Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

I kinda hoped to post another mileage milestone today, but instead I'm sitting out. Stepped on something funny on Thursday, and it got wose on a PM run.

Did got to the doctor in fear of a fracture, but didn't see anything on a x-ray, plus the nature of how quickly it came up- he's not leaning toward stress fracture- but more of a strain/contusion. Probably will try some heat this morning....

Big bummer.

I hear you. Today I planned to run 10 miles; instead it turned into 6 miles of running and three miles of walking home in shame. My body was telling me not to run after only getting four hours of sleep with a case of diarrhea to boot, and yet, I didn't listen.

Also, had another food argument with my parents tonight. I knew my switch back to real food would bring detractors; I just didn't think my parents would be leading the opposition.

 

[moose97]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

Also, had another food argument with my parents tonight. I knew my switch back to real food would bring detractors; I just didn't think my parents would be leading the opposition.

I'm in a very similar boat, but with my desire to train for a triathlon. My wife and daughter are quite supportive, as is my sister and the friends I've talked to, but when I mentioned it to my parents, they said they didn't think it was a good idea.

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

I'm in a very similar boat, but with my desire to train for a triathlon. My wife and daughter are quite supportive, as is my sister and the friends I've talked to, but when I mentioned it to my parents, they said they didn't think it was a good idea.

people are afraid of what they don't understand. I tell people I someday want to accomplish an Ironman and very few people are supportive or excited. Triathlon is all over the map; yet it is still a very niche sport that most people do not understand. If you want to do a tri, go do it. And enjoy the benefits that it brings to you. You will most likely be hooked after your first and will want to do more, but that's ok. Lean on the people who do support you and you will go a long way in the sport.

 

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

people are afraid of what they don't understand. I tell people I someday want to accomplish an Ironman and very few people are supportive or excited. Triathlon is all over the map; yet it is still a very niche sport that most people do not understand. If you want to do a tri, go do it. And enjoy the benefits that it brings to you. You will most likely be hooked after your first and will want to do more, but that's ok. Lean on the people who do support you and you will go a long way in the sport.

This is directed at Moose.

If you are out of college listening to your parents is optional. They aren't going to dictate your health and their insight is always going to be very limited when it comes to specialized things.

Its a matter of how you feel. Do you want to devote the time and effort to an adaptive endurance event? Is it weird? Oh sure, it is... not everybody does it... is it wrong? Why would it be wrong? You enjoy the 3 elements, you think its a goal to aspire to, you have the time to devote to it and you want the benefits that go with.

Nobody has to shoot for the Ironman model... if you happen to find yourself on that Hawaiian beach waiting for the starter's pistol, awesome. If you are shooting for something of a much smaller distance, no problem with that. You are still going to be in better shape than 99% of the population.

Its your life... nobody is going hungry because you bike, run, and swim. Do it.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

people are afraid of what they don't understand. I tell people I someday want to accomplish an Ironman and very few people are supportive or excited. Triathlon is all over the map; yet it is still a very niche sport that most people do not understand. If you want to do a tri, go do it. And enjoy the benefits that it brings to you. You will most likely be hooked after your first and will want to do more, but that's ok. Lean on the people who do support you and you will go a long way in the sport.

That's why I've decided to leave my family behind when it comes to food. They don't understand that it's cheaper and healthier to make their own food, and if they want to stick with their Easy Mac and expensive salad dressing, so be it. I'm not going to spin my wheels waiting for them to change...

 

[moose97]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

That's why I've decided to leave my family behind when it comes to food. They don't understand that it's cheaper and healthier to make their own food, and if they want to stick with their Easy Mac and expensive salad dressing, so be it. I'm not going to spin my wheels waiting for them to change...

We used to eat at McDonald's like 4+ times a week, and would eat there sometimes twice or more in the same day. We haven't eaten there at this point in the last 6 months. Now, my wife stopped at McD's for their $1 tea yesterday, and went in, rather than hit the drive-thru. She said that the whole place seemed greasy, and that the burgers she saw people eating made her feel icky just to look at them (she's lost 50 lbs too).

It's hard to believe how bad much of that crap we used to eat. I had watched Super Size Me a while ago, and I think I'd be that guy now - getting sick pretty quick just eating there a couple times.

