The Trail Jogger

Starting Again… Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 15:51:00 +0000

It has taken a long time to recover from my back surgery... about three years, much longer than expecvted. And of course, during that time, I wasn’t exercising and went back to my old bad habits, gained my weight back. Add to that the whole Covid thing over the last couple of years, and I’ve basically been sitting on my ass at home, doing nothing.

I can’t stand it anymore! It's time for a change. It's time to reset and restart my Three in Three Challenge… but slightly tweaked...

Establish a healthy lifestyle.
Lose 50 lbs.
Train for and complete an Ultramarathon.

I think the key this time will be patience… take it slow, build up slowly, listen to my body.

Here we go again!

Rupture, Fix It, Repeat?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 14:04:00 +0000

Last Thursday I had my back surgery. Everything seemed to be going well until I became sick from the pain meds. They caused me to throw up uncontrollably for about five minutes. After it was over, the rupture pain returned to my back and the next day I had pain going down my leg again.

I went back to my doctor and he noted that I still have some strength in my toes, so he is hopeful that I just irritated the nerves (as opposed to rupturing again). So he put me on a steroid pack and up'ed my pain meds. I just finished my last steroid this morning and I can say they didn't help. I still have a sharp pain in my left leg, and I've lost feeling and strength again in my left foot, both signs of disc material pushing on the nerves.

Tonight I have another MRI scheduled and I visit my doctor on Wednesday for him to read them. This might sound strange, but I actually hope I ruptured again. Why? Because that will explain the pain I am in. If I didn't rupture, than I am very concerned why I am in so much pain. It's been long enough since the surgery for the post-surgical pain to subside. And the post surgery pain felt different than this. So if I ruptured (again), it explains everything and I can get it fixed and begin recovery (again).

Onward.

Starting Over... Almost!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:52:00 +0000

It's been a long time since I've posted. I've gone through an interesting time over the last three years, since I had to stop running due to the plantar fasciitis. Since I couldn't run I decided to take up another sport, martial arts. For almost two years I've studied Taekwondo and I'm loving it. However, back in January I injured my back in a sparring match. A couple of weeks later I ruptured a disc in my back. I have surgery this upcoming Thursday to fix it and then about three months of recovery and physical therapy.

So that brings you up to date.

Now... I ended up putting all the weight back on. I feel like with my injury and weight gain I've hit rock bottom (again!). But the positive... I think the injury was just what I needed to wake me back up. I have a brand new opportunity to get back on my feet (literally) and to start again.

So, my goals are:

1. Lose 50 lbs.
2. Run a 50 mile ultramarathon.
3. Don't get injured!

On the first goal, I plan to use MyFitnessPal to track my eating. I am going to link MyFitnessPal to MapMyFitness to track my trail running and other activities. What's cool about MyFitnessPal is that it automatically adjusts the number of calories for the day based on the amount of exercise I get. So work more, eat more! That's a motivator for me!!!

On the second goal, I won't get to a 50 mile ultra this year, or maybe even next. So my goal for this year is to get back into trail running and to build up consistency and some endurance. Maybe a 30K by the end of the year. I will reevaluate at the end of the year to determine if I can hit my 50 miler in 2016 or need more time for training.

On the third goal, I need to figure out how to do the first two goals safely. I've been derailed a few times in my quest to transition from fat to fit, all due to injuries. So this time I will pay close attention to my body and listen to its warnings.

Would appreciate you cheering me on!

I'M BACK!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:41:00 +0000

I have finally reached a place where I think my foot has recovered to the point that it can handle some mileage. I've been going out for occasional walks on the street, four or five miles at a time, and my foot seems to be able to take the activity. No returning pain from the plantar fasciitis. I am hopeful that I've healed and I am ready to resume my Three In Three Challenge.

However, I will need to reset my goal. When I originally set my goal, it would have been this month that I ran my first ultramarathon. But that's not going to happen. The concept of the original goal still applies (to get into shape), but the timing is pushed out because of my plantar fasciitis injury well over a year ago.

So at this point, I am not going to set a training plan, I am not going to start measuring every mile and reporting every pound like I did last time--at least not at this point. Instead, right now, I am just going to focus on getting back into a routine and slowly building up my base. I am not going to try to break any land speed records but instead just get out there each day and put in some easy miles. Will probably jog a little and walk a little at the start. It's more important right now to get back into the routine.

