I did NOT want to run this morning. Since I haven’t been getting up to workout, I am out of the habit and didn’t feel the urge that I usually do. The alarm went off at 5:30 and it was dark and scary outside and I did not want to go. I thought and debated and reasoned and decided that no matter how much I didn’t want to go then, going at 3-4pm would be much, much worse. I wanted to come home from my day and relax, so I got my but out of bed (after 15 minutes of negotiation) and did 4.2 miles (the husband reluctantly came too – he was a little bit part of the discussion but was leaning toward skipping it).
The result? SO GLAD I WENT!!! And I knew I would be.
I need breakfast to last me a while today so I made oatmeal despite my time crunch to get going. And I have freshly cooked wheatberries that I really wanted to use!!
- 1/3 cup oats
- 1/3 cup skim
- 1/3 cup water (plus more because I let it sit and it started to burn so I added more to hydrate again)
- 1/4 cup wheatberries
- ~1/2 cup blueberries
- About 4 walnut halves
- A sprinkle of ground flax
- Spoonful peanut butter
= I am stufffed!
I’m off to Hickory, NC for the health fair. Back this afternoon!
Katie says
Oh my gosh, same thing happened to me when I got back from California. I HATED getting up to workout. So mot like me. Hopefully that’ll wear off for you by tomorrow. Have fun at the health fair!
Hangry Pants says
Kath, Have fun at the Health Fair. Come back and share lots of good info, please.
– Heather
Leah says
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions yesterday on the hills! I did my 3.5 mile run today nonstop … hills and all! 🙂 To be honest, i’ve never really been a long distance runner so this is huge for me. Now the idea is to keep it up 😉
Heather says
Good job on the run, Kath! I still haven’t figured out the secret to motivating myself to get out of bed for a workout… but it’s so nice to have it done for the day.
haya says
thanks for the reminder that early morning runs are great. i’ve been slacking off on them lately due to not getting to bed early enough to get up at 5:10 and over-exercising on my bike etc. i’m going to try and get myself up at least once this week.
caitlinbo says
hahah i had the same debate this AM and I did manage to push myself out of bed, but then i just laid on the couch for an hour and watched the news. 😛
Greyce says
I still haven’t figured out the secret to get out of bed so early but I am glad that you did a good job on the run.
Have fun at the Health Fair!!!
JLynn says
Oh, Hickory….that’s my home town. I don’t live there any more, but my family and my husband’s family do.
Jenn says
Hey everyone, i need inspiration! Since we’ve been on the topic of running…. i have just started to powerwalk/run. I am doing about 2 miles running a little, power walking more… what do you suggest in terms of just getting started? is it okay to simply start off power walking then move into intervals with the intention of becoming a full time runner? any advice would be great! Thanks!
Aimee says
I currently switched from morning workouts to afternoon workouts and I want to switch back, but now it is so hard!! I just need to tell myself to go, because I know how good it will feel afterwards!
Christie says
That is a cool photo with the spoon!
Let us know how the health fair goes!
Jo says
I know how you feel – you wake up and think the last thing you want to do is go for a run… but I always force myself and just tell myself that i will enjoy it once I start and will be glad that I did – and surprise surprise, I always love it and am sooo glad I got up.
have fun at the health fair.
adria says
So I kinda dont want to exercise today too. But I think I’ll just bite the bullet and go after I’m finished with reading blogs…
BethT says
I lived in Hickory too, JLynn! From 1994 to 2005. Funny.
claire says
Jenn–I think that’s a great way to start running. After a while you’ll find that you can’t be bothered with the power walking bit and you’ll start to run the whole way. I’ve been running for years now, but that’s how I started.
Also, I’ve not done this program, but many people like the Couch to 5K program. That program incorporates some walking.
Rose says
I must say that’s a great looking bowl of oats!
Jenn – I agree that power walking is a great way to start. Eventually your intervals of walking will become less over time, and you’ll find your endurance and want to run the entire course. It takes time. When you get to the point where you want to start running the entire course, I would suggest running with a partner. When I first started running (when I was 14), I used to run with some family members who would really motivate me to keep going and not stop. That really helped me in those beginning months. Despite my 14-year-old attitude being upset with them then, I appreciate all that they did now.
I would just say do not get down on yourself if you have to stop and walk. It’s a learning process that your body needs to get used to!
hk says
Can’t wait to hear about the health fair, sounds interesting and hopefully fun! Love the feeling after a morning run, great!!
