Still feeling good!

Friday, May 21, 2010

This eating mindfully thing is a challenge, but it's going well so far I think!

**BASICALLY LOTS OF FOOD TALK AHEAD- BE FOREWARNED!**

Last night I took home a couple servings of a home made strawberry shortcake that a lady made from my work. DH ate one and I ate part of one and gave him the rest. I sat at the table (after the first bite or two in the kitchen when I was like - HEY! GO SIT DOWN!) and sitting there I focused on the taste and how I felt and after I had enjoyed some I gave the rest to DH. Felt really good about that!

Dinner was Chicken Parmesan w/ whole wheat pasta and sauce. I make this chicken parmesan which is soooooo easy to be healthy and the sauce is made from a can of crushed tomatoes seasoned. Ronzoni Healthy Harvest thin spaghetti and BAM! DINNER! The Chicken Parm is just bread crumbs (I use panko) mixed w/ some Garlid & herb Mrs. Dash (AWESOME) and some grated parmesan. So no sodium like in pre-seasoned bread crumbs! (WELL except for from what's in the cheese, but vs. using seasoned breadcrumbs+cheese) :) I seasoned the crushed tomatoes w/ the Mrs.Dash also. Cooked the noodles. Cook the coated chicken in a drizzle of olive oil. BAM! DINNER! DH really enjoyed it. :) As did I! Hahaha. I've tracked this before and know it's a reasonable healthy meal, I did not measure anything because I know that the amount of breadcrumbs/parm that will actually stick to the chicken is very minimal and not going to be too hihg calorically. I did measure the oz of noodles before cooking, and of course the sauce from a can. But yeah. Good stuff.

Later on I did have some hot chocolate as well - probably could've done without that. But overall I felt really good about my choices yesterday.

This morning I sat at the table and ate my breakfast.

I AM SO SAD. The yogurt I brought to work today for my first snack had MOLD in it. The date on the container was 6/4/10. I hope maybe the foil top had a break in the seal or something because I have like 2-3 more containers at home that I really need not to have spoiled because that would be so lame. I'm trying this Chobani (?) vanilla greek yogurt - too much sugar for me. I won't be buying it again. But it was much cheaper than the Fage so I thought I'd give it a try. I just don't want to have bought something I like less w/ more sugar to save money and have half of it go to waste so I really could have bought less of the kind I like more! :D (Of course I didn't know that for sure before I bought it but still!)

So I ate my apple (that was supposed to be part of my lunch) instead. Luckily I brought for lunch a LOT of spinach for a salad w/ feta and chicken and I brought the container of feta and salad dressing, too so I can expand my salad easily to compensate! :P

**FOOD TALK OVER!!**

So today is a rest day for me generally, but I plan on doing some ST tonight/throughout the day as well. Nothing lower body - but core and upper body. I already did a set of tricep dips from my desk.

Tomorrow there will be a rowing exhibition as part of this town heritage festival thing so I'm going to go row in that - but I don't have to show up to that until 10:30 which is nice because I'm planning on getting my long run in early tomorrow before that. I'm aiming for 7 miles tomorrow, but we will see. I just want to make sure I don't get injured and my first goal is to actually run for 5 days total for this week - I figure once I get the routine in place, I can work on bumping up a day here and there. But I DO want to get my long runs in a good place as well - so I'm still going to aim for 7 tomorrow, but Sunday's scheduled 4 might be shorter if need be.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SWEETZMIX 5/24/2010 6:42PM

Healthy Chicken Parm, I am going to try that. My BF loves chicken parm and he doesn't need noodles. lol He just likes the chicken. Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHY4CAROLYN 5/24/2010 3:37PM

I would take that yogurt right back to the store and either get your money back or exchange it. I've had to do that before - sometimes it's a matter of how they handle it once it arrives at their store. That always makes me mad - food is too expensive for it to be bad before it's "out of date". Besides that - hope the rowing went great this weekend as I'm sure it did! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUN_LIFT_EAT 5/23/2010 11:19AM

You are such the rowing master, Dana! Look at you, rowing in expeditions, I love it! Glad the food challenge is going well :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BRAVE_NEW_ME 5/23/2010 12:07AM

Ick! Food spoiling before it "should" is a major pet peeve of mine. A waste of money AND it always forces me to restructure my eating plans. Nice job of dealing with the situation though... hope the rest of it is UNmoldy! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/22/2010 9:45AM

So Dana, do you have another marathon in your future? You seem to be training for one, but I have been out and don't know. What's the plan my friend?? Report Inappropriate Comment

BRE7482 5/22/2010 6:14AM

I'm glad everything seems to be going so well. for you. I actually eat Chobani a lot. RIght now the sugar content is okay for me because I compare it to the things I would normally eat for dessert. When I get stricter with my nutrition I'll probably feel like you do about it though. I hope the rowing exhibition and run go well this morning! Report Inappropriate Comment

LAFTERSFREE 5/21/2010 11:30PM

ugh i HATE when food gets moldy, especially when its something i was really looking forward to. we always have that problem with bread, it seems to mold pretty quickly i guess because of the humidity lately. and im constantly trying to keep my bananas alive! i've started buying them in smaller portions and that helps, but too bad i cant really do that for bread (and i dont really like freezing bread!) im glad eating at the table has been working out for you. that chicken parm recipe sounds great. Report Inappropriate Comment

