Fifteen Reasons. 5k Tuesday.

Fifteen Reasons.

Sometimes I don’t know how to rest and/or stop when my mind is focused on something. I have to make sure that I am level headed when I am doing things so that I don’t over do it. That is why I set up my running schedule. I love all of this running. In order to keep myself level-headed and focused all on fronts - I decided to make a list as to why I am enjoying my runs, workouts, and eating decisions; so that I know for my own purposes. After I wrote it out – I decided that I would share some of those reasons with you; they are in no particular order. This list is not only limited to my running, but also involves likes from the weight loss/fitness categories.

1. I enjoy seeing the results of my hard work.
2. It’s quality thinking time.
3. It’s free.
4. Fresh air is awesome.
5. Only I am to blame if I fail to do my best.
6. I get to exercise discipline.
7. My wife said, “You’re so skinny” today.
8. I’m faster.
9. I can do 40 pushups in a row, take a rest, and then do more.
10. It’s easier to tie my shoes.
11. It looks that my story has inspired some – that’s what I want.
12. I’m growing in knowledge.
13. I look younger.
14. I feel younger.
15. It’s easier to be me.

This list certainly doesn’t cover all of the reasons as to why I enjoy a healthier lifestyle, but it is a good start.

A challenge for you: Make your own list. Post it on your blog, facebook, and/or in several tweets. Tell us why you enjoy living a healthier lifestyle.

5k Tuesday.

Today was the first 5k Tuesday and once I began running, I didn't feel good. I made the first mile in good time, but the pain started to come. My side/stomach was hurting but I pushed through it and it went away. It continues to amaze me at how the body will overcome the things that get in our way. I finished the 5k in 30'41". I sprinted to the end.

There were some high school tennis matches going on at the park courts and it allowed for a laugh at the end of my run. There was a crowd watching the games and then you see me running. The tennis courts come into focus as you make a turn on the road going around the park and I'm afraid I probably looked like I was the kid trying to run hard - as I sprinted to the end - to impress the popular girl on the playground. I ran right next to the courts sprinting as much as I could to get that time. Quite a good laugh picturing me flailing by.

Tell me one reason why you enjoy the healthier lifestyle and then go make your list!

Sound of Silence. Run Schedule. Weight Loss numbers.

Running to the sound of silence.

I was mid run when my mp3 player shut off. I knew it was going to end up dying before I even went out and ran. I was originally going to take the iPod out since there was no chance of rain, but it had even smaller battery life left. I chose the mp3 player to listen to for the short bit. When it died, it left me only with my thoughts and the sound of my breathing. I tried to figure out what most people do when they are without music and running and decided that I am not most people so I will try my own routine. I went through what my post tonight might say, what I might do tonight, and then just simply listened to my breathing. My headphones were still on so it kind of shut the rest of the small clatter of the world out for the most part.

I focused on my breathing. My right side was giving a little pain. It was because my stomach was pretty empty. I didn’t realize I was even hungry until I had left to go run and it was too late – I was already committed and there was no stopping me. I ran the 2 ¼ mile trip in 22:25. It was my fasted 2 ¼ mile ytd. I love improving. I ran the first two miles at a 10:20 pace and the last ¼ mile at a 7:00 pace but I couldn’t have kept that for another mile – I picked up the speed b/c I wanted to finish before my previous best.

Run Schedule.

I don’t have a normal schedule for blog postings as some do, but rather just speak my mind and what’s on it. I try to make each post as real, honest, and as encouraging as I can. There is enough negativity around us every day that we need to take every opportunity for something positive.

I have decided to create some sort of running schedule for myself.