 

[moose97]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

This is directed at Moose.

If you are out of college listening to your parents is optional. They aren't going to dictate your health and their insight is always going to be very limited when it comes to specialized things.

Its a matter of how you feel. Do you want to devote the time and effort to an adaptive endurance event? Is it weird? Oh sure, it is... not everybody does it... is it wrong? Why would it be wrong? You enjoy the 3 elements, you think its a goal to aspire to, you have the time to devote to it and you want the benefits that go with.

Nobody has to shoot for the Ironman model... if you happen to find yourself on that Hawaiian beach waiting for the starter's pistol, awesome. If you are shooting for something of a much smaller distance, no problem with that. You are still going to be in better shape than 99% of the population.

Its your life... nobody is going hungry because you bike, run, and swim. Do it.

Oh, I know. In fact, I found it anoying, but I'm more interested in the support of my wife and daughter, since I have to live with them (my folks live ~10 hours away). I also know my parents feelings bother my wife more than it bothers me...

And I have no plans of doing an Ironman. Right now, I just want to finish a Sprint distance and not die. We'll see what happens after that.

 

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

Oh, I know. In fact, I found it anoying, but I'm more interested in the support of my wife and daughter, since I have to live with them (my folks live ~10 hours away). I also know my parents feelings bother my wife more than it bothers me...

And I have no plans of doing an Ironman. Right now, I just want to finish a Sprint distance and not die. We'll see what happens after that.

I'm not going to clean and jerk 400 pounds either. I think at this point my mentality is blaze towards specific goals because they are irrelevant if you can't hit the spots in between. So, if you can go 0.5 mile run, 10 mile bike, and a 100 yard swim... hey, its progress. Just see if you can increase this on a daily/weekly basis.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

Funy how we all seem to be having an ebb right now...

Foot seems to be improving- I can walk with it and it's only sore. So I went out on a one hour bike ride. Thats not quite as hard as running, but the trip around the farms south of Ann Arbor was pretty cool.

As for support- you all know you are doing the right thing. that's the most important part.

but you also know that you can't force anyone else, much like they can't force you. It's tough, that's for sure- it breaks my heart that my mother in law doesn't even want to go for short walks...

But even trying to make her feel guilty just doesn't work.

bob, diva- I know it's tough, but remember, you have 8 more weeks of training. If this were easy, nobody would be impressed that you can run even 6 miles at once.

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

That's why I've decided to leave my family behind when it comes to food. They don't understand that it's cheaper and healthier to make their own food, and if they want to stick with their Easy Mac and expensive salad dressing, so be it. I'm not going to spin my wheels waiting for them to change...

you do your best with trying to influence their behavior, but eventually you can only go so far. I've tried convincing my parents to adopt a healthier lifestyle; it's not really working. I'm done trying to convince them that they should follow in my steps. I have found the lifestyle that works for me and that I enjoy. My parents were skeptical of the triathlon thing last year; this year they are coming out to Colorado to watch me race. I'm really excited to have them partake in this event that I love.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

how old is he? Why is it only 100 pounds?

edit: sets of 5 is said to be optimum for strength production... while its sub-optimal for muscle mass that's not what you are looking for as a teenager who may be competing in sports. Typically for squats you are looking at 3 sets of 5.

The idea of any exercise is to create enough of a disruption that your body compensates for it and leaves it able to do more the next time.

edit: as for good, depends on what he wants, when he wants it. Could he be over 200 by the end of the year... yes... he could be over 200 by Halloween... but if he also wants to run 5K then no... just see how it progresses. Bottom line is you want to see progress.

edit #3: the number of reps in itself isn't sacred... why does everybody insist on doing 4x10... because that's what everybody else does. On the other hand, the number of reps will encourage different things. 1 rep is for testing your peak ability but they are largely worthless for training other than as a measuring stick... 5 is supposed to be the realm for strength training... 10 is where you are dealing more with mass increases rather than strength... 20 is for endurance.

He just turned 13.

He's doing crossfit for overall fitness and athleticism, not to bulk up or max his clean and jerk numbers. I was just impressed that he has only been at it for like four weeks and is already to this point. I like that he does lots of squats, box jumps and running as part of this program - all things that should help his primary sports of hockey and soccer.

