Now that I'm several months into this fitness quest, I've really become addicted to it. Today my arms were sore from yesterday's workout and I loved it. Most people complain about being sore, and don't get me wrong, I still do when I am really really sore. But on days when I'm just sore enough, I actually enjoy the feeling. It makes me feel kind of alive, I guess.
Day 2 of being active once again went well. I just ran 2 miles around my neighborhood, typical weekday after work run. Pace was about 8:30. It wasn't easy, but I always push myself when I run. Afterwards I took a walk around the neighborhood with the husband and dog. My back isn't hurting any more or any less than it has been lately. It's a bit sore, but I think my chair at work is the culprit more than running is. I've always had lower back issues whenever holding an office job. I think the reason I feel the pain more than I used to is because I'm running now and moving that area alot more. At least the pain isn't as bad as it was a few weeks ago. I just have to keep getting treatment, icing it, and stretching that area.
It feels great to be exercising again. During the weeks when I wasn't active, I definitely felt more restless, stressed, anxious, and jittery. Like I had a bunch of pent up energy. Yet at the same time I didn't feel as mentally alert and focused as I do when I am exercising regularly. I've felt great these past 2 days, which is helpful because things are crazy at work right now and I need all the energy I can get!
I did weigh myself this morning and I was happy to find that I didn't really gain any weight this whole time! My lowest ever weight before all this mess was 158.8, and this morning I was 159.4. And my waist was 29", previously 30". Some of the weight lost is probably muscle - I read somewhere that muscle loss happens before fat loss. I am expecting to gain some weight again as I begin to build my muscles back up, but I know the fat will come off in time and I will lose again. Besides, I'm right about where I want to be, just hoping to lose like 3-4 more lbs. Arms and belly, I'm lookin at you!!!
Finally, this!
May 2 - Hydration
Day 2 of the photo challenge. I love my Camelbak water bottle. Hydrate or die - how badass is that? Then I have a Camelbak pack. It's technically my husband's Army issued pack. But I used this when I ran the Xterra Hickory Knob. Since it was 7.2 miles with no water stations on the trail, I needed hydration and decided to carry this. It was a bit overkill - heavy and sloshy, but definitely better than going without. Eventually I want a smaller pack and a hydration belt. Having options is good
Also on hydration - wanted to share what I do for my water. Hypoglycemic athletes like myself face alot of challenges with maintaining blood sugar during activity. So I have to have a sports drink/Gatorade/carbs/SUGAR! or what have you any time I exercise for more than 30 minutes. At least that's what my dietitian said, I can go longer than that. And since I'm trying to eat natural and clean for the most part, I ditched the artificially flavored/colored 'Ade's and instead began making my own sports drink. It's super simple!
Homemade All Natural Sports Drink
1/4c honey (raw if possible)
2 quarts water
Juice of 1 lemon
A few shakes of salt
Boil up some water (just enough to melt the honey), throw the other stuff in, and stir well. Presto! I keep a pitcher of this in my fridge at all times. I've found it keeps for about a week. Usually I will dilute mine with half water since it's not a goal of mine to drink a bunch of sugar. I just need enough to keep my blood sugar up. But when I drink it full strength it kind of tastes like lemonade to me! And I can feel good knowing I'm not poisoning myself with Gatorade!
Once again, bedtime. The plan is 4 miles on saturday morning
3 comments:
Nothing feels better then feeling sore :P Honestly, I've been on taper for the last like 4 days and I'm all anxious about not running. Can't imagine what it was like for you for a whole month.
Oh sports drinks. It scares me to think of all the chemicals in Gatorade. I usually use orange juice in mine because apparently it has potassium...
Yeah, it was kind of like going through withdrawals! Are you running a race soon?
On top of the artificial neon colors and HFCS, I read that Gatorade has an ingredient called "brominated vegetable oil" which is a flame retardant! I think it's banned in Europe and some countries in Asia, but not in the good ol' US of A. Anything flies... you really really gotta know what's in your food here.
Yup half this Sunday :)
Eww... brominated vegetable oil? WTF? Haha, google USA vs Europe McDonalds Ingredients. There's one for fries and it's really mind blowing.
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