January Running: starting the New Year on the right (and left) foot

[rocknrollgirl]

We did a snow ride today about an hour south of here. They had less snow from ths weeks's storm, and it has been so cold that the snow has stayed nice and fluffy, so it was not icy at all. It is funny that when we left the house it was 20 degrees and felt warm compared to the past few days. All in all, I would rather have this than hot and humid. I was so quiet in the woods my husband said it felt very like a zen ride. Even the group was pretty quiet.

[emily_in_nc]

4 mile walk/run on the treadmill yesterday -- about half and half with intervals.

[GLC1968]

Oak - that's funny! I always wonder what other runners are thinking of me when I'm running at a speed that is clearly a challenge for me!

Today was an amazing run. I did 8 miles, which is my favorite route anyway, but on top of that, it was a spectacular day for running. Mid 40's, dry, bright sun, no wind... such a joy! I also stuffed my face full of food yesterday, so I my glycogen stores were well topped off and I could totally feel it. I was strong all the way to the end and I had to make myself stop running (even then, it was at 8.2 miles!). I need to file this feeling away for all the runs yet to come that I'm sure will totally suck.

[yellow]

GLC, I think you nailed one of the fundamental issues a lot of women have with running (and other activities that require a high energy expenditure): they don't eat enough. It's a struggle to figure out how much to eat to fuel running and reconcile that with whatever programming each of us has in our head (and even harder if one is trying to lose weight). I am very sensitive to trying to keep my weight at a maintenance level, but I will often not eat enough. I'm getting better about eating foods with good fat and not freaking out; for years I ate too little fat of any kind. And there is no doubt that I run much stronger when I've had several days of good, balanced eating. Most importantly, in the fall I discovered that I run really, really strong the day after moderate red wine consumption. It was not a one-time experience!

Hubs and I ran out on the island in the Great Salt Lake today (Antelope Island). Conditions were sketchy but manageable; lots of old snow, ice, and some mud and it looked like the bison have been having parties on the trails (big bison foot holes everywhere). It was slow going, which was good. I don't need to be running fast these days. We saw a huge herd of pronghorn, probably 70-80 animals. Very beautiful. And we saw a grand total of one other person on the trail. I love running out there.

[VeganBikeChick]

Had a beautiful 3 mi run today outdoors. I've finally discovered that instead of all-out stopping when it gets too tough, I can just slow down & plod along. It doesn't have to be full-bore or not at all. I think I live up to being an Aries in that respect

[GLC1968]

GLC, I think you nailed one of the fundamental issues a lot of women have with running (and other activities that require a high energy expenditure): they don't eat enough. It's a struggle to figure out how much to eat to fuel running and reconcile that with whatever programming each of us has in our head (and even harder if one is trying to lose weight). I am very sensitive to trying to keep my weight at a maintenance level, but I will often not eat enough. I'm getting better about eating foods with good fat and not freaking out; for years I ate too little fat of any kind. And there is no doubt that I run much stronger when I've had several days of good, balanced eating. Most importantly, in the fall I discovered that I run really, really strong the day after moderate red wine consumption. It was not a one-time experience!

Yellow - I know exactly what you mean. Over the past 6 months, I've been diligently tracking my food, eating an incredibly nutritious and well balanced diet and being very, very consistent about it. BUT, I've spent a lot of that time in a deficit (intentionally as I'm working on losing weight). I've all but (temporarily) given up on recreational biking because I just don't have the energy stores to recover after a hard effort (like a hill). But running hasn't been too much trouble, mostly because I just don't run very hard. That said, I have now done two longer runs that have come after a day or two of really over-eating both calories and carbohydrates and the difference in my ability to stay strong for extended periods is remarkable. I'm really looking forward to the point where I'll be happy to maintain my weight (and eat more!)...for performance.

[skhill]

I haven't run since last Tuesday, but walking enough to make up for it. About 10 miles in at least ankle-deep snow on Saturday to get where I needed to go and then to get my dog her needed exercise, it left me more tired and sore than running that distance would.

Might get to the gym for a date with the treadmill later today, or might not. We'll see.

[yellow]

Damn, ladies. SIX PAGES of posts for a month in the middle of winter is awesome. Cold? Snow? Rain? Pshaw. We keep going (even if it is the dreadmill or a slow ambulation forward).

[TrekDianna]

As of my lunchtime run, I have logged 100K this month. Not bad since I had not done any running since I got out of the military and swore not to run again (1996) and last summer.

[emily_in_nc]

Yet another treadmill run/walk -- 45 minutes on a chilly, windy, gray day on North Padre Island. High of 45 in the morning and getting colder from there. One of the three really icky days we've had here this month. Can't complain!

[rocknrollgirl]

We got out for 4 miles yesterday. It was about 15 degrees. We decided to try or rail trail and it was a frozen lumpy mess. We probably would have been better off on the trails. We got another 4 inches of snow last night and I have a delayed opening today. I think I might walk to school. I only live a couple of miles away and it is all neighborhood. The hubs does not like the idea but since when has that ever stopped me!

[katluvr]

Sunday I did a 5K trail run. It's a pretty technical trail for these flatland areas. Its a mountain bike trail with lots of rollers and turns. I had fun. My overall time wasn't great but met an old friend there and we ran together. I never run with anyone...I seem to have a pace that is steady but slow, don't catch those fast ladies and pass the people that started out to fast and then turn to walkers. Anyway I had a fun time running with a running buddy and I do love that trail. Today (my day off) it is rainy and chilly (but not like the rest of the world). I don't know how you all still get out there. I guess it is what you get use to. I"ll be running in extreme heat and humidity again this summer! I plan to hit the TM again today. I did 30 minute walk with high incline yesterday and I feel it in my calves today!
So I have a question...I have lots of workout equipment, bike trainer, TM, free weights, bands, boss...but lack motivation to push myself. I have always hated gym memberships and normally waste that money. I do feel that I may need a group activity to push myself. Even if I plan a workout here at home, I don't think I push myself like I should. I really have to get this weight off and I know part of it (a big part) is my diet. But I also feel like I need good hard workouts and not sure what to do. Looking to get motivated and find better ways to push myself! Advise?
K