Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

[unh_hockey]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

You look good in that one by beating out the other guy in the photo and he's not some out of shape schlub.

being bigger ( like that dude) is a disadvantage for running. Akin to swimming and every other sport, there are ideal body compositions. As me and my friend (who finished really well) were discussing, you can always tell the folks who are good at it.

alfa - further on your point. As a younger individual relatively speaking, I am noticing certain groups of friends who are taking exercise much more seriously now. As many are rounding the bend towards 30, they are leaps and bounds from where they were in college. I know I am. The difference between us and pro sports is that we don't really destroy our body or ever reach our limits in our 20s so our 30s and even 40s you can see significant gains. My thesis advisor must be closing in on 50s and is every bit as hardcore about his routine as ever. I’d need 5-10 years to train to even be on the same scale in terms of pacing and long distances.

The overall message is set one’s own metrics and achieve them. All of us have a very high upside we will likely never reach. When you are doing well, remember that you can probably even do a little better than that. My rugby coach from college had a good way to look at it. Imagine in a scrum ( or race) and you are in dead heat with someone of your athletic equal. To get that last ounce out and win, its going to take that much more and you’ll have to push willfully beyond that point to beat them.

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Happy National Running Day!

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

being bigger ( like that dude) is a disadvantage for running. Akin to swimming and every other sport, there are ideal body compositions. As me and my friend (who finished really well) were discussing, you can always tell the folks who are good at it.

Being bigger doesn't necessarily mean being at a disadvantage for running. While it's true that being heavier means running slower, I tend to believe it means being able to handle the longer distances.

Happy National Running Day!

Same to you! Ran for a good 40 minutes today.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I had my first group run with Team in Training today; we all ran 6 miles and I was the first person done. Also felt nice to run without a stopwatch or my iPod.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

So I did decide to repeat Week 1. Weather was far more cooperative this week. I'll begin Week 2 on Monday.

 

[Bakunin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Being bigger doesn't necessarily mean being at a disadvantage for running. While it's true that being heavier means running slower, I tend to believe it means being able to handle the longer distances.

Anyone can handle longer distances if they build up their stamina / conditioning sufficiently. From there, the advantage goes to the leanest people because their slight frames put the least stress on their joints and offer minimal wind resistance. There's a reason why your top marathoners all look like they need a sandwich.

As for me, I'm built to run, but I don't particularly care for it (I'm still contemplating starting it, but I'm leaning against it for the time being). Cycling is my thing, and I'd much prefer to devote my time to that instead (50 miles complete today, just 2 months after starting it... woot!).

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Finished the Dexter Ann Arbor half Marathon- 2:01:45 for both Mrs Alfa and I. We haven't been running all that fast this season, but we both wanted 2hrs. Pretty close, considering how warm it was today. Haven't looked at the Garmin data yet, but that was about as fast as some recent speed work we did. So even if we didn't hit the dream time, it was darned quick. 2nd fastest half for me- out of 4.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Anyone can handle longer distances if they build up their stamina / conditioning sufficiently. From there, the advantage goes to the leanest people because their slight frames put the least stress on their joints and offer minimal wind resistance. There's a reason why your top marathoners all look like they need a sandwich.

As for me, I'm built to run, but I don't particularly care for it (I'm still contemplating starting it, but I'm leaning against it for the time being). Cycling is my thing, and I'd much prefer to devote my time to that instead (50 miles complete today, just 2 months after starting it... woot!).

And I've accepted that I'm not going to join the 2 hour club anytime soon. At least now when I'm done, I can go home and cook a nice calorie bomb...

Finished the Dexter Ann Arbor half Marathon- 2:01:45 for both Mrs Alfa and I. We haven't been running all that fast this season, but we both wanted 2hrs. Pretty close, considering how warm it was today. Haven't looked at the Garmin data yet, but that was about as fast as some recent speed work we did. So even if we didn't hit the dream time, it was darned quick. 2nd fastest half for me- out of 4.

Way to go Alfa!

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Anyone can handle longer distances if they build up their stamina / conditioning sufficiently. From there, the advantage goes to the leanest people because their slight frames put the least stress on their joints and offer minimal wind resistance. There's a reason why your top marathoners all look like they need a sandwich.

As for me, I'm built to run, but I don't particularly care for it (I'm still contemplating starting it, but I'm leaning against it for the time being). Cycling is my thing, and I'd much prefer to devote my time to that instead (50 miles complete today, just 2 months after starting it... woot!).

Why would you start doing something if you already know you don't like doing it? It's not like you're not already doing something active that you clearly seem to like--it just seems foolish to waste your time and energy on something you don't like doing.
And nice work on the ride.

