MAMADWARF   34,975
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super small steps and somethung to think about

Saturday, August 25, 2012

You know how I have always said I have no interest in running? How I don't want to, never have and never will? I dont know what happened but the other day I read a spark article about starting to run. How you could run a mile, straight. I was thinking no way..I sure as heck don't want to run but I read it anyway. It said its a 4 week program where the first week you walk 4 minutes then run 1 minute then repeat and then the next week you walk 3 minutes run 2 etc....

It said you have to commit to this program for 4 or 5 days a week.

Gave me something to think about. Do I want to run? Do I want to run a mile. Is it different if I call it jogging. What about my knees? And my back?

Yesterday at the races, I went walking through this beautiful fairground's in the trees. I was walking and then I thought, I wonder if I could even run a full minute? So I got my stopwatch and I jogged (where noone could see me cause it wasn't pretty!!) And I made it to a full minute. Then I walked for 4 minutes and did it again and it was harder but I made the minute. It is my little secret but I'm telling you.

I jogged for 2 minutes yesterday, lol. Talk about small steps.

I'm thinking about whether I want to make this a challenge for myself to run aMile straight and do this program for 4 weeks. I will let you know What I decide.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUSIEQ911 8/30/2012 4:59PM

    I felt the same way.

Once I started I don't want to stop. I love it.

I'm going to attempt my farthest ever tonight 4 miles. Longest so far is 3.2. I know I can do it.

You can too!

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STRIVER57 8/29/2012 5:09AM

    as another person who started with 30 seconds of running ... did not expect to like it ... and fell in love with it ... and it will help your tennis too (and i agree with Carol that maybe you should take a class and find a partner) ...

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CANNIE50 8/27/2012 2:49PM

    No one will cheer you harder than I will, Jan. When I began running, my goal was to run a few minutes at a time, and work my way up to running 20 minutes at a time. I could not imagine running that long. Yesterday my best friend and I ran for miles and miles - so, yes, it works. Running a few minutes at a time, over and over, is exactly the place to start. Running is not pretty (for most people) and it isn't supposed to be pretty. Running is tough and sweaty and natural and is better than therapy. One theory is that people fall in love with running because it feels so good when you are done - works for me......So, go fall in love with running, a minute or two at a time, and if you don't fall in love? Time spent in pursuit of love is not wasted. emoticon with love, me

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BAYBELIEVER 8/27/2012 1:38PM

    I remember doing that too! And I hid in the woods too and was terrified someone else might come along the path. Good for you! It doesn't mean you have to turn into a runner, but isn't it nice to know you can move that fast!

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FITNFABMICHELLE 8/27/2012 8:24AM

    That is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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DAISY443 8/26/2012 3:06PM

    Hope it works for you! I'm thinking you're going to love it!

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SARAWALKS 8/26/2012 11:41AM

    Heh heh heh, I did this program and I'm so glad I did!
You just never know, you MIGHT be a runner, you'll never know til you try!
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BUBBLEJ1 8/26/2012 3:19AM

    Awesome job on the 2 minutes running! EVERYONE, even marathon runners, have to start somewhere!

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THREEE 8/26/2012 1:04AM

    FANGFACEKITTY said it...you've done 2 minutes more than i have...my knees and my weight will not allow(and probably my ankles)...but i could do that with walking and 'resting'--i just need to be WILLING

more power to you...it's a 'step' further in the right direction...

i'm proud of you for continuing to 'stir it up' for yourself until you find what works...it reminds the rest of us that it is NOT all or nothing...it is "SOMETHUNG"!!! emoticon

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FANGFACEKITTY 8/25/2012 7:25PM

    That's 2 minutes more than everyone still sitting on the couch! Way to go!

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PAMATX 8/25/2012 6:49PM

    That's pretty cool! I never had an interest in running until I tried C25K. When I learned I could actually do it, I started to get interested. I think you're exactly right, it's achieving something we thought was out of our reach that makes it tantalizing.

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CELLISTA1 8/25/2012 5:57PM

    You never know... I say do it, and if something hurts, stop. You were loving tennis, so if this doesn't work out, go back to tennis. If nobody in your family wants to play with you, take a class and meet people who are looking for someone at their level to play with. I have a good feeling about this - something is gonna happen!

