Chi Running and Half Marathon Day 3

Yesterday, I did another interval Chi run of 4 min Chi running/2 minutes Chi walking for 30 minutes. My plan was to do 40 minutes but I think I pushed myself on the running end. I think I have convinced myself that since I am walking in between I can run as fast as I can. I end up running out of fuel before my run is complete. I was so hungry later in the day. The hunger felt like that after a really long run. I stayed the course though and ate healthy, foods.

Today was a cross training day for me. I bought a Gazelle by Tony Little a few months back when I injured my knee. I am using that on my cross training days. I'm sure many of you are laughing right now, but I can honestly say that this affordable, foldable machine is wonderful. You get a great, low-impact total body workout and it is so much fun to use. I feel like I am flying when I use it. For those of you who want to tighten your butt, this is a wonderful machine! I highly recommend it.

I am staying on target for the most part with my diet, although I did allow myself to have a Mike's Hard Lemonade with my husband while watching the Penguins game. The third period just started and the Penguins are ahead by one goal. Go Penguinios! I am going to close now so I can watch the rest of the game.

Keep running and stay fit and healthy:)

Chi Running Day 2

I have completed my second Chi run and I can honestly say my knees feel great! I think I am using the proper technique. As soon as I find my posture slipping, I realign my gait by gently pressing my left fist into my navel while taking my right hand (thumb and pinky) and placing it just under my collarbone and gently pulling down. This technique keeps me in proper form.

I am incorporating Chi running with a beginner walk/run 1/2 marathon training schedule. I use the walking portion to check my Chi As I near the end time of my walking portion, I realign my posture (as described above) and I lean forward slightly and I'm off running again in proper stance.

The combination of Chi running paired with a run/walk training schedule seem like the perfect prescription for my recently recovered knee.

Half Marathon Dieting Tips

I will be running a half marathon on September 6, 2008. My goal is to lose 15 lbs while training for my half marathon. Here is my weight loss plan and diet tips I will be following throughout my training:

• keep a log of my calories to include starting weight
  
• deduct 100 calories for every mile run
• eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables
  
• limit fatty food and sugary processed foods
• drink more non-calorie fluids
• limit coffee intake
• take sports drink or bite sized food for longer runs to avoid crashing
• take a couple of sips of water or sports drink for every 10 minutes on runs longer than 1 hour
• limit snacks
  
• stop eating after dinner
• limit alcoholic intake (although I love my 4oz of wine with my dinner)
  

Be mindful of my portions. Below is a good way to visualize what a true portion looks like:

• a deck of cards = a protein portion
• a fist = a serving of fruits or vegetables
• 6 dice = an ounce of cheese
• a tennis ball = a 1/2 cup of ice cream
  
• a compact disc = one serving of waffles or pancakes (this was a real eye opener for me!)
• a thumb tip = a tsp of peanut butter
• Computer mouse - about the size of a small baked potato

I purchased a small pocket sized notebook to track my daily food intake. My plan is to create a calorie deficit (more calories burned than consumed) and having a pocket sized notebook to carry with me makes it easy for me to write everything down. If I don't, I know I will forget to record something.

Always be prepared. I am a mother of two active children, so I am on the road a lot taking them from one activity to another. I find it helpful to keep healthy, portable foods in stock. Apples, pears and bananas are great for taking in the car. I slice my apples or pears and put them in a plastic zip lock for easy storage and drop them in my purse. Trail mix is another healthy portable snack. Peanut butter on whole wheat toast will keep me satisfied for hours. I also try to keep bottled water in my car so I can sip on it when I am feeling parched.

Finally, I find that writing an affirmation or two in my food journal every morning helps me stay on track because it reminds me that I am committed to my half marathon training. An example of one of my affirmations is: I only eat healthy, nutritious, foods that will fuel my body and keep me running throughout the day.

Chi Running

I recently got the DVD Chi Running by Danny Dreyer. I have been running for about 15 years now and just recently developed knee pain, mostly in my right knee. I took the winter off from running to let my knee heal. I started running again about a month ago but I don't want to re injure my knee. I discovered Chi Running while searching for a Tai Chi DVD on the library website.

Does Chi Running really work? Does it take a long time to master? I decided to train for a half marathon which takes place on September 6, 2008. I would like to incorporate the Chi Running technique to minimize injuries. Does anyone have any experience they would like to share on this subject?

First Time Laptop Buyer

HELP, I am in the market for a laptop. This is my first laptop purchase. I currently use my desktop to design and create websites. My plan is to switch mostly to my laptop and leave the desk top for my family.
I currently use Adobe Dreamweaver to create and edit my websites. I use primarily Gimp to edit my graphics.

What key features should I look for in a laptop to successfully create and update my websites? I would like to keep my costs under $1,000. Is there a particular brand that is preferred right now?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Weight Loss and Half Marathon Training

I want to lose a pound a week while training for a half marathon. I recently started my training for a half marathon and need some advice on what to eat. I have completed 2 - 1/2 marathons in the past, but I managed to gain weight instead of lose. I would like to lose weight this time.

My goal is to lose 1 pound per week. What I would really like is a daily meal plan. I don't want to have to think too much about what I should eat. I need it to be simple, healthy and energy producing.

One of the problems I have with running distances is I have delayed hunger. The hunger from a long run hits me a day or two later and I can't seem to satisfy my hunger. What can I do to cut down on this?

Also, if you have any easy, tasty, lean recipes you would like to share, feel free.

Keep on running:)

Become a Passport Member at Chico's

I discovered Chico's about a year ago when I was looking for some teachers' gifts. I knew Chico's had fun accessories, so I stopped in to take a look at their jewelry. I found some great necklaces on clearance.

I was so impressed by the staff at Chico's. They were very friendly and helpful. They wrapped my jewelry in pretty bags with ribbon and they told me about their Passport membership. The Passport membership is free and as a member, you receive Chico's catalogs with coupons. Sometimes the coupons are as high as 50% off one item in the store. I am a jacket fanatic. I believe that jackets complete outfits. I especially love leather jackets but tend to shy away from them because of the sticker price. However, thanks to the Passport membership, I have been able to jazz up my wardrobe with a few beautiful leather jackets. My most recent purchase is the apricot leather jacket you see me wearing in the photo above. I have received so many compliments on this jacket. In fact, one person told me they thought I got it at SAKS 5th Avenue. They said the price at SAK's was $1200, I told them I got mine for $139 which was 50% of the original price. I think I may have sent Chicos a new customer.

So, stop by Chico's sometime. You won't regret it.

Oh, I forgot to mention that you will love their sizing too. I normally wear a size 8 or 10, but at Chico's I wear a size 1. Don't you just love it?


Take a look at the some of the other benefits you receive by becoming a Chico's Passport member http://www.chicos.com/store/account/passport.jsp