Finished the Dexter Ann Arbor half Marathon- 2:01:45 for both Mrs Alfa and I. We haven't been running all that fast this season, but we both wanted 2hrs. Pretty close, considering how warm it was today. Haven't looked at the Garmin data yet, but that was about as fast as some recent speed work we did. So even if we didn't hit the dream time, it was darned quick. 2nd fastest half for me- out of 4.

Nicely done!

 

[Bakunin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Why would you start doing something if you already know you don't like doing it?

If I did it, it'd be more of a "to show that I can" type of deal (and then I'd do du's).

But eh, I think what I'll work toward doing are these.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

If I did it, it'd be more of a "to show that I can" type of deal (and then I'd do du's).

But eh, I think what I'll work toward doing are these.

IMHO, everybody can. So what's the point in that?

If you get a better workout, and enjoy it, and turn out to be better at it- why not bike? I know I would. For some reason, I do enjoy running....

So if you and I hook up with a swimmer, we can do tri's...

Your alternative is a great idea. Make for an incredible vacation. We happened to be on a business trip when one of the rides in Colorado was ending. Wow.

 

[Bakunin]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

So if you and I hook up with a swimmer, we can do tri's...

I know this was in jest, but some races allow you to do it as a relay. That'd actually be really interesting / fun to get a team together of people that specialize in the different disciplines.

Your alternative is a great idea. Make for an incredible vacation. We happened to be on a business trip when one of the rides in Colorado was ending. Wow.

When I'm ready for it, I could tackle the 200k in a single day. The 1200k would be insanely awesome, but who knows if I'll ever be ready to do something like that.

 

[bostonewe]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Having doubts about being able to do a 5K by July. I'm still a big girl (I'd be competing in the Clydesdale category still...) and while I've lost over 20 lbs since the start of the year, I'm just not sure that I'll be able to do it in any sort of respectable time. I'm doing the Couch to 5K and am still on Week 4. *shrug* Disheartening, but I'm still plugging away. (Having a crazy work schedule hasn't helped; some days I work 5:30-3:30, others 8-6, with class 1 night a week. But that feels a bit like an excuse more than a reason for struggling).

 

[alfablue]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Having doubts about being able to do a 5K by July. I'm still a big girl (I'd be competing in the Clydesdale category still...) and while I've lost over 20 lbs since the start of the year, I'm just not sure that I'll be able to do it in any sort of respectable time. I'm doing the Couch to 5K and am still on Week 4. *shrug* Disheartening, but I'm still plugging away. (Having a crazy work schedule hasn't helped; some days I work 5:30-3:30, others 8-6, with class 1 night a week. But that feels a bit like an excuse more than a reason for struggling).

Sometimes doing is more important than the relative results. Keep doing it. Even if you have to walk larger parts, you'll feel good that you finished. The competitors who care about YOUR times are not the ones to hang out with. Well, unless you are shooting for world records.... But once you get past 20min for a 5k, the only time that matters is the one each person runs, not anyone else. So nobody else will think more or less of you based on your time.

(I've seen super fast people get inspired by slower ones who really try hard. So you may feel that the time isn't respectable, but your fellow runners may feel that you worked so hard that it's one to look up to)

and let say you finish, but really poorly (in your eyes, since that's all that matters). You can do two things- be depressed and give up, or be disappointed and change your approach to become better.

Knowing you, I want to think I know how you would answer. So it's really important that you do it.

 

[unh_hockey]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Having doubts about being able to do a 5K by July. I'm still a big girl (I'd be competing in the Clydesdale category still...) and while I've lost over 20 lbs since the start of the year, I'm just not sure that I'll be able to do it in any sort of respectable time. I'm doing the Couch to 5K and am still on Week 4. *shrug* Disheartening, but I'm still plugging away. (Having a crazy work schedule hasn't helped; some days I work 5:30-3:30, others 8-6, with class 1 night a week. But that feels a bit like an excuse more than a reason for struggling).

The reason most people quit a routine is usually because of a plateau right after the initial gains/ losses ( depending on your goals). Its like a new company reporting record earnings ; one can only keep that up for so long before things slow down due to the nature of things. If you find yourself truly without free time, an hour a day, than its not an excuse. However, most everyone I know has enough free time during the week to do something. Doctors, investment bankers, and business owners might be except at some point during their careers. On another message board, a dude who is competing for a bodybuilding competition easily works 80 hour weeks and makes my efforts look pathetic. He’s running on nothing, but his dedication is nothing short of amazing. The point? If there is a will, there is a way.

As for me, I sustained bit of an injury over the weekend pushing myself too hard in hockey. Basically my team wasn’t hustling , and I felt I needed to lead by example and do it all…for 3 hours straight. Bad idea. Taking the week off from the gym.

