I'm happy to see the approach you've taken. All too often, a male will write from a point of view that doesn't quite align with the reality of a woman's needs.
Like your client, Karen, I'm in my late 50's with weight I can stand to lose. Although I've been involved in a marathon training program for going on 5 years, and I've always eaten healthfully, my bad cholesterol increased. Chalking that up to genetics, I do what I can to keep it under control without medication (I have lupus, too).
The first couple of years of training, I actually gained a few pounds, chalking that up to my body becoming accustomed to more intense activity and needing more fuel. I tried a formal weight loss program, but got nowhere after nearly a year. I was trying to balance low-carb with marathon feedings, and that just wasn't working. I went back to the rule of swapping the type of carbs, and that works a whole lot better.
Now that I have a personal trainer working with me to develop core and overall strength, plus training me to work longer within my "fat burning zone," I'm starting to see results on the scale, and in my body shape, albeit slowly.
Now, some people can achieve results on their own. I've trained with elites, even a former legendary Olympian (and I have no hope of ever joining their ranks); but I needed the "kick in the butt" and routine workouts with my trainer. One would think a marathoner doesn't need a "kick" - wrong! I appreciate the education I'm getting about maintaining an all-around training regimen so that I can stay injury free - and maybe even achieve the holy grail of marathoners - the Boston - before I turn 70, LOL! It takes more than just training the legs to run 26.2 miles, it takes overall body strength, balance and flexibility.
Once you make a commitment to your fitness, and stick to it, you'll find that making the commitment to a better eating regimen will be easier to keep because your body just won't feel good full of junk.
I'm going to be a grandmother next February and I fully intend to be able to chase the kid around the yard in years to come, LOL!
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I'm happy to see the approach you've taken. All too often, a male will write from a point of view that doesn't quite align with the reality of a woman's needs.
Like your client, Karen, I'm in my late 50's with weight I can stand to lose. Although I've been involved in a marathon training program for going on 5 years, and I've always eaten healthfully, my bad cholesterol increased. Chalking that up to genetics, I do what I can to keep it under control without medication (I have lupus, too).
The first couple of years of training, I actually gained a few pounds, chalking that up to my body becoming accustomed to more intense activity and needing more fuel. I tried a formal weight loss program, but got nowhere after nearly a year. I was trying to balance low-carb with marathon feedings, and that just wasn't working. I went back to the rule of swapping the type of carbs, and that works a whole lot better.
Now that I have a personal trainer working with me to develop core and overall strength, plus training me to work longer within my "fat burning zone," I'm starting to see results on the scale, and in my body shape, albeit slowly.
Now, some people can achieve results on their own. I've trained with elites, even a former legendary Olympian (and I have no hope of ever joining their ranks); but I needed the "kick in the butt" and routine workouts with my trainer. One would think a marathoner doesn't need a "kick" - wrong! I appreciate the education I'm getting about maintaining an all-around training regimen so that I can stay injury free - and maybe even achieve the holy grail of marathoners - the Boston - before I turn 70, LOL! It takes more than just training the legs to run 26.2 miles, it takes overall body strength, balance and flexibility.
Once you make a commitment to your fitness, and stick to it, you'll find that making the commitment to a better eating regimen will be easier to keep because your body just won't feel good full of junk.
I'm going to be a grandmother next February and I fully intend to be able to chase the kid around the yard in years to come, LOL!
Thanks, again, for your insight.
July 13, 2009 - 6:33pmThis Comment
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