Welcome

October 13, 2006

For those of you who live in Chicago, you know that the cold weather is no stranger to us. The last few days have been in the mid to low 40's. While this just seems to be a cold front passing through, it is a sad reminder that the winter running season is almost here! So, here is some advice for winter running.

Staying Warm

It is important that you keep your body warm. As my students found out, running a sectional meet in the cold is no fun when all you have are shorts and a tank. Be prepared to run in the cold. To help you stay warm, consider having the following items of clothing:

• Lightweight fleece gloves. They keep your hands warm, but still allow your hands to breathe and not feel like they are swimming in a puddle of sweat.
• Tights. I know, we all don't have perfect legs (I sure don't) and you'd probably never be caught dead in tights. But, they are comfortable, flexible, and really do keep you warm. Just remember to do everyone a favor and wear a pair of shorts over them.
• Running Pants. If tights are your enemy, get a pair of running pants. They come in a variety of styles and varieties so be sure to pick a pair that fits, is comfortable, and will keep you warm.
• Hat. The heart-throb of the gloves. Now I do not want to sound like a mother, but if it is cold outside: wear a hat! Wearing a hat is almost guaranteed to keep you warmer. Lots of heat is lost through your head. Slow down that process by putting on a hat.
• Earmuffs. Okay, I do not know if that is what they are called or not. Regardless, if it is not that cold outside, but you feel like your ears are being stung, throw on a pair of 180's. These are lightweight and come with their own slot for headphones!
• Socks. Your toes can get cold. Especially if you happen to run in the snow or just take that step into an icy puddle. Buy thicker socks for winter or throw on an extra pair. Some dedicated runners buy a second set of shoes for the winter that are about a half size larger. This provides them with extra room for the added warmth.
• Fleece and long-sleeved shirts. They do a good job keeping your upper body warm. Just be careful how many layers you put on. You want to be comfortable when you run.
• Sun Protection. Yes, I just typed sun protection. You are still exposed to the sun and let us not forget its harmful affects. Throw on a layer of sunscreen and a little SPF chap stick to keep you safe.

Layering clothes will keep your warm. Layers are your friend! Unless it is layers of cake.

Now, let's remember to use our common sense! If it is well below freezing outside, you may wish to consider using a treadmill that day. After all, you do not want to go running in 50 layers of clothes only to find out you cannot move any of your body parts.

Standing and not Falling

Black ice can be one of your worst enemies during the cold runs. If you are afraid of slipping on a run (as I did during a race), try running in the snow or on the grass. If it is an icy day outside, you might just want to avoid the roads all together. Icy roads are dangerous for drivers. The farther away you can be from that danger, the safer you will be on your run.

Also, do not be afraid to slow down your pace or to shorten your stride. This will reduce the chance of a major slip or spill. I once read that there is a product out there that acts like tire-chains for your shoes. If I can find that product, I will add the link in. Supposedly, these shoe slips go over your shoes. The slips have small spikes on them (similar to track spikes) to help grip patches of ice and keep you standing.

Staying Hydrated

Ensure that you are still drinking your water! Just because it is cold outside does not mean that you are going to maintain your hydration. You are going to sweat, you are going to lose water. Drink it up! Just do it safely.

If you are new to winter running, it will help to find a running partner or someone who is knowledgeable in running. Seek advice from expert runners so you know what you can expect and so you know that what you are going to do will be safe. The information here is just to give you an idea of what it is like to run in winter and what you can do to keep yourself safe!

Until next time...happy running!

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October 8, 2006

This Week in Running

No big news for this week. I have increased my running speed just slightly. This has caused me to not be able to run for 30 minutes non-stop. With the increase in speed I can run for about 25 minutes before needed to take a break. I should push myself for those extra five minutes but it is rather difficult to do so right now.

