Friday, April 4, 2014

Weeks Four and Five of Training: Kettlebells and cookies

     Week four was terrible with regards to running. I just didn't feel like doing it. I have been doing a lot of later hours at my job because we started a few new groups for our patients. The new groups are exciting, but I am tired at the end of a long day. UGH!!!I did hit the gym and I did some kettlebell workouts at home with my 20 pound kettlebell. My favorite moves are the swing (of course!) and sit-ups. The Biggest Joe suggested that he might be helpful with the sit-ups. He held my feet and barked at me to do them faster and to sit ALL THE WAY UP!!!  Week five saw some mileage. My goal for the half in May is 2 hours and 36 minutes which equals 12 minute miles. During my practice runs, I have been trying to keep my pace close to my goal race pace. My runs outside showed me that I can run faster than a 12 or 11 minute mile. Last Wednesday, I told my friend that I was going to run 6 miles that evening. This was a motivator to actually meet this distance goal. I dropped my car off at the school where The Littlest Joe was at track practice and text her to wait in the car if I was not back by the time she was done. I started this run thinking I would finish in about 1 hour and 12 minutes. When I finished mile 1 at 10:27,  I felt a little excited. Mile 2 was 10:35. At that point, I was convinced I may be able to finish the six miles in a shorter amount of time. I changed my goal and decided I wanted to finish before 1 hour and 6 minutes. I finished in 1 hour and 4 minutes. I am in competition with myself and no one else. I would like to run this half in May faster than I ran my first half. I am determined to do that. This run convinced me that I can do that!! 
     I am excited to see that I am maintaining my recent weight loss. I'm still abstaining from all meats except seafood. I do still have a love affair with sugar and I have been eating desserts again. I have not had any moments of binge eating. I have only eaten sweets in moderation. I ate my last box of girl scout cookies this week. They are all gone. Instead of feeling sad, I feel relief. I also have not had sugar in my house for about 2 months now. The Joes are acting as if the world is ending. They are very vocal about their disgust with the lack of sugar in our house. We do have honey and agave. We made yams with butter, agave, vanilla and cinnamon. They could not taste the lack of sugar. They are super tasty this way!! We have lots of fruits. I also bought some sweet-ish snacks (animal crackers, applesauce, etc.). They are surviving... I am doing great!! Hope everyone's training is going as planned!!!

2 comments:

  1. Good job Ms. Banks. Your an inspiration. You are teaching the Joe's healthy habits and discipline! One day when I grow up I want to run for fun too. I support your hard work. You can do anything. ANYTHING!

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