New Fitness Gadget: The FitBit

The FitBit

My friend Lauren (over at Dimples Does It) has had this little contraption for a while now so she is much more experienced with it.  I just got it on Sunday and used it for the first time yesterday but I will tell you what I know so far!

Basically, its a little clip on tricked-out pedometer that you can wear anywhere on your body (I wear it on my bra, TMI?  LoL).  I have the FitBit Ultra which tracks steps, calories, distance, and stairs climbed (not on regular one).  It syncs wirelessly with your computer to upload data to the FitBit website where you can see all your data (OMG graphs!!!) and log your food and other activities throughout the day.  You can make goals and have friends on the website also.  It costs $99 and I believe is available at Best Buy.

Food Log

When you start your day, it gives you a baseline calorie target for the day based on if you were to lay in bed and not move the entire day.  My target intake for the day is shown at the top here.  It shows how much I have eaten so far (178) and how much I have left (1386).

Then as you begin moving around and logging activities, it will increase your calorie intake for the day as shown in the second box.  So far today, I have moved around enough to increase my calories by 52.

Additionally, I have mine set to have a weight loss goal of 0.5lbs per week until I reach 140lbs.  "Easier" is the 0.5lbs per week.  It shows the date I should reach my goal all the way on the right.




Sleep

One really cool thing about the FitBit is that it will monitor your sleep. It really just watches how much you move around but it is still pretty cool.  Apparently I don't move at all when I'm sleeping!

I think this feature will really come in handy!  Only issue is, when do I charge it then???  Well, this morning, I put it on the charger while I was in the shower and then just tracked "Standing - preparing for bed" for 10 minutes.  LoL!

Activities & Steps

This one is pretty self explanatory.  You just track what you were doing during a certain time.  You can track everything throughout your day including things like sitting at your desk, cleaning the house, etc.  If you click on the picture to the right, you can see where I tracked standing this morning.  I will probably only track major workouts in this.  I guess it just helps to give a more accurate picture of the calories you burned throughout the day.  It works with the readings from your FitBit for better accuracy.  Below, you can see my Calories Burned chart for today so far.  You can also view steps, floors and your "active score".

Ok, now you guys can all see why I love this thing already!  Lauren has been just raving about it for months.  I wanted it but didn't want to spend the money and find out I didn't like it.  Of course I love it!  Look at all those charts and graphs!!!  But seriously, this is really going to help me get back on the band wagon.  I have been struggling a lot lately.  Here comes confession time.

I've gained 2% Body Fat and 6lbs  (7 yesterday but I lost 1 since yesterday)

This summer was emotionally rough.  Then the moving, then school started.  I just haven't been able to get into a groove.  I'm finally feeling more like myself now though and armed with my new gadget, I am totally ready to tackle this weight loss thing again!  I took my measurements immediately when I set up my FitBit yesterday morning:

My tactic is going to be the same one I used to lose the weight the first time.  I'm going to think about my calorie differential (difference between how many calories you burn during the day and the calories you ate, i.e. calories in, calories out).  And the FitBit basically does all that for you with the way it increases your calories intake the move active you are.  I'm going to concentrate a lot on building muscle so I'm going to make sure I eat at least 1500 calories per day (under 1400 and you break down muscle) and take my measurements every few weeks, not just weight.

Also, I'm just going to use the FitBit website to track everything and not Spark People.  I know!!!  I love Spark People but now its just going to be to check in with friends and maybe do some team stuff (been too busy for that lately).  I will always love Spark People but I've got to pick one place.  I am really excited though!  How many people do you know get excited about fitness and weight loss??  Here we go!

Atlantic City Half Marathon!

Yet another crazy weekend!  In case you missed it, the Atlantic City Expo report was posted on Friday.  There are tons of new product reviews on there so you should check it out!  It was definitely a good expo for the first year!

