Synchronicity!

Monday, September 27, 2010

I love it when the universe aligns itself for you. It's so easy to notice the negative we have a tendency to gloss over the positive.

I stopped at Sports Authority last week. I need more running tops for cooler weather. Last year I tried running outside for the very first time I think in November -- my one & only time that year! This year I intend to be running outside deeper into the winter. But I need proper gear. I have some, but not enough.

I found 2 tops I fell in love with. One was just perfect -- it had everything I love: a half zip, thumbholes, and a pocket. The other was a sort of sweatshirt, also with thumbholes, and lots of zipper pockets.

Neither was on sale. They weren't going anywhere -- there were at least a couple of smalls & mediums in both. I left empty handed; they were both pretty pricey. But I went home and got online and found a decent coupon for the store. That was part of what I wanted to do Friday when I couldn't get out.

So I went Saturday. Next Saturday's race looks to be cool, which is why I didn't want to wait for a sale (plus sometimes when I wait for a sale, my size is gone).

I dithered about the sweatshirt. Wasn't really sure I'd run in it, even tho it says right inside running! In the end, I bought it.

And I'm glad I did, cause it was absolutely perfect for my early morning swimming date this morning. Lots of zippered pockets so I could stow keys, cell phone, license. Even a hoodie that sort of zips into the collar (and it was sprinkling this morning). I'm so glad I bought it!

Swimming was good. I found the pool without too much trouble. DH said the dogs didn't bat an eyelid when I left this morning, which is also good. They're used to me going out early to run, but not to the sound of the garage door opener early in the morning!

The worst part of it is that by the time I finished the high school girls were in the locker room. So there I was stripping for a bunch of thin high school girls -- everyone's worst nightmare, right? Well, of course it made me uncomfortable, but it's a small price to pay to be able to swim inexpensively!

Yeah girls, take a good gander (which they didn't, thankfully), cause you might look like this in 30 years!

I thought getting out of there might be difficult as there was a small army of parents dropping off their kids, but it wasn't a problem at all. Everyone seemed to want to turn into the parking lot I was trying to turn out of, so that made it easy.

I am so thankful that this is available to me! It will be harder to motivate myself as the weather gets colder & colder, but it's not the first time I've gone swimming (inside) in frigid weather. Just not so early!

On the bad news front, the pain in my butt seemed to be getting better, only now it seems to have migrated. I was doing lots of stretching for what I thought the problem was, plus making sure to squat rather than bend over (which I have a bad habit of doing), and it really seemed to be helping. Only now there are some new twinges.

I'm hoping the cross training with the swimming will really help clear all that up -- eventually. Just keep me ok til Saturday, and next week I planned a week off of running anyway!

So how bout you. Do you notice it when the universe aligns itself to give you want you truly desire? Do you spend time visualizing what you want (I do!)? Are you grateful when it happens?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IFDEEVARUNS2 9/28/2010 8:33AM

Thumbholes? Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 9/27/2010 7:41PM

Glad the universe lined up for you on the shirts - and I am super glad that you are taking steps to make sure you can run through the fall and into the winter! While I rarely visualize what I want, I DO notice and express appreciation when things go well....heck, when things don't go bad! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 9/27/2010 2:15PM

I find "putting it out in the universe" really does work. Like when I was looking for someone to help ID wild mushrooms. Maybe it's just being more mindful of opportunities... or opening ourselves to letting others help us... or if the energy of intent can actually make things happen. Geez, pretty deep question! Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANLECUY 9/27/2010 10:33AM

I have feel the same way in the locker room and the gym at the local college that i graduated from. I always feel like saying, watch out, it will catch up to you. :) I work out in the gym there too. They have awesome equipment! I love swimming. You going to do the tri with me next sept? :) Jeanne Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 9/27/2010 8:32AM

That's exactly what happened when my last student chose to leave a week early and I was able to organise flights at extremely short notice and visit England in reasonably glorious weather - can't believe I was leaving there a week ago! Time flies Wonderful Universe! Hugs - glad you enjoyed the pool and your new tops Report Inappropriate Comment

Are you an animal?

