...And more exhaustion

After working 14-hours last night, I got off this morning, dropped the kiddo off at school, and convinced myself to go to the gym.

I ran 3 miles before my weightlifting class (I probably had time for 4 miles but I thought the class started 10 minutes earlier than it actually did). I did an hour of Group Power (I went heavier than usual on back today). Then, I finished up with another mile.

This week's running goal is to run 10 miles. Today's running made 5 miles total for the week so far.

I wish I was as productive the rest of the day. I fell asleep sitting upright doing the taxes this afternoon and lost about 6 hours of life in the process. Looks like it's gonna be a late night to make up for it.

Workout: ran 4 miles (weekly total: 5 of 10); Strength (2nd of 2).
65 net grams of carbs

Gluts... Ankles... and a Great Workout Day

My gluts were so sore today thanks to Billy Blanks. I'm somewhat ashamed that a man on my computer screen worked my tush harder than it's been worked in the past few weeks.

The ankle performed well today. I barely remembered I "injured" it. I actually twisted my ankle a little yesterday running after my kiddo in the snow. Maybe I twisted it back into place, because it feels excellent today.

I ran intervals again today on the treadmill. Since I've been feeling so good lately running at 5.2mph (11:30/mile), I decided to crank it up to 5.4. Just like Monday, I felt a burst of energy at the end and decided not to stop at 30 minutes. I kept going until I hit 3.1 miles (or 5K... for the first time!) and ran it in 35 minutes including a 1-minute walking break. According to dailymile, today was my fastest pace - 11:17/mile.

Then, I went to weight lifting class where I went 5 pounds heavier than my usual on chest, back and squats, and even though it burned, I could finish all of the reps.

Overall, a great workout day. Who would have known that I had to sweet talk myself into going to the gym in the first place? Fortunately for me, reruns of my two favorite TV shows were playing on my treadmill's TV during my run: Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. Definitely made 30 minutes feel like 5.

Now, I'm typing to you guys from my nightly 106-degree Eucalyptus Aches & Pains bath soak (yes, I measured!) which I soooo deserve. Good night!

Net Carbs: 39 grams
Workout: Running and 1 hour of weight lifting
Days Til 5K: 36

The Things I've Learned

This week marked the start of my second month of training, and I've learned a few things about myself over the past five weeks.

1. Sneakers make a difference. My old workout sneaks gave me shin cramps. In my Dr. Scholl's work sneakers, I run like a pro (or something like that).
2. When I overheat, I don't run as well. More importantly, I overheat when I run inside on the treadmill, and my heart rate shoots up to the high 180s. Outside in 40-degree weather, it's 140s-160s max.
3. Slow and steady wins the race. When I started the run-walk intervals, I tried to run at a 10 minute/mile pace and I was barely finishing the assigned intervals. Now, I run slower (11:30/mile), but I'm able to increase my distance daily.
4. Warming up = Finishing. The days I rush into running without a good 10-minute walking warm-up, I'm usually sorry.
5. Running in place isn't for me. My best times (on the clock) and my best times (as in, enjoyable) are when I'm running outside. Can't wait for Spring.
6. Music is not enough to distract me from watching the treadmill clock. I need to get drawn into a dialogue, like on television. I'm gonna try audiobooks when I run outside.
7. I am an afternoon worker-outer. Despite the warnings that working out at night will keep you from falling asleep, I snooze just fine. I also run the best in the evening.
8. When I wear frumpy gym clothes, it affects my drive. If I can see the muscles developing in my arms or calves, it makes me push harder than if they're hidden or I'm wearing an outfit that makes me look heavy.
9. Treat my medical ailments. Now that I am adequately treating my allergies and asthma lately, it is much easier for me to withstand long-term cardio activities.
10. Respect the Process. I'm an all or nothing type of person, so a part of me wants to just go outside and run 3 miles, but that's also how I tend to get injured or lose motivation. I am respecting this incremental progress and watching my body change and strengthen week-by-week. Even with my ankle, I have to learn to respect the healing process, and get back out there as soon as I'm ready -- not before.

Net Carbs: 45 grams yesterday (had an emotionally-snacky day), 10 grams so far today.
Days 'Til 5K: 41
Workout: Still on break for the left ankle injury.      6EF57M4BQ49P

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.