Plus, with all the training I’m putting in between now and then to get myself back into shape, I am hoping for something better.
Am I disappointed about this run? Sure. But it was a learning experience like always and I know what not to do next time and as well, what to try. I do think I am on some correct tracks though with nutrition and the training, just need to keep at it and keep an eye on things.
I had a bunch of goals set for November, after a successful October, but this was cut short because of several things going on. First, was my fridge flaking out on me. This meant I had no means of keeping foods after cooking and had to toss a bunch out. This makes it hard to cook ahead and stay healthy. Second was/is work. I don’t normally let work get too involved in my non-work time, but the last several weeks it’s been hard with two weeks of training and then a major planned power outage at work today. That meant I couldn’t plan on anything this weekend for getting out and doing stuff as I don’t know when I go in or for how long. Yesterday I got there at 6:45am and left at 11:15pm, then didn’t know if I was coming in today in the morning or evening when the power comes back. As it turns out, it will be this evening.
Because of that it’s been hard to keep up with my work outs and eating. But, I have been not too bad with eating and making good choices by going to the grocery stores and getting chicken and salads and veggies for lunches while at work. I did have pizza last night, but it was ordered in for the group of us working and I didn’t gorge too badly on it. And I had some gnocchi for breakfast today, as it was thawed out from the fridge and needed eating. And some mexican food as well today, grilled chicken with onions, mushrooms and cheese, with rice and beans. So not great, but I never over ate and don’t feel bad about doing it. I know the coming week will also be a challenge as I need to get back to working out and eating healthy and restocking my fridge.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad first week of November for my goals, not meeting them all, but still meeting some of them. Again, this goes back to my thinking that goals need to be flexible since you never know what life is going to throw your way and you just have to go with the flow and do your best.
Today I had a goal to run 8 miles. I woke up this morning feeling a bit cruddy, so I adjusted my goal to run 5 miles and see how I feel. The weather here in Houston is awesome currently. As I headed out, the temps were in the low 50s. After a summer of record weather: most days in the 100s, highest temperatures, no rain, to name a few; these cooler temps which wouldn’t feel that cold in years past but this morning it felt cold to me. I don’t know if it was because I was feeling cruddy, or just not use to the temps for so long but I was feeling the cold this morning, so I waited a bit before going out when I had planned to. Another goal, running by 8.
So, for those keeping track, that’s two goals today alone: 8 miles, and running by 8. I didn’t make either goal, I adjusted them. I ended up getting to my run around 10:20 and ran around 6.4 miles. So, I guess I technically made the adjusted goal of run 5 miles and see how I felt. At mile 5 I was feeling a bit tight in the legs so knew I should push past it too much further, but I also was in the back of the trails when that happened so running back was the only option I had.
As disappointing as not running 8 miles should have been since I didn’t make that goal, it was one of the most enjoyable runs I’ve ever had. For me, this means more than reaching any goal, original or adjusted. It’s documented quite well how much I’m not a fan of running. So any time I have an enjoyable run, I think that trumps any goals I have. And since this was the most enjoyable this counts as a good run. And I will take it.
This brings up the question. Should goals be flexible? I mean, I didn’t reach my goals as I wanted, but still feel great about the run. I didn’t make the 8 miles which means I’m behind on the training I am trying to accomplish, but does that much? Will next weeks run goal (10 miles) be achievable because I had a good run this week even though it was 1.6 miles short? I guess I will find out next week!
Why all this talk about goals now? I came across a revelation recently. I set myself a goal for the month of October to not eat out at a restaurant all month. Now, I didn’t reach that goal because I did eat out a couple of times, but much less than I normally do, which had a surprising effect on my bank account. So, even though I didn’t reach the goal, I had positive results. This has got me to thinking that I really need to start creating myself more proper goals. I always say “my goal is whatever” and although I say that, I don’t actually make it happen. I once saw a sign that said “Goals are dreams with a plan.”
Time to start planning out my dreams and turning them into goals.
Yes. I know. I need to be better at writing up here. But, I have really bad excuses for not doing it. “Tomorrow” “Nothing good to write.” “blah blah blah.”
Anyways.
So, the last couple weeks I’ve been in training for work. Basically 8 hour days in front of a computer in a hot conference room. Sitting around eating bad foods and coming out totally unenergized. So, I have not ridden my bike. I have not ran since last Wednesday. I did partake in some Dragon Boat races on Saturday though. So I have not been a complete slug. I was suppose to run 4 miles Monday, but did not as I was suppose to head to Clear Lake for a birthday celebration, but did not because traffic was horrible. So instead, went for a burger and beer.