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EARTHMOTHR 8/25/2012 4:15PM

    Good for you!

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NOTABOUTHEFACE 8/25/2012 3:55PM

    Good for you! It doesn't mean you have to become a "runner" but you certainly can run if you like! :-)

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EMMANYC 8/25/2012 3:51PM

    Give it a try! You might have fun. But feel free to adapt the program to suit yourself. I have run-walked a half marathon, and have done 8 races in 2012, and I still don't run more than 4 minutes at a time. (I run those 4 minutes pretty fast, but I take 30-45 second walking breaks.) It's better for my back and other body parts.

I also don't run 4-5 times per week. I have back trouble from time to time, and various other issues, and I find that I need to limit myself to running every 3rd day, so I follow a 3-day cycle. I run on day 1, do some kind of cross-training cardio on day 2 (e.g, elliptical) with strength training, and I take a break on day 3.

So I'd suggest that you look at the program you've found as an upper limit as to how quickly you progress, but feel free to cut back the days a bit and progress at a slower pace if you want to. You will still be a runner when you finish the program.

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HEALTHYASHLEY 8/25/2012 3:29PM

    I am really happy for you! I found I just am not able to run with my knee and disc issues but I admire anyone will to try. So proud of you!

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HEALTHYASHLEY 8/25/2012 3:29PM

    I am really happy for you! I found I just am not able to run with my knee and disc issues but I admire anyone will to try. So proud of you!

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GRACEISENUF 8/25/2012 3:22PM

    I say go for it and I will cheer you on Jan.

I did give running my best effort but my back said "NO". I took baby steps and did all the steps to give it the best shot I could. I was sorely disappointed but it sure did make me appreciate my ability to walk and even speed walk all the more. I have many spark friends who are runners and I am so very proud of them. It just wasn't for me...at least not right now.



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gluten free/celiac?

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

My 30 year old niece was just diagnosed with celiac disease. What s your best advice or resource that I can pass on to her?

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GRACEISENUF 8/24/2012 1:48PM

    Web md is a good site for info.

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ABGIRL14 8/22/2012 2:24PM

    I have celiac diease and although I have only been gluten free for a few months now I think the absolute best advice to give her is that it is not the end of the world trust me!!! I thought it was going to be aweful, but I actually use most of the recipes that I had before just with gluten free rolled oats and flour they are slightly different, but even my family and my boyfriends family have to ask if it is gluten free if I make something and don't eat any of it in front of them. This is the flour mixture I use:

3 cups rice flour
3 cups brown rice flour
2 cups potato starch (not flour)
1 cup tapioca starch
Optional
xanthan gum (see directions) or guar gum (see directions) Directions:
1
Sift flours together, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2
Use to replace gluten-containing flours in most recipes. If you're using it to make cakes, add 1 teaspoons xanthan or guar gum per cup of flour mix. For breads or pizza, add 2 teaspoons xanthan or guar gum per cup of flour. For cookies, latkes and other recipes, use no xanthan or guar gum or just add 1 teaspoons per cup of flour mix.

There are hundreds of flours to try some you will like working with some you won't I hated gluten free cooking/baking until I discovered I just don't like millet flour so most times I just use a recipe I have with this flour mix and sometimes you need a bit more flour then called for or more liquid but it is just about experimenting. I also found that rather then making banana muffins or something if you make banana oatmeal then you use less flour and it tastes even more like regular food! (make sure the rolled oats are gluten free too though)

Sorry for saying so much I just know it can be so hard and overwhelming at first I found out right before my 21st birthday. If you have anything else you want to know just send me a message I'm always up to help someone out

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MADEMCHE 8/22/2012 7:46AM

    If you have a health store in your area, go there. They typically have experts, and usually several of the employees are celiac so they will be able to answer all your questions. Walk you through the gluten free aisles, mention which products they like best and give handy tips. Good luck to her!

