I LIKE TO LOSE...

Pounds that is.

Since I've started this new journey of exercising regularly, I weigh every Saturday morning. This past Saturday was great, because it showed I lost 3 pounds. I even checked two more times, just to be sure my scales weren't playing tricks on me. While three is not a lot, it's a start.

I've been feeling great, not near as sore as I was a couple of weeks ago. I have found that getting up at 5:30 in the morning to do my walking is the best thing for me. I get pumped up before I go to work. Although, some mornings I feel there's no way I could do anything, but once I get going there's no stopping.

I plan to gradually add back my running for 1 minute intervals this week, but only two or three times during my walk, and see how that goes.

Also, I've really started to look at what I eat and just how much of it, I eat. By no means am I eating healthy everyday, every time, but I really have cut back on the serving size of my food.

I'm looking forward to Saturday's weigh in.

Indoor vs Outdoor & Shoes...

Ok so I went "sneaker" shopping this weekend because the shoes I have been using to work out in have holes in them to the point that my pinky toes were hanging out. I went to a special shoe store here where they evaluate your run/walk and help you find the right shoe for your feet. It was an interesting experience. Evidently I supinate (feet bow outward) when I walk and stand but pronate when I run. Pronating is very common according to Mr. Runnerguy at the shop but to do the opposite in standing and walking than in running is "weird" as he put it...Oh well!

Because I spend most of my working out time in aerobic type classes and only run about 6-7 miles a week (I'm a new runner), Mr. Runnerguy suggested I get a more aerobic shoe and if possible save up for a shoe I use only for running. He didn't have any major suggestions so if anyone has a specific type of shoe they like to use, please let me know! The new aerobic shoes are just about the ugliest shoe ever but they are super comfortable so I guess that is what is supposed to matter.

Also, it is COLD so I've been running inside on a treadmill and I did learn a nice tidbit from Mr. Runnerguy for any other newbies like me. He said to make the transition easier from running indoor to outdoor is to put the treadmill on a bit of an incline (like 1.5-2.0.) He said I'll see a noticeable difference this week but probably will be used to it by my runs late next week. HOPE SO!

Thanks for any input you guys might have!

Jenn

Putting a little Spring in your step

If you're reading this and are below the Mason Dixon line, you have probably been taking advantage of the beautiful weather by ditching the treadmill or gym and heading outside.

Well, at least I hope you have.

Last night I was watching The Biggest Loser, and they talked a lot about taking your workout outdoors.

And even if you aren't a big fan of the great outdoors, mixing up your workout routine can help break up the sometimes monotonous feeling that goes along with staying fit.

Put a little SPRING in your step:
Fitness Magazine's 30-minute outdoor workout
Find a 5K or longer race at Active.com
Outdoor cross training routine

Let me know if you find any good outdoor workout ideas!
AND GET OUT!

Fangtastik 5K

I did the Fangtastik 5K Saturday with my husband and some of our friends! It was a blast and I'm so glad they talked me into doing it. It was pretty hard to make it to the finish line and since I've only been training for about 5 weeks (and one of those weeks I was on vacation and really did nothing) I was proud of my 39:50 time. I didn't run the entire thing but I ran a lot of it. It was harder than I thought it would be to push myself to run again after I started walking. I really used those things that motivated me. I thought while I'm doing this Sarah is running 12 miles, keep running, while I'm doing this calories are falling off, keep running, if I run I will get to the water faster, keep running but the hardest moment for me was actually when the finish line was in sight. I was so tired and out of breath and I wanted to start walking but there were people cheering and taking pictures and I didn't want to be that girl that started walking 100 yards from the finish line so I dug deep gave it all I had and got energy from somewhere and finished running across the finish line. Granted I thought I was going to die as soon as my foot crossed the line and a woman came to cut the chip off my shoe and I was seeing with tunnel vision and I wasn't sure what she wanted and I felt like my heart would explode and then she said I need your chip so we can post your time. And for the first time I was like wow I just did this and they are going to post MY time! I just ran a 5K! It was pretty amazing! And now I have the bug! We were already talking about which race we wanted to do next and now that I have an official time you better believe my goal is to blow that out of the water.

