So I haven't been very good at keeping up with my records. I guess I'll just record a general overview.
I ran 4 times last week and felt great. This week I have been running every day, and finally started running outside because the weather has been so much nicer! The problem is I now have no idea how fast or how far I am running! I've ordered a nike+ sensor that can connect to my iphone and record my pace and distance, hopefully that helps. I did manage to map out a run and make an estimate on my pace based on how long I was out: yesterday I ran 4.11 miles at a pace of about 9:25/mile. this is my new fastest pace and longest run! It felt great since while I was running I thought I was probably running slower than I normally do on the treadmill.
The biggest problem I have been facing this week hasn't been getting out to do my runs, in fact I've been really enjoying my runs and have felt great after them. However, I have gained weight over the last four weeks despite exercising more and sticking to my weight watchers plan! I did some internet research about this problem and all I found were message boards which said this tends to happen to new runners because they eat more without realizing it. I know this hasn't been the case with me.
So, I got in touch with a trainer I used in Florida who is also a nutritionist, and she had some helpful advice. She told me I am probably losing fat, but it's being offset by an increase in muscle. She also told me that if I want to continue to lose weight and get in shape I should switch up my routine: run 3 to 4 times a week, and do full body circuits (abs, lunges, arms) on the days off. She also sent me some smoothie recipes I can use for lunch and breakfast that should keep me full and help me lose weight, so hopefully my weight loss plateau will end soon.
She also told me that since I'm working out and training for endurance races I shouldn't focus on the number on the scale to gauge my fitness progress. She recommended I instead measure my progress through my measurements, or body fat calculation. So I figured I'll start recording those numbers here to keep track of my progress. I will still be doing weekly weigh ins as part of my weight watchers program (I'm still determined to hit my goal weight! and I'm so close) but I will try to focus more on my measurements/body fat percentage.
So here is my first measure in? first measurements? whatever you want to call it.
Waist (narrowest part): 28"
Belly (widest part): 32"
Hips (widest part): 38"
Right Thigh (widest part): 23.5"
Left Thigh (widest part): 23.5"
Neck (narrowest): 13"
Body Fat calculation (used the calculator found here: http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/body-fat-calculator.html)
Body Fat: 27%
Fat Mass: 40lb
Lean Mass: 108 lb
Body Fat Category: Acceptable
The body fat categories are (from least to most): Essential, Athletic, Fit, Acceptable, Obese. I'm just over the division between fit and acceptable. I am not attempting to get into the essential body fat only category, cause.. no. but I'd like to be comfortably in "fit" or even in "athletic". This body fat calculator is online and just goes on averages, so it isn't 100% accurate, and I could get a more accurate one done at a gym or by a nutritionist, but I'm all about free, so a rough estimate is good for me for right now!
I figure I will measure in once a week? maybe do it at the same time as my weight watchers weigh in (every sunday morning). I don't want to become someone who is obsessed with how many inches their waist is, so I may even do the measurements every other week instead. I will probably start doing weekly updates instead of recording every workout I do individually (easier to stick to, and can keep me focused on the long haul instead of the small improvements)
Until next time!
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