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Not long ago I blogged about how we are all mammals -- that dogs do what they get rewarded for, and we do too.

Today I'm taking the opposite stance.

Yesterday, my cats caught and killed a chipmunk. They had just eaten their breakfast. They weren't hungry -- and they didn't really fight me after I took their "toy" away from them (it was still alive at that point, and I was hopeful that it wasn't seriously injured).

Yes, it made me very sad -- and angry at them, despite the fact that I know they were just being cats. Cats are hard wired to hunt, whether they are hungry or not, because you never know how long you might have to go between meals and whether or not the next hunt will be successful.

Ok, so in that way, we ARE like animals -- one reason it's so hard to lose weight is that we are hard wired to want to hold onto our fat stores in case of famine.

OTOH, cats don't eat because they're angry or sad (altho they may eat if they're bored).

Still, how many times have you had the urge to eat despite just having had a plentiful meal? Or the need for dessert when you're not really hungry? The feeling that a meal isn't a meal unless it's ended by a sweet?

Next time it happens, ask yourself if you're an animal. And if it offends you to be compared to an animal, maybe that's actually a good thing.

I said a prayer for that little chipmunk. I told him I was so sorry that he had to die like that. I took him away from the cats, and put him out on the lawn. I petted him a bit, told him how sorry I was, and then left him alone, hoping he was just stunned and would go off on his own. But when I went back to check, he was dead. I don't know if it would have been better to stay with him, or if that would have just been more scary for him.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IFDEEVARUNS2 9/28/2010 8:35AM

I think you did the right thing by walking away. Poor thing! (I mean you, btw. ) Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTH4LYFE 9/26/2010 5:55PM

I have been in the situation a number of times when I continue to eat despite the fact I should be full. Grazing the cabinets, seeking out something to satisfy whatever it is that I still need to fill. Sometimes it works, and I guess that is when I am actually still hungry. Other times it does not work because food is not really what I need to consume to fill the void, emptiness, or whatever else I am trying to stuff. I think if I acted more like an instinctual animal, I might be less inclined to overeat, So am I better off following my true instincts and behaving more like an animal? or is it because I am a person with thoughts, a free will and one who sometimes acts on emotions, that this weight loss journey has as many detours as it does roads? Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 9/26/2010 4:02PM

I can empathize with your mixed feelings with the cats as one of ours is a huntress-extraordinaire. My rule is if it's still alive, I do my best to give it a 2nd chance at life... but I'm not always in time. You did the right thing by leaving it alone. You would have really stressed it by your presence. I have a strong interest in animal psychology and I am always struck by how closely related our behaviour is to other mammals. But like, DAV128, I believe that we have a significant advantage over other animals because we can significantly change our own behaviour through self-awareness. I'm also chiming in with SKFEREBE when I say that you're description of craving sweets after a meal describes me to a T. Something I'll remember tonight after supper. Thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKFEREBEE 9/26/2010 1:58PM

"...how many times have you had the urge to eat despite just having had a plentiful meal? Or the need for dessert when you're not really hungry? The feeling that a meal isn't a meal unless it's ended by a sweet?" That's me to a T! Yesterday, I decided just to FEEL the "emotional" hunger. And, to my surprise, it was over in about 15 minutes. I don't know sometimes why I am so afraid to just feel it and get through it. It would save me MANY pounds. Trying to cope with the sweet cravings by sticking to a fruit selection or fruity tea. Sometimes it is really a struggle, though. Thanks for making me think about it! And may the chipmunk RIP. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 9/26/2010 10:21AM

Your blogs are always so helpful. Thank you. I'll never forget when a past cat - Mowie - got outside (he was a purebred cat who was only indoors) and how traumatized I was when he walked toward me with a bird in his mouth that he so proudly hunted. I was totally horrified and a male friend kept saying, "that's his nature, that's what he does!" I get your point about eating. I have been grief eating since my dear cousin died three months ago. It's gotta stop. Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANLECUY 9/26/2010 7:11AM