Run Tracking

Day	Workout	Miles
Monday	30 Min walk	1.5 mi
Tuesday	Rest Day
Wednesday	Rest Day
Thursday	30 min run, c/d	2.3 mi
Friday	Rest Day
Saturday	60 min walk	2.25 mi
Sunday	15 min easy run	1.0 mi
Totals	135 min	7.05 mi

How To Read the Log

Workouts: All workouts are easy or tempo running.
3 @ 8 min / 1 min: "3 sets of running for 8 minutes and walking for 1 minute."
X/T: Cross training day (activity is stated)
c/d: Cool down (warm-up is implied)
Rest Day: A day of no running or cross training
Miles: Distance covered during workout.
Totals: Total time and miles completed during workouts.
mi: Abbreviation for miles.
min: Abbreviation for minutes.

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September 16, 2006

Good morning from Evanston, Illinois! This is my first post since I tackled the move from Beach Park about two weeks ago. I apologize for not having the time to update RunPete. Between starting my new job as a teacher, getting accustomed to living in Evanston, my brief medical run-ins, and experiencing the joy of independence, I have not had much free time.

However, I do have some great news to share with all of you. I have lost 12 pounds during the first month of the RW 5k Training program. I combined the running schedule with a diet and it has paid off. I hope to keep the trend going but perhaps lower the weight loss number just a little bit. 12 pounds seems like a lot for one month. However, I am not complaining!

My running has slacked off due to my commitments to my job and survival. Running should resume soon and the logs will start again. Yet, I must say that I am enjoying my diet as it is helping my weight loss.

I am off to go explore some of the shops around my apartment. Hey, at least I am walking a lot.

Until the next post, happy running!

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August 31, 2006

This, unfortunately, may be the last post I have for a while. Tomorrow I am leaving home and moving much closer to Chicago. I probably will not have internet service for a few days while I am getting settled in my new place. Even worse, this also means that I will no longer have the nice gravel trails and forest preserves to run in. So, until I am able to jump back online, happy running!

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August 20, 2006

Yesterday, and today, I did some hill running. After using Favorite Run's great software and some math, I was able to figure out exactly how far I ran while doing the hills. I ended up running just over a mile. It took me twenty minutes to finish my running. I was completely exhausted after running those hills!

Hill running can help you build endurance, add challenges, and increase your leg strength. It also takes away from the monotony of everyday flat running. If you have not added hill running to your training schedule, consider doing it! Here is some general advice about running hills that you should find helpful if you have never run hills before.

• Finding the perfect hill. It is important to find a place where you can actually run a hill. Make sure the hill is going to be steep enough that it will present a challenge to you. It should not be the local spot that the neighborhood kids call "Dead Man's Peak." Be sensible. Also, make sure you will be safe running on the hill. Is there a shoulder you can run on? The last thing you need is to be running up the middle of the hill and be hit by a car.
• It is mostly psychological. When you first start running hills you will find a lot of "I can't do this" attitude. Overcome it. Motivate yourself. These are great times to have a running partner.
• Look ahead. Look at the goal you are trying to reach. Avoid staring at your feet at all costs. This gives you a bad posture. Not to mention this will just hurt your neck after a while.
• Baby steps. Running uphill should not be an all out mad sprint. Reduce your stride and go up the hill slowly. You can increase your speed as you become stronger and better able to run hills.
• Enjoy the downside. When running back down the hill, have fun! Increase your stride and let gravity help you along the way. This is definitely one of the best rewards about running up a hill.
• Bring water. You will find yourself needing lots of water while running hills. Do your body a great big favor and have it with you.

There are a variety of ways to run hills. Here is how I train with hills.

1. Do the usual running warm-up.
2. Start at the base of the hill and run to the top.
3. Gradually slow down at the top of the hill (I don't come to a dead stop).
4. Turn around at the top of the hill and run back down.
5. Gradually slow down at the bottom of the hill (no point slamming on your running breaks).
6. Take a break as necessary between the next time going up.
7. Cool down.

After a while, hills will become a good friend to you as a runner. They add variety to your schedule, challenge you, and offer you an alternative to just running a 3 mile route.

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August 13, 2006

About This Image

I took this picture about two years ago when I was vactioning in Hawaii with my family. After a long drive up a mountain and an even longer hike, we reached our final stopping point. Yet, the trail kept on going. I asked if anyone else wanted to go down the trail but I had no offers. Off in the distance, where you see the clouds, is the wettest place in the world. If I have the opportunity again, I will run through those clouds and enjoy every minute of it.

