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Posts Tagged ‘health and fitness’

He’s Hooked! Hubby’s First 5K

March 28, 2011

Hubs and I did a race over the weekend — the Phillies 5k at Citizen’s Bank Park. It was his first race and (obviously) our first race together. In fact, I’m pretty sure that he’s never run longer than a mile before. I’ve done quite a few and was so excited when he let me talk him into doing it. Even though it was freezing out, it was a good first race since a few of our friends did it with us and the crowd was fun and friendly.

Our strategy
Billy didn’t “train” for the run and neither did I. He did about one mile twice the week of the race; my ankle and knee have been bothering me for weeks. So, our plan was just to go slow and steady. To be honest, I got a little worried when we were just out of the lot and he asked me how long I thought we had gone. Um, maybe a quarter of a mile?

Our plan was good though. He didn’t lose gas, and neither did I. I’ve learned that lesson before — it’s so easy to just take off with the pack and sprint — but with that, if you’re not conditioned, you can exert too much energy, get exhausted and have nothing left. The group carried us and I felt like we were going at a decent pace.

Toward the end, I’d say the last ¾ of a mile, I suggested we pick up the pace. My body felt good and I had all the energy in the world. He tells me that he’s going to lose his shoe, and I’m thinking GREAT. With the end in sight, he makes me pull over to the side while he ties it up (with frozen fingers). Rookie mistake! Out of love, I do.

Then, like the scene from Stand By Me when the boys start sprinting through the junk yard, I yell – “SPRINT!!!!” If it was a straight run and I didn’t have to dodge people, I would have beat Billy.

Our times came in and he beat me by two seconds, and we were both under 35 minutes.
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Challenge: Sticking to a Diet with a Major Schedule Change

March 16, 2011

Day 29 on Four Hour Body and down 12 pounds!

I started a new job this week and was totally paranoid that they’d think I was some weirdo freak eating every four hours. Well, I survived Day One and Day Two and have been able to stick to my diet. The first day was interesting. We had a team lunch (cafeteria pizza). I ended up getting baked fish — some kind of florentine … although I didn’t SEE any spinach? — and mixed veggies. Someone else on the team got soup and a sandwich so I didn’t feel so high maintenance. And, another co-worker eats healthy and has even heard of the Paleo diet. That works in my favor! I also figured out that they serve fish every day in the cafeteria. So, that’s a relief — although I don’t know how it’s cooked and whatnot. It’s a good fall-back meal though in case I don’t pack.

The results are in
I am happy that I finally lost two more pounds! Last week I was at a total weight-loss halt. I think a lot of it has to do with me eating within the first half hour of waking, rather than the first hour. Granted, I am absolutely half asleep eating eggs, but I think it makes a big difference. I also barely ate beans last week; I am totally sick of them. This week, I’m giving it a go again. Still not enjoying them!

Last week, I also cut my activity out almost completely while my ankle heals. It will be two solid weeks of rest on Saturday. I’m feeling strong and eager now and actually have a 5K planned for Sunday with my cousin and the Phillies 5K the following week with hubs. I talked to my other cousin and he told me I could run Broad Street with my heart alone — like, just because I’m dedicated and strong minded. That made me feel good!

New and exciting
With this new job that’s 40 minutes North, I am in a whole new territory, exploring land like Christopher Columbus! There’s a whole bunch of new gyms, studios, etc. Can’t wait to dive into new classes/workouts and learn more stuff that I can bring to my classes.

More good news is that one my job responsibilities will be wellness for the hospital — my new job in healthcare. (Sorry, I’m not supposed to disclose the company name or location here because of their social media policy.) I was at our wellness center today and it was phenomenal. During my tour, I was smiling, glowing and feeling “in love.” Three aerobics rooms, a spin room, Pilates reformer room, TRX and heavy weight bag room, Olympic-sized pool … full-service salon with threading and even a hot shave for men! It was awesome.
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Is Your Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

March 9, 2011

It’s all how you look at it.

I was chatting with my friend Shaun about eating better and getting in shape, telling him about Four Hour Body, some things I typically eat, and how it’s really worked for me. We were sharing healthy lifestyle ideas and he was telling me that every morning, he journals and drinks a bottle of water. He got the idea from someone else, but he was saying how it really helps him re-hydrate his body after sleep and clears his mind. I liked the idea, and for the past four days have been drinking a big glass as soon as I wake up. I’m happy I started and am getting hooked on this healthy habit.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized the small act of drinking water in the morning can be symbolic of starting your day right — “glass full” with a clear, open mind, ready for opportunity. Try it! Make it a time to be grateful, to tell yourself what you’re going to accomplish for the day or remind yourself of your goals. It’s much deserved and worthwhile time for yourself.

What are some of your healthy, daily rituals?
What are some of your healthy, daily rituals that you’ve picked up from some one else?

Photo by kleinman.

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