Fun At The Color Run (And Ran My Best Time)!

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Before the colors fly! So happy a few minutes before The Color Race starts.

Before the colors fly! So happy a few minutes before The Color Race starts.

Yesterday I did my first Color Run 5K in Baltimore. If you’re thinking about doing a Color Run, do it! It’s known as the “happiest 5K on the planet,” and it is. Everyone is happy — the volunteers, the 25,000 runners (dang!), the staff. Even the cops providing security on a Sunday afternoon were having a blast.

After we arrived, I could tell my husband started feeling a bit envious that I was in the race and he wasn’t. Although he perked up when he spotted the La Cakeie cakemobile. He quickly ordered and devoured the (aptly named) Ribbon Cake.

He did promise to run with me next year.

The Color Run, weight loss, 5Ks

Covered in color! I wiped my face a couple of times during the run and I ended up looking like a hot mess! But it was worth it.

How Did I Do?
The Color Run is not a traditional 5K — it is not timed. It’s all about having a good time while exercising and raising money for local charities. I did this race for the experience and not with the idea of setting records.

I still made a point of looking at my phone for my start time — 1:46.

This was my first race without any inclines. The whole route stayed around the Camden Yards ballpark — home of the Baltimore Orioles. An easy route, my pace started faster than normal, usually meaning I won’t finish strong. But I had such a great time during the race, I ended up with my best race time yet.

When I crossed the finish line, the time on my phone read 2:34. Holy cow…48 minutes!

My last 5K, The Goblin Gallop, I ran/walked in 55 minutes. Wow!

Why was this one quicker?  For the Goblin Gallop, my interval training lasted only 1 mile. During The Color Run, my interval training spanned the entire race.  I’m not sure if it was the sensory overload or the sheer amount of fun, but I never felt tired.

In fact, I can’t believe to cross the finish line when I did. It didn’t feel like I just ran/walked 3.1 miles.

Of course, I paid for that great time when I got home. My right knee and left ankle started swelling.  This morning I woke up to very sore legs.

Thankfully today’s muscle workout helped to relieve the stiffness. I plan on an easy walk this afternoon to help with the soreness.

Some Color Run Advice
If you want to do a Color Run, here are some tips for you:

  • This is not the race for designer tracksuits! The color is just powdered cornstarch and does come off…mostly.
  • Keep your phone in a plastic bag. Trust me, the color gets everywhere!
  • Ladies, before the race, use leave on hair conditioner or spray coconut oil in your hair…you’ll thank me later (especially if you’re a blonde)!
  • No makeup! Just makes it easier for the color to come off in the shower. Plus, why would you exercise wearing makeup anyway?
  • Regardless of time of year, always wear white. It’s the best way to proudly display your colors.
  • Arrive early! The crowds are huge — 25,000+.  Runners are released in waves. I was in the second wave. The last wave of runners started as I crossed the finish line.
  • Prepare for the color zones. Along the 5K route, I ran through five color zones – yellow, orange, purple, green and blue.  When you hit one of these zones volunteers squirt you with the colored cornstarch.  I wish I had my sunglasses on to protect my eyes from the powder. Some people wore bandanas over their nose and mouth.  But that means no multicolored tongue!
  • If you want a lot of color on you, run on outer edges of the color zones. The volunteers will nail you! Less color? Run straight down the middle of the zone.
  • Stay for the after party! The Color Run is one big party with a 5K in the middle. It has a DJ, Zumba class, food vendors, and lots of color!

Latest Muscle Workout Wipes Me Out

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muscle workout, weight training, tire push workout

My new workout tool. Object in photo is much larger (and heavier) than it seems!

After my weigh-in this morning, I hit the gym for my new muscle workout:

Except for the shuttle runs I did in high school, it’s the first time I’ve done these workouts. I did 3 rounds, doing each for 30 seconds with a 20 second break in between.

