Run Ty Run!

This Friday I am participating in my first 5K since ninth grade. I don't know what I was thinking trying to train for it while working on a show, but who can resist vampires, free rides at 6 Flags, food, drinks, and a concert!

Looking back at my old cross country times I noticed that I will probably not do as well as I did at the state meet back in 2007. My time for that race was 22:39. Not bad for someone of that age running against seniors and juniors in high school. But, there is no way I will beat that time or come close. My goal is to do this 5K in 25 minutes and not become a vampire in the process.

Today I will continue my week of running and breaking in my new shoes with a 3 mile run after work. Oh, word to wise, if you get new running shoes, make sure you break them well in advance before a race. Having bought these shoes on Saturday, my feet are still killing me more than usual. I'm hoping to keep up at 10 minute mile pace and not be too tired. I don't want to hurt myself so close to race.

So, I've given a lot of thought to how I want to handle running in the future after this race. As I explained in a previous post, I lost a lot of weight during the run of the show and I am now trying to gain it back. Eating as much as I do on a daily basis is hard enough as it is without the added calories from running. Taking a five day workout routine, I have decided to do a mile for three of those days and then two miles on the other two. This will keep my cardio intact and also allow me to focus more time on strength training and stretching. As I get closer to another race, I have yet to pick one, I will increase the mileage slowly to get me ready for whatever race I plan to participate in. This plan doesn't burn a crazy amount of calories, which is what I need right now.

"You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six."

~Yogi Berra~

How I got my Ass Kicked

First off, no... I didn't get into some epic fight that left me with battle wounds of glory. I actually went on a 3 mileish run (I'll explain this ish in a minute) and worked out for the first time in three weeks. Remember that post about when I was going to take a break from working out for a week because I felt under the weather? (If not click here). Well, that infection came back, again, and kept me under the weather for another week. Granted, it didn't help that I was dancing almost every night of the show I am in. (How To Succeed)

Anyways! Brad, Jordan, and myself decided to go on a run around Piedmont Park yesterday and it ended up being around, or close to, three miles with about 75% of it being a full run/sprint. Afterwards, we hit the gym and worked out for another hour. Good news, yes there is good news, because I was able to keep up my healthy eating habits over the past three weeks, I haven't lost any weight! Yay! So, as of right now, I stand at 140ish lbs, body sore, and plan on putting on five more lbs by the time I hit my fist beach trip in early May. I know that my original goal was 150 lbs by that time, but shit happens and I got sick. The main lesson in this post is... *drum roll*... Shit happens and adjusting your goals is okay. Okay? You mean, because some random life event that I have no control over changes some course of my plans I can change my goals? Um, yes. Live life to the fullest, but don't let yourself be chained down.

Side note: Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

Big Pains, Smaller Gains

So, like I mentioned last Monday, I figured my weight would plateau at 140 for a little before I gained some more. All though, I was sick for a day this past week, which screwed me over just a little. Hopefully next week can be a little better! Also, I am training, slowly, for a 5k. Just wanted to let my faithful followers, *cough* *cough* (you can follow me by clicking the follow button on the side of the blog!), know that my 2 mile time was a solid 16:40. Granted, this is far off from when I did cross country and could run 5 miles in 30 minutes, but like I have mentioned before, everyone has to start somewhere!

Weight: 140.2 lbs

And for all you who are into social media feel free to follow me on Instagram/Twitter: @JTyAutry or look for #IWillEatMyCookie.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.

 ~Helen Keller~

TGIF: Last Longer... In The Gym

That time of week again! So, first off I want to say sorry to everyone for not posting anything yesterday, but I was fighting being sick and writing in my blog was the last thing on my mind. Hopefully, you guys understand. Also, if you ever do start feeling sick, do NOT go to the gym. Your body needs rest and you can make up for it later. Remember, we are trying to change our habits, not be chained by them.

Okay! Time for the Thank God It's Friday Tip!

Caffeine. Most of us have it in some form of fashion. Best thing you can do is have something with caffeine in it two hours before a work out. Why? Because a recent study showed (If I had the link still I would post it) that you are able to, on average, last 9% longer. Apparently, the caffeine helps stimulate your muscles. Best option is to have tea with caffeine or a cup of coffee. Try to stay away from sodas as much as possible!

Kind of a strange picture, but it delivers a good message

Challenge Your Limits

The hardest thing I struggle with is pushing myself beyond what I think I can do. Key word here, think. What I think I can do... Somewhere in the back of my head the thought always comes a thought to just roll over and say I did enough and no one could blame me from giving up and stopping. I don't need to run that last half mile, do one more set of weights, keep up with my eating habits.

The other day I came across this quote which describes perfectly how us humans do things. I will explain more of how to over come this thought of stopping where you are and not pushing your limits.

"It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them." ~Alfred Adler~

This struck a very deep cord with me and got me thinking if this statement was true or not.. I believe we all know that this very fact is actually true. We find it easy to talk up a big talk and find it harder to live up to what we say. How do combat this? First, find people to workout with, run with, eat healthier with, etc. Ever since I have started working out with Brad and Jordan, I have pushed myself harder because they help me stay energized during my workouts. Then there is Jeremy, keep a look out for his name later on, a health nut and yoga fanatic, he is helping me see that I can always eat the way I need to. So, summing up the first fact, accountability is a very powerful tool. USE IT! Secondly, look inside you and figure out why you are doing what you are doing. For me, I have always wanted to step away from the comment, "Aw, you are so tiny." Every time I think about stopping and "resting" I remind myself of what I am fighting for. We all can fight together to make us better people. Feel free to share why you are doing what you are doing!

Progress Report!

Hey everyone! So, Mondays I have decided to be progress report days since I do my most intense work out with my awesome friends, Brad and Jordan, who you will probably hear more about later. Now, drum roll as I announce my weight and post a progress picture.

Weight: 140 lbs

There you have it folks! Progress has been made! I have a feeling that since I have had rapid growth I will be slowing down for the next few weeks, but we will see. In the future I plan to have my awesome roommate, Savannah, take a more professional picture. Brad, Jordan, and myself just did an extreme workout with legs as the main focus, so I am going to be lazy tonight and not worry about any of that.

Remember, to always drink plenty of water during your workout and have protein after your workout!

"To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." ~Buddha~

Scheduling Productivity

Like many people now'n'days, I have very little free time it appears. Busy hanging out with friends, busy getting ready for a dinner party, busy with homework/project that is due soon, busy working, busy cleaning, busy busy busy. The most effective tool against saying, "I'm too busy to workout!", "I have no time today", or "Tomorrow is better than today" is schedule when you plan to hit the gym. Carve out a simple one hour block to take the time to get into shape. Three to five days a week. A maximum of five hours out of 168 hours in a week. People, that isn't a lot of time taken up in the gym.

Now, you should have added this workout block to your Google calendar, day keeper, or some other method of keeping your life together. What is the best way to stick to this? What if a best friend asks you to dinner? Easy, tell them you have to workout before hand and want to meet up afterwards. The key to building a healthy habit of going to the gym regularly is to not make excuses. No. Excuses. You have an appointment with that run or with those sexy weights. Remember, there is always next week to do what you want to do. Taking time for yourself is a healthy and safe way to give you time to refocus on what is ahead of you.