Anyway, Saturday was my usual with Rugby all day.  But I love Rob so its ok!  The team got demolished because we were playing a really good team and its almost all new players on our team this year.  Anyway, it is always fun to go though!  It was away so like usual, we went to the Bards afterwards.

Now you would think I would eat super healthy for my race the next day, right?  Nope.  Beer (only 1), onion rings, fries, and chicken tenders.  It actually worked out well for me for the race.  I didn't have a single stomach problem like I usuall do but I don't plan on making this a regular habit.  We got home around 9 but I still hadn't gathered my race things.  I couldn't find my spie belt so no camera for the race but I did bring my phone in my fuel belt.

The morning of the race, we got up around 6 to get ready.  I had cereal (Kashi Autumn Harvest - yum!) and 2 eggs scrambled (cooked in the microwave).  I also made sure to have some gatorade to hydrate.  Of course, I had to pee like 5 times before the race (but didn't have to stop during, yay!).

I really wasn't in the mood for this race and the whole morning seemed off but I felt much better once I got started.  Rob sent me off and I let him go find a Starbucks and putz around.  Well, what happens when I leave Rob unattended?  He buys me presents! (I'm not complaining).  More on this later...

The weather was absolutely PERFECT.  The shirt I wore was a little too thick but I didn't get too hot so its ok!  The wind was a little rough for the day.  There was one point where I had to walk because the sideways wind kept pushing my foot into my other leg.  LoL.  Otherwise, it was just a beautiful day for a race.

We start off on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in front of Ballys and head down into the streets.  We got onto the highway for a minute and then headed down into the connector tunnel.  What fun!!!

The best part of the race was that during mile 9, you pass by the start/finish line again.  I called Rob to let him know when I was getting close and I stopped for a kiss!  It was a real pain though running in that area because everyone was getting in the way of the runners (since by now, its spread out and we were at the back of the pack).  I will put that in my comments when they email me!

At that point, it was just an out and back on the boardwalk.  I saw the #1 male marathon finisher and the #1 wheelchair too (only wheelchair?).  I also saw a friend from high school run by!  Ha!  I finally crossed the finish line only a few minutes longer than the Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half!  Not bad for not running all month!

The best thing about the finish line... They had ice cream sandwiches!  I couldn't figure out what I wanted after the race but this was exactly right.  They also had Rita's Water Ice, chicken broth, coffee, beer, water, solf pretzels, oranges, bananas, etc.  But the ice cream sandwich really hit the spot. 

About 10 minutes after finishing, the pain started.  This was not an easy race for me.  I was sore most of the race but nothing that would make me think I would get injured so I just kept going.  Today, my calves are killing me!  Oh, and I figured out why I was having problems sleeping, I had a shoulder cramp.  I get these bad knots in my shoulders sometimes and I had one all week!  It started spazming after the race and I had to have Rob rub it out.  It is much better now!

Overall, I'm really happy with the way the race turned out!  I was in a much better mindset yesterday too.  In Philly last month, I really didn't feel like racing.  Yesterday, I didn't either but I just kind of set my mind to it.  I was more whiney last month I guess.  I was just plowing through yesterday, accepting when I needed to walk and pushing myself to run when I knew the walking was just because I was being lazy!  I even ran the last mile completely because I knew I could.

Basically, this girl is back in business!

Weekend Plans and Goals

It is shaping up to be a fabulous weekend!  Tonight, I am excited to head over to Atlantic City for the race expo and packet pick up!  That's right!  Its race weekend!!  Then probably dinner out with Rob (since I'm sure we'll be short on time and famished).  Then hopefully home for some quiet time.

Tomorrow is a full day of Rugby in Lancaster, one of our favorite places.  We are going up early to stop at a little tiny Amish pie shop for some ShooFly Pie.  Yum!  Then its off to the Bards after the game as usual!

