Is running really worth it? Is it doing anything good for my body?

I’ve never been into running. It has always been really hard for me especially when I was overweight. Eventually I lost 35 pounds by counting calories and working out with a personal trainer. I gained so much insight from that experience. Food became very important to me. I wanted to make sure I was feeding my body properly and keeping healthy. Counting calories just wasn’t cutting it. Yes it is an effective method to lose weight but for long term it is just not reasonable! I wanted to be “normal” and be able to eat what I wanted when I wanted. I learned it was all about portion control. I learned fueling my body for workouts was just as important.

It started in 2009 where I would run a mile here and there. Took me around 15 minutes on a treadmill and mind you I’d stop and walk at least once. I decided in 2010 I would run my first 5k. It came sooner then expected and in February my mom joined me. I never thought my mom would be interested in running but she loved it! This was our first 5k and first time ever running in the rain. It was brutal but felt so amazing at the end. At this time trying to maintain my weight was hard and I realized at this time if I wanted to continue running it wouldn’t be for losing weight, but to make sure I’m fueled properly. I would never be hungry right after a race and then few days later I had the never ending food pipe!

We decided we always wanted to run the 5k for breast cancer and in May we ran the race for Susan G. Komen. Again another amazing feeling and accomplishment. Although I was glad it came to an end. I was at the point of running being my enemy then a friend. I know a 5k isn’t a big deal  but for a new runner like me I wanted to make sure I had training runs in order to prepare myself for the race. I hated running!! I was thinking to myself, “Why am I forcing myself to run?" This should be because I want to, not because I have to.” I took a break for a few months. Right after the summer I started getting that antsy feeling. I found another 5k for the month of September. I told myself I won’t stress over numbers or push myself to hate running. In the end I ran a great race, my time was slower but at least I felt good about during the run. I realized after this race I’m not cut for running. I enjoy doing it once in a while for cardio but to make it a hobby just isn’t my thing.

Is running worth it to me?
My left knee doesn’t feel right when I push myself to run and my feet hurt too. I’ve gone through several pairs of running shoes to find ones that work for me, it is not easy finding a good pair! I know I don’t want any knee problems and running has trigger something in my left knee. I don’t think any injury is worth it from just running. I realize running is just "really” hard on the body and there are better forms of cardio out there.
Is running doing anything good for my body?
My heart rate is always at its maximum and I sweat up a good storm. That always a good thing! I’m able to keep a comfortable, steady pace around 10:30 per mile. I don’t like that my knee bothers me and causes discomfort. I also don’t like that it is not effective in losing body weight/maintaining for me. I find I’m craving more carbohydrates and less protein. I always want something sweet after every meal and running makes it even worse for me to control sweet cravings.
What’s next?
Well recently a friend of mine asked me to come do a Krav Fit class with her daughter. Her daughter is having a hard time finding an after school activity and they refuse to have her just stay at home after school. Her younger sister does a Krav Maga class called Krav Kids and LOVES it. So I gave it a shot and it kicked my ass! The best 1 hour workout I had in a while. The instructor is hardcore and doesn’t make anything easy. The class is a mixture of everything from sprints, kettle bells, squats, lunges, bear crawls, punching/kicking, more sprints, resistance tubes, etc. I was probably complaining the whole time but I actually loved it. No one works out hard enough unless there is someone pushing you to do it and not give up. That is exactly what I need right now. I signed up for 3 months to test out the waters. I went to my first level 1 class the other day and really liked it. I’ve always wanted to learn self defense but I guess you could say I was scared? Well  not anymore! I’ve already met a lot of new people who are really nice and willing to help me get the basics down. That is always a plus. Krav Maga is the official self defense and fighting system used by Israeli Defense Forces, Israeli Police and Security, and numerous U.S. law enforcement agencies.
   

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This is a different post as you can tell. Usually I’m all about the food but fitness is something that is very important to me. I hope you enjoyed this reading and will enjoy future fitness posts!
Always,
Fallon

Run For Your L.I.F.E 5k Race and 1 Mile Fun Run

This past weekend I completed my 3rd 5k race with my mom! Run For Your L.I.F.E (Leadership. Integrity. Fitness. Education.) 5k Race. I was a bit worried about this race because I tried a new workout that required us to do A LOT of squats this past week. My legs were gone, so sore and fatigued. Well after this new "exercise" which I will tell you about another day, the next day I decided I needed to warm my legs up with a light jog. I didn't struggle and completed my jog. Then it all went down hill. My legs were killing me!! I felt old LOL. I stretched and stretched. I couldn't wait for my favorite yoga class and even yoga didn't help my legs. I always take the day off before a race from working out. I was hoping that on race day I would be GOOD! Well I woke up, not as sore as I once was but still sore. I stretched before heading out to the race.

I did something different this time around, that I didn't do with the last 5k runs. This time I didn't stress myself out to get in some practice runs. I did what I did. I didn't stress myself out with trying to set a goal. My goal was to just to complete the race regardless of time. Lastly, I ate very lightly before the run. Half a Clif bar it was. Usually I have toast with PB and banana but I decided to change that. With these 3 changes, this was my BEST race yet! Even though I felt this was my best race, my time was a few seconds slower but I felt great.

Getting my game face on!

The course was rough. It had a lot of hills and I'm not use to that terrain. Plus tons of stinky sewage I kept passing through and trying not to breathe in but that was hard! I kept going even if I slowed down. I did stop once, but 15 seconds later I got back to it. My official time was 31:50. Considering I didn't get in as many training runs as I liked and having super sore legs, I did pretty well! My FAVORITE part about this 5k was the free massage I received afterward. It was epic! The weather outside was gorgeous. It was the best 20 minute massage ever. I'm so glad I decided to get the massage because she really loosen up my muscles. The next day I wasn't sore at all! The free massages were sponsored by the Nevada School of Massage Therapy. I found out they give hour massages for $32. I think I'll be getting massages more often now!

