Back on Track

Been so busy with a new project at work, so have not been able to post in a few days. But, I've still been running and tracking my diet. I've realized that my geeky nature must really enjoy tracking data.. of any kind. (I run home faster down the final stretch, just to get my Garmin data uploaded!) I've also become just slightly obsessed with tracking my diet on FatSecret. I fudged my RDI (Rec Daily Intake) downward by switching to "Low Active" to bring my RDI down some. 3100 KCal RDI just seemed too high. So long as I'm not weak-and-dizzy, I figure I'm not being too malnourished at an RDI of 2700. Tracking on FatSecret & Calorie Counter has really helped me focus on food choices, and portion control. AND, I weighed-in a bit early, on Saturday morning: 242.4lbs, down 4.8lbs in 5 days?! Are you frickin' kiddin' me? I had to recheck it 3 times. Feel good about that! I'm attributing this to the running and especially the Calorie Counter on my Droid phone. My latest data quest is to now attack the Calorie Breakdown. The recommended "runner's diet" should have about 50% carbs, 25% fats and proteins (does that sound right?). I am APPALLED at my breakdown! While trying to make semi-sensible diet choices and keep it all under 2700 KCal, I seem to be parked at a low protein content, sometimes as low as 15%.. meaning some days, my carb/fat is over 40% each!! Years back, I did Atikins and lost almost 20lbs. I can cut out carbs if I want to.. but I'm surprised at the fat content in everything and how easy it is for fat to sneak into my diet in the most unexpected places. Example, I felt like I ate like a pig yesterday, 48% carbs, 37% fats, ugh, gross.. and I hadn't run since Friday morning. I needed to RUN!!!

My gluttony from yesterday:

So.. my motivation was really sagging last night. But, it's supposed to rain the next few days, and work is only getting crazier this week. So, I forced myself to do some night running (plus my wife said "go run!"). It ended up being nice.. cool evening, quiet, nice shadow running companion. AND.. I took exactly 1 minute off my 10K time from the Seal Beach 10K, finishing my 10K run in 1:29.10
(Whoo Hoo!! does that count as a new PR?)

ALSO, I started to have a few (brief) moments were I actually felt like a 'runner', not some fat guy huffing-n-puffing. I experimented a bit with my running style, like running more upright, with compact arms, and cushioning my impact at a slightly slower/longer stride. Still not running continuously for much more than 3/8-to-half a mile at a stretch.. but I think I'm getting better (slowly). Probably haven't hit that elusive "runner's high" I keep hearing about. I'm a bit worried that lots of the running training programs seem to suggest a running base where I can run continuously for at least 30 minutes. I feel like I'm a ways off from that yet.. still doing the run-walk thing for now. I don't really have a set strategy yet.. should I? I'm just trying to run 10K a week as my long run, and improve my time and overall performance each time.

Today, I feel great.. so, I'm glad I forced myself to go run last night. I'm re-encouraged and re-energized to keep going. I have about 7 weeks until my next 10K, the Wrigley River Run in Long Beach.