Kristine
Embracing a body built for distance (not speed)...
Rock what you've got!
Food Fight
– by
Kristine
on 06/04/2012
Chix Journal
Right now, I’m having a fight with food. We’re on the outs. Because the scale has been going in the wrong direction, I take that as a sign that I’ve been making some bad food choices. When I attended the Team LUNA Chix Summit back in March, something the Luna Bar nutritionist, Tara, said really resonated with me. Simply, be proud of the food you put in your mouth.
I find that making good food choices is all about having enough TIME. I need time to plan what I’m going to eat. I need time to grocery shop and have good food in the house and I need to allow myself time to MAKE my lunch instead of buying it. If I get a little busy, or behind (which in my life seems very easy to do) my ability to eat right goes out the window. Then, I find I regret everything I put in my mouth. l’ll have that inner dialogue with myself, “Oh, I need some breakfast, hello muffin… I don’t want to eat you but I need something quick to eat and you’re here in front of me. I guess I’ll try to run you off later….” But I know I’m not going to make any progress like that…. either with my weight or my fitness.
I also can rely on coffee too much for a pick me up. Oh, I love my cup of Joe in the morning! But of course everything needs to be in moderation and when I’m on my second double-tall-vanilla-latte of the day, my body is just going to pack weight on with all those calories. In fact, my body loves to pack on the weight. I have a super-slow metabolism. A few years after my second child was born I was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
It started with my doctor noticing I had an enlarged thyroid. She asked if I had any of the tell-tale symptoms of thyroid problems, for example: feeling tired and sluggish, dry skin, feeling cold, etc. Yep, that’s how I ALWAYS felt. That was my “normal”. After some tests, I went to see an endocrinologist. I had an ultrasound done on my thyroid to rule out any likelihood of a tumor… and then the endocrinologist told me the diagnosis of hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto’s disease. He explained the disorder to me and we started testing out dosages of thyroid replacement therapy.
I still feel like my metabolism runs slow, even with the thyroid replacement medication. But in terms of my energy level… I feel so much better with the medication. Honestly, I was hoping that perhaps I had found the “magic bullet” to my weight issue. I was hoping that taking the medication would reset my body and I would be able get back to a more “normal” weight. But I’ve realized over time that just won’t happen. I still need to make the right food choices and continue to exercise.
So, once again I’m finding myself struggling with the scale going up. I came to the point where I needed to hit the reset button. The way I have done this in the past is to juice. I make fresh juice at home and drink that as my meals for a short period of time. It allows me to make a clean break from the junk and get back on track. This whole idea came from watching the movie, “Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead”. (You can watch the movie for free at http://www.jointhereboot.com.) If you have not seen the movie, it is a pretty fascinating tale of an overweight man who sets out to take hold of his life again through juicing. He also comes across a man on his journey, Phil, who is morbidly obese and suffering from the same diseases caused by weight. At the end, I found myself cheering for Phil and totally inspired.
Fresh juice made at home
Last fall, I intended on doing a juice “reboot” for 5 days. I felt so good after 5 days, that I continued it for another 5 days. And to tell you how stubborn I really am, my 10 days of juicing happened over a Labor Day weekend camping trip with grilled meals, chips and cold beer swirling around me.
For me, making fresh juice helps me reboot and feel good. Fresh juice is full of great nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. After the “reboot” is over, it is easier to return to eating right. I typically juice apples, carrots, and pears and then add a little “green” with a spinach or kale. It is fun to play with combinations.
This week at work, I had one of my juices on my desk. A co-worker asked me if it was homemade. I said proudly, “Yes, carrot, apple, pear.” She said she juiced, too. I mentioned I also liked anything with cucumber in it because cucumber tasted so fresh. She agreed. We bonded over juice! She said that this week she was making watermelon, cucumber and mint juice. The following morning, she brought me an entire glass of her homemade concoction. I was in heaven! It was light and delicious. Definitely a new favorite!
Watermelon, cucumber & mint juice… YUM!