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August 12, 2006

I have not been taking the time to updating the site as often as I should be. I am working on some new additions to the site and also just have some general announcements to make.

• Inspiration. One of the original posts I wrote said that I was going to help motivate other people to run. I found that running is difficult when you lack motivation. To help, I am going to start collecting stories and images to help inspire rookie and experienced runners alike get their feet moving. This new section has yet to be named. Currently, I am thinking about giving it a title of "Trail Tales" or something similar.
• Resource Reviews. I have been using some great tools online to help with my running. I would like to take the time to start reviewing some of these resources so that others can see what the services are like before using them. If you have any resources that you enjoy using, post them in the comments or drop me an e-mail!
• Moving. As some of you know, I did get a job far away from my home. Therefore, I will be moving. I am currently in the waiting period of finding out if I have a new place. I should find out by the beginning of next week. Sadly (yet happily), I will be moving closer to Chicago. So, I will not have my local forest preserve to go running to. I will be working on new trails around the city and scouting out routes along Lake Michigan (it will only be a few blocks away from where I hope to live!).
• Linking. I have not taken the time to explore the internet for other running sites. However, I did write someone and we exchanged our links! If you have a blog and want to be linked on the RP Resource page, just let me know. I just politely ask for a link in return.
• Trackbacks. I am thinking about enabling trackbacks for my blog. These allow other bloggers to easily link to the posts that I write. However, with my personal blog I used to keep in college I found that I got lots of spam that way.

For those of you who keep track on what I have and have not updated, please know that I am still looking for the right script for the contact form. I have never had this much trouble looking for a contact script that I like! Oh well, I guess I am just getting pickier with my coding requests.

Until the next post...

RP

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July 23, 2006

Every runner feels the burn during their run. But, this post is not about that burn. Lately the heat has been climbing higher and higher. In the past week we have had, in Chicago, some pretty cruel days. Temperatures were in the upper nineties and it felt like it was over one-hundred degrees outside.

On days like these runners need to be extra cautious as not to overexert themselves. In an earlier post on humidity, I provided some basis rules on how to run on hot and muggy days. However, it cannot be stressed enough how dangerous these days can be for runners (or anyone outside for that matter). If you have to go outside and run on these types of days, please take precautions.

• Run in the morning. It will generally be cooler. Plain and simple.
• Avoid afternoon and evening runs. These will be the hottest parts of the day. Sometimes you may run after work because it is starting to cool down and it is your way to relax. The afternoon will be the hottest part of the day. The evening will be better but still be pretty hot.
• Make it an indoor cross training day. Stay inside with the air conditioning. Cross train somewhere you can stay cool.
• Drink it up! Drink water. And do not just start while you run. If you need to go running start getting water in you long before you go out.
• Find the shade. Run in the shade. It will feel cooler. I'm not making any promises, though.
• Find a friend. It is better that you run with another person. If one of you goes down, the other is there to help.
• Make it short. The hottest days of the year are not the best to decided to do that 7 mile run you enjoy so much. Keep your run short and close to your starting point. If you need to, run laps in your neighborhood. This way if you do get exhausted, you do not have to worry about a 2 mile trek back to your house or car.
• Listen to your body. Yes, the brain is dumb enough to stop your heart in order to ensure it is the last organ operating. However, it still knows what you need. If it is telling you to stop running, listen to it. After all, we all owe it one for all those beers.

Play it safe, be smart, stay hydrated, and enjoy your run. If the weather man is calling for record highs never seen before, make that day a personal off day for yourself.

RP

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July 8, 2006

For anyone who follows me around, the answer would be no. Today was the first time I have actually run in over a month. I have been doing some cross training (used very liberally) while at work. Swimming, kayaking, and paddling have been keeping me on my toes during the time off from running. However, I still have obstacles in my way:

• Work provides the staff with free lunch everyday. Yet, our lunch has not been given to us lately. Therefore, work now just sends us out to eat everyday at Culver's, Jimmy John's, or to Jake's Pizza. None of my lunch options are helping me out.
• By the time I get home from work I'm exhausted. Being outdoors in direct sunlight all day wears me out.
• Dinner at home is not the best. My mom and I pledged to eat healthy this summer but so far we are doing the opposite.

