Running | From Bulk To Hulk

Training Plan – Rebel Challenge 2017

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Chris

In January I’ll be taking on the runDisney Star Wars Rebel Challenge. That’s a 10k and 13.1 all in one weekend. Finishers of both get an extra piece of bling. runDisney bling doesn’t disappoint. I figure as long as I train for the longer of the two I’ll be okay.

My training plan comes from womensrunning.com. Here’s the link to the original article: http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/09/training-tips/couch-to-half-marathon-training-plan_15065. I’m not a woman, but I’m pretty sure this plan will work for me just fine. For a little brevity I’ve recreated the plan in a table.

My running partner and I had a good laugh at the idea of a 11 mile easy run. Plan starts October 10th. Until then I’m just working on getting back in the habit of running before sunrise. May the force be with me.

I’m Back! (At the Beginning)

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Chris

I’ve started running again and decided to resurrect my blog. First thing I noticed after cracking open WordPress was that I haven’t posted since September of last year. The whole point of this blog was to document the road to the Avengers 5k at Disneyland, but I stopped blogging months before.

So, I guess some questions a person may have are:

1) Did I get to the Avengers 5k?
I did! And I had an amazing time. My running partner Melissa and I competed the run in about 45 minutes. There’s so many things to experience in a runDisney race and so many runners that it took a bit longer than usual to finish the thing.

2) Why am I starting over?
This one is easy; I just quit. There’s more to than that and I learned a lot about my body, short days, and the cold, but at the end of the day I just stopped running. Also, my wife and I kind of had a baby, too. After five months off though I’m back at it!

3) What’s my next goal?
The runDisney Rebel Challenge January 2017. That’s a 10k followed by a half marathon in one weekend. Two races, but you get three medals.

I plan on writing more detailed posts about what winter has taught me, my new training plan and the Avengers 5k (what I can remember at least).

Man, I’m so happy to be back!

New PR! (AKA First PR) MY First 5K

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Chris

Six months ago I started training for the runDisney Avengers 5K in November. I decided I needed a race midway to a) learn how a race worked and b) measure my progress. That first race ended up being the Color the Skies 5k in Ripon California this last Saturday.
Read More

Challenge #1 / 10 Miles In 5 Days

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Chris

I really feel like I’ve been half-assing it on the running front. My progress has been positive, but I really don’t feel like I’ve been pushing myself hard enough.

To change that I’m setting, what would be for me, a ridiculous mileage goal.

10 miles total by 11:59 PM Saturday.

Not sure if I’m gonna run 2 miles a day for 5 days straight or run a couple 3 mile days. Look for daily progress updates.

Anybody else up to the challenge?

Rejoining The Living

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Chris

It’s been a while since I last checked in. Read More

Milestone Report: Now Under 300 lbs

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Chris

It’s been two months since I started running and about eight months since I started working towards eliminating refined sugar from my diet. It’s hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been a rewarding process.

One of those rewards is being able to share that, for the first time in over a decade, I weigh under 300 lbs.

While I don’t personally see it in the mirror, I feel it in my clothes and my health. My pant size has gone from a 56 to a 48, shirt size is a 3XL from a 4XL, and my blood pressure meds have been cut in half.

I know most people end up gaining the weight back. Continuing to run is the key to me losing more weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This may be a major milestone, but I know I’m just getting started.

Left: June 2014 Right: June 2015

Supporting Chubby Knees

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Chris

Being a runner weighing over 300 lbs I’ve had to find ways to add support for my knees. I’ve tried a number of devices and thought I’d share the results.

Here’s the disclaimer; I am not a doctor, orthopedist, sports medicine specialist, wizard or sage. Consult your health care professional on this stuff.

Pro Compression Sleeve

This thing is a turd. There is no hem at the ends so the sleeve rolls down right away. Also, the one seam it does have runs right up the middle of the knee. This causes pinching when the joint is bent. I’m not even going to tell you where I bought this thing. Best avoid it.

McDavid Compression Sleeve

This thing is way better than the Pro one. Notice the seams follow the curve of the knee. No pinching with this thing. Another bonus is that it comes in a XXL. Still folds down a little when I run but is great for recovering after a run. I got this at Sports Authority for about $19.00.

KT Tape Pro

This stuff is too rad. Basically it’s adhesive and elastic strips you apply to the problem joint to build support. It’s definitely one size fits all. Here is how I use it:

An application will last me three to four days if I trim my leg hair. You can shower in it too. I’ve found it at most sporting goods and big box stores but Amazon has the best price on it.

Visit their site and you’ll find a bunch of application videos. http://kttape.com

Hopefully you find some of this useful. Questions? Leave me a comment below!

Can’t stop. Won’t stop. (Did stop)

Posted on June 20, 2015 by Chris

What a crummy run. As a man with lung disease I have trouble running when the air quality is crap. That was the case today.

As I’m running and struggling to breathe because of smoke in the air I turn a corner and literally run into three firefighters (BTW while I’m sure they were handsome dudes they looked nothing like the ones you see on calendars). Apparently a fence burnt down this morning in my hood.

Long story short after 1.69 miles I thought I just couldn’t run anymore. I only had 0.31 miles to go. After a bit of a walk I got the rest of my two miles in.

Not really stoked about today’s run, but it’s totally motivating me to do better next time.

Plateau #1 BUSTED

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Chris

After a two week plateau the scale is FINALLY moving in a positive direction. I’m now down to 303.6 lbs. That’s about 60 lbs less that my highest weight and a 27 lb loss from when I first started running.

I had noticed that my clothes were looser and my pace times were better, but it really sucks to not see improvement on the scale. There are many factors that can affect weight such as water retention, muscle growth and even waste (you know, waste). Unfortunately measuring my weight is the only metric I have for charting success.

I’m about to introduce some lifting into my workout routine and am sure that’ll impact my weight loss too. Perhaps it’s time to bust out the tailor’s tape and start taking measurements instead.