I just went for a run. Since high school, 10 years ago, I have exercised by choice once. Sure there have been days at work when I have to move things, but that doesn’t count really.
One of my best friends in the world, who blogs at slimminsam.com, is shooting for losing over 200 pounds. He started at 419, and is working his way to 200. So far, he has lost 79 pounds, and he has only been going a few months.
The task before me is much simpler. I really only need to lose about 40 pounds to get to my ideal weight. I don’t care so much about the weight though. Whenever I walk for more than like 10 minutes at a time, my legs ache. I have used the phrase for years, “my body is betraying me” when something weird was going on, but in truth it’s the opposite. I have been betraying my body by not exercising at all.
So, the run tonight was 30 minutes. Katie and I went out not expecting much, but we ended up running about half of the time. I definitely wasn’t counting on running more than 10 of it. I never got out of breath, the problem was just my legs aching.
So I’m telling you, the interwebs world, about this in hopes that I feel that I have someone keeping tabs on me, so I don’t give it up. Katie running with me will help wonders, I’m glad that she agreed to it– without a running partner it would be very easy to give up.
Here’s to health!
#1 by Andrew on July 15th, 2009
Good job on the run. Sounds like you did well! If you weren’t breathing hard I would suggest running a little faster. It will get your heart rate up more and will improve your breathing. As far as the legs hurting, those muscles will start to build pretty quick. Here are some other suggestions I didn’t give earlier. On some days run faster than other days. On some days run slower. On some days run farther. Some days run shorter. Mix it up and don’t get in one set speed or distance. You muscles remember it and they get very dependent upon one workout. Did you feel any of the runner’s high?
#2 by Jen on July 15th, 2009
Way to go!
I’m trying to up my workouts and lower my food intake a bit myself… I’ve gained 20 lbs since moving to Floyd two years ago. (I know some of it is muscle from taking up weight lifting, but not all 20 lbs!)
#3 by Travis on July 16th, 2009
Andrew, I felt SO MUCH runners high. About 30 minutes after running I felt better than I’ve ever felt my entire life. That’s not hyperbole, it’s 100% true.
The only thing slowing me down is my leg muscles. I wanted to run faster since I wasn’t breathing really hard, but my legs wouldn’t let me. I’ll get there though. I definitely need to get some new shoes though.
Jen, thanks! I’m not planning on lowering foot intake until I see how the exercise does. I have only been gaining about 3 pounds a year for the past 10 or so years, with little to no exercise, so I’m hoping that adding the exercise will do what I want it to. I’m dreading the thought that I might do that though, I LOVE food.
#4 by Sam on July 16th, 2009
Holy Cow Trav that is awesome. I am excited you are doing this. It is a true journey which is difficult to maintain, but I know you will rock it. I feel the same way about running, but unlike you, after 3 or 4 minutes, I am completely out of breath and have to stop. My body seems fine, but my breathing can’t keep up. I need to lose more before really getting into running. I mean, I have lost 80 pounds, but I am still 340 pounds, so it will take time.
You should also look into some weight training. Building muscle will contribute to a higher metabolism as well as additional burning of calories due to more muscle mass.
I am really excited to know you are on this journey. If you ever need support, I am always here!
#5 by Travis on July 16th, 2009
Thanks Sammy! I’m thinking about it. The thing about running is that you don’t need equipment (except shoes) or a membership anywhere. Free weights might be an option, just for some simple things. Hell something as simple as crunches and push ups would help build muscle though.
#6 by Jen on July 16th, 2009
I second the weight lifting suggestion… I started seriously weight lifting a year ago and I LOVE it! The New Rules of Lifting for Women is the guide I used, and I think there’s a The New Rules of Lifting that came before it and is more geared toward men.
#7 by Sam on July 17th, 2009
Trav, some of the best core workouts I have done have been me on the floor with nothing else but my weight. To add more, you can buy an inexpensive swiss ball and work on squats, crunches, hamstring lifts, etc. Once you have started that and introduced your body to working out like that, you could make the choice to move to free weights in a gym…