Monday - Free run. It must hit the 2 1/4 mark and has no time goal attached to it. This sets the pace for the rest of the week.
Tuesday - 5k run. I would like to finish my first 5k under 31 minutes. It'll be tough as I see it right now, but something to shoot for it.
Wednesday - Wellness run. A new route. I plan for this to be something different from the normal routine. 3.5 miles mapped out route.
Thursday - three mile run. Keep my legs fresh run.
Friday - Fun run Friday -- how far can I go? I want to take it to 4 mile Friday. It seems like that would be a good name for it, but I have to work my way up to the 4 miles...who knows, I could do it no problem...we'll see I guess :)
Saturday - Rest. I will try to take a rest on this day...we will see how that works out. I understand the importance of rest and my legs will need it.
Sunday - Slow Poke run. Not sure how slow I'll actually be running, but not going for a lot of distance on Sundays. I hardly have time to get a good workout in it seems on Sundays. Very busy.

Before I forget – I ran my fastest 5k ytd yesterday in 31:43. I don’t want this to become a numbers game but since I am training for my first 5k I want to let you all know how I am doing for that.

Weight Loss Challenge.

As I’ve posted about, I started a weight loss challenge last week. The first week of the Six Week Weight Loss challenge is over and the numbers that are coming in for the weigh-ins are crazy! People have taken this very seriously and are taking back control of their life. Here are some more numbers for you concerning the challenge.

13 participants are in the challenge. All 13 challenger’s weights combined equal 2,831.9 lbs. In the first week, the combined total of weight lost is 43.8 lbs! I am pretty excited of the results so far! I currently hold the second most percentage lost this week with 2.32% of my body weight. I lost 4.8 lbs! I attribute this to the 30 miles that I did this past week walking/jogging/running mixed with the extra Shred workouts with my wife. I have been pretty meticulous with what I eat and when I eat. Without sounding like a broken record, this week has been pretty good! If you would like to watch and see how the challengers are doing – go check out the facebook group page here and request to join in on their progress and some quality conversations!

I also have to give a plug for Carol. She lost 2.6 lbs this week!

Who has been the biggest influence in your Weight Loss/Fitness efforts?

We're in this together & a question.

Today I received a comment on my last post – (a must read) – by Chris that really made me think about everything. What we do on the health front will make one of the largest impacts in our lives. There are multiple reasons in why we do this and that is perfectly acceptable, but what we have in common is that we all have the same starting point.

Some of my readers have gone through the hard times and trials as an overweight person trying to lose weight and some are just now learning that their life has worth. I think it would be safe to say though that once that person decides and acts on the notion to lose weight and become healthy – that they just left the “I am not satisfied with who I physically am” group. That’s a tough group to leave because that group is comfortable, easy, and requires little effort.

As you know, I am huge on encouragement and the rest of this post will focus on the people that need the encouragement right now.

The first person that I want you to send some love to is Chris. Chris is a reader of mine and a blog that is one of my “Must Reads”. She met a huge goal today in that she has now officially lost 100 pounds. She lost 100 pounds! I can’t imagine how awesome that must feel. She wrote an incredible post about the awesome accomplishment. Go give her some love.

The next person I want you to flood with encouragement is Anthony. Anthony is attempting to undergo the Insanity program, c25k, a master’s program, and life in general. He has been busting his butt to take on everything at a level that is crazy…insane. Go show your support to him too!

The last person I want you to go fill her comment box up is Ashley. She just had a weigh in and year to date – she has lost 22 pounds since January! She has had her ups and downs so far this year like the rest of us but continues to stay positive. GO help her out too!

As for myself today…I’ll just say that I’m happy to send you their way. I’ll keep my good news for another day!

What was the best compliment that you’ve ever received?

It leaves you wanting more...

The first week of my six week weight loss challenge ends tomorrow, Sunday, night at 11:59pm. This week has been quite the huge success for myself. I have learned a lot about myself and my past dislike for running has evolved into a love for running. Who knew running would be easier and much more fun when you have lost some weight?

I don't want to puff myself up or anything like that but would like to just go back through this past week starting with Last Sunday. You guys were a huge reason as to why it was successful.

