I didn't intend to take such a long break from here, but I'll try to get caught up. Feeling back to normal for a few weeks now, just a bit heavier. After finishing up month 4 at around 209 (avg), I gained steadily for the next 4 weeks. I thought I had stabilized around 215, but wait for an update in a week or so. I have gotten into the habit of reaching for the snacks after work, and eating a bit heavy at lunch. Couple that with less cardio volume and its no surprise the scale is starting to groan.
I need to get back on the bike, but haven't yet. What I am doing is running and lifting. So, looking for a weight training "plan", I bought the ebook, "5/3/1" from EliteFTS and am following that to the letter at least for now. Hoping to strengthen the core and legs, and deflab the chest between now and spring. I'm running (now) 4 days a week and boosting the mileage slowly and incorporating some "speed" work. Although I originally planned to do 2 to 3 days a week on the bike concurrently, that part hasn't come together yet.
I'd like to run a few 5k events next year, particularly some off road events and maybe a 15k. I may go as far as to plan for the Hudson River Half Marathon in October, although I'd have to feel really good about the distance and time to make that commitment.
I don't expect that the distance/speed measurement capabilities of the treadmills I've been using are terribly accurate, but going by them, I have a 5k time around 35 minutes at a pace of ~11:20. I'd like to finish a road race under 30 minutes. Longer term I'd like to get my 5k pace down around 9 min/mile. I guess what I'd like even more is to not have my feet and joints break down under the strain ; ).
