Seeing this on the Brooks Facebook page made my morning:
My dad and I went out to the park track again bright and early this morning.
Apparently I forgot that my dad was taking a picture and not a movie judging by the fact that I was waving to you guys during the picture. Maggie and I did a few glorious laps together and then I finished up the rest of my easy run by myself. I don’t know what it was about today but today was just not my day for running and I wanted to stop a quadrillion times. I just kept reminding myself that that is normal and tomorrow will be better.
And this was today’s fancy brunch that I had. After my run I had eggs and then when Brooke went down for her nap I did too. I have been doing this really smart thing where I read until 1 a.m. and then wake up at 6 a.m. to run while at my parent’s house. Zucchini bread with chocolate chips is straight from heaven.
Vikki sent me an article and the whole time I was reading it I was thinking in my head, ‘YES.’ I have never related more to an article than to this one, 13 Signs You’re Addicted to Froyo.
My two favorites.
I do this all of the time:
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A few people have asked for me to have my Dad share a few of his tips on how he has been successful at getting healthier!
From my Dad:
A doctor told me the best secret to losing weight is to just write down each day everything that you eat. Mom bought me a small notebook which we put on the kitchen counter along with a pen and a postal scale to weigh portions. The doctor also told me for a man my size it would be safe to lose 2 pounds a week. The rest is just a little math.
I am never hungry but I use a lot of tricks. In the last 140 days I have lost 50 pounds.
Here are my tips:
1. Write everything down except vegetables. I simply don’t count them! I do count corn and potatoes. I also count fruit.
2. I avoid all dressings and butter.
3. I start every day with a big bowl of cereal and then usually avoid grain for the rest of the day unless I have a Subway or Chick-fil-A sandwich for dinner. Again: I skip the dressing.
4. I don’t drink soft drinks of any kind (sugar or sugar-free). The only exception I make is a very occasional diet Chick-fil-A diet lemonade. They must add cocaine! It is just too good.
5. I always have a few treats each day such as: A) a Frozen Juice Bar, B) a Lindt Chocolate, C) a Sweet and Salty Nut Bar, or D) 6 Triscuits. Having a treat before bed is really a great way to end the day.
6. I love microwave-steamed veggies. (He especially loves carrots, onions and corn steamed in the microwave).
7. TV-dinners are a great way to get portions and calories under control if you are too tired to weigh everything out. I love Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken.
8. We grill steak once or twice a week. It is definitely a treat for me and it is filling and full of protein.
9. Motivation: If you read a running blog it will help you every day. Reading my daughter’s blog is fun and over time has become very motivating. (I promise I did not pay him to say that).
I think he forgot to mention: -Getting a dog that he absolutely loves to take on walks! They go out for a few miles in the morning and the evening and seeing my dad so active makes me extremely happy. Oh yeah, and it also makes me so happy to see him eating so many veggies! I read somewhere that those are pretty good for us:)
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How did your run go today? How far?
What time have you been going to bed lately?
-Way too late.
Favorite type of cracker?
-Wheat thins but Triscuits come in a close second.
Last fruit that you had? Favorite fruit in season right now?
67 comments
Lisa
Haha, I love that first photo. Just awesome.
And I’m now embarrassed to say I don’t like frozen yogurt. I’m one of those people. Annoying, right. Sometimes I’m even annoyed at myself for saying that.
Great tips from your Dad – and congrats to all his accomplishments! Amazing.
Kari @ Running Ricig
Having a dog is a great way to guilt you into exercise. Bungee gets so excited when I put on my sneakers.
My run today was rough, but at least it wasn’t as hot as it has been, just 98% humidity.
The last fruit I had was an apple at lunch.
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons
The last fruit I had was the tropical medley (mango, papaya, and pineapple) from Trader Joe’s but my favorite fruit in season right now is peaches!
No run today but mile repeats tomorrow morning – I wish I had a dog to go running with!
