This fat girl runs, breathes and believes

menoscemo · 29-04-2015 09:24PM

I am sure you have improved since January but am i right in saying your 5 mile PB is 1:08:xx from Raheny?

It's just that I noticed that with your 3 mile run last week as well, isn't it faster than 5k pace?

The reason I am saying this as you will see all over this forum; the most common mistake of inexperienced runners is to do their training runs too fast. If you are constantly running PBs in training then you are opening yourself up to injury and overtraining. This is especially important when training for a Marathon as you are gradually building up the miles so it's important to keep the majority of the runs super easy.

Have your coaches given you any idication on the paces to do your training runs at?

This Fat Girl Runs · 29-04-2015 10:43PM

menoscemo wrote: »

I am sure you have improved since January but am i right in saying your 5 mile PB is 1:08:xx from Raheny?

It's just that I noticed that with your 3 mile run last week as well, isn't it faster than 5k pace?

The reason I am saying this as you will see all over this forum; the most common mistake of inexperienced runners is to do their training runs too fast. If you are constantly running PBs in training then you are opening yourself up to injury and overtraining. This is especially important when training for a Marathon as you are gradually building up the miles so it's important to keep the majority of the runs super easy.

Have your coaches given you any idication on the paces to do your training runs at?

That's a fair point and one I think about every time I lace up my shoes!

The PB I got in Raheny WAS hard. At the time.

Tonight's run wasn't the easiest given how sick I've been and still not feeling tops but it wasn't hard either. I guess I've just gotten to be a better runner?

My easy run pace has been consistently in the 13:xx range, my hard runs slightly harder at around 12:xx. My long run pace is even slower, all on the advice of my coach and trainer. But saying that, they both tell me constantly not to worry too much about pace and not to go too fast. They definitely want to keep me injury free!

Oh, I should mention that on my training runs I'm not actually TRYING to PB. It just...happens sometimes.

Edit to add: Also, I had to stop at traffic lights a few times and tie my shoe once. The AutoPause would have kicked in then. Might affect the overall pace a bit?

menoscemo · 29-04-2015 10:59PM

OK that's good to know.
You are probably in much better race shape than when you did your previous PBs. Have you any races planned to test the waters? IMO Races are the only environment in which you should go flat out.

Long runs and Easy runs should be at approximately the same pace. Easy by definition means that you could hold the pace for much much longer if you had to. My easy and long run pace would be approximately 60-90 seconds per mile (40-60sec/km) slower than my marathon Race pace. Therefore I would urge caution on your paces and make sure you are generally running at a pace where you could simultaneously hold a conversation without gasping for breath.

There is no harm doing one of your 3 runs a week a little faster than the others but I would urge caution with the other runs. Overall I think it would be more beneficial to marathon training to do an extra easy run per week than to push the pace on a run and require more recovery.

This Fat Girl Runs · 29-04-2015 11:06PM

menoscemo wrote: »

OK that's good to know.
You are probably in much better race shape than when you did your previous PBs. Have you any races planned to test the waters? IMO Races are the only environment in which you should go flat out.

Long runs and Easy runs should be at approximately the same pace. Easy by definition means that you could hold the pace for much much longer if you had to. My easy and long run pace would be approximately 60-90 seconds per mile (40-60sec/km) slower than my marathon Race pace. Therefore I would urge caution on your paces and make sure you are generally running at a pace where you could simultaneously hold a conversation without gasping for breath.

There is no harm doing one of your 3 runs a week a little faster than the others but I would urge caution with the other runs. Overall I think it would be more beneficial to marathon training to do an extra easy run per week than to push the pace on a run and require more recovery.

That's pretty much what my coach says as well, since I don't have a heart rate monitor I go by whether or not I can talk while running. Kinda sucks that I run alone because then I'm just talking to myself! :rolleyes: I HAVE stopped listening to music when I run and that has helped considerably.

I do slow down the pace when I see I'm running too fast (as per my Garmin), but as I get better, it feels natural to just run faster. I'm working on it though!

Anyway, I run three times a week and workout two times a week with two rest days. I do one hard (short) run plus two easy ones (one short, one long).

As for races, I have a few built into my training plan, definitely to help gauge where I'm at and how I'm doing.

First race on the agenda is the Women's Mini-Marathon in June.