5K Run/Walk at the Maury Co. Park

My husband sent me an email with a flier attached, advertising the following:

COLUMBIA STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESPIRATORY CARE CREW

&

MAURY CO. PARKS & RECREATION

LUNGS OF STEEL

5K RUN/WALK

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2009

MAURY CO. PARK, COLUMBIA, TN

Registration: 8a - 8:45a

5k run/walk- $15 pre-registration or $20 the day of

1 mile fun run- $5 pre-registration or $10 the day of

Contacts:

John Fischer, 931-215-6927

John-Michael Adgent, 931-637-4920

I could not find anything on Columbia State's website, but did find some info. when I googled, columbia state community college + lungs of steel. Click on the first choice they give you.

Brandie

Sock it to me

There are socks out there for runners that are specifically designed for the right foot and left foot. They have certain support and the toe area is better.

Do you know the brand of these certain socks or where a runner could purchase a pair? I have seen them before (don't remember where), and I told a friend of mine about them and she wants a pair.

Also what is some advice for a person who has blisters and how can blisters be prevented?

-Lauren

Slowing Down a Bit

At the end of my first two weeks of walking/running, I realized my body was so sore that I had to take a 3 day break this weekend and yesterday. I know sore muscles are to be expected when exercising, but I woke up at least three mornings with my lower back aching like crazy. My husband said it was due to not stretching my hamstrings before my workout. While that may be true, I've found, by Googling, that I may have done to much to soon. The website on the previous post informed, that when training to become a runner, spend the first 2-3 weeks just walking for 20-30 minutes. (Ann, you also advised Phil of this over the phone.) I do some stretches before my workout and walk for the first 5 minutes before I do any running. I was proud of myself this past Friday, because I ran 2 minutes straight, then back to just 1 minute in between walking. That may not seem like a lot to some, but for me, it's progress. Like I said this weekend was gorgeous, but my legs and back were so sore, that I decided to not continue my workout until this morning. I think I'm going to just walk this week and maybe next week, for a 30 minute workout, and see if cutting out the running will allow my body to feel better. Then add back the running intervals. If anybody has any advice on this situation, please advise.

I did take my husband's advice this morning and stretched my hamstrings before my workout.

I am determined to not get discouraged, and stick with this. It's the only way I'm going to achieve a new body.

Informational Website

I found this website while Googling, http://www.ballyfitness.com/. (Click on Achieve Your Goals.) It has lots of great tips for beginner runners and advanced runners.

5 Questions- Brady W.

1. Why have you added fitness to your lifestyle?
Fitness has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I played sports as a kid and continued playing football into adulthood. When my football career ended, I was left with a void. I needed to find some way for me to keep active, relieve stress and to push myself. I was also anxious to drop approx. 50 lbs of weight that I was required to carry as an offensive lineman. It was then, about 4 years ago that I started to run. Since then I have completed 4 full marathons and 10 half-marathons.

2. Who/What inspires you?
My kids inspire me to stay active. I want to set an example of the benefits of running and fitness. I also wanna be hot for my wife. : )

3. What do you find challenging about finding the time to fit in a workout?
I am married with 3 young children and work 50 hours a week. I do however, have to run because it is my release and without it, I am grumpy.

4. What is the best part about working out?
I do a lot of my running during my lunch hour. When I come back from a long run, I am so rejuvenated. It clears my mind, gives me energy and I can almost feel the stress melting away. I feel like I am much more productive at work after a run.

5. Do you workout/run/walk, etc. to music? What is your favorite song(s)?
Sometimes I bring my ipod and other times I use the runs for networking. On any given day, I may run with 5-10 different people. When I do listen to music, I like bluegrass on my runs and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

5 questions

OK Sarah ... here I go ...
1. Why have I added fitness to my lifestyle?
Well, about a year and a half ago, Heather and I were walking everyday for weight loss (I was 35 lbs over weight)... she said,"let's run, Mom" to which I replied ... "No Heather, I'm too old to start running"... Well, 2 half marathons and several 5K's later ... I have never felt better about myself in my life. I have figured out that if I want to be able to take care of others, I must 1st take care of myself.