KSGROTHE 5/21/2010 6:01PM

Oooh! I'm going to have to try your chicken parmesan recipe sometime, too. I love chicken parmesan, but I don't eat it often and I haven't made it myself in quite a while. I'm glad the mindful eating is going well for you! I had a HUGE salad for lunch myself, very filling - romaine, shredded cabbage, Trader Joe's broccoli slaw, shredded carrots, plum tomatoes, cucumber, chicken breast strips, and light balsamic vinaigrette. I've got one container of the Fage Greek yogurt in my fridge at home to try soon. I need to make sure I don't leave it until it goes past its expiration date like the last container I bought! I'm just a little nervous about trying the Greek yogurt because it took me so long to get to liking regular yogurt. (I used to be a *really* picky eater!) Good luck with your running and rowing this weekend! - Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLE_TAILOR 5/21/2010 5:23PM

I'm liking that chicken parm recipe. I'm going to have to try that. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 5/21/2010 3:11PM

Like your "not get injured approach"..good choice! As for Chobani, I haven't tried the vanilla one, but I like the new Yoplait greek yogurt. Also, they sell this one that has honey on the bottom and I don't mix it, but instead, just take a little of the honey and pour the rest out- it's not too sweet for me then. If you get plain or the fruit/honey flavored ones, you don't have to use the entire bottom that's in the container. I normally buy plain though- only flavored if it's on sale-LOL. Have you ever got that low sodium cottage cheese btw? I tried this disgusting fiber one cottage cheese ( I had a coupon-figures-LOL) and it was just gross to me.. not sure if Daisy is worse or better, but those 2 I stay away from. I told you, I'm a cottage cheese snob, haha. Anyways, way to go on eating mindfully- my eating is coming along... not as great as I wished, but better than it's been all month- thank God! Enjoy the rowwing tomorrow... oh and thanks for the panko suggestion about the chicken- I've only bought the panko for fish before, so I'll give it a try - for sure. Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 5/21/2010 3:09PM

Sorry to hear about the mold! Yikes! BF and I always wonder what people are thinking when they say they don't have time to cook. Most weeknights, I can throw together something healthy and delicious in less than 30 minutes, which is definitely less time than it takes to order in or go out. Anyway, sounds like you are doing some great stuff in the kitchen. Enjoy your weekend! TGIF!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Feeling good!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

So multiple good things:

1. I put myself first and did not go rowing. I know that sounds strange because I love rowing, but I was torn about going and most of the reasons for going were about not letting other people down. (They had a full 8 boat but a few others wanted to take a 4 also but it would have meant the coach not coaching but coxing AND coaching which is less good.) Anyway. I decided to let the 8 have the full attention of the coach and to let myself rest and be able to put my focus on running today.

2. Either I was rewarded for not trying to do too much today or my hip just isn't actually hurt, but today's run felt great and the hip feels fine. WOOHOO! I went only 3.83 miles vs. 4 but that's close enough for me, especially since there were a couple of beastly hills to run up in the route I chose today. I ran a loop that I usually run most of but I went the opposite direction and changed part of it to a section of road I've only run a couple of times (adding a challenging hill with the different section, and swapping a long slow incline for a steeper hill at the end by changing directions). It felt good to change things up and I felt good running, too. Avg HR was only 165 even though it was in the low to mid 80's and I was tackling hills. Granted max was 187, but I figured it got up there once or twice.

3. I weighed myself this morning. I'm not making massive ground but the number is lower than it has been in a while! :) That is VERY motivating for me to keep moving forward!

4. 2 more meals down at the table -- 3 if you count pre and post workout today as separate meals.

One thing - I DID eat both of my "exception" foods last night. Popcorn and hot chocolate on the couch, in front of the TV. Dinner was weird. I blame that. HAHAHA. My hubby is way into sardines lately. We've only purchased them twice but he's like, they're good for you right? And I'm like yeah, healthy fats, omega 3's like crazy, protein, and I've read calcium from the fishy bones as well. So dinner was sardines on crackers - I bought these new wheat thins flatbreads that were very good bytheway - 30 cal per flatbread. One can of sardines was simply packed in water, the other was packed w/ olive oil, olives, garlic, red bell peppers... "Mediterranean" style it said on the package. Anyway. Dug the Mediterranean fishies ok, the other ones were just there. Tasty enough but not my new favorite food or anything. But I ate all the sardines+crackers standing in the kitchen. Then I made a salad and ate that sitting at the table... and then I was still hungry so I went with my bonus snacks.

But this morning - PB+Pretzel sticks were had at the table before my run and Cottage Cheese + puffedkamut&millet + dried blueberries + honeydrizzle was had post run. Veryvery nice.

I haven't tracked anything yesterday or today so far, but I'm feeling positive about my choices because I am not eating mindlessly in marathon sessions in front of the TV. I'm planning healthy meals and snacks and eating them mindfully. :) It feels very good! I may track again soon or may not... I think I will need to if I eat something very out of the ordinary and can't estimate from personal knowledge. But honestly, most things I eat I have a good idea what's in them. I think at times before I've tracked as a way to say - STOP ENOUGH or other times used it as a way to say - Hey! I have 200 cal left, what delicious goodie can I fit in??? So I'm enjoying this effort to eat mindfully without tracking because I'm thinking about if I'm hungry, and eating with purpose at a meal-type scenario. Anything outside of that setting is very minimal in calories. It may not work but it feels good for now so I'm gonna go with it.