Yesterday I was suppose to run 4 miles, to make up for the four missed on Monday, but got out of training zombiefied and so, I didn’t.
I’ve been eating like crap because it is free food and well, free food when you are low on money is a good thing! This week I have been making better choices (no chips, extra fruit cups) but I still find myself buying and eating sugar loaded pies, cakes, what have you with out thinking about it until after the fact. This is something I continuously fight with. I keep trying to find that zone that I was in several years ago when I did not have any sugar related items for a couple of years, but it continuously eludes me.
I keep trying to get on the Paleo Diet which I have done before for a couple of months and had great success with it, but then I fell off that fairly hard and just haven’t been able to get back on there. Right now, the hard part is because of these distractions at work of free meals. But luckily for me they end this week and I can get back into a schedule next week that I’m familiar with for work outs and eating.
The title is “Addictions and Distractions” and I have discovered they go hand in hand. My addiction to sugar is amplified by distractions to being healthy. The less active I am and the poorer my food choices are, the more I crave the sugary, chocolaty foods. Right now my distractions in life are this this training for work. It will end soon and I can better refocus myself against the addictions again. I will also attempt to get back on the Paleo wagon again once I have time to start cooking and getting things ready. I have always been trying to do it cold turkey. Cutting out the dairy, grains and other processed foods all at once, but this time I am thinking about doing it in sections. Cut out dairy first, then grains, then processed foods (or some order of the three.)
Right now I have been doing “enough” to maintain my weight, which is not a good thing, as if I cut out the extra calories I mindlessly consume (damn you chocolate fudge pies!) I would probably drop weight very fast, with the running I am doing.
Speaking of running. That has been going not too bad all things considered. I have been fairly good at being consistent with it (up until the last two weeks) and so my distances and speeds have improved quite a bit. I have been happy with it and am looking forward to getting back into it so I can continue to improve. The running goal right now is to get up to 15 miles for two long runs, then I can ease off and reintroduce resistance training. I feel this will help me maintain the distance and speed and also rebuild some lost muscle mass, which will in turn help me burn more fat in a healthy manner. Plus, 15 miles has always been my goal distance to have at a moments notice. “Want to go run a 25k this weekend?” Sure! I can do that without thinking! So, we shall see how that goes over the next month as I’m about that far away from getting there!
Until next time (hopefully much sooner than last time!)
Hey hey hey… (Always reminds me of Fat Albert)
So here it is, many many many months since I last posted. There have been some ups and a whole lot of downs since then, mostly why I have not posted. But things are slowly creeping their way back up again. I have been back to training, and getting more and more happening there. Third week and this is my first week where my morning workouts (yes, I know it is only Tuesday, but I am 2/2!) have actually fully happened.
Been working on my biking, as I was asked to be a part of a triathlon relay as the biker for it. So, decided that was a good place to start. I have my hard workout tonight which last week, after I was done, well, never finished, because it was the closest I have come to vomiting ever in a work out. It is a rough one! Basically it is 50 minutes long. 5 minute warm up with a cadence around 85-95. Then I spin up to 100-125rpm. Then 5 min rest at 85-95. I do 5 repeats of that. Then, a 10 minute cool down afterwards. Ouch.
I have noticed though after my run yesterday that these spin ups actually sped up my cadence on my run as well. So I had some extra speedy feet last night! I do not know my stats from last night as I have not uploaded them yet, but I know my first mile was sub 8:30 which is quite painful for someone that has not been running much lately and caused me to be super slow on the next two miles! Ended up with a 27:30ish time for 3 miles, so not horrible and a good start!
I have been doing weekly trail runs with a friend as well. I am sure these runs have helped with the running, but we do 5/1s and last night I was not doing 5/1s. But I could tell I had been training for them, as I kept wondering when I could start walking!
Eating wise, yeah, a different story. I have not been good at all here. I am trying to behave and go back to eating Paleo like. But, it is a struggle as I try to find some foods that I can cook in batches so I do not have to worry about cooking during the week. The main problem is breakfasts. Always so rushed in the mornings, that I end up eating from the cafeteria and I have managed to limit the damage there, still would prefer not to (not only for the waistline but the wallet line!)
Anyways, that is the update for today, and I will be back sooner than last time! Promise!
Enjoy!
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