Please cheer me on!

Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:04:00 +0000

I haven't posted in a while. Why? Because I haven't had much to say. I am in a waiting mode. Each time I try to run my plantar fasciitis flairs up. So I decided to just stop running.

Its been about six weeks since I ran the trail. I miss it. But I think waiting is the best thing for my recovery. It's been about 10 months since my original injury. I've gone through numerous cycles of recovery and reinjury. And I think because I've tried to get back to running sooner I've just prolonged the recovery process.

So, I am going to continue to wait. Probably for another couple of months. Then, maybe, I'll be ready to start again.

Patience, patience patience.

Thank You DORBA!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:10:00 +0000

I have been running a new portion of the Northshore trail. The new section was recently cut by DORBA with volunteers from some of the local running and riding clubs. Work like this makes Northshore such a special place.

Thank you to all who help make this a reality.

Some pics from the new trail.

SNAKE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:44:00 +0000

I am no snake expert, but I think I came across my first copperhead on the trail this year. I can say it startled me big time, just about had a heart attack!

I basically stood there for about a minute and waited for the snake to slither its way into the woods. I thought about trying to go around it but that would mean I would need to go off the trail I was convinced there were other snakes waiting for me! So I just waited, patiently.

Call me a wuss--but one of my trail running rules is... don't play with the snakes!

Inspiring Marathon Story

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:45:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about running a marathon? Yea, no problem.

How about a muddy, dirty, trail marathon? Yea, piece of cake.

How about a muddy, dirty, trail marathon WITH your spouse and five kids? WHAT! Are you NUTS??

That's right. Last weekend the Barron family (all seven of them) completed the Grasslands Trail Run, 26.2 miles of mud, dirt, sweat, and probably some tears.

If they can do it, you can too!

Watch this...

Discipline

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:43:00 +0000

I am finally over my little pity party and I am back to training. I went to the grocery store this morning and stocked up on fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, basically what I was eating while I was on the Paleo Diet for Athletes. And I went out for a short trail run this morning, more of a jog actually, just to get things moving again. I will start working on building my foundation next week. It's all about getting back into the habit. It's about discipline.

For those that know the Northshore Trail, following is a picture from the crossing near the concrete bridge. Usually you can step on a couple of rocks to cross this creak. But today I but it was knee high, the result of some heavy rains over the last week or so.

I also stopped by what was previously known as Little Pete's and the parking lot is partially flooded there also.

The stone you see in the middle of the picture is actually the top of a fountain. The fountain sits a little higher than waist high when you walk by it.

That's it for now. No more pity parties. Back to training. Back to discipline. Just hope my body holds up this time around.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and disciplined?

Excuses, excuses

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:42:00 +0000

That is all I really have... excuses, excuses. I would like to think of them as reasons... reasons why I haven't been blogging regularly, reasons I haven't been running regularly, reasons I haven't been eating properly, reasons, reasons. But if I am being honest, they are only excuses.

Why is it much easier to be undisciplined? Why does crap food taste better than good food? Why does it feel better to rest than to exercise? Does it ever get to the point where it is easier to make the right decisions? Does it every become natural to want to eat well and run for mile after mile? Or am I doomed to a never ending cycle of good days and bad. Of good months and bad. Of good years and bad.

I don't know of an easy solution. I just know that I am happier when I know I am making good decisions. So why do I do these destructive things to myself? Why do I make these bad decisions? It is my undisciplined self winning over me. It is my undisciplined self that is making me do the things I do not want to do.

So I can either let my undisciplined self continue to rule over me or I can take a stand, slay the monster and get back on my course. I realize the choice is solely mine, I just need to make the decision who I want to be--the default undisciplined self or the self that rises above, to accomplish that which is beyond my normal reach.

The only thing achieved in life without effort is failure.

I will shut up now and go for a run.

Excuse The Mess!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas Kennedy, PMP) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

It's been over a year since I've worked on my blog. Time to get it back up and running! Please excuse the mess while I go through posts and update URL's. If you've come to this page in error, click here to go back to the main page.

