2nd 8k done and a rambling blog post

[dieOR5k]

Haven't posted in a couple weeks. Been navigating reopenings. More people out unmasked while cases rising. I'm sure people are having lockdown burnout. Makes grocery shopping more stressful.

Finished my 2nd 8k over the weekend, thanks in part by a substantial temperature drop. I distinctly remember 5k being unobtainable 3mo ago. Still not loving running, but love love love the extra 500 cal I get on my eating plan. And the dodgy knees feel much better.

Found I was not 'running off weight' dammit. I actually had to modify input. Using UA my fitness pal app. Being excruciatingly honest with myself. Who knew I could eat an entire days calories in a box of cheezits. And two days calories with baked goods. I can, I learned 😶. It really opened my eyes to how I got to overweight. Oh my. With planning, and exercise I can have an evening cocktail on run days. So I can cheerfully say I run to keep an extra couple slices of bread and evening cocktail 🍸on the menu. And not so shockingly weight is coming off.

Thanks for listening. Some days I just need to let the crazy out.

[Katkins27]

Yes a healthy eating plan is always advisable running or not but having weight on myself i know its not easy so Well done you.

[dieOR5k Graduate10 in reply to Katkins27]

Thanks. Miles to go, but lock down giving me the time, rest, and heads pace to do it.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Well done on your 2nd 8k and losing weight. Unfortunately as you've now found, it's as much to do with how many calories enter the body as those burned through running. You're heading in the right direction though. Happy running 🤗

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Great post and well done on your second 8k . Also good that you've found a way to get the weight off and still have a treat now and again.

We are always here to listen 😊😊

[dieOR5k Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

And that is what has kept me on track. I always run out of motivation and perseverence at some point and give up. The forum props us up and gets me over the hump when my will is weak 😧😑😅😆

[sTrongFuse Graduate10]

I completely agree. I do enjoy having that "reserve tank" of calories that means I can enjoy my occasional caramel shortbread completely guilt free. I think it helps that I also just generally eat better now than before as well.

[Run46 Graduate10]

Well done dieOR5k for persevering and figuring out why you weren't seeing improvement, then making the changes needed.

The great thing is, not only can you now still indulge a little but you're also getting fitter which your body will thank you for...and the mental health benefits are good too, partly I think due to the fact that you're doing something that makes you feel good about yourself!

It's not easy but it's defo worth the effort 😊

[dieOR5k Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

You are correct. The mental benefits of a healthy body, healthier weight, successes after so many decades of failures. Priceless.