Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2017: Relentless Forward Progress

[St. Clown]

Eh, I gained a few pounds between November 30 and today. I just need to go back to smarter grocery shopping, such as no need to bring bagels home for a Tuesday morning.

And LWB, I also lift at my job. I lift dog food, cases of water, I help on grills and fireplaces, cat litter, and in some cases, I have to move the carts by hand, which is good for the core.

It depends more on how you physically feel. Bagels seem like they'd make good fuel for the start of a run. You seem to forget what you posted here before, concentrating less on the scale and more on your distance timings.

[bigmrg74]

Crept back up to over the 250 mark again. With me taking it easy after my hernia surgery and the holidays, it kinda just happened. Gotta get back on the horse and get my cardio going again.

[ShirtlessBob]

It depends more on how you physically feel. Bagels seem like they'd make good fuel for the start of a run. You seem to forget what you posted here before, concentrating less on the scale and more on your distance timings.

I like everything bagels, yes. I especially like them as breakfast before a marathon or long distance race, as my usual high-fiber breakfast is ill-advised on those days. However, my next marathon is next month, and I don't need them right now.

As for the scale, just wanted to see where I was to start the year. That's all. As long as I maintain, I should be fine.

[5mn_Major]

I've been running and ever since college. But now I'm trying to balance it with weight training. The outcome is exactly what I'm looking for.

My issue is that with weight training, I just get wiped out for a day and a half...just in time to do more 2-3 days later. I had an ex tell me that she didn't like weight lifters because they were 'dumb'. I wouldn't be surprised if it were because they were just mentally blasted half the time. Wish there were some non med remedy (going to google it).

[St. Clown]

I've been running and ever since college. But now I'm trying to balance it with weight training. The outcome is exactly what I'm looking for.

My issue is that with weight training, I just get wiped out for a day and a half...just in time to do more 2-3 days later. I had an ex tell me that she didn't like weight lifters because they were 'dumb'. I wouldn't be surprised if it were because they were just mentally blasted half the time. Wish there were some non med remedy (going to google it).

If you're that wiped out after lifting weights, you're likely doing something wrong. Prior to my first shoulder injury I had been a very strong man, using a lot of weight during my exercises. In fact, I was one of those fools who had to twist my body in order to fit through a standard doorway. Aside from when I was just starting back into it after time off, due to either injury or illness, I was perfectly fine the next day.

I would say you're either not taking in enough food for your body to recover after lifting, your weights are too heavy for where you are in the process, you're not lifting often enough for your body to become accustomed to it, or you're lifting too frequently. It might take some time to find your rhythm. Always start back into lifting with weights much lighter than you're used to using.

[5mn_Major]

If you're that wiped out after lifting weights, you're likely doing something wrong. Prior to my first shoulder injury I had been a very strong man, using a lot of weight during my exercises. In fact, I was one of those fools who had to twist my body in order to fit through a standard doorway. Aside from when I was just starting back into it after time off, due to either injury or illness, I was perfectly fine the next day.

I would say you're either not taking in enough food for your body to recover after lifting, your weights are too heavy for where you are in the process, you're not lifting often enough for your body to become accustomed to it, or you're lifting too frequently. It might take some time to find your rhythm. Always start back into lifting with weights much lighter than you're used to using.

Yeah, Ive always likened myself to a Porsche (high performance, but only under the right circumstances) rather than an off road vehicle. Quite sensitive. Not many people have given up processed sugar since college...and sensed a sugar 'let down' when they were in grade school. I get as thorough check ups as frequently as anyone I know, so I don't expect there's anything more serious.

Been working this for over a year now. And I figure there are 4 reasons I feel like garbage after weights (but feel great after a run): 1) amount of weights 2) frequency of lifting 3) diet 4) other health issues. I think it can be each of those. I did end up with heightened creatine kinase, which caused me to stop my statins for awhile. But it appears to just be the way things are.

