I ran again!

So, maybe I don't hate running after all. I did my second Couch to 5K run yesterday and I was happy to make time for it.

At the recommendation of my friend, I went to a national park in the area since I wanted to be on that side of town after work. I changed clothes in my car (a workout in and of itself!), laced up my new running shoes and got started. I got shin splints during the 5 minute warm-up and interestingly they got better during the 60 second runs. Runners, is that normal?

All in all, the second run was better than the first - I actually ran each time and didn't curse when the system alerted me it was time to run. That was an improvement over the first run!

I'll do my third run from Easton, PA. when I'm visiting my brother and sister-in-law over the next few days.

Holy Crap, I ran...

So, a few month ago, the Couch to 5K plan was circulating on my Twitter feed. I even told a few people about it off line. It seemed like a great concept, but I HATE RUNNING!
I'll walk - I like walking.

But then I started talking to my friend about how she lost the weight and she said one part was running. She had done C25K and was now running on regular basis. Then, all these runners started following me over on Twitter (my friend @pachladis included me in her #ff list).

So, it got me thinking - I need to do something. So, I decided to give it a try. I asked a few people what they thought of it, most people seemed to enjoy it.

Today, I went and got fitted for some new shoes (of course!) since I get shin splints and worry about my ankles. Then I downloaded an app for my iTouch to track when to switch from running to walking.

And off I went. You begin with a 5 min. warm-up and then run for 60 seconds and walk for 90 seconds. I didn't too badly. I did skip the second to last running sequence because i felt too tired and when it marked the halfway point, I switched to walking early. But I finished it - Not bad for someone out of shape and who hates running.

What stops you?

So, two weeks ago, I wrote here about coming back - starting to take care of myself again. I was great for 4 days - I even figured out to have some drinks after learning that a glass of wine is only 100 calories.

I was doing well. Using my new Sparkpeople BB app to track my food and focusing on that to begin with.

Then on day 4, everything changed. I ran into an emotional road block. Then my focus shift - I wanted to make the emotional pain stop, so the food started. Interestingly, I was ok on day 4. Perhaps all the yelling and screaming and being upset helped me that day - but the next day, I ate a healthy breakfast and then lunch came. I was telling a friend about what upset me and I just kept eating...and eating...and eating. I looked down on my plate and said - "I guess I'm eating my feelings again."

And that is my greatest challenge. I'm an emotional eater. I get upset and so I eat. I saw an old friend earlier this week and she told me she's successfully replaced eating with running - and lost 55 pounds.

I need to get my emotional munching under control, but I need help. Do you have any tricks or tips for emotional eating?

What's in your tool box?

As I've admitted on here, I've spent the last several months not watching what I eat or exercising. Between a divorce that had me turning to carbs to a re-entrance into community theater, my physical health has taken a backseat to the my emotional health. I've been doing things that make me feel good.

There's nothing wrong with that - until your pants stop fitting. Which mine have been slowly working towards. Last week, I went to the doctor and had to step on her scale. It had been a while since I weighed in, so I was disappointed (and a little surprised to be honest) to see that I had gained around 15 pounds.

So, after putting on a pair of pants that used to fit nicely, I decided I couldn't do this to myself anymore. So, I'm getting back on the horse.

But rebuilding oneself, physically, takes a lot of work. And clearly, it's been an ongoing struggle for me. So, I'm pulling out all the stops on this one. I'm breaking out as many tools as possible - slowly.

First, food will be my focus. I went back over to SparkPeople to track my calories and exercise. They have a Blackberry app too, which will help. I'm tracking my intake on there and staying within the calorie suggestions on the system.

I'll be drinking more water and trying to eat at home. I'm ceasing with the AM Starbucks stops and switching back to tea.

And, new in the tool box for 2010 is #teamslim. This Twitter movement was started by @RailbirdJ to help him lose the last 50 pounds. The idea is that you tweet your food and exercise and #teamslim helps with motivation. They welcomed me to the team today and I'm hoping it helps! Here's a little more about #teamslim.

What are your favorite tools? Do you have any tips or tricks?

Labels

I’ve written about identity before, but lately I’ve been thinking a lot about labels – the ones we give ourselves, the ones we earn and the ones others give us.

I’ve long identified myself as a “fat” girl. It’s funny to talk with others about it. I am surprised when people say they don’t think of me as fat. I’ve identified myself as heavy for so long; it’s hard to turn off that perspective.

I’ve earned lots of labels – friend, PR Pro, college grad. Those I’m so proud of. I wear them like a badge of honor. When I fail to live up to those labels, I feel bad – it throws me into a tizzy.

Then there are the labels other give us. These are the hardest to handle, because you don’t have control. Even though I label myself as a “fat” girl, it’s shocking when other people label me that way.

But worst are the ones that you can’t shake. The label that’s been getting to me is “divorcee.” From now until I get married again (if that is in the plan for my life, and who knows anyway…) I’ll have to check that box. I don’t get to be single ever again – and my divorce and therefore first marriage will follow me everywhere.

I guess, though, I shouldn’t worry too much about the labels I can’t change and focus more on the ones I can. I can’t change the way people see me, and only the way I see myself. I have to stop identifying myself by the number on the scale or in the back of my pants.

Anyone out there been able to do that? Can you give me any tips?

Oh yea, and speaking of labels - you can now find me at my very own URL! Update your bookmarks to http://shoesalwaysfit.com!