Well, there are my obstacles right now. Rather, I should call them my excuses. It is better to find solutions to these excuses rather than let them stay. So, here are my remedies for my excuses.

• Since work is providing us with fast food, I must take advantage of the healthier side of the menus. For example, Culvers makes great salads. But, I have to be careful. Some of the salads have more calories in them than some of the other menu options.
• If I am exhausted when I get home, perhaps I should work out in the morning. A local high school has an open swim program. For $30, I can get a season pass that will let me swim as many times as I want during the week. If I do not feel like swimming, I can go running.
• My mom and I really need to clear out the kitchen of all the junk food and replace it with healthy food. Let's bring in more fruits, vegetables, and odds and ends that we can throw together to make healthier dinners.

Either way I am getting back on track. Today I ran 1.25 miles and walked for .25. Honestly, it did not feel as hard as I thought it would be. I picked up the pace early on in the run and was able to keep it until my first resting point.

I just need to keep my motivation going and remember that I am doing this for me and for others who need that motivational support.

RP

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June 24, 2006

Setting Goals

Goals are an important part of any runner's itinerary. Goals can be quite simple. For example, when I'm feeling worn out while running I make a quick goal in my head. "Make it to the next mile marker and I can take a break." I follow that by positive encouragement. After all, if you're running alone, you are the only one who can encourage you!

How do you make a goal? Here are a few suggestions on how to create a goal.

• What do you want to accomplish? Is it making to the next mile marker or finishing a marathon? Goals come in all shapes and sizes. Goals can also be completed in one day, a week, or even a year. Look at what you want to achieve. This will be a great start in creating your goal.
• How many goals do you want to accomplish? Create multiple goals. Maybe you could have a daily running goal: run at least 3 miles during each run. If you only have one goal for a month, you will not feel as accomplished when working towards that goal. Goals that you can achieve over a period of a few days will make you feel more successful. (Note: you are not creating goals that you know you can accomplish within five minutes. The following section explains how to make sure your goals are actually pushing you to reach them.)
• How long will it take you to accomplish a goal? Giving yourself enough time to reach your goals is important. If you give yourself a week to run a marathon, you are not likely to succeed. Give yourself plenty of time. If you need to revise your goal, it is easy to do and not looked down upon.

Once you have created your goal, you can use the SMARTER goal writing system to help you fine tune your goal.

• S - Is it specific? Is your goal really general: I want to run everyday, or is it specific: I want to run at least 2 miles 5 days a week? The more specific your goals are the more you will focus on achieving them. You can easily incorporate your goals into your training schedule! If your schedule says that you need to cross train twice a week, make a goal on that.
• M - Measurable? If you can measure how well you are progressing toward your goal, it is another step to creating a great goal. It is hard to measure how well you are doing if your goal is "to feel better about running." It is easy to measure a goal that has numerical values or values that can be physically measured or recorded in some way.
• A - Attainable? Your goals need to be attainable. For example, you cannot expect to run 5 miles without stopping the first day you start running. Your goals should be something that you can accomplish and then some. If you know you can run one mile non-stop, make your goal running one and one tenth miles non-stop.
• R - Realistic? Just like attainable, your goals need to be realistic. Expect certain results from yourself, not from this years Boston Marathon winner. In other words, if you know you will not be able to run 7 days a week, do not make that part of your goal. Be real!
• T - Time Specific? Put a deadline or time requirement on your goal. If your goal is to run 2 miles, what time period must you accomplish it in? One run? One day? One week? Put a time limit on it and your goal will be more challenging to you.
• E - Evaluate. Evaluate your goals. If your goals are too easy, make them harder. If your goals are too hard, make them easier. Things change in our lives and we are not able to make running our lives. Maybe you missed a day of running because you had to stay in late for work. You can evaluate your goals to see how you are doing. If you need to revise them, then do it.
• R - Revise. After evaluating your goals and you find you need a change, you can revise the goal. Say that you did miss a run because of a work deadline. Because of this missed run, you will not meet your 10 mile goal for the week. Modify it. Change your goal so that you expect to run 9 miles this week. Goals are never set in stone.

