5k (Semi) Challenge

So I never planned on running fast again. I mean, sure I'd hoped to run my next marathon quicker. I'd hoped to bring in a more respectable time during the next Run for the Roses (5k). But I'd never thought I'd be contemplating running 7 minute miles or even trying to get back to times I ran in high school.

All it took was some friendly goading from my best friend to put me back into the mood for speed.

So last night, after a small tweet back-and-forth, I decided to try a 5k at 7:30 minute miles. I was actually able to complete it. On a treadmill, but that was the best way to ensure I maintained pace. Also, there was a huge thunder and lightning storm all evening yesterday. No way to run outside.

As cool is it is to have done a 5k in 23:15, I think I'm going to wait awhile - get in a bit better shape (a month of working out and 30 pounds overweight is still not quite prime condition) - before I try the speed thing again.

I do have hope that I can bring my marathon pace down to 9:00 minute miles...that would get me done in just under 4 hours. I'd really like that.

Progress Report LIV - June 26

Current Weight: 196.8 lbs.
Last Week's Weight: 201.4 lbs
Loss/Gain: - 4.6 lbs.
Weekly Percentage of Weight Gain: 2.3%

27.8 lbs. to Goal (169 lbs.)

This sure has become one roller coaster ride of a weight loss journey. Up and down and up...and now down again. I've said this many, many times before, but this time it - my weight - stays down.

I've been back at the diet since May 10th and the exercise since the start of June. It's done wonders. I've taken off 23.4 pounds in 47 days. That's essentially a half a pound a day!

Looking back a few posts, it was Christmas time again that sent me back up. I burned myself out with the diet and exercise. Add to that the temptation of the food at that time of year, and it was all shot again.

The cool thing this time around is that I've started back on the path BEFORE the summer. Typically I wait until August or September. I was laziest during the easiest months to workout. And that just packed on the pounds. This time around I'm taking full advantage of the weather and longer days. I'm getting the most out of this summer. Also, I'm eating more. That's helped with maintaining the diet. I'm not being so strict with the calories. I'm enjoying meals when I want. I'm just being responsible when I can.

Right now it's been a lot of biking and running. Fast running. For me. Which is an awesome thing. I love seeing those quick miles fly by. It's all building up to the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World in January. It should be a nice cap to the whole weight loss journey.

Here's a couple of graphs and charts because you KNOW how much I like seeing these. (Especially when they look like this.)