Going to be joining a crossfit gym in august/sept time frame. Looking forward to posting results and competing against myself in a more structured environment. This will no doubt push me beyond a comfort zone and up a peg on the athletic scale. There are women at this place that can probably outperform me right now ( see winger doing back squats). However, as alpha just said, its all about competing with yourself and showing ones own improvement.

 

[pardonme]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

I'm on my biggest week in terms of miles/hours for the half ironman as the race is 5 weeks away. Unfortunately this means my longest run of the year is going to be right in the middle of this heat wave. Hopefully it won't be too bad at 7 AM. Training is going well again now that I got a little of my swim and run fitness back after my trip. Still have no idea what to expect for a finish time in the race though. My hard goal is 6 hours to 6:05 but I'll be happy with anything below 6:30.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Manning up and running today? Maybe a bad idea. Got a nasty side stitch 2/3 of the way in, and thought I was going to collapse near the end. Mercifully, I heard the words "5 minute cool down" through my headphones just in time.

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Lesson learned--doing core work, weight work, and a speed workout on the track all for the first time in quite a while on the same day, a week and a half after a big race? Probably not the best idea. My everything hurts today.

Having doubts about being able to do a 5K by July. I'm still a big girl (I'd be competing in the Clydesdale category still...) and while I've lost over 20 lbs since the start of the year, I'm just not sure that I'll be able to do it in any sort of respectable time. I'm doing the Couch to 5K and am still on Week 4. *shrug* Disheartening, but I'm still plugging away. (Having a crazy work schedule hasn't helped; some days I work 5:30-3:30, others 8-6, with class 1 night a week. But that feels a bit like an excuse more than a reason for struggling).

IIRC, the female equivalent of a "Clydesdale" is an "Athena".
I don't really have anything to add that unh or alfa didn't cover. Truth be told, I think you'd be able to complete the race, and honestly? ANY time is respectable, especially if it's your first. You also still have quite a bit of time here. You might surprise yourself, you never know.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Having doubts about being able to do a 5K by July. I'm still a big girl (I'd be competing in the Clydesdale category still...) and while I've lost over 20 lbs since the start of the year, I'm just not sure that I'll be able to do it in any sort of respectable time. I'm doing the Couch to 5K and am still on Week 4. *shrug* Disheartening, but I'm still plugging away. (Having a crazy work schedule hasn't helped; some days I work 5:30-3:30, others 8-6, with class 1 night a week. But that feels a bit like an excuse more than a reason for struggling).

Don't worry. Like 'diva, alfa, and unh have all said, all that matters is that you finish. Keep it up; you're doing better than you realize.

Lesson learned--doing core work, weight work, and a speed workout on the track all for the first time in quite a while on the same day, a week and a half after a big race? Probably not the best idea. My everything hurts today.



IIRC, the female equivalent of a "Clydesdale" is an "Athena".
I don't really have anything to add that unh or alfa didn't cover. Truth be told, I think you'd be able to complete the race, and honestly? ANY time is respectable, especially if it's your first. You also still have quite a bit of time here. You might surprise yourself, you never know.

Yikes. Give yourself some time before trying to do everything. Then again, you're looking at a guy who ran 18 miles a week after running a half, then ran a full a couple weeks later.

My next event is a 15K, and I'm hoping to break 1:35:00. However, I'm on pace for 1:45:00. At least my shin splints aren't a problem right now and I've got plenty of gas in the tank.

 

[nmupiccdiva]

Re: Diet and Exercise 2011: Better Than This.

Yikes. Give yourself some time before trying to do everything. Then again, you're looking at a guy who ran 18 miles a week after running a half, then ran a full a couple weeks later.

My next event is a 15K, and I'm hoping to break 1:35:00. However, I'm on pace for 1:45:00. At least my shin splints aren't a problem right now and I've got plenty of gas in the tank.

Yeah, I had the viewpoint that I was training through that first half and in to the rest of my racing season, but that was still MASSIVELY over-doing it.

That being said, I could still stand to do some overall strength work, and I am going to try to work a small routine in a few days a week.

And, where are you doing a 15K? I'm doing one back in TC in July. Hoping to break 1:15 in mine.

It looks like the rest of the aforementioned racing season has taken shape:
6/24: Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5K here in Duluth
7/9: National Cherry Festival of Races 15K back home in TC.
7/15: Park Point 5 miler here in Duluth
9/4: Ringside Fitness Marquette Half Marathon up in Marquette
10/15: Whistlestop Half Marathon over in Ashland, WI.

It's going to be AWESOME.