The big one, the one that will determine everything, is the half-marathon in August.

TRR_ismyjusus · 30-04-2015 08:27AM

menoscemo wrote: »

I am sure you have improved since January but am i right in saying your 5 mile PB is 1:08:xx from Raheny?

It's just that I noticed that with your 3 mile run last week as well, isn't it faster than 5k pace?

The reason I am saying this as you will see all over this forum; the most common mistake of inexperienced runners is to do their training runs too fast. If you are constantly running PBs in training then you are opening yourself up to injury and overtraining. This is especially important when training for a Marathon as you are gradually building up the miles so it's important to keep the majority of the runs super easy.

Have your coaches given you any idication on the paces to do your training runs at?

Wise words,

This Fat Girl Runs · 03-05-2015 09:02PM

Bit of a difficult week running wise considering I'm not entirely over that stupid stomach bug. But here's how it went:

Monday I was still sick but managed to get a workout in, though I only did slow and gentle pilates.

Wednesday I did a 5 mile easy run in 1:06:18. Felt ok and enjoyed the fine spring evening!

Friday I did a 4 mile hard run, but again the stomach was acting up so not as fast as I wanted to be. Finished in 52:04. Not included; a half mile warm up and half mile cool down.

Saturday was leg day workout. Lots of squats with heavier weights plus some time on the bike. It was tough! First time I ever had tears in my eyes from a workout!

Sunday (today)'s long run was a bust. The combo of a dodgy stomach, tired legs and new shoes worked against me. More on my blog if you want the finer details, but I ended up running a slow 3 miles, then walking an even slower 3 miles home. Am happy to at least have gotten the distance in!

My trainer and I discussed the timing of my workouts and if a Saturday leg day was putting a strain on my Sunday run we'd switch. So after today, I'm going to switch and do legs on Monday instead. Saturdays will be core and upper body. I think it will definitely help with the long runs.

So the week wasn't a total wash out, I covered the distances I was aiming for at least! Hopefully the problem with the shoes will be sorted soon and I can get straight back to it!

Total mileage: 15 (not including warm up and cool down miles)

This Fat Girl Runs · 10-05-2015 03:45PM

Feeling much better this week, no stomach issues so I'm grateful for that!

Monday: Bank Holiday so no workout.

Wednesday: 4 mile hard run in 52.07, still not as fast as I'd like but at least it wasn't slower than my last 4 mile hard run.

Thursday: 5 mile easy run in 1:10:27. Happy it was at least slower than my hard run.

Saturday: Abs, core and upper body workout with my trainer. Tried some advanced plank moves...yeah that didn't go so well but practice makes perfect, right?! My main problems are keeping my balance and remembering to breathe!

Sunday: 6 mile easy run in 1:28:30 followed by a 1 mile cool down walk.

Total mileage: 15 miles running not counting warm up/cool down. Add about 3.5 miles for that.

Picked up my new shoes this afternoon, the previous pair being too narrow across the arch of my foot. I got the same brand/model, Brooks Ravenna 6, only in the 'wide' version. Will walk to work in them for the next few days before going for my run on Wednesday.

Next week will see a bit of an increase in mileage from me. Hopefully the new shoes won't cause any issues!

This Fat Girl Runs · 17-05-2015 03:07PM

Pretty good week for me training wise! I hit all my planned distances which have increased from last week, tried some new routes and experimented with a gel on my LSR.

Monday: Workout with PT. We did a lot of legs and core moves with weights. Painful but good!

Wednesday: 4 mile hard run in 52:11. I'm disappointed I am still not as fast as I want to be on the hard runs. I will keep working on it!

Thursday: 6 mile easy run in 1:27:23. Felt good on this run, it was a nice evening. I was stupid when I got home though. I was tired and so sat down for 10 minutes thinking I'd stretch later. Then I was really hungry so I made dinner, thinking I'd stretch later. I never did stretch and paid for it on Friday! I've learned my lesson!

Saturday: Arms and core workout with PT. Upping the weights a little bit, did a lot of bicep/tricep work. Managed all the sets and reps so I'm happy!

Sunday: 7 mile easy run in 1:39:32. Really, really enjoyed today's run. After about 2 miles I settled into my pace and concentrated on getting the mileage in. I ran a few different paths in the Phoenix Park that I hadn't been on before. At the end I felt really good, like I could have kept going! I tried a gel on this run, not because I really needed it (although I do think it helped me get that last mile in, in good time too!). I managed to open it, drink it and tuck the wrapper away in my bra (no bins in the park?!), all without having to stop running. Woohoo!

