For the last few years, I’ve been in a bit of a rut. Or maybe it’s more of a repetitive pattern. Build my mileage, run a series of half marathons or a marathon, drop my mileage for a while. Repeat over and over. This has worked really well to get in new states and a few series, but the results haven’t been great for my overall fitness. Sure, I can run long and slow for a really long time, but I have zero upper body strength and I’ve become “chubby fit”.
This summer I had a really awful stomach bug with symptoms that lasted for nearly a month. The only good thing about that was that I dropped 5 pounds. (Not a weight loss method I’d recommend.) I feel much more comfortable in my clothes now, but not necessarily comfortable in my skin. I also am finding that as I approach 50 (a few years from now), my body does not have the resilience it once had. I’ve been lucky enough to avoid real injury, thanks to listening to what my body says (plus regular massages LOL), but I feel like I’m often at the precipice. Add in the weird little health issues I’ve had this fall and I knew I needed to make a change.
So, I decided to try something different. And since the topic for today’s Tuesdays on the Run is “trying something new”, this is the perfect time to talk about it.
Just last week, I signed up for a program called “Faster Way to Fat Loss” with Amanda Tress. (If you click this link and purchase, I will receive a commission.)
It’s a program that incorporates lifting heavy, HIIT cardio, carb cycling, and intermittent fasting. I’ve used all of these things at different times in the past with some success, but never seemed to be able to put all the pieces together at the same time. Amanda’s program came highly recommended to me by a coupe of IRL friends and I’m between races right now, so it seemed like a good time to try it.
We did this in one of the workouts this week and it’s a lot harder than it looks…
My verdict so far? It makes sense and it’s working really well for me. I’m only a week in, but I’ve already seen some small changes in my body. More importantly, I’m paying more attention to what I’m eating and making smart choices. And yes, I can have the occasional beer with it (I could never do a program where I give up beer completely for long periods of time LOL.) Even better, I’ve managed to still keep running and am 19 days into the Runner’s World Run Streak without having to compromise much. I even managed to run a 15K race + 5 miles home from the race this weekend.
Nevermind that I was so cold I ran the whole race in my throwaway shirt…
In the end, this is really about running. I want to be running when I’m in my 70s and 80s (heck, I’d love to still be doing races in my 90s). I need to take better care of my body and find a better balance. I haven’t been able to manage it on my own and I’ve learned that I don’t love going to classes or working with a trainer. This program is giving me the guidelines I need to do things on my own terms when I have the time in my own home and right now that’s gold to me.
What new thing have you tried lately? Got any exciting new plans for the new year? Nosy me wants to know!
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I d heard about intermittent fasting but never really look into it. May have to do that. Sounds like it really is working for you. ?
I’ve been using it for a while and really like how I feel when I’m doing it. This program has helped me figure out how to eat better in addition to the fasting. So far it’s a great program for me.
I’ve actually seen that Amanda Tress on social media before. What does her program consist of and how long is it? I assume there is a cost associated with this, yes? Glad this is working for you so far.
Thanks for the link up.
Sounds like a great program for you! I have read about other bloggers using this and really liking it. I follow Amanda on instagram and it seems like she would be great to work with. I hope you enjoy the program and have a lot of success with it!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…Goals for 2018
I love tbat you kept that shirt on for that race! Very stylish…and do i spy some skirt love? Good luck with the program! It sounds like it is working out for you.
You don’t look chubby fit to me, but I totally get wanting to feel good in your body & it definitely gets harder the older you get. Weight Watchers + Danette May works for me. And if I had the $$ for it, I’d totally have a trainer!
I did do new stuff this year. First trail half (then another trail race); first race at elevation. I’m planning something new for 2018, too, if the race ever updates its website; but there’s something else new I’m already signed up for. Deets later. 🙂
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Last Run Albany Race Recap 12/9/17
I loved my 40’s but I have to say 50’s are not for the faint of heart. Good for you for switching it up. Glad the program is working for you so far!
Marcia recently posted…New Products, Places and Experiences of 2017
Before RA forced me to REALLY shake up how I train, I turned 50. And like you, things were changing. That’s when I started working with my CrossFit coach and added more strength training to my regimen. We “older” runners can’t train (or eat) like we did in our 30s. Sadly. I’m glad you found something that’s working for you!
Love this week’s theme! And, I haven’t seen Amanda’s name in awhile, sounds like a fun program. I took an Instagram class with her last year.
I tried something new last week–running in the dark on the trails in the snow!
Wendy recently posted…Dashing through the Snow
I couldn’t do a program that made me give up things I like too. I want to enjoy what I’m doing, and I’ll stick with it if I am.
This sounds like a good program!! I think it’s interesting how programs pop up right when you seem to need them. I’m doing the Runner’s Fit and Fueled course and man, that could NOT have come at a better time! Good luck with this! 🙂 And your race wear is stylin’. lol
Jennifer @ Fit Nana recently posted…OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW!
Really curious to see how the new program works for you!
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner recently posted…Spaghetti Squash Quinoa Latkes
One of my running clients does FWTFL with Amanda Tress and loves it. It has worked very well for her fitness and work well with her running too. Thanks for the linkup!
HoHo Runs recently posted…A New Adventure
I’ve heard good things about Amanda’s program – glad it’s working for you so far!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Weekly Wrap – Catching my breath
Faster Way to Fat Loss sounds like a great program. HIIT workouts are so challenging! I definitely need to spend more time making healthy meals and stop making excuses that I’m too busy!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…My Year of Running – 2017
This program sounds intriguing! Sounds like it’s a great fit for you. I love the pic of you and the throwaway shirt that didn’t get tossed 😉
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…20 Days of Awesome
Running itself has been the new thing for me this year. But I can really relate to what you are saying – so for the new year I think I need to add a lot more stuff – for starters, much better eating and also strength training. When I was at uni (some 12 years ago now) I didn’t run but I did really well with classes. So I think I will incorporate much more of that. The gym I have joined has a kids club so I really have no excuse.
Shathiso recently posted…The Soweto Race 10k, Race Recap, #14/17
I’ve never tried intermittent fasting but I’ve heard so many things about it! I’m glad you are trying for balance.
Becca | Rabbit Food Runner recently posted…Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Naturally Sweetened, Gluten Free
I’ve heard great things about this program and know a few people who have had really good results. I could so easily be a gym rat, actually I have been a gym rat off and on, and I love classes. I’ve found that when I’m training for a race, the gym is the first thing to go and naturally I start eating more due to those dang rungries! I am looking forward to getting this marathon behind me so I can get back into my strength training and healthier eating again.
You’re smart to get ahead of the 50s weight issues because I have found it so much more difficult to to keep the ‘fluff’ at bay now that I’m 50! Best of luck!
Teresa recently posted…Marathon Training Week 14: The Nitty Gritty
I am very interested in this program. I have been researching it for a while and testing out some things. I have looked over the guidelines and yet I am wondering…..How do you fast and fuel after running? I tried running fasted today and that was no problem. However, I am hungry now and if I follow the 16 hour fasting rule I cannot eat until around noon. That goes against everything I’ve read about fueling within 30 min of a run. Can you give any advice on this.