The Busy-ness Continues...

Exhaustion. Why??

My last 8 days...
Monday: 10-hour workday
Tuesday: Training and meetings before 10-hour workday
Wednesday: 5 hours of lecture, then 9-hour workday
Thursday: Ran, worked on projects, kiddo's 5th bday @ Chuck E. Cheese
Friday: ~3 hours in the gym, 9-hour workday
Saturday: Drove to NJ, ran 5K, drove back to CT, then 10-hour workday
Sunday: 9-hour workday, drove back to NJ to get the kiddo
Monday: Drove back to CT, worked on research project, picked up kiddo, gym

Exhaustion led to me falling asleep on my research project today, waking up late to pick up the kiddo which means I missed the chance to run 3-4 miles before my Group Power (barbell) class.

I almost convinced myself to just skip it altogether, that I needed the sleep more, but I brought my gym bag anyway, and once the sun hit me I was much more motivated. I also reminded myself that there's no way I can meet my goal this week of running 10 miles and weight lifting twice if I skipped today. I'm going out of town on Friday, so I only have 4 days to squeeze it all in.

I went heavier than usual today, and it felt good. I'm getting stronger. I also ran 1 mile at 10:00/mile pace (6mph). Trying to run after doing 15+ minutes of lunges and squats with 37+ lbs on my shoulders was a bad idea. So, I stopped before I hurt myself. I have 3 more days to run 9 miles. I'll be OK.

41 Days 'Til Next 5k
111 grams Net Carbs (yea I overdid it... although only 1620 calories... I've been ravenous since the race, probably the sleep deprivation.)

Running Along The Sound

Thank God for great weather. If I had to run on a treadmill today, I think I would have bailed on my run.

I am still exhausted from running on empty, so it was much easier to convince myself to get out of the car and run alongside the Long Island Sound than to be cooped up inside a stuffy gym with no windows.

Despite the threat of rain, the weather was a perfect 65 degrees with a cooling breeze from the Sound. The trail is only about 0.55 miles (based on my runnersworld.com training log), but I ran back and forth on it 7 times. If my calculation is right, I ran 3.85 miles in 43 minutes -- which is super-duper SLOW.

I'm not that surprised by my pace though, because I never really ran out of breath. My legs just started feeling heavy during the last half-mile, and my brain was tired of entertaining itself (no ipod today). My lack of ability to know how fast I'm running outside is a great argument for buying a Garmin watch though (ahem!).

Today is my day off from work... also my kiddo's 5th birthday... So, after I finish plowing through my to-do list, my research project and a nice hot soak, it's off to Chuck E. Cheese's for some gaming and fun. Tomorrow is my monster 3-hour gym day... Wish me luck!

2 Days 'Til Next 5K
55 grams Net Carbs (so far today)
4-9 Pounds 'Til Goal Weight

Back to Running

Today was the first run I've had in almost a week -- 6 days to be exact. I can't believe how time flew. I certainly needed to run, especially with eating on-the-go in New Jersey mixed with the carb-rich meals at the wake and funeral to the tune of baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, sweet rolls... ah, the list could go on. Let's just say I definitely had one or two days of 80+ net grams of carbs in the last week.

But, in great news, I fit into a size 4 black Calvin Klein dress at Marshall's on Sunday (not exactly the dress in the pic but close)!! Sadly, I was buying it for my grandmother's funeral, but I was definitely surprised when I could button it up. I had the 6 on standby because I just didn't believe I could be back to a size 4 so soon, especially when the scale says I'm still 7-12 pounds up.

I still don't think I could fit size 4 pants with this hip and thigh action going on, but when I started this trek I could barely fit into a size 8/10 dress. So, despite the fact that the scale has been falling at what feels like a snail's pace, my body is showing me different.

My run today was hard. The first 20 minutes, I felt like a pro. But, the last 13 minutes I just ran out of steam and had to drag myself through the run. I finished 3.11 miles in 33:30. When I stopped, I couldn't even do my usual 5-minute cool down. I was so out of breath and lightheaded. I bet it has something to do with me sleeping in today and failing to eat before I went to the gym. I did hydrate, but I don't know what happened. I definitely plan to eat some carbs before the race next Saturday.

Since this is my first day working out this week, I have a lot of ground to make up this weekend. Here's the proposed plan:
Friday: Tempo run, 1 mile at easy pace, 1 mile at tempo pace, 1 mile at easy pace (if I don't sleep in)
Saturday: Kickboxing and Group Power classes
Sunday: 3-4 mile run

Net Carbs: 40 net grams (Boston Market, yum!)
Workout: Run, Group Power class - 1 hour
Days Til 5K: 9

Shorter And Faster

I didn't do my scheduled run today.