Have a good one, kath 🙂
Leah says
Jenn- that’s exactly how I started. I still do that from time to time depending on how I feel. If you have an ipod, mp3 player or the like i’ve had suggestions in the past to run a full song and then walk a full song… then eventually you can start running two full songs & then walking one.. and repeating that pattern. That may help and I always find music motivating to run to. Also, someone suggested to me yesterday (with the hill post) to focus on a target that you want to make it to. Once you’ve made it.. walk if you want.. but I found today that once I made that target I wanted to keep on going. It helped!
I think consistency is key. I have found in the past that I get on a good running schedule and then I stop (for whatever reason) and lose the motivation to start again. Then I find I lose the fitness as well.. so it’s best to keep at it, no matter how “good” your running is. I think whats important to remember is regardless if you are running or power walking – you are doing exercise in some form, which is great.
ModelBehavior says
Hi Kath+readers!
4 months ago when I commented under the name JessieP, I asked for suggestions on how to transition into running.
I had to share my good news, yesterday for the first time I ran 2.5 miles straight! When I first started i couldn’t even run 90 seconds so this is HUGE for me!
I dont’ know if Amandamoo still reads this but she was the one suggested the couch to 5k plan and I couldn’t have done it without that thanks Amandamoo!
And thanks Kath for inspiring me to be the best I can be!
Sarah says
Wahoo!! Way to go ModelBehaviour! 😀
SarahF says
Morning everyone!
I’m asking this question on a few different blogs to get as many answers as possible-but sorry if you end up reading it more than once!
I’ve been working out for 7 months now (I swim 2-3 times a week for an hour, Run twice a week-anywhere between 30 minutes-1 hour, do a Cardio Core class once a week-an hour class that does 30 minutes of strength using your body weight and 30 minutes of different cardio moves, and strength twice a week, one day for arms, one day for legs) and I’ve been eating healthy (usually around 2000 calories a day). I’ve noticed that I’m in better shape (I can run and swim further and I can do more push-ups and all that kind of stuff) but there’s been no actual difference in how I look. I started working out because I wanted to tone my body (I’m 5’11 and weigh 140 pounds, which is how much I weighed when I started working out) but even with going from not working out to working out 5 days a week there’s been no difference! What am I doing wrong and how do I change this? It’s so frustrating to be spending so much time at they gym and not see any change!
Thanks for any suggestions
Andrea says
Had the same issue this morning. Was so tired but pushed myself out of bed and did my morning run. Felt so much better! Plus I knew it would be way too hot to run this afternoon.
Your stuffed peppers look awesome! I love stuffed peppers. mmmm
KatieTX says
SarahF–But do you feel different? The scale doesn’t tell the whole story. Measurements and bodyfat will show if you are burning fat and replacing with muscle. Also 5’11, 140 is definitely not overweight. Do your clothes seem to be looser. I say since your plan looks great and you are getting in better shape than maybe that is your ‘happy’ weight for your body. Keep up the workouts, maybe add some intervals to jumpstart your metabolism. If you are working out that much personally I think you shouldn’t cut calories because I read alot about eating more when exercising more and I am a big believer in that. I think you should focus on all that you had accomplished and just keep up your hardwork because you are getting so many benefits the scale will never show you!
tfh says
Nice job on the run! The days are getting noticably shorter, aren’t they? It’s sure harder to wake up without even a hint of dawn.
Kelly L. says
Nutrition Testing?
Anyone know if there is a way you can be tested to make sure you are geating all the nutrients you need? Do they make tests for this? Just curious! Thanks.
oh, and I just have to say that for breakfast this morning I had two wheatbix biscuits mixed with a carton of Chobani greek vanilla yogurt, a sliced banana and a 1/2 cup strawberries. OMG, it is 11:00 and I’m still STUffED! I think it was the 17 grams of protein in the greek style yogurt. I have this same breakfast using Stoneyfield farm yogurt all the time and come 11:00 it’s snack time…. wowzers!
SarahF says
KatieTX-thanks for responding!
The problem isn’t about not losing weight (because I don’t want to be) but I want to be toning my muscles and even building them a bit. I enjoy cardio a lot more than strength workouts (which is why I do more cardio than strength) but I haven’t noticed a difference with muscle definition. I’m thinking maybe it’s because I’m not eating enough protein…but you’d still think that going from no strength work outs to 3 a week would make some difference over 7 months! And it hasn’t! So now I’m losing my drive at the gym because I know that if I were to stop working out there wouldn’t really be a difference in my body
Allie says
Another congrats on motivating this AM. I was supposed to go on a run, too, but didn’t convince myself. After 15 minutes, I managed to motivate to go to the gym – but running is a particular mental hurdle for me!