I’m on my way to getting back on track. It feels good to hit the reset button every now and then. I will do my best to be more aware of what I’m eating and strive to be “proud” of everything I choose. Sorry, muffin, for now… you’re out
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About Me
Several years ago I became hooked on cycling and triathlons. But as a competitor in the "Athena" category for women over 150 lbs., I've sometimes felt a bit hampered by the extra weight that, despite all the exercise, I just can't seem to shake. No more. I'm embracing the body I've got as I train for my first full marathon and work towards my ultimate goal of one day competing in an Ironman race -- on my own terms and at my own pace. Perfection is overrated anyway.
Video Spotlight
Gear Check with Danielle Kabush
Team LUNA Chix XTERRA Triathlon Pro Danielle Kabush packs a lot into that stroller. Learn what you might want to carry when you’re out running with the little one(s)!
Quick Tip
Join a group, stay motivated.
We’re all in this fitness thing together. One surefire way to stay motivated is to work out with a friend or join a group, like a local team LUNA Chix, that meets to run, cycle, swim, whatever. Not only is more fun to exercise with some pals, it also gives you a sense of obligation to get your butt out the door on even the nastiest days.
Drinking while cycling.
When you’re on the bike, 12 ounces of water every half hour is a good rule of thumb, so make sure your bike has room for a couple of bottles. For longer rides where you’re not planning to stop (woo hoo!) you’ll want to kick your gear investment up a notch with a large hydration pack.
For long races, change is not good.
For an endurance race like a triathlon, fueling well is essential, but DON’T eat or drink anything during the race that you haven’t already practiced with during your training. Think of long training sessions as “race simulations” for your fuel plan on the big day. This will help you avoid indigestion and “potty issues”.
Triathlon fashion tips.
While having a lot of clothing options is great for a weekend in Vegas, in a triathlon you really want to shoot for something you can wear throughout the race to make transitions as easy as possible. Tops and shorts specifically designed for triathlons are a great choice—they’re made to go into the water, on the bike, etc.
To clip, or not to clip…
Clip in pedals are a better choice for power efficiency, but they can be a bit intimidating for newbies. Go with flat if you are really uncomfortable, you can always switch to a clip in pedal later. If you do get clips, it should only take a few rides to master how to quickly twist your foot out.
Turbo charge your run.
If you always practice at the same pace, you’ll always run at the same pace. You need to do intervals if you want to get faster. Start with 30 seconds hard every five minutes and work your way up to five minutes hard and five minutes easy. Play AC/DC, Jack Johnson, AC/DC, Jack Johnson…
Running requires patience.
If you are really new and running doesn’t come naturally to you (and really, it doesn’t come naturally for most of us!) start with a combination of running and walking. Run for four minutes, walk for one. Keep repeating this until you get to 30 minutes and then add in longer phases of running the next time you work out.
Building endurance for a triathlon.
If you are ready to try a tri, each week of training you’ll want to do one longer workout in each sport, to build up your endurance.
Be kind to your knees.
Running on dirt trails provides the best cushion. Concrete is the worst because there’s no shock absorption. Asphalt is somewhere in the middle. Choose wisely if you have problems with your knees.
Running cadence.
85-90 leg strikes per minute (count on one leg) is what you want to aim for to work on improving your running speed and time.
Be a stronger swimmer.
To improve your swim performance, practice rotating from the hips, and dragging your fingertips on the recovery. Use a kickboard to focus on strengthening your leg. A pull buoy and paddles can help you work on your arms.
Land with your foot flat.
If you land on your heel when you run, you’ll put a lot of strain on your knees. Landing on your toes strains your calves. Land with your foot flat, and more importantly, land it under your body for good momentum and shock absorption.
Let’s get this (cycling) party started!
Looking for a group to ride with? If there’s local LUNA Chix team in your area, you’ve already found a great way to connect with other women who ride. You can also find out about groups at your local bike shop, in cycling magazines, or just ask other cyclists—they usually know.
Glide out of your wet suit.
Wet suits can leave nasty hickey burns on your neck, and really, who wants to explain that? Before a long swim, lather your neck and ankles with Body Glide and you’ll be much more comfortable while swimming and get your suit off with ease. Plus, you won’t have to show up at work the next day looking like you’ve been mauled by a vampire.
Sign up.