Sunday was Self Acceptance. This fitness/weight loss became a whole new ballgame for me. It started with that picture that I had found. As I stated, I'm not an emotional type of guy, but that picture helped make that fire under me grow larger. Since last Sunday - I have walked/jogged/ran 27.2 miles. That picture not only got me started on my journey, but it just moved me into another level of fitness.

Monday provided motivation. I ran the fastest mile since starting the journey on Monday. The first mile was completed in 9min 58 sec. I followed that sub-10 minute mile with the longest run since breaking my ankle - which was 2.2 miles. This day served as a huge motivation to get going. Monday was also the beginning day of the six week challenge. I weighed 207.2 in the afternoon.

Tuesday shifted focus. I went to the new domain on Tuesday. My fitness is founded on purpose. If I were doing this without purpose I would not keep the weight off and continue working out. My journey is not superficial and it is intentional. My wife also took a huge step this day and it was fun to watch! Thank you all so much for supporting her too.

Killer Abs Wednesday. Wednesdays typically don't bring much of anything. This Wednesday was different. I gained a new workout partner in my wife. I again ran the 2.2 course with the first mile beating Monday's fastest Mile time of 9:58. Wednesday's Mile time was ran in 9min 14 sec. I shaved 44 seconds off of the previous year to date best! The first mile was easy but the second mile killed me. I struggled. I almost quit. I didn't quit. I finished. I also committed to two races.

Declaration Thursday and the 3 mile. Thursday proved to be a really good day. My love for running was publicly declared and it felt good for all to hear. I have had a lot of time to think now that I am running every day. It's amazing how clear the brain gets when you are running. I even use my iPod when running, but there is something about running that makes the mind clear. I decided that I would use my naiveness expertise as an overweight runner and put it into writing. This was a lot of fun and could be expanded on like crazy. I ran 3 miles which beat Monday's longest run of 2.2 miles. I did the 3 miles in 32:15. I was pretty excited about that time.

Friday fun run. I did not post yesterday because of my busy schedule. I had a field trip and that messed up the rest of the day. I did get back from the trip, went home, and then went for a run. I had planned on a rest day - and by rest day I was just going to cut down on the running to 1.5 miles. I decided that since I did not need to pace for 3 miles that I would just try to beat my previous fastest mile time and then finish with the 1/2 mile. I ended up running 3.5 miles for the fun of it. I did beat my fastest time by 15 seconds. I did the first mile in 8:59. One of my original goals for the year is to run a 9 minute mile. I have checked that off of my list -- and then followed that mile by 2.5 more miles of running just for the fun of it.

Saturday = relaxation. I took a break today. I still managed 3 miles of walking throughout the day and quick mile on Wilma (treadmill). It has been very relaxing. We were supposed to go to Starbuck's and get my Caramel Machiatto w/lite whip today but decided that we'd do that tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to that.


This week has been a great week and I can only hope that this next one is just as good. This past week has left me wanting more. One thing that I know for sure though --- is that I will make the best out of everything that comes my way. Yes.

Thanks so much guy for reading and following along with my journey.

How have you been productive this past week with workouts, eating, and Life?

A Running Guide for the Overweight Runner

There is a man that runs around my town all of the time carrying himself with no evidence of being tired. You may see him out at the park running and/or while you are putting your groceries in the car at the store. He may be on his 8th, 10th, 12th mile and still be going fast enough to beat you in a race while you are given a bicycle to race with. There are these sorts of people that have the stamina to run like that; then there are the sorts like you and me. It seems as if there is a struggle for every mile, ½ mile, or even just the next tenth of a mile hoping and praying that we see our stopping point in the short distance. It’s different for everyone, but what is consistent is that there are people who are just learning how to run and have no idea what to do first. This is where I want to help. I am not an aged runner. I am still a rather new runner but running is growing on me everyday. Four weeks ago I fractured a bone in my ankle area and my love for running was not known until I was not able to run. Take the following pointers as you will. These suggestions and ideas are only from my experience as a trial & error runner.