2. Who/what inspires me:
Who:My daughters. Heather kept encouraging me and my 50-something body that I could do it, we did our 1st 1/2 together last spring. And Sarah, who couldn't even walk a mile with me when I was just starting, and then crossed the finish line with me in Memphis in Dec(one of the most memorable moments of MY life)after we RAN the entire 1/2 ... a first for me! And now look at her ... she's going to run a full marathon! I am SO proud of you, Sarah! And Kim, my long distance running partner and dear friend ... we've solved a whole lot of the world's problems during those Sat am runs!
What: The Biggest Loser show. If those people can change their lives ... I sure as heck can, too!

3.Finding time ...
I am a psycho time manager ... you should see my lists! I ALWAYS make sure I have scheduled in time for the gym, treadmill, a run, etc. You can get by on 30 mins a day if you have to. Get a 'buddy' ... when you know they're depending on you, it's harder to skip a work-out. Once you get in the habit, you'll really miss it,

4.Best part about working out.
By far it is the way I feel the rest of the day. Why, I could slay a dragon! My attitude is better, I get more done (this is important to me as you might get from my 'lists'), I burn calories so I lose pounds, I can fit into a smaller size jeans (which translates into 'shopping'!) and I am setting a good example for those I love ... now THAT is motivation!!!

5. music?
I really like to run or workout with a buddy so would WAY rather visit but I do have a few favs when I'm forced to go it alone ... Sting and Santana are at the top of my list.

6. FOOD.
Let's face it, we HAVE to eat. And, I love food. So the big thing for me is to make sure what I eat is fueling my desire to live a healthier lifestyle. We know that it's all about calories in vs calories out so when you know that a pound equals 3500 cal, you'll need to BURN 500 cal/day to lose 1 lb in a week. You can do that by eating 500 cal less per day than your body requires to live OR you can exercise and burn 500 cal per day OR a combination of the two and PRESTO! you are becoming a different person!

I could and will write more about this, my fav subject, if anyone is interested. In the meantime, keep up the good work all you excercizers and for those of you thinking about getting started; today is the 1st day of the rest of your life!

Maury County Park mileage

I ran into David Vernon with the Maury County Parks Department this weekend and he was kind enough to fill me in on the mileage at the Maury County Park!

"The trail at Maury County Park from behind little league field , up through the park and back to where you started is one and one half miles.

"There is a sign stating this in the flower bed where the trail from the little league park crosses the park road just before Kids Kingdom.

"This could be misleading for some, thinking the distance is from the sign up through the park and back to the sign."

Thanks so much Mr. Vernon!

Park photo taken from www.maurycounty-tn.gov/parks

Mule Day 5K

Howdy, Ya'll 5K runners and one-mile trotters!

The Mule Day Kick (5K Run and 1-Mile Trot) is April 4 at 8 a.m. in Columbia.
My mom, husband and I have all signed up! It's only $20.

Hope to see you there! And watch out for mile two, it's a doozie!!! For more information, visit their Website: www.columbiacyclingclub.com/muleday5k

YEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAW!
Sarah B.

When is the Mule Day 5K and how do you sign up?

Eating well

The first step to eating well begins with your grocery list!

My rule of thumb: SHOP THE OUTSIDE AISLES. Skip the chips, cookies, canned stuff (preservatives), cokes, etc. Stick to the fresh stuff. Now, there will be some things you'll need from those aisles of temptation, but beware. And remember, if there isn't that other stuff in your pantry, no one else will be eating it either. It is a great way to set a good example for the rest of the family.

Breakfast: Oatmeal is a GREAT. Cereal is a good choice, too. Add some blueberries, raisins or banana or your favorite fruit for sweetener. I also make smoothies- it seems like it would be a hassle, but it isn't- www.runnersworld.com has great smoothie recipes. Drink a glass of water.



Snack: Banana (good for potassium), a handful of almonds, an apple, yogurt, carrot sticks- about 100-150 calories worth or something yummy. Drink a glass of water.