Of the 6 exercises, it’s a toss-up between the battle ropes and tire push for most exhausting. The battle ropes turned my arms into wet noodles, especially my left arm. The tire push kills your arms quickly, but later you feel the double whammy of your back and leg muscles aching.

In a couple of weeks, my trainer says I’ll start flipping the tire. I CAN’T WAIT. Another chance to be sore from head to toe. Awesome!

This is the third set of metabolic workouts I now have in my rotation. On Monday my trainer shows me a new set of exercises and for the next few weeks we will rotate between the 4 different sets, steadily increase the weights.

I sincerely hope the next set of exercises looks something like this — complete with Elvis glasses and blue sequined jumpsuit!

Morning After: Knee Feels Great

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My knees feel great after yesterday’s 5K. No pain or swelling! Image courtesy of photostock and FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

After spending the day with the knee on ice, I’m happy to report that I recovered quickly. My knee feels great.

When I woke up this morning the knee was a little stiff, but that wore off with 30 minutes of yoga and stretching. The real test came a couple of hours later when I met with my trainer.

We started off on the treadmill, walking at my fastest pace for a quarter-mile. Immediately after I did the following:

I did 12 of each with a 15 second rest in between each exercise. Then it was back upstairs to do the treadmill and start it all over again.

Through it all no pain. My mobility was great.

Later this afternoon I’ll go for a short 2 mile walk and then give the knee the rest of the day off.

 

 

 

 

 

Hiking Away The Weight

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I look so bright-eyed and bushy tailed working on the tent. Hiking 4.7 miles in the Dolly Sods Wilderness carrying a 20 lbs. pack will do that to you.

I look so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed working on the tent. Hiking in the Dolly Sods Wilderness carrying a 20 lbs. pack will do that to you.

Lots of calories burned and (hopefully) many pounds shed as I spent this weekend hiking a little more than 8 miles (round trip) with a 20 lbs. backpack strapped to me.

We hiked the Blackbird Knob Trail in West Virginia’s Dolly Sods Wilderness, an absolute gorgeous place. I definitely got a full body workout. I got home just a few hours ago and my legs, back and arms are sore. I don’t know how, but it seemed like the hike was uphill – coming and going.

While I did eat more carbs during the hike, I didn’t get out of control. I never stuffed myself silly or used the hike as an excuse to overeat.

On the first day, we decided to eat lunch (pizza) before we hit the trail.  Eating only a few slices, it was enough food to fuel my whole 3+ hour trek to our camp site. Once we set up the tents, I felt peckish and ended up only eating 1/2 cup of trail mix (carefully measured out in a snack bag).

The small portion of trail mix was all I needed to help out on the hunt for firewood. Sure we’re in the woods, but cutting trees for wood is a no-no. Nope, you must scavenge fallen limbs and sometimes it’s a hike all its own.

Roughly 2 hours later I felt starved. It took 3 hot dogs with mustard and onions and a very small slice of the double chocolate bread to kill the hunger.

After a very cold night – it very unexpectedly dropped to 32 degrees – I cooked up oatmeal (adding maple syrup and brown sugar) and hot tea the next morning.  For the hike back, I put aside a Clif Bar knowing that about half way through, I’d start feeling hungry and tired.

As expected, the bar was the boost my body needed. However, thanks to the strategically placed blisters on my feet, the last hour of the hike became a struggle as the trail seemed to gain more rocks than I remembered.

We sat down for lunch about an hour after leaving the trail at a little restaurant. I ordered the beef brisket, green beans and mashed potatoes. If I had one regret, it’s the slice of cherry pie I ordered. Just too much sugar for me.

I think I’m skipping yoga tomorrow – except for the warm up and cool down portions of my DVD.  I’m anticipating some tight muscles tomorrow so some light stretching is in order. Otherwise I’m giving my muscles a day off.

Regardless of how sore I am, I loved the trip and the workout. I just need to finish strong this week and stay low carb. I do that, and I’ll see movement on that scale.

