Time for a Healthy Allie Update! With photos!
In the past few weeks I've been cycling to work. That's 10km (6.2mi) each way. I do it at least 3-4 times a week, weather permitting. It's been incredible - the route is just glorious, mostly bike pathways along the Rideau canal and the farm in the middle of the city (the photo above is taken right at the in-between point at the boat locks). I'm feeling great, especially in the legs!
In general I've been a ton more active. At the end of June I went backpacking in Algonquin park for three days - hiked up and down hills and rocks with a full 80L hiking pack. 20km over three days.
There were times I thought I was going to die, but oh wow was it rewarding when we reached the campsite at the end of each day.
On off days for biking, I run with Finnegan. Was able to jump into week 2 of C25K off the getgo. I'm not as consistent with the running yet as I'd like to be, though.
Finn and I go on hikes with friends too though. Great morning activity when the trails are quiet.
Amidst all of the sudden cardio, I've learned a few things:
- I need to start doing strength training, srsly. I never realized how well the two go hand in hand until I started biking. My muscles need support!
- I've begun to regard food as different types of fuel. Today's ride was incredibly hard on me, and I realized it was because I ate a lot of carb and too little protein. I had the energy to pedal like hell, but my legs gave out really easily.
- In turn, I've been making a lot of food from scratch using healthy non-processed foods. Learning to eat better and balance my ratios for the added exercise. So far it's a way more fun learning experience than counting calories ever was.
Plus, the added exercise allows for periodic snacking noooo problem.
All this time I tried to lose weight, but all it took was a lifestyle shift. Go fig.
I'm eager to see what all this activity does for my health and shape. So far my clothes are getting way too big!