Miles run by our community: 23,794

The Rookie Runner

Greetings!

I'm new here and I'm excited to share my story! This won't be just another story of a beginner runner because in reality I'm not a beginner. My body knows running well. In fact, I've been running since I was in elementary school and I started to play my favorite sport: soccer. In high school I played soccer for my sophomore, junior and senior year. I also played tennis. After high school, I joined indoor and outdoor soccer teams (while in college) in the city both in the summer and winter.

I have now graduated college and I'll be 23 soon. I continue to join teams periodically to keep on with the cardio. But I'm not lean, I don't loose weight, I'm not on a strict diet and I suck at eating healthy. So in this aspect of my health, I AM A ROOKIE. I've never been able to keep a diet or keep a strict exercising schedule. I usually quit. I give up. I lose myself. I get no where.

I always have a great start and by week 2, you see me eating a double cheeseburger, fries and a coke. I've found several things to blame my procrastination. One: my nationality. My parents are mexican which means lots of meat, tortillas and well, just a lot of meat. The food my family cooks is unhealthy. But one healthy choice my mother is practicing is changing the oil she cooks with, from corn oil to olive oil. Kudos to her but she still uses a lot of salt in her food and we need tortillas with every dinner meal. No good.

I've struggled with my weight since forever! I also blame genetics. Oy! I blame my boyfriend too. He eats whatever he wants and when I tell him I'm on a diet he expresses no support. Especially, when we go grocery shopping together. He'll say, "Alright, well, while you grab your cottage cheese I'm going to go get my chocolate cookies." :(

I feel like I've encountered an epiphany in my life. My goal in life is to be a reporter and anchor on TV and with that, looks are EVERYTHING! I feel that if I dont get hired soon, I will blame my physical appearance. So I MUST change the way I look because in all honesty my future and economic status depends on it. I also would like to LOVE my body. Something I have NEVER felt. I want to feel good about myself. Through out my posts I will post what I learn on weight loss and dieting. I'm getting serious about this and I've set my goal. 150lbs (if not less.) Don't know by when but I'm going to do it. I'm at 187lbs right now. I'm 5'5. Next time I weigh myself will be in 9 weeks, when I finally get my braces taken off. Then after that, my next weigh-in is May 27 when I plan on getting married. Wish me luck (for the weight loss, that is.) I also want to run in a marathon. My expectations are high. They've always been in all other aspects of my life, why not this one too!

Oh, and one more thing. To anyone who can offer some tips, I will definitely take them!

Reporting to you live from the windy city, This is Alex. :)

Currently 5.0/5 Stars.

Tags: training, women's running, motivation, weight loss, nutrition, marathon

Posted by: Alexquita on Jan 12, 2011 | Comments: 3 | Visits: 613 | Posted in: Spirit

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Thanks Joyce! I actually convinced my boyfriend to start a diet with me and he's agreed to help me with my exercises! He was a 2003 GRECO Roman Illinois State Champ for wrestling so he lifted weights and had to put up with some very strict diets. So I told him it's time he jumps on the bandwagon with me! I hope he fully commits! And Beth I'm definitely going to start jotting down everything I do, "Runner's World Training Journal" by Amby Burfoot. And I really like it! And I do get nervous in front of the camera! But its my passion and I love it! :)

Posted by: Alexquita on Jan 13, 2011 at 10:38 AM

Yay! I'm so glad you're here with us! Alex you are awesome in front of the camera girrl! Joyce has some great advice (below). Keeping a running journal is a really good idea - whether here online at Traxee, one of the other sites like Daily Mile - or just a simple calendar. One of the traps that new runners get into is using their increased activity to eat more - or to eat anything they want. Don't fall into that trap. As a runner, you can pretty much eat anything you want, but remember that while all the cheeseburgers and sweets might be rewarding in the moment, what your athlete's body really needs is fuel to run. I find the minimizing sweets (I still eat them) and cutting portions helps keep my weight under control at 51. And yeah, you're right - the meat thing (because of the fat content) is something to minimize if you can. One thing that is interesting is that it has been shown that runners who stop and start tend to gain more weight during the "stops" and have a harder time losing that weight during the "starts." Try to maintain a regular running/walking schedule - even if you can only fit in 15 minutes a day at first. This will help you achieve your weight loss goals. The talent thing you've got down! ;-) Do you ever get nervous in front of the camera?

Posted by: bmoore on Jan 12, 2011 at 07:41 PM

Welcome, Alex! I hope that you can gain your fiance's support. It really is motivating to have your partner with you as you work to achieve goals. I am almost 44 and my husband is 60. Two years ago we were both out of shape. I am naturally petite, but had gained about ten unwanted pounds; his gain was more substantial. We began to run and become more active, and we began to eat somewhat healthier. I, too, love a good cheeseburger, and sweets always call my name. I struggle with eating healthy; I simple do not like vegetables. I have tried to watch fats and to watch my portions. I still have a long way to go, but feel better about my diet. At this point in my life, I don't think the vegetables will ever be something I enjoy eating - I can't even tolerate many of them! I have found that with running I can still enjoy some of my favorite treats and not gain weight, but I cannot slack off on the running. Writing down what I eat really helps me monitor my intake. It isn't always pretty, but it makes me more aware. Good luck to you!! Write down your goals, keep a daily journal of your exercise and what you eat. By seeing your mileage increase, you will be motivated to keep moving. It has to become a priority. Sometimes it will be hard to get out there, but you will never regret it!

Posted by: jstath on Jan 12, 2011 at 06:51 PM