I did not do the freestyle trainer today, but my plan is to either do that tonight w/ weights & bodyweight or tomorrow w/ the freestyle trainer before or maybe even after work. I will see if my DH is up for hitting a park after work tomorrow...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LAFTERSFREE 5/21/2010 9:41AM

i've never had sardines before, interesting dinner, lol. im glad you are doing better and it will be good if you can continue to stay in range without tracking, i have a really hard time with that, my problem is more about the accountability that i lack when im not tracking. have a good weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUN_LIFT_EAT 5/21/2010 9:28AM

So glad to hear the hip is better! Great job ducking out of rowing, I know those decisions can be tough to make. Also congrats on the scale movement! Woo hoo! I know what you mean about small increments being motivational. Small movement is great! No movement can be frustrating. Keep on rocking, girl! Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNBABJR 5/21/2010 8:54AM

I think sardines are in my fish oil supplement, but I don't think I could eat them on their own. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a fish eater. Great news on the hip. I'm glad you're feeling good, Dana! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/21/2010 8:13AM

I, too, like the idea of eating mindfully without hauling out the measuring cups and tracking every bite. It's what I dream of doing in the future. Glad you are able to be there! Report Inappropriate Comment

MDTWEETY 5/20/2010 8:13PM

1. Glad you are feeling GOOD! 2. Sardines 3. I like the idea about eating mindfully without tracking. Hmmm...I may have to try that experiment. I've been on Spark and tracking for so long that I wonder how I would do with completely not tracking my food. I've been doing it half a$$ed as it is because I often forget about tracking dinner. But it's a little scary to me to think about not tracking at all. Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 5/20/2010 6:19PM

Sardines umm I don't like them. But I was looking at those wheat thin crackers today. I wanted to use them for a tuna salad I make with avocados...sOOOOOO good. I may have to give those a try for 30 cals a cracker. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYFYRE 5/20/2010 6:09PM

ewe. I just can't eat stuff that breathes under water, but I am glad you can! keep it up Dana, you sound so healthy! Report Inappropriate Comment

TELERIE 5/20/2010 6:07PM

Sardines on toast is yummy! Especially the slightly spicy ones! Had those in Portugal! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEALTHY4CAROLYN 5/20/2010 5:33PM

I remember having sardines when I was little. My dad loved them - they're actually not so bad but for some reason can't bring myself to eat them now?! Weird huh?! Way to go on eating at the table! Report Inappropriate Comment

SASSYBLONDE69 5/20/2010 4:35PM

I love sardines! I get the ones in plain spring water. After I dish 1/2 of the tin out for the cats, I put the rest on a piece of whole wheat bread and mustard! Yummy! Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 5/20/2010 4:15PM

Awesome news about the scale! And I'm glad your hip is cooperating! YAY! I don't believe I've ever had sardines. I think the BF may have - there is a can or 2 lurking in the pantry. I suspect that in our pad, that's one of those things you don't open unless you plan on sharing with a few very attentive felines! Great job on sticking with the eating at the table! And you reminded me that I have a powerful hankering for popcorn. Oh, also, regarding eating new things and not knowing the calories... I find when I encounter those foods, it's best if I eat very slowly and then stop when I'm full. The other day, I purchased a "mediterranean wrap" from AuBonPain and I was a little suspicious. Anyway, I ate half, slowly, and put the other half in the work fridge. When I had the chance, I looked to see if ABP has calorie counts on the website... they do! And the wrap was something like 625 calories and 29g of fat! YIKES! But I had only eaten half! YAY! So I gave the wrap to BF for dinner that night and got two meals out of one and saved myself from a diet disaster! Anyway, you get the drift... Report Inappropriate Comment

SOPHIKKO 5/20/2010 4:15PM

What do sardines taste like? I've never had them! They kind of freak me out lol Congrats on seeing progress on the scale - always a good feeling! Report Inappropriate Comment

Stupid Running Skirt! GRR!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Well I gave that running skirt one last shot and it sucked today. Falling off the butt or riding up the legs, I had one choice or the other. I tried layering a longer tank so I could let it sit lower and not feel half-naked, but it didn't work. The skirt just kept going down and then the tank came up and I REALLY felt naked! HAHAHAHA. I had put some body glide on the legs in case of ride up and while I still decided to cut the run short, before I turned around to head back I hiked the shorts up and just let it rub. :P Not comfortable, but no chafing at least - thanks to the bodyglide!

So... one more thing to try actually - washing and drying in the dryer to see if I can shrink it a bit and if that will fit better. Otherwise the next step is buying some real compression shorts (the shorts in this thing are fairly loose gripping spandex type material) and gutting it and running w/ my own shorts. Not something I'd BUY it in order to do, but at least a way to maybe salvage the use of something I've already purchased ya know?

But - the hip felt fine! :D Just fine and normal. YAY. And the pace was ok. 12:30 ish with a 5 min walking warmup and some skirt adjusting walking moments included. The route if I leave from my house goes downhill and then uphill back home and that's just mean. HAHAHA.

I ate my dinner last night at the table, not even any popcorn snack. Dinner last night was some brussel sprouts (similar to the recipe I used that I said tasted like good eggroll innards) but off the top of my head, and I was out of sesame oil so I splashed some tamari and called it good. Also added mushrooms. Some chicken cooked w/ some tamari and some rice w/ beetsteak furikake on it for some seasoning. It was good!

This morning breakfast at the table - before I left for my run, PB & pretzel sticks. After my return I even sat at the table to eat my protein bar! :D haha. WOOHOO! GO ME!

