Post-Christmas thoughts.

[HeavyFoot]

A couple of thoughts learned on this forum might be relevant now.

I think it was the much-missed Tim who wrote that we should not regard running as a penance eg “I must run off that huge Christmas dinner I ate”. Running should be an enjoyment, not self-flagellation.

Another helpful expression is “You can’t outrun the knife and fork”. Lots of writers ask about running and losing weight. Well, it only takes a bit of maths to realise that reducing calories in is more effective than burning calories off, unless you’re an Olympic athlete.

My Garmin watch reckons I expend 100 kcal per km.

So combining the two pieces of advice above, I reckon my run yesterday burned off just two mince pies!!! But I don’t regret eating them. 🤣

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Ahh, such wise words from Tim! Thank you for posting this HeavyFoot - it really is about our mindset isn’t it? I was prevaricating this afternoon, having returned from my sisters (and lots of lovely Christmas food) and your post made me put on my running shoes and get out there! I always remember someone saying that it’s not “I’ve got to run..” but “I get to run..” and that’s always helps me too.👍🙂

Completely agree about the calories as well! 🥧🥧🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Enjoyment not endurance was another of Tim's favourites too! Well done you! T

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One of the (many) things I love about running is that I no longer worry about what I eat. The calories burned running are extra after all👍

Now where did I put those mince pies😀

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I always try to remember that I am lucky enough to be able to run, rather than I have to. Sometimes for a second or two when I’m running this crosses my mind and it’s one of the best feelings! And as for the food, well, I feel as though I’m wearing a mince pie suit at the moment 🤣, but that won’t last. I hope you are managing to fit some nice runs in HeavyFoot over the festive period! Interspersed with mince pies and good cheer too of course 😁🎄🎄.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Such good thoughts, I always calculated about 100 calories a mile and Mr Garmin agrees but we are all so different, Willow burns way more calories than I do per mile, but he hasn't run for months now, walking is good. Glad you enjoyed the mince pies

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I find running helpful for maintaining my weight by giving me a little buffer that means I don’t have to strictly watch what I’m eating. I’ve reached the age where I can’t eat everything I want without putting weight on any more and I want to stay healthy. If I’m running regularly, having some bonus things I enjoy doesn’t tend to show on the scales. I also find I’m more motivated to eat well so I feel better when I’m exercising. I would never set out to run off a bar of chocolate (for example). I don’t think that leads anywhere good in my relationship with either food or running!

I bet those mince pies tasted super!