Sunday...Funday...Runday

Today was a nice 6 mile run with my friend, and Little Mac Dog.  Good conversation, miles and pace.

See the activity on RunSaturday

Type:	Run-Long Run
Duration:	1:02:42
Distance:	6.00 mi

I have a weight problem?

Last night, while talking with a friend, she mentioned that a neighbor had seen me running and commented that I was too skinny and she thought it was unhealthy.  What really annoys me is that this neighbor has no credentials, no education in health and nutrition.

My weight is healthy, thank you very much and likely to drop some as I train for races this season.  As a matter of fact, I am working out on more core and all around fitness goals this year so I can be a well rounded toned athlete.  I have actually spoken to my doctor and if he felt there was a problem, he would tell me.

I have read about athletes having poor self body images and comparing themselves to their competition,  and while I would love to have the look and tome of a Chris McCormack, I know that that is his job and athletics and performance is how he makes a living.  At 43, I'm not likely to have the body of MACCA, but I can have the body of me.

I keep a blog post bookmarked and re-read it every time I start a new training cycle.

Whether you're watching the Olympics or a local 5K race, there’s nothing more beautiful than a body in motion. A toned and lean physique may be your orthodox picture of health, but let’s not forget that if you can't do anything with that awesome body, there’s little advantage to having it.

You can never assume that rock-hard abs and defined arms lead to better race performances. Moreover, comparing yourself to others will not only make it hard to feel comfortable in your own skin, but could lead to more serious health issues (body distortion, disordered eating, and depression, to name a few). Your goal as an athlete is not to race for a number on the scale, but rather for a finish line. Whether it's a gradual 50 pound weight loss encouraged by your physician (and supported by a dietitian) or a vain two-pound loss for race day, there's a clear difference as to how much weight loss is actually beneficial. The athletic body comes in all shapes and sizes. As you train your body to become metabolically efficient, strong, fast and economical, a favorable change in body composition will come secondary to performance gains.

When it comes to body image, most triathletes will face periods of vulnerability in a periodized training plan. Your weight will cycle just like your training. Doubts of current fitness or comparisons to an old “you” can set you on a downward spiral. If you find yourself obsessing about your body image from one season to the next, be aware that your negative self-talk could limit your success.

Here are a few suggestions for how to keep your body composition goals in check through the training cycle. As you train to reach personal weight and fitness goals, as yourself the below questions to ensure that you're pursuing health, not a certain weight.

Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2012/11/build-a-better-body-image.aspx#ixzz2GSHyVExN

I pulled excerpts, above, but the article has some very good tips and techniques, and more importantly, questions to ask yourself when undertaking training cycles.

Could I stand to lose a few pounds, sure, but I'm doing it for me, not my neighbor...by the way dear neighbor, when was the last time you stood on a scale?

Oh wait, that would be completely insensitive of me to suggest that you are obese and could stand to lose some weight...I guess that means I'm as insensitive as she is and have no room to talk.

Being out of shape SUCKS!

Today, I tried doing my first set of intervals in who knows how long.  The plan was for 4x800m at 7:48 with a 400m recovery.

I got the warmup done, and called it quits after 3 repeats.  I'm not sure if it was going out too fast, trying to run in to a head wind, running with the dog or just me being out of shape.

Rather than try to come up with any other excuses, I'll call it as me being out of shape.

See the activity on RunSaturday

Type:	Run - Intervals
Duration:	0:27:55
Distance:	2.86 mi

7 Weeks to 300 Sit Ups

On my quest to building a better level of fitness, I found the 7 Weeks to Fitness Series and signed up for their free programs.

I decided to start with the 7 Weeks to 300 Sit Ups to see if it was achievable.  I didn't do the initial test and instead just started with the Prep Program.

If you are interested in checking out the free programs, visit http://www.7weekstofitness.com/ to sign up and view the free programs.

Sunday Long Run

So today, I had an opportunity to go for a run with a good friend.  She helped get me get focused about my running, and it felt good to just go out and chat.  I also took Little Mac Dog with me, without him, I'd probably have not been able to keep the consistent splits, though I don't quit know where that 10:12 came from at Mile 2.

See the activity on RunSaturday

Type:	Run - General
Duration:	0:51:34
Distance:	5.00 mi

So a funny thing happened...

So a funny thing happened after I retired from the military...I gasp, gained 15 pounds and lost my fitness levels.  I stopped running regularly, I wasn't eating as healthy as I could have and I lost interest in running.  I even deferred my Marine Corps Marathon entry until 2013.

Why should that be a problem?  Well, for those who have known me for any length of time, you know I enjoy running, 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon...I LOVE IT!  My favorite event is the MCM, so the fact that I pulled out for no reason ate at my insides.

I started feeling lost and without a goal.  I looked in the mirror and vowed that it had to stop!  I dusted off my training plans, and set some goals for 2013.  This is where I am going to share my results and hold myself accountable.

Admittedly, I will miss some workouts due to travel, but by posting my schedule and logging my progress, I will reach the goals I've set.

XXVI.IIr