Running Update

Miles traveled: 1
Distance run: ~0.7
Time: 11:04

Still getting easier; I could have pushed even a little harder and gotten under 10:45 but was worried about going too hard.

Anyway, I discovered I definitely can't run in old shoes. I was running with my older pair, and they made my knees hurt. The newer pair was outside from being hosed off while working in the garden this weekend. So I wore my older running shoes and the left one was pretty much flat. Made my whole gate off and I kept drifting/stumbling that way when I got tired enough to lose control. So only going to wear the newer pair till they wear out.

So how long do shoes last? According to my buddy in Tucson who used to look like me, and now is very svelte, small, and swift, he changes his shoes about every 3-6 months. Any more and he gets joint pain. If I start running 3-4 days/ week, with my weight I bet I only get 6 months out of a pair. Need to find a good shoe that is cheap and provides the proper support.

Any suggestions?

From what I can find on the web, shoes typically last 300-500 miles for a typical runner. However, I'm a little heavier than normal, so guessing it will be on the low end. Since I have had my shoes around 2 years but never run with them until now, I'm guessing I've walked at least 100 miles. So running 3-4 miles/week, they theoretically should last 50 more weeks.

Couple of sources:
About.com
About.com
Runners Guide

Week 6 Update

Well, it's been a good week, but just not for the weight. I have started my running program and if I can keep from getting injured should help a lot with the weigh.
Sticking with my decision to get going on running and then add in the pushups and situps at a later date.

Weighed in last night at 262 still, but had gulped three glasses of water so not too discouraged. The weight will come.

Also, I signed up for a Hockey 101 class as Gilbert Polar Ice. Great deal, they give you all the gear and ice time for free. Class is once a week on Thursday in March. Sure they are hoping you sign up for league, but not sure I'm ready for that. Maybe after I get in shape and play some open ice time and learn the sport.

Go here for information and to sign up!

Thinking about it, I don't think I have been on the ice for almost 10 years! I should practice a bit before the class I guess.

Running update

Miles traveled: 1
Distance run: ~0.7
Time: 11:55

Mile #2 came a little easier. After a 0.05 warmup, I ran at a fairly good clip (8mph) for about a third of a mile, walked for a bit, ran, walked, ran, and walked the last .1 to cool down.

Don't think this is the way to go. Going to try a longer warmup, and a little slower jog for a longer time next mile.

Running update

Miles traveled: 1
Distance run: ~0.5
Time: 12:49

We'll I made it. 1 mile; ran a little more than 1/2 of that. I'm really happy, I know it's a small thing, but getting back in shape is important to me. And doing it in under 13 minutes was my initial goal for my starting mile time. Now I am going to work on bringing it down.

Woo hoo

Maybe an aberration, but was down 9lbs last night. Maybe this running thing works? Going to dinner and drinks with the customer tonight, but going to try to keep the calories down, and run tomorrow morning before daughter #1's class.

Week 5 Update

Been a while since I posted, work has been extra crazy. And it's supposed to be the 'slow' time of year. Meh.

I have not been a good boy the last few weeks, been eating out a lot with customers and corporate, and having a few drinks (empty calories). But I'm back now, and making a renewed effort.

Weighed in last night at 262, so I didn't gain much back, so that's good. And I fixed the treadmill and started running again. Man my bulk makes running less than enjoyable. I did 0.75 miles last night, about 1/2 I ran at a good clip. Going to work up to a fill mile (walk/run) this week and set that as my baseline time. Going to work to get that time down each week.

As well as weight loss, I have fitness goals as well. I would like to be under a 12-minute mile this year. I know that's not very aggressive, but I doubt I can do a 20 or even 25 minute mile right now without passing out or hurting myself. I ran a sub-6 minute mile in HS trying out for baseball (yes only once, and only by 8s, but still), and while I don't plan on being a marathon running, I would like to get back to the 8-minute single and the two-mile time of 20 minutes by the end of 2011.

I also want to be able to do 100 push-ups in three sets in one sitting. I have decided to table this goal for a bit until my fitness is a little better.

Lastly, I want to be able to do 100 crunches (right-center-left) in three sets in one sitting. I am going to work in crunches 2-3 times per while when I take days-off from running.