Let’s Get Physical: Week 4

On 06/09, I wrote about my decision to get in shape in a post entitled “Let’s Get Physical.” My decision was based, in part, on the fact that I was out of shape to the point that walking up multiple flights of stairs winded me.I’ll be using a combination of diet and exercise to accomplish my get-in-shape-semi-quickly goal, and I’ll be following the Couch-to-5K Running Plan (starting with week 4), and “Nutrition and Hydration for Runners.”

This is a continuation of Let’s Get Physical tracking my progress after week four of my program.

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Well, it’s the end of week four and I feel exhausted. The last workout — 2.25 mile, no walking — really pushed me. My legs are dead, and will most likely feel worse tomorrow. But, you know what they say: “No pain, no gain.” Last week’s slacking threw off my routine for this week, really making me realize the importance of setting a schedule, and sticking to it.

Stats

Weight: 190 lbs.

Still holding at 190, but feeling a lit better

Active Heart Rate: 152/60

Well, my active heart rate is steadily decreasing – so that’s good.

At-rest hear rate: 72/60

And now it’s back down again.

Run

Since I’ve been running my route the reverse direction, it has been much better. I’ve really been feeling good, even to the point of running past my last turn without realizing it. I attribute this change to sticking to my schedule.

My legs are definitely burning by the time I hit the last stretch, but generally I feel good.

Eat

I have definitely learned the value of eating regularly throughout the day. When I haven’t, I get really hungry after I am finished running. I guess my body is craving food because I need the energy.

I had heard from some of my friends that while training for a marathon, they craved chicken (for the protein) after running, but never gave it much stock. Now I find that it’s true. So, apparently I need more protein.

 

Only two weeks left in the program, and I am definitely closer the 5K than the couch. I even walked up some stairs without didn’t get winded.

 

Life is good.