Sunday is the big race day!  My plan is to walk/run it and just finish.  Don't care about the time at all.  I haven't run since my last race, the Philly Rock and Roll Half!  The first weekend, I just skipped my run due to rain (I know, bad excuse!) and then I got sick and couldn't run!  What can I do?  Well, I can complete this weekend without getting hurt!  And then start up my running seriously again immediately.  A light run on Monday, even if I'm sore!  No excuses!!!

It is looking like it will be a great day for a run too!

Perfect running weather!!!!  I am pretty excited about this race.  I wasn't really a week or two ago but now I am.  I really like running the AC events, even if it nothing but boardwalk (but its ALL flat!).  Its funny because this weather calls for a light long sleeve shirt and I'm debating on wearing the same shirt I wore for the past 2 years for it!  HA!  I guess its that time of year for a light long sleeve?  LoL.  What do you think?  Or should I change it up?

Oh, and I will not be ordering the same thing I got at the Bards last time...  (Remember my boating experience?)  I'll get a pumpkin ale maybe but not the stew or the gelato...  We don't want any issues on race day!  It is always so tricky figuring out what to eat the day before a run.  You would think I would start tracking such things, especially me with all my graphs and charts and data!  This has always been one thing that's slipped by, the correlation between a good/bad workout and what I ate that day/day before.  Maybe a goal for next month?

(Old graphs and charts from old blogs - see I love data!!!)

Oh what's that?  I'm planning on making goals for next month?  That's right!  Angela is BACK!  And I'm going to be setting up a personal challenge for myself that anyone can participate in at any fitness level.  I will let you all know about it when it gets closer to November!  I hope some of you will join me!

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She's Alive!

I know, I skip one day of blogging and I feel like its been a month.  LoL!  I just get so excited every day to write that I feel like I'm lost without it!  Anyway!!!

What is there to say really?  I feel squishy.  Yep, you read that right.  Squishy.  I haven't worked out in FOREVER!  This cold is still lingering.  I think it has a lot to do with that fact that I am dehydrated.  Of course, today at school, they are out of water for the water cooler (and remember my Water Snob post?).  I guess I'll have to hunt down a vending machine later!

But the point is, I'm working on my water.  Right now, I just have this annoying sniffle that won't go away and a little cough.  The good news is that I am in decent shape to do my half marathon weekend!  At least when it comes to the cold.

My legs might disagree.  I am really worried about how far I can make it in this race.  It will have been 4 weeks since my last long run.  That is a LONG time!  The last one, my legs killed the last 2 miles but then again, I started off hard since I was trying to keep up with someone else.  This time, I will be on my own completely so I can set my own pace at the start.  I am thinking that I will do an easy jog to each water station and then walk through the water station.  That way I have regular walking breaks.  I can totally complete the miles, even if its all walking!  And I am excited to take part for the 3rd consecutive year!

Anyway, on to other news, I picked my Marathon Training plan!  Sort of...  You all knew I would end up doing my own thing, right?  Cause I'm predictable like that!  Anyway, I did lay out Hal Higdon's Marathon 3 plan on my google calendar as a guideline.  I will follow the rules I laid out in my other blog (First Marathon, Help!).   Here is the basic outline again:

• Monday:  Strength/Cross Train
• Tuesday:  Medium Length Run
• Wednesday:  Strength/Cross Train (or rest)
• Thursday:  Speedwork
• Friday:  Rest day
• Saturday:  Long Run
• Sunday:  2-3 miles (or rest)

I got some other really great advice from my wonderful friends that I will keep in mind throughout the training too!  Next up is to figure out how I'm going to fuel my body through all of this.  I know how to eat properly but I also want to make sure I'm eating enough/not too much.  I don't want to gain that 5lbs that every marathoner seems to gain.  Just because I run doesn't mean I get to eat whatever I want!  Anyway, I really want a plan too because my eating has been way off where it should be.  I don't know yet if I'm going to worry about macronutrients (how many carbs? how much protein??  what about fat?!)  because it gets overwhelming!  But having a plan keeps me in line!