KatieTX says
SarahF–Depending on your frame, your muscles may need heavy weights to really show definition. I have really long lean muscles and don’t get too much definition even though I am strong. A personal trainer once told me in order to really see those muscles show up you have to do really heavy weight, 8-12 reps, 3 sets. So maybe try that. Also keep doing strength workouts 3 times a week. Also if you are only working arms/legs one time a week..which is really what you are doing you are not going to see muscle definition. So do both arms and legs each day that way you will fatigue them more. Are you still getting sore at all? Just some things to think about. I teach bodysculpting classes, hour long, whole body and those even though not heavy weights you still get toned but they focus on muscular endurance. Still great stuff!
JLynn says
Beth T, that is funny. Did you go to school there or what brought you to Hickory? I grew up in the area, but I don’t imagine it being a place I move back to. It’s great place to buy furniture though…
Deb says
SarahF- I think you might need to lift heavy and to failure (like the next day you are SORE, in a good way). Definitely have a trainer show you the best moves and buy some magazines like Oxygen and Muscle and Fitness-Hers. You might need to up the protein a bit. And to be honest, you may not even need to do as much cardio (sadly, since it’s what you love). I think you might grow to love weights when you start feeling the burn and seeing the results that they will bring. If your trainer thinks it’s OK, you can do weights most days as long as you don’t work the same body part two days in a row OR if it’s still sore. Ask a trainer about this…see what he/she thinks! And let us know what happens- it will take some time- at least a month, so hang in there and don’t get discouraged- try to focus on how good you feel and how fit you are getting.
BethT says
JLynn, my parents moved there when I was in high school (job transfer). I lived there through the end of high school, went to ASU and then moved back when I got married because my hubby is from there! We then moved to Chapel Hill for grad school and now live in San Francisco (go figure!). I kinda miss it for sentimental. It would be a nice place to raise a family, but there just aren’t any jobs.
Serena says
SarahF – I just started doing weights with a trainer and I agree with Deb, I think you have to lift heavier weights and do multiple sets, until it becomes really hard to keep form. That’s what I’ve been doing for 3 weeks (2x a week) and I already feel like I’m making progress!
Cath says
Hi Kath. I love your blog. I think it’s so great that you are motivated to exercise and do so even when your motivation is low. I hate exercising but I need to lose about 5-7 pounds. Do you or other blog readers have any advice on how to get myself going and moving? Also, what do you think about yoga for exercise?
runjess says
Jenn – That is the perfect way to start running. Just make sure that you push yourself every once in a while to improve. Gradually decrease the walking and increase the running. Take your time and have fun!
MKM says
A question for anyone –
I have heard some people (not on this site, just in everyday life) say that exercising in the morning is more effective because it burns more stored fat as opposed to sugar in the bloodstream… is that true? Or, are there any other benefits to morning exercise as opposed to afternoon exercise? I have to go to school in the morning, so I always exercise in the afternoon out of necessity (and out of habit in the summer), but I’m thinking if this is true, maybe I should change?
Thanks in advance! And, sorry for the poor wording – I’m typing really fast, so I hope the question made sense!
ModelBehavior says
Thanks Sarah, and you should check out my blog, I have a suprise waiting for you 😉
Kelly L. says
mkm- in my opinion the best time to exercise is when you WANT and CAN do it. i have always heard that was a rumor and that if you have more energy to work out in the afternoon then do that, if you like a.m. workouts then do those. i prefer a.m just because i’m a morning person but I don’t think working out in the afternoon is going to affect your burn. you are burning calories regardless.
Laura says
mkm, I agree with Kelly L., the best time for exercise is whenever you are willing and time allows. I wish I could be one of those morning people that gets up and gets it out of the way, but I’m just not, and I won’t stick with if I try. But I’m fortunate to work part-time, 7am -12pm M-F, and after a good lunch, I tend to work out harder and more often in the afternoon.
mh says
if I get up and don’t want to exercize, I don’t. then I find I have tons of motivation the next morning!!
SarahF says
Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I’m heading to the gym today after work and I’m going to give them all a try (well I have my cardio core class today so I’m usually too sore to move afterwards…so I might wait until Wednesday to try them)
emily says
I know that this has been addressed in the faq but I’m still not quite getting it. I recently gained around 10lbs (putting me at 130). Prior to this I had wanted to lose 5-10lbs anyway. I’ve always looked pretty good/been in good shape but my first year of teaching killed me! Now I need to lose around 15-20lbs (I’m 5’3.5 and I have a small frame, but anything below 110 is unrealistic for me b/c, as a man on the beach told me at 14, I’ve got “baby making hips!”). I’m getting home from vacation in a week, I have a couple weeks before my 2nd year of teaching starts, and I’m ready to make a change. I plan on (consistently) working out 5 days a week this year and I walk, at a bare minimum, 3 miles a day. My problem is that I have no idea how much to eat. I think part of my problem last year is that I alternately ate too much and too little (not in a binge/restrict sort of way, but in a life is insanely busy way). I’ve looked at 5bazillion sites about resting rate and all that but I still don’t get it. To sum up my rambling post – HELP! I would love any explanation or advice that anyone has to offer.
