Tag: mlfitness

Metabolize Me

So 2 weeks ago I saw some facebook sponsored post about if I knew my metabolic type and my #1 metabolic killer.  Out of curiosity I clicked on it and took the online questionnaire. 

It old me my metabolic type is a “mixed burner” 

My #1 metabolic killer was that I am a “wide window eater” 

I’ve been struggling to lose weight for the past year – lots of plateaus despite working out hard and well on the regular. So I was intrigued.  

It says that my metabolic type based on the survey is that I burn both sugars and muscle. “Mixed burners are right in the middle and can be nudged toward the sugar burner side of the equation if they overindulge in carbs and fat. At the same time, they can also be pulled to the muscle burner side if they are overexposed and/or acutely reactive to stress.”

I really found the “wide window eater” metabolic killer to be interesting because I generally eat small meals between 8am-8pm. It is suggested that I eat the same amount, but in a more compressed time like 11am-7pm. 

Granted the website wanted to sell me a work out regime called Metabolic Aftershock that is more about pushing your anaerobic threshold. I’m intrigued, but also want to use the summer to triathlon train. However last week I was conscious of trying to wait until ~10:30am to eat, which so far hasn’t been bad (especially since I’m not working out in the morning). I’m going to try and spend the month “closing my eating window” and see if I get any results. Has anyone else done this?  

Tri training starts this month! 

I’m looking at a super sprint in July (VA) and a sprint in September (MD). Both pool swims. There are Duathlon and Aquabike options at the the July one… once I lock in I will let you all know. 

Still debating traveling for a Olympic distance tri in August/September – but I need to get back into the swing of swimming before I pull the trigger on open water. 

Race for Hope DC 5K

Race for Hope was my first race ever! David Cook inspired me to run. When I ran my first race in 2010 it was only my 2nd time to DC and I never though that I’d be living here just 2 years later. 

Race for Hope is 11,000 participants strong. It starts and ends at Freedom Plaza, with sweet views of the Capitol and Mall in the process. It is always a very cathartic race, it’s a Brain Cancer fundraiser that is a celebration of both life and loss. Even though I didn’t lose my dad to a brain tumor, I still feel a sense of community. Shared loss and running our hearts out is a beautiful thing. 

This race is alway the first Sunday in May. In early years I trained for this race, lately it’s been either the start of a training cycle or the end of a training cycle. Here’s a look at my time over the years, but regardless of time I push myself hard each and every year.:

  • 29:32 (2016)
  • 31:37 (2015)
  • 31:13 (2014)
  • 28:52 (2013)
  • 26:36 (2012)
  • 26:28 (2011)
  • 33:29 (2010)

On Sunday, I ran the BEA-utiful George Washington Parkway Classic 10 miler in my stompin’ grounds of Alexandria. 

I am so fortunate that the Mt Vernon Trail which runs along the GW Parkway is where I have spent hundreds and hundreds of miles over the past 4 years. I had the chance in 2012 to run on the GW Parkway for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge half, but it meant more now since I’ve really grown to know and love this area. 

I am so thrilled I had a great race. Wonderful weather, wonderful friends, a great pace, and a freakin negative split ta-boot. HOWEVER, I almost DNS the race. Last Friday was one of the most emotionally draining days I’ve had in a while and for once it wasn’t work related, it was family related. I don’t talk about it hardly ever in “public” but my mom has some severe mental health issues. Friday was a bad day, everything is “okay” now, but still it was rough and my sister was a champ at handling things in NY. 

Saturday I celebrated a dear friend’s birthday at a Nats game. It was an afternoon game so I had a few beers before and during the game, but once the game was over ~3pm, I stuck to water. However by like 7pm I had such a terrible headache/migraine (which I rarely get). T was worried about me and I was in bed and asleep by 8:30pm. 

The early bedtime helped because based off how I felt when I went to sleep I thought there was going to be no way I was going to be up for a 5:00am alarm and ready to race. I felt good in the morning, met up with friends, and shuttled to Mount Vernon where the race started. I cued up my Hamilton soundtrack and let our founding fathers sing me the 10 miles to the finish. 

PS: okay so maybe my negative split is because of my potty break at mile ~4. I had to pee and the portapotty lines were long, so I went BEHIND them. It was secluded enough and I had my rear towards the back of the portapotty. As I was pulling my pants up a lady joined me to do the same! 

PPS: despite my heel being cranky for most of April and not letting me get as many training runs in between my half and this race, I am pleased to report that my heel felt great during the race and still is feeling good! 

REGISTERED! 

If you didn’t know (and you prob don’t because I’ve long time followed her on Instagram) Andrea Barber AKA Kimmy Gibbler is a runner. She’s run a ton of half marathons and an assortment of other races. She’s turning the big 4-0 this year and is partnering with the Girls on the Run org for a virtual 4 miler.

Andrea Barber wants to celebrate her 40th Birthday with YOU!  Sign up for the Andrea Barber 4.0 Mile Birthday Virtual Run! Run, walk, or Gibbler Gallop 4 miles anytime, anywhere, on or before July 3, 2016.

The $40 entry fee gives participants of the virtual run a custom medal (which I NEED), graphic cotton t-shirt, and a personalized autographed headshot of Andrea.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/andrea-barber-40-mile-birthday-run-tickets-24938963110