Judy, you made me think. thank you. I am sure the animal was more comfortable being alone. You did the right thing. ;) Jeanne Report Inappropriate Comment

DAV128 9/26/2010 5:48AM

Very thoughtful post. Made me think and I have come to the conclusion; "Yes", I am an animal. But I am a thinking animal - one with free will - and as such, I am able to control my thoughts and my actions. I strive to do what's right despite what might be intrinsic to my animalistic nature. Be mentally tough and don't let instinct overshadow your quest for health, happiness and morality. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 9/26/2010 5:47AM

I was definitely a little piggy when I was in the UK - just had to get good value out of the buffet of excellent healthy food and delicious desserts - just didn't exercise portion control - seafood diet - see food, eat it. And then spent time afterwards lolling about like a lazy cat in the warmth of the day expecting to be stroked and admired. Yes - get a grip - get back to tracking and intensify the gym sessions - I'd prefer to be a sleek gazelle, thank you very much - a nibble here, a nibble there, leap for joy and run with the wind I think you did the best you could for the chipmunk Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

Progress, not perfection

Saturday, September 25, 2010

So my emotional stress didn't lead me to overeat yesterday, but I was hungry earlier than DH wanted to eat. Tried munching on some cherry tomatoes, which didn't do the trick. Managed to hold out to dinner.

Only problem was that I was still hungry after dinner & dessert (a planned-for dessert). I was going to eat a dark chocolate Hershey's Kiss. Just one. 25 calories. .5 WW points. I wasn't planning to log it, either, for the simple reason that I'd already eaten plenty for the day.

But I thought about it. Would it fill me up? No, absolutely not. Was I really craving chocolate? No, not so much. Did I truly need more food? Well, sort of, but I also thought about my goal.

I lost half a pound this week, even with TOM arriving on WI day. I will never figure out why sometimes I lose that week, and other times I gain. I didn't eat that great this week. Not terribly, but there were some BLTs in there. And no pushups. Sorry, dayhiker. Progress, not perfection.

One of those BLTs was a biggie: a bag of sweet potato & beet chips over 2 days. Not so much a bite lick or taste!

But that half pound got me to thinking. What if I lost half a pound every week? I could be at my GW in 20 weeks. Less than half a year. What if I lost 1 pound every week? I could be at my GW in less than 3 months -- by the end of the year!

I'm not sure I've ever really looked at it that way. Silly, but there you have it. It's kind of inspiring. I'm not sure how long I can hold on to that inspiration, but for now, I'm going to run with it.

Summer is over. Summer with its loose fitting shorts and skirts and dresses. Now it's on to semi-tight jeans, which don't let you get away with as much.

I know, without a doubt, that I still do want to lose those last 10 lbs. There are still photos of myself that make me cringe. And yeah, I know, there will probably always be photos of myself that will make me cringe no matter what my weight, but I also know that I want to be a size healthy.

Let me say it again, because it's important:

I want to be a size healthy.

What you believe, you can achieve (I've been collecting mantras lately. May change my sparkpage title to this).

I believe that I can be a size healthy -- and maintain it. All it will take is a little focus, and maybe half a pound a week. Ya with me?

Remember: progress, not perfection. Step away from the kisses!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARIE625 9/26/2010 7:59AM

LOVE the mantra. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 9/25/2010 6:15PM

I haven't been able to figure out the numbers on the scale either! I admire your determination and focus. You have it in you to kick those last 10 lbs to the curb! Stepping away from the kisses is definitely a step in the right direction. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 9/25/2010 9:13AM

I'm with ya! Great insights, and I have no doubt you can lose that last ten pounds....and keep it off. Keep this focus, and keep making the good choices (stepping away from the kiss), and you will. Go you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANLECUY 9/25/2010 8:37AM

Judy, You can do it. I will do it with you!!! Keep up the great work! :) Jeanne Congrats on your weight loss. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAYHIKER 9/25/2010 8:06AM

Good thinking and good choices, Judy. It's okay about the push ups! Too funny that I've not been Sparking much and the first blog I read in ages is yours with me mentioned in it. I'm nearing the end of ten lovely days in Chicago and have enjoyed many walks here! Happy weekend, Cindy Report Inappropriate Comment

BILL60 9/25/2010 7:50AM

You're doing great!! Keep it up. Report Inappropriate Comment

I am not mechanically inclined

Friday, September 24, 2010

Warning: long rant ahead.