I may be rowing tomorrow - I signed up but also told them that if the number was odd, please drop me first. I want to get my running in and it has priority over running and I want to take care of my hip as well so... we'll see how that all goes. The good news is that if I run after rowing it'll be nice and early - cool, nice flat trail to run on next to the boathouse... although I'm getting a bit sick of that trail now it's a good one... just run it a bit too many times I think. And hopefully some freestyle trainer. I think I'll bring an apple and/or some GU w/ me tomorrow to ensure I don't get too wiped out to continue.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RUN_LIFT_EAT 5/21/2010 9:26AM

Dana that sucks about the skirt. Though the dryer just may do the trick. Too bad they didn't put a drawstring in, then you would be good to go. Great job eating at the table. Doesn't it feel more civilized, lol!?!? Keep us updated on the rowing, chica. Talk to you soon! Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

XRAYLADY65 5/21/2010 6:58AM

Congrats on the hip and table eating... sorry about the skirt... never even saw one so have no idea what they are like.. Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEATONCEADAY 5/20/2010 6:01PM

you could also take the skirt to be altered and taken in a bit. dinner sounds so yummy. i love my skirt sports running skirts. i just wish they were not so pricey. the ones at target don't seem to fit me right. Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 5/20/2010 1:32PM

Oh the "joy" of finding clothing that fits well. I know it. You're tall. I'm short. Both are a challenge. You are creative, though, so I know you'll find a solution, Dana. Sometimes I find barely-worn workout clothes in thrift shops. Its not uncommon for women to buy outfits with good intentions and then never use them. If you have to buy more clothes or cut anything up to create an outfit that works for you, I'd recommend trying thrift shops before spending lots of cash. I go to Value Village once a week, with no plans for finding anything, but once a month or so I score some treasure. ...Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

ZMONEY 5/20/2010 1:12PM

Yay for the hip & thanks for the skirt info. I'm afraid to try one haha. A friend told me I need to take baby steps to be more girly, & should try a skirt, but I'm not there yet LOL. Report Inappropriate Comment

KNH771 5/20/2010 12:19PM

It's a pain when you buy something and it doesn't work out. It's good information though. Do you think it's the running skirt idea in general that isn't working, or just this particular skirt? Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYFYRE 5/20/2010 10:37AM

Haha! Well, I guess the verdict is in on the skirt! Sorry to hear it is not working out, I was hoping you would tell me I HAD to HAVE ONE!!! I don't like to spend money on stuff I can't use, bummer! So happy to hear you had a pain free run! YAY! I like the idea of sewing the skirt onto compression shorts, I would think that would work well! Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLE_TAILOR 5/20/2010 10:34AM

That is some definite good news about the hip. Keep that table eating going. Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 5/20/2010 10:30AM

Glad the hip is feeling good. Interesting about the running skirt. I have been debating getting one but I am concerned because I don't have a girl's body - I have NO hips, so most things swim around the waist. Hmmm, we'll have to see what transpires next time I go to Target! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNBABJR 5/20/2010 10:06AM

I'm glad your hip is alright, Dana. And terrific job on the nutrition. Sorry, but I can't eat brussel sprouts! Maybe the skirt will work better when it shrinks? Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/20/2010 9:35AM

Hooray for the hip improvement! I know that you were so happy to have that doing better. Take it easy, no re-injuries, please! I am sooooo proud of you for eating at the table so faithfully! It's tough to break habits, but you are doing it! I have no sympathy for you on the running skirt/skort. Mine are all too tight....somehow they shrunk over the winter! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY_MAGOO 5/20/2010 2:21AM

Yay you eating at the table! That's something I need to work on... future goal perhaps, I'm not ready to give up my tv time, life's so busy right now the only time I have to sit and watch it is during meals... I know, bad excuse. Is your hubby on board with the table eating? dang on the running skirt- maybe it'll work out for other activities if it's not working for running, I've got a pair of pants that are great for doing work out video type stuff, but SUCK to run in. Report Inappropriate Comment

BRAVE_NEW_ME 5/19/2010 11:22PM

Glad the hip is feeling better today!!! I've never tried a running skirt, but I have thought about it... what brand is the one you're wearing (and not liking) right now? Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 5/19/2010 7:06PM

Keep eating at the table. You are doing great. I bet you are used to it already. Report Inappropriate Comment

KSGROTHE 5/19/2010 6:28PM

on eating at the table rather than in front of the TV! Do you think it will be hard to stick to your plan? Glad your hip did good on your run, but sorry to hear that the running skirt isn't working out as you'd like. Keep up the good work! - Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 5/19/2010 5:34PM

Glad the hip is doing good! Brussel sprouts sound really yummy to me right now.. I'm going to get some myself this week. I don't do running skirts and don't plan on them anytime in the near future- for reasons similar to what you are experiencing. They just sound like too much maintenance, haha! Report Inappropriate Comment

EDGEOFSANITY 5/19/2010 5:28PM

I finally gave up on buying running skirts. Now, I buy the compression shorts I like and then sew the skirt onto those =) Report Inappropriate Comment

OWIE!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

So... :( I might have an injury! I'm holding off judgement for the moment and just acknowledging that there has been some pain in my hip but I'm hoping with some good stretching/foamrolling/icing/listening to my body - I can continue to run through it. It mostly doesn't hurt but randomly twinged with sharper pain yesterday when I stood up at some point at work, and today during my run ONCE. But the rest of the time - fine. Just some tightness and a little bit of soreness in the area, but nothing PAINFUL. SO! I'm hoping for no more pain and that I'm fine, but I'm definitely being MINDFUL of that area so that I do not really injure myself.

