The Run Diva, at a duathlon race, October 2009
I am still far from my ideal weight, but in the past couple of years, I have seemed to put a dent in my over abundance of fat cells. It's really apparent, when you look at my face, that I've lost approximately 20 pounds over the past two years. I would really, REALLY like to loose another 15-20 pounds in the next year.
Slow and Steady Weight LossI've never been one to try fad diets. I see too many of my friends and family members trying the latest popular diets. Sure, they loose a few pounds in the beginning, but then they gain it all back, plus an extra pound or two when they go off the diet.
Diet's are too hard too follow, and have too many restrictions, in my opinion. To successfully loose weight, and keep it off, you really need to re-educate yourself about the proper amounts and types of foods to eat.
It's been a slow, steady weight loss for me. I don't diet, but I do a lot of cycling and running, and I've been trying to make smarter selections in my food choices. I have a problem eating too many fatty, processed, junk foods. I've been trying to eat healthier, but sometimes that bag of chips still calls my name. I went from being mostly a couch potato in 2006, to completing my first 1/2 Ironman duathlon in November of 2009.
Food and Nutrition ResearchI'm currently reading a few books on sports nutrition, to help me make more informed eating choices. I'll write a review on each book after I've finished reading them. For now, here are the titles:
- Racing Weight; How to Get Lean for Peak Performance by Matt Fitzgerald
- Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes by Monique Ryan
- The Athlete's Plate; Real Food for High Performance by Adam Kelinson
Run Diva circa 2006. On my way to the Renaissance Festival. I look "healthy", that's putting it nicely. Is that a basketball, or my head?
Run Diva June 2009. A different kind of healthy after getting into running and cycling. Completing my first half marathon December, 2008 at Marathon of the Palm Beaches.
Run Diva November 8, 2009. Completing my very first half Ironman duathlon at Miami Man. That was a 1 mile run - 56 mile bike - 13.1 mile run race. I placed 3rd place in the Masters category - AWESOME!
Run Diva November 2009. 3rd place in the 45-54 year old age group at West Palm Beach Race Series 15k time trial bike race. Where did that basketball head I used to have go!?!
Get Into RacingI have a hard time just working out. I found that getting into racing gave me definite goals to work towards. My awesomely cool husband got me a coach for Christmas - pretty cool for an old lady. Having a coach help keeps me focused on my fitness and racing goals.
This will be my third year of racing. I have done 6 half marathons, 11 duathlons, 6 time trials, a couple of 5k runs and a bunch of metric century (62 mile) and century (100 mile) bike rides. Last Sunday was my very first 10k (6.2 mile) running race. Now I've go a whole trophy case of awards and finishers medals, not too bad for a former couch potato. I've got 20+ events on this years race schedule: Run Diva's Race Schedule.
Run Diva's trophy case. It actually has a lot more medals and awards in it since this photo was taken.
I'd love to hear your story of weight loss through exercising. Leave a comment on this blog, or email me at lynn@rundiva.net.
The Run Diva trying to look svelte, in her Brooks running gear, at the conclusion of the Spring Training Classic 10k run. March 6, 2010 - Rodger Dean Stadium - Jupiter, FL.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Run Diva
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