Today started off well. Got up early for my run (ok, woke up way too early actually & couldn't fall back asleep, but whatever), walked the dogs, did some raking (just raked a couple of days ago -- you'd never know it now).

Caught up with some of my shows. Ate lunch. And then prepared to go out shopping.

Now, most people with dogs just leave. Not me, I have prima donnas. First, set the tv to a music station. Take them outside -- the music cues them that I'm leaving, so hopefully they'll do their business, which they did. Put them in their crates, put peanut butter on the ends of their kongs, give them the kongs and then leave.

Why the whole process? Because Chester had severe separation anxiety as a puppy. I was almost a prisoner in my own home. It took a lot of work to get past it, but now I can at least go out -- following the whole procedure, of course.

Anyway, everything was going well til I tried to open the garage door. Would go up about halfway and then stop. Kept trying -- this has happened before and sometimes you've just got to try a few times. No go. Looked to see if something is blocking it -- nothing I can see.

So frustrated that I now unlatch it and try to open the door manually. It still won't open! Obviously something is blocking it somewhere but I can't for the life of me figure out what it is. Hence the I'm not mechanically inclined title.

Call DH. He is annoyed, and offers to come home, but clearly doesn't want to. Truly, would it kill him? He's only about 15 minutes away. I need to get new sheets cause ours are so threadbare they now have a couple of rips in them. I thought I already had some new sheets bought a while ago, but if I do, I cannot find them (I mean, like bought back when we lived in Austin -- for just such an eventuality).

I wanted to get out to buy new sheets. I don't rotate sheets, I just strip the bed, wash the bedding, then remake the bed. That way I don't ever have to fold up sheets!

So I tell DH no, obviously he doesn't have to come home -- all the while of course wanting him to come home. It would be less an interruption of his day then this has interrupted mine. I had a couple other stores I wanted to hit up. Not to mention now I've totally wasted a couple of kongs. And I've got to make up more kongs cause those were the last 2 of the premade ones.

He will, no doubt, see in 2 seconds what the heck is blocking it. Thank God this didn't happen while he was away (altho this time he got a ride to the airport and I had his car available to me as well). Or God forbid when my parents were here, and then I'd have to be in the car with my Dad (who is 84 yrs old) driving.

Please don't bother with suggestions for things to look at -- the moment has already passed. I'm just pissed about it now.

I don't like to give the dogs 2 kongs in one day -- go out twice -- unless I really have to. Lola could probably do it no problem, but Chester is like me -- he puts on weight really easily and I have to watch what I feed him.

Well, the good news is that it didn't make me want to eat at all. I've got laundry in the washer now, something I wouldn't have time for if I'd gone out.

DH says I can go tonight, but frankly, by then I really don't want to be shopping. I get up early. I'm tired by the time dinner is over -- getting dinner for us, getting dinner for the animals -- all those things he hates to do & doesn't cause he has a "real" job.

And the truth is that I have a good life, and I am mostly appreciative of that. But I also want to feel appreciated. I do sometimes -- but not always, and this is one of those times I'm not feeling real appreciated.