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_COSMOPAULATAN_ 8/22/2012 7:18AM

    If you have a local co-op, they would probably be willing to walk you through and give you a tour. While GF has become a "trend" lately, it's serious business for celiacs. We specifically have GF called out on our products for that reason. There ARE lots of options, but they don't all taste great and it does take education. If she is of age, she should google different celiac groups in your area. They will be a wealth of support. Luckily, celiac is manageable but sorry you are going through something again!

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DJ4HEALTH 8/22/2012 1:18AM

    read all labels and that includes shampoos and other stuff that you put on your body too. Learn the names of all the wheat that they like to use. Also when in doubt don't eat or use.

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what did you eat for breakfast today?

Monday, August 20, 2012

I ate 2 eggs, 2 peices of precooked Bacon, a tiny bit of shredded 2% cheese, a handful of fresh spinach and a slice of reduced calorie wheat toast. 290 calories! Woot!

How did you start YOUR day?

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GRACEISENUF 8/24/2012 1:47PM

    I was at Disneyland so I packed a banana and some snacks.

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TERRYT55 8/23/2012 1:38AM

    My favorite breakfast is non-fat plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries, a tbsp of almonds and sprinkled with Fiber One cereal. Yummy!

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JITZUROE 8/21/2012 3:09PM

    That sounds so yummy! Especially those pig parts : ))))))
I had egg beaters and some strawberries. Oh yeah, and about a bucket's worth of Peets coffee..... Yummmmm

Happy Day!
Bren

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MT-MOONCHASER 8/20/2012 8:49PM

    My usual banana, 6 oz. orange juice w. 2 TBS Hodgson Mill wheat germwith cinnamon & milled flax seed mixed into it. Also an egg salad wrap. Comes in at about 480 cals.

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DAISY443 8/20/2012 1:08PM

    1 piece of wheat toast, 1 egg fried in nonstick skillet with no fat, 2 pieces of low sodium bacon and one slice of American cheese.

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CELLISTA1 8/20/2012 12:57PM

    Moroccan olive bread topped with goat cheese, avocado, and tomato: 300 calories.

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MISSB8604 8/20/2012 12:40PM

    I'm going to have some apples and cinnamon oatmeal w/ my usual 2 liters of water! YUM! emoticon

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FITNFABMICHELLE 8/20/2012 12:14PM

    YUMMO!!!!!!!!!! :)


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SRBSRB26 8/20/2012 12:02PM

    I ate one piece of bread with hummus, shredded wheat cereal with soy milk and Greek Yogurt!

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BETHYB1981 8/20/2012 11:58AM

    .75 cup of cheerios; .75 cup of non fat lactose free milk; 1/2 banana.

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Sunday check in #6

Sunday, August 19, 2012

So, my friends, it has been 6 weeks since we have begun checking in on Sundays. I look forward to it!

How are you doing? I am apparently still in my maintenance mode. I KNOW I need to step up the exercise and I am going to make a workout plan for this week to commit to.

But what I want to know is....

WHAT do you need to do to keep making progress?

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MELLYBEANS0919 8/20/2012 11:05AM

    I made a plan, but am finding it very hard to stick to it. I guess my action plan this week is to do my best to stick to it more often then not. Also be consistent.


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THREEE 8/19/2012 11:05PM

    i need the fruits and vegies that i buy to actually not be brown(grapefruit--yuk!)
so i can get back to my improved eating habits with at least 5 a day...everyday...

and it IS good to have this weekly check in with you, m'deah...

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MYOWNHERO 8/19/2012 2:51PM

    To keep making progress I plan to step up the ST. Rawr!

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1CRAZYDOG 8/19/2012 12:24PM

  Plan your work and work your plan. Too easy to make excuses to avoid doing what you need to do. Too easy to think, "Oh , this once won't hurt" (truthfully, it probably WON'T, but it sets up the spiral into bad habits . . . agian.) That's my view of maintenance, for what it's worth.

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TADTURC 8/19/2012 11:21AM

    Im joining SparkCoach this wk. My trial is up in a couple days and I plan on signing up for it. It provides just a bit more motivation and support that I need sometimes. In the last wk Ive FINALLY stepped up my game on making better food choices. Exercise is the easy part right now. So here's to a better wk!