Fat Ass 50K Training Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:22:00 +0000

After six months of recovery from plantar fasciitis. I am finally healed and have decided to resume training for my first 50K trail event. I am calling this an "event" instead of a "race" for two reasons. First, this will be a fat ass (self supported) birthday run at my favorite trail, Northshore Trail, not a formal race. And second, at the speed I run, you can't really call it racing!!!

I've developed a 28 week plan starting today. I adapted this plan from the Ultraladies 50K plan. Why 28 weeks? Well, because that is the amount of time between now and my birthday! Not so complicated. I am following a similar plan as the one that I developed last time around. I plan to keep Monday and Friday as rest days, but I might incorporate a little strength training on those days as long as I do not feel tired.

Anyway, here's the plan. Click on it to see an enlarged version.

As you can see by the following graph, after the first five weeks of base, the plan gradually increases the mileage per week and also alternates between higher mileage weeks and lower mileage weeks.

Hopefully I can make it through this training cycle without injury!

Onward.

Beating Cancer through Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:03:00 +0000

By Liz Davies

The benefits of exercise on physical and mental well-being have been extensively studied in clinical trials. Regular exercise has been shown to promote maintenance of healthy weight, prevent loss of bone mineral density, reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension, and improve psychological health.

In individuals at risk for cancer development or with an existing cancer diagnosis, however, the positive effects of regular exercise are even more far-reaching. Exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers, such as colorectal, breast, endometrial, and mesothelioma.

The mechanisms by which exercise reduces cancer incidence remain unclear. One theory is that regular exercise reduces the production of inflammatory proteins thought to be central in the development of certain types of cancer. In the case of breast cancer, exercise is thought to affect hormonal balance in a way that deters tumor formation. In preventing colon cancer, regular exercise is thought to promote bowel motility, consequently reducing the amount of time the bowel is exposed to potentially carcinogenic substances.

Increased physical activity has been shown to reduce colon cancer risk by 30 to 40 percent, particularly in individuals who engage in 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily. In those who have already been diagnosed with colon cancer, individuals who are physically active tend to have reduced recurrence rates. Regular exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, with the most pronounced risk reductions occurring in women who engage in 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily. Even in women with an existing breast cancer diagnosis, those who participated in 3 to 5 hours a week of moderate exercise had improved survival rates. Similar reductions have been observed in the incidence of endometrial cancer.

In individuals undergoing cancer treatment, exercise is a good way to combat waning energy levels and improve overall quality of life. Besides the significant reductions in both cancer incidence and recurrence, regular exercise can combat many of the negative consequences of undergoing cancer treatment, such as weight gain and poor body image. Chemotherapeutic agents can be toxic to both the cardiac and pulmonary systems, potentially reducing exercise tolerance and overall energy levels. These effects can be partially mitigated by vigorous physical activity. Additionally, regular exercise may assist in immune system recovery after undergoing chemotherapy.

Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April. If you would like to contact her she can be reached at healthylizd@gmail.com.

Week R1--Weight A Minute

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:36:00 +0000

I'll admit it. I haven't been keeping track of my weight nor paying any attention to what I have been eating over the last few months. I was blaming it on my foot injury--you know, can't run so might as well eat! But when I stepped on the scale this morning I was shocked to see that I had gained 15 pounds from the last time I posted a weight goal update. I'm a little ashamed.

Since it is a new year and I am ready to start my training again, I am going to get refocused on my weight loss goal.

When I looked back over the last two years, the most success I have had with losing weight is when I was following the Weight Watchers program. I quit the program about a year ago because I wasn't happy with the changes they made to the points system. I had come to know the system and was very happy with it and I didn't have it in my to learn the new system. So I decided to go it along. Looking at my history over the last year, I've struggled to lose weight ever since.

So, this morning I joined the online version of Weight Watchers again, and my plan is to stay with the program until I reach my weight loss goal.

I am going to reset my weekly weight tracking posts back to Week 1 to treat this like a new start. I will add a R in front of each of the week numbers to indicate the post is part of the reset posts.

I have 35 lbs to go and 1 year to get it done. If I stay focused I know I can do this.

To my readers... do you use Weight Watchers? What is your secret for staying focused and continuing with the plan?

Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:09:00 +0000

Note: I have placed my blog updates on hold until I resume my Three In Three Challenge. Until then, you can follow my trail running at DailyMile.com.

I can think of many things to be thankful for on this special day. I have been blessed over the years. But I will limit my thoughts to the context of my Three In Three Challenge.

Today I am thankful to Dr. Santiago for encouraging me to start this journey. After setting my three goals (quit smoking, lose 50 lbs., run a ultramarathon) we started working on the first goal--quit smoking. I am proud to announce that as of today I have been SMOKE FREE for two years!

I can say that quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things that I have done in my life. But it is so worth it. If there are any smokers out there reading this, I encourage you to talk to your doctor and ask him or her to help you quick smoking. Yes, you will go through hell and back, but the journey is well worth it.

For encouragement, read how I quit smoking. Trust me... from someone who has gone through it, it is so worth it. Make the decision, call your doctor and get started down the path of living a smoke free life.

Feeling Good

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:54:00 +0000

What can I say... I am running again and it feels really good. I know I need to be careful not to overdue it and to ramp up my mileage base slowly, but it feels good to be back out on the trail.

I am just going to focus on getting back into the routine for the rest of the year and then pick my next target race to resume training. I know I will achieve my ultra marathon goal this year. It's a no brainier.

Did I mention that it feels good to get back out on the trail again?

Just saying...

Missed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:03:00 +0000

Being away from the trail caused me to forget how beautiful it is out here.
I remember now.

I'm Back!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Over the last three months I've gone through a slow and often painful recovery from plantar fasciitis. I've been following the tips for treating plantar fasciitis and I can say that it seems to have worked. I am at a point now that I can walk in the morning without pain. I've also done a few test runs over the last couple of weeks and my foot seems to hold up OK. I am not at the point where I am ready to start training again but I do think its time to reestablishing a training base.

I am going to keep things real simple for the rest of the year. Since I haven't been running consistently, the first order of business is to get running consistently! So for the rest of the year I am going to focus on getting back out on the trail on a regular schedule. Initially I will run Tues/Wed/Thurs and then one day on the weekend. I will add the Sunday recovery run once my long runs get up to about 20 miles. Once I am consistently back above 35 mile per week base I will pick my next race and start training for it.

Of course, my real simple plan is all dependent on how my foot responds. I will dial back the miles very quickly should I start to experience pain in my foot again. I am in no rush to complete my ultramarathon goal. I am making a lifestyle change and I don't want to do anything that would affect my ability to run long term.

Patience, patience, patience.

Not Giving Up

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:54:00 +0000

I feel a little defeated as I write this. I have not been able to recover from my bout of plantar fasciitis and I've had to totally stop my running to let my foot heal. As a result, a couple of days ago I decided to withdraw from my first ultramarathon, the Rockledge Rumble 50K.

But I'm not giving up on my Three in Three Challenge.

I still have an entire year to complete my goals. I am still smoke free, I've lost over 30 of my 50 lbs, and I was doing 26 mile training runs before my injury. I was laser focused on completing all three goals by November of this year. Now that's not going to happen.

But that's OK.

I need to remember that I still have a full year to complete my goals. So the priority now is to allow my foot to heal so that it is strong and can take the pounding of the training miles to come. I need to remember that the change I made just two short years ago is a life-long decision--it doesn't end when I achieve my goals.

So I'm not giving up. I am going to take the time to heal, reset my training plan, and then continue down the path to achieving my goals.

Would love some feedback. How do you deal with setbacks and frustration?

Love This Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:39:00 +0000

There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul.

Kristin Armstrong, Mile Markers blog at Runner's World.com

Cross-Training for Runners

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:28:00 +0000

A few days ago my Plantar Fasciitis flared up again. I thought I had kicked this one in the butt, and so I started to ramp up my training. However, I think I resumed running to quickly.

So I am going to take a break from running until my foot has fully healed. I realize this may negatively affect my ability to run the upcoming Rockledge Rumble 50K, but I think a short term set back in my training will put me into a position to return to training long term and without pain.

I am a goal oriented person. It is hard on one side to think about the potential of missing my goal race. However, I also must realize that I am one year ahead of schedule on my Three In Three Challenge. The smarter decision right now is to give my foot time to heal and then reset my milestone races after recovery. Heal now so I can run later.