After working until 7 am this morning, I slept most of today. I finally woke up around 5-ish, too late to run before my weight lifting class. I went to Group Power at 6:40pm, so I only had 15 minutes after class to run before the gym's childcare center closed.

I increased my speed to 5.8 mph today (I usually run at 5.6), and ran for only a mile. It was a little more uncomfortable than my usual runs, but I pushed through. It was kinda cool to run shorter and faster. And at least I could withstand that speed for 10:26. Last time I tried to run at 5.8, I stopped at 2 minutes.

Group Power (a barbell class) went well. I went heavier on back, triceps, and chest. I love weight lifting!

I got on the scale today to find myself 2 pounds lighter, bringing my total to 12 pounds lost. That means I only have 10-15 more pounds to go, with 4 weeks to go to achieve my goal.


Net Carbs: 15 grams
Workout: Group Power, Running
Days 'Til 5K: 22

I'm A Running Woman... Not A Betting Woman

I've missed two days of posting for the first time since I started this blog. I feel so guilty!

Wednesday, hubby and I went to the casino for his birthday. He likes sushi, so we went for the sushi buffet and a little bit of Roulette and Black Jack. I lost all the money rationed for my gambling, and he won it all back. So typical. Neither of us gamble much, but it doesn't suit my personality -- too stressful!

I definitely overdid it on the carbs at the Sushi buffet, but I expected it going in and scaled back the day before and the day after.

The next morning, I had to be at work at 7am for a 13-hour shift, so afterwards, I couldn't pull myself together to post. Sorry... but I'm here today!

Today, I was back in the gym after those 2 rest days. First, I ran 3.21 miles in 35 minutes (25-minute run, 1-minute walk, 9-minute run). Then, I took the muscle challenge class right after.

The run went well. I turned the treadmill TV off and ran with just my audiobook. At minute 16, I got bored for a second and wasn't sure how I would pull off the next 9 minutes. But, I kept pushing, focused on just moving my legs and I got a second wind.

Muscle challenge was tough after running 3+ miles. My left leg kept quivering (I think it was calling out for help) no matter how much I tried to shake it out. So, I went half-intensity on anything leg, avoided using the Bosu (me and the Bosu have met before), and focused more on back-chest-upper body.

Now, it's time for a quick catnap before my 11pm shift. G'night!

Net Carbs: 20 grams
Workout: Running, Strength Training
Days Til 5K: 28

Stronger Each Day

Today's run was not pretty. 

I tried to go up to 5.8 mph and felt very winded and uncomfortable. I realized once I hit 3 minutes that I couldn't sustain that pace for the rest of the 20-minute interval. So, I downgraded to 5.6 mph again.

It still wasn't my best run. I didn't drink enough water during the day, nor did I sleep well, and it definitely took a toll. But, I still ran 2.75 miles in 30 minutes with a 1-minute walking break (that went too fast).

On the other hand, my weight lifting class afterwards went well. I increased my barbell weight for squats, chest, and triceps and finished all of the reps. At the end of the class, I was able to do the side plank with one knee down and the top leg extended without wavering (this pic has both knees bent, but you get the idea).

Also, when I did the regular plank, I didn't feel my usual sense of impending doom half-way through. It was work, but I could have held it longer if the song continued.

I'm getting stronger -- but not quite faster -- by the day.

I went grocery shopping tonight after the gym and my low-carb finds of the day are: Murray Sugar Free Cookies (creme and shortbread cookies) and Smucker's Sugar-Free Grape Jam!!!

I can have 8 shortbread cookies for the amount of carbs in one large cookie! I can't even tell either flavor was made with Splenda. I'll try out the jam on my low-carb toast tomorrow.

Net Carbs: 39 grams (blame the taste-testing and the Teriyaki stir fry I made for dinner!)

Workout: Running and weight lifting

Days 'Til 5K: 32

Me, Tae Bo and the Snow

In anticipation of 12" of snow, the public schools closed down and so did my gym. If you recall from this week's schedule, I was scheduled to do Group Kick and Zumba classes today.

So, I did some searching on You Tube and found a 1-hour advanced Tae Bo series. I'd never done Tae Bo before. The video was a little blurry, and the sound didn't always match the video, but I managed, and broke quite a sweat. Halfway through I opened up the sliding door (yes, while a blizzard was going on outside) so I wouldn't die of heat stroke.

