Monthly Archives: April 2010

Several weeks ago I had mentioned about my desire to lose a few of those pesky annoying extra pounds that even with my running three times a week doesn’t seem to be going away. Perhaps some of you may be experiencing the same thing, but if you’re not, I’m all the happier for you. See my problem is, how do I put it, oh yeah “Chocolate, ice cream, and Starbucks coffee”. The three loves of my life, only second to Alex and my kids of course.

On March 7th, I bought an iPhone app Weight Bot (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id293642937?mt=8) to track my weight loss. My starting weight was 164 lbs. I wanted to weigh myself weekly in the AM and track my progress if any. I had been around 164 every since my youngest was born now she will be 2 years old next month. With everyone around me shedding their poundage I needed to take action. I decided to “commit” to a lifestyle change. I decided to say no to second-hand helpings and no to chocolate every day. I realized that it felt good to feel hungry and not just to eat when it was time to eat. I actually felt great. So much so that I decided to weigh myself again 5 days later on March 12th. Again, in the AM and in the buff. To my overwhelming surprise the scale read 159.8. I had to re-weigh myself again just to be sure. I was more than ecstatic! My hard work of self-control had paid off and I was feeling great.

The weekend was tough for me. We always have a big family get together after church and everyone brings a dish to share, so I honestly wasn’t as committed. On Sunday we went for a 6 mile run and that made my meal feel more like I deserved a break from the self-control that I had exhibited the previous week.

It was Monday again and I needed to refocus my efforts of self-control. I kept reminding myself to take smaller portions, eat only when hungry, and above all “NO SWEETS.” On Tuesday March 16th I weighed myself again at 158.2.

Now, unfortunately the days turned into weeks and I had gotten busy with our house sale, moving sale and a trip to Canada to visit friends that I had left my “Commitment” plan slightly behind. I had become disappointed in myself especially when I came back from vacation. Because as you all know, vacations are not made for losing weight actually the exact opposite, at least for me. I felt bloated, constipated, and above all defeated by my own self will. I decided not to get back on the scale until I settled back into my daily routines back home.

I am happy to announce that I am back in the game again. I weighed myself this morning at 160lbs. Obviously not as great at 158lbs, but then again it isn’t 164. I know this will be a journey of up and downs for me, but as long as I stay true to myself and my goals and achieve them slowly, this will only strengthen my journey.

Knew news, Vibram Five Fingers is coming out with a new shoe, the Bikila, specifically designed for runners. I knew I should have waited when I bought my Sprints. The release of the Bikila should be sometime in April this year and the shoe looks nice. Their arrival has been sited in various cities already.

Check out this awesome collage from www.birthdayshoes.com a great site for all your VFF questions, updates, and five fingers news. Collage is located at http://bit.ly/aKv9Uj

I sadly had to put my VFFs in the closet for now so that my toes can heal. Since I last wrote I had mentioned that I had a blister on the inside of my right heel which after healing somewhat has now again reappeared creating an even bigger blister. My left pinky toenail is bruised under my nail. I should polish the rest of my toenails purple so that they all match. My right pinky toe is also considerably swollen and hurts whenever I try to manually move it up and down left and right. I don’t think my foot problems are necessarily the shoes fault, but sadly they aren’t working really well with my toes.

On the other hand, when I run with the VFFs I experience no hip and back pain. My running style has improved with a more forward step on the ball of my foot rather than my heel. I believe in doing this I have drastically lessened the pressure to my lower back and decreased any and all hip pain.

I have had to go back to my regular Nike Bowerman Series running shoe to continue training for the 1/2 marathon in September. On Sunday Alex and I ran 7 miles. We finished in 1 hr 10 minutes. Half way through the run my hip joints couldn’t take it anymore. I had to slow down my pace and then I realized that I should try running on the balls of my feet like I did with the VFFs. I wanted to just break free of my shoes and bolt out barefoot, but that wasn’t going to happen. I decided to run on the balls of my feet in my shoes, it definitely didn’t feel right, too much cushion and instability when the shoes hit the pavement, but guess what? No hip pain.

There you have it! I’m stuck, how do I stay a runner and still enjoy my runs without any additional pain?Does anyone have any suggestions? Comments? or are you in same situation. I am making an appointment with my physical therapist to get my “back” back on track. Wish me luck!