Eating On The Trail

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Prepping our snacks and meals before we hit the trail this weekend. Image courtesy of Simon Howden and FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Prepping our snacks and meals before we hit the trail this weekend. Image courtesy of Simon Howden and FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

I need to pick up some grub for our backpacking excursion this weekend. I’m keeping it real simple and looking to prep some of the snacks before we head out. The nice thing about backpacking is that I get to eat foods I normally avoid. You expend so much energy hiking that you need your carbs.

That doesn’t mean a free for all on this trip. Nope. Oatmeal with dried fruit in the morning is as wild as I’m going to get.

Balancing Nutrition With Bulk
You burn up to 5,000 calories a day backpacking. To keep your energy levels up, the rule of thumb is 1.5 – 2 lbs. of food a day.  It may seem like a lot of food, but trust me, backpacking works up a massive appetite.

For backpacking, I eat foods loaded with complex carbs and protein that are quick eats, likes nuts and dry fruits. During the hike, I need to feed my muscles.

The difficult part of backpacking is how much to carry. It’s all about weight. You want enough food and a little extra for delays. But packing smart is 90% of the battle. I’ll pack the food in little baggies. No cans or store packaging. Just lightweight and low-bulk foods.

So, what’s on the menu?

  • Snacks – Apples, home-made trail mix (peanuts, M&Ms, raisins, pretzels, pumpkin seeds)
  • Lunch – crackers, sausage and cheese, and peanut butter sandwiches (for the hubby)
  • Dinner – Hot dogs, home-made double chocolate bread (yum!), herbal tea (double yum!!)
  • Breakfast – Instant oatmeal and dried fruit

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Fatpacking In West Virginia This Weekend

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One of our Shenandoah hiking escapes! Enjoying the overlook and beautiful scenery.

One of our Shenandoah hiking escapes when I was 80 lbs. heavier! Enjoying the overlook and beautiful scenery.

I’m going hiking in West Virginia on Saturday with friends and of course the Carbivorous Rex. It’s my first overnight excursion in more than a year. Sweet!

I’m 80 lbs. lighter than our last outing. While I don’t want to over do it, I’m excited because it doesn’t seem as daunting as past trips. With great weight loss comes great confidence.

Tonight we’re digging out our gear – backpacks, tent, sleeping bags, compass, water filter, first aid and boots.

Hiking really is a full body workout. From rolling hills to rocky terrain to crossing creeks, you use muscles you never knew existed. You move slower and the ground you walk on is less predictable.

I remember one hike where I climbed a small part of the trail – maneuvering over large boulders for about 30 feet.  I don’t remember how long it took for me to climb it (then it seemed like an eternity), but I felt exhilarated.

Hiking does that to you.

And let’s face it, hiking offers something that walking can’t – beautiful scenery. With fall starting, I’m expecting to see some color in those trees. Depending on which trail we follow, fishing is a big possibility.

Just hoping the weather gods smile upon us this weekend.

The Ultimate Workout

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I’m always looking for the best workout equipment. Well, I think I found the holy grail of all exercise machines. What do you think?

Four 5Ks in 99 Days

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Looking to hit my goal of walking in five 5Ks in 2013. Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Looking to hit my goal of walking in five 5Ks in 2013. Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

So far this year, I’ve walked in just one 5K race.  For my New Year’s resolution, I set a goal of five 5Ks.  I’m a bit behind.

There’s still 99 days left in 2013. Time to get into gear.

I signed up for two local 5Ks in October. The first one is in two weeks and the second is the day after my wedding anniversary.

That gives me a couple of weeks to prepare for the October 5th race, focusing on distance and not speed.  Before the knee went wonky on me, I walked 6.5K (4 miles) nearly everyday. So I’m not anticipating any problems. I’m up to 2 miles a day now without any knee pain. I’m planning on increasing my distance to 3 miles by mid-week. Fingers crossed!