So today the plan was 4 miles but I did about 3.2... I was running a small loop (.8 miles) and I just was DONE after 4 laps. I think that's my max. 4 loops or 2 out and backs - seeing a place 4 times does me in. I was going absolutely bonkers at the Relay for Life running 10 laps of that thing at a time... ugh. hahaha. Then I did a short round of Freestyle Trainer but I started feeling really kind of nauseated and whatnot - I think I really needed food, didn't eat before workout today was planning on eating after which has been pretty typical for me lately but maybe I need to change gears on that as well cause I seriously pooped out today. Still managed 2 sets each of deep chest press, rows, triceps press, lat pullover, and a couple of planks w/ some mountain climber style movements w/ feet in the trainer. I went to a different park today and found a really great spot for using the trainer, but it's sand - pretty well packed so it was fairly stable, but I am thinking bringing a towel will work for not getting all sandy cause it was pretty ridiculous today. (This freaking AWESOME video on YouTube shows a lady ROCKING a TRX workout while on vacation and she was in a sandy area of a playground w/ a towel so I immediately thought of that - she was doing this cool thing where she'd roll back in a ball and come up to a squat without using the straps, but then press into the handles and jump back into a plank position, then jump back forward (so a squat thrust with hands in the trainer handles) then repeat, roll again - squat thrust, etc. Very cool. )

So far - 2 meals at home at the table. Dinner last night and breakfast this morning -- well, except for a protein bar in the car cause I ran out of time for eating any more at home between showering, making lunch, etc. after my workout. Last night I did eat some popcorn in front of the TV on the couch but that is it. I'm optimistic about this change... it definitely FELT different. I felt... grown up? :D hahahahaha.

Tomorrow's plan - 4 miles. Will definitely be flexible depending on how I feel and aim for a slower speed than I went even today. (Today I had an average of 12:11 including 5 min walking warmup, was aiming to be close to the upper of my "easy" run target from McMillan's chart based on my 5K PR - which is 12:09 - thinking I might need to recalculate those training paces to be a bit slower... but we'll see. Tomorrow I will plan on using the upper "recovery" miles range (the slowest range) which is 13:09.

I'm going to try to stick with these for a while, using 13:09 as my slowest goal pace... but I think I might do well to recalculate using my 2nd best 5K time, or close to it - around 32min. According to the equivalency nonsense that still would put me under a 2:30 (2:27) half and about a 5:11 full - those are really my main goals for my next big races. Under 2:30 on the half and close to 5:15 for the full (at least under 5:30). I'm hoping to see some big improvements in pace before then, run another 5K or little race to give myself a better idea or at least use the half as a basis for a goal on my full, but knowing what paces I've been running compared to those suggestions gives me an idea as well. They say a good indicator for a full can also be your half x2 plus 10% - so if I run a 2:30 half that's a 5:30 full... we'll see. In any case I am looking for a pretty big PR on my next full. Just gotta stay uninjured and keep plugging away!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GAYEMC 5/19/2010 8:20PM

Dana, sorry you have an OWIE! Take care of your self and don't over do! I pulled a muscle in the back of my thigh (don't know how) but am having problems walking and taking anti inflammatories. Not fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

4A-HEALTHY-BMI 5/19/2010 5:43PM

Wrist tendonitis here - it started two weekends ago with the sea kayaking and was aggravated this past weekend with the white water boating. So I'm going to take it relatively easy (I have it in a splint, only plan on paddling Sunday afternoon, icing it frequently, etc.) I hate these injuries - I had the opportunity to go paddle the Black again this weekend and had to decline! :-( Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYFYRE 5/19/2010 4:49PM

Dana, take care of the hip! Sounds like you have a plan in place already, yea! I was thinking about the training with the repeats in scenery, I get annoyed when I have to repeat a section of a run, I love loops better than out and backs, and I really don't like laps at all! Take care, and eating at the table is such a good idea! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 5/19/2010 1:38PM

It's a half x 2 plus 10 min... that's what the running coach told me and that makes total sense to me.. must be close to McMillan, but not sure. I'm thinking about buying the freestyle thing to take to Europe-is it "heavy" -- I have suitcase weight issue limits--- hence specifics would be cool. If not, no big deal. Take care of yourself! Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLE_TAILOR 5/19/2010 1:08PM

Definitely keep an eye on that hip. I have had a muscle that has been bothering me for a while that I am really tempted to get checked out. Keep track of if you do a certain type of movement when it hurts. It may help isolate it. Report Inappropriate Comment

KNH771 5/19/2010 12:28PM

I hope the hip thing doesn't turn out to be a problem! I'm impressed with your breakfast at the table. I usually get breakfast in the car or eat at my desk at work. I was just planning on aiming for dinner like a grown-up. Your going to push me to aim for higher goals! Report Inappropriate Comment

CLOVERR1 5/19/2010 11:02AM

Hey Buddy, when are you all moving to Huntsville? You KNOW I'm going to want to get together more often for some running company. :) (I NEED someone, long legged like you, to help me pick up the pace and run FASTER sometimes!) I couldn't remember which marathon you said you were considering....was it Tupelo in early September? Wanna train together? Did you notice the dang race has a 5 AM start time? I Also noticed that the race director is a David Whiteside...I wonder if he is a relative of mine! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNBABJR 5/19/2010 10:44AM

Hi, Dana. I hope the hip wasn't an issue for today's run. I just listen to my body. If something's not right, though, I get it checked out. You don't want to make a bad situation worse. Good luck on your race goals. It sounds like you've got a great plan! Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 5/19/2010 9:56AM

Dana, I hope it's nothing. You are doing the right thing by listening to your body and backing off. When is the next marathon?? Report Inappropriate Comment

BRE7482 5/19/2010 12:08AM

I hope your hip feels better soon. I feel "grown up" when I eat at the table too lol! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 5/18/2010 11:32PM

I know all about hip pain. I hope you feel better soon. Do whatever it takes to get back to feeling good again. ...Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

KARVY09 5/18/2010 8:59PM

I'm sorry about your hip and I'm glad you are listening to your body! Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 5/18/2010 8:42PM

Great job on eating more meals at the table. I also hope that hip pain does go away and is nothing serious. Report Inappropriate Comment

Hello, my name is Dana and...