BMEllis says
This is a random question, but does anyone have a face sunscreen they love? I’m heading on my honeymoon next week and need something with a strong SPF for sensitive skin. Would love some recommendations!
Emily says
My dermatologist suggested Aveeno SPF 30 and she recommended it knowing I have sensitive skin.
Emily says
I should also mention I use the Aveeno lotion specifically formulated for the face.
Laurie says
Kath,
I’m going away this weekend – staying at a cottage with friends. There will be a full kitchen there, so I can bring food with me from home so that I can still eat healthy for most of the time I’m there. I’m just wondering, because it seems like recently you’ve been taking a lot of these causal weekend trips too, what are some of the foods you bring with you on these types of vacations? I’m starting to make a list of food items I can pack with me and I wanted to get any recommendations you had, since you always do such a great job at keeping up your healthy eating and exercise habits while on vacation. I tend to be really bad at this, while on vacation, but my goal for this trip is to still stick with it, while still enjoying myself. Thanks!
JLynn says
BethT-Where did you go to high school. I went to Bunker Hill…okay, not technically Hickory, but close.
Marie says
Hi Kath,
A lot of people have commented today so if you can’t answer this question right away, that is completely fine. I was just wondering your opinion on eating too MUCH fruit. A few friends have commented on how I eat so much fruit, and after thinking about it, it is true that I could easily have 5-6 servings a day. I usually have it with every meal – like a cup of berries, a banana or apple – as a side, as dessert, and as snacks once or twice a day. My digestive system handles it just fine, so is it a problem if I am still getting in all my other nutritional needs? I just wanted your opinion, or anyone else’s for that matter! Thanks 🙂
BethT says
Jlynn, I went to the oddest named high school in the Hickory Area…>Fred T. Foard!
Jessica says
going along with the running conversation…i was wondering if anyone has any good interval workouts for running on the treadmill…my average speed is around 6.5 mph but up to 8 mph for sprints…
Kath says
Congrats to Leah and Model, on the running!
Kelly L.,
If you mean for things like vitamins and minerals, your doctor can do blood tests for those. Wish we had Chiobani here in Charlotte! I cant’ find it.
Cath ,
You can’t get off to a good start by saying you hate exercising! You just have to make the decision to do it – and work hard to find things that you enjoy. Start with walking, which is easy, or taking magazines to the gym. Maybe some new group classes. Think of it as a requirement like brushing your teeth.
MKM ,
Intensity and duration are what will make you burn fat (overall calorie burn) – it doesn’t matter when you do them. So workout when you’ll work your hardest.
emily ,
You said you plan to work out (“consistently”) 5 days a week – sounds like a good plan! I bet once you get started in a good exercise plan and keep your diet healthy the pounds will come right off. It’s really that simple. Calories in, calories out.
BMEllis ,
I second Aveeno For Face!! Love it.
Laurie ,
I always take oatmeal (if they dont’ have it), some fruit (if they don’t have it), trail mix and/or nuts, and a few bars like LaraBars. Generally I eat more at meals when on vacation so I try not to snack so I really don’t bring many snacks. Mostly breakfast foods and oatmeal toppings.
Marie ,
The only drawback to getting too much fruit is that it probably means you’re getting less nutrients from other food groups (grains, veggies, dairy) so just be sure you eat a wide variety of fruit but also aren’t skimping on the other groups.
Kath
MKM says
Thanks, Kath, Kelly L, and Laura for the answers!
BMEllis – I agree with the others; Aveeno manufactures a sunscreen specifically for the face. However, most Aveeno products (including this sunscreen) contain soy, so if you are allergic to soy, you can use Neutrogena Heliplex sunscreens. They work wonderfully for me, even on my hyper-sensitive skin, and I’m pretty sure that they are waterproof, too.
MKM says
oops, that’s Helioplex, not Heliplex.
Deb says
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/
See above site for a recent blurb on SUNSCREENS I’m not sure I’d buy it hook, line and sinker, but it seems a company did tests and evaluated all these brands for efficacy (UVA AND UVB) and safety (harsh chemicals) and some other things. Take it with a grain of salt, but it was pretty interesting, fyi.
Deb says
PS. On second thought, that SUNSCREEN website is a bit weird as it says that the site is funded by it’s users…hmmm, perhaps we should take the “study” (???!!) with a very very large grain of salt. Sorry, I should have looked closer before posting about it!
JLynn says
BethT-I knew some people that went to Foard. It is really such a small world!