The Solution to my Ah-hah
I’ve always loved data. I eat it up, consume it, use it, and try to influence it. So with this in mind, and my $13 pedometer, I am going to change one simple thing.
Somehow, I need to replace those 10,000 steps. I have to get to that threshold. THEN, I will workout. I cannot using running or biking as a substitute, because clearly that does not work. Step Threshold 1, Workout 2, Diet 3.
This is the plan. And it will be hard, because to get that 1707 steps, I walked around my little office more than usual over the course of an entire day–which in itself sends a shudder up my spine. I took an extra walk to the outdoor mailbox. I stood up more often. And with that, I still couldn’t break 2000 steps.
If When I start consistently pulling 10000 steps, my runs and bike rides will start making an impact, I’m sure of it. According to my doctor, my cholesterol counts are spectacular–in a good way. And physically, my endurance is really great–I’m strong and capable. But performance wise–I’m slow. Not that I’ve ever been terribly fast, but 8 extra lbs will bog anyone down. If When I shed those lbs I might actually get faster. Not that I’m looking at winning any races but everyone likes to be better, right? Not to mention summer’s almost here. I have a cycling kit to squeeze into.
-Karen
One response to “The Solution to my Ah-hah”
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Who’s not out riding
Karen,
I feel your pain, I’ve had a desk job for the last 15 years or so and I ran into trouble as well, switching from an “on my feet job” in construction to the office, though most of my problem revolved around quitting cigarettes… I managed my weight for most of those by running 2-3 times a week and watching my portion sizes. I ran slow, 8:30-9:30/mile pace. I stayed at around 170 (I’m 6’0″)… Since I started riding last year though, I’ve dropped to 153 and I’m actually at a point where I have to looking at artificial ways to keep my weight up (protein powders, etc.). There are obviously a lot of factors at play, but two key factors relate here: I didn’t wait to drop weight to get fast, and I ride six-seven days a week in addition to running (16 miles minimum – takes 48-50 minutes, with 2-3 big days on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday – 30 miles minimum 38 max – no more than 2 hours). I got fast riding first, running followed, but I’m down to the low 7 minute miles running and I’m up to 20 mph average except on recovery rides (1-2 a week) where I’ll average 17.5-18.5. Getting there took time and a whole lot of effort, but I have the metabolism of a race horse because of it. I wrote a post a while back about how I did it but scrapped it due to my feeling it lacked relevance – I’ll dust if off, polish it up and post it in the next couple of days – just for you.
The trick here is, the faster you move, the more friction you create to maintain that motion, the more calories you burn to maintain the speed. There’s a study out there that shows if you walk faster than a 10 minute mile, it’s just as good as running a 9 minute mile, only because it creates so much friction to walk that fast. It’s something to contemplate anyway.
Good luck in all that you do.