Amy @ Writing While Running
I seriously think having a dog who needs exercise is the best way to keep people fit and healthy! Dogs are amazing for both mental and physical health. Way to go HRG’s Dad!
Annie
I live in France, a sad place where froyo doesn’t exist. This summer I am going to the states for 14 days and I have already decided that I will have to try 14 different froyos. The best part is I don’t even need to justify myself as after all, when you’re traveling abroad, trying local cuisine is a must!
Deana
Great tips from your Dad – knowing he is an engineer – he may like using the LoseIt app. But at the same time…why mess with something that is working?
Eating a ton of fruit right now – should possibly balance this out with some veggies one of these days! Everyday right now includes Blueberries. My dad hand picks a massive amount every summer. Tonight is Blueberry muffin making night! :)
Bed time has been ~10ish….not too late. But much too late for my little ones. They are night owls.
Sarah @pickyrunner
Haha I laughed at your dads comment about the lemonade and cocaine. Sounds like something my mom would say. Also, that froyo. True life: I’m addicted. They should make an episode about that if they haven’t already.
megan d
I keep reading about the no grains after lunch thing. Ross might divorce me if I imposed that rule. He is a carboholic. And hey. I kinda like them too ;) I am seriously impressed by your dad.
I am excited for peaches to be in season. Mmmmm. I had a red bell pepper at lunch. Is that a fruit? I always forget with those.
I have been going to bed at midnight. I need to move that time up about 2hrs.
runningwithscissors
My run today was non-existent. Darn it anyway! I could not get out of bed and I was to do a fairly hard tempo run. Ugh….I need to forget about it and get it done tomorrow and count this as my day off for the week.
I’ve been going to bed about 9:00 which is late for me.
The last fruit I had was as blueberries. I’m pretty fussy and don’t like much fruit but that is one thing that I can choke down.
Enjoy Utah!!!
Corrine @ Eat Run Wine
Easy 3 miles this morning that didn’t feel so easy- tired me and tired legs= hard “easy” run! I was going to run another 4 after work, but I just don’t think today is a twice-a-day kind of day. I’ll make up for it this weekend…
I’ve been reading until too late, too! I was good and put the book down at 11 last night. Still too late, apparently- as indicated by my “hard easy run!”
Favorite cracker- do cheese-its count? If not, then Wheat Thins. Or corn chips (for dipping in salsa)- not technically a cracker, but my favorite thing ever!
I have banana, strawberry, peach, mango and spinach smoothies every morning and lunch- so all of those were my “last fruit”. :)
trang weaver
i’m in provo and i love your blog! i’m training for first big race, a half marathon in september. your blog totally motivates me!
yesterday and today have not been good running days for me. i got up at 5:00 to run and i walked to get a donut instead.
Natalie @ Free Range Human
I love these tips, and it’s so motivating to see your dad taking control of his health! Great job! And I totally agree with him about the Diet Lemonade-so good!
Jessica R @ fromthekitchentotheroad
I eat a ton of fruit. Potentially too much fruit. I had a peach about an hour ago and it was delicious. I decided to take a rest day today so no run for me. My shins are bugging me right now and I don’t want it to turn into anything. I’m pretty sure it is because of my shoes. They went through marathon training, a marathon, and then some. I have a new pair of Mizuno’s that should be arriving tomorrow so hopefully that will help.
Kelly in Canada
Wheat thins. Definitely. The sweet potato version is pretty delicious. I don’t let myself buy them very often though, because if I do I will eat pretty much the whole box in one sitting, and that’s not good for my gluten free endeavours!
BLUEBERRIES!!! YUM!
8:30, if I can manage it, however I also have grown a habit lately of reading way too late!
I ran 5k this morning, and decided that today was the day I would go sub-30 min. It may not sound like much, but it has been an elusive goal for about 2 years. My gps is sometimes off, so I’m not completely sure on my numbers, but I think I did it! :) Now to replicate it, and build to a sub-60 10k!