Be Disciplined. Becoming a runner takes discipline. To push through the pain, obstacles, and mental games that we play on ourselves takes discipline. It is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. Taking the steps is the physical part, but for me, it is by far not the hardest part. Focus your mind. There are times when my mind tells me to quit because my body “can’t handle it”. I push and my body handles it. The mind can be persuaded. Set your mind and control your actions. Let everything you do be with purpose.

It's okay to be slow. In the beginning of each year, loads of people want to get their life back on track and lose the weight that has set them in the shadows. Many, as I have in the past, think that they should start out by running. As good as running is – an overweight person with no experience in running should not be running that much or hard. It is something to be built up too. Being slow does not mean that you are not working hard or that you are not successful; it simply means that you are slow…for now. Continue moving forward and you will build up to a run. It will happen.

Get a good pair of running shoes. It would not be a good idea to take out your snow boots and decide that it’s time to go for a run. It simply wouldn’t. Running can be very cheap or very expensive. It is financially what you make of it. You do not need to have a gps, heart rate monitor, iPod chip, arm band, pedometer, and/or a pair of sunglasses. These are awesome tools to improve your running, but the one thing that is essential is a good pair of running shoes. Running can be hard on the joints and when you take into account the past sedentary life that you’ve lived – it can be extra hard on those joints. Good shoes are essential to alleviate the discomfort that those love handles may be causing.

Map out your route. Do you want to set yourself up for a success or failure? If you would rather have the failure as an overweight beginning runner – strap up and start running. A person that is focused to go no where will end up no where. An overweight person that is successful in running takes the time to plan his/her route. There are a few reasons why I think this is good.

1. You've set a goal in how far you are going to go.
2. You have a record of what you've done and know how much you've improved over time.
3. It's easier to be motivated when you can see the end.

Accountability. Find some form of accountability. Personally, I use the blogosphere for accountability and encouragement. Find a buddy to walk with, talk with, and to get fit with. Some of the best relationships come from people first starting out as accountability partners. Set a goal to strive for. When you have something in your sights – the focus is stronger, mind is clearer, and your desire pushes you. Keep yourself accountable and success will soon follow.

Pace Yourself. It will do you no good if you can run a 10 minute mile only to be followed by a 20 minute second mile. Find a solid rhythm that you think you will be able to hold for a specific length of time. Stick with that pace and keep moving. We’ve all heard it before, “slow and steady wins the race”. As many faults as that saying may have, it's not about winning the race right now - it's about becoming healthy and a solid runner.

Enjoy yourself. Do everything that you can to make your running enjoyable. I enjoy riding my bike as well, but in the beginning it was not fun. The seat was uncomfortable, the path was not visually pleasing, and I’d ride so far out that I didn’t have enough energy to make it back without stopping. I found myself having many “rest” days simply because I did not enjoy it. That changed though. I used every opportunity to make riding my bike enjoyable. I got a better seat. I found a new route. I worked my way up to longer routes.

It’s the same with running. Find your stride. Focus your mind. Try new things. Do not settle for anything less than what you want out of running. Running is just one avenue to the healthy lifestyle, but it can be an experience like no other.

Enjoy a life of running instead of settling for a run down life.

Killer Abs. Hanging On By a Thread. Race Schedule.

KILLER ABS

I really struggled with pain today when I was running. You are probably thinking, “Well Seth, you broke your ankle 3 ½ weeks ago and that's why you are in pain man". That's not it though. My ankle feels great! I was really worried about my legs keeping me from running well, at my pace, but it wasn't that either. It was my abs. They killed me. They hurt so bad while I was running. All I could do was to tell myself to keep breathing and keep moving. I let my legs just keep moving me. Thank you legs. Thank you ankle.