But that doesn't mean that I can't exercise! I need to take up some type of cross-training activity to keep my fitness level up while greatly reducing the impact on my foot.

Biking? Swimming? Weight lifting? Pros/cons? Other cross-training suggestions?

TNF Canadian Death Race

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:06:00 +0000

I've added another race to my ultramarathon bucket list... The North Face Canadian Death Race! Seeing that I am Canadian, it's a must do! I came across this video today with some highlights from the race. Hope to see you there!

Week 61: The Paleo Diet for Athletes Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:13:00 +0000

I am now starting week three of The Paleo Diet for Athletes. During the first week I lost about 3 pounds. I had been stuck in a weight range for about six months and I was glad to have this little breakthrough. But one week doesn't mean much.

Well, last week I lost another 1.6 pounds! YA BABY. The Paleo Diet for Athletes WORKS! I am confident that the changes I've made to my diet will help me achieve my weight loss goal. I am once again excited about it!

So how does the diet work? Well, at the risk of oversimplifying it, the diet focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, and lean meat and fish. I've cut out the processed foods and refined sugars. Do I miss them? Absolutely. But not as much as I missed seeing the pounds dropping off!

The author predicts (and others have reported) a reduction in energy during the first two weeks. I most definitely experienced the drop in energy. However, I am starting to feel my energy levels increase. So I am hoping by the time I write my next update my energy will be back in full swing.

Another cool part of the diet is that I am rarely hungry. The foods that I am eating are satisfying my hunger and my body isn't craving food of "junk." I almost need to force myself to eat even when I'm not hungry. Sounds strange, but that's how it feels.

Anyway, happy to post another loss for the week. Will keep following The Paleo Diet for Athletes and reporting my progress.

Have you had similar experiences with The Paleo Diet or a similar diet?

Weight Loss Summary

Week 01: Lost 4.0 lbs
Week 02: Lost 3.1 lbs, 07.0 lbs total, 3.5 lbs per week
Week 03: Lost 2.6 lbs, 09.7 lbs total, 3.2 lbs per week
Week 04: Lost 2.0 lbs, 11.7 lbs total, 2.9 lbs per week
Week 05: Lost 1.6 lbs, 13.3 lbs total, 2.7 lbs per week
Week 06: Lost 1.5 lbs, 14.8 lbs total, 2.5 lbs per week
Week 07: Gained 0.4 lbs, 14.4 lbs total lost, 2.1 lbs per week
Week 08: Lost 3.1 lbs, 17.5 lbs total, 2.2 lbs per week
Week 09: Lost 2.2 lbs, 19.7 lbs total, 2.2 lbs per week
Week 10: Gained 0.9 lbs, 18.8 lbs total lost, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 11: Lost 3.5 lbs, 22.3 lbs total, 2.0 lbs per week
Week 12: Lost 2.2 lbs, 24.5 lbs total, 2.0 lbs per week
Week 13: Lost 0.2 lbs, 24.7 lbs total, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 14: Lost 1.9 lbs, 26.6 lbs total, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 15: Lost 0.6 lbs, 27.2 lbs total, 1.8 lbs per week
Week 16: Gained 0.5 lbs, 26.7 lbs total lost, 1.7 lbs per week
Week 17: Gained 2.0 lbs, 24.7 lbs total lost, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 18: Lost 3.3 lbs, 28.0 lbs total, 1.6 lbs per week
Week 19: Lost 0.3 lbs, 28.3 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 20: Lost 1.7 lbs, 30.0 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 21: Lost 1.6 lbs, 31.6 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 22: Gained 1.1 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 1.4 lbs per week
Week 23: On holiday break, didn't track
Week 24: Lost 0.4 lbs, 30.9 lbs total, 1.3 lbs per week
Week 25: Gained 0.4 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 26: Lost 2.6 lbs, 33.1 lbs total, 1.3 lbs per week
Week 27: Gained 2.0 lbs, 31.5 lbs total lost, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 28: Lost 1.8 lbs, 32.9 lbs total, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 29: Gained 2.0 lbs, 30.1 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week
Week 30: Lost 0.6 lbs, 30.7 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 31: Lost 1.3 lbs, 32 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 32: Lost 1.3 lbs, 33.3 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 33: Didn't track.
Week 34: Didn't track.
Week 35: Gained 5.0 lbs, 28.3 lbs total lost, 0.8 lbs per week
Week 36: Gained 1.6 lbs, 26.7 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 37: Didn't track.
Week 38: Gained 0.9 lbs, 25.8 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 39: Lost 0.5 lbs, 26.3 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 40: Lost 1.1 lbs, 27.4 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 41: Lost 1.7 lbs, 29.1 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 42--47: Didn't track.
Week 48: Gained 3 lbs, 26.1 lbs total lost, 0.5 lbs per week
Week 49: Lost 1.3 lbs, 27.4 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 50: Lost 0.9 lbs, 28.3 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 51: Didn't track.
Week 52: Lost 2.2 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 53: Didn't track.
Week 54: Gained 0.5 lbs, 30 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 55: Lost 0.7 lbs, 30.7 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 56: Lost 0.4 lbs, 31.1 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 57: Lost 0.8 lbs, 31.9 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 58: Lost 0.6 lbs, 32.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 59: Lost 0 lbs, 32.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Started The Paleo Diet for Athletes
Week 60: Lost 3 lbs, 35.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 61: Lost 1.6 lbs., 37.1 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week

