Tuning into my body

Saturday, April 23, 2011

It really amazes me sometimes that I can feel the difference in a couple of pounds on my body - even see the difference. I think this is one tool you miss when you weigh yourself every day - the scale can become a crutch, just as music can become a crutch to running sometimes.

It makes me really wonder at the denial I must have been in to gain 30 or so pounds in the first place. Sometimes I wonder if I focus on food, exercise, my eating & my body too much. I'm sure it can come across that way in these blogs, but this is where I vent & work my way thru my problems so it doesn't really show the whole picture.

Running with music can be a great thing - it motivates you & pumps you up. But it doesn't really let you get in tune with your body - what your breathing is like when you push too hard, any aches & pains that maybe you ought to be paying attention to.

Weighing everyday gives you lots of immediate feedback & for some people it's very motivating. But you don't get as much feel for what it TRULY feels like to gain weight. The scale can show a gain in weight when you're building muscle or retaining water - but both of those will make you clothes feel very different.

I just got to thinking about all this because I've felt pretty in tune with my body the last couple of weeks. I don't always.but I've certainly become more in tune over the last few years & for the most part I think that's a good thing.

I'm not necessarily trying to get you to give up the scale - just throwing out some food for thought.

How in tune with your body are you? Would you like to be more in tune? What do you think it would take to get yourself more in tune with your body?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HALFFAST 4/25/2011 8:53AM

I'm one who weighs every morning, but I don't use the scale to dictate my behavior. I know when I've eaten something (or lots of somethings) I probably shouldn't have, and I take that into consideration. Same with if I'm not eating enough. Where the scale helps me is, like today, I know when it's time to be more mindful of what I am putting into my body. And for running, sometimes I listen to music, sometimes I listen to audio books, and sometimes I just listen. But I do tend to go faster and farther with music :) Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 4/24/2011 9:05PM

I definitely need to acquire more of that ability to be in tune to my body. Occasionally when the right tune is on while I'm working out I'll find it seems to be right in sync with my body...but you're right, most times music ISN'T in unison with one's body. Don Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/23/2011 11:03PM

I don't tend to weight myself very often. I use my clothes as a guide more often (and the calender to make sure TOM is to blame). I do like to listen to music when I exercise, though. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 4/23/2011 8:51PM

One way I am in tune with my body is recognizing when hormonal fluctuations are causing emotional turmoil. It helps me cope to realize there is a chemical cause for my temporary insanity. I am better able to compensate and stay on a more even keel . . . sometimes! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT-WHIT 4/23/2011 11:55AM

Great thoughts! I like how you compare it to running with music. Usually, I'm a no-music outdoor runner. I LIKE to listen to my breath and the pace of my feet, and lately I've been counting breaths in and out to pace myself, and then up my tempo for 20 breaths, then back to comfortable for 60 breaths. It's helped me focus on how it FEELS to run faster, harder, versus at an easy pace. Same with my body this week-- I had my husband hide the scale, so I haven't been on it all week. But I've been eating clean and working out hard, and I think my waist/abs measurements have even gone down about a quarter inch. It's challenging somedays to NOT give in to the temptation to weigh myself and use whatever number is there to dictate my behavior. But I really want to start adjusting to a wholly intuitive assessment of my health and how I'm feeling in this body to determine my wellness. I totally understand what you mean about the denial and out-of-tuneness that I must have been in before losing weight, while gaining and gaining. I kept blaming the clothing sizes -- that they were all getting TOO SMALL!! LOL! What a crock! (Clothes just keep getting bigger and bigger because of mindsets like that!) Report Inappropriate Comment

Freebies & a discount

Friday, April 22, 2011

I didn't really have much to say today, but wanted to share some recent freebies I got. Now, keep in mind that these people WILL try to sell you something health-related & if you're weak over thatvkind of stuff like I am, you might want to stay far, far away. They look interesting, tho.



www.jonbensonfitness.com/

Click on "Lose weight" & you'll get an offer for a free cookbook (it's a PDF, you don't need an ereader). I had a direct link to this from another source & downloaded it. Looks to be interesting but I haven't used it yet.


www.flaviliciousfitness.com/blog/fre
e-gifts/

A free workout (with video), some free recipes & a report. I've only looked at the recipes so far. She's coming out with a program for sale next week, so buyer beware.