Total mileage: 17 miles (plus another 4 miles warm up/cool down).

Next week will be same again before I mini-taper the week after for the Women's Mini-Marathon.

Dubgal72 · 17-05-2015 05:05PM

Well done, the mileage is building nicely! Don't worry too much about the pace on your shorter/harder run for now, focus on the effort and the pace will come.
Just a thought...and I will be recommending that you start to think about building towards this on the novice thread: (have a chat with Shona anyway)
- Could you reduce the intensity on the Monday core session,
- move the hard four mile to Tuesday,
- easy/recovery run Wednesday (30 mins)
- easy long run on Thursday (5 miles instead of 6) with some injection of pace/strides towards the end
- rest Friday and
- lsr Sat/Sunday?

Have a think anyway. Most people will be reducing their gym work towards the end of the marathon training cycle to focus on maintaining an aerobic base of 4-6 days running but as mentioned earlier on this thread, there is more than one way to skin a cat

menoscemo · 17-05-2015 05:09PM

+1 as I said before I really think the introduction of a very short, very easy 4th running day would have a massive advantage down the line. For now you can keep up the same mileage with less stress on the body and further down the line it means it will be easier to build the mileage.

frankie2shoes · 17-05-2015 07:04PM

Hi,
I really enjoy reading your logs. Although I run at a different pace to you I share some of your goals and am delighted to see your progress
I have no advice to give as I clearly (see my log) have no idea what I'm doing but your log motivated me to start mine and I find your commitment inspiring!
I think there is a lot of sound advice being given on boards by people who know what they're doing but not enough slaps on the back for simply getting out there and doing the hard miles!
well done us!!
best of luck with the training
Frankie

Chivito550 · 17-05-2015 07:32PM

Sorry to go off topic TFGR, but I'm being deadly serious when I say this, but when you get a chance could you maybe go down to your local Athletics club and inquire about having a go at the shot putt to see if there is any natural talent there that can be nurtured. You seem to do a lot of strength work, and if you have quite a low BF% then that is an obvious sign to me that you could have the explosive strength for that event and be competitive in it. I know you have your heart set on the marathon and that's great, but do keep it in mind. It looks like a far better fit for you athletic abilities IMO.

NetwerkErrer · 17-05-2015 09:00PM

Chivito550 wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic TFGR, but I'm being deadly serious when I say this, but when you get a chance could you maybe go down to your local Athletics club and inquire about having a go at the shot putt to see if there is any natural talent there that can be nurtured. You seem to do a lot of strength work, and if you have quite a low BF% then that is an obvious sign to me that you could have the explosive strength for that event and be competitive in it. I know you have your heart set on the marathon and that's great, but do keep it in mind. It looks like a far better fit for you athletic abilities IMO.

It's not always about what you can be the best at Chivito. It's always about doing what you enjoy.

This Fat Girl Runs · 17-05-2015 09:51PM

Lots to respond to here!

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Well done, the mileage is building nicely! Don't worry too much about the pace on your shorter/harder run for now, focus on the effort and the pace will come.
Just a thought...and I will be recommending that you start to think about building towards this on the novice thread: (have a chat with Shona anyway)
- Could you reduce the intensity on the Monday core session,
- move the hard four mile to Tuesday,
- easy/recovery run Wednesday (30 mins)
- easy long run on Thursday (5 miles instead of 6) with some injection of pace/strides towards the end
- rest Friday and
- lsr Sat/Sunday?

Have a think anyway. Most people will be reducing their gym work towards the end of the marathon training cycle to focus on maintaining an aerobic base of 4-6 days running but as mentioned earlier on this thread, there is more than one way to skin a cat

menoscemo wrote: »

+1 as I said before I really think the introduction of a very short, very easy 4th running day would have a massive advantage down the line. For now you can keep up the same mileage with less stress on the body and further down the line it means it will be easier to build the mileage.

