Running with Friends = Awesome!

Today was the first major run since the race last Sunday. I really wanted to rest and let the body recover so I just worked on cardio and some strength training this week. Did a lot of walking -- 12 miles in fact. So today was the day to get back in the saddle.

First stop: Weight Watchers meeting. I couldn't resist but to wear the WW race tech shirt that I got. I got there and weighed in.... DOWN 3.8lbs! W00t! I was really happy! That put me over the 85lbs lost milestone! So during the meeting, there were 3 other people who walked the race; I was the only one who ran it. So it was cool that they gave us a nice 5K trinket to mark the accomplishment. After the meeting, I chatted with a couple of the guys about exercising and progress and such. It was the first time since joining this WW meeting group that I felt a part of the group (I have only joined this particular meeting group about three weeks ago).

After the meeting, it was time for my long run. Thankfully, my friend Mark agreed to run with me (and I mean, 'run'). So I walked to our meeting corner, so I could warm up, and we started our run. Mark is a good runner and I appreciated that he let me set the pace (which is much slower than his usual). He wanted me to try to run the entire distance -- we planned for 4 miles -- without a walk break if possible. I told him that I hadn't even attempted a constant 'run' that long before but I would give it a shot.

The first 7 minutes were at a faster speed than I was used to -- 10:37 -- so I had to take a 1.5 minute walk break. Then I adjusted my speed to something a little more sustainable -- 12:35 -- and we ran at that average rate for 3 miles! I couldn't believe it! I actually ran consistently for 38 minutes without a walk break! Then we slowed it down a bit and took on a nice hill around the last 1/2 mile or so.

Mark was great. We talked strategy and tips, how to approach dealing with hills, and how to stay on pace. He shared some of his run history, which was fascinating. Of course, this was pretty easy for him so he could talk freely. Me, I was concentrating on breathing and not talking nearly as much. But it was all good! When we finished, he was up to running with me more so I am definitely going to take him up on that. I know he will challenge me, in a safe way.

Got home, did some stretching, took a shower, and had some breakfast. What a great way to start the weekend!

Oh yeah, yesterday I stopped by the Pearl iZumi Factory Store on my way home from the office, hoping I could find a few more shirts and shorts to wear. I was worried it would cost me a fortune. So I get there, and the place is awesome! The guy there, Tyler, showed me a bunch of stuff and then we went to the clearance/sale racks. They had TONS of stuff there that he had just shown me -- but here they were all 50% or more off! So I got nice Infinity Tech Shirts for like $15 each! I ended up getting three shirts, two pairs of running shorts, and a good running hat at a great price! FTW!

Closing in on my Goal

So today I got in a 30-minute cardio workout. It was short but intense -- lots of 12-14% inclines, reverse flys, shoulder presses, arm punches, and curls! The arms and shoulders got a good workout while maintaining a good walking pace.

Then I went to the doctor office with my wife for her follow-up visit. At the end of which, he says "Hey, why don't you just have your check-up today as well instead of coming in next week?" So that's what I did. And glad I did too! Because he laid out a one-month plan for me to get off my last diabetes medication so that by July, I will be off the meds and managing my diabetes through diet and exercise alone! (The good news being that my blood sugars have been 100% under control for the past several months.) Needless to say, he is thrilled with my progress, and especially my weight loss progress and exercise regimen.

So starting tomorrow, I only take 1/2 of the Metformin medication I have been prescribed. Then two weeks later, I cut that by 1/2 once more! Then come July 1st, if my blood sugars are still normal, I stop taking the Metformin all together!! WooHoo!! Couldn't ask for a better gift that that!

Why am I changing my lifestyle and eating more healthier? Why am I running and adding more exercise to my daily routine? Number One: to conquer my Diabetes so I can live a long, active, viable life. Number Two: to lose weight and fit into the suit I was married in. Number Three: to have more fun, experience less stress, and feel good about accomplishing something amazing!

I am closing the gap towards success!!! I will prevail!