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Did you ever notice

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Ever notice how when someone wants to talk to you, it really means "I want you to agree with me and if you don't,your opinion is invalid and I may or may not be mad at you"?

Yea me too. Apparently I got the memo late and just realized this.

Well, will keep that in mind and Either choose A. Agree outside while maintaining my point of view on the inside or B. Give my opinion anyway, and hope for the best.

I guess this is a case by case basis. I hate learning new things.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NINJA_SMOO 8/20/2012 10:53AM

  Sort of off track, but my favourite similar thing is when someone asks you a question because they want you to ask it back. For examle, they don't really care what you're doing on the weekend, they just want to share their plans.

Back on topic, I completely agree. I think often people just want their opinion validated and that's why they'll completely ignore others who disagree. They're not actually looking for advice or your opinion.

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THREEE 8/19/2012 11:02PM

    wellll...at least you know you are not an old dog emoticon

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DAISY443 8/19/2012 3:38PM

    One of life's hardest lessons for me it to pick my battles! Good luck!

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MYOWNHERO 8/19/2012 10:22AM

    I like Diane7786's option C. Sometimes I'll add a bit of "change the subject by going off on an obscure tangent until they think you're a loon". Then they wander off.
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AAAACK 8/18/2012 7:55PM

    Gosh, I didn't know you knew my family!
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SKY2012 8/18/2012 6:53PM

    you are too funny LOL

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1CRAZYDOG 8/18/2012 6:40PM

  DIANE 7786 took the words out of my mouth!!!! I quite often go with option C -- give a neutral answer since, what I sould say isn't going to change their opinion anyway. This way you've listened and not started a conflict.

Now, if it is something morally @ issue, I would not hesitate @ option B -- tell 'em outright what I think and hope for the best.

Interesting, thought provoking blog. Thanks!

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MAMADWARF 8/18/2012 6:35PM

    A is easiest and I'm inclined to go that route to keep the peace but if I think i'm right, or I'm passionate about the subject matter, I will argue to the death. If I am giving very non Committal answers and you insist on dragging my opinions out of me, be prepared. You would think people closest to me would know this. Oh yea, first thing in the morning is NEVER a good idea. They should know that too.

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BADASSBLONDIE 8/18/2012 6:17PM

    I feel like it's very person specific. A sign that I really feel respected by a friend is when I can choose B and not fight ensues.

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DIANE7786 8/18/2012 6:10PM

    There is an option C. In my experience people who say they want to talk really want someone to listen. Often they don't ask my opinion. Sometimes they don't notice that I haven't said a word. They keep talking! There's no reason to get into an argument when I know my thoughts won't change their opinion or if the outcome doesn't affect me. I say things like, "That's interesting" and "I see your point" without saying I disagree. When I have to, I find at least one thing about the topic that we can agree. Politics? The candidate has cute kids! If a topic really matters I'm great at Option B but most times the drama isn't worth the effort.

Comment edited on: 8/18/2012 6:13:45 PM

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GRACEISENUF 8/18/2012 5:54PM

    Hold onto what you know is right and when correction comes and it is in your best interest God will show you that a change needs to be made. Trust in him cuz he will NEVER let you down but he says people will, as we are all imperfect.

It is always hard for me to hold my tongue and not argue my viewpoint. :) Guess that's why I need God 24/7.

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SARAWALKS 8/18/2012 5:46PM

    I have been taking the easy way out for most of my life but nowadays I am trying B. It is sometimes worth it. emoticon

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HEALTHYASHLEY 8/18/2012 5:42PM

    A is easiest but that is the problem. I am not going to be bullied into something because it is easy. This is why there is so much fighting on FB now. Suddenly you can no longer have an opinion without being viciously attacked for disagreeing.

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TRIXYMAHOGANY 8/18/2012 5:38PM

    A friend I'd known for years recently started forcing me to agree with him whenever we talked, even if he was flat-out wrong (in a factual sense) so I know how you feel!

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LTMURPHY7 8/18/2012 5:37PM

 

"A: is probably easiest

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