White Rock Lake Training

When I started running 2 months ago, I set a goal to run around the lake by my birthday in May. But over the last few weeks, I have definitely fallen off the horse, so I'm scrabbling to get back into shape. I took my first "tour" yesterday and I truly had no idea how big this body of water was. It's 9.33 miles, and I have run up to 8.5, but it felt like 15 miles. Obviously I did not make it around without some walking breaks. I have 3 weeks to get there, I'm mildly scared, but super excited to complete my next fitness goal.

Why Are Athletic Shoes So Ugly??

I hate to sound so ridiculous, but searching for a new pair of running shoes was a style nightmare! Rows and rows and web pages and pages of out of control tacky shoes! It's bad enough that I have large feet (9.5-10) but putting spider web neon stripes and gigantic soles on a pair of shoes gives me the appearance of a size 12.

"Hey check out my giant feet!! Look I have made them as flashy and large as possible so that they really look unproportionate!"

I almost bought the Reebok Realflex, because they had good reviews and were very minimal, but I could not get over the hideousness. Seriously this picture gives their tackiness no justice, especially in my size. It was too much!

This is what else I was dealing with. Painful.

Not only should you feel good when working out, but I kinda think you should look good too. Caring about how you look boosts your confidence, sweaty or not.

So I finally found a minimal running shoe that works for my style, the New Balance Minimus. They are in the mail, so reviews to come!

Running/Walking Log Week 2

Tuesday: 5 Mile Run
Wednesday: 2.5 Mile Run- Solo!! 1 Mile Walk
Friday: 4.25 Mile Run 1.5 Mile Walk
Saturday: 2.25 Mile Run 1.75 Mile Walk
Sunday: 7 Mile Run - Solo

Needless to say, I killed it this week. I am not sure how I got the guts to run 7 miles today, and my body was definatley not loving the idea 6 miles in, but it felt amazing.

My goal was to run 10 miles this week and I doubled it. 21 miles! It's absolutly an incredible feeling!

5 Mile Mark Today!

I have officially been running for 24 days and made it to 5 miles today! I've noticed that working out on top of running has made things a lot more difficult, but it's important to push through it because the finish line feels so good!

Based on my fatty body I burned 1006 calories! Crazy!! It's such a great feeling to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time.

Don't forget your post run protein window and stretches:

Running/Walking Log

I want to hold myself accountable as much as possible, so I have set weekly goals for running/walking mileage. Knowing what my weekly goals are and sticking to them is such a great way to really stay on top of my game. My goal for the next two weeks is 10 miles running, 2 miles walking.

First Week:

Monday: 4 Mile Run
Tuesday: 1.5 Mile Run - .5 Mile Walk
Saturday: 2.5 Mile Run - 2 Mile walk
Sunday: 1 Mile Run

It has been very difficult for me to gain significant mileage running on my own. With a running partner, I am pushed so much further. Next week's goal is to complete over 2 miles solo and at least 10 miles total per week.

My New Life As A Runner

I never thought I would ever be a runner. I have never in my life been able to run over 2 miles without feeling like I was about to suffer a cardiac arrest, but somehow I have turned into "a runner." One week after I started working out I saw a flyer at my friend's salon for a 5k. I am not really sure what overtook me, but I immediately signed up to do it. Mind you at this point, I had not run in 2 years and had never been anywhere near running 3 miles. But something in me wanted to push myself more than I ever have. That is the beauty of running. In the beginning you think to yourself, "This is f**king ridiculous!! What in God's name am I doing? My body can't handle this. I hate this!!!" But once you get stronger and start hitting milestones you think to yourself, "Holy shit, I am invincible! My body is a machine! I can do anything! I just ran _____ miles!!!!" It is a high unlike anything else. I have done yoga (which I love) zumba, and boot camp type classes and nothing compares.

And the best part about running??? It's one of the best activities you can do to lose weight. Running at a moderate pace of 5 mph will burn 472 calories for 130 lb. person, 563 calories for a 155 lb., and 690 calories for a 190 lb. person in one hour. I'll take it!

So how to get started?? Do your research. I watched countless videos on YouTube specifically for ChiRunning, which reduces your risk of injury and teaches you how to run properly. Learn the right techniques for landing your feet on the pavement and proper posture.



Start slow. I had a little over 2 weeks to prepare for my first 5k (I would not recommend this time frame, as most people need 6-8 weeks). Your body will tell you how far you can take it, so trust your intuition. Running/walking is a great way to start. Go at your own pace,work on proper breathing, and keep building up your mileage everyday. In less than 3 weeks (after the race) I made it to 4 miles and I felt great! I also highly recommend a running partner. My best friend and I have totally motivated each other to keep going when the other person was worn out.

Feel like you can't do it?? Have you ever seen a fat person running?

Exactly.