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  1. Week 59

    Jul 13, 2009

    Miss me? I've missed you. Really there is little excuse for being gone so long. Hopefully some have been getting my updates via Twitter or Facebook. To those who have continued to offer their support through those avenues, thank you!

    There have been some major milestones accomplished in the last two months. I may have mentioned that I was planning on doing a half-marathon in the Fall. Approximately two months ago I realized that with the mileage I was doing I was essentially already in half-marathon training. With that in mind I pushed up the date and chose the Friends of the Kennebec River Rail Trail Half-Marathon on June 27th. I adopted a structured plan by Hal Higdon that was available on Buckeye Outdoors. Unfortunately I over-trained and ended up with runner's knee. I recognized the signs though, and took the proper therapeutic measures to be able to run the race comfortably finishing in 2:04:18. Right on the mark for the 9:29 pace I trained for.

    In an effort to bounce back from that injury I've taken it quite easy on myself in the weeks following the race. The injury was caused by an imbalance of muscle development, leaving certain muscle groups in my legs under-developed. The solution lies in cross-training. Something I've woefully ignored for a long time, opting instead to only run and strengthen my aerobic conditioning. I've recently started cycling. A too good to miss type opportunity just kind of dropped in my lap so I find myself with a well maintained 2006 Masi Vincere at a steal. All the gear talk and cycle culture is a little intimidating but I felt that way about running too when I started so I guess I'll get acclimated eventually.

    Likely the most impactful change I've decided to make is that I've decided to no longer consume any animal meat or by-products. While the decision is primarily based on the positive effects on health through consumption of a plant based diet, many other issues have presented themselves. I'm not going to get preachy but feel it's important to let you my friends know that I feel as though I've awakened. My body is operating cleaner and I feel worlds better. Thanks so much to Megan aka veganrunningmom for offering her help in making the right decision. Check out her podcast here.

    One more thing. I'll be sitting at the Runners Round Table for the second time tomorrow, July 14th at 4 PM EST, while we discuss weight loss. It would seem that Toni thinks I have some type of insight to offer on the subject so I'll be more than happy to offer up what I've learned in the last year. Thanks everyone for hanging in there so long. Look forward again to weekly updates on my weight and fitness.

    Starting Weight : 315 lbs. Last week : 206.6 lbs. This week : 205 lbs. Since previous weigh in : -1.6 lbs. Total weight loss : 110 lbs

  2. 3 comments:

    1. Thanks for the update! I've been wondering. Take it easy on your knee, you don't want permanent injury.

    2. Ron said...

      Jereme,
      sorry bout the knee. I try to check in on you every now and then and see how you are progressing. i miss the the updates but am glad you are still on track. Congrats on that half marathon, that is a really good time for your first one!

    3. Laloofah said...

      Hi, Jereme!

      You don't know me, but I followed your comment on Mitten Machen to your blog, and just wanted to send you major kudos on your transition to the vegan lifestyle! I think you'll find it immensely rewarding. I (along with my husband) have been vegan for over nine years, and our only regret is that we didn't awaken to it sooner. Some other things we have in common ~ I used to live in southern Maine too (Kennebunk), and we are also homebrewers (well, my husband does the brewing, I do the Quality Assurance Testing, lol), and hikers. What I'm NOT is a runner. I doubt I'd run if I were being chased by something really hideous. :-) But I thought you might find these web sites helpful and/ or inspiring as a runner and new vegan, if you don't already know about them...

      a href="http://www.veganathlete.com/

      http://www.BrendanBrazier.com/

      http://www.precisionnutrition.com/

      http://drmcdougall.com/stars/star07_ruth-heidrich.html

      (You can use the "jump to story" feature to read about other "Star McDougallers," including at least one marathon runner - we've been "McDougalling" for 2 years, though we make an exception with the occasional homebrew and organic, vegan wine!) :-)

      And I always recommend Compassionate Cooks (http://www.compassionatecooks.com) to people... her podcasts are wonderful.

      Anyway, it's nice to (virtually) meet you, and I wish you all the best! Hope your knee's much better!

      PS I just placed an order with LL Bean this morning! :-)