Cowboy's Diary

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Good Thursday Morning,

Well I went to run hills last night. We had a big storm blow in so nobody showed up to run them with me-LOL. I ran 6 hills by myself in the pouring rain. Actually felt pretty good - better than running them in the heat for sure. Besides once you are wet- you can't get any wetter. I was soaked for sure but I did the hills- all 6 of them and I felt pretty good afterwards too.

Tried some electrolyte powder to add to my water. I think it made a difference. I am going to keep using it anyway especially on my long runs and on hill days.

Eating was okay again. I don't like to eat before running hills so I had a quick snack and ate afterwards. Ate just under 2000 calories. Had lots of energy for the hills so that was good. Last week felt weak and slow going up the hills but I think it was the heat and my stomach was giving me some problems. Powered through them last week though too-lol.

That is it for today. It is a holiday for us here in Canada tomorrow, so Happy Canada day to the all the canucks. Have a great Thursday!
 
I've never actually had the guts to run in the rain, maybe I should try it out! Good on ya for getting out there despite the weather!

Have a good long weekend fellow Canuck :D!
 
Snezy said:
I've never actually had the guts to run in the rain, maybe I should try it out! Good on ya for getting out there despite the weather!

Have a good long weekend fellow Canuck :D!
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Thanks, Steve. I hope you had a good Canada Day too. I find running in the rain a lot cooler-lol-running hills especially. Hopefully it rains again this Wednesday as the temp is supposed to go to 26.
 
Good Monday Morning,

Well set another record for me- ran 16K yesterday. I have never run that far before and it was a tough run but I did it. None of my normal running partners were out yesterday so ended up running alone. It was hot too- 25C even though it was only 8:30 am. I had to stop and fill up my water bottle as I cannot carry enough water for that long a run. The good news is that I did 16K in 90:34. That includes 10-1 minute walk breaks. My goal of a sub two hour 1/2 marathon may be within my reach- I hope-lol.

Eating has been good although I was supposed to eat 4000 calories yesterday but only managed about 2400. I am still trying to get it down my throat-lol. My weight is stable though so that is good news.

Bought some new running shoes last week. These will be my race shoes so I thought I would buy them now so I can break them in before the big race. I ran the 16k with them yesterday. I probably should have broken them in a little more as I started to get a blister by the end of the run. No big deal- but I will wear the new ones on my shorter runs with my old ones for the long runs until the new ones are broken in and ready to go.

That is it for today. Have a great Monday!
 
CB - you are just a running machine. Good for you getting out there in the rain (and heat). You are going to do so well in the 1/2 marathon on your B-day.

Thought of you when I picked up the 5k swag bag (without much swag) - it had 3 different types of gummy samples. I had not heard of them until reading your thread....and poof there they are in my next race bag!
 
cowboy48 said:
Hi Alta,

I am doing great. It is so nice to see you are still your upbeat positive self!! You were one of my inspirations when I first got on this forum and continue to be today!

I have never tried the beans or the electrolytes but I think I am going to need them- running in the heat is really hard some days. Takes a lot out of this old body of mine. Yeah after what we have been through trying to lose weight now they want us to eat candy-LOL. Tough to take but if the pros say it - I guess I got to do it-haha.

The first mile or so affects me the same way. Takes that first mile to get my stride back. I know I can run the distance as long as I get past the first mile-lol. Weird, isn't it?

I am going to see how the 1/2 marathon goes before I commit to the full. I hope to do a 2 hour 1/2 but I think that may be pushing it too much but we will see. Depends on the weather I guess.

Thanks so much for stopping by. It means a lot to me. You are truly an inspiration to a lot of us here and your positive attitude and determination is contagious. Keep fighting the fight!
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Awww, thank you!!! I get inspired that I inspire others. LOL!! Funny as that is..

I completely hear you on the first mile. It actually makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only one that bargains with myself the entire first mile.. :) I love that we know we can do it, but it's hilarious that it takes 1 mile of pounding our feet on the pavement to realize it.