Who knew B. Blanks was so inspirational? He kept cheering me on and telling me to ask my higher power for the strength to continue with the workout. That's how you know a workout is kicking your tush -- when the instructor tells you to pray for strength!

Then, I let a 4-year-old persuade me to play in the snow WHILE it was still snowing... I guess this was my substitute for Zumba. First, I ran up and down the hills trying to keep him and his sled from crashing into the trees. Then, I ran to save myself from his snowballs. It's funny how kids (and the adults who play with them) get a workout from just having fun -- no gym, no treadmills.

Me with the snowman we made. He needs some work.

On a happy note, I've finally budged from the 6- and 7-pound weight loss marks I've been oscillating between for 2+ weeks... today I finally weigh 8 pounds less! Only 19 more to go...

Net Carbs: 29 grams

Workout: Tae Bo, then fun in the snow.

Days Til 5K: 37

Second Day on the Ankle

After getting off at midnight last night, I overslept today and missed most of what turned out to be a gorgeous Winter day (45 degrees and sunny) -- a day that would have been great for running. Oh well. I'm sure my body needed sleep more.

I did my scheduled interval treadmill run tonight: ran for 17 minutes, walked for 1, then ran for 12 minutes. My ankle hurt during the whole run, but it decreased as time went on.

From an endurance standpoint, it is getting easier. I did find myself making deals like, just make it to 10... then 15... but I think it was more about my boredom (during commercials) rather than being winded. It may be time to run at a faster pace.

Net Carbs: 43 grams

Workout: Running only.

Days Til 5K: 38

My First Injury?

Even though I got off at midnight last night, I still got up this morning for my 9am muscle challenge class followed by 30 minutes of running. I usually like to run first (while I still have all of my energy), but I was not getting up any earlier than I did.

I got up to 13 minutes of consecutive running today. The first minute or so, my left ankle felt a little stiff (it did that yesterday too), but it loosened up just fine without any pain. However, when I was stretching, I noticed that when I touched the outside of my ankle, it was tender. I massaged that ankle while I soaked it in the jacuzzi, and it felt better.

I wonder when I hurt it - if it's from poor form, or maybe when I lost my balance doing lunges last week.

Running itself went okay. I got tired around minute 11 during the second interval, but I kept going.

Ok... time to go back to work (noon to midnight again)! Tomorrow is my (work AND workout) off day. YEY!

Net Carbs: 26 grams

Days 'Til 5K: 45

A Good Run & Carb Hallucinations

Before today's noon to midnight shift, I squeezed in a 30-minute treadmill run and an hour of Zumba. 

I had a great treadmill day. I ran 12-minute intervals and it felt really good. I slowed the pace down to 5.2mph so I wouldn't get so out of breath or overheat. My max heart rate stayed around the mid-160s, and I finally got into a comfortable stride. Yes, it's slow (11:30 min/mile), but once I get to 3 miles, I can always work on my speed.

Today, I had terrible cravings. I've been doing well on Atkins for the last 4 weeks, without cheating. I'm still keeping between 20 and 30 grams of carbs, mostly because I'm an all or nothing person, and if I start letting myself eat "more" carbs I will eat "all" carbs. But, for some strange reason, I kept smelling food aromas that made me crave carbs like Bruschetta, and fresh-baked Italian rolls.

I resisted. But... man did I cheat in my mind.

Singing (and Running) in the Rain

I've been dying on the treadmill lately. So, I prayed for warmer weather in an effort to get out on the road. Well it came today -- a 55-degree day in the midst of 20- and 30-degree days. But, with it came a rainstorm and some mean and gloomy clouds.

Saturday was actually a sunny 45-degree day, but I missed the chance to run in it because it was my off day. I found out when I left for work at 2 pm, cursing the fact that this was the 3rd time a gorgeous day fell on my workout "off" day. The nice weather will not escape me again!

Run Summary
The run went just okay. It was humbling for sure.

I walked down the incline to warm up (about 10 minutes), then started my intervals. I was supposed to run for a consecutive 8 minutes, but I hit my first hill at 4 minutes. I haven't been doing inclines or hills on the treadmill, so this killed. Legs felt heavy, out of breath, feeling like I was moving in SLO-MO. I only made it to 6 minutes for fear that I'd mess up the entire 30-minute run by pushing too much.