SMARTER is just one way to write goals. However, I find it to be helpful in creating goals that are well written and easy to work with. Other individuals have different definitions for SMARTER. They may say that the A is for accomplishment or that T is for Tangible. You can use this method or you find another method to use.

The bottom line: Writing goals will help you stay on top of your running. Goals are not set in stone, they can be modified based on the events in our lives. To make a goal find something that you want to accomplish, write it up, and go for it!

What goals have you made for yourself? Did you accomplish it? Did you have to change it? Post them in the comments below!

RP

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June 10, 2006

Cross Training

It is a commonly held belief that all runners do is run. There are a variety of reasons why this is true. First, running is an easy sport to pick up. You only need shoes, an area to run, and motivation to do so. Second, many people who run simply do it because it is available and non-expensive. While it is great that individuals run, it is important to cross train.

Cross training is involving a variety of activities into your fitness plan. Why should you cross train with your running?

• Lose More Calories. The more activities you include in your cross training, the more calories you are going to burn!
• Greater Strength. Yes, you will get stronger depending on which cross training activities you include. Running alone is a great way to stay in shape. But consider how much better your shape will be if you jump in the pool three times a week.
• Reduced Injuries. If you have sore leg muscles and the pain does not go away after a few days, do you want to keep running? Going to the gym and working on your upper body will give your legs a rest for a day. At the same time you are still putting your body through physical activity.

There are three great reasons why you should cross train. Now, how should you incorporate cross training into your schedule?

• Start Easy. There is no point adding an additional hour in the gym everyday for your cross training. Start easy by just adding a few minutes of lifting weights or swimming a few laps.
• Build Gradually. Think back to when you first started running. It may have been hard so you took it easy. As you ran more and more it became easier and easier to go farther and farther. Do the same with cross training. If you feel ready to extend the amount of time (and effort) you cross train, do not be afraid to. Just be sure to do it gradually. If what you add still feels easy, begin adding more to your schedule. Try not to overexert yourself.
• Take Time Off. Just like running, do not be afraid to take a day off. Most people who cross train are probably doing it to get a better shape or to improve their running. It will not kill you to take a day off. Remember, you can always make up that time lost in other ways!
• Get Help. If it is your first time in the gym, ask for help! Other "gym-goers" will not care if you are asking for help on how to use a machine. It is better to ask for help than risking an injury or breaking equipment. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help on your cross training plan. Check out running sites and see what people are doing. They can provide a wealth of advice for any new or veteran cross trainer.
• Use the Proper Equipment. Plain and simple: do not swim in your running shorts. Buy a swimsuit. Likewise, do not wear your spikes into the gym. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for whatever activity you are doing.

Now you have a better idea of how to incorporate cross training into your schedule. It really follows the same advice given to new runners! Finally, what activities can you do to cross train?

• Biking. Yes, good old biking is perfect for the runner. It keeps you moving fast, you cover a large distance, and you really get a good breeze going. Plus, if you have always had that desire to wear biker shorts, this provides you with a perfect opportunity to do so!
• Swimming. It is relaxing, clears out the lungs, and gives you a work out that almost all parts of your body will appreciate. Swimming is also a great activity to do when it is 120 degrees outside.
• Lifting Weights. No just upper body, you can work your legs, too! This is where you will most likely need assistance. Remember: do not be afraid to ask for help! Start off easy. You may have been able to bench 300 pounds in high school, but if you have not done it since then, try to start of with something lighter: like a feather.
• Pool Activities. Non-traditional swimming activities are great for your body. Join a water aerobics class or even pick up a water polo class. They are fun activities and it keeps you moving in more than one direction.