I know you can whip out 2 1/2 hours on your half marathon, because I remember my first half marathon was on INSANEEEEEEEEEE hills, and at that I completed in 2 hrs 45 mins. So if I could do that on hills, you can FOR SURE get 2hrs 30 mins especially if it's on flat. Just go for it!!! :cheers2:!!!

I'm so excited that you've become a runner! You are amazing, Cowboy. I have so many clients that would DIE to be able to run, and here you are ...chopping away. You are special, and your body thanks you!!!
 
I am just like you cowboy. I find something I like and I never look back. If it tastes good and is good for me....I will probably never stop eating it LOL. Way to go sir, I am impressed with your willpower and your ability to just say hey...I am fat...let's change that!

/clap
 
Jennifer72 said:
CB - you are just a running machine. Good for you getting out there in the rain (and heat). You are going to do so well in the 1/2 marathon on your B-day.

Thought of you when I picked up the 5k swag bag (without much swag) - it had 3 different types of gummy samples. I had not heard of them until reading your thread....and poof there they are in my next race bag!
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Thanks, Jennifer. I hope it goes well and I do well as I will be in a different age category by then-lol. Those swag bags can be good and some are just lame. I did try some gummies ( I can't remember the name right now) on my 16K run on Sunday. I don't know if they helped or not. It was too damn hot and I didn't feel like eating gummies-lol. I did though and I didn't feel much difference. The gatorade crystals I added to my water did help though. I am going to start running with gatorade now instead of water. Thanks for stopping by!
 
Alta818 said:
Awww, thank you!!! I get inspired that I inspire others. LOL!! Funny as that is..

I completely hear you on the first mile. It actually makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only one that bargains with myself the entire first mile.. :) I love that we know we can do it, but it's hilarious that it takes 1 mile of pounding our feet on the pavement to realize it.

I know you can whip out 2 1/2 hours on your half marathon, because I remember my first half marathon was on INSANEEEEEEEEEE hills, and at that I completed in 2 hrs 45 mins. So if I could do that on hills, you can FOR SURE get 2hrs 30 mins especially if it's on flat. Just go for it!!! :cheers2:!!!

I'm so excited that you've become a runner! You are amazing, Cowboy. I have so many clients that would DIE to be able to run, and here you are ...chopping away. You are special, and your body thanks you!!!
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Hi Alta,

Thanks! I didn't know there was a runner inside my fat body until I got rid of the fat-lol. Although I started running when I was heavier I feel my better and faster now that I am at my goal weight. I ran 16K on Sunday in 90 minutes so I may just be able to do a sub 2 hour 1/2 - at least that is my goal now. I am thinking about running the Vancouver Marathon next year. Although the training will be in the Winter - it is a lot less busy for me in the Winter- just have to clear the driveway of snow not cut the grass, weed the flower beds, build decks, etc. -LOL. Marathon training takes so much time but I can afford it in the Winter. Although running 30K in -30 temps doesn't sound like fun right now-lol. Thanks for stopping by!
 
RadioActive said:
I am just like you cowboy. I find something I like and I never look back. If it tastes good and is good for me....I will probably never stop eating it LOL. Way to go sir, I am impressed with your willpower and your ability to just say hey...I am fat...let's change that!

/clap
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Thanks, Radioactive. LOL- so there is someone else like me out there. Drives my wife crazy as I eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch everyday. I would eat the same for supper too but I have to feed everyone else and I don't think they would be impressed-lol. Thanks for stopping by!
 
Good morning Cowboy!

Good to hear that you're breaking records. I don't know if I'll ever get to the marathon level of running but I'm constantly improving!

I actually have a couple questions for you!

Considering, you're the most experienced runner I know on the forum and probably in my life :p, what type of stretching do you do before and after your runs? I've been stretching before and after but I can't seem to loosen up my muscles to the extent I want them to be.

Also, I did a 30 minutes 5.5km run last night and my shins hurt a bit this morning while I was walking up a couple flights of stairs. What does this mean? Should I take it easy for a while, or can I keep running?

Thanks! :D
 
Snezy said:
Good morning Cowboy!

Good to hear that you're breaking records. I don't know if I'll ever get to the marathon level of running but I'm constantly improving!