Another great way to stay motivated? Enter an event. Whether it’s a charity ride for a cause you really care about or a competitive race, having a goal to work towards can really give you that extra push to pull on your workout gear and go.
Riding with turtles and hares.
Whether fast or slow, ride with people you know! It’s more fun that way. Fast friends will push you a bit more, which is great if you’re prepping for a race, and you can draft off them on big climbs. If you’re the quick one, get out in front and give your less experienced friends a break!
Wait!
Have you checked your tire pressure and brakes? Did you give your bike the once over to make sure nothing’s cracked or otherwise out of whack? OK, now you can go.
Chasing those elusive zzzz’s.
Hard-core trainers will tell you that 8-10 hours of sleep a night, plus a daily nap, is optimal while training for a big race. Back in the real world, those of us with busy jobs or little kids can only dream about this much. Shoot for as many hours as you can and stick with a consistent schedule—quality rest will help your muscles repair and protect your immune system.
If your knees are sore after a ride…
It could be that your saddle is too low. Try putting your saddle at a height where your knee is soft, but not locked at 6 o’clock.
Cycling time, optimized.
If you have an hour or less and want a good cycling workout, crank it, sister! You can go high intensity by hitting steep hills hard or by going out with a riding group that challenges you speed-wise and hanging on as long as you can. If you’re feeling really feisty, get out in front and “take pulls” every chance you get. Just don’t forget to warm up for 15 minutes first.
Keep those hands where they belong.
On your bike’s handlebars. Road cyclists don’t use hand signals much, aside from pointing out hazards like potholes or rocks. It’s also polite to indicate a turnoff. Otherwise, give a yell if a car is coming or if there’s a need for a quick stop.
Let your bike do the work.
When riding off road, your bike should be moving more than your body. And unlike road cycling, you’ll need to use your upper body as much as your legs to absorb those bumps. And don’t forget to look ahead… that way your body will have a chance to anticipate changes in the terrain, like that tree.
Recovery rocks!
Tired muscles need a little TLC. Massage is great as a recovery aid, and working out extra hard is the perfect excuse to indulge. Yoga is also wonderful for increasing flexibility and focus. Distance runners can benefit from 8-10 minutes in an ice bath. If you are brave enough to take the plunge, have a tall Starbucks on hand.
Say no to saddle sores.
Think only cowboys get saddle sores? Nope, they’re also a problem for cyclists. Finding the right bike saddle can help, but if you ride long enough, you’re occasionally going to end up with a sore butt. A good chamois cream can help soothe those sores, but many bikers swear by a cow utter cream called Bag Balm. Who cares as long as it works!
Getting drafty.
Cyclists are drafting when they line up behind one another to conserve energy. The rider in front breaks the headwind, those behind get a break. Mastering this move can be tricky: the closer you ride to the person in front, the better the draft, but you also risk a pile-up! While learning, stay at least three feet away from the tire ahead.
Building tri strength with “bricks”.
A “brick” is a workout where one activity is directly followed by another (a bike ride + run, for example.) Training this way 1-2 times a week is a great way to gear up for a triathlon.
New to the dirt?
Go out on easy unpaved roads or wide fire trails with a more experienced friend who can show you the ropes. Relax your arms and legs, and let the bike do the rest. And remember, there’s no shame in getting off and walking for a stretch if the terrain gets hairy.
Dust off that road bike.
Been a few years since you’ve cycled on the road? Before snapping on your helmet, take your bike to a local shop for a safety tune up. At minimum, have them check tire pressure, brakes, the chainring and gear shifts to make sure everything works and that all connections are snug. Now you can feel the wind on your face without worrying about your brakes giving out!
Shape up for cycling.
A hour long ride once or twice a week is just about right for a beginner looking to get her legs (and butt!) in cycling shape. And if you want to enjoy that post-ride high all day, set your alarm and head on out there when the sun is coming up.
Climbing with conviction.
Positioning yourself for a big climb can be tricky. Common mistakes are leaning too far forward, putting too much weight in the hands, and straining your quads. Lean back a bit so you’re centered over the saddle, let your glutes and hamstrings do some of the work, and go easy on those handlebars.