There you have it. Four activities you can do to begin cross training. Obviously, the list could go on for pages. These are just four broad categories that thousands of other activities could fall under. What cross training activities do you do? Post them in the comments!

RP

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June 5, 2006

Humidity and Running

Runners have many obstacles to overcome on their daily workouts. One of these obstacles is humidity. How much humidity can a runner stand before it is too taxing on their body?

Dealing with humidity is a challenge to most runners. If you are not used to 90 degree days with 75 percent humidity, chances are you will struggle and not finish your workout. What can you do to make it through a high humidity day?

• Stay hydrated. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Ironic, then, that you need to stay hydrated. You should do your best to drink water 30 to 45 minutes before you start your run. During your run, you should drink at least 1 cup of water (or Gatorade, etc.) every 10 to 15 minutes. If you are drinking a sports drink such as Gatorade, it will only be helpful if you are running long distances or for extended periods of times (at least an hour or more).
• Use the shade. If you can run through a forest preserve it will liken your chances of being able to run where it is cooler. Using shade to your advantage will at least lower the temperature you are running in.
• Dress for the weather. If it is 20 degrees outside you are going to dress warmly. Likewise, if it is 100 degrees outside then you are going to dress lightly. Wear light shirts and shorts. These should be made of breathable materials. Avoid wearing t-shirts if you can. If you have an old mesh shirt, wear it!
• Train for warm weather. If you do not usually run in warm weather, prepare your body for it. Do not go out and run 10 miles on a 90 degree day if you have never done it before. Slowly build up your body for it. Take it easy. Your body will adjust. The adjustment period varies but around 1-2 weeks does the job!
• Take a break. There are runners, like me, who feel too high and mighty to stop running in front of other people. But if you are on the brink of passing out, stop running. The last thing you want is to be 3 miles from your car in the middle of a field and passed out.
• If all else, stay inside or swim. Running is not the only way runners stay in shape. If it is too dangerous to go running, stay inside where it is cool and count it as a rest day. If you need get your legs moving, see if you can go to the beach or pool and swim for a while. Just remember to stay hydrated!

Most of this advice is probably what you all already know. However, you will want to use that extra bit of caution on high heat and humidity days. Take it easy and you'll still be able to enjoy your running.

RP

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June 4, 2006

In my running tip #1 post I mentioned that if you miss a run it is not the end of the world. You can always make it up by just finding 20 minutes later in your day to go out and run, walk, or somehow be active. Here is just another piece of advice on how to make up a missed run.

On June 3rd I went to a flea market with my mom. For about four hours we were outside walking to every vendor we could find. While we did make a lot of fun purchases, we probable lost more than we gained. Now, I am not talking about our purchases and our money. Instead, take a moment to think about what we were doing for those four hours. We were on our feet, outside in 90 degree weather, walking for almost five miles. We covered a lot of turf. I did not run that day but as I look at it, I still accomplished something.

I walked several miles. I generally run 2 miles and walk about 1 in my work outs. Now, I walked 5 miles at the flea market. That is still a major benefit to my body. I was active, moving, and having a good time.

All in all, the message here is that you can find health in many activities that you do every day! Just think about our elderly citizens who wake up at the brink of dawn to walk around the mall a few times. I've seen them and they speed walk!

So, do not be afraid to miss a running day to go out and walk for a half hour or an hour. It will make you feel good and you will avoid that "I didn't go running" depression that we runners seem to get.

RP

Tags [?]: Running Tips, Running, Walking, Speed Walking, Exercise, Fitness, Health

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May 31, 2006

It's All About Determination

Let me be honest, you have seen my first few weeks of running. They are not great! Why is this? I just do not have the desire to start running right now. Correction: I did have the desire to start running, I just do not have the enthusiasm to keep it up.

To keep yourself running here are a few suggestions:

• Run with a partner. You are more likely to show up if they are counting on you to be there.
• Set aside time to run each day. If you make it a habit, it will become "natural" to go running at 5am or 5pm each and everyday.
• Don't FREAK OUT if you miss a running day. It happens! If you can find some time to make it up, take advantage of it. 20 minutes of running is better than none.
• Track your running. You will see how much you progress and it will be amazing! (Just don't over do it like I do. If you start slowing down, you may end up de-motivating yourself.)
• Running is not constant. Memorize that statement. You will not always be running a mile in 7 minutes. Some days you may run it in 10 minutes, other days you may run it in 6 minutes. Your times will vary. However, you result will be the same: you're staying healthy.