I hear what you're saying and I'll talk it over with my coach and trainer. I realise I will be getting lots of good but different advice from different people over the next few months. If I don't follow anyone's particular advice, please don't be offended or feel like I've just ignored it. I'll take everything in and then decide from there. An informed decision is best and so I DO appreciate the constructive advice I'll be getting.

frankie2shoes wrote: »

Hi,
I really enjoy reading your logs. Although I run at a different pace to you I share some of your goals and am delighted to see your progress
I have no advice to give as I clearly (see my log) have no idea what I'm doing but your log motivated me to start mine and I find your commitment inspiring!
I think there is a lot of sound advice being given on boards by people who know what they're doing but not enough slaps on the back for simply getting out there and doing the hard miles!
well done us!!
best of luck with the training
Frankie

Thanks, Frankie. I really appreciate that

I will check out your training log, I'm sure it's awesome! Some days I don't know what I'm doing either :rolleyes: but it's all worth it in the end! Keep it up. See you 'round the boards!

Chivito550 wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic TFGR, but I'm being deadly serious when I say this, but when you get a chance could you maybe go down to your local Athletics club and inquire about having a go at the shot putt to see if there is any natural talent there that can be nurtured. You seem to do a lot of strength work, and if you have quite a low BF% then that is an obvious sign to me that you could have the explosive strength for that event and be competitive in it. I know you have your heart set on the marathon and that's great, but do keep it in mind. It looks like a far better fit for you athletic abilities IMO.

NetwerkErrer wrote: »

It's not always about what you can be the best at Chivito. It's always about doing what you enjoy.

I looked up women's shot put on youtube to see what it's all about. I noticed some of the women had body shapes like mine so I don't think the idea is completely implausible. However, I have really bad coordination/balance issues and I think I'd fall over if I tried it! Honestly, I can't even dance! I can barely stand on one leg to stretch and you should see me try to do the more advanced plank moves. I fall over...alot!

It looks like there are so many rules to remember; keep the shot put close to the neck, throw above the shoulder, stay in the circle, throw has to land in the right angle etc etc...doing all that AND trying to stay upright?! I think it would be really challenging for me!

I DO enjoy running, and at least I know I'm not going to fall over doing it. Although, having said that I nearly did fall over on my run today. :pac:

Chivito I just wanted you to know I took your suggestion seriously and looked it up. I think I did do some shot put when I was a kid (waaaaaay back) but can't recall if I was every any good at it. I probably wasn't

Chivito550 · 17-05-2015 10:42PM

It's very technical and takes time, but trust me, only the best in the world get it all right. I've seen people do more basic type technique, without the whole spinning element, and do fine.

Also running and shot putt aren't mutually exclusive. You could do both. It's definitely something you could look towards in the future. You've know idea what your potential might be until you try it. I could be wrong of course, but going off some of the stuff you have mentioned in this log, it could be a long term fit, and a good way of staying healthy, if weight loss isn't a specific goal.

Oh, and shot putt is great fun, as bad as I was at it when I used to do it the odd time

This Fat Girl Runs · 19-05-2015 10:14PM

Chivito550 wrote: »

It's very technical and takes time, but trust me, only the best in the world get it all right. I've seen people do more basic type technique, without the whole spinning element, and do fine.

Also running and shot putt aren't mutually exclusive. You could do both. It's definitely something you could look towards in the future. You've know idea what your potential might be until you try it. I could be wrong of course, but going off some of the stuff you have mentioned in this log, it could be a long term fit, and a good way of staying healthy, if weight loss isn't a specific goal.

Oh, and shot putt is great fun, as bad as I was at it when I used to do it the odd time

One thing I heard on one of the youtube videos I watched was that shot putt 'shreds your calves'. That doesn't sound like a good thing

I need my calves for running!

This Fat Girl Runs · 25-05-2015 11:12PM

Well, an up and down week for me this week. Fighting a fierce mental battle with myself today.

Monday: the usual workout with my trainer. We did a HIIT video with plenty of legs, core, abs and arms work. Tiring but good.

Wednesday: 4 mile hard run in 51.42. Slowly shaving off time on these runs, though I still need a break now and then so not as good as I'd like to be.

Thursday: 6 mile easy run in 1:24:03. Felt pretty good on this run. Didn't need to take many breaks and enjoyed the nice evening.

Saturday: Assessment day with my trainer. Very disappointing results considering the month of training and running I've been doing. It really got me down. Ended up going for coffee with him and talking things over.

