DL
In college I converted 50 pounds from my ass into many runs at night. I haven’t ran anywhere near as much in Nashville but have been able to maintain my weight with the same effort. But after Nolan arrived I have ran even less. My weight has been climbing slowly and now that the weather is cooler, I’m in the mood to run again.
I’m committing myself to running MWF nights and assuming I will experience other forms of exercise on the weekends like bike rides or longer walks.
After a great first week back I replaced my 2-3 year old running shoes with some bright Nike Free running shoes that arrived last weekend. I chose to move down from a size 15 to 14 but now believe I should be wearing a 14 wide. Anywho, the shoes are tigher than my last pair but it feels good to have that lateral support.
After Monday’s run I noticed some discomfort in my right hip and after Wednesday I felt pairs popping up in my left foot’s ball, right calf, and right hip. On Friday I set out in the early evening to make a loop around McCabe and it was a disaster. My spleen was screaming. All previous pain points were pulsating. I was a mess and walked miles back home defeated and disappointed.
I saw a blurb during purchasing the shoes that mentioned the shoes are not like traditional shoes and to read some suggestions. I didn’t but took what I remembered from the chapters I could stomach in Chi Running. Monday & Wednesday’s runs were some of my best. I felt faster than ever and saw progress in my interval routines which is why Friday hurt me mentally.
So I’m taking the weekend off as planned. I’m not sure what I’ll do Monday, perhaps a long walk to break in the shoes some more.
I’m browsing the web tonight to read more about technique and read a opinion that matches my own, these shoes are more comfortable when you run fast. A show jog is jarring but a fast, light-footed run feels great.
I ran a mile last night in under 8 minutes. Then my knee said, “What the fuck are doing?! I’m going to throw a tantrum.”
It threw one the other night after a mile in.
My knee hurts pretty bad today but knowing I kicked ass last night in the short time I was able to makes me feel good.
Wanted: Good Routine
I left work at 5 tonight. I had the kitchen cleaned up by 7. Then played with Nolan, emailed mother, and did some data organization before jogging till 10. It was a glorious evening.
Over the last two weeks I haven’t arrived home till 7, which can push back relaxation until 8:30, at best. We have all been heading to bed at midnight when Nolan decides he is done with the day. That late night makes it very difficult to get up at 6 to exercise while staying alert throughout the day.
I’ve felt lethargic and fat lately. I have only ran a few times since Fall and tonight I decided to make time for running at 9 o’clock, just like I did in Carbondale 3 years ago. It is a great time to run, especially in the South. On off nights I plan to walk with “the family.” (I love saying that.)
Beth & I feel like we’re getting into a routine, even with its common hiccups. We know that we can’t plan perfectly around Nolan but we’re identifying chunks of time we can allocate for ourselves. I’m proud to share that have Beth & I made a point to make time for ourselves. Shopping or biking for a few hours is a necessary getaway even with him. I think my MWF 9-10 chunk will fit in nicely with his routine.
I mentioned hiccups. He is usually sleeping when I leave for work after 8. Last week he was up early at 6:30 so I got to spend some time before work with him. It was almost perfect but he squealed as I was in the shower so Beth got up anyway.
New shoe smell (Taken with instagram)
Nike sent an email this morning with a 20% off clearance merchandise coupon so I’m going to replace my running shoes.
I ran today for the first time in a month. It was as lame and painful as it always is when I take a break.
What part of my brains says “It feels like 23 F outside with 10 mph winds. I want to go running.” Fat and Skinny Tyler have a mental battle most mornings.
40 degrees in October in TN? Yuck!
This is a RunKeeper FitnessAlert to let you know that you achieved the following milestones with your most recent running activity:
- Beat last week’s total distance
Stop!
Nashville, we need to talk about your terrible habits of running on roads and cycling on sidewalks. Stop this now!
Today a coworker said, “Are you still losing weight?” I also hear this question from family and I’m officially ending it now by sharing facts about my weight, activities, and appetite.
This graph represents the 45 pounds I removed (I don’t want them back so “lose” doesn’t feel correct) before my wedding. I didn’t have a specific weight I was aiming for and I definitely didn’t tie my lifestyle change to my upcoming wedding. The journey just fell into this time frame. I started recording my weight on 2/1/2007 at 236 pounds. 14 months later I measured 191.4 pounds, just shy of a 45 pound difference. I peaked at 198 last winter and am currently & consistently under 190 pounds.
There is no secret. I ran. I ate less food. I ate better food. I took the stairs. I drank a lot of water. I continued to eat a lot of cheeseburgers and burritos. I still do all of these things because I changed my life, not adopted a diet.
I get upset when people talk about my weight because it rarely comes without disbelief and negativity. After being near my current weight for years, people still believe I’m losing like an anorexic teenage girl. Then I’m not believed when I pretend to be flattered and explain that I am not losing weight. I suggest saying, “You look fit” the next time you want to complement a person’s weight. And don’t question their statements.
I’m not overreacting. These questions have been problems for me since I reached the bottom of this chart. It is intended to flatter but that no longer is the result. From this point forward I will not entertain any conversation about my weight until it actually changes. Expect to hear answers like “Why yes! I’ve lost another 50 pounds for less wind resistance on my bicycle.” or “Why yes! I’ve gained 50 points. The Twinkies this year are particularly delightful. May I suggest the vintage 2002 packages?”
Don’t be mad if you talked to me about my weight in the past; I appreciate those initial comments. I am very proud of the progress I made but the progress has stopped. I have arrived at a weight I’m comfortable with. 185-190 pounds is now me and has been for years.
An Apology & Injury
- This morning I played music over a pair of speakers at their maximum volume. I felt bad until I remembered that the neighbors flanking our loft are elderly and have been up longer than I have.
- The outside edge of my left foot, near the arch & ankle border, hurts. Beth reminded me that I should have replaced my shoes hundreds of miles ago. I wonder if riding to work in dress shoes should be blamed.
Dear Nashville,
I understand that it looks like I urinated with my shorts on. I am mostly certain it was from sweat. Nevertheless, please stop staring at my kibbles and bits.
Love, Tyler
When I see that I burned 643 calories running this morning I visualize how many treats that bought me.
Lazy May
The distance I ran in May was down 44.3% from April. Cycling was down 79.5%. Spending three weekends at home home cut down on long bike rides. I don’t have a running excuse. I slept in too many mornings.