So there are my random thoughts for today.  I must go because its still midterms week!  I have one more take home midterm due tomorrow and then I'm done (and then the homework starts again anyway!)  Let's hope this weekend is light on homework because I am REALLY busy again.  Surprised?  Me neither!  LoL!  Have a good Tuesday!!!

First Marathon, Help!

It's that time!  Once this cold is gone, I have to get serious about my marathon training.  As of today, I have 23 weeks until my first marathon.  I have a couple resources to pool from but it is really hard to pick "the right" training plan.  I have some guidelines that I want to follow.

• I want to be able to strength train (ST) 2 days per week (or cross train).
• My goal is "to finish" but I also want to finish in a reasonable time (under 6 hours but would really like under 5!)
• I don't want my runs during the week to take any longer than 2 hours max.  I'd prefer under 1.5 hours
• I'd like to have some sort of interval training during the week, not just always "run # miles".

But I also have some confusion about my training plans.

• Should I try the run/walk method (i.e. Jeff Galloway method)?
• I have a few plans printed out.  Some of them max out at 20 miles while others have 2-3 runs longer than 20 miles.  Which is "better"?
• Is it ok to have long runs only on the weekends?  (one plan has only 30 minute runs during the week)

I'm really thinking about combining a few of the plans into my own customized plan but then again, they are the pros and know what they are doing, right?  But they are all so different!  Its so hard to choose.  And I'm totally not sure about the run/walk thing.  I have such a hard time running again when I walk!  Anyway, this is the schedule I'm leaning toward if I make my own plan:

• Monday:  ST
• Tuesday:  Medium Length Tempo Run
• Wednesday:  ST
• Thursday:  30 minutes of Intervals
• Friday:  Rest day
• Saturday:  Long Run
• Sunday:  2-3 miles

 Tuesday and/or Wednesday could be option rest days also.  I'm also leaning toward the schedule that has a 23 and 26 mile practice run but only 30 minute runs during the week (from Jeff Galloway's website).  But then again, I've always trusted Hal Higdon to get me through races and his Marathon 3 training plan has 3 20-mile runs before the big day (but a lot more longer runs during the week).  Oh the decisions.  I'm just looking for experience and advice from anyone who has trained for a marathon.  Thanks in advance!  I'm super excited to go through this journey and become a marathoner!!!

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Accountability

Accountability is exactly the reason why I'm going to start tracking again.  I know, I know, just last week I said I didn't need to because I know how to eat right.  But right now I'm in denial.  I'm not tracking and I know when I'm eating crappy but I just pretend like its ok, like I don't know that I'm way over on calories, like if no one knows then who cares.  But enough is enough!  I'm going to track my food today to try to get me back in line.  This way, there is a possibility that a friend might check up on me (on Spark People, you can share your nutrition tracker which I do).  Even if no one does, there is still that chance that someone will see "2 cups Peanut Butter Ice Cream 8 billion calories".  LoL

Seriously though, beer and ice cream have made it back into our house on too regular of a basis.  Once in a while is ok but lately its been too often.  And its starting to remind me of way before I ever joined Spark People!  Not good...

And you guys all know how my workouts are going, they aren't!  Last night, I thought all the world was against me with my workout.  First, I got a chip in my windshield!  UGH!  I got an appointment to get it fixed that afternoon after classes which meant I would be getting home an hour later than usual.  Then I got home and had at least 2 sets of visitors!  Not that I minded because one was my brother who I don't get to see often so I was happy to chat but I almost didn't have time to work out.  By the time everyone was gone, dinner was ready but Rob just kept it warm while I did a quick workout with my UFC Trainer on XBox Kinect.  So I got something in!  Not the run I wanted but it was something and my upper body is feeling it today!

On another note, I stopped by a different farm stand on the way home yesterday and it was awesome!  It is always packed and I can see why.