[ShirtlessBob]

If this year goes according to plan, these will be my lifetime totals to date:

19 marathons
11 half-marathons
8 25Ks
6 Olympic duathlons
2 Sprint duathlons
2 Sprint triathlons
2 ultra-marathons
And a bunch of 5Ks and 10Ks

I know to some, it looks like I do too much, but the reality is... I built myself and trained for this. I can handle it. I don't feel tired, I don't feel sore, I'm ready to go.

[ShirtlessBob]

Had my yearly physical on Thursday. Mostly positive review; doctor is amazed I can do all the things I do. But it's not all well. I'm up to 223, and it's mostly due to poor shopping choices. I can't fall asleep without a little help, either, and when I can't sleep, I eat. And not healthy, either. If it's not nailed down, it will go in my face.

And I can tell that poor choices have affected everything. My runs are sluggish (feels like I've lost power in my legs), I lost some flexibility in yoga and Pilates, and I had to bump back up to size 38 pants.

To correct the problem, I am going to track my calories for a few days, see where I can cut, see where I can add on, and hopefully, I can fix it without panicking. Panicking, for me, is going right back to extreme calorie restriction and long workouts. And having suffered from an eating disorder before, I can tell you that I don't think I ever came all the way back from it. This quote sums it up...

“It's never over. Not really. Not when you stay down there as long as I did, not when you've lived in the netherworld longer than you've lived in this material one, where things are very bright and large and make such strange noises. You never come back, not all the way. Always, there is an odd distance between you and the people you love and the people you meet, a barrier, thin as the glass of a mirror. You never come all the way out of the mirror; you stand, for the rest of your life, with one foot in this world and one in another, where everything is upside down and backward and sad.
It is the distance of marred memory, of a twisted and shape-shifting past. When people talk about their childhood, their adolescence, their college days, I laugh along and try not to think: that was when I was throwing up in my elementary school bathroom, that was when I was sleeping with strangers to show off the sharp tips of my bones, that was when I lost sight of my soul and died.
And it is the distance of the present, as well - the distance that lies between people in general because of the different lives we have lived. I don't know who I would be, now, if I had not lived the life I have, and so I cannot alter my need for distance - nor can I lessen the low and omnipresent pain that that distance creates. The entirety of my life is overshadowed by one singular and near-fatal obsession.”- Mayra Hornbacher

[ShirtlessBob]

The result of tracking:

1. I can cut way back on bagels and other refined grains. Swapped it out with old-fashioned oats cooked with diced apple, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.
2. Limit the added sugar, except for energy bars, gels, protein bars, and Gatorade. As for cake, cookies, and brownies... go back to once in awhile.
3. Re-emphasize water after coffee. Granted, I am starting a new job, and where I work, my water bottle will not be present.
4. Re-emphasize 60-120 minutes of purposeful physical activity a day, 5-6 days a week, more on long run/long bike ride days.
5. Get some sleep.
6. And I cut back to 2,500 calories a day, just to see how that feels. If I feel sluggish during activity, add more.

I can do this without starving myself. And I found something else out; having an eating disorder.. I found I'm addicted to the feeling of being in control. I alone determine my food. I alone determine my workouts. No one puts Bob in a corner. And it's intoxicating. And when it happened the first time, I will tell you that all the compliments about my weight felt so good and I wanted them to keep coming. When those compliments were replaced by concern, I shut people out. I might as well have put my hands over my ears and said "la la la la, I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

[Lady wore Black]

Bumping this back to the first page.

I started the process of medical weight loss a month ago. This is something through the hospital. Was going to have my followup this morning, but they cancelled. I am more upset that I took the day off for this.

The real struggle is trying to find the balance. When menu planning, I keep telling my husband that there is not enough green in that meal. Need to add green to it. This is what my dietitian keeps saying to me. She was impressed that I make my own meals and make moderately healthy foods. Just not enough veggies.

[ShirtlessBob]

Bumping this back to the first page.