These are just some very, very basic ways to keep yourself running. You may have your own reasons to keep running: running for a charity event, a promise made to yourself, etc.

If you have some more suggestions to add to the list, post them to the comment list below!

Enjoy running and never give it up!

RP

Tags [?]: Running Tips, Fitness, Motivation, Running

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May 28, 2006

For those of you who pay strict attention to my log and are "tisking" me right now, I am sorry to say that I really do not have any good explanation. The fact of the matter is: running is hard, work is fun (the world goes: huh?), and my social life has taken over.

I need to find the motivation to stay running and keep myself getting back in shape. Once my summer job goes full force, I will definately begin running on a daily basis. Seeing as I will be lifeguarding at a daycamp lake, there is no doubt that a majority of my day will be in the water swimming and just having fun with the kids.

So, right now, I am on the Wonka Syndrome. I have disappeared for no reason but will be coming back. (Hint: I will be giving out prizes soon enough for those dedicated readers of this site, so keep coming back!)

- RP

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May 17, 2006

What an awful week!

I was hoping to run at least 10 miles in my first week and that did not happen. Between being sick, finishing college, my birthday, and graduation I found little interest in running. I must strive to do better during week two. Hopefully this will not be a problem! My cold is starting to go away and my biggest worry is studying for my CDL exam.

So far I haven't run on Monday or Tuesday. So, first thing after this post I am going to take a run on the treadmill to get me back on the charts again.

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May 12, 2006

Lately I have not had the time to run. I know: excuses, excuses. My cold has not gotten any better and when I get home I am just exhausted. Last night I wasn't able to run because I was out for my birthday. Today I was planning to run but there were two problems. First, I couldn't run because I didn't have my shoes. Second, I couldn't run because my head was throbbing and my face was numb from pain of be congested all night long. Ugh.

Tomorrow is graduation and I hope that after this weekend I will get back to running. I want to keep losing weight not gaining it. I have a big weekend in store for me and I need to be careful!

Run "Away" Pete

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May 8, 2006

Good news!

I went to the doctor's office today for a follow up to my blood pressure. They checked it and now I am only at 130/80 which is much better than what they first reported! As you can guess I am pretty excited about this. First, this means that I can take my CDL Bus written exam and get my license. Second, it means I'm healthier than thought. Third, I can drink myself stupid after graduation (okay, maybe not that much, but I can still enjoy a few drinks with my friends).

Just so you know, I am still going to eat salads at lunch. They're delicious and only $1.45. Yum, yum! To celebrate, I'm off to run.

- Running "Low on Pressure" Pete

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May 7, 2006

Over the last two weeks my running has been greatly halted. I am not feeling so well.

Many advice columns I have read say to take it easy when you are sick. I started off with a sore throat and a running nose. Now, I am down to just a running nose and lots of NyQuil and DayQuil (oh fun!). How much should I decrease my running by?

I went to find out the other day when I went for a 2.5 trek through the forest preserve. I decided to divide it up equally between running and walking. I ran 1.3 and walked 1.2. I would run for a little bit and then take some time to walk. I measured most of this by trail markers in the forest preserve. I had to breath through my mouth which was reasonable since I already to that.

After my run I felt a more relaxed than I usually do. I ended up taking a lot more of my walking at the end of the trek than I did at the beginning. Perhaps that is why I experienced such a relaxed state. However, my nose seemed cleared and I felt alright.

I will still be taking it easy while I am sick. I will not be pushing myself too hard or attempting to increase my longest running distance. Currently, I am at half a mile for the longest I can run before I start to feel some discomfort in my body. I also learned yesterday that even if it is 50 degrees outside, I still need to bundle up. I still find it hard to believe that even I forgot to bundle up while being sick!