I walked it off, then sprinted for a minute up the second hill. Again, killer! Once I got on level ground, I ran 8 minutes without a problem. The second 2 hills were mostly downhill.

But, what happens when you reverse the route that has downhills? UPhills! I only made it 4 minutes then 1 minute up hills 4 and 3 on the return route.

My Thoughts
I'm proud of myself for running the same route as 2 weeks ago and getting farther than the first time I tried. Yet, I'm disappointed that the hills got in the way of me running 8 consecutive minutes. In total, my run-walk drills lasted 32 minutes (23 was running, 9 was walking). Then, I walked the rest of the way back home which was 1.5 miles -- including walking back up that crazy incline to the house.

In total I ran and walked 4.6 miles today in under an hour, in the rain. My MP3 player died with about 3/4 of a mile left to walk, but I kept SINGING (yes, aloud). Oh -- the best part... after getting completely drenched from head to toe, the sun came out just as I finished. Go figure...

I'm also proud that I found it in me to head to the gym for my weight lifting class right after. I completed all of the reps without having to stop or modify the movements. It was a good strength day!

Lastly -- I tried a new Atkins Endulge Bar today: Caramel Nut Chew Bar. De-li-cious. So happy I'm giving them a second look.

Net Carbs: 24 grams
Workout: Run (see above), and an hour of weight lifting
Days 'Til 5K: 53
Breakfast: Atkins Shake, 3-egg omelet with spinach and Turkey Kielbasa, Atkins Endulge Bar
Lunch: (slept through) Atkins bar with 18 grams of Protein -- after the run
Dinner: Turkey Burgers with cheese and pickles wrapped in low-carb tortillas, Steamed broccoli and carrots

My (free) Atkins Quick-Start Kit

I signed up for the free Atkins Quick-Start Kit during week 1 and the kit came this week!

This isn't the first time I've done Atkins, but I thought it would be cool to see what this kit was all about. Plus, I tried a couple of Atkins bars 5 years ago, didn't like the flavors and have never looked back. So this was my chance to try them again without wasting my money (I do love the South Beach Diet bars, which also have comparable Net Carbs).

The kit came with 3 bars, a pocket-sized carb counter book that lists the number of carbs in most foods, and a quick-start guide. I tried two of the bars -- Chocolate Oatmeal Fiber Bar and Chocolate Caramel Mousse Bar and they were delicious! Maybe they've stepped up their game since 5 years ago. I'm willing to give them a try again now.

I am, however, leaving the third bar - the Sweet and Salty Almond Crunch Bar - for hubby to try. I'm not so sure about that combo and I'm not that brave.

If you're interested in low-carb, check out Atkins' interactive tools and sign up for your free kit.


Days 'Til 5K: 55
Workout: Off day

Rough Workout

Today's workout was rough. I don't know what happened this week, but I have been so tired, and un-motivated to run or workout. I had to drag myself to the gym today, after falling asleep when I was supposed to be working on a presentation. I think I've napped every day this week so far!

I repeated the 6 minutes running, with 1 minute of walking in between, but at 21 minutes, I just didn't want to run anymore. I was tired, my left hip felt like it was tightening up, and I didn't want to miss my muscle challenge class which was starting.

Then, I thought about you guys. And how I would feel having to blog that I only ran for 21 minutes for no real good reason other than lack of motivation. So, after taking a long walking break (to 23 minutes), I ran again for another 6 minutes.

Muscle challenge was also hard. Legwork after running/walking for 30 minutes was difficult, but the hardest for me was the core work. Squats, lunges, inner/outer thigh stuff, all fine. Upper body, great (as usual). But, I kept having to stop or modify almost all of my core work.

I felt guilty about cutting the running short by 2 minutes, so I stayed for the Zumba (Latin Fitness) class afterwards. But, I did treat myself -- a pedicure with foot massage -- as soon as I left the gym.


Net Carbs: 20 grams
Days 'Til 5K: 56
Workout: 29 minutes of running-walking; Muscle Challenge class; Zumba fitness class

Breaking The Habit

Today was a workout off day, especially since I've been at work for almost 16 hours so far. That's a workout of its own.

But, today was also my first day back at our main hospital since I started cutting out carbs, training, and writing this blog. It was tough walking through the cafe and the cafeteria, seeing my usual snack culprits and not grabbing them out of habit.

You know... the White Macadamia Nut cookie that goes with my tea, the pastry that goes with my mid-day water break, the fries that are pre-made so I can grab them if I'm really hungry and not have to wait in line. The list goes on...