Week 60: The Paleo Diet for Athletes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Last week I wrote about my decision to change up my diet. I've been stuck at the same weight range for about six months and I feel like I need to make a change in order to continue to show progress.

After doing some research I narrowed my search to two diets: Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide by Brendan Brazier and The Paleo Diet for Athletes by Loren Cordian. I purchased both books and scanned through them. After careful consideration I've decided to start following The Paleo Diet for Athletes.

The Paleo Diet for Athletes is a modified version of the original Paleo Diet. Loren partnered with Joe Friel, a well known endurance coach and athlete, to provide additional information on the timing and type of food needed to fuel endurance athletes. This information alone is worth the price of the book.

Why not Thrive?

Well, there were a few things that bothered me about the Thrive diet. First, when I leaf through the menu at the back of the book, I didn't recognize a lot of the ingredients or names of the food. And some of the food that I did recognize (like the pizza) didn't seem anything like the name implied. In contrast, I can easily understand and see myself eating the meal examples in the Paleo Diet. In Brendan's defense, he has released a new Thrive cookbook intended to address these concerns.

In addition, I was turned off a bit by Brendan's frequent pushing the products from his nutrition company. I don't have any issue with someone promoting their business. What I do take exception to is the need for special products. If Brendan promotes a whole foods diet, you should be able to get everything your body needs from the whole foods that you consume without having to purchase special products. I suspect his products make the Thrive diet more convenient. But again, if the menu is so complicated that you need to create a more convenient product line, than that diet isn't for me.

Finally, the Thrive diet is void of any animal products. This one is a bit of a DUGH because the diet is intended to support a Vegan lifestyle. But the abstinence from lean meats is not for health reasons but instead for the moral convictions of the Vegan community. I have no problem with the Vegan lifestyle. I just don't personally share those convictions. I'm not willing to give up my wild Arctic Salmon!

So, The Paleo Diet for Athletes it is!

I started following the diet early last week. As the book recommends I am only making a couple of changes initially. Once I get used to those changes I can dial it in a little further. Baby steps.

For starters I have eliminated wheat/grains from my diet and increased the amount of veggies I typically eat. The wheat/grains part is a big change for me because I eat wheat/grains at just about every meal. So this drops a significant portion of my food choices.

What was the result of my first week's changes?

I LOST THREE POUNDS!!!

Ya baby!

The focus of the diet is on eating good quality whole foods, NOT on losing weight. However, as the author indicates, losing weight is a natural biproduct of eating the right foods. So if I can eat a more healthy diet and lose weight at the same time, I'm on board!

Anyone else out there following The Paleo Diet? Any suggestions?

