Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Burning calories and loving it...

My week started out pretty good. I'm maintaining in my weight, but at least I'm not gaining. I haven't "indulged" this week. No french fries to trip me up. Haven't really wanted to indulge so far.

I've run every day.The route I've been taking is only 2.5 miles. But it's a good run each night.

Last night I pushed it a little harder than usual and kept my heart rate up in the mid to upper 160s for pretty much the whole run. I felt good and strong. I'm trying to work on my form a little too. And I'm doing interval--pushing hard then backing off and then running at my usual pace back and forth to try and build up my speed. I'm not pushing it, though. My speed will come eventually. No rush.

I burned almost 700 calories. Not bad! I know some say that you're only supposed to burn 100 calories per mile, but I'm thinking that might be fore people who are already in shape. I've got an extra 40 pounds on my bones and running for me is quite taxing. I run at a snails pace and it wears me out.

I have my HR monitor customized to my age and weight and I customized my heart rate zones accordingly. So I know the calorie burns are correct. I've got a great HR monitor, too. Made by Timex.

I remember when I used to walk 3 miles, I would only burn 300-350 calories. That was about a year ago. So for me to burn 600-700 when I run for an hour seems about right. I remember my mom would burn something like 2,500 calories when we'd just be walking in the woods. So I guess we're all different.

I walked with David tonight. Great conversation. I love doing this together with him.

On a slightly different subject, what's your favorite breakfast?

Mine is oatmeal soaked in almond milk. What I do is pour about 3/4 cup of quick oats in my cereal bowl then I pour over that about 3/4 cup of almond milk (or soy milk, depending on what I've got) and let it set for about 15 minutes (the longer it sets the softer the oats get). Then yummy, yummy. I think what makes it is the almond milk, though. Because its so sweet. And it's only 4 points.

So tell me, what's your favorite breakfast?

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13 comments:

Losinthisdangfat said...

I have been interested in getting a heart rate monitor. Do you find that since you've been using it that you are more able to lose weight since you can keep your heart in the proper zone? Leave me a coment on my blog please. I'm interested in what you think. Thanks!
Have a great day!
Oh yeah, good job on your run! You're doing awesome!

jinxxxygirl said...

Cara I just don't see how you could be burning that many calories. I hate to see that misconception derail your effforts when you calculate your calorie deficit for the day. You can check out Runners World .com. They have great info. Granted being over weight you may burn slightly more than 100 cal per mile but not much over. I dont know what to tell you about the monitor. You burn a little over 100 per mile whether you walk it or run it. Just a good rule of thumb.
Glad you've settled into a nice routine. I hope i don't ruffle your feathers by disagreeing with you. Maybe you could do some research and see. Either way what you are doing is wonderful. Keep putting one foot in front of the other! Jinx!

Dr Wednesday said...

Thanks for that answer. I've been wondering if I could benefit from a HR monitor- I think it's time I find out. I'm also going to make an appointment with the exercise physiologist and maybe she can let me know how out of shape I am. Is it okay to hope it's very- so as to burn more calories?? Haha.

You sure are doing great.

Kelly the Happy Texan said...

My favorite breakfast? I love egg, cheese, and bacon on a light English muffin. but I have this new thing going with Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal. It's a lot like Cap'n Crunch. mmmm.....

Great blog. I've signed up for the 5k challenge. :)

Emmett said...

2.5 miles is a good distance, it doesn't take too long and you get a good workout in. I think a HR monitor is good.

Anonymous said...

My favorite breakast is 2 eggs, frozed veggies, tamarack and pepper on top.
Never tried oatmeal with almond milk I will have to look for almond milk.

Dutch said...

I would have to say oatmeal with light soy milk, either 2 tbl. of flax seed or wheat germ and blueberries. It is so filling. You are doing great with the running. I know one day I will be running also. Have a terrific Thursday.

Trish said...

First I want to tell you that I think you are doing fantastic...Iam in awe.

Next my fav breakfast is oatmeal too, but I make mine with water and add peanut butter, ground flax a little stevia liquid and chopped pecans. MMMMM good!

Anonymous said...

Im protein pancakes for breakfast.

LOVELOVELOVELOVE

~closed~ said...

Cara - I'm in awe of you too. Great job. I love my HRM. My favorite breakfast is eggs, bacon, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, biscuits and a side of pancakes. Of course, that's why I WEIGH so much. That's my favorite breakfast, but I usually eat oatmeal, high fiber cereal or scrambled egg beaters.

Sharon said...

My favorite breakfast is 1 egg + 2 egg whites either scrambled or "fried" only with Pam - no oil. 1/2 cup blueberries with 1/2 cup FF vanilla yogurt. I put this wonder pepper sauce from St. Augustine Florida on my eggs - you may have heard of it. 8 calories per tsp. I use 2 tsp. This with the skim milk I use in my coffee I end up at 300 calories.

Keep running! Intervals are a great way to increase your lung capacity. I used to use the light pole to light pole as my interval then 3 or 4 light poles at lower pace.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you're doing great with exercise, but your calorie burns also seem high to me. I've heard those calorie monitors are notoriously off. Especially your mom burning 2500 for a walk in the woods. I may have burned 2000 with my "walk in the woods" last week, but that was an 8 mile, outrageously steep walk, including lots of steps, rocks, roots, etc. It took me almost 6 hours, much slower than I usually do, due to elevation change (2100 feet, half in the first mile, then rolling hills).

On a different note, I like these mini whole wheat bagels with a light cream cheese/wild smoked salmon/green onion schmear that I make myself, with microgreens on top, and a kiwi or orange (or whatever random fruit's in season). My most eaten breakfast is cardboard-like cereal with light chocolate soymilk, which I don't care for, but it's easy and filling

Journo June aka MamaBear said...

Since starting the Flat Belly Diet, my favorite breakfast is a Cherry-Chocolate Waffle. Sooooo yummy and not what you'd expect to eat when you are "dieting." ;-)
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