Monday, May 17, 2010

... I eat in front of the TV.

I think this needs to change - STAT.

This is where I have these episodes of overeating I mention. I've always eaten in front of the TV - it's rare for me to even think of a time where I've been at home and NOT eaten in front of the TV.

I think building a new habit of NOT eating in front of the TV will combat the overeating. I'm eating good food - my house doesn't have a bunch of junk in it - but I'm still eating too much. I'm not tracking when I'm not at work, and coinciding with the not tracking at home is all the eating in front of the TV.

I'm NOT going to say I can't watch TV while eating -- but I'm going to sit at our table. I know I will make minor minor exceptions to this rule. It's just wrong to eat popcorn sitting at a table. Sorry. HAHAHA And if I'm drinking hot chocolate, I'm going to be cuddling on the couch. But seriously, I think I need to break the association of sitting on the couch, watching TV, and eating. I think I get this feeling like I need to constantly be munching. When I'm busy, out of the house, etc. - I eat better. When I'm at home and "relaxing" I'm consuming food almost constantly. This NEEDS to change. It's worse when I'm alone. If DH is sleeping.

I made these AMAZING "protein" bars for the bake/yard sale. Very similar to my previously used recipe (Heaven's Protein Bars on Sparkrecipes.com), only w/ applesauce instead of water in the wet mixture. Everyone raved about them! But I ate sooooo many between yesterday and today.

I am going to start logging my food on paper as well. I think I need to help rebuild the consciousness that if I'm not tracking it online, it still counts. :P I came to work and wrote down/estimated everything I've eaten so far today and it totals 1200 calories. THAT'S A WHOLE DAY of a dieter's calories in the MORNING. Well, obviously I'm not hungry right now for my usual "snack". When I entered my very light lunch plus a snack for later this evening, I come in at 1615. My goal is to come in close to 2000 calories today.

Yesterday I made myself too late to get to church on time, so I stayed home - didn't run - just stayed home and did some of this mindlesscouchtveating. By the time DH woke up I was full, but then I did eat a little more after he was awake. I was supposed to run 7 miles yesterday according to my selected mileage building plan, actually planned on 6.5... but I almost didn't go at all.

I started getting all guilty and depressed over not going to church AND eating too much AND not doing any chores around the house AND not running earlier and all of this nonsense. Luckily my DH is pretty much the best in the world. He helped me open up to him and he helped me feel better and also decide to actually get out there and do my run. He helped remind me that I would feel better if I did it - I would have a sense of having accomplished something instead of all the guilt and shame I was feeling.

ISN'T HE THE GREATEST????

I confessed to him I was afraid to talk about these feelings because I just feel so stupid for making the same mistakes over and over again - I eat too much, feel guilty and beat myself up. Until I get out of my little bubble of emotion inside my head. You know - it reminds me now that I'm writing about it of something that came up in Women Food and God... something that flipped a switch in my head.

She wrote about how we feelings are an emotion that happens - strictly the feeling that we have, and reactions are the conclusions we draw about what we're feeling. Over time if you have the same reaction over and over again, that turns into a belief. Anyway - she wrote about how people will experience a reaction that is based in the past - and not on actual current events.

For example - she wrote about how someone was feeling lonely because her daughter moved out of the house and through prompting about asking her what was wrong with being alone, she found out that she was tying the lonely feeling to being left alone with a pervert uncle as a child and that abuse and feeling out of control etc. Sometimes we don't follow our feelings to the root and we just get stuck in this panic place.

My guilt about eating to much.... my feelings of shame... I found I was feeling afraid to show DH these feelings because I was worried he'd get tired of dealing with my problems!! I dunno where that comes from, but the reaction that I was getting to that was being prompted by the feelings just didn't make sense once examined in the light. I was getting stuck in a dark place inside my head that WAS NOT REAL. You know? Does that make sense? Whether it's specifically based in a past traumatic event like the example in the book or not, sometimes these reactions - the conclusions based on feeling/emotion - can be debunked if we find out what we're really getting at.

I learned this a while ago when I examined some feelings around not thinking I could go exercise for whatever reason - corporate lawyer trainer was born! HAHAHA :D The logical voice of reason to tear holes in the stupid excuses my subconscious mind was supplying to me not working out based on some basic fear. Was I really afraid of people seeing me do some move and that's why I said I wasn't going to the gym cause I didn't have enough time? (After making myself not have enough time by dilly dallying... ) hahaha. You know? Some seemingly rational coverup reason for the irrational underlying cause?

*sigh* I'm maybe getting a bit too deep for anyone's good right now, even my own, but I am obviously, clearly, still a work in progress. I have great days where my relationship with food is healthy and I feel fantastic, I make great choices and feel like I am demonstrating my idea of a good healthy diet. And other days I eat mindlessly and even maliciously (acknowledging I'm full but saying dangit I want to eat this anyway so I'm going to do it) and I don't understand why. But I'm working on understanding the why. And in the process trying to minimize the damages by putting boundaries in place.

So - new boundary. Food is not a pastime for my mouth to have something to do while I'm entertaining my mind with TV. I will eat at the table. I will not require the television to be off, but I will set boundaries around my mealtimes and even the majority of my snacks by eating them at the table.