Lunch: I love sandwiches because you can pretty much cram all the food groups into one- bread (whole grain), cheese, meat, and pile on the veggies- bell pepper, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, avacado. Forget the condiments- with all that goodness, you wouldn't taste them anyway. Drink a glass of water.



Another snack

For dinner: www.eatingwell.com. I bought the "Healthy in a Hurry" cookbook a couple of years ago, and it is our go-to for dinners during the week. It is basically 30 minute meals or less. I really only buy cookbooks with the calories and nutritional information listed. Drink a glass of water.

Must eats for dinner:
FISH FISH FISH- there are great ways to disguise it like the Beer Batter Talapia in the Eating Well Cookbook.
Cooking Light Weeknight casseroles (make ahead)
Frozen veggies- They are great and easy to pop in as a side to one of your meals.

For you veggie eaters out there: FIND A COOKBOOK. It can seem monotonous without one.



For hard cord workout days:
I eat a piece of peanut butter toast before a short run. I eat Skittles during a long run for instant simple sugar. I always always drink a sports drink (low calorie) after a long run or long workout- 1 or more hours.
I carb out the night before- not endless pasta at Olive Garden, but a pretty good portion of whole wheat pasta or grains of some sort. Easy on the fiber. WATER- lots.

***I am NOT a nutritionist, and these are things that work for me. And for you ladies, at your next "well woman checkup," tell your doctor you've started running and get his/her advice or just let them know your lifestyle has changed.***

I have done a lot of research on eating right for my exercise routine, so spend sometime Googling- you will find out a lot!

5 I mean 6 Fitness Questions!

Discussing the previous Five Questions.....

1. Why have you added fitness to your lifestyle?
I've always been an active person but after having Kingston I found myself to be short on time or big on excuses, either one works :)! But to be honest I've always been a skinny girl with very little work (thank you mom) and since giving birth I don't look the way I want to and I know my eating habits will not change so the only alternative is to step up the activity.

2.Who/What inspires you?
I am inspired my many things. My sister who has 3 boys and looks incredible from running all the time. My husband who says yes you can when we run together and I can't go any further. Sarah who has shared her journey with us and looks amazing! The finish line :)! The bag of chips I know I want. The beach body I once had and would love to have back. The child I want in the next year that I want to start off healthy for. Kingston who I want to be inspiring to. Brandie from this blog who is also a working mother and who is out there doing this with very little time. Natalina who I know started running herself. It is just inspiring to know so many of us are getting out there doing this for ourselves and our children!

3. What do you find challenging about finding the time to fit in a workout?
As a working mother I am limited on time as it is so that's always a challenge. The cold weather has been a challenge (must get treadmill).

4. What is the best part of working out?
I sleep so much better when I work out. And I don't feel like the world is passing me by.

"5. Do you workout/run/walk, etc. to music? What is your favorite song(s)?

I have an MP3 player that my sister downloaded music to and I'm not really sure what half of it is. I keep meaning to download some of my own but I'm perfectly content listening to the sounds in my neighborhood! I mean how would I spy if I couldn't hear people :)!

A question I would like to add:

6. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that fits a healthier lifestyle?
I really don't eat all that healthy so I'm not one to answer this question. But if I am trying to eat healthier I cut out the pop tarts and switch to oat meal and I try to lay off the pasta but it's so hard. I hate anything with artificial sugar, I just can't stand the taste and I love chocolate. I do love salads too but I'm sure when I'm done with them they wouldn't be considered so healthy :)! I eat a lot of PB&J's which aren't too bad for you and I try my best to eat a balance of fruits and veggies. I would love some healthy recipes as well! But since I also don't cook I will have to give those to the hubs!

I really enjoy this site! Reading what everyone is doing is really great and helps keep me motivated! One day we will all have to run a race together!

Discussing the previous Five Questions.....

1. Why have you added fitness to your lifestyle?
Like Sarah B., I too had a baby last year and want to lose the baby fat, plus weight that I already had to begin with. I want to get in shape and just feel, physically fit. I've always been a little overweight, but never like what I am right now. I decided it's time to make a change, not only for me, but for my son, Mason, and my husband, Phil.