My abs were pretty much numb when I was done running. I didn't stop though. I finished strong to my car when it came into sight. Who would have thought that a Ford Contour would look so awesome. I finished my 2 1/4 mile in 23min 23 sec. That's 13 seconds over my last try at that mapped out run. I know that it had all to do with my abs killing me. I even had my best mile to date (9:14), but it was no match for the rebellious abs and two nice long hills. I made it though and I'm happy because I gave it my best.

Hanging on by a Thread

Before I went out to run I went to the store to get myself a little arm band mp3 player holder. I have an iPod but who wants to take the iPod outside on a run? Not this guy. I used my mp3 player and it was great to be able to wear it and also be able to keep my car key in it. No longer did I have to hold the player and key in my hand or in my pocket. That is, until I go to take the arm band off when I got home. The arm band was holding on by a thread. Seriously, the lightest of material (see through) is the only thing that kept the band together. I'm not too happy about that. One run and their band almost tears in half. And why? My arms are not overly huge and I didn't do anything but run. Pull strap, velcro, run, take off arm band. That's all it is required to do and it failed me. Oh well - guess I have to take this one back and get something else. It was nice while it lasted.

Race Schedule

I am getting pretty excited about the 5k that I have coming up. It is just under a month away, but it is a lot of fun to train for. I have not been able to run distances like these in a very long time. Living healthy is a whole new way of life. There would be a lot less overweight people if they could just experience some of the results from hard work. This healthier lifestyle totally beats laziness and complacency.

I have two races that I will be attempting to run in. The first race is on May 8th as I've posted about which is sponsored by the Girls on the Run program. The other upcoming race is on May 29th and it is a duathlon. The duathlon has two separate courses - a long and a short. The long course consists of Run 2 mile, bike 12.4, Run 2 mile. The short consists of Run 2 mile, bike 5, run 1/2 mile.

I'll probably choose the short, but will have a better idea when it comes time to choose. It's exciting to see everything come together.

What do you all do for a good recovery regime?

Fit with a Purpose. Two-person Workout. 5k Sign-up

I did it. There were some complications - but it's done. Now that it is done on my part - I've got homework for you to do... please! All of 1010in2010 and it's contents, mostly, will be forwarded to this domain name, but I need all of you AWESOME readers to redirect your links that go to me to say fitwithapurpose.com...could you? Be sure to change your Google Reader as well...please. It is essentially the same site with a different name, but the transition caused me to lose ALL of my past comments and messed up the Blogroll that I just recreated yesterday! I will be leaving the tab to say 1010in2010 for now so that people know they are at the right place.

So, why the name change? Well, I can tell you that it is no Chad Johnson OchoCinco publicity stunt. I wanted to be founded here in the blogosphere by surrounding myself with encouraging bloggers, readers, and friends who were here for the same reason - to get fit.

I could go out on many different rabbit trails telling my back story and what I want for me and my family in the future, but I don't want to bore you with those things. If you want that, check "My Story" - there's a whole page on it. One thing I do want to discuss though is the purpose for the name.

There are so many studies, charts, and statistics that tell us that people that are not healthy physically - are not healthy in most other areas in their lives. As I've said yesterday - I read a lot of blogs and have seen each of their stories - only to come to the realization that this time, a lot of the studies actually match their conclusion. Physically unhealthy people tend to be unhealthy in many other aspects of life. Whether it's through self-esteem, confidence, love, or whatever it is - most of us can attest that we are/were affected by the unhealthy physical choices that we made on some other level.

I started this blog with one goal. It was to walk/jog/run 1,010 miles in the year of 2010. It started as me just wanting to do something for myself to take back control. I did not know that it would become what it has - I LOVE THIS. My goal was to hit those miles and that any other changes in life - physical, mental, internal - would all just be a by-product of me chasing after what seemed to be a ridiculous goal.

It's transformed into something else. I am getting fit with a purpose.