Weight Loss Summary

Week 01: Lost 4.0 lbs
Week 02: Lost 3.1 lbs, 07.0 lbs total, 3.5 lbs per week
Week 03: Lost 2.6 lbs, 09.7 lbs total, 3.2 lbs per week
Week 04: Lost 2.0 lbs, 11.7 lbs total, 2.9 lbs per week
Week 05: Lost 1.6 lbs, 13.3 lbs total, 2.7 lbs per week
Week 06: Lost 1.5 lbs, 14.8 lbs total, 2.5 lbs per week
Week 07: Gained 0.4 lbs, 14.4 lbs total lost, 2.1 lbs per week
Week 08: Lost 3.1 lbs, 17.5 lbs total, 2.2 lbs per week
Week 09: Lost 2.2 lbs, 19.7 lbs total, 2.2 lbs per week
Week 10: Gained 0.9 lbs, 18.8 lbs total lost, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 11: Lost 3.5 lbs, 22.3 lbs total, 2.0 lbs per week
Week 12: Lost 2.2 lbs, 24.5 lbs total, 2.0 lbs per week
Week 13: Lost 0.2 lbs, 24.7 lbs total, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 14: Lost 1.9 lbs, 26.6 lbs total, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 15: Lost 0.6 lbs, 27.2 lbs total, 1.8 lbs per week
Week 16: Gained 0.5 lbs, 26.7 lbs total lost, 1.7 lbs per week
Week 17: Gained 2.0 lbs, 24.7 lbs total lost, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 18: Lost 3.3 lbs, 28.0 lbs total, 1.6 lbs per week
Week 19: Lost 0.3 lbs, 28.3 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 20: Lost 1.7 lbs, 30.0 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 21: Lost 1.6 lbs, 31.6 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 22: Gained 1.1 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 1.4 lbs per week
Week 23: On holiday break, didn't track
Week 24: Lost 0.4 lbs, 30.9 lbs total, 1.3 lbs per week
Week 25: Gained 0.4 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 26: Lost 2.6 lbs, 33.1 lbs total, 1.3 lbs per week
Week 27: Gained 2.0 lbs, 31.5 lbs total lost, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 28: Lost 1.8 lbs, 32.9 lbs total, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 29: Gained 2.0 lbs, 30.1 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week
Week 30: Lost 0.6 lbs, 30.7 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 31: Lost 1.3 lbs, 32 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 32: Lost 1.3 lbs, 33.3 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 33: Didn't track.
Week 34: Didn't track.
Week 35: Gained 5.0 lbs, 28.3 lbs total lost, 0.8 lbs per week
Week 36: Gained 1.6 lbs, 26.7 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 37: Didn't track.
Week 38: Gained 0.9 lbs, 25.8 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 39: Lost 0.5 lbs, 26.3 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 40: Lost 1.1 lbs, 27.4 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 41: Lost 1.7 lbs, 29.1 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 42--47: Didn't track.
Week 48: Gained 3 lbs, 26.1 lbs total lost, 0.5 lbs per week
Week 49: Lost 1.3 lbs, 27.4 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 50: Lost 0.9 lbs, 28.3 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 51: Didn't track.
Week 52: Lost 2.2 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 53: Didn't track.
Week 54: Gained 0.5 lbs, 30 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 55: Lost 0.7 lbs, 30.7 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 56: Lost 0.4 lbs, 31.1 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 57: Lost 0.8 lbs, 31.9 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 58: Lost 0.6 lbs, 32.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 59: Lost 0 lbs, 32.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Started The Paleo Diet for Athletes
Week 60: Lost 3 lbs, 35.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week

Week 59: Researching Endurance Nutrition

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:25:00 +0000

Well, I didn't lose any weight last week, I weighed in at the same as the previous week. However, I didn't gain any either. So I'm good with that.

Looking at the numbers, I just realized that I am less than a pound away from the lowest weight I've recorded since I started my Three In Three Challenge. I know I can break through and continue my progress down to my ideal racing weight. I just need to remain focused.

In order to help the process along, I've started researching potential changes in my diet. I've already done an excellent job of cutting the "crap" out of my diet. Now I am taking it to the next level by researching the stuff I should add into my diet to provide the nutrients my body needs to excel.

After doing some initial research and reading some GREAT comments and suggestions from my readers I've settled on two books that I will study. First is Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life by Brendan Brazier. Brendan is a professional athlete that fuels his body following vegan nutritional guidelines. The second is The Paleo Diet for Athletes by Loren Cordian. Loren recommends returning to the the nutritional practices of our ancentors. He has joined forces with professional endurance coach Joe Friel to adapt the Paleo Diet to the needs of endurance athletes.

