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SLENDERELLA61's Recent Blog Entries
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Monday, January 02, 2012
Today I did a 50 minute pilates class. None of the moves hurt my back today, compared to Friday when there was one I definitely could not do due to pain. After pilates I went 3.3 miles on the treadmill in 40 minutes. I did 2 miles of running at 6 mph which takes exactly 20 minutes. That was the first time in months I've run over 4 minutes without a walking break. It felt good.
I'm hoping that the combination of pilates with my running will help my back. Time will tell.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
I thought about reiterating my goals on this first day of the new year, but I decided to share a story of joy.
Would you believe that a salesman has been an important supporter of mine? He's only in his early 20's and he ran a half marathon in 1:11 and a full marathon, placing first in Jacksonville recently, in 2:31. Awesome. Awesome. AWESOME.
I buy my running shoes from him and ask him lots of running questions. I know he gets commission from what I buy, but I know he does not provide the level of support he gives me to all his customers. When I finished my Watermelon Series 5K races this year, he was there, looking for me, and celebrating when I finished. He runs a 5K in 14 minutes and change. I run in just about twice his time. But I know that the encouragement and respect he gives me is real.
He remembers when I came into his store in January of 2011 and said I'm 61 years old and I've never run, but I want to run in the Senior Games 5K. He patiently fitted me, gave me some training advice, and asked me to come back and tell him about my first race experience. I did. When I told him I came in third in my age group he said he wanted to hug me but it is against store policy. I told him I considered myself hugged!
Yesterday when I bought my third pair of running shoes I thought about how much his support has meant to me. Who would've thought a salesman, and one much younger than my own daughter, could be a significant supporter of a old lady who just started running? He's going to be a Komen 10K on January 14th. He'll look for me at the finish. It will mean something to me, too.
I expect 2012 to be a year filled with running and joy!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011 Clean SWEEP Review
Sleep: (B-) I reduced my goal from 8 hours per night to 7 and I'm meeting it more and more often. Intend to continue to improve in 2012.
Water: (A) I consistently drink enough liquids and almost always drink enough water. Plan to keep it up in 2012.
Exercise: (A+) 2011 was the year I amazed myself with running. I had never run; even avoided it as a kid. After decades of being a couch potato, I spent several years walking and doing Walk Away the Pounds. When I came to SP I started adding a little strength training and then joined a gym. I saw increasing muscle definition for the first time in my life. I started running in Jan 2011 and ran my first 5K in March in 31:19, earning a third place in my age group. I ran five more 5Ks in 2011. I broke 30 minutes during the Mayfaire 5K (again earned 3rd in AG) which is the hilliest race around here and it was hot in May 2011. On Sept 3rd it was still warm, but I recorded a personal best of 28:28, again earning a 3rd place medal. I've had to run between illnesses and injuries, and I am proud of my determination and resilience.
In 2012 I plan to run or run-walk-run a 10K and hope to accomplish a half marathon. I also hope to take at least a second off that 5K PR. Will consider a personal trainer or certified running coach.
Eating: (B) The good - I've eaten lots and lots of healthy foods. I don't think there was even one day I didn't get 5 servings of fruits and veggies and I probably averaged 12 servings a day. I've consistently gotten enough protein, fiber, and calcium. Far more than half my grains are whole grains. I eat a wide variety of foods. I've maintained an 80+ pound weight loss. I plan to continue the good part of my eating pattern in 2012!
The not so good - I still struggle with occasional overeating bordering on binge eating. It makes my weight fluctuate more than I believe is good for me. I tend to overeat carbs and undereat healthy fats. I would like my indulgences to be with family and for special occasions, not when I am alone late at night. I plan to lose 2 more pounds in 2012 and then concentrate on eating consistency.
Persistence (A) - I have not once this year said to myself, what I used to say over and over and over, which was "forget it, I just can't do it, I give up." Never giving up again!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
After my half hour on the elliptical, a pilates class was starting at the Y. So I joined in. There was only one exercise that hurt my lower back, so I didn't do that one. The hour and a quarter went fast. It challenged some muscles but was also very relaxing. I don't think I did pilates in 2011 until today, but I plan to include in regularly in my 2012 exercise repertoire.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Years ago I listened to political speeches and figured out what was significant, what I agreed with, what I didn't agree with, etc. I made my own opinions on who to vote for. Then I got used to the analysts and commentators. Often I don't even form opinions until they dissect what I just heard. Is this laziness or what?
Sometimes I feel like I need a commentator for my life. Like there are things going on right in front of me, but I just can't quite see the significance or relate it to my own life. You may know my story. I was put on my first "diet" of skim milk on my first birthday at a weight of 31 pounds. I have often thought that my decades of struggling with food issues grew out of my early life experiences. I take care of my granddaughters now. I suspect there is some kind of lesson for me in what I observe each day, but it eludes me.
The 15 month old loves to eat and to feed herself. Sweet potatoes, peas, and bananas are her favorite foods, but there is almost nothing she won't eat. I have to determine when her meal is over. She does not seem to know when she's had enough. I've never known her not to eat when offered food.
The four year old, however, eats when she's hungry. Sometimes she eats a lot and sometimes not much and she's been this way almost from the beginning. She has definite food likes and dislikes, but fortunately she has likes in every category. Overall she eats a pretty good diet, although left to her own devices she would overeat cheese and sweets and would never drink milk.
What are the lessons? People are different even from the beginning. People/children have different tastes. People react differently to hunger. Humans start out very tuned into food and eating. When you watch children it is more obvious than when you watch adults that eating affects moods and behavior. I suspect that is just a beginning. Where's an analyst or commentator when I need one?
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Member Comments About This Blog Post:
I hope your back improves 