Aching arches in the morning?
Most likely it’s Plantar Fasciitis—an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. Caused by increasing your running volume too quickly, bad shoes, or poor foot mechanics, this annoying injury requires some TLC, ASAP. Slow down for a few days, do some stretches and apply ice. And see a doctor if there’s no improvement.
Training for open water.
There’s no black guideline in the ocean. To prepare for an open water swim, practice in the pool with your eyes closed. (No cheating!)
Surviving the inevitable tumble.
If you mountain bike long enough, there will come a time when you will dismount and tumble unexpectedly. The good news is that most crashes happen at low speeds, either when clipping out or on switchbacks. But if you are really moving, let go of the bike, tuck your arms and legs into your chest and try to “roll” with one shoulder in and your back to the ground.
Pain while running means one thing: STOP.
A mild pain can turn into a major injury over the course of a single run, so listen up when your body says “ouch!” Most problems can be alleviated with a few days rest. If you still feel bad after taking a break, it’s time to call the doc.
Time to go shoe shopping.
Running 300-500 miles is the perfect excuse for a new pair of shoes! Once you’ve gone that far, they lose their support, shock absorption and the wear can mess with your foot biomechanics. Might as well throw in those new wedge sandals too—you’ve earned them.
Lycra or baggie shorts?
Well, that depends on whether you are casual girl at heart or like showing off that booty! Some mountain bikers like the non-racey, looser look of baggie shorts off road, but there is one caveat: when you are bouncing around coming downhill, they can get stuck on your seat.
Try a bike ride.
When giving cycling a try, the objective is fun! Borrow a bike, keep it under an hour and don’t let your Lance-obsessed neighbor talk you into some crazy 100-mile loop. Bring a helmet, water and LUNA Bar in case your energy flags. Also important: a portable pump, tube and repair kit for flats that hopefully the more experienced friend you’ve invited along knows how to use.
Cycling chic.
Beyond the obvious helmet, no cycling woman’s wardrobe is complete without a pair of tush-friendly chamois shorts, a lycra jersey, gloves and sunglasses to deflect bugs. Any kind of soft-soled athletic shoe will work for flat pedals, but cleats are a must if you clip in. A light jacket is a great accessory for colder climates, as is a safety light when riding after dark.
Stop that stitch!
While the cause of the always-annoying side stitch is up for debate, deep, full belly breathing can help chase it away. Namaste!
Buying a mountain bike?
Before hitting the shop, ask yourself how you want to ride. If you just want to have some weekend fun in the dirt, a bike with full suspension will ensure maximum comfort off road. A more light-weight cross country bike is best for climbing and racing. And if you like tearing it up in the mud, disc brakes are must!
A bike that fits.
Like your favorite black bra, a bike performs best when it’s fitted specifically for your body type. Many pro shops offer this service, so check in with your favorite local outfit to find someone who can take measurements and help make the proper adjustments to your bike.
Saddle up your bike.
Just like a too-soft mattress can be bad for your back, a too-cushy bike saddle can be bad for your butt. Flat and slightly wide is best, with a women-specific slot up the middle. (Trust us on this one—you’ll be thankful.) It doesn’t hurt to check out what the pros use—they definitely put their tushies to the test!
Tart up your transition towel.
Triathlon transitions can slow you down big time if you’re wandering around like a doof looking for your stuff. Buy the loudest, brightest towel you can find (think 80s neon) and park your gear near an obvious signpost in the transition area. Even if your mind is still rehashing your last leg, you’ll be able to transition quick.
Ah, the simplicity of running gear…
Not much is needed to get up and running. Good shoes are essential, of course, and a running specialty store can help you with the best fit for your foot type. You also might want some socks, shorts and tops that can help wick away sweat to keep you cool. Add one iPod for cool tunes.
Fueling for a ride.
Carbs are what you want—about 30-60 grams of carbs per hour, depending on your weight and pace. This can either be in solid or liquid form (try a LUNA Bar or some Clif Shots) but be sure to eat before you are hungry. Forgetting to fuel means you’ll run out of gas mid-ride and have to call your roommate to come pick you up in her car. Embarrassing.
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