Because I care...

I am taking the time to share some questions I received this past week.  I am going to respond to these based on my truth. The way I choose to live is based on books and by advice given from people who I respect.  I take what I think I can do and it is a trial and error from there.  As you read my answers to these questions ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you whole heartily believe in the step?
2. Can you happily be committed to your choices no matter? 

How you "stay" fit with your family? 

1: I train first thing in the morning.  I have for the past 7 years and that way nothing gets in my way. You will learn to like the mornings, because missing a training session feels worse. Yes, it hurts to get up and train after being woken up numerous times by little ones.  But it feels worse to miss a workout. Also, that is why there is coffee.

2. Stay active with your family throughout the day.  To be active does not mean you have to sweat. A bike ride, a walk, a game of tennis, throwing and catching, hula hooping, the list is only constricted by your imagination. Just DON'T sit, unless you are have a hobby like reading or knitting. 

3. Be each other's support system. My hubby encourages me and allows me time to do what I need to be balanced. On the flip side, I give him his time. Communication and a calendar really helps to make this part effective.

Do you still eat within a calorie bubble?

1. I like "Myfitness Pal," and I use a food scale for all meals. I change my allowance based on my training.  The more I run, the more eat. I feel restricting too much leaves you feeling miserable and depleted.  This will not last long and you will find yourself binging. 

2. I keep a written table for what my meals are.  I use grams of protein, fat, and carbs but allow myself to have variation for what the source is.  For example, I know that dinner consists of 30grams protein and 15 grams carbs. What food I eat varies. 

I keep this posted on my fridge so I see it all the time.  

3. Remember the more muscle you have the less "restricted," you have to be. This will be discussed more in a future blog.

You can see what I mean with this part by looking at my February post called "No Matter What,' for more detail about my written table. 

How often do you allow bad foods? Or do you try to eat everything healthy or healthy alternative?  

Peanut butter, oh peanut butter how I love thee. Yes, I like peanut butter. I like chocolate, I love chocolate. So... I eat PB2 chocolate because it is low in calories and gluten free. Peanut butter on days where I run 8 plus miles, I really don't care how much peanut butter I eat. I do not eat out and I can't eat "bad," foods. My body will reject the foods and it breaks down my immune system. NO ONE is PERFECT 110% of the time. The girls you see with six packs have an off season.  That is why they have a "Pre- contest diet." I allow myself to enjoy the "splurges," because causing yourself stress is just as un-healthy as eating "un- healthy." I make sure to lift heavy the next day and use that food for fuel, not as a self pitty party that I "over ate." My cheats are PB2, peanut butter, and occasionally popcorn that I make at home in our popcorn maker. I will share this recipe  later this week. You will have less temptations to eat if:

1. You stay on an eating schedule. 

2. Eat good carbs. 

3. Eat healthy fats. 

4. Have a meal replacement shake or protein shake, especially if you workout. 

When you are on your way, making gains, seeing changes, and getting stronger you are more motivated to resist temptations.  Social get togethers can be hard, so 

1. Eat before you leave. 
2. Offer to bring a dish (some thing you can eat).
3. Look for whole foods, fruits make excellent desserts.

I am not perfect and I do not know everything...I am never satisfied and I always want to do better. Once, you get that drive inside of you, that hunger, nothing will stop you. You have to live it 24/7 and  love living it 24/7! 

I titled this one "Because I care," for a few reasons.  I care if my friends are unhappy, I care if my friends aren't meeting their goals, and I care when they ask me a question.  I am not just going to shoot out some quick fake answer, I am really going to put behind it a true answer that I believe in.  My way is not the only "right," way.  I am not going to stress if you choose to do something else...if it works for you do it, if not than change to something that will.  Just keep working at it! 

