#FitIt Challenge: What Happened To My Body When I Started Running And Why I Never Want To Stop
Where I am right now
I started running on 22nd December, and within two weeks I've lost two kgs.
It appears to be a big deal to me because I have been sitting on my previous weight for the past four months. So even a change of 2 kilos is an acknowledgement of my efforts. Here's a detailed look at my daily workout.
Why losing weight is not a destination, but a journey
When I took up this challenge three weeks ago, I had no idea where it would take me. Apart from my unyielding will and perpetual determination, I had nothing to go on. However, I knew I would go ahead with this run and I did.
But three weeks into this program and I still haven't shed a single kilo. What could be the reason? I have lost, and this is how:
A) I went for runs daily, and have steadily increased the distance and speed.
With Fitbit, I've established this practice of working out in accordance with my heart rate, just so I don't exhaust myself too much. Usually, my resting heart rate shuttles between 75 - 85, but while I work out, it skyrockets to 170 - 180. But I don't go beyond this intensity and stick to, or below, this number.
B) Before eating anything, especially dessert, I've been asking myself if I really need to eat
C) Loads of water and then some more!
D) The blessing called stretching.
I stretch for better blood flow and good posture. It¡¯s easy to forget to stretch, but you'll observe a stark difference in the workout that you undertake with or without it. Also, whenever I run out of ideas, this is where I go. Fitbit¡¯s Fitstar app is a one-stop destination for all my running workouts. For example, check this image, where I hasten the game with these smart suggestions!
Stretching increases your blood flow and circulation for a healthier body and sends oxygen to your brain for a clearer mind and a sunnier mood.
The results I have achieved so far
Being reckless is the key. In the last two weeks, I can see the difference in my body, fitness levels and energy. I feel fresh throughout the day, I sleep like a baby, I am energetic, and I also see some inches lost
I am also enjoying the increase in the distance that I used to run when I started this. When we¡¯re at work, we spend a lot of time sitting; but did you know sitting was tough on your body? With this, I know for sure that whatever unreasonable fat I am gaining throughout the day, I am burning in copious amounts during my workout.
I am sure plenty of mere mortals have taken up fitness challenges at least once in their lives, but how many of them pursue it till the end? Fitness has no end - it's a continuous journey. It's in everything, from the food you eat to that mighty run!
What I've learned so far
Drawing overreaching conclusions about your plan is only going to take you back. When I kickstarted this, I assumed that I'd run every day, but that didn't happen. However, I made up for the times I missed. Believe it or not, marathons aren¡¯t just for athletes, they're for everyone. Once an amateur, I now run like a crazy woman, embracing all my shortcomings.
My strategy so far
For someone with very well-hidden low self-esteem, I could not muster the courage long enough to fight for a beautiful body. Throughout the run, I kept reminding myself of the goal that I had in mind.
A) Eat your meals early - say no to anything to eat at least an hour before sleeping.
B) Break your meals - I cut big meals out of my regime and made way for tiny meal boxes.
C) The 30:30 rule - Since sitting is the new smoking, for every 30 minutes you sit, take a 30-second walk. Within those 30 seconds, you might be able to take 100 steps, which is a good start. You can pursue this as when you get time.
In this case, having Fitbit on my wrist is the deal. As I have previously mentioned, it's not only helping me in mapping my day to day activities but is also acting as my personal trainer at all times. In fact, Fitbit nudges you to walk at least 250 steps each hour. If you haven't walked 250 steps, at 10 minutes before the hour you'll feel a vibration and see a reminder on your tracker.
So far, so good!
Most beginner marathon programs start with the assumption that you can run two to three kilometres a few times a week and that you can handle a five-km as your first long run.
If that¡¯s not where you are, you need to back up and establish a fitness ¡°base¡± to build on; moreover, build on it for at least a month.
Now that I can see the fruitful results of my hard work, I am not going to stop until I reach my goal.
