Garmin Forerunner 610

Yea, need me one of these...

Week 42: Lack Of Mental Resolve?

OK, so I might not have paid much attention this week to tracking my food. And I might have gained a little weight as a result. But I enjoyed every minute of it!

No seriously, I'm a little bummed about it. I feel like I am constantly taking two steps forward and then one big step backwards. This week I gained 1.3 lbs. AHHHHHHHH!

Of my three goals (quit smoking, lose 50 lbs, and run an ultramarathon), the losing weight goal has been by far the hardest. Yes, quitting smoking was difficult while going through it, but it is over now and I don't even think about smoking. And as for training for the ultramarathon, I love every minute of it.

But losing 50 lbs is a different story. It's hard. It is something that I struggle with every day, throughout the day. I love the taste of food. I like to drink a few beers. I like dessert. I like hamburgers and hot dogs and all the awesome stuff you can cook on a barbecue. I think the challenge with my weight is more of a mental issue than a physical one. I lack the mental resolve to do what I know I need to do. I can't seem to get control of it.

I just need to keep at it.

I can do this.

Reset... again.

Building Glute Strength

I came across this video on Runner's World. Strong glutes (butt muscles) help power your runs.



Thoughts?

Training Update

I have now entered the third week of my 50K training plan (which is actually the ninth week of the plan). This week I am scheduled to run 46 miles, my highest weekly training volume since I started my Three in Three Challenge. I feel really confident about it.

My last two runs over the weekend felt almost effortless and my pace continues to improve. I know last week was a recovery week, so I should expect to feel pretty good with the lower mileage. Now I am ready to resume building. I like how the plan alternates between the larger volume weeks and the recovery weeks. I think this is a good approach for me at this point in my development.

Following are some pictures from my runs last week. Enjoy.

Week 41: Still A Loser

I weighted in this morning and I am happy to report that I am still a loser! I lost 1.7 lbs since my weight in last week. Ya baby!

As I wrote previously, I started using the online tool at myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise. The tool is simple and works well. As was the case when I used WeightWatchers.com, the tool gives me the accountability I need to make sure I keep my consumption within the limits needed to lose weight. But myfitnesspal.com has one big benefit over WeightWatchers.com... it's FREE!!!

So far so good. The challenge will be to discipline myself to continue doing that I know works.

What do you use to help you lose weight?