This week has been odd so far. After the 16 miles of intense racing on Saturday, I did 2.5 on Sunday- hit a new record of weekly mileage for me: 40.5 miles! Then I saw pretty tired Monday, so I took it off, planning to workout Tuesday morning as I had a BBQ to go to after work. Well, as usual, I didn’t go to the gym in the morning as told myself I was going to go in the evening instead of the bbq with all the coworkers in my program. My eating disorder really got the best of me, and I developed some long story of why I couldn’t go. By the end of the day though, I felt so bad about it, I decided I would skip the workout and go to the bbq, but honestly, I was having a very very hard time with this, and to be honest was freaking out pretty bad…I guess I still have those days sometimes… Luckily, my roommate was just going to do a quick run before the bbq, so I ended up riding over to the gym with him and banging out over 5.5 miles in 36 minutes–about 6:30 pace and it felt great. This gave me just what I needed to take off the edge and let me enjoy myself!
Yesterday I met up with another buddy for a ride and run–and it is hot here right now! We did 37 on the bike and then went right into a 10.5 mile run. It was good- rode through the farms then rode to the beach. Run pace finished at 7:03/mile, ahh! My goal is always at least sub 7, but for that distance, and after a ride, I’ll take it ha. The plan was then to swim (forcing myself to do this more) but the closed the INDOOR pool because of lightning?? Bummer.
So then today, I was dead tired, from going to bed late more than anything else. I was actually in the gym when I said, no, I’m going home. But it didn’t feel right, and like Tuesday I started having a real tough time. I took a nap, no planning to workout at all, but I woke up and was like, “screw it, lets go!” So I flew over to the gym and did 6.5 miles in 43 minutes and then 20 minutes on an elliptical like machine. I feel much better now!
I guess I still have stronger and weaker days in this life-long challenge over my eating disorder. But writing and talking about helps, and I hope anyone else who battles it will show the strength to do what’s right. That’s a mantra I carry with me: “What’s right?”, for my body, my mind, my relationships, and for my definition as a person.
Anyway! I had been planning this meal for a while and finally made it last night: Meatloaf tacos! I chopped up one of my meatloaf patties that I made the other night and ate them in tortillas! I had black bean salsa-dip, tomatoes, and some A1 sauce to really mix things up:
Dos Tacos
Meat loaf tacos!
Probably would have been better with less A1, but still good! Here is a good sandwich I had at lunch too: whole wheat bread, grilled chicken, and awesome tomato slices
Good lunch
Well thanks for listening to me during this post, it helps.
Now you talk to you me:
- Do you know the importance of eating within 0-30 minutes after your workout if you want to improve?
- What’s your favorite post-workout snack or meal?
- What topics would you like me to address on this blog? Or what questions about fitness, exercise, or nutrition would you like me to answer?
Hope everyone has an awesome Friday!
I always eat whithin 30 minutes of working out. That is my breakfast
Hey Chuck! I’m so proud of you for writing about and reflecting on the struggles you still have at times with your eating disorder. Believe it or not, even though I’m totally recovered and even a little overweight now, I STILL have those similar thoughts creep into my head – unfortunately I don’t think they ever totally go away. Sometimes when I plan on working out but a friend calls up and wants to go to a movie, my automatic reaction is to lie and make excuses, but the difference now is that I quickly shove those feelings away and refuse to let them take over my life again. Life is just way too short to let anything have control over you.
Those tacos look sooooooo good!! So does that sandwich, yum!!
Feel free to let it out! I’ve never had an eating disorder but I get a bit of anxiety when eating at social events or restaurants because I can’t have whats planned. But I’m trying to get over that! We’ll work on it together
And I do know the importance of eating PWO! I try to eat as soon as I can!
And favorite post workout meal is a protein shake, and oatmeal!
I don’t go to the gym or do workouts of the same sort as you but whenever i do go for a walk (i know it’s not quite the same, haha) i always crave toast when i get in! a banana toastie is quite often on the menu for me! it’s espescially delicious when you drizzle a little maple syrup over it!
sorry to hear you are having a tough time with the silly voice in your head. keep smiling and never let it win xx
I DO know the importance of refueling, and I totally didnt do it for most of my life (thanks to my hand dandy eating disorder!). Now if I dont eat after a workout, I’m a bitch on wheels.
I like Applegate farms turkey hotdogs on sprouted wheat buns topped with crunchy cabbage and grainy mustard. Yea, I like hotdogs and its my healthier version with plenty of protein and carbs for refueling!
It’s really great that you’re acknowledging your ED thoughts- it’s the first step to overcoming them! I still have trouble taking rest days and going to social events instead of exercising, but it does get easier if you work on it.
Favorite pre-workout meal is cereal. I eat it every morning for breakfast, and then exercise a few hours later!
Thanks for your email; a response will come soon! It’s definitely not being ignored. I hate eating in that 30 min window but it really makes a difference in the next workout (you can feel it when you start up). I try to get some banana and milk (carb+protein) possibly some almonds or something too in