Update...GladSoles

Since it's been a week, I figure it's about time for an update. It was a good week overall. Currently I'm down 8.4 lbs.  I had hit 10 lbs down last Friday, but after some poor eating choices over the long weekend, I was up a couple lbs. So I'm working my way back in the right direction now.

My running is going well. I ran yesterday and today in my Vibrams and I'm feeling muscles I didn't even know I had. I'm amazed by how many different muscles you use with this form of running. My only complaint (other than the tight muscles which is a good pain) is that because of a specific bone in my left foot, the rubber sole that wraps up around the ball of my foot rubs some...When I was younger, I helped teach a beginner level gymnastics class. One night when I was putting the trampoline away (it folded up and then wheeled away for storage), I dropped one of the steel bars and it slammed onto my left foot. It didn't break the skin but caused severe bruising and I still see discoloration to this day if I look closely, 10-15 years later. I never got an x-ray although I should have, so I don't know if I broke anything but it took a long time to heal. So I'm not sure if this caused my foot to develop a little off or if it's just a bunion forming...so anyhow, I think some moleskin will take care of the issue so I'm going to look into ordering some of that.

Another new discovery is a sandal which I'm interested in trying. Called GladSoles, they are made with Vibrams soles and are supposed to be comparable to the Tarahumara's footwear.  They are custom made and the laces don't go near the funky bone in my left foot so I wouldn't have to worry about that irritation. I'm looking forward to giving these a try as another footwear option. Also if I'm in public this summer, I may get fewer weird looks in my rural part of Maine if I wear GladSoles (which look like a simple sandal) instead of my awesome toed Vibrams. So if I want to blend vs stand out, they would be a great alternative.

So overall down 8.4 lbs, discovering new muscles in my legs, and I'm getting stronger each day. Can't complain about that week!

Vibram Five Fingers

I first learned about Vibram Five Fingers two years ago when I tried the Aroostook Dirty 30 for the first time. I was competing in my regular sneakers, but a couple other runners were sporting these weird shoes. While I thought they were interesting, I didn't think much more about them.

Well as I have learned more about running, one thing that keeps coming up is barefoot running. I've read a lot about it and have decided it is something I would like to try. I have had knee problems since I played basketball in college so maybe, just maybe if I change my running style I will be able to FINALLY run pain free.

 

Well my new shoes arrived today! I ordered the Bikila LS and I have had them on since I opened the box. They are incredibly comfortable! The biggest piece of advice I have been hearing is not to rush the transition. Of course I couldn't resist going for a little run (very very short) up the road and back. Snowstorm or not, I was just too curious to wait.

 

 

I love them! I was amazed how natural it was for my body to switch running styles (from landing on heels like traditional running shoes to landing on the balls of my feet). It was so comfortable! I wanted to keep going, but I didn't want to push my luck. Not only have I read over and over about the importance of a slow transition, but I also don't want to stress my knee anymore than I already have.

 

I am excited for this new barefoot adventure and hopeful that I may have finally found something that will allow me to run pain free. I'm also currently reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall which has been a great read so far. I will keep you posted and write a full review once I finish.

 

I suppose that's all for now. The power is flickering here from the snowstorm so I'll wrap it up before it's out for the night. Stay warm.



Twitter

I am relatively new to the Twitter world and learning more and more about it each day. I like to use it for quick updates on my journey. If you would like to keep updated on my Twitter posts, please follow me @CarolynJane87

Hello...My Story

I've battled with my weight for many years. While the simple answer is that I ate too much and didn't exercise enough, I've learned that it isn't that simple. Emotion play a huge part of the journey and I've had to find different ways to consume without going way over my calorie goal.

One tool I have found really helpful has been tea. I enjoy the flavor of several teas and since I no longer need sugar (or other sweeteners) in my tea like I used to, it is a next to zero calorie drink. I often sip on tea between meals and I find it helps distract me from the idea of snacking.

Although tea is a helpful tool, the most important and powerful tool has been knowledge.  Knowledge I get through my BodyMedia LINK armband (which my blog is named for). If you haven't seen it, basically it is a small device that I wear almost all day (I take it off when showering and getting ready for work as the instructions recommend you wear it up to 23 hours a day). It is one of the most accurate devices on the market to measure calorie burn, your activity including your steps, and your sleep. The LINK armband also uses Bluetooth technology to send information to the app which I have on my iPhone so anytime in the day I can log on and see how much I've burned.

The final key to my success has been the website myfitnesspal.com which syncs to my armband. Each day I track all my meals and snacks through My Fitness Pal and that information is then sent to my BodyMedia app to give me my current deficit. Since 3500 calories = approximately 1 pound, my goal each day is to have a 1000 calorie deficit. With this goal I will hopefully lose 2 lbs each week.

So with all that said...I started my weight loss journey at my peak weight of 227 lbs. At 5' 11", my goal right now is to lose 60 lbs. This will put me back at my college basketball weight. Having never been fit, I'm not sure what my true goal weight should be so I figure I'll shoot for the 60 pounds I know I need to lose and then go from there.

Wish me luck!