it's a HIIT

Yes, I'm talking about high intensity interval training. I tried to do a little bit of HIIT on the treadmill a couple months ago. I have never really incorporated HIIT into my training routines but I know there are lots of benefits to it including greater fat burning and increased performance. I want to increase my speed for the Twin Cities marathon in October.

Well, since the last time I did any HIIT I've dropped a lot of weight and I've worked on increasing my core strength and upper body strength. A thunderstorm rolled in this morning thwarting my plans to go for a run outside so I headed to the gym. I spent about a half hour working my shoulders and back. I decided to give HIIT another try so I jumped onto the treadmill. To say I was shocked at how readily able I was to do HIIT without dying is an understatement. After a few minutes warmup I set my intervals to run at a 9.5 mph pace for the high intensity and 4 mph walk for the recovery interval. Before I could barely do this for 1 minute at high intensity (or less) followed by 3-4 minutes recovery walking. When I hit my first high intensity interval, it seemed too easy! I managed to run fast for the full minute I planned. When I dropped down to the recovery speed it was too slow so I upped it to a 6.0 mph jog. I managed to keep this up for 30 minutes alternating 1 minute high intensity followed by 2 minutes of recovery jogging. At the end I was sweaty and tired but I felt I could actually do more. Next time I'll go longer.

Weight Loss Progress

It is about time I updated you on my progress. I have been increasing my miles, increasing my speed and working out at the gym a lot. I have moved up from 20 pound weights for my bicep curls to 35 pounds and from 30 pound dumbells for chest presses to 55 pounds. I generally work my upper body and back 3 times a week. I have dropped from about 265 pounds to below 227 pounds as of this morning. The progress definitely shows! Take a look.

Weight Loss Update

It's been about nine weeks since I refocused my eating and exercise and it is paying off with big time results! I have dutifully tracked every calorie, good and bad, on fitday.com. I have resisted temptation and have eaten cleanly for the last two months. And I am happy with the results! over 30 pounds have melted away. My clothes fit better and I feel much stronger. My running has been improving and I am on top of the world. I have a ways to go but it is so encouraging to finally be back on track.

Ten point Two

Whew! Nice run today. It was a gorgeous sunny day but still a cool 45 degrees. Perfect running weather. I was thinking I might feel good to go 10 miles today and I was right. Feels great.

Turkey Trot

I had an AWESOME 4.1 mile run this morning in the cool 40 degree weather with the sun just rising on the horizon. I ran into some wild turkeys in the cemetery by the river strutting their stuff with full plumage. A great way to start the day. My weight continues to drop and I am so proud of myself for not pigging out on pizza at my meeting last night. I had only one piece and managed to keep yesterday's calories below 1500. Today I can eat more as I ran this morning and I'm heading to the gym this afternoon.

I am stoked for the marathon in October! My official 18 week training schedule starts May 31. I'm ahead of the game. I will be 4o pounds lighter before the marathon! Looking forward to an awesome PR.

Back in the marathon training saddle

I signed up for the Twin Cities marathon, October 3. I know now that my commitment to my diet and activity will let me do well by October. I plan for a PR - a sub 4 marathon. I know I can do it.

Speaking of training, I input all my training runs for my 18 week Hal Higdon Intermediate II training plan into my calendar. This starts in a few short weeks. Today I did get out for a wonderful 8.6 miles in the cool drizzle.

Making Progress

Well, it did take me a little while to really get started but I have been making progress. Since my post in January, I didn't really get serious until the end of March. But since then I have dutifully tracked every calorie and increased my activity. I am going to the gym about 5 days a week to do free weights and cardio on the elliptical machine. I'm also gearing up my running and have been able to manage long runs over 10 miles for each of the last 3 weekends.

The thing about losing weight is that it really is about calorie balance - what you eat vs what you burn. And it's a simple formula. You have to burn about 3500 more calories than you eat every week to lose one pound a week. I've managed to maintain about and average 1300 calorie deficit for the last four weeks and it is showing the exact results one would expect with the math. I have lost about 3 pounds a week.

Compared to my photos from January, you can definitely see the difference1 2 pounds makes.