Sorry for blathering on about it for so long. Guess I'll have to tackle other stuff on my to-do list now.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARIE625 9/26/2010 7:56AM

I'd have instantly gotten that "trapped" feeling and started screaming and crying for hubby to come home and let me out. I don't know why but I totally panic when I suddenly can't leave the house for some reason like hubby used my car and keys the night before and didn't return the keys before he left for work, or he left his other truck blocking my side's garage door, or the car won't start because he left the door open and the light's been on all night..... Notice these are all things that are hubby's fault. Dang hubby! LOL I do the same thing with the sheets. Sometimes hubby complains and asks for different set. He gets sick of looking at the same pattern night after night after night. Normally, it's me that gets sick of stuff and has to make a change but if it means not folding the sheets...... Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 9/25/2010 6:13AM

:)) What was it that was blocking the door, Judy? Did you watch for next time - cos there will be a next time As for folding the sheets - I remember seeing Martha Stewart demonstrate this on an old Oprah show before Mme MS fell from grace - I reckon if you google her and fitted sheets, you'd probably find a video/YouTube of it somewhere! I just roll mine like towels Report Inappropriate Comment

DRJJ2004 9/24/2010 9:10PM

I'm sorry darlin..you gave me a chuckle though. I get the same way (pissed :O), it's nice to know that there others that feel the same way. Hope your day is better tomorrow. Hang in there!! Hugs! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 9/24/2010 2:24PM

My garage door does that when it gets cold. One helpful expert gave me advice over the phone that I thought sounded too simple and would never work - it did! Now, San Diego DOES get its cold days during the winter. And my garage door, each year at the first cold day, will only go up about a foot and then stop. I bought WD40 and sprayed all of the tracks, and the hinges and springs. Presto! On another topic, my cats have puppy personalities in many ways that are rascally. They sulk when I leave and are smart to associate even subtle clues. They even know when I appear more dressed up than usual! They follow me to the door and I feel like a heel (smiling), and try not to look back at their sad little faces. I always have the radio on and switch types of music as well as a variety of talk shows (for voices to keep them company). Have a fun weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

JEANLECUY 9/24/2010 2:06PM

Oooooo, there is nothing like being angry at your spouse to help get the things on the to do list, done. I am giggling because i have never heard you use the words "pissed off". I have to laugh out loud! My dad always hated that expression, but I still use it! Men are so self absorbed sometimes. If I lived near you, I would take you shopping! We would have fun too! Good job not going for the food. You want to hit that GW! You can do this. Just to let you know. I do appreciate you. You always listen. You always have good suggestions. I hate folding sheets too. I use flat sheets only. That way I do not deal with the closet thing. But I loved your reasoning. :) Is there a class that teaches how to fold fitted sheets, It is so annoying!!!! I hope you have a better day. :) Jeanne Report Inappropriate Comment

What the heck would I ate if I

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

So today I ran/walked about 5 1/4 miles. It's the farthest I've ever run. I chose to do it on my treadmill, as I can control how fast I go and actually know how far I've run. I'm sure a Garmin is in my future, but for now, that's what I've got. I do run outside, too, but choose to do my long runs on my treadmill.

So another title I thought of was "why exercise can cause weight gain".

Because sometimes it makes you damn hungry! I planned out my day, knowing that a) I needed to fuel during my run, because it would take me more than an hour (yes, I'm that slow) & b) I need something easy on the stomach for after my run.

I chose to have pancakes this morning. High protein, whole grain, healthy pancakes. I nibbled on a larabar during the run (nuts + dates should be as good as sport beans or shots or bloks or whatever, I figured). I drank almost 2 cups of water as I ran.

I had a recovery smoothie/milkshake all planned for after the run. 2 frozen bananas, some kale, 1 tbsp agave nectar, a pinch of salt, 1 cup almond milk. Really does taste almost like a milkshake, you get some greens in, and some easily digestible protein.

Only I was still hungry afterwards. It's only 5 miles, for cryin' out loud, you'd think I'd run a marathon or at the very least a half marathon!

And this is why people training for marathons sometimes gain weight. It's so easy to have IDI syndrome (I Deserve It) when you're working out that hard. It's funny, sometimes hard exercise suppresses my appetite, and sometimes it awakes the raging beat.

I had half an Ezekiel english muffin with dark chocolate almond spread (OMG, talk about something really dangerous). Hopefully that will hold me til dinner! I'd planned all the rest in, the muffin + almond spread is extra -- I shouldn't really be over my points, but it'll still be a very high day.