Sunday: 7 mile LSR including a 7k race that I ran with my trainer. Finished the 7k in 58:12 but was actually faster than I wanted to be. The plan was to run the race then continue on for another 3 miles in order to run a full 7 miles so I wanted to stick to my easy pace. I didn't and ended up running a full 4 minutes faster. The race was tough and included the hellacious hill next to the military fort. We didn't run on the roads; I mean the actual trail running up the hill. Had to do it twice! Anyway, finished the race and after collecting the goodie bag and dropping that off in the car, me and my trainer continued on to do another 3 miles. Total time: 1:38:13 but since I forgot to pause it while collecting my bag I'm not sure what my actual time was.

Today I'm full of negative thoughts about myself. Battling to shut those voices up and regain my usual positivity. I don't need this, especially coming up to the 10k race on Monday. I know I've been tired all weekend and really feeling exhausted today so I'm hoping a night's sleep will help. Crossing fingers I actually CAN sleep as I normally don't sleep very well.

Anyway, enough blather. That was my training last week. This week will see a drop in mileage as I mini-taper for the mini marathon. Only running two times this week. I think it's come at a good time. I can see it as a rest week and regroup to get back to my usual self.

Firedance · 26-05-2015 09:04AM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Saturday: Assessment day with my trainer. Very disappointing results considering the month of training and running I've been doing. It really got me down. Ended up going for coffee with him and talking things over.

when you say you were dissapointed with the results what in particular was making you feel like that? How did your discussion go with your trainer then, did he have any feedback for you?

they say running is 90% mental so if you can work through the negativity it'll be a big help for you on Monday, good luck with it

hillsiderunner · 26-05-2015 09:07AM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Saturday: Assessment day with my trainer. Very disappointing results considering the month of training and running I've been doing. It really got me down. Ended up going for coffee with him and talking things over.

You know also, a month is not so long in running .... you wouldn't necessarily be seeing improvements from increased training yet.

This Fat Girl Runs · 26-05-2015 09:55AM

Firedance wrote: »

when you say you were dissapointed with the results what in particular was making you feel like that? How did your discussion go with your trainer then, did he have any feedback for you?

they say running is 90% mental so if you can work through the negativity it'll be a big help for you on Monday, good luck with it

hillsiderunner wrote: »

You know also, a month is not so long in running .... you wouldn't necessarily be seeing improvements from increased training yet.

Disappointing in that there was absolutely no change whatsoever in terms of my weight AND measurements. Fair enough if my weight doesn't change as I've never been too fussed about the scales but to see no difference in my measurements was disheartening. Felt like all the hard work I've been doing has been wasted. The month is in terms of how long it was since my last assessment. I've been marathon training for nearly two months now.

So my trainer and I talked about my nutrition, and what I could be doing differently with what I'm eating. I'm also going to start wearing a heart rate monitor when I run as he wants to see whether or not I'm in the right ranges. He did say that there were other factors that could have affected the results aka 'women troubles' and that I shouldn't be discouraged.

It really is a mental battle, because no matter what my trainer and coach say I will always be too hard on myself. It didn't stop me from doing my workout with him last night, but it did stop me from enjoying it and that makes me really sad.

Firedance · 26-05-2015 10:08AM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Disappointing in that there was absolutely no change whatsoever in terms of my weight AND measurements. Fair enough if my weight doesn't change as I've never been too fussed about the scales but to see no difference in my measurements was disheartening. Felt like all the hard work I've been doing has been wasted. The month is in terms of how long it was since my last assessment. I've been marathon training for nearly two months now.

So my trainer and I talked about my nutrition, and what I could be doing differently with what I'm eating. I'm also going to start wearing a heart rate monitor when I run as he wants to see whether or not I'm in the right ranges. He did say that there were other factors that could have affected the results aka 'women troubles' and that I shouldn't be discouraged.

It really is a mental battle, because no matter what my trainer and coach say I will always be too hard on myself. It didn't stop me from doing my workout with him last night, but it did stop me from enjoying it and that makes me really sad.

no matter what the results are the hard work you've done will never be a waste. Sometimes things can stagnate, sometimes we don't eat enough to compensate for the increase in mileage, sometimes the reason can't be found but don't loose heart, the results will come and the lesson learned are invaluable whether its to improve diet, work harder or just plain stick with it

For what its worth I use myfitnesspal.com to log food and exercise to make sure I'm eating enough but not too much to match the miles I put in.

