166 lbs. (moving in the right direction)
I'm a little scared, but getting excited about running my first half marathon next weekend. I've been training to run/walk in equal intervals, and have been maintaining a pace that will help me finish before my goal of 3:30. Of course, since it's my first big race, I'm not sure how I'll do given the unfamiliar course, and my own well being on the race day. 13.1 miles will be my longest distance, even in training. I plan to have my last long run tomorrow and will make it 11 miles, then I'm going to rest and only do a couple of short walks to keep moving. I admit that I'm not doing this according to a training schedule. I'm committed to changing that for future races, and will be more disciplined.
My diet has been mostly on target, with a couple of off-days. I'm happy to see my weight move down, and I'll continue to add in some low calorie meal replacements to help spur further weight loss. It would be nice to be down another pound or two before the race.
The Playlist
When I discovered the power of music on my mental focus and physical performance, it was a game-changer for me. Right from the start of my weight loss journey, I made playlists and listened to them one or more times per day as a means of staying focused on my diet/health or increasing my exercise stamina. I've written about it here and here. Making a self-reflective and encouraging playlist was probably one of my top tools on this journey. Some people may have a mantra that they repeat every day, but for me, when I hear this music in the car, or when I'm walking, I'm reminded of the day that I began my weight loss, and I focus on that mindset.
I've created playlists for my exercise as well. When I subscribed to the FitRadio app, my walking tempo increased dramatically, and then I found myself starting to jog in spots. That is when I started to love exercising. Recently I learned about the Amazon Prime Music App, which gives Prime members access to an incredible amount of free music that can be downloaded onto your phone, and does not require data to access. I found lots of "Cardio Workout" music and culled the internet for recommendations on favorite workout songs. I've found some excellent music that I never would have found otherwise. It's not all music that I listen to for pleasure, but it has 138-150 bpm, which keeps me walking or jogging 4.0-5mph, and I admit, it kind of kicks up the endorphins!
Here's the list I made for my half marathon training and race (I shuffle it). Some of the songs I have in my playlist more than once because they have such a positive effect on me, or they have the perfect tempo. I'm still adding to it!
Days Go By, The Offspring
Be Good to Yourself, Journey
New Shoes, Paolo Nutini
Gangsta's Paradise, Coolio
Give Love, MC Yogi
Cup of Life, Ricky Martin
Let's Go, Calvin Harris
Under African Skies, Paul Simon
The Obvious Child, Paul Simon
Live Your Life, T.I.
Just the Way You Are, Cardio Workout
Further to Fly, Paul Simon
Firework, Katie Perry
Just Like Heaven, The Cure
Mrs. Robinson, The Lemonheads
Stuck in a Moment, U2
Beautiful Day, U2
Veronica, Elvis Costello
Mambo No. 5, Lou Bega
The Distance, Cake
Remember the Name, Fort Minor
Shine Like a New Pin, Camera Obscura
Such Great Heights, The Postal Service
Friday I'm In Love, The Cure
Lo Boob Oscillator, Stereolab
Viva la Vida, Coldplay
Evangeline, Los Lobos
Industrial Disease, Dire Straits
If You Want Blood, AC/DC
Temptation, New Order
Get Ur Freak On, Missy Elliott
Runaway Baby, Bruno Mars
C'Mon, Tiesto & Diplo
Music, Darude
Feel the Beat, Darude
I Ran, Darude
Born at the Right Time, Paul Simon
I'm a little scared, but getting excited about running my first half marathon next weekend. I've been training to run/walk in equal intervals, and have been maintaining a pace that will help me finish before my goal of 3:30. Of course, since it's my first big race, I'm not sure how I'll do given the unfamiliar course, and my own well being on the race day. 13.1 miles will be my longest distance, even in training. I plan to have my last long run tomorrow and will make it 11 miles, then I'm going to rest and only do a couple of short walks to keep moving. I admit that I'm not doing this according to a training schedule. I'm committed to changing that for future races, and will be more disciplined.
My diet has been mostly on target, with a couple of off-days. I'm happy to see my weight move down, and I'll continue to add in some low calorie meal replacements to help spur further weight loss. It would be nice to be down another pound or two before the race.
The Playlist
When I discovered the power of music on my mental focus and physical performance, it was a game-changer for me. Right from the start of my weight loss journey, I made playlists and listened to them one or more times per day as a means of staying focused on my diet/health or increasing my exercise stamina. I've written about it here and here. Making a self-reflective and encouraging playlist was probably one of my top tools on this journey. Some people may have a mantra that they repeat every day, but for me, when I hear this music in the car, or when I'm walking, I'm reminded of the day that I began my weight loss, and I focus on that mindset.
I've created playlists for my exercise as well. When I subscribed to the FitRadio app, my walking tempo increased dramatically, and then I found myself starting to jog in spots. That is when I started to love exercising. Recently I learned about the Amazon Prime Music App, which gives Prime members access to an incredible amount of free music that can be downloaded onto your phone, and does not require data to access. I found lots of "Cardio Workout" music and culled the internet for recommendations on favorite workout songs. I've found some excellent music that I never would have found otherwise. It's not all music that I listen to for pleasure, but it has 138-150 bpm, which keeps me walking or jogging 4.0-5mph, and I admit, it kind of kicks up the endorphins!
Here's the list I made for my half marathon training and race (I shuffle it). Some of the songs I have in my playlist more than once because they have such a positive effect on me, or they have the perfect tempo. I'm still adding to it!
Days Go By, The Offspring
Be Good to Yourself, Journey
New Shoes, Paolo Nutini
Gangsta's Paradise, Coolio
Give Love, MC Yogi
Cup of Life, Ricky Martin
Let's Go, Calvin Harris
Under African Skies, Paul Simon
The Obvious Child, Paul Simon
Live Your Life, T.I.
Just the Way You Are, Cardio Workout
Further to Fly, Paul Simon
Firework, Katie Perry
Just Like Heaven, The Cure
Mrs. Robinson, The Lemonheads
Stuck in a Moment, U2
Beautiful Day, U2
Veronica, Elvis Costello
Mambo No. 5, Lou Bega
The Distance, Cake
Remember the Name, Fort Minor
Shine Like a New Pin, Camera Obscura
Such Great Heights, The Postal Service
Friday I'm In Love, The Cure
Lo Boob Oscillator, Stereolab
Viva la Vida, Coldplay
Evangeline, Los Lobos
Industrial Disease, Dire Straits
If You Want Blood, AC/DC
Temptation, New Order
Get Ur Freak On, Missy Elliott
Runaway Baby, Bruno Mars
C'Mon, Tiesto & Diplo
Music, Darude
Feel the Beat, Darude
I Ran, Darude
Born at the Right Time, Paul Simon
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