I started the process of medical weight loss a month ago. This is something through the hospital. Was going to have my followup this morning, but they cancelled. I am more upset that I took the day off for this.

The real struggle is trying to find the balance. When menu planning, I keep telling my husband that there is not enough green in that meal. Need to add green to it. This is what my dietitian keeps saying to me. She was impressed that I make my own meals and make moderately healthy foods. Just not enough veggies.

If you want, I can send you some soup recipes that I'm working on that will help with the veggie intake. I also have a way to add veggies to things like rice, mashed potatoes, and quinoa.

And since I decided to start using MyFitnessPal again, you can add me at bobcooks920.

[Lady wore Black]

If you want, I can send you some soup recipes that I'm working on that will help with the veggie intake. I also have a way to add veggies to things like rice, mashed potatoes, and quinoa.

And since I decided to start using MyFitnessPal again, you can add me at bobcooks920.

Added you. I think LadyWoreBlack is obvious.

[Kepler]

Does anybody have success with C25K (Couch to 5K program)? Dr. mrs. did very well using it, and I am starting it to get ready for a May 5K.

[bostonewe]

Does anybody have success with C25K (Couch to 5K program)? Dr. mrs. did very well using it, and I am starting it to get ready for a May 5K.

I completed it last year and was able to complete a 5k in a satisfactory (to me) time. I'm built like a barrel,so definitely not a regular runners build.

[ShirtlessBob]

Does anybody have success with C25K (Couch to 5K program)? Dr. mrs. did very well using it, and I am starting it to get ready for a May 5K.

Way back in 2008, I used it for my first. Finished it in 30:59.

[ShirtlessBob]

Added you. I think LadyWoreBlack is obvious.

Got it.

[jen]

%#^&@!%*^*!%$@#*

I hurt my back yesterday playing hockey. Hoping for a quick, miraculous recovery with no chiropractor trips. Lots of stretching and Aleve. Feels a little better today.

[ShirtlessBob]

For LWB and others looking for more vegetables in their meals, let me help you with that.

From Runner's World, try these. I make the Beans and Rice all the time. If you don't like turkey sausage, you can try chicken or a more traditional sausage like andouille: http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/...-active-people

Giada's White Bean and Chicken chili. It's got corn, beans, Swiss chard, and lean ground chicken: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/g...n-chili-recipe

Reuben soup: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/...4-f3d2a71c8a74

Lentil soup recipe:
3 tbsp butter or oil
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, diced
2 cups dry lentils
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
8 cups water or chicken stock or vegetable stock
1.5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper

1. Heat the fat over medium low heat
2. Add the vegetables and cook, stir until tender but not brown, 5-10 minutes.
3. Stir in water or stock, lentils, tomatoes, and thyme.
4. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer until lentils are tender, 30-45 minutes.
5. Stir in balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
6. Serve.

[jen]

Does anyone here use a foam roller? My massage therapist recommended it, and it seems like a good idea for hammies and glutes, which I can't loosen up enough with stretching. Any tips?

[ShirtlessBob]

Ran a combined total of 35.68 miles this weekend. Last time I ran that far in one weekend? The Twin Cities Ultra Loony Challenge of October 2015.

As everyone knows, last year, I trained for a 50 mile race, and everything went wrong, and I didn't finish. This time, for the Kal-Haven Trail Run (33.5), training is going much better and I haven't had nearly as many garbage runs.

As for the eating disorder that won't go away? I think I'm getting on top of it for a few reasons. One, I'm learning to be calorie and macro AWARE, without sounding like this: "I can't find this on My Fitness Pal! My day is ruined!" Two, with an ultra-marathon coming up, I shouldn't be focused on losing weight. I think 216 is a good place to be for right now. Three, and I think this is important, with my job being physical (I work a pallet jack for 8+ hours a day), plus running all these miles, and riding all these miles, I need to have energy for that. Part of why I fell apart at Hungerford last year is I simply didn't eat enough.