W1D3 // Compromise

   

    Week 1 is officially complete but I decided that I would repeat it until I can complete the sessions comfortably. Today was really good because I completed nearly all the 60 second running periods but I was still fighting for breath at the end of each. I figure by next week I will be more comfortable completing the sessions and then I can increase the times I spend running. 

     I noticed that I'm starting to develop a running style, whereas before I had no idea how far to move my feet or how to land on them. I'm also not as concerned about other people in the park, I concentrate on the sky or the path, which helps me. Another thing is that I made the realization that the first time I tried running I was really self-conscious about how I was puffing and wheezing and would suppress myself, which meant I was getting less oxygen than my body needed; now, I switched the way I looked at it, I control my breathing so I can get as much oxygen as possible... Sure, I breathe heavily and I don't sound like the athlete I want to be, but everyone has to start somewhere and I'm sure they (at one point) sounded like me. 

     Last thing I wanted to mention is the inner struggle I'm having these days. Lately, mp3 players caught my attention and my consumerist side is convinced that if I buy a nice mp3 (not the 1 Gb cheap-o that I have) I'll turn into a marathon runner. Of course, that is not true, the only way I can turn into a marathon runner is by training, says my rational side. So I came up with a solution to satisfy my cravings and my better judgement: complete the Couch-to-5K program and then buy myself whatever I want, which would be either a tablet or an mp3. Its the perfect motivation to complete the program and will give me time to save up for whatever I may choose to buy. I'm a firm believer in the reward system and if you are doing this program with me, or some other challenge, definitely consider doing something like that. 

W1D2 // Creepers

     

Before anything else I'd like to apologize for not linking the source of the Couch-To-5K Plan earlier. If you're interested please visit the site and I should also note that I'm using Robert Ullrey's podcasts and they're wonderful. I believe the program is available in various languages and the podcasts are free. Check it out!

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     It seems to be that time of year that its always raining down in Florida. I almost wasn't going to be able to run today but the rain finally eased up enough for me to take care of business and... I made the mistake of wearing a windbreaker (thinking it could protect me from the sprinkle) but I didn't count on the humidity and heat after the rain turning the inside of my windbreaker into a sauna. It was horrible. I didn't last 2 minutes with it on. Immediately I decided it would be best to leave it on one of the park benches, hope no one took it, and simply pick it up on my way back. After that, running was a lot easier. After researching it seems the general rule of thumb is to never overdress because body heat will warm you up about 15 degrees during your workout, according to Luff. 

     I wasn't able to finish the 60 second running intervals completely this time, I don't know if it was because I was still sore from Day 1 or if maybe I need to tweak my diet, but I did what I could and I am definitely a lot happier that I did something. I kept a general positive outlook and concentrated on my arms, footwork, and breathing. I tinkered with different breathing patterns and maybe that affected my running.... I'm not sure. What I forgot to check was my posture, and I noticed I spent more energy on raising my legs a little higher than Day 1, which might have contributed to my tiredness. 

     Overall, I feel I did well. I might have to repeat week one because I want to be at the point where I finish the 60-sec.-running/90-sec.-walking completely; right now I'd say I'm doing 30/120. I definitely think I should incorporate a 30-min. walk during my resting days in order to rejuvenate my muscles and not miss a work-out. Yesterday, my rest day, I didn't do any exercise except a light 5 minute stretch in the morning and the evening. 

     Last note: saw the biggest wild spider I have ever seen in my life!!! Its body was maybe an inch bigger than my thumb with really long legs. So as not to disturb it (or it disturb me), I've decided to head to the other side of the park from now on.  Don't get me wrong, I think spiders are great because they catch mosquitoes and other pesky bugs....but at the end of the day...they're creepers. Another rule people should live by: Avoid Creepers. 

W1D1 // Step By Step

   

(Will be me once I learn how to run.)

My newest challenge is to complete the Couch-to-5K program so that I can condition myself to run.