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

We used to eat at McDonald's like 4+ times a week, and would eat there sometimes twice or more in the same day. We haven't eaten there at this point in the last 6 months. Now, my wife stopped at McD's for their $1 tea yesterday, and went in, rather than hit the drive-thru. She said that the whole place seemed greasy, and that the burgers she saw people eating made her feel icky just to look at them (she's lost 50 lbs too).

It's hard to believe how bad much of that crap we used to eat. I had watched Super Size Me a while ago, and I think I'd be that guy now - getting sick pretty quick just eating there a couple times.

Congrats to both of you!
I admit, I still do eat there from time to time. Trying to find better choices is a challenge, but in a way it's almost made it more fun, because it forces me to try new things instead of sticking with a usual.

you do your best with trying to influence their behavior, but eventually you can only go so far. I've tried convincing my parents to adopt a healthier lifestyle; it's not really working. I'm done trying to convince them that they should follow in my steps. I have found the lifestyle that works for me and that I enjoy. My parents were skeptical of the triathlon thing last year; this year they are coming out to Colorado to watch me race. I'm really excited to have them partake in this event that I love.

That's great!
I am really lucky in that my family is pretty active and generally eats well. My dad is the only one of the five of us that could be considered overweight. He eats fairly well, and his job keeps him active, but his weakness is sugary drinks and snack foods on the road (he does anywhere from 1000-2000 miles a month on the road doing inspections and service calls). He has made it his goal, however, to lose 15 pounds by the end of the year. I think he could go for more, if you ask me, but I'm happy he's realized that he needs to make some kind of change.
My mom, on the other hand, looks 10 years younger than she actually is, and is in absolutely fantastic shape. She is, in so many ways, an inspiration to me, and my training for a half marathon has really brought us closer together (despite the physical distance between us) as I go to her frequently for advice and support.

 

[Patman]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

He just turned 13.

He's doing crossfit for overall fitness and athleticism, not to bulk up or max his clean and jerk numbers. I was just impressed that he has only been at it for like four weeks and is already to this point. I like that he does lots of squats, box jumps and running as part of this program - all things that should help his primary sports of hockey and soccer.

the thing is, when you are new to it, progression can come very easy... especially for a growing child... but yeah, 13 is still a little young.

I apologize for some of my eagerness... part of me sees this stuff and wonders if I could go back in time and be a little monster if then I could have been a real athlete at least at the HS level.

Nevertheless, strength progression can be quick for a newbie.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

you do your best with trying to influence their behavior, but eventually you can only go so far. I've tried convincing my parents to adopt a healthier lifestyle; it's not really working. I'm done trying to convince them that they should follow in my steps. I have found the lifestyle that works for me and that I enjoy. My parents were skeptical of the triathlon thing last year; this year they are coming out to Colorado to watch me race. I'm really excited to have them partake in this event that I love.

That is awesome. As for me, I've realized my parents aren't going to follow in my footsteps when it comes to a healthy lifestyle either. However, I have struck a compromise with them that seems to be working: when I cook, we're eating as fresh and healthy as possible. When they cook, they can do whatever they want, even if it means boxed macaroni and cheese.

Funy how we all seem to be having an ebb right now...

Foot seems to be improving- I can walk with it and it's only sore. So I went out on a one hour bike ride. Thats not quite as hard as running, but the trip around the farms south of Ann Arbor was pretty cool.

As for support- you all know you are doing the right thing. that's the most important part.

but you also know that you can't force anyone else, much like they can't force you. It's tough, that's for sure- it breaks my heart that my mother in law doesn't even want to go for short walks...

But even trying to make her feel guilty just doesn't work.

bob, diva- I know it's tough, but remember, you have 8 more weeks of training. If this were easy, nobody would be impressed that you can run even 6 miles at once.

Glad to hear your foot is getting better!

Today I ran for about 3.5 miles, this time with plenty of sleep and extra energy to boot. Saturday was a reminder that when my body says "no" that I need to listen to it, lest I collapse. Minor pain is one thing, but to go with no sleep and a disturbed GI tract is another.

 

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

Just tried my first bike ride after my long trip. I guess 3 days off wasn't quite enough for recovery, felt really slow and the hills were extra tough today. I guess I need a few more days off.