This Fat Girl Runs · 26-05-2015 10:23AM

Firedance wrote: »

no matter what the results are the hard work you've done will never be a waste. Sometimes things can stagnate, sometimes we don't eat enough to compensate for the increase in mileage, sometimes the reason can't be found but don't loose heart, the results will come and the lesson learned are invaluable whether its to improve diet, work harder or just plain stick with it For what its worth I use myfitnesspal.com to log food and exercise to make sure I'm eating enough but not too much to match the miles I put in.

Thank you.

What's funny is how at odds people are with advice. On my thread here most people think I eat too much but my coach and trainer think I don't eat enough (I average 1700 calories a day, from non-processed, healthy food).

Last week I lost the run of myself and had a doughnut one day and a packet of crisps another day with my usual Friday treat. I don't normally eat that badly so I'm not sure what happened or why I even did that.

I didn't sleep well last night either, and having a bad day at work isn't helping. I think tonight, as it's a rest day, I will go home and have my dinner then just crawl into bed. A dark, cozy cocoon of my duvet and cuddly kitty sounds like heaven right now.

Myles Splitz · 26-05-2015 10:31AM

Hi TFGR,

Came across your blog before and starting to catch up on your training log here. I know you are disappointed but don't be as hard on yourself there are still positives to be taken;

Weight loss is not linear. As you have alluded to there could be numerous reasons why there has not been any change.
Sleep? how has it been over the last month this can also be related to stress and these can have hormonal effects on weight storage.
Training? A lot of hard efforts can have an effect on the fat oxidization. You are improving performance and energy pathways but this may not always coincide with measurements and scale figures.

The one thing not to lose sight of is that though your appearance may not have changed you are getting healthier. Your heart is becoming more efficient at pumping blood around your body, your muscles are becoming more efficient at absorbing nutrients from the blood stream. There is progress there just not in an obvious way.

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and give it time.

HelenAnne · 26-05-2015 10:38AM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

What's funny is how at odds people are with advice. On my thread here most people think I eat too much but my coach and trainer think I don't eat enough (I average 1700 calories a day, from non-processed, healthy food).

.

Maybe your coach and trainer are right -- doesn't the body hold onto weight if it thinks it's in starvation mode? Maybe if they suggest eating more / eating more often, try that?

Anyway, as you say yourself, the main thing is to get fitter and enjoy your exercise.

Bungy Girl · 26-05-2015 10:52AM

Hi TFGR, sorry that you’re disappointed with your results but +1 to what has been said so far – some good advice there. Coming from a position of weight loss/inch loss myself (and no spring chicken I might add :rolleyes:) I do understand how you’re feeling but I also know that progress is never linear – there are always going to be bumps and dips along the way and you may never know why. You just have to keep doing the right thing (healthy eating, exercise, calorie deficit, portion control) and it will happen, but you must want it to happen. You have mentioned that there are no medical issues that might hinder weight/inch loss. Can I ask a question that I think is relevant ? Feel free ignore if you don’t want to answer it (I don’t think it has been raised on your log but apologies if I have missed it). Have you always struggled with weight/size or is this something that has just happened gradually over a number of years?

hillsiderunner · 26-05-2015 11:12AM

Possibly the reason for the donut and crisps is tiredness. It can cause people to eat more to get some energy. To be honest I wouldn't call one donut and a bag of crisps losing the run of yourself

... but it's only a blip either way.

+1 to the progress not being linear .. I don't have weight-loss experience but I notice a similar thing with training and improvements. When I was working back into running in spring it took more than a couple of months before I started to feel my fitness increasing. Can be hard to take the long-term view all the time, but the picture might be different in a month or two.

Bungy Girl · 26-05-2015 11:15AM

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

Last week I lost the run of myself and had a doughnut one day and a packet of crisps another day with my usual Friday treat. I don't normally eat that badly so I'm not sure what happened or why I even did that.

One thing I always found useful was to ask myself which I wanted more - to eat the doughnut (cake/crisps/treats or whatever) or to get healthy. Mindful, as opposed to mindless, eating works wonders. Ditch the treats, you don't need them.

