Thursday, May 14, 2009

15 lbs or bust

It's that time of year again. Yes it is almost summer. Beach time, outdoors time, running without a shirt time. Which means - at least in my case - renewed focus on finding my now long lost abs, last seen in these parts about 26 years ago. There is a 'last best' chance to do almost anything, and I'm thinking this off-and-on project may become completely quixotic if I don't do something now. I had a reminder last night about the aging thing. Yes I know age is just a number and it's not slowing me down in any way, at least not yet. I am still setting personal best times in the half marathon (Nov 2008) and the 5K (April 2009) and I think I definitely have some improvement to do yet. But back to being reminded about the relentless passage of time: a very well meaning and in every way superb human being 'congratulated' me last night for being such a good runner, in the 60+ age group... Ouch. I am still 3 years and a bit away from reaching that particular mile stone, so this compliment was not quite what I had in mind, just a couple of weeks before my next birthday. It's like asking someone to guess your age, and then they tack on 5+ years more than what you think you look...

So before I turn to mush, I really have to do something about this pesky accumulation of abdominal fat, a.k.a. middle-aged tire, muffin top, love handles, call it what you will. I know exactly where the problem is. And it's not a lack of exercise. Just have to cut down on those portion sizes a little bit, omit the between-meal snacking and so on. Fifteen pounds is not a lot, but it seems very daunting when you realize that it will take you back to what you weighed in your college years. For one thing, I suspect my long lost abs are hiding there at about 150 lbs, and who knows what else I may uncover in the next couple of months. Does July sound like a good time for another attempt at a 5K PR? I think so.

Running has been going quite well and I'm thinking this effort-based deal might work. On Sunday (first run after injury lay-off) I did 6 miles at 75% to 80% of maximum HR. On Monday another 6 miles at 75% to 85% which is 140 to 150 bpm. By Tuesday I did not have much left and pretty much abandoned a track workout after struggling through the first of three planned miles at what was supposed to be a VO2 max effort (160+ bpm). I added one easy mile and settled for 3 total. By Wednesday night I had recovered enough to do a good trail run at Memorial Park with the Striders, including about 4 miles of hard running with my HR hovering between 150 to 160, or 85% to 90% of maximum. Taking today and tomorrow off altogether, being a mini-taper before a Saturday morning 5K race. My weight was down to 160 lbs this morning. Usually, that is where I go into a candy-fueled eating binge, just not this time.

4 comments:

Billy said...

You, my friend are ageless and can whip my butt running left and right and twice on Wednesdays.

That being said, glad it lit a little fire under your bum (it wasn't from me, was it?)

I'm very prone to putting my foot in my mouth..

Van 1- Hall said...

I love candy binges. i've slowly seen my abs leave with not running, it stinks. You're one of the most dedicated people I reasd about concerning eating and working out, it'll come off faster than you think, well I hope it does!

Vava said...

Good luck on your quest for cut-abs! I should join you, but I'm not so sure I have it in me to give up those treats that I feel I deserve every now and then as a reward for running. I don't binge so much any more, but I'd be hard pressed to turn down a good piece of pie, that's for sure! Thanks for the comment on my blog re: intervals. I would love to try mile repeats and feel that dead feeling your refer to, but my body just isn't ready for that yet. I'll see how my 5k race goes next weekend, though I certainly haven't done nearly enough speed work to really go my fastest. We'll see...

Minken said...

I will start saving my laundry until the next time I return to Houston so you can do them on your washboard stomach!

I look forward to reading the journey!