I wanted local honey (for allergies).  They only had one jar of the kind I wanted so I have to go back (oh gee darn) or go right to the honey farm which I also pass on my way home.  Also, I kept my purchases to a minimum because I only had $15.  Well, they take credit cards!  HA!  On Wednesday, I am going to stop in to get my produce for the week.  Love it!  I also got some Apple Butter sweetened with honey yesterday.  Can't wait to try it!

On a negative, I am starting to feel sick.  I have been fighting something for a while now.  Just a tickle in the nose or throat.  Then Rob got really sick last week.  This morning,  I woke up with a sore throat and kept sneezing.  Here it comes!  Let's hope it goes away quickly or is a mild cold or something.  I don't want to spend my first weekend free laying on the couch with the sniffles!  I have running I need to do!  And homework!  And cleaning!  Speaking of which, its time to start my day!

Have you tried eating local honey to help with allergies?

Zumba, How I Missed Thee

Yesterday's workout was brought to you by XBox Kinect...

I managed to get home early from school (classes were canceled, didn't find out til I had already driven the 2 hours there!) so I had plenty of time last night for a workout!

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I decided I wanted to have some fun with my workout so I popped in UFC Trainer for Kinect. I also wanted pure cardio since I have a half marathon on Sunday (OMG excited!!!).  I didn't want sore legs for the race.  Anyway, I had a blast with this one!  Some of the moves I couldn't do because of the way our room is set up but I will fix that later.  Overall, this is an awesome game.  Lots of fun moves like mountain climbers, punching, grappling, etc.  I had a blast!  But I decided I wanted even more "just cardio" so I put in Zumba for Kinect!

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I love Zumba but I love going to the classes more than playing it on the XBox.  I think its mostly the music, its much easier to get into it when you know the songs.  The songs on the game are mostly Latin songs (probably same songs from their DVDs?).  I wish they played popular songs on their games and DVDs.  I would actually buy them then!  Until then, I'll rely on Youtube for making my own work outs (old post on Spark People:  Youtube Zumba - not all the links work anymore but you get the idea!)

The game is good enough though for when I want a cardio workout and its more fun than other options.  Besides, I forgot how good Zumba is for you!  Seriously, I woke up this morning and my entire waistline is sore.  All that twisting and shimmying makes for some serious abs!  I think this is now a permanent part of my routine like it used to be!  If only I could make it to the classes at my gym :(  Or maybe make a new Youtube workout!

Plan for today is to survive my long day (man, I hate Tuesdays and Thursdays) and eat well.  I may run 2-3 very easy miles on Saturday to loosen up for Sunday but that's it until the big race!

8 Down, 5.1 To Go

It's 2 weeks until my half and I am so. not. ready.  And its my own fault.  I got in some sort of funk this summer where I didn't want to do my runs.  But I have good news!  I went for a run today and I did 8 miles!  It was slow, it was mentally challenging, but it is done!  Here are some things I learned too.

 1.    HYDRATE

I slacked off on my water the last two days and boy did I feel it.  It manifests and lead bricks attached to your legs.  They didn't want to lift more than 2 millimeters off the ground.  I felt like I was dragging them along the entire time.  Ugh!

2.    Get Up Early

I decided to sleep in again today which made for a hot muggy run.  I really should have ran yesterday when it was cool and less humid.  Oh well, hindsight right?  But really, I should stick to my morning routine.

3.    Oatmeal is a No No

I'm actually not sure about this one but I felt so sluggish.  It could have been because of #1 but I was also wondering about my breakfast this morning too.  Maybe it was too heavy for me.

4.    If you don't use it, you lose it

Boy was I painfully slow today.  I mean really really.  One of my miles had an average pace of 14 min/mile!  I mean, really?!  I've lost that much stamina?!  Originally, when I was all excited about this half, my goal was to run it in under 2 hours.  That translates to slightly over a 9 minute mile.  HA!  Lesson learned, when picking a training plan, stick to it.

