Pound-ing the Pavement

Courtesy Dr.DeNo/Flickr.com 

Another thing I was up to while I was on my blogging hiatus was losing some weight. As of this writing I’m down 35 pounds since March, largely through clean eating (giving up white sugar, white flour, and processed foods) inspired by some stomach problems I’ve had for years.

While this has been delightful in a downsized clothing sense—I slipped (if “slipped” can include jumping up and down a few times in the dressing room while people outside wondered if I was mental) into a pair of size 6 jeans this week after wearing 14s for the past few years—it has had a noticeable impact on my running.

Over the years I’ve read several different numbers regarding the effect of extra weight on running, from 6 pounds extra impact on your feet for every one extra pound you carry at the high end to simply double your total body weight every time your foot strikes the ground.

By whatever measure, I’ve significantly lightened my load and it’s showing in increased energy, fewer bad runs, and a completely foreign to me impulse to speed up. (Never fear, speeding up for me means running an 11- to 12-minute mile—I’m still contentedly in the ranks of the slow folks.) I’ve even stopped bailing on runs for the most part, much to the chagrin of my running compadres.

I never really time myself so I have no idea how fast or slow I’m running these days, but I feel great and look forward to the next run, and that’s all that matters.

Comments

[sue]

WOW! Lisa, that is fabulous! I don't see you as frequently, but that is a major accomplishment. You've inspired me—no to run, of course, but watch my diet. Good for you! XOXOX

[Clynton Taylor]

That's terrific! Way to go!