     Ever since Phys. Ed. class in Elementary School I remember detesting having to run a mile because I was always the last person to finish (if I was lucky I was second-to-last because someone was sick or something). Looking back now I recognize that part of the problem was that I wore men's steel-toed shoes. Another problem was that I led a very sedentary lifestyle and was not accustomed to running for so long. Then there was the fact that I thought I would always be the last person which I believe led to the materialization of it.  
     Well, in an attempt to conquer fears, exercise and just grow as a person I've decided that I would follow this plan and at the end of it participate in a marathon. This might take me some time but I am definitely excited to try this.
     In fact, I am pleased to announce that I completed Week 1: Day 1 (W1D1) and it was great, notwithstanding the torrential rains that came around the second half of the jog. I was indecisive at first, not sure if to go out, so I waited to see what the weather would be like. After about fifteen minutes that I saw the sky remained the same gloomy grey I headed to the park.
     During previous jogging attempts I managed to psych myself out, thoughts of how the other runners in the park would judge me and see my lack of form and I basically was weighed down by negative thoughts. Today I decided to do something different, I recognized that negativity and decided to start the run with a light attitude to help me run. As I stretched I pictured a foal learning how to stand and run and how she has to develop her endurance before she can mature into the fast mare she has the potential to be one day. Also, instead of noticing how bad I was doing, this time I noticed what was going on with me and experimented with little things that would help me and the progress that I was showing; instead of being so focused about what others were thinking about me, I focused inward, at my thoughts, at my breath, at my footing. Occasionally, I would look at the clouds, but I was so mesmerized by the fact that I actually was jogging and how good I felt that I didn't heed the clouds rolling towards me.
     A little more than halfway in, it started to drizzle and I didn't think anything of it, I just kept going. About a minute later it seemed like the heavens were raining down on my head. Water pelted my eyes to the point that I literally couldn't see where I was going. I alternated between sprints and walking on the way back home, and when I finally reached my house the rain stopped.
     Either way, I'm just so thrilled that I had a positive, successful first run and I can barely wait until Friday so I can try again. For Friday though I think I should dedicate more time to warming up, cooling down and stretching. Also, I think I'll eat lighter things (that are not croquettes) to boost my body with some clean energy for the run.

Cup By Cup

   

     First, I'd just like to applaud all the Muslims and non-Muslims of the world that are currently fasting this month. I was only able to go a day without food and water and haven't fasted since the first day. It is extremely hot this month, the days are long and I'm a complete novice when it comes to Ramadan. The month isn't over and I intend on fasting as many more days as I can. The days I miss I intend on making them up when I can, preferably when I'm not inundated in school work, final exams and papers. Also, I need to figure out how to not completely gorge on food at the end of the fast.
     While I'm not fasting, I decided to initiate a different experiment: to use the same disposable Subway's coffee cup (16oz?) for a whole week. Why? Well lately I've been frequenting fast-food joints and every time I'm extremely aware of all the trash one visit generates (i.e. paper bag, wrappers, napkins, sauce packets, straw and cup, plastic bag, etc.) and am left feeling extremely guilty. One morning at Subway, after eating my sandwich I looked at my paper coffee cup (with insulating holder), and remembered something about a man in a Buddhist retreat reusing one cup the whole week. While I don't remember what the point was about the little experiment, I do know that extending the life of this disposable paper cup would lessen the impact on the planet than if I were to simply throw it away on my way out. According to Clean Air Council the average American office employee uses about 500 disposable cups a year and "throw[s] away enough paper and plastic cups, forks, and spoons to circle the equator 300 times..." - gross. People ridicule environmentalists, calling them worry worts and that such thing, but if you analyze how much garbage we produce, its dizzying. Instead of carrying around a water bottle we're using countless tons of resources for these disposable cups we use once in our life and then we simply throw them away where they end up in a huge pile at a dump site and do not biodegrade properly, seep toxins into the aquifers, land and air and surround areas.... its unnecessary destruction.    
     I adore restaurants that use re-usable plates, silverware, cups because they know they save money by not having to spend every month hundreds on the disposable alternatives, they create jobs by having to hire someone to collect and clean all the dirty dishes, and they ultimately help the environment (whether they are aware of it or not). I think more restaurants, homes, offices, etc. should adopt this characteristic.
     I think the point we have to learn is that we need to become more aware of our actions/decisions/traditions and the impact they have on the rest of the world. As Gandhi said, "be the change you want to see in the world" - I'm trying.

