Day 13. Longer blog today.

Today started by picking up breakfast at McDonald's, on my way to school.  I got a medium coffee and an egg mcmuffin, but without the muffin.  (I got up too late to make breakfast).  I only had one class today (3 hours long), then stayed after for a while to practice for a practical exam that we have tomorrow.  When I got home around 1pm, I made 2 eggs and heated up 3 slices of bacon, with blueberries for lunch.  I went for a run about an hour after that.  I wasn't that enthused about going for a run, thanks to this article:  (not sure if this link is working right now)
http://www.dangerouslyhardcore.com/5343/why-women-should-not-run/

As I may have mentioned previously, I have known for a while that running isn't necessarily good for fat-loss.  I weight a lot.  I'm stressing my body every time I go out running, averaging 70-80% of my max heart rate for 4+ miles.  As the article states, when your body is stressed, it can alter different hormones (specifically thyroid and cortisol), which basically then signals the body to accumulate fat instead of burn it.  I know this is true because I've been long distance running since I was 17.  Since then, I've been really skinny, and I've been really overweight, so it's been difficult to understand why in these past few years, running hasn't helped with weight loss.  So this article is kind of a wake-up call.  After I run the half-marathon in a few weeks, I need to get back to Paleo activities:  interval/Crossfit-type strength workouts, sand dune climbs, sprints, walks on the beach, hikes in Malibu.  I will still run and bike on occasion, but I should really test this out for myself.  Bummer.  I enjoy running.  It's easy and convenient.

I'm hoping that when I see a naturopath in May, that she may have some guidance for me, and hopefully some answers with how my hormones are functioning.   Here is an article from my favorite website, about how too much exercise is detrimental to weight loss efforts (and health): http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-you-shouldnt-burn-more-than-4000-calories-a-week-through-exercise/#axzz2QgDplp2I

Well my run was pretty slow.  I tried to keep my heart rate lower.  It was still enjoyable, though, because I got to be out in the sunshine and jogging around Manhattan Beach.  Right after running, I ate 3 mini peppers and an avocado.  About an hour later I had dinner- chicken breast and steamed broccoli.   I think another issue with my Paleo eating habits is that sometimes I'm not getting enough calories.   I do believe that although it may be good to starve the body every now and then (intermittent fasting), you also need to eat a lot of calories (and carbs) sometimes to show the body that it does not need to go into starvation mode, and does NOT need to preserve it's fat accumulation.  Instead, the body should burn it up calories right away.  This also has to do with insulin levels, but that's way too much to try to explain right now.  I'm starting to waste time online by looking for articles which explain this stuff...must stop.  I don't have the extra time for this.  :/

I'm posting this blog early tonight.  I think I might make myself some green tea while I watch the end of the Reds game, then get to studying.

Here's a pic that I took during my run today.  Manhattan Beach is a pretty cool place to be living!  :)