With the humidity, this felt like Bootleg Bikram Yoga…with limited flexibility.
Summary
This week was better than the last, but I’m still not where I wanna be. I made some progress on the track and on the scale, but my overall consumption hasn’t been as green. I made a run to the grocery store on Sunday and expect to be #backontrack this week. My body’s gotten better at telling me what it needs, so I’m gonna make sure I listen — both diet and health wise.
The Good
Weight Game Proper
Wednesday weigh-in was by far the biggest highlight of the week. I went from 220.7 the week before, down to 215.9! This is the lightest I’ve been in about five years! When I set out to drop pounds back in June, I expected that I wouldn’t see 215 until September. So as far as that part goes, I’m ahead of schedule. But my clothing…
I’ma need to shop.
I’m starting to swim in my jeans and my slim-fit shirts are starting to accumulate a little air underneath. I didn’t realize how much bulk I’d shed until I took a picture this past weekend. I tweeted the joint and had a “Damn I lost weight!” moment. It’s gonna take a little getting used to, but this is clutch for my training goals. It’s also great being able to fit into #dempants and track apparel that hasn’t accepted my body in a while.
My stomach still ain’t flat though. It will literally be the last thing to go. I’ve accepted it. As long as I’m healthy and my body approves, I’m fine with that.
Joint Pain Dissipatin’
A couple weeks ago, I asked my Twitter fam for recommendations on supplements that would help alleviate my achy joints. Three supplements emerged as front runners: Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin. I did a little research at a neighborhood drugstore and found the Joint Support Complex from Nature’s Bounty. It contains all three and has been a godsend. The aches have subsided for the time being and I got through a tough running workout with no issues. Speaking of which…
Bringing Back the 200M
I did my first 200M track workout on Sunday: 6 x 200M with a 29-32 second pace, walk back to start (2 minutes), take a five minute break after the third rep then continue. After I finished that up, I did an ab pyramid:
- 6 sit-ups
- 6 sit-ups w/ twist to left
- 6 sit-ups w/ twist to right
- 6 knee rollups
- Then 5 of each
- Then 4 and so on
Getting Back on Track
I need to get in more workouts during the week. My goal this week is to hit the track and gym three times a piece. On the food intake, my trip to the grocery store should have me set for a few days. I’ve started reincorporating bread into my diet since I’m dropping so much weight, but will monitor it to see if it causes any undesired results, i.e. bloat gut. I’ll try to limit bread with dinners. I learned that carbs at night are like 30 times worse than carbs in the morning or at lunch.
I also need to make sure I’m making a green smoothie every morning. It really does jumpstart my day. I gave almond milk a try as a base and I’m not a big a fan so far. May need to try one of the flavored versions (Vanilla) to see if it’ll taste any better. If it doesn’t get tasty real quick, I’m going back to low fat regular milk or orange juice.
All it all, looks like it’ll be a great week. Looking forward to it.
Slim
The best almond milk base is Silk Almond milk Vanilla, even with a flavored shake. As a vegan, i cant drink that stuff by itself if I tried. But, the Dark Chocolate is good by itself.
Vanilla it shall be. Gonna give it a try this week!
Good job Slim! You’re making me want to learn to run.
I tried almond milk in my smoothies and love it. I can’t take it by itself tho. I use the sweetened Blue Daimond one. The unsweetened one tastes like booboogas.
Just go out and run. Don’t be sprintin’ like a maniac down the street though. That’s how you end up with scraped knees, pulled hamstrings, and dreams deferred.lol
I’ve tried it and it always hurts my knees and shins. I think my form is off. I just picked up some of that joint supplement you mentioned tho so we’ll see.
Slim you ever read up on the ‘Eating Right for Ya Blood-type”? Great book if you ever have time to read it.
What are you doing with your mouth in that avi Mr. SD?
Stickin out me tongue…lol
OH! I was like what’s he doing, you know these avis are too small!
I think I was @ work way too long that day and got silly..lol
I hadn’t even heard of that book until you mentioned. Saw a ton of reviews when I looked it up…and I realized I don’t remember my blood type. I guess I should figure that out asap.
Yea thats kinda important..lol
If you dropped that much weight in that little time by just removing carbs you’re prob an O
I love the vanilla flavored almond milk. Great routine, Slim. Makes me want to follow.
I mean…join the #backontrack movement!
l lost 2.3 LBS since last week. Still haven’t been working out. I want to, but my work schedule and commute is crazy. On the flip side I resumed green smoothies 2-3 times per week so I’m sure my fiber intake is pretty good. Beyond that i’m pleased to see my weight #. I just wish I could workout more so I could tone and sculpt my body
Congrats on the weight loss and getting back into green smoothies. Your work struggle reminds me of my last job before I moved to NYC. I’ll never take a job with those kinda hours and stipulations again!
You’re really helpful, thanks. I stopped running and jumping rope three months ago because my left knee was hurting. But I should have taken Joint Support Complex from Nature’s Bounty. I am gonna take this supplement and start running again and jumping rope.
My only advice would be to ease your way back into it and make sure you’re incorporating rest days. Those are more crucial than the supplements themselves.
So I’m 340 lbs. I carry it well (as well as you can carry 340 lbs) but I really want to get into running. How do I train for that? Is it as simple as just getting on the track and going for it. I’m pretty fast as far as speed but it’s the distance/endurance that I’m worried about.
Are you a footballer?
Nope, but I have a football build. I’ve just always been able to run pretty fast. I got into track for a summer but never kept at it.
I’m no professional but I would suggest starting with something that will take the pressure off of your joints. Swimming, elliptical, stationary bike and kettlebells come to mind. Once you get your weight down, you could go for the running.
I’ve been meaning to take up swimming too. I guess I’ll go buy a pair of trunks this week. Thanks.
This is so refreshing to read. I frequent SBM, so I’m glad to check out your site! I also ran track (hurdles and throws) as a kid, up until junior year of college and find I miss it.
Few questions for you though:
1) What are you basing your training plan on? I know in another post you mentioned an old coach gave you their summer workouts, but is that it? Also how are you deciding what you do on weight days? I remember in college we’d have a hard Monday, Tuesday of track workouts… Those were also lifting days. Tuesdays and Thursdays would be a “long” run (because 2-3 miles is a long way for a sprinter). It seems like your training plan is a little sporadic though. Having a plan/regime might help you also get to your goals in the safest way possible.
2) Going along with having a plan, have you looked up an indoor schedule? Have you found an indoor track or some meets you’d like to participate in? This could also give you focus and make your goals SMART. Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. If you were a woman, I’d recommend doing Colgate Games at Pratt in Brooklyn (which I actually hope to do this year).
Either way, good luck on your journey! I’ll be reading to see how things go!
Thanks for the message!
I’m in the general conditioning phase right now. My workouts are really based on the time available. Between running two websites, writing and having a day job, it’s tough to do everything at the level I’d like. Losing 20 pounds was an awesome start and getting my strength, speed, and flexibility back are my next challenges.
I’m planning to join a track club shortly and will probably run a couple 60m dashes during indoor season. I live pretty close to the Armory track in NYC and the track club will get me access to the facility twice a week and on meet days. Can’t say I’ll compete in the long jump indoors until I’m further along.
Also ordering some training materials, so I think I’ll be alright. Learned a lot from my previous experience that should help me out this time around. Lord protect my hamstrings.lol. I’m gonna look int he Colgate Games though. Thanks!