May 17, 2015

Incline walk

As I stated that I was going to, I did a long walk today. It was really tempting to just forget it, and start the walking program tomorrow, but I really needed to follow through with what I'd planned. I always feel better mentally when I do what I say I'm going to do.

It was 70 degrees and really humid this morning, so I decided to walk on the treadmill. Also, I wanted to walk without distractions; if I walked outside, I'd have to take Joey with me (because I'd feel guilty if I didn't). When I walk Joey, I always feel pain in my leg where the stress fracture is, probably because he is not good on the leash. Even when I use the no-pull harness, he pushes it just to the limit and any sort of pulling at all hurts my leg.

Anyway, I started watching a new show on Netflix while I walked--it's called Bloodline. I watched the first episode, and I really like it so far! I was going to do one of the treadmill preset walking programs, but the programs are pretty easy, so I ended up doing my own thing. At first, I started doing 3.5 mph and then increasing the incline by 0.5% every 30 seconds. Once I got to 12%, I walked at 4.0 mph for a minute; then went back to 3.5 mph started decreasing the incline by 0.5% every 30 seconds until it got back to 0%.

I wanted to finish out the episode of Bloodline, which was 55 minutes, and it was only halfway over after doing the pyramid, so I just set the incline at 5% and walked at 4.0 mph for a while, and then decreased the incline to 2% until the show was over.

I was impressed at how difficult the incline made the walk, even when I was just walking at 3.5 mph. Once I was up to about 8-9%, the incline was really tiring! I actually broke a sweat and was breathing heavily, so that was a good thing. The thing I really miss about running is that feeling afterward, like I really pushed myself--aching muscles, dripping sweat, breathlessness, etc. The walk today didn't exactly get me to that point, but it was the closest I'd come in a long time. And I felt really happy with myself when I was done!

Today's Weight Watchers Photo A Day is "Exercise Goal". This is a totally depressing topic for me right now, considering my injury. I have pretty much written off any sort of running goals. In an ideal world (before my stress fracture), I would have said that my exercise goals were to run a sub-2:00 half-marathon again this year, and to run a PR for the Detroit Marathon (under 4:16:38). There is nothing that feels better than crushing a running goal!

A 5K in 24:03... once upon a time in 2013

But, since I am injured, and it's not an ideal world, my only goal right now is to be able to run again someday. I'm hoping that I'll still be able to run the Detroit marathon, but it's not looking likely.

Anyone else want to share an exercise goal right now?


Well, I finally have most of my taste and hearing back, so I decided to try the Arctic Zero "ice cream" that I'd mentioned last week. I got the chocolate peanut butter one, and I was fully expecting NOT to like it, especially after the comments on that post. But, I actually liked it! It certainly didn't hold a candle to my favorite Haagen Dazs chocolate peanut butter, but it was totally worth 3 PointsPlus.

The best way I can describe it is that it tastes like a fat free fudgesicle. Sometimes, I'll scrape a fudgesicle off the stick and into a bowl, to eat with a spoon, and that's what it reminded me of. It didn't have a strong peanut butter flavor, but for so few calories, I didn't really expect it to. I bought a couple more flavors to try--Salted Caramel and Cookie Shake. I ate a small spoonful of each of those, just to write my thoughts, and they weren't too bad, but I like the chocolate peanut butter better. The Cookie Shake is like a cookies and cream flavor, but it's very vanilla-y. I liked the salted caramel better.

As far as Points-friendly ice cream goes, I definitely the like the Weight Watchers brand better, but for those times when I want to sit down with a whole pint, the Arctic Zero will do the job!

10 comments:

  1. Amanda K.May 18, 2015

    Right now my exercise goal is to train for and run my first half marathon! I officially signed up for one in September (so there's no turning back now). And I was completely inspired by you! I know it really sucks not being able to do your running right now but keep your head held high! I know you'll get back out there sooner rather than later. You're doing the right thing by taking care of your injury :)

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  2. GretchenMay 18, 2015

    I see a woman running with a dog here, using a waist leash- have you tried that? (Dog's leash is clipped to a belt around the runner's waist, not a hand held leash.)

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  3. Where did you find the Arctic Zero? Does Whole Foods carry it?

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  4. My current exercise goal is to run a mile without walking :) I'm also striving to get away from my "all or nothing" mentality, and be more active on the days I don't exercise; when I first started exercising again last year, I was all "I'M GOING TO EXERCISE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!!!" and then when I'd miss a day, I'd totally beat myself up about it and ultimately stop exercising for days (which turned into weeks...). These days, I'm exercising about 3-4 days a week, and that's working for me. My biggest issue is getting activity on the days I don't exercise; I sit in front of a computer all day at work, so it's not easy.

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  5. My exercise goal is to run/walk the NYC Marathon without needing medical attention on or at the end of the course, walk to the subway, get on a train and head back home without crying in pain the entire way. No matter how long it takes me, crossing the finish line on my own, crying tears of joy will make my experience a success. My injury has taken a lot out of me and I'll be happy when the work and anticipation is over!

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  6. AnonymousMay 18, 2015

    I just completed last year's exercise goal: to do at least one race per month for a year (May to May). I finished it off with my 5th Half on the 3rd. I need to find all the bibs, but I think I've come in just shy of 20 races -- 17 or 18, if memory serves me.

    Your blog and email responses have been a motivating factor, especially in terms of my own injuries and illnesses this year. I still am an inconsistent WW member. I go to meetings, but don't track consistently and my weight has been all over the place. However, I'm DETERMINED not to quit until I'm done.

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  7. Chocolate peanut butter sounds great! My splurge dessert has been a tbsp. of chocolate chips, a tbsp. of PB and a sprinkle of old fashioned oats. YUM!

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  8. I am also nursing a running injury, so I can empathize with your frustration. My fitness goal is to do yoga 3x (or more) per week and walk 10K+ steps each day. (I don't accomplish this every day, but I certainly try!) I miss running, but this is my norm for a while until I can run again. Hopefully your injury heals soon!

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  9. AnonymousMay 24, 2015

    I have enjoyed following your blog. I am a fellow Michigander! :) I am 4 days post surgery from a tendon injury and have not been able to run since last November. This was a very hard pill for me to swallow since running has helped me maintain my weight loss for about 6 years. Before surgery I was doing upper body weights and non-weight bearing pilates for legs. I've had to really lower my expectations with this injury, but I've realized the world doesn't end if I can't run. :) I'm learning to be patient with my body and allow time for healing. I hope you have a speedy recovery from your stress fracture.

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  10. My goal is to up my work out minutes to 1500 for the month of May. I am currently sitting at 1,121 so I am certain I will exceed my goal.

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