I'd been getting info emails from www.getprograde.com for a while - they sell protein powder & some other supplements. When they had their last discount, I decided to finally try some of their products. Pricey, but good.

The cravers are small, but very tasty & actually surprisingly filling. The protein powder is pretty good, but like almost all protein powders, does have a slightly odd aftertaste - does mix really well & not chalky like so many protein powders.

Anyway, use code bday2011 for about 14% off.

As usual, I have no monetary interest in any of these products.

Still following my new nutrition program - had a very small (read: almost nonexistent) Weight loss this week. BUT that's 2 weeks in a row with TOM starting on WI day. I'm still cautiously optimistic.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HALFFAST 4/22/2011 4:07PM

I'm weak so I'm not clicking ;) I did want to let you know I'm FINALLY making the matzo brie/brei (sp?) tonight! Yippee! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 4/22/2011 11:02AM

Thank you- I have downloaded Day 1 of the Jon Benson book Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 4/22/2011 11:00AM

thanks for the links & reviews. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 4/22/2011 11:00AM

Thanks for the links! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/22/2011 10:34AM

Those cravers look tempting...especially the peanut butter or maybe the almond butter. Hmmmm. Now I can't decide. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 4/22/2011 10:21AM

Wow---you find such interesting stuff! Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOOSIEMOON 4/22/2011 8:09AM

Thanks for the tips! Report Inappropriate Comment

Listen up!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

That's me, listening to my body. Today ST was on the menu, only I've been working out pretty hard & I knew that after last night's speed session at the track, my legs were tired (not to mention running 3 days in a row which I normally don't do) & I just know it's time for a little active rest.

My running group started a new speed work session. A coach makes up about 3 different plans from really hard to not so hard & you run them at the university track - my first real track running. As a group, sort of, cause everyone's doing different workouts at different speeds.

I went last week - in the rain. Was late cause I didn't quite know where I was going & all the buildings look the same! But managed to find the group, finally, & join in in the workout. Not sure if I really got anything out of it, but last night I was back for a second try, despite the predicted thunderstorms - at leat it was dry when I left, unlike last week.

The rain held off. I ran with someone I've run with before (sadly, she can't come after next week). It seemed harder this time, and I walked the rest portions which I didn't last week.

Maybe it was the fact that I did run/walk intervals with the dogs in the morning & gave them another short walk in the afternoon. More likely the fact that TOM was starting ( on WI day for the third month in a row, despite being 4 days early one month & 2 days late this month - the joys of perimenopause).

Speaking of TOM, I actually have an app to track it & if I'm very lucky I won't have it during either HM. Pretty please!

These speed work sessions are good for me on many levels, one being that they take place at about the time the LV HM starts - so not my time of day. I may have to drop down my projected finish time even more for the time of day!

As said, the plan calls for ST today. Give me an exercise plan, & I'll do my darndest to follow it to a "t". Give me an eating plan, & I'll definitely try to tweak it. But I know my body is ready for a break. The hard part is rejuggling everything - but it's much more important to listen to your body than to blindly follow a schedule.

Are you a good listener?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEMPEST272002 4/21/2011 12:03PM

Great job listening! I try to listen to my body, but I spent so many years numbing out that it's like my body speaks a language I don't quite understand. Reminds me of French class. I'm just starting to grasp some small understanding of both. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEE797 4/21/2011 11:32AM

Your blog is definitely thought provoking. Glad you are able to listen to your body. Some times I listen and some times I don't. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKFEREBEE 4/21/2011 11:24AM

If you are nice to your body, then your body tends to be nice to you! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/21/2011 11:09AM

"but it's much more important to listen to your body than to blindly follow a schedule" So true. I'm doing my best to follow that advice myself. Three days running in a row is a lot. I bet you do need some rest after that, especially since you did some speed work. I don't expect a great time for myself on the LV HM. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIE625 4/21/2011 9:34AM

Good job for listening to your body! I have to be careful when I listen to mine. My butt has a much louder voice than the rest of my body and frequently my butt is screaming "sit on the couch" when the rest of my body is saying, in a nice polite tone, that it wants to get up and move. Enjoy your speed work. You are SO going to rock your HM's! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYGWEN25 4/21/2011 9:34AM

glad you're enjoying the running. It's awesome to run in a group.. I find it really challenges me to run with faster runner. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 4/21/2011 9:27AM