Going for a run today. I think I might do a relxed 2 miles or so today. Miles are posted on the log!

~ Runny Nose Pete

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May 6, 2006

I have given a vareity of reasons why I need to run again.

• I'm overweight
• I'm out of shape and
• I'm going to lifeguard this summer

After going to the doctor today for my physical I found another reason to add to the list. I have high blood pressure. People around my age have an average blood pressure of 120/80. Want to guess what mine is? It is about 150/100. Not only does that mean that I have another unhealthy aspect in my life, it also means that I am not able to become a certified bus driver. To be a bus driver in Illinois, the maximum your blood pressure can be is 160/90. As you can see, I am close to the cut off point.

I have asked myself what I have done to get this high blood pressure. It should not be that hard to figure out. In college I ate unhealthy food, I rarely exercised, this past year my stress level has sky rocketed, etc. But to dwell on those is not going to help. What can I do to get my blood pressure down?

First of all, I need to start running daily. This will not be hard. After all, it is already my plan. Second, I need to watch what I eat. For lunch I made myself a nice salad with broccoli, green peppers, and red onions. It was delicious! Third, I need to take it easy. Yes, college is over and that should be a major help. Becoming stressed is not going to help at all.

The doctor said that I need to be rechecked the next time I come in. So, while I know nothing will make my blood pressure drop to 150/90 in the next two days, I know that I need to start changing my lifestyles now. The doctor told me that it is possible I was nervous, that my cold may have affected it, and that I just was not being relaxed in the examination room. Regardless, it is time to get running and start eating healthy 24/7.

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April 17, 2006

Let Me Introduce Myself

What is RunPete.com? To answer that question you will need to know a little about me. My name is Pete. I'm about to graduate from Illinois State University. The years were stressful, entertaining, and unhealthy. The last part is what I have a problem with.

When I was in high school, I ran nearly 5 miles a day and close to 30 miles a week. I went swimming three times a week. I went to the weight room after every running session I had. I maintained an excellent body and had outstanding health. Yet, I lost almost all of that during my freshmen year at Illinois State. By the end of my freshmen year, I gained nearly 40 pounds going from 165 pounds to 204 pounds. I realized how unhealthy that was and decided to change it.

In the summer of 2003 I decided to start running again. I carefully watched what I ate and managed to run at least 3 days a week. It did not work as well as I wanted but in the end I was back to 185 pounds. Not bad for just three months work!

I did my best to keep in shape while at school but utterly failed. Now, I am 215 pounds and starting to develop breathing problems. Find me in the middle of the night and you might be surprised that I am still alive for a person who is not breathing.

What I Plan to Do

With only weeks to go until I graduate I have realized, yet again, that I need to get back in shape. Not only for my personal health but also for my summer job. I am going to be a lifeguard.

You should be asking yourself, how is a web site going to make Pete healthy? The last thing he needs to do is stay in front of a computer! Well, right you are! Yet, it has been shown that people need motivation and support to successfully lose weight and keep it off. That is why this web site is here.

This web site will track how far I run each day, how much weight I lose, and most importantly, serve as a motivational tool for myself and others to use to get them back into shape.

As I become healthier, I am going to let people tell me what to do. Should I run 5 miles today? Maybe I should go kayaking. It will be up to my web guests to decide!

My Goal

I did set a goal when planning all of this. My goal is to get back to my 165 pounds within 10 months. It is healthy, from what I read, to lose anywhere between 1 and 2 pounds a week. If I stick with a healthy routine, I know that I can do it! It is 50 pounds to lose in a matter of 40 weeks. If I lose about 3-4 pounds in the first week, that leaves me with 46-47 pounds to lose over 39 weeks. Something I think is reasonable.

If what I am doing is not keeping me healthy, you can guarantee that my goal will change so that it is reasonable and safe.

Until Then...

I will begin this site soon enough! Just let me finish the last two of my most stressful weeks. Hopefully my launch date will stay true.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope to see you on RunPete.com

- Pete

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Weight Tracker

Starting Weight	230 lbs
Current Weight	192 lbs
Total Lost	32 lbs

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