DH & I had a great 4 days together before he had to go back to work this morning. Sometimes it's hard to get back into a rhythm, and other times everything just works.

We finally saw "Inception", which we both thoroughly enjoyed. DH got his lobster, I got my sushi. Yesterday we took a trip out to the falls I've been wanting to see. Even with low water, they're pretty damn impressive.

There's also a long stairways down to the riverbed, and the dogs were real troopers. Must've seemed like Mt. Everest to them -- even my calves are speaking to me today.

We also managed to find the nature preserve I went hunting for while he was gone, only to turn back after maybe 1/4 mile because now I know where all the mosquitos in NY state are hiding out. It was HORRIBLE! I couldn't take it. I'm sure the big ole stagnant canal there was the culprit. Which is really too bad, because otherwise it would be a good place to go trail running.

We ended up going back to the walking path I discovered instead.

We grilled a steak from the farmer's market, I roasted the first brussel sprouts of the season, and we grilled some corn, too, and ate outside on the deck. And DH asked for another birthday cupcake. I always know something is good when he asks for it, but I told him I personally didn't think he should have it with the rich dinner we had -- but he's a big boy & could make his own decision (which he did -- any guesses?).

The cupcake was, at least, vegan. Which doesn't mean it was low fat or low sugar by any means. At least it actually had real fruit in it -- black forest cupcakes.

Does hard exercise make you hungry? How do you handle it when you're hungry and you know you shouldn't be eating so much?

Do you have a favorite fuel for your runs? Ever dabbled in any home made fuel options?

What about your recovery meal?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

IFDEEVARUNS2 9/24/2010 9:06AM

Oh yes, I definitely have IDI syndrome. This only aggravates the very real hunger I have when I run long distances. I haven't been weighing, but I watch how the clothes fit. One byproduct of all this running is more thighs and tushie. I'm trying to be OK with this..... Report Inappropriate Comment

BESSHAILE 9/24/2010 6:59AM

IDI syndrome! Oh perfect. I have that all the time! Thanks for a great heads-up. Report Inappropriate Comment

KASHMIR 9/23/2010 7:29PM

I would have added in another cup of water after the run, before begining the refueling process. I'm like Geodawg, I am almost never hungry the day of a long run, but watch out the next day if I don't force myself to eat enough after the run! Report Inappropriate Comment

GEODAWG 9/22/2010 6:10PM

When I am exercising hard I do not get hungry until the next day! Today I really hit it at the Y (kickboxing and strength training) so I expect that by tomorrow I will be h-u-n-g-r-y! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUEZETTE-414 9/22/2010 6:08PM

IDI Syndrome....I LOVE IT!! Wait till I tell my DH that one…Thanks! I ran 6 miles today and I'm training for a marathon AND I'm always hungry!! I'm trying so hard not to gain weight during my training. It's NOT easy! Have you ever tried Nutella.....talk about dangerously yummy! I just finished another jar and will have to refrain myself from going down that aisle next shopping trip. have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 9/22/2010 6:02PM

Not sure how long you ran for your 5.25 miles (by the way on that!) But if you are like me, it took over an hour. Maybe 75-90 minutes??? Again, you are lighter than I am, but the "average" calorie burn per mile is 100, so you burned 525 calories. If you didn't eat that many before you took off of course you were hungry! Just to "even out" you had to consume another 525 calories beyond what you normally eat. Now, I am not saying that you HAVE to eat that much, but your body sorta expects it. From my own experience, I can tell you that if you start to make 5 mile runs a regular part of your week your body will get used to them and the calories they burn. You'll find that you aren't quite so hungry the next time! Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 9/22/2010 5:11PM

I think IDI syndrome is why I ate TWO peanut butter/m&m cookies today! LOL! My longest run has been almost 5 miles outdoors and I was a little wiped out afterward and didn't eat as much as usual that whole day. But today I ran a slower paced 4 miles and felt like eating the whole house! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 9/22/2010 4:58PM