BAM! DONE!!!!!!! hahaha. :)

It might be the next step needs the TV to be off, but we'll try this first. I actually think it will make a big difference.

Anyway -- end result yesterday I did my run, got in almost 5.5 miles (so only 1 mile short of what I intended to do), did some stretching afterward, felt accomplished. My run was very uncomfortable for alot of it because of side stitches and stomach cramps. (*DUH*) DH and I went to see Iron Man 2 which was awesome but I did embarrass myself by struggling to stay awake and totally ANSWERING A QUESTION ASKED ON SCREEN TO ANOTHER CHARACTER out LOUD. YES. HAHAHAHA. I was just sitting there and I was like, "Yes" And then I was like - holy crap, did I just say that out loud?!??!? The theater was nearly empty - I think there were 3 other little bunches of 2-3 people aside from DH and I... so ... yeah I wonder if anyone heard me but DH... hahaha.

Today was a rest day from workouts. I went grocery shopping, got some great deals on some meat that I'm excited about - some eye of round steaks that mostly went in the freezer. It's Laura's Lean Beef brand, so very lean, and no antibiotics or hormones which I like. Woot. Also some chicken breasts on sale.

Rowing is switching to a sign-up system for every row and I left before I realized that I didn't sign up and can't email from work, but it's ok - tomorrow I will run 4 miles and do some more with my Freestyle Trainer. Ditto for Wednesday. And then Thursday will be a row and 4 miles running but maybe no Freestyle Trainer. I need to figure out a plan for what I will do with that thing exactly. I watched some awesome videos Saturday evening to get ideas and get pumped. :) It totally worked. HAHA But I still want to have a better plan of what I intend to do - I'd like to use it often, so a muscle group rotation seems to make sense, but it's such a great full body tool that I don't know that's the best way to make use of it. So I'm still thinking on this. Maybe Mon/Wed/Sun? Monday's typically been an off day, maybe Monday's I can actually do some lower body work plus upper body and core on it since it's a non-running day, then Wed/Sun I can do strictly upper body and core type stuff to supplement my run. Long run's are scheduled for Saturday's so Sunday's run will be short ones.. yeah. I like it! I missed one day this week though for this particular plan so we'll see. I might do Tue/Thur/Sun instead...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HEALTHY4CAROLYN 5/19/2010 4:24PM

I agree with you on not eating in front of the tv. Great plans for your eating and exercising too! I think we all go through that "guilt" feeling - I've had to dig myself out of it quite a few times and more so lately. I love your blogs that plan out exercising and/or meals - gives me great ideas! THANKS! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUN_LIFT_EAT 5/19/2010 3:40PM

I quite enjoyed this blog, Dana! Not too deep, at all! Excellent food for thought - HA! Your husband does sound pretty amazing, I have to say. I try to avoid eating on the couch, Jake and I try to have dinner in the dining room, so we focus on each other and the food, or lately the back deck because it is nice out. I think adding "us" time makes it even more special than just not eating on the couch. However, I am bad to eat at my computer during breakfast, lunch and snacks, but usually it is a scheduled snack, I just eat at the computer which probably means I eat more than I should. So are you going the lawyer route with me? Come on . . . Off topic, have you heard "The Wigs?" I have heard a couple of their songs and plan on downloading it. Good upbeat rock, from what I have heard thus far. Report Inappropriate Comment

LAFTERSFREE 5/18/2010 10:49PM

my mom always raised us to eat together at the dinner table. I always thought it was stupid back then, but now i really enjoy eating at the dinner table, and I try to do that as often as I can, even when im just eating something kind of quick. When mark works late nights, we sometimes end up eating in front of the tv, but only b/c that's our ONLY time to watch tv together before we fall asleep! i always feel like i eat less and enjoy it more when i eat at the table. it also gives you time to just talk to the person you are eating with, without a million things going on at once. Eating at the dinner table makes me feel a lot more relaxed, i hope u find some benefit in it as well! i can empathize with how you feel about not wanting to voice your frustrations with sinking back to old habits. I've gone through the same thing very recently, and it is such a blessing to have that supportive person there to talk you through it, love you, and encourage you, AND most importantly, tell you NOT to beat yourself up over things. Report Inappropriate Comment

ZMONEY 5/18/2010 5:38PM

Holy cow Dana, how'd you get in my head?! Bravo to you & DH, & thanks for sharing w/ us :) Report Inappropriate Comment

KNH771 5/18/2010 4:50PM

If I didn't eat in front of the TV or computer, I just wouldn't eat! Looking to change that though. I'm getting rid of the cable at the end of the month. (Just couldn't do it before the series finale of LOST). The next goal is to actually clean off the dining room table so I can actually eat there. Right now it just collects stuff. Report Inappropriate Comment

4A-HEALTHY-BMI 5/18/2010 4:38PM

Wow, do I ever get your points! About the TV being an eating trigger. Yes Ma'am! It's so bad I deliberately do not subscribe to cable. It's so bad that I had to put my laptop in the office so I wouldn't be tempted to watch stuff on Hulu in bed - and then have urges to snack. I have to watch this terribly carefully, because TV eating and night eating are my biggest issue. About the brain going along these baseless, unhelpful ashamed ruts that just leave me unhappy. Oh boy do I ever know exactly what you mean. Just recently my brain has been beating me up about something that is completely baseless - in fact the evidence is quite the opposite. And it does this under the guise of "protecting me from disappointment." All those mental ruts have ever in fact done in my life is CAUSE self-fulfilling disappointment! Strangely I see this now with a clarity that I never had before. Good on you for sharing with DH. I mean, if HE doesn't love you enough to understand where you're coming from and talk you out of it, who does?! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARVY09 5/18/2010 3:53PM

