May 24, 2010

Bay Area Run

Preparations for the Red Rock Relay are well under way. I've now dropped 21 pounds and still going! I decided I'm at a point now where it's time for the rubber to hit the road. Until now I've mainly been focused on spinning classes that provide an amazing cardio workout and is also good cross training for running. In addition I've spent a lot of time in the weight room trying to build up strength in the core, legs and upper body.

Last week while in the Bay Area for work I was blessed with a break in the bad weather and decided to hit the pavement for a run. I took the rental car around the neighbourhood where I was staying clocked out a route for running with the odometer. The next morning I took to the streets and was amazed to do 4.7 miles. My feet, calves, and upper legs hurt like crazy a day later but now I'm recovering quicker and my body is getting used to the running. Below is a jpg from Google earth that I created of my run.



Last Thursday as soon as I was back in town I ran down to Runner's Corner in Orem and purchase a pair of Saucony Progrid Rider2s. Nice shoes that I'm extremely happy with. After contemplating for a day I took them to the shoe shop and had them zero the souls. This is where they level the shoe so the heal is perfectly level with the front of your foot. The idea is that doing this to your shoes forces you to run on the mid-foot which is supposed to prevent injuries and keep you healthy. Below is a picture of the shoes:



Got the shoes back on Friday night and did a 6 mile run on Saturday. This was my longest run to date. Working hard on getting the mileage up. Not too worried about speed at this point, I figure I can always get faster and will as I continue to drop the gut and keep watching what I eat. In addition I plan to continue spinning classes a couple times a week and will hopefully add in Mtn. Biking a time or two every week. Now if only the weather will hold and the trails start to dry out!!

May 1, 2010

An apple a day...really does keep the Dr. away.

Many may or may not know that two months ago I turned over a new leaf and made a choice to start slimming down, getting in shape and eating better. Diving into the world of wacko diet fads I've found that true healthy living comes from eating good old fashion fruits and veggies, with the right kinds of meat thrown in, and exercise. No magic bullets, potions, pills, or easy solutions, just sheer determination.

I've started educating myself in nutrition and studying healthier types of foods out there I was quite surprised by what I discovered about apples. In case you didn't know here are some interesting facts about apples:

Apples originated in Asia and are one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits with over 7500 known varieties. China is the world's largest producer of apples followed by the United States, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Italy, India.

Vitamins and Minerals Contained In Apples:
  • Flavonoids (i.e. antioxidants)
  • Beta-carotene (an immune booster and also gets converted to vitamin A)
  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin C (the more tart the higher the vitamin C content)
  • Boron (thought to improve the body's absorption of calcium and magnesium)
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorous ( for bone formation, digestion, excretion, protein formation, hormone balance, energy extraction, cell repair, chemical reactions, and nutrient utilization)
  • Potassium
  • Silicon (for strengthening connective tissues and bones as well as taking care of nails, skin, and hair)
  • Pectin (soluble fiber for improved digestion)
Health Benefits of Apples:
  • Promote good digestion, reduce colon inflammation thereby improving both diarrhea and constipation
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Stabilize blood sugar levels (good for both diabetes and hypoglycemia)
  • Reduce arthritis pain
  • Reduce morning sickness
  • Improve asthma
  • Prevent hardening of the arteries
  • Prevent skin diseases
  • Improve liver and gallbladder sluggishness
  • Stimulate salive flow
  • Clean your teeth
  • Stimulate gum tissues
  • Lubricate the lungs
  • Cleans the lymphatic system
  • Aid in weight loss
  • Neutralize the effects of smoking
  • Curb cravings for alcohol
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Prevention of dementia
  • Decrease the risk of many types of cancer
Pretty amazing piece of fruit. Little did you know that an apple a day really does keep doctor away!