2.Who/What inspires you?
To be honest, Sarah B. you do. Just reading your blog, and seeing how you made exercise/running part of your everyday life. You speak so highly of the success you feel after running 8 or more miles.
Also, since I've started my walk/run program, Phil has been inspiring me with his encouraging words.
What: Just knowing that I would feel so much better by losing this weight and being in good physical shape. The image of playing, outdoors with Mason this summer and not being out of breath!

3. What do you find challenging about finding the time to fit in a workout?
Everything. During this past week when I got home from work and picking up Mason, which is around 5:30, I would usually go straight to the treadmill, to just go ahead and get the workout over with. Because I found if I don't do it as soon as I get home, I won't do it. (Mason is my cheerleader, as he plays and watches me on the treadmill.) The weekends are not as bad. The past two Saturdays, I've waited until Mason takes his morning nap, to do my walking/running. My goal would be, to get up earlier in the morning and do my exercise routine, so that when I get home, it's already done.
If anybody has any tips on budgeting a working mom's/wife's time, please advise.

4. What is the best part of working out?
The feeling of accomplishment. "I did it."

5. Do you workout/run/walk, etc. to music? What is your favorite song(s)?
When I'm outside I don't listen to any music, although, purchasing an IPOD did cross my mind this weekend. When I'm inside on the treadmill, I have the radio on 92.9. I did find when a really good song came on, I had a little more pep in my step.

A question I would like to add:
6. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that fits a healthier lifestyle?
I too am not on a diet, but I am interested in any recipes you might have for making a quick, easy, healthy dinner. Also, what do you try to eat for lunch that's healthy, but filling? Any suggestions are appreciated!



Keep Running!!!!!!We Can Do It!!!!!!

Five questions

Since All In Stride is a blog set up as a forum to discuss our journey to a healthier life, I thought I'd throw out some questions to spark some dialogue about why we're doing what we're doing.

1. Why have you added fitness to your lifestyle?
I have never made a true effort to make time for fitness, and after having a baby, I wanted to lose the weight (almost 50 pounds), and I knew I needed to be in shape to keep up with him and still have energy to spare. Now, I am in the middle range of my BMI for the first time.



2. Who/What inspires you?
Who: My mom and my sister have been the inspiration behind my desire to lose weight, start running and run my first marathon. What: Knowing that I can run 13 miles motivates me to run it again. I know my body can do it, I have to keep my mind on board.



3. What do you find challenging about finding the time to fit in a workout?
Even as a stay-at-home mom, budgeting my time wisely is an art I have not perfected. I find that I will often make excuses to not get on the treadmill, especially- I'll create a list of things to do or get on the computer. But it ALWAYS pays off when I get motivated. If I don't have time to run, I'll lift weights (or canned food) or my son or wash windows or was the car- I'll find something that resembles exercise.

4. What is the best part about working out?
Let me clear this up. I am not on a diet. In fact, I have decided I will never diet again.
I CAN EAT WHATEVER I WANT. I am not exaggerating. I run because I love to eat: pizza, BREAD, pasta, hamburgers, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, Jelly Bellies, Chinese and I love beer- REAL beer (like Rogue and Fat Tire and Sam Adams), not the light stuff. I'd rather run five miles and eat what I want, than drink some horrible 60 calorie beer and eat a rice cake.

*Disclaimer: I certainly don't eat like this every day. I do eat a healthy diet and try to make sure I'm balancing my veggies and fruits and complex carbs, but I never feel guilty about eating any of my favorite foods whenever I want.

5. Do you workout/run/walk, etc. to music? What is your favorite song(s)?
I love LOVE Vampire Weekend especially the Walcott on their self-titled album. The Ting Tings have several great workout tunes- especially for you walkers. I highly recommend the third track on We Started Nothing. Led Zeppelin IV, CCR, The Submarines, Beatles, Jimmy Smith (Satin Doll and Organ Grinder's Swing)... so many more, but if you ask my husband, he'd include the Empire Strikes Back soundtract.



Keep these questions, add more... keep the conversation going!