My appetite has been pretty non-existent recently after working out. All I want is water and coconut water if available. I was able to kill time with my massage and check out some of the vendors. Eventually I was ready for some coffee and almond butter! I packed up my own snack to bring because it is just easier and cheaper! My mom didn't want a massage (Isn't she crazy??) so we headed to one of our favorite hangouts, Starbucks. She got a hot coffee and I had a nice iced coffee unsweetened, with half and half. I brought the following:

It was delicious and just what my body wanted! We enjoyed the beautiful weather outside before heading home. Sadly my mom had to go to work and I was heading to a friend's house for her daughter's first birthday! Here are some questions that I will answer later. Is running really worth it? Is it doing anything good for my body? Have you completed any races lately? How did it go for you? Do you want to continue to run or are you looking to find a new activity? Here are the official race photos! Should I buy them? They are a bit pricey but I really like the ones where I'm smiling and my hands are "almost" raising the roof! I was smiling because I was .10 from the finish line!

A

B

C

What do you think?

See you soon with... ENCHILADAS!

Fallon

PS: I’m having a difficult time formatting my posts with blogger. I recently downloaded Windows Live Writer and I hope this will make it easier for me. I’m constantly fighting with blogger and it is so stressful. I want my blog to look nice, not like I put it together in less than 5 minutes. So please bare with me, while I get over this bump! Thanks.

Another 5K

This post is coming late but better then never! On May 1st I ran my second 5k ever. My goal was to just do one race which happened in February. I'm not a perfect runner and I don't know if that is even possible. Running is hard ya'll! I'm glad I am able to run 1 mile without stopping. Granted I don't kill myself to run the fastest mile. I'm like the turtle, eventually I'll beat the hare ;). For my second 5k I stressed myself out by setting a goal. I wanted to run under 30 minutes. It got to the point where I hated running. I was forcing myself to run a certain amount of miles a week and my mind was playing with me. I realized this wasn't fun. I was running for a great cause, Susan G. Komen! So I stopped stressing myself out with times and just ran. I ended up beating my original time by 15 seconds! Like I said running is not easy. I'm now taking a break until I get in the mood that this is something I want to do. Las Vegas is not a friendly environment to runners or bikers outdoors. I prefer the outdoors over the indoors. The thread mill is LAME! I think that what did me in.

With my Mama in the AM!

All in all, it was a beautiful morning. My mom joined me for the run as well! Surprisingly this was her second 5k as well. We had a lot of fun and can't wait to do this exact race again next year. Oh yeah... and can you say they loaded our Trader Joe's bags with so much food. Check it out!

Mini Moon Pie! I've never had one so I stashed one for a chocolate days. ;) Gave the other processed goods to dad. lol

I donated $1 to New Balance and got these nifty shoe laces!

I'm a bit behind on posts! I made my mom something delicious for Mother's Day (Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the mamas out there!) that I can't wait to share with you. Also my boyfriend is finally back home. YAY!!! I get to see him in less then 2 weeks!!! Always, Fallon

I'm back!!

*UPDATE ON BOTTOM* (2-11-10) I will make this short, maybe. ;) I'm currently baking a pie for my parents anniversary! I went to my Baked cookbook and decided it was time to make my first pie. I went with the Tuscaloosa Tollhouse Pie. I changed a few things and I can't wait to tell you about it. Let me just say it is baking in the oven now and it looks AWESOME! It smells really good too. Can't wait to dig into that bad boy later on. Just a quick recap of whats been going on these last few days:

• My computer CAUGHT a worm. I've never had this happen to me before and was so scared I was going to lose everything. I didn't even download anything. I visited a website I always go to and all of a sudden this "antivirus" which was the worm was downloaded into my computer and started running its own scan. I had tons of warning pop-ups and how I needed to download this program. It was also changed my lovely desktop wallpaper to this scary warning! I'm glad I just needed a system restore and it didn't do any major damage.
• My internet cable soon after the worm was cleared went out on me. Had the cable company at my house twice in the last 2 days. Looks like the problem is finally fixed because I'm here posting this quick update ;) That was very stressful.
• Several of you have asked about my 5k experience! Well it was great. I had a lot of fun. My mom also ran it with me! The only downfall was the weather. It started raining just as the race started and then it continued to pour! I was absolutely freezing afterward but I was glad I did it for the kids (Make a Wish Foundation) and myself. I didn't take as many pictures as I wished because I didn't want to run with my camera. Any tips for running and holding my phone/camera? Please just don't say fanny pack ;)

I'm READY!!!

Warming up with a nonfat latte and sprinkle of cinnamon on top! Seattle's Best makes the BEST lattes.

• Not sure on my official time from the race either. When I passed the line it said 32:07 and that is pretty normal for me. My time has improved tremendously, so I was very happy to see those numbers. Especially with it being cold and rainy! The site apparently has been "attacked" whenever I try to get my time results, so I emailed someone to see if they could guide me in the right direction. I'll keep you posted!

With my mom after the race warming up ;)

• I already picked my next 5k. May 1st, Susan G. Komen!! Can't wait :)

I will definitely get that pie post up sometime this week. Looking at it now.. I'm wondering if my crust is even cooked??? Oh oh!!! We shall see what the pie verdict is for later. Thanks for the comments and being patient while I get back up and running. I'm so behind on many of the blogs I read but don't worry, I'm going to catch up right now!! ______________________________ The results finally posted!! I'm pretty happy with my results. I didn't set any time goals for myself, except just to finish the race! I was just training with a treadmill, so to keep my same pace on land I thought was pretty good, especially since it rained the entire race! Can't wait for May 1st to come around for my next race.