Thoughts on my Diet and Lifestyle.

 

  I think I'm going to wait until I am a little trimmer to pursue running because I feel very uncomfortable with the way my tummy bounces as I run. On a bright note, I've lost 23 lbs since Spring Break! It has not been easy and has taken a lot of effort but I'm so proud. I want to lose 30 lbs more by December 16. I'm so pumped for it! If I make my goal it will be the lightest I've ever been in my adult life! I'm ecstatic about it. I reached 230 using Jenny Craig, then regained nearly all the weight because I had no idea how to properly eat. Yes, my stomach had reduced in size and I got the concept of eating various small meals a day but I didn't know how to make it work on my own. And did I exercise? Not really, it hadn't clicked for me yet. So while vegetating, I turned to really unhealthy food, then bigger portions, then less portions until I returned to my regular routine and nearly gained all the weight back. There were periods, where due to light exercise, I was able to delay the ascent, but by Spring Break I rose from my 230 to 276. I started Jenny Craig at 284. When I saw 276 on the scale I immediately got scared because I had vowed never again to reach my previous weight. Also, my family has a history of diabetes and other obesity-related diseases that I want to avoid.

     There have been things I've learned throughout the year from books, videos, CDs, and stuff my dad has found out like the concept of "the good, the bad, the ugly" that helped me reach 253. This concept especially has helped me. Basically, whenever you eat, you always have choices and you should look at them as the good, the bad, the ugly; you can eat all 3, but you want to eat, ideally, more good, than bad and ugly - and more good and bad, than ugly.  Say I want a snack in the afternoon and I can choose between an orange (the good), a quaker cereal bar (the bad) or a Snicker's bar (the ugly). It helps me put things in perspective and choose according to how good I've been the rest of the day. And I always keep in mind my goal, which leads me to choose more good than bad and ugly. Now I won't sit here and lie to you, tell you that I've never had a bad choice again (had 3 whole family size KitKats not too long ago, which I regretted instantly). But you know what? Breaking the diet once in a while is ok because it will keep you from getting desperate and pillaging every bakery, pizzaria and ice cream shop within a 10 mile radius when you finally do crack. The Ads Diet recommends saving one meal within the week for this break, it can be whatever you want, and you don't have to feel guilty about it. I felt that was a really good idea and have kept it in mind.    

     Also, I used to detest the idea of exercise and scoff at all those who did like it. Looking back, I suppose I associated it with memories of always failing the PE tests, never able to do a single pull up and always the last to run a mile. Also, one day in my youth someone pointed out how my thighs jiggled with every step I took, which made me not want to move so I wouldn't jiggle at all. Well, YEARS later, I had the epiphany that my current sedentary lifestyle, full of inactivity and junk food, was doing nothing to help me. So, one day I decided to walk. When that started giving me results, I thought I would try the bicycle. The bicycle was the best thing that could have happened to me. I ride it nearly every day, and realized it was also the answer to helping the environment. So I'm training so one day I can ride 40 miles, at which time I feel I will be able to commute regularly by bike. And I think thats the key, connecting exercise to something important and enjoyable, so its not a tedious ritual that you hate and would rather skip. 

     Right now, I'm working on turning to a more plant-based diet, avoiding alcohol and just junk that is bad for me. Overall, I'm being more conscious of all my decisions and how they affect my self and the world. I hope that others will begin to be more conscious because really, every decision has consequences. Best thing about our world though is that you always have choices: the good, the bad and the ugly.