Post Marathon Pounds and Ho Ho Ho Lotta Work Ahead!

I don't really weighmyself very much,  we dont even own a scale!  When I was trying to get fit 4 years ago, I used the Wii Fit to calculate my numbers progress probably once a week or two.  Well, yesterday I was challenged to weigh myself at my mother's house.  I knew I had gained some weight as I have been slipping into eating more lately with second helpings and stress related eating with my new job. Also, to keep awake in the car for m y long commute, I snack!  That coupled with struggling to get my mileage in , blah blah blah I knew I would have gone up in weight.  YUP.  There was the number.  It is just a number , but is also a good reminder that my 37 year old body cannot keep scarfing down everything my eyes see!

Holidays begin now for me, but in actuality they began a month ago with baking available, work goodies sitting out waiting and parties to attend.  Did I mention I am a stress eater?  Well I am.

So I have about 10 pounds to work on over the winter/spring which is not too difficult, it has more to do with reasonable changes and enjoying myself.  That weight is the most healthy I feel, but its just a number and my health is more important as is enjoying myself when time calls for it.  Like tomorrow, turkey stuffing and ambrosia, you have met your match.  But only one serving. 

What are some of your vices you need to keep a lid on?  Lets rally and commiserate. 

My top ten favorite foods I need to keep tabs on:

1. Turtles
2. Turkey/ fixins
3. gingerbread cookies
4. ambrosia
5. stuffing
6. perogies ( I ate about 10 the other day!)
7. caramel chocolate from the Pot O Golds
8. eggnog
9. eggnog lattes
10. wine

Top Ten Stocking Stuffers For Runners

With Christmas right around the corner, I thought i would send out some gift ideas to those who are puzzled as to what to buy that guy or gal who has taken up running!

 Important to this writer is affordable stocking stuffers.  Unless you are impervious to the economy's conservative deffect, sticking a bunch of tiny big ticket items in a stocking is a bit ridiculous.

1. Runner's World Magazine (I love getting something to flip through for the post-present opening daze.
2. Running Gloves/skull cap
3. Gu gels/Hammer gels
4. Running socks (they will always go missing each year, perfect gift)
5. Runner's ipod strap
6. Reflector for night running
7. Headlamp
8. Running watch
9. Neck protector for cold weather
10. Book on Running or marathon(i.e. Chi Running, Born To Run)
11. Road ID bracelet 

Okay, I just added an eleventh...sue me, but I thought of this as I need this one.  If Road ID is reading this, I am open to being sent samples :)

Crunchy New Snow Running

Dark morningswith fresh snow give me a chance to take in a bit of Christmas cheer!  I love the sounds of fresh snow, the sparkle when under street lamps, how when snow gathers on the finest of branches.  It feels like a wedding veil on the earth!

I only went 5 k today, but it was well enjoyed.  I kept under the light of the street lamps locally and thus can get my head into other things than hazards.  I did a bit of stretching my buttock as its been stiff especially in the morning.  Feels good all around.  Came home to our new house all decked out in Christmas cheer. 

Happy Christmas Season!

piriformis care

My runs have slowly increased in mileage, but twinges in the morning have been keeping them spaced out for recovery sake and intimate time with the ol softball to the buttocks.  

My times have been a steady 4:04 minute km for my 15 k runs! Very exciting!  Th Th th-at's all i gotta say today!

Let ME Hear Your BODY TALK!

 He came he saw he kicked ass at the marathon.Then he rested.  This fall and now winter, I have seen a major decrease in my running mileage.  Usually I just plug away through this part of the year.  Much of it is because I have found it hard to get out at 530 or earlier.  Like, falling asleep on my WAY to work kind of difficulties.  It could have something to do with me staying up to watch the new show we love called FRINGE This week I stopped altogether because I felt my butt tighten in the piriformis, but I am not hobbling around, so I am giving myself much massage stretching and rest to prevent a full blown injury.  

It is frustrating but a part of me is finding a bit of relief in just letting it be.  Sometimes your body talks, as Olivia Newton John sang in the eigthies.  LET ME HEAR YOUR BODY TALK!

Rest is not inactive.  It is a discipline in itself.   Perhaps lately God is speaking to more than my body.  I am in an intense new position for  my career, as a mental health clinician and it requires all of my brain and heart and my spirit.  I come home just bagged, drowsy even as I drive home on the longest commute I have ever driven.  3 hours a day I listen to audio books, reflect on my day, my caseload, my family and pray and worship in my little blue car.

I am resting and now my mind is starting to look forward to the next run when its time.  I think this is a good thing.  What is your body telling you?