I actually have a couple questions for you!

Considering, you're the most experienced runner I know on the forum and probably in my life :p, what type of stretching do you do before and after your runs? I've been stretching before and after but I can't seem to loosen up my muscles to the extent I want them to be.

Also, I did a 30 minutes 5.5km run last night and my shins hurt a bit this morning while I was walking up a couple flights of stairs. What does this mean? Should I take it easy for a while, or can I keep running?

Thanks! :D
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Hi Steve,

Actually I just started running in September of last year-lol. First time I have ever done this as I was always too fat or lazy or whatever you want to call it to try running-lol. I have come a long way though in a very short time. I am sure there are lots of more experienced runners here- I know Alta818 is a runner and there are lots of others but I will answer your questions as best I can. I don't do a lot of stretching before a run- I start slowly and let my body warm up naturally- I don't push it for the first 1-2K. Just a nice easy run. This may be the wrong thing to do before my run but it works for me. After my run we usually stretch for about 10-15 minutes. I do a lot of calf stretches, hamstring stretches and quad stretches. Simple ones really- like stand about 2 feet from a curb and extend your leg so that your heel is on the bottom of the curb and about 4 inches from the rise and your toes are on the top of the curb and stretch out your calf. Another is too stand up straight reach behind you and lift one foot towards your butt. There are lots of stretches on line that you can do- just google runners stretches.

Shin splints can come from a variety of sources. Wrong running shoes ( make sure you get fitted for running shoes based on your stride). Not all running shoes are for all runners. Your stride can cause shin splints. When I first started running I make a conscious effort to make sure I ran heel-toe heel-toe. Even when I was heavy I never had any problems with shin splints. I know lots of runnners that get shin splints when they first started running and they ran through them and sventually they went away. Some runners always have them and they have to stop running and find some other activity. I guess it depends on the severity of the shin splints and if they are persisitent or they go away. Proper runners and watch how you run would be the place to start. If they persist I would recommend seeing a doctor just in case there is something else going on.

I find after a long run my knees ache a bit. I make sure I stretch after my run and take it easy for a couple of hours and I am okay the next day. There is a lot of pounding that your joints have to go through when you run so if it gets too painful-- rest. That is really important. When I first started running I ran everyday for months at a time. Now that I am running long distances I learned how important rest days are.
 
Thanks for the reply, I definitely think that I could use new shoes. They're cross trainers that I've had for several years and they're getting worn out, especially near the toe. Probably a good idea to invest in some new shoes.

I think I'll go for a run tonight and see how it is, I'll do a really good stretch and warm up and then I'll decide if I think it's a good idea. I want to exercise but I don't want to get injured.

I had problems with shin splints before, about 5 years ago, no problems since. They were very painful then, I don't want them back.

I'll take a look into my stride, I've researched it a bit and I'll try hitting more heel-toe. Hopefully this will ease any pain I feel :)

Thanks again Cowboy.
 
Snezy said:
Thanks for the reply, I definitely think that I could use new shoes. They're cross trainers that I've had for several years and they're getting worn out, especially near the toe. Probably a good idea to invest in some new shoes.

I think I'll go for a run tonight and see how it is, I'll do a really good stretch and warm up and then I'll decide if I think it's a good idea. I want to exercise but I don't want to get injured.

I had problems with shin splints before, about 5 years ago, no problems since. They were very painful then, I don't want them back.

I'll take a look into my stride, I've researched it a bit and I'll try hitting more heel-toe. Hopefully this will ease any pain I feel :)

Thanks again Cowboy.
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If they are that old then that is probably your problem. Not only that but you will probably need running shoes not cross trainers. Cross trainers are not really designed for running- different support built into the shoes. If you are going to run farther distances you really need a shoe designed for running. Go to a running room or similar store and get fitted for running shoes. They will have you take off your shoes and run or walk across the floor and then have you do a squat or two and then will be looking at your feet. They have been trained to see what kind of shoe you need. Wear your old shoes in too- they will look at the bottom of it to see wear patterns. Most running shoes are designed for a certain number of KMs. It is like your car tires. Even though the shoe looks good in the outside doesn't mean the shoe is not broken down on the inside. That is the first indication of breakdown of your shoes is when you do your normal run and something hurts that didn't hurt before. It could be an injury or your shoes starting to break down. Running shoes are the most important thing when you are running long distances.
 
