Running While Social Distancing

You would think that since I normally go for runs by myself, that social distancing wouldn't change anything. Sadly it really does. I never realized how narrow some paths were until trying not to come within six feet of other people.

Early morning on Kelly Drive

Philadelphia Runner created a Facebook group that really has helped. People are posting runs they do and sharing which trails are more crowded than others. PR Solo has weekly challenges with prizes (thanks Philadelphia Runner for the new long sleeve shirt). I will say I'm not sure if PR in this case stands for Personal Record or Philadelphia Runner, but I'm assuming Philadelphia Runner.

The city opened MLK Drive early this year for recreational activity in hopes to give people more space, but from what I've heard it's more crowded than usual. Therefore, I've been sticking to running around neighborhoods on the sidewalk instead of trails. I don't want my attempts to get/stay healthy to put me at risk.

Today, a few announcements regarding physical events came out. The Broad Street Run has been postponed until October and the International Olympic Committee announced that Tokyo 2020 has been postponed. Obviously the Olympics being postponed doesn't affect me personally, but it's still a huge move.

Stay safe everyone!

The only thing I have to lose is weight

A few days ago, I got an email from my insurance company. The subject line read "Slim down with $0 out of pocket" so of course I opened it. Inside "Join today for your chance to win a $75 Visa gift card." When I told my colleague I was going to sign up, he laughed and said no one ever wins those things.

As someone that has won many raffles, contests, and TV trips I beg to differ. However, the chance to win wasn't the actual reason I decided to sign-up. A few years ago when I was going to a registered dietitian I lost the most weight ever. I went from a BMI that was considered morbidly obese to overweight. I never actually made it to "normal" but I felt great. Then this past year, my weight slowly started to creep up again. I'm still overweight and not obese.

This program through the insurance company includes a weekly conference call for group success. They also provide one on one counseling, fitness dvds, and more.

I'm hoping that this program will help me lose back the weight I gained while also helping me train for the marathon.

Eight months until NYC.

Bridge running + fear of heights = never again

Before I started the Run.

Today I went out to Yards Brewery to meet up with Team DetermiNATION. I did some things I've never done before today.

1. I ran in NJ (sort of)
2. I ran across a bridge

Half-way across the bridge.

Then I realized, I am never doing it again. I know that the NYC Marathon passes over bridges, but I thought it would feel like when I drive over the bridges. However, running was much different. First of all, the pedestrian path was elevated. Secondly, if you look over the edge on one side you saw the river and the other side you saw the road. It was very disoriented and made it really hard. The wind didn't help, although I can't really blame the wind for my fear.

After the run, I hung out with the group at Yards for a while. It was fun and I met a lot of people that will be supporting my goals. The ACS team is great and really want their runners to succeed with the fundraising goals.

1. I also learned some things about the New York Marathon.
2. It's very hilly.
3. If possible, run the top of the Verrazzano Bridge
4. Talk to the NYC team to find out the best locations for my family to cheer. There are "better" locations so they can take the subway and cheer multiple times.

I can do this.

If weight is just a number, why am I so upset?

April 2016

January 2020

This morning I stepped on the scale to once again see the number go up instead of down. This has been the trend for the past year, it's small each time but doesn't seem to be stopping. I was down 100 pounds from my original starting weight and now I've gained back about 30.

I feel like I'm still eating healthy and I track my food in MyFitnessPal. In fact, I've been staying under 1600 calories per day, normally closer to 1200. So why am I gaining weight? I know they say when your body changes, so do your needs, but I don't want to starve myself either.

When I decided to train for the marathon, I thought it would help me take the weight back off, but even though I've picked up my running, I'm still moving the wrong direction.