I try to be! I love that you've become so involved with your running group. Speed intervals are great. I truly think that they've made a huge difference in helping me get faster and enjoy running even more. I do find that it's easier to judge my pace better too. Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 4/21/2011 9:22AM

Yup, pay attention! I'm just so excited about your HMs......LOL. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 4/21/2011 8:41AM

I try to listen to my body, except when it tells me to stay inside and have a piece of cake. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 4/21/2011 8:00AM

Your body knows best, and always a good idea to listen to it when it's whispering rest. Better than it yelling at you and coming to a screeching halt. Report Inappropriate Comment

Thinking outside the box

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

That's what you have to do during Passover. That's what you have to do to change your habits. Do, or die - sometimes literally. They don't necessarily have to be big changes - in fact, small swaps are easier to maintain & can be building blocks.

Normally I give my husband something for breakfast so he doesn't eat crap - at least at a couple of meals out of the day. It's a challenge during Passover, tho, mostly because he doesn't want to think outside the box. Won't drink a smoothie which seems like an obvious solution. Doesn't like nut butters (altho he will eat them) so no PB & J on matzo. Which us what I had fir breakfast thus morning minus the J and plus an apple - totally satisfying.

This kind of thinking in general is what holds him back from a healthier lifestyle.

When it comes to my diet (as in what I eat, not depriving myself) I am much more willing to try new things. Some work and get folded in; some don't. And some might work for a while only to get discarded eventually.

Have you been thinking outside the box or are you stuck in a rut?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DEE797 4/21/2011 11:34AM

This is definitely something I need to work on. I am also open to trying new things at times. Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 4/20/2011 10:28PM

That is something I am working on :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 4/20/2011 6:07PM

I think I am in a rut when it comes to food but at least I am more aware of it thanks to your blog. I like plain things truth be told but I love tasty stuff that isn't covered in sauce or have too many ingredients. For example, my favourite meal of all is just baked chicken, baked potatoes, steamed carrots and broccoli. I need to experiment with new veggies. Thanks for your blog...it has got me thinking! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 4/20/2011 3:56PM

Everyone at my house is too picky and finicky to try anything new. So I cook and try new things, just for ME !!!! I tried couscous for the first time on Monday night, not too bad. I'm all about trying something new and switching things up, keeps life interesting. No ruts here. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/20/2011 10:11AM

I thought peanuts and therefore peanut butter was kitniot. Although my mom used to give us PB & J on matzo. I made matzo pizza for breakfast. Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 4/20/2011 9:36AM

;) I've been eating a lot of the same things lately. Not sure if it's just what I've been wanting to eat (I go through phases - oat bran is very much the thing right now) or if I'm just relying on "safe" foods that don't do weird stuff to my brain. Either way, it's lots of whole grains, raw fruit, raw and cooked veg! So at least it's a healthy rut. Hah. Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 4/20/2011 9:08AM

I find I'm really missing my muesli. It was a hard-boiled egg, fruit salad, and Greek yogurt for me this morning. Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 4/20/2011 8:29AM

It is the opposite at my house. My wife is a picky eater and doesn't like to try new things. I have to force her to try a new restaurant. It is a chore to get here our of her comfort zone. I will eat anything! My wife thinks I'm crazy but I always try our dogs food to see what we are feeding them. Most of them are pretty bad but, I could live on them if I had to :) Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 4/20/2011 8:24AM

I love trying new recipes. My DH is a lot like yours sounds though. he'll try new things if that's what I make for dinner, but his overall eating habits are terrible. It's frustrating for me because if I like something new but he doesn't, I feel very limited in when I can have it again. Quinoa and lentils are both examples of this. I love both but generally can only make them when he is out of town. Don't even get me started on when he eats! Good Luck this week! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 4/20/2011 8:22AM

I figure I have a lot to learn about my body & caring for it, so I'm open to trying new things... and by doing that, I realized that I like cooking & I like snowshoeing (though I am heartily sick of the snow - of which we have MORE this morning. aaaack) & a whole host of other new likes. Report Inappropriate Comment

My iPod hates me

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Well, sometimes it feels that way. Which is so wrong, because I love my iPod!

Now, keep in mind that I sometimes run without it, too. Cause one way to learn how to pace yourself is to truly tune unto your body - how hard you're breathing, if anything hurts, & so on.