Yeah I actually have a hole close to the toe on one of my shoes, time for new ones :p. Thanks for the advice! I'll try to get down to a running room sometime this week.
 
cowboy48 said:
Thanks, Radioactive. LOL- so there is someone else like me out there. Drives my wife crazy as I eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch everyday. I would eat the same for supper too but I have to feed everyone else and I don't think they would be impressed-lol. Thanks for stopping by!
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I am glad I am like that honestly. It keeps things simple budget wise and preparation wise lol. My step mother is constantly saying that I will just crash and burn this diet if I keep eating to same things over and over but I have been like this since a young boy. It's a I get her point of view but she doesn't get mine haha.

Keep life simple Cowboy and keep it up!
 
RadioActive said:
I am glad I am like that honestly. It keeps things simple budget wise and preparation wise lol. My step mother is constantly saying that I will just crash and burn this diet if I keep eating to same things over and over but I have been like this since a young boy. It's a I get her point of view but she doesn't get mine haha.

Keep life simple Cowboy and keep it up!
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Thanks Radioactive,

LOL- Yeah I have been like that for a long time- I don't know how old you are but I am almost 50-lol. I find something that works - if I like it I eat it all the time. You are right it keeps things simple. Thanks for stopping by.
 
Good Thursday Morning,

Haven't posted in a couple of days. I had some fun yesterday. Just to regress a little here- a couple of years ago I had a detached retina caused from fluid buildup in my eye. I guess it is some freakish thing and it caused a 360 degrees retinal detachment. I had it fixed but I am still having some problems with after surgery stuff. As a result I am getting Lucite shots into my eyeball ( I know- it is not fun-lol) every 6 weeks. Hurts like hell when the injection is going on- don't let anyone tell you that it doesn't-lol. Anyway, it usually takes me a day or so to recover- resting and napping helps big time. So last night was my hill training day. I had napped throughout yesterday and I asked the doc if running hills would hurt anything and he said no but it will depend on how I feel. So it is about 26C here so it is really hot and so I thought I would give it the old college try and see if I could run my hills last night. We are up to 7 hills ( the hill is .5K high). I MADE it-lol. Not only did I run the 7 hills but I ran it after just getting a needle in my eye-lol. Amazing what the human body can do.

Eating was good although still a little low. I ate around 2000 calories and based on maintenance and my exercise I could have eaten 3400 calories so pretty low I guess not just a little low-lol. I have not gained any weight or lost any either so something must be right. Things are toning up and my wife said to me last night that I have lost my double chin. Now I have ALWAYS had a double chin and somtimes a double double chin so this is a big moment for me-lol.

That is it for today. Have a great Thursday!
 
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Congrats, that really must have felt good hearing that from your wife. I know whenever I saw myself with a double chin I was so disgusted with myself. I don't know what it was about that, but any picture I had with one or just looking at myself and seeing it I was so ashamed. When you start seeing results in the face and getting compliments on it, it really feels good!

I know since I started my weight loss my jaw line has been getting more defined and above everything else seeing that makes me feel the best.

You really give new meaning to stick a needle in my eye, nice determination to keep going even though you had some extreme circumstances!
 
Snezy said:
Congrats, that really must have felt good hearing that from your wife. I know whenever I saw myself with a double chin I was so disgusted with myself. I don't know what it was about that, but any picture I had with one or just looking at myself and seeing it I was so ashamed. When you start seeing results in the face and getting compliments on it, it really feels good!

I know since I started my weight loss my jaw line has been getting more defined and above everything else seeing that makes me feel the best.

You really give new meaning to stick a needle in my eye, nice determination to keep going even though you had some extreme circumstances!
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HI Steve,

Yeah it is always good to hear compliments from the people closest to you and see you everyday. First time I have seen my jawline since I was 4-lol. Thanks for stopping by.
 
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