More Pain = More gain?

This week I wanted to talk about exercise.  Everyone has heard that exercise is an important part of living a healthy and active lifestyle. The American Heart Association recommends getting 30 minutes of moderately intense activity daily. As the next season of Biggest Loser begins, we know that the torture Bob & Jillian put them through is a big chunk of how they lose the weight. I know that eating healthy, and keeping portions smaller are big parts of the picture, but so is exercise.

Lately I've seen a few posts on the Weight Watchers 20s board on getting started with exercise. Asking about running habits, C25K, zumba, biking, etc.  I think when you are first getting started, people get discouraged if they can't do a lot. The way I think of it is, if you are walking 20 min a day now, that's 20 min more exercise than you were getting before! Start slowly & talk with your doctor before starting if necessary. With my profession in life, being a physical therapist I know that certain physical impairments can make exercising difficult, but exercise is good for everyone. It is what I preach to my patients every single day. Start with what you can & increase from there. Get support from your doctor, a physical therapist or a personal trainer if needed.

I never really exercised until college. Well, I was a cheerleader in high school, but I was a HEAVY person. At college my best friend and I discovered the gym and dropped some weight. I never thought that I could be a runner. I HATED to run. When I was at Disney World January 2006, and saw everyone walking around with their post race medals, I just had to have one. I promised myself that I would get back home & learn to run. I also rejoined weight watchers after that trip.

I started running a little at a time. 1 minute run, a couple to rest, then increased it as I could. That spring I ran my first 5k, about 3 months after starting running & I finished in under 36 min. That lead to a few more 5ks, then I signed up to do the Hartford 1/2 marathon in 2007. Unfortunately due to family issues,  I ended up skipping out on it, but decided to run in the Kona 1/2 marathon in june of 2008 with Train to End Stroke. A cause I'm passionate about because of my family & my work, I raised over $5,000 & with the help of the program & my trainer at the gym finished my first half marathon. Since then I've complete 2 other half marathons and have been training for my first triathlon.

Now, with all that running and exercising you may wonder, "why is she still struggling with her weight?" For me, weight control is always a tough thing to deal with. My nutritional balance varies where sometimes I'm right on track, and then I'll go completely off program for a few months. Sometimes, I just don't have the motivation to work out. I LOVE exercise, and I feel great afterwards, but sometimes I get in a slump where I'd rather just sleep in. I'm in a slight slump this past week.

I skipped my workout this morning. My race is creeping up (2 weeks away!), and I should be more focused than ever, but I find myself dragging. My goals this week:

• Get in all my scheduled workouts
• Eat clean & healthy when possible (track it allllll)
• Get to sleep earlier at night
• Not let stress get the best of me

Tonight we are heading to Brewfest (fabulous microbrews), then hot tubbing at a friends house. Tomorrow I have an unexpected day off, so I'm planning an extra workout I think. Maybe all 3 sports even. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend filled with exercise and fun times!

Also check out Running Diva Mom's blog for a fuel belt give away!

And..... Keep on Keeping On for a giveaway on the most stylish way to display your race medals! If I don't win, I think I'll have to buy one!