There’s a Color Run 5K in Baltimore the Sunday before Thanksgiving that just looks fun. Not familiar with Color Runs?  It’s a paint race. Just wear white at the start of the race and at each kilometer, you’re doused from head to toe in color.  I’ll see if I can convince the hubby to walk with me.  My only concern is the time of the year – mid-November in Baltimore. I’ll need to layer my clothes.

That leaves me finding one more 5K before the end of the year.

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Weighing In On Heavy

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My new favorite weight loss show - Heavy. It takes an honest approach to losing weight. I just wish it spent a little more time on nutrition.

My new favorite weight loss show – Heavy. It takes an honest approach to losing weight. I just wish it spent a little more time on nutrition.

Yesterday I stumbled across Heavy, a show weigh loss reality show. I’m a little late to the party – the show aired in 2011-12 and season 2 starts in 2014. But better late than never.

Each episode follows 2 people in a 6-month weight loss program. They work with trainers and dietitians to change their habits and lose weight. While considered a reality show, in fact, it feels more like a documentary. No one is voted off. It’s not scripted. You get to know these people, warts and all.

This show cuts close to the bone. At times it’s like someone is holding a mirror up to me, making the show difficult to watch. But that’s why I love it too.

Some weeks you lose weight and others you gain. Sometimes life kicks your butt and you binge. Heavy captures this in spades. You really feel for these people, even if you disagree with some of their choices.

Weight loss is awesome, but hard as hell.  Heavy takes an honest look at the journey.  Sure there’s help in the form of trainers, but the individuals’ success or failure is all their own. And the show pulls no punches with the health problems these people face  – diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, skin disorders.

I wish they’d explore the nutrition side more. Food and nutrition are way more important than exercise when it comes to weight loss. If you don’t get the nutrition right, no amount of exercising helps.

Also front and center is the “calories-in, calories-out” myth, which, if you read this blog, you know I think is BS.

If I owned a weight loss spa, I’d give all of my guests a copy of Why We Get Fat and hire only nutritionists who understand it’s not about how much we eat, but what we eat (in fact, what we eat can trigger us to overeat). But that doesn’t make good TV.

Criticisms aside, I really love the show. As a big bonus, after watching the first episode online, I ended my afternoon with 30 minutes of yoga followed by a 15-minute walk.

Yes, the show is a big motivator.

Namaste! Knee Pain Gone But Yoga Still Kicking My Butt

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Image courtesy of Ambro and FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Image courtesy of Ambro and FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

My knee feels great. No more pain, swelling or tightness. The 3-week break from walking, the yoga and a liberal application of ice did the trick. This afternoon I plan to test the knee with 30-minutes of yoga followed by a 10-minute walk at a moderate pace.

The yoga workout is full body, so I’m thinking that the more intense stretching (compared to my stretching before the injury) is what the doctor ordered for my knee.

If all goes well, I plan to walk 2 more times this week. If no pain, then I’ll see about bumping to an every other day schedule – but keeping to a moderate pace. I want to wait a couple of weeks before I start thinking of speed again.

Plank Pose Is Bane Of My Existence!
I’m still not able to do all of Level 1 on the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD – damn you Plank Pose! But I am getting better. I’m still on my knees for plank, but now I can do the modified sideways plank.  But full plank followed by push ups…I’m just not there yet with the upper body strength. My goal is to do the full, non-modified Plank section of the DVD by the end of next week.

Modified 30-Day Sit Up Challenge
After pleas from some family members, I decided to do a more modified version of the 30-Day Sit Up Challenge. So yes, it is still challenging, but I’m not running the risk of injury. Instead of increasing the number of sit ups by 5 a day, I’m doing the same number each day for a week and add 5 for the next week. This week, it’s 10. Next week, that number will bump to 15. I’m also breaking them up in to sets, taking a short break in between for water and stretching. I’m getting a workout, but no pain or Charley Horses.