I don't usually eat anything before a run, it makes my tummy yucky. On my long runs, I sometimes take some fruit bits or fruit leather (normally Alexis' snacks) along for about halfway through. Since I generally run in the morning, I have breakfast within an hour of my run. My standard b'fast is: 1C Kashi GoLean with 1/2-1C frozen raspberries (or any other fresh or frozen fruit. I also really enjoy 1 small banana and a 1/2C frozen blueberries) and 1C 1% milk with my cup or 2 of coffee and at least 8 oz water. 330-450 calories depending on what and how much fruit I have. For the races I have done later in the day, I'll usually grab a banana off the table to eat immediately and then don't have anything else until my next regularly scheduled meal. I do find that some days I am much hungrier than others though. Today was one of those days for me, my morning snack just didn't cut it to get me through to lunch. But I've been fine since a healthy, filling meal at 11:30. Good Luck finding what works for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 9/22/2010 4:28PM

Glad you found the nature preserve - too bad about the bugs! In the spring, the bugs were so bad here, I ran wearing a bug shirt! Try the park again after first frost, that should kill off the majority of them. As for running & hunger. Sometimes, I'm starving... and sometimes I have so little appetite that I don't eat even when I should. I think intensity has something to do with the difference. Shorter, high intensity leaves me not hungry. Longer, low intensity & I want to eat! My favourite pre-run food is: 1 banana sliced 1 tbsp peanut butter (natural) 1 tbsp coconut, unsweetened All mixed together. Yummy! Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 9/22/2010 4:25PM

Any day I run over 15 miles I eat whatever I want! ;) I usually burn a whole days' worth of calories (1300 on a 15 miler, and so on up to 1800 on my 20 miler!) on those guys so I need to replenish like crazy. I still track and like to keep a small deficit (200-500) but I eat up most of the run. I eat lots of bulky stuff when I get the runner ravenousness. Raw veggies and fruit. Lots of fruit. Looks of cooked broccoli, huge helpings of brussels sprouts, oatmeal, whole grain cereal, sprouted bread. I feel like a bottomless pit those days and tossing fiber and protein down me seems to help. I love my tofu pudding where I eat the whole box of mori nu - 120 calories but the 20 grams of protein and the sheer mass of the stuff makes me feel full for a while. I really like chocolate or vanilla GU on long runs. It tastes like icing! I also like medjool dates or dried apricots. Careful with the apricots, though. Make sure you can handle the fiber or you might end up with runner's trots - NOT fun! Medjools are safer. I also really love dried cantaloupe. It's super sugary sweet (due to being sugar soaked before drying) so it's like a shot of glucose to the muscles. After a run I like chia overnight oats with banana soft serve or frozen banana, almond milk, rice protein, defatted PB, spinach shakes. And then I eat a real meal a bit after that if it's a long run. Shorties of 5-8 miles I just do the normal breakfast routine. If I run after work I'll eat my dinner shortly after I get home. I hit the door, stretch and start cooking. Sometimes I'll plan to eat an apple or Lara or something while I cook since I can be very hungry after working all day and then running. If you're looking save calories, try removing the sweetener from your smoothie. I do about 60 grams (roughly half) a frozen banana, cup of unsweetened almond milk and no other added sugars and it's still plenty sweet. The bananas do a great job. If I am really hungry and use more bananas, I really don't need sweetener. With two in there you won't miss the agave, IMO. I never add anything to my smoothies except perhaps a few drops of stevia if I'm using all tart berries or something. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 9/22/2010 3:21PM

Sounds like a great 4 days off and some great food too. I do get really hungry after exercising, I drink a lot of water with my after exercise meal or snack, so I feel full. I don't really eat anything in particular, it's usually dinner after kickboxing and body sculpting class. On mornings I run, it's usually a bowl of Total cereal and some fruit. I'm not a big eater, just at dinner, within calorie range of course. Hope you enjoy your day. Good job on the run. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 9/22/2010 3:07PM

Oh my, I now know the name of what I have - big time - IDI Syndrome!!!!! And the worst part of it, I don't seem to be in search of a cure. Report Inappropriate Comment