I tried to wear it 2 races ago. Only my bluetooth headphones wouldn't stay on my ears. I think it was the winter hat I was wearing with the ear flaps. I suppose that wasn't the iPod's fault.

Next time I took it out for a run, the headphones died after like a minute. Ok, so maybe it's really a headphone problem.

Yesterday's run got slowed down cause somehow it got set to play the current song in an endless loop. I had to look up how to turn that off when I got home, so I sure as heck don't know how I set it to that in the first place. I kept having to walk just so I could put a different song on.

Finally, this morning, the gods aligned and everything was in sync. Literally. I didn't plan to run today, since I ran yesterday, but my new sneakers arrived (delivered just minutes after I left for my run, wouldn't you know) so I wanted to try them out before tomorrow's speed session.

I woke up on time, the rain ended, and the birds were chirping. And even tho it had fallen 3 degrees to 38 since I woke up, I stretched, inserted the Nike+ sensor, and headed out. The first surprise was that the sensor still worked after months of not using it.

I had a few anxious moments when the music kept skipping after I started the sensor, but then it settled down & I had a great easy run with great music - Katy Perry's Teenage Dreams cd - if that doesn't get you moving I don't know what will.

My Nike+ told me I averaged 12:40, but that included my walking warmup & cool down (also told me I walked at about a 17 min pace), so maybe I was running 12 mm which isn't bad for me for an easy run.

When I stopped the nike+ at the end of my workout, it even talked to me. It never talks to me during my run like it's supposed to. Anyone have any ideas? It's supposed to tell me as I do each mile, and I would like to know that. Especially with a race coming up next sat if I get off my keister & register for it.

Gotta love technology when you're not hating it.

Happy Passover everyone! First matzo brei - how I love me some matzo brei!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PCOH051610 4/20/2011 6:02PM

I think I have about 16 songs on my iPod so you can tell I don't use it much. My problem is that I usually would only use it on the treadmill because I like to walk with my dogs and I want to keep alert in case a squirrel needs rescuing! Glad to hear that you have your new sneakers! What kind do you wear? Good luck figuring out your technology...maybe you can teach us all when you learn! Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 4/19/2011 7:29PM

Here's headphones I use which stay put: Sennheiser PMX 680 Sports Earbud Headphone with Volume control & Neckband http://www.amazon.c om/Sennheiser-PMX-680-Headphone -Neckband/dp/B0034L3G8 GL finding the right ones! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 4/19/2011 6:05PM

I'm glad the iPod gods finally decided to cooperate with you. Yay for new shoes!! Sorry, I don't have any Nike+ experience. Maybe this will help. http://forums.nike.com/thr ead.jspa?messageID=325332񏛔 Hopefully you can get it figured out. Matzo brei...the best part of Passover. I'll probably make some for dinner on Thursday. Report Inappropriate Comment

HALFFAST 4/19/2011 4:11PM

I don't have an ipod or Nike+ so I can't comment on that, but I can comment on matzo brei!!! That's the only Passover(ish) meal I'm making this year - YUMMY! So what new shoes did you get?! Report Inappropriate Comment

RATFINKROB 4/19/2011 2:21PM

Glad to hear you had a good run. I must be a dinosaur, it seems like I am the last person alive without an ipod. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 4/19/2011 1:58PM

I love my ipod, but I'm not really savvy, I'm electronically challenged. Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 4/19/2011 12:15PM

Dude. You are totally NOT slow. You and my bestie both always talk about how slow you are when you're running fine speeds! 12 min miles is great. When I'm not racing, I run 10-11 min miles... and I'm sure I run 12-13, too, when I'm at the end of a long run, hitting a hill or just wanting to go a bit easier that day. Ain't no shame in a 12 min. mile! ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 4/19/2011 10:31AM

Happy Passover to you! Sorry, no advice for the ipod. I don't even have any music on mine. One day I'll figure it out. I've only had the phone a year now. lol Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 4/19/2011 9:35AM

Happy Passover to you as well. I had gotten an Ipod Nano and loaded it up with music. Decided it was too complicated and didn't use it again. Recently took it out with more patience. Nope, not complicated at all and incredible sound quality. Love it. However, how can I have gotten tired of over 300 songs??? (smiling) Report Inappropriate Comment

BREEZY85 4/19/2011 9:22AM

glad to hear everything aligned perfectly for you today! Report Inappropriate Comment