5.    Sometimes the Drill Sergent Needs to Visit

Today was one of those days that I needed someone yelling at me.  I was whiny the whole time.  From mile 2 I wanted to stop.  Around mile 4, I really needed someone to tell me to just shut up and keep going.  It really helped that I told my FabFit team that I was running and I posted it on my Fitocracy account.  I couldn't let people down!  But seriously, I could have used a running buddy to follow me around shouting things like "Are you a quitter?!"  I actually started yelling at myself (in my head, lol, I don't want to be that crazy chick running down the street) using "Ang" and "SU-Girl" since that is what most of my online fit friends know me as.  It is like my online persona is the type that is determined and wouldn't give up (even though it really is just me).  Actually helped a whole lot strangely enough!  Finally, in the last 2 miles, the drill sergent could take it easy and I managed the rest of the run myself.  At that point, being so close, why stop now?!

It was terribly hot and humid today, I had no energy, I didn't hydrate and yet I managed to finish an 8 mile run.  Go me!  I am happy with it even if it was hard, but that is why I do it right?  Until the next run...

Before Run:

I actually ate two bowls of this because I was still hungry!

After Run:

HUGE omelet today.  3 eggs, 3 mushrooms, 1/2 tomato, chopped zucchini, mozzarella

Food Blog 09/01/2011

Ugh!  That's all I've got to say about today.  Just lots of ups and downs.  So on to my food and fitness!

Workout

Today, I just wasn't feeling a run (or a workout in general) so I popped in one of my Bob Harper DVDs and played the 25 minute cardio workout.  I still wasn't feeling it.  10 minutes in, nope still not feeling it.  20 minutes in, still not happy.  25 minutes in (aka done), I was very happy.  LoL.  I put in a decent workout but definitely didn't push it.  I just didn't have any energy!  And this lack of energy carried on throughout the day.  I. Am. Beat.  Just soooo tired, I must have not slept well last night or something.  Good news, I have off tomorrow!  I can sleep in!  Oh yeah!





Good Eats
I decided at lunch that I would start doing these blogs again so excuse the first few photos because the one is really old (from last year!), the other one is the same as the other day, and another I got from the internet.  Haha.  And you will see I kept forgetting I was going to be doing food blogs ;)

Breakfast was an omelet with mozzarella and 2 little bitty peppers from my garden!  I also had another oatmeal pancake with almond butter.

After workout snack was a chocolate banana protein shake.  Yum!

I decided to stop at Wawa for lunch to save time.  I got the roast beef and swiss ciabatta melt.  Soooo good and calories aren't too bad.  But it isn't "clean" by any means.  I rarely go to Wawa any more for food and I've been craving one so why not!  I also made sure to grab a baggie of carrots for my veggie challenge on FabFit.

Did I mention how tired I am today?  I decided I needed some "fuel" for my car drive of 2 hours to school.  I only got half calf.  Should have gotten full caf.  It was yummy though.  Grande nonfat extra hot half calf caramel macchiato.  Rob loves it when I send him in to order for me :)

 I ate the rest of the carrots between the car ride and class.  After class, I was starved!  Had my PB&J (can you tell I forgot again?) and a nectarine (and forgot again?!?!?!).

Plum in the car to keep me occupied.  When I get tired, I munch on things to keep me awake!  Don't worry, took this picture at a stop light.  LoL.

And after a long day, coming home to a crappy letter in the mail, I decided it was time to relax.  Delicious ginger snaps and a Magic Hat #9.  Aah.

The End.

The end of my day but here are some pictures I took the last few days.  Yummy foods!

Cinnamon chicken.  Don't knock it til you try it!  With smashed sweet potatoes.  This was very fall-tasting and delicious.  Who know cinnamon and chicken?  Huh.

And do you like my placemat?  I always like that over on Carrots N Cake, Tina always has pretty place mats in her pictures.  I picked this one up at Big Lots and I love the color it adds to the pictures!

And finally, Spooky Photo of the Week!  This week is her pissed off look cause she is a cranky mama this week.  Oy, we need to get her fixed.  Next paycheck...