 

[moose97]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

Anyone have a recomendation for running shoes? I know that the typical response is, "go out and try a bunch on," but here's my problem - I wear a size 15. Even in a big city, the selection ends up lacking, and I'm in a town where there are no shoe stores that carry my size.

As far as my experience, I haven't bought "running" shoes in years. In fact, I remember my Mom telling me we couldn't buy them anymore since I would stop my bike with them and the toe would peal back I typically wear basketball shoes when I wear gym shoes. I used to be a Reebok fan, but now own two pairs of Nike basketball shoes that I got at Nordstrom Rack (which is a fantastic place for large size shoes, BTW. They even hold "large sized shoe events" for men's 14-16 and women's 10 1/2-13 every couple months).

Thanks everyone!

 

[ScottM]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

Anyone have a recomendation for running shoes? I know that the typical response is, "go out and try a bunch on," but here's my problem - I wear a size 15. Even in a big city, the selection ends up lacking, and I'm in a town where there are no shoe stores that carry my size.

As far as my experience, I haven't bought "running" shoes in years. In fact, I remember my Mom telling me we couldn't buy them anymore since I would stop my bike with them and the toe would peal back I typically wear basketball shoes when I wear gym shoes. I used to be a Reebok fan, but now own two pairs of Nike basketball shoes that I got at Nordstrom Rack (which is a fantastic place for large size shoes, BTW. They even hold "large sized shoe events" for men's 14-16 and women's 10 1/2-13 every couple months).

Thanks everyone!

If you can swing it, I'd recommend that you find a dedicated running shoe store and stay away from the big box stores staffed by high school kids. The staff in the shoes places tend to be dedicated runners who can help analyze your gait, running style, etc. You may be able to find a local running coach to help too. If you get down to Minneapolis you should look up Marathon Sports on Penn and 50th. You may also want to contact local HS or college CC coaches and see what stores they send their runners to.

However, if you're really daring, you may also want to try Zappos and read the recommendations of their customers for hard-to=fit shoes. In my experience, New Balance tended to have a variety of larger sizes.

 

[Dirty Bottles]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

Anyone have a recomendation for running shoes? I know that the typical response is, "go out and try a bunch on," but here's my problem - I wear a size 15. Even in a big city, the selection ends up lacking, and I'm in a town where there are no shoe stores that carry my size.

As far as my experience, I haven't bought "running" shoes in years. In fact, I remember my Mom telling me we couldn't buy them anymore since I would stop my bike with them and the toe would peal back I typically wear basketball shoes when I wear gym shoes. I used to be a Reebok fan, but now own two pairs of Nike basketball shoes that I got at Nordstrom Rack (which is a fantastic place for large size shoes, BTW. They even hold "large sized shoe events" for men's 14-16 and women's 10 1/2-13 every couple months).

Thanks everyone!

I agree with what ScottM said. Try and find a running store that will take the time to work with you a bit. Run-n-Fun in St. Paul is another solid choice if you're ever down in the cities. Otherwise I'm sure you could find something in Fargo or Grand Forks.

Personally I rotate through 3 pairs of shoes (big believer in rotating shoes that have different feels). I use Asics Cumulus (neutral shoe) for long runs, Asics DS trainers (stability shoe) for my intermediate runs and Nike Free (minimalist) for short stuff.

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

I just did my last "new distance" long run of my half marathon training! 12 miles!!
Now I'm in the "tapering" phase, so to speak. 3 weeks is kind of a long taper for a half, I realize, but it's how it worked out with me wanting to do my 12miler before I moved to Houghton. Next week, a 10, then an 8, then a some 3's and 4's going in to race weekend!

 

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2010, pt. 2: Never Going Back

I just did my last "new distance" long run of my half marathon training! 12 miles!!
Now I'm in the "tapering" phase, so to speak. 3 weeks is kind of a long taper for a half, I realize, but it's how it worked out with me wanting to do my 12miler before I moved to Houghton. Next week, a 10, then an 8, then a some 3's and 4's going in to race weekend!

atta girl. Quiz and I are both in the taper week for our triathlon tomorrow. Not working out every day has been driving us both crazy! We both feel so gd lazy. But it will all pay off tomorrow, as we take that next closer step to infinity.