I plan to read through both books with an open mind and to adapt the parts and pieces of both approaches into a solution that work best for me. Through trial and error I expect I will find the nutritional choices that give me the most energy and endurance. I plan to blog my results under the label Endurance Nutrition so those who are interested in making a similar change can follow along and hopefully learn from my mistakes!

Onward.

Weight Loss Summary

Week 01: Lost 4.0 lbs
Week 02: Lost 3.1 lbs, 07.0 lbs total, 3.5 lbs per week
Week 03: Lost 2.6 lbs, 09.7 lbs total, 3.2 lbs per week
Week 04: Lost 2.0 lbs, 11.7 lbs total, 2.9 lbs per week
Week 05: Lost 1.6 lbs, 13.3 lbs total, 2.7 lbs per week
Week 06: Lost 1.5 lbs, 14.8 lbs total, 2.5 lbs per week
Week 07: Gained 0.4 lbs, 14.4 lbs total lost, 2.1 lbs per week
Week 08: Lost 3.1 lbs, 17.5 lbs total, 2.2 lbs per week
Week 09: Lost 2.2 lbs, 19.7 lbs total, 2.2 lbs per week
Week 10: Gained 0.9 lbs, 18.8 lbs total lost, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 11: Lost 3.5 lbs, 22.3 lbs total, 2.0 lbs per week
Week 12: Lost 2.2 lbs, 24.5 lbs total, 2.0 lbs per week
Week 13: Lost 0.2 lbs, 24.7 lbs total, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 14: Lost 1.9 lbs, 26.6 lbs total, 1.9 lbs per week
Week 15: Lost 0.6 lbs, 27.2 lbs total, 1.8 lbs per week
Week 16: Gained 0.5 lbs, 26.7 lbs total lost, 1.7 lbs per week
Week 17: Gained 2.0 lbs, 24.7 lbs total lost, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 18: Lost 3.3 lbs, 28.0 lbs total, 1.6 lbs per week
Week 19: Lost 0.3 lbs, 28.3 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 20: Lost 1.7 lbs, 30.0 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 21: Lost 1.6 lbs, 31.6 lbs total, 1.5 lbs per week
Week 22: Gained 1.1 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 1.4 lbs per week
Week 23: On holiday break, didn't track
Week 24: Lost 0.4 lbs, 30.9 lbs total, 1.3 lbs per week
Week 25: Gained 0.4 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 26: Lost 2.6 lbs, 33.1 lbs total, 1.3 lbs per week
Week 27: Gained 2.0 lbs, 31.5 lbs total lost, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 28: Lost 1.8 lbs, 32.9 lbs total, 1.2 lbs per week
Week 29: Gained 2.0 lbs, 30.1 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week
Week 30: Lost 0.6 lbs, 30.7 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 31: Lost 1.3 lbs, 32 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 32: Lost 1.3 lbs, 33.3 lbs total lost, 1.0 lbs per week.
Week 33: Didn't track.
Week 34: Didn't track.
Week 35: Gained 5.0 lbs, 28.3 lbs total lost, 0.8 lbs per week
Week 36: Gained 1.6 lbs, 26.7 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 37: Didn't track.
Week 38: Gained 0.9 lbs, 25.8 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 39: Lost 0.5 lbs, 26.3 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 40: Lost 1.1 lbs, 27.4 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 41: Lost 1.7 lbs, 29.1 lbs total lost, 0.7 lbs per week
Week 42--47: Didn't track.
Week 48: Gained 3 lbs, 26.1 lbs total lost, 0.5 lbs per week
Week 49: Lost 1.3 lbs, 27.4 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 50: Lost 0.9 lbs, 28.3 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 51: Didn't track.
Week 52: Lost 2.2 lbs, 30.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 53: Didn't track.
Week 54: Gained 0.5 lbs, 30 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 55: Lost 0.7 lbs, 30.7 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 56: Lost 0.4 lbs, 31.1 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 57: Lost 0.8 lbs, 31.9 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 58: Lost 0.6 lbs, 32.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week
Week 59: Lost 0 lbs, 32.5 lbs total lost, 0.6 lbs per week