I am intentionally taking over my life. I eat with purpose. I just ran 2.2 miles on a three week healed ankle because I wanted to; I was craving the run. I mentally push myself b/c I know I can push past my limits.

I am not successful by accident or by chance.

I work hard. I am getting fit with a purpose. I want to share my successes and failures b/c I know that through my successes and failures - others can become successful. I am worth the hard work that I put into my body.

I can't always put what I want to say into words, but fitwithapurpose goes far beyond just my life. It goes into each person that is struggling to lose the weight, heal past wounds, and journey into the future healthier on all fronts. People struggle with finding a purpose in life.

fitwithapurpose is here to give my story and to encourage others that they too, are worth fighting for.

Two-person Workout

Last night I agreed to work out with my wife. She had not yet worked out, but wanted to and we decided to do the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. It was quite funny, the exercises of course and not my wife working out! I noticed that I still can not do the side to side agility moves with the ankle. It'll come but for now I just have to flail my arms around looking silly trying to do jumping jacks on one leg.

I told her that I would work out with her for the duration of the challenge. These will probably be on top of my own workouts as well. I really do like that we are both taking the steps to improve. This can only help with our future family that we want to have.

Jillian's dvd was pretty good -- I expected more physical workouts out of the shred, but I might just be over critical of dvd workouts other than pilates or yoga. What are your thoughts on workout dvds??

5k SIGN-UP

So, I just filled out my 5k entry form. May 8th, 8:30am - Girls on the Run 5k. I'm pretty excited for it and if you are wondering -- Girls on the Run is just putting the race on...so yes, I can run with the girls.

Tell me where you were and what you were doing when you realized that you must change the way you are living.

I'm Proud of my wife! Dilemma, Help! Are you on the BlogRoll?

So yesterday was the starting day for the six week weight loss challenge that I have put together. There are 13 participants total and a prize of $130. That’s not too shabby of a prize if I say so myself. Not only am I the organizer but I am a participant too. I could get a good pair of running shoes, a good chunk of cash towards a bodybugg, or something of no relevance but that I like, if I win. Who knows! The choices are unlimited…except for the $130 price tag. If I did win, chances are slim...I'd give half of it to the top losing female participant.

It is not about the winning as much as it is to be able to inspire other people to begin a healthier lifestyle. Only three of the challengers are people that are full-throttle prior to beginning this challenge. That means that there are a lot of newbies – and anyone that has been doing weight loss/fitness for a period of time loves newbies b/c they love to learn about weight loss/fitness related things. Already, it has been a lot of fun!

However, this is not the reason that I have written this post. I really wanted to say that I am very proud of my wife. It’s generally easier for men to post their pictures a nd weight for all to see, but it takes much more for a woman. Women have much more guarded insecurities, fears, and comfort zones that couldn’t be broken by an army tanker.

She let down her guard.

She gave away her fears.

She accepted her body.

This may mean very little to a lot of my readers, but I know that many of you can connect with the fears that she experienced. I am very proud of her in taking on this challenge and I think she is pretty excited for it – now that what may have been the hardest part mentally, is over.

My wife has a craft blog and she posted her Beginning Picture for the challenge. Go encourage her! You guys are the best at encouragement!

The Dilemma

While I am asking favors for you…I have a dilemma. I bought a domain name for this site but am unsure on when to put it up and was going to see when you thought. Obviously, the domain name is the title of this site –www.FITWITHAPURPOSE.com. What do you think? Should I wait until 2010 is over, go ahead and do it now when I have fewer readers, or what? I need Help!

Are you on the Roll?

Now that we are talking about this site, I updated the Blogroll on the right side of the page. Those are not all of the bloggers that I read, but some that update regularly and have awesome information. Do you not see your site on there? Tell me and let me know that you don’t and why it needs to be up there! I love to give other bloggers plugs and shout-outs. Yours may just be next!

Encourage My Wife! Leave Your Opinion on the Domain. Join the Blogroll!

...if you'd like of course.