I walked past all of it today, got my tea and diet Pepsi and snacked on my Atkins Endulge bar. But, I'm not gonna lie -- I definitely looked twice.

Taking the Weekend Off

After working out 5 days straight, I didn't schedule work outs for yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Of course the weather has been beautiful so far. Just my luck it'll be frigid again in time for my next scheduled run.


Net Carbs: (1/15/2010): 23 grams
Net Carbs: (1/16/2010): 60 grams
Weight: Not checking until Monday

Avoiding the Apple Pastry

Every Wednesday morning, we have 5 consecutive hours of mandatory lecture (ouch). As a peace offering, trays of bagels, pastries and muffins sit next to coffee containers on a table outside the lecture hall door. I'm not a big baked goods person and the bagels are usually a little too dry for my taste, but the pastry with the apple stuff in the center... heaven.

Of course, this heaven would cost me 2 days worth of carbs.

In preparation of this temptation (or torture, depending on how you look at it), I packed a goodie bag that would keep me so well-stocked that I would never even desire to walk near the table o' carbs.

In my snack bag:

• Piece of a spinach omelet hubby made on my way out the door
• Dannon Light & Fit Carb Control Yogurt (3 net grams)
• Del Monte No Sugar Added Peaches (or Mandarin Orange)
• Blueberries & Blackberries
• South Beach Diet Bar
• Atkins Shakes - vanilla and strawberry
• Sugar-Free Twizzlers
• Water bottle

The big news of the day...... I did a treadmill run after lecture and increased today's intervals to 3 minutes running with 1 minute of walking, which means I ran a total of 23 minutes, and walked 7 minutes. No shin cramps, no gasping for air! 

Maybe I really can do this...

Net Carbs: 36 grams (so far)

Weight: woke up late, forgot to weigh myself before I got dressed.

Lunch with Dad & Muscle Cramps

My dad (who by the way was an amazing sprinter back in high school) came up to visit with some of his friends today -- a neat surprise. We went to an Irish Pub for lunch and I had a wonderful salmon with capers, and double order of veggies instead of rice pilaf. 

I practiced great restraint, because trust me, I love rice pilaf! I did so well with carbs today that I treated myself to almost a whole bag of microwave popcorn with extra butter... which I ate while soaking away my aches from tonight's workout and run (in a Lavendar bath soak).

Tonight's run on the treadmill went better than yesterday endurance-wise (Max heart rate was 182 today versus 188 yesterday). I repeated the 2min run:1min walk routine from yesterday since I had such difficulties. 

My tongue actually remained in my mouth at all times, and I started to feel like I had a good stride. However, between minute 13 and 14, I got a major left shin cramp. No matter what I did, I couldn't shake it out while running. So unfortunately, I had to stop running until the cramp subsided. Five minutes later though, I was golden and could run on it with no problems. But, man, was it an uncomfortable feeling.

Tonight's treadmill run (2.33 miles)
00:00-15:00 -- 2 min run (at 5.8mph, 1% incline), 1 min walk (at 3.2mph, 1% incline)
15:00-19:00 -- walking at 3.0mph (cramp)
19:00-30:00 -- 2 min run (at 5.8mph, NO incline), 1 min walk (at 3.2mph, NO incline)
Total run: 18 min, Walk: 12 min

Net Carbs: 20grams
Weight: -5 lbs.
Other Workout: Cardio for an hour in the Group Groove class.

Walking around NYC

Today was a gym OFF day. But, hubby and I took the train into NYC for the day and I still walked about 3 miles with a 15lb purse on my shoulder. Someone thought it was a good idea to study during the 90 minute commute. Never again.

Net carbs: 40 grams

Weight: -2lbs

Low carb ice-cream and more running

While grocery shopping, I found slow-churned vanilla ice cream with Splenda (6g net carbs) and low-carb taco tortillas (7g net carbs)... Both kept me from cheating today!

Net carbs: 29 grams

Weight: -2 lbs

8-Week 5K Plan: Run-walk drills on the treadmill for 30 minutes (2 miles), plus Zumba class afterwards

Counting Carbs

Using the Atkins Carb Tracker, I've started counting carbs today. 

Usually, during the first two weeks of Atkins, you should limit your NET carbs to 20 grams a day. I'm planning on allowing up to 40 grams a day given all the running I'll be doing. 

Unfortunately, I surpassed both guidelines today: 75 grams of net carbs.

On a brighter note, I used a free pass to Healthtrax gym and joined the 1-hour muscle strength class this morning.