Sleep, pray, eat, train,

Kima 

My Journey back to Running with Newton Running Shoes

        2010,      2011,    2012,    2013 

Trail (Terra Momentum), Lady Isaac, Distance U, Lady Isaac

Lady Isaac 2011 next to Distance U 2012

Trail 2010 next to Lady Isaac 2011

Distance U 2012 next to Lady Isaac 2013

Lady Isaac after 60 miles 

I have been off enjoying every bit of this sunshine and so when I get asked a question, I do plan on answering...it just might take me awhile.  Brief background on where this post is coming from.  Back in 2010 I came back from a serious running injury during a marathon.  With routine visits with a chiropractor and the help of my favorite running store (The Runner's Soul), I am back with full speed ahead.  Please note that I put as much into recovery as I do with my running.  There may be times when I fall short on time, hey no one is perfect.  I by no means am a running coach on natural running. I am a full time mother and a teacher.  I love fitness and I am consistently reading, applying, and finding people along the way who are positive people to have in my life. I don't get hooked on titles, labels, or any hype.  I go for the people who quietly possess the drive that it takes to remain focused and they have truly come to the realization that this IS A lifestyle.

My feet, oh my poor feet...well get over it. It could be a lot worse, so I have made the best out of it and I have the shoe that works for me.  When I pass other Newton runners on the path we always smile, that undefined smile of..."Yes, I am rockin' this run and these Newton Running Shoes are AWESOME!"

Below are my response to some questions that I was asked via email.
1) Have you ever experienced cracking of the plate or any other portion of the outersole or midsole? 
From the pictures above, no.  I have had my trail shoes since 2010 and these made it through marathon training and past.  I still go back to these for runs under 6 miles.  My Distance- U's I was a bit tougher on, so you can see that at that time I was heeling it quite a bit. So, I wore out the left heel.  That is my "odd" foot, so that stands to reason.

2) Have you ever had a pebble or any other debris get lodged in the cracks or crevices? If so, is it difficult to remove? 
The trail shoe is the best for surfaces just like they say, the trail.  I would not recommend the Distance U for the trails.  I have not had any issues with rocks getting stuck.  If it is a slight mist out, I do run a tad slower to avoid any slipping.  The Lady Issac from 2011 I wore last in the rain, so a little dried mud in there.

3) If one has been using natural running techniques routinely, is it still expected that switching to Newtons will require a gradual adjustment period? I don't know what the drop is on my existing shoes, but I bet it's large compared to Newtons to minimalist shoes.  That alone may be the reason to ease into the new pair. 
I came into wearing Newtons to help my mid-foot strike.  I was obviously an over - strider and did not land as much mid- foot.  I was at a good pace pre-Newton Running Shoes, so I didn't think much of it.  I ran my first marathon in 3:48 and  I did all my training by myself, even the 20 miler. I can run a 5K with a 7:03 pace... So.... yes, one can run any way but injury will probably set in and especially with less knowledge at that time about recovery, running form, and Newton Running Shoes.  I just loved running.  I was quite a rookie and still am.  With that in mind, I have attended Newton's running clinics, watched their videos, have seen a running coach, and read Chi- Running and Brain Training, all to help with the "natural running techniques."  I even ran with a metronome to try to get to 180 bpm. My left foot is odd, so I don't know if I all ever truly be able to mid- foot strike.  Wearing the Newton Running Shoe has helped make it much more comfortable to land as much mid- foot as possible.  I came back to do one more marathon in 2011 and I finished it without any injuries and a respectful time, with my Newton Running Shoes. I recommend following Newton's videos on YouTube if you really want to embrace natural running form. Type in "Newton Running," in the search on YouTube.  I believe some people are just built to have it be natural, others like myself really need to find the balance of what works from the program to their body type.

You can actually ask your running store what the drop is on you shoe, since it has become much more "in" to know the heel drop.  I simple think of it as I wouldn't want to run in high heels, but going zero is really extreme, so one ought to be a soft lander for sure!  I think I got that concept from a former Ironman competitor, the high heel analogy.

Yes, I say proceed with patience.  It is easier to increase than to have to decrease due to an injury.

Listen to your body, you will know when it likes it or is rejecting it.

For now I am enjoying my workouts, my recovery, nutrition, and my Newton Running Shoes.

Hope this helps, feel free to add.  I by no means am the know all, be all :) :)

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Happy Running!!
Kima