Hope you enjoyed your rest day! We eat in front of the TV too, but I use it as an excuse NOT to get up for seconds. I'm here, I have my food, and THAT'S IT. So glad your husband is so supportive. We all have those days. But you are an amazing and strong person who has come so far and you'll figure it out. i have faith in you! Report Inappropriate Comment

MCHLLEMABELLE 5/18/2010 3:39PM

I can't not eat in front of the TV! It's so hard to do. But this was a great blog, very eye-opening. I never want to feel ashamed of myself for eating...yes, I know I can do better, but I don't want to have such a dysfunctional relationship with food to the point I have to hide my eating habits (been there)! Glad you made it out for your run! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNBABJR 5/18/2010 11:36AM

Dana, I find it so easy to overeat in front of the tube. Especially if portions are not pre-measured. I think you are on the right track, which is the norm for you! We enjoy the Laura's Lean brand here, too. We buy the 96% lean beef and the sirloin steaks. The numbers are very good. Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

LASHERTHECAT 5/18/2010 8:40AM

Oddly enough (and I might be the only one) but eating in front of the TV works for me... We don't use our table (except for a place for junk, or if someone is coming over). I serve my whole meal, then sit down for the evening. I don't get up for more food 'cause I'm in the middle of my show... and I eat slower. WEIRD!! I can see many people are getting a lot out of that Women, Food and God book...I'm glad you have found something that helps. Report Inappropriate Comment

JESPAH 5/18/2010 8:22AM

I think the reason why a lot of people eat in front of the TV is because ..... ... wait for it ... TV is fundamentally lousy and boring these days. Most shows are not fully engaging. Perhaps you could do something else while watching (knit? crochet? sort photographs into albums?). Report Inappropriate Comment

KEAKMAN 5/18/2010 8:19AM

Dana, I applaud you and your courage to talk with us about how you are feeling and what you are struggling to overcome. Thank you! I think the hardest thing I am dealing with is the "why" question....not why do I want to lose weight, but why do I keep going back to the same old behaviors. This won't make much sense, but I wanted to let you know that your blog really spoke to me, and reminded me that there are some things I need to face up to in my life to be able to get it together. Best wishes on the no eating in front of the TV thing - It is tough to break old habits, but I have faith in you! Report Inappropriate Comment

KSGROTHE 5/17/2010 6:16PM

Whoa, I totally understand the eating in front of the TV problem! We have a clutter problem as well, and the diningroom table is covered, so we eat meals in the livingroom, with the TV on. I think the boys will protest if I ever decide to change this. I also snack in front of the TV, and it's mindless snacking. I just bought SparkPeople's stress ball (actually 2 - one for home and one for work), and my plan is to squeeze the stress ball sometimes when I have a hankering to snack while I'm watching TV. I'm hoping this will help me reduce how much I've been eating. I understand where you're coming from with reacting to your feelings based on the past. I think I have some problems with this. I'm glad you were able to talk to your husband about it and that he was so supportive! Keep up the good work! - Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 5/17/2010 6:00PM

HAHAH!!! I am cracking up that you answered a question asked on the movie screen! OMG, that was LOL! OK, back to business! It's a great idea to not eat in front of the TV. When I was growing up, we always ate dinner at the dining room table and NEVER had the TV on. Now, I live in a shoe box and the only place to eat is either on the sofa or in bed if Larry is playing a video game when I get home. I hate it and I have spilled on all of my clothing. I think it's awesome that your hubby is so supportive. At any rate, isn't the point of being married having someone you can open up to? Of course he's not going think it's too much hassle. Didn't you stay up late with him one night not too long ago and listen to his troubles? It's a partnership! :D Report Inappropriate Comment

MDTWEETY 5/17/2010 5:10PM

For the longest time we didn't even have a dining room table. Yes, our little rowhome is SMALL. We got used to eating off of TV trays. Yeah. Not a good thing. ;) We do now have a small table and by rearranging the living room a bit we are actually using it for meals now. I feel so much more civilized. Report Inappropriate Comment

TAMTAM64 5/17/2010 5:01PM

I see you are going through some "growing pains" - :) Way to go in realizing what you need to change & Wow... in taking the big step of sharing your feelings with your husband. That was DEEP! Keep on going... you are doing GREAT! Tammy P.S. I eat in front of the TV at times too Report Inappropriate Comment

NIKIANNE 5/17/2010 4:59PM

I tend to want to snack in front of the TV a lot too. I think it's a super easy habit to fall into. One thing that helps me a TON is that I love to knit or do cross stitch, anything crafty with my hands. If I'm knitting a baby blanket for a friend, it is a pain to stop and grab the crackers or popcorn or whatever that I'd want to snack on. Plus, if it's something greasy like popcorn, I'd have to wash my hands each time or else possibly stain the crafts. If you keep your hands busy while you watch TV, it's (a little bit) easier to stop eating! Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEATONCEADAY 5/17/2010 4:34PM

ooo i am drowning in your deepness. lol. i eat in front of the tv too. i really have to fight not to do it. i often go to bed even if i am not tired so i don't eat. i had a rest day today too but not nearly as productive as you. i want to see ironman too. ds really wants to see it to but i have had to tell him no. dh doesn't like those types of movies typically. maybe i will go to a matinee by myself one day. Report Inappropriate Comment

GOCELTICSGO 5/17/2010 4:30PM

Funny Report Inappropriate Comment