Firedance · 26-05-2015 11:26AM

Bungy Girl wrote: »

One thing I always found useful was to ask myself which I wanted more - to eat the doughnut (cake/crisps/treats or whatever) or to get healthy. Mindful, as opposed to mindless, eating works wonders. Ditch the treats, you don't need them.

or, replace them with a different type of treat, a massage, a new bag, get your nails done etc etc, for me if I work hard I like a reward but as BG said be more mindful of those treats and choose something non food related (even if the food related reward is healthy its still not a good way to relate to food) I'd say that to anyone BTW whether they're healthy weight or overweight.

This Fat Girl Runs · 26-05-2015 11:49AM

Bungy Girl wrote: »

Can I ask a question that I think is relevant ? Feel free ignore if you don’t want to answer it (I don’t think it has been raised on your log but apologies if I have missed it). Have you always struggled with weight/size or is this something that has just happened gradually over a number of years?

I remember when I was in high school my mom told me once that I would always be a 'big' girl. I am tall-ish with a large frame but yes, my weight has fluctuated up and down. In the past it was easier for me to lose weight as opposed to now. But as I've said this time I'm not doing all this work to lose weight specifically, but to be healthy.

Bungy Girl wrote: »

One thing I always found useful was to ask myself which I wanted more - to eat the doughnut (cake/crisps/treats or whatever) or to get healthy. Mindful, as opposed to mindless, eating works wonders. Ditch the treats, you don't need them.

Before I eat anything I usually ask myself 'what's in this that's good for me?'. If the answer is 'nothing' or 'not a lot' then I don't eat it. Or, if I still want to eat it I ask myself 'why do I want this?'. If the answer isn't good enough, I don't eat it. Sometimes the answer is 'to reward myself' or 'It's part of the 20%'. Even then, I don't always eat it.

I learned a few years ago to look at food that way. It's how I was able to give up fizzy drinks, caffeine, chocolate and other processed foods.

The Friday treat is a little thing from the bakery that I get with my coworkers. A reward for working hard throughout the week. I don't feel guilty about that at all as it's usually the only time I indulge.

Firedance wrote: »

or, replace them with a different type of treat, a massage, a new bag, get your nails done etc etc, for me if I work hard I like a reward but as BG said be more mindful of those treats and choose something non food related (even if the food related reward is healthy its still not a good way to relate to food) I'd say that to anyone BTW whether they're healthy weight or overweight.

I like that idea a lot. I don't often treat myself, to anything except maybe going overboard at the bookstore. I guess...I'm not really that kind or nice to myself. I need to change that.

As for my eating habits, I know I posted this a while back but haven't a clue where on the thread it could be, but I eat 5 small meals per day, spaced out at regular intervals. A typical day for me is:

9am: Buckwheat flakes with chia seeds, banana and milk
10am: decaf coffee, black no sugar
11am: Snack of 2-3 dates, handful of almonds and pumpkin seeds or cashew nuts
1pm: Lunch is homemade and might be lettuce, turkey, hummous and cucumber or something from the slow cooker or for example this week I am having a salad of chickpeas & cannellini beans mixed with spring onion, celery, feta cheese, lemon juice and fresh dill and a multigrain pita on the side.
3pm: decaf coffee, black no sugar
4pm: Snack of fruit and cottage cheese or yoghurt.
Evening (after my run): Dinner; again homemade things like tuna with pasta, parsley & lemon juice or tonight it's Thai Green Curry from the slow cooker or could be scrambled eggs with salmon (baked), broccoli and spring onions.

I drink anywhere from 2 to 3 litres of water a day depending on how thirsty I feel.

It was hard to get to the point where I was even eating that much. Thinking about having to actually eat more...where on earth would I fit it in!

I really appreciate all your thoughtful tips and advice. I've been drowning in feeling so inadequate and hopeless. But I'm starting to shake it off because I know that I'm a heap healthier now than I was two years ago and that's not something I should disregard or dismiss. I must remember where I've been to keep focused on where I'm going!

annapr · 26-05-2015 12:15PM

I remember looking at your diet when you first posted it and being impressed that it's very healthy... with the training you're doing and a healthy diet, you will definitely see benefits, but as others have said it's not always as linear as we would like.

And don't worry, you'll have more down moments during your marathon training, that's the nature of the beast

getting out for a run is the best anti-depressant I know of

This fat girl runs, breathes and believes

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