Danica @ It's Progression
What blue shoes are you wearing in that picture?? I’m on the prowl for a new pair (I want to order them by tonight) and can’t decide what to get….do you have a recommendation?
Also, I loved reading that part from your Dad….my Dad has a lot of health problems right now (stemming from being overweight for many years) and has no desire to change his lifestyle. It’s really frustrating and sad for my family, but it puts a smile on my face reading that your dad took the initiative to make a positive, healthy change!
Katie
peaches!
Carson
Love this info from your dad! I know he is super proud (and so are you!).
I had a run planned today and was almost to the gym when I talked myself out of it. After much debate I decided I need a rest day (exhausted legs, back, and brain). Unless my husband talks me into an evening run, there will be zero miles logged today.
Michelle @ 3cheaprunners
Grapefruit for breakfast this morning
Katie
I didn’t run today, but I did do some intense leg workouts and an ab workout! :) Those are all great tips from your dad!!! Thanks for sharing!
xo
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama
Wheat Thins. Yum! Thanks for sharing your dad’s story & tips with us. Today was a 5-mile tempo run. It was pretty hot & humid, but I had a great run. Hard to keep an even tempo with some really hilly miles, but I managed to average out right where I need to be!
Emily @ Running for Boston
I did a very short run – just 1.5 miles before my PT session. I usually put in a few extra miles on Thursday because I’m pacing a beginner runner’s group plus I’m in recovery – so it’s ok that I didn’t stick to the schedule today.
I just had the best plum ever!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
I agree with you on wheat thins! They even make buffalo and honey mustard ones now! Today I ran 9… longest in a while for me. We go to bed at a fairly reasonable time… but lately my husband has been a chatterbox and before I know it it’s like 11 and we are both wide awake!
Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick
I want a dog too, hubby and I can’t seem to agree on a breed. He wants a lazy dog and I want either a lap dog(he doesn’t like tiny dogs) or one that will at least run with me. I have not run today still have some soreness, going to a spin class later. Izzy is going through some weirds sleep cycle. She’s been going to bed at 8 but then wakes up at 2 in the morning ready to play and of course I’m the one who has to be up with her since James has to work early in the morning. My favorite type of cracker is triscuits with colby jack on top. Last fruit I had was a honey crisp apple withe peanut butter.
Emily
I found your blog a couple weeks ago, and have been LOVING it… I’m a pretty new runner… got into it a bit before having my daughter, but haven’t run since having her over a year and a half ago… until NOW… my sis in law convinced me to start training for a half marathon… we’ve been training for 2 months now, and I am feeling great! We ran 6 miles this morning through some beautiful meadow trails with LOTS of hills… it felt AWESOME. I check your blog on most days, and it has been both encouraging and inspiring, so thanks :) I also am a bit of a foodie, and have a daughter named Brontë (my only), that I think is close to Brooke’s age… so… in a nutshell… think I may be a much slower version of you… and I hope I get to be as fast as you when I grow up! :-P
Laura
I did the Pioneer Day 10k downtown before the parade this morning! It was so fun and I was happy with my time considering I’m 5 months pregnant: 53 minutes. We let my kids play at the playground after and it was a great morning! Oh, they had French toast for all the racers! Best ever!!
Debbie @ Deb Runs
Seriously, no pics of Brooke today?!?!
Great tips from your dad! You must be so proud of him!
I went 350 miles today, but unfortunately it wasn’t running! :-) I drove home from my parents’ house, so I just got up and got going… I’ll go running tomorrow morning bright and early! :-)
MILF Runner
My exercise today consisted of cleaning the kitchen floor after my 4-year old dropped a completely full half-gallon of lemonade on it. Fun times were had :)
I also go to bed way too late. It’s a habit I’m working to break.
Eating cherries right now and LOVING peaches this season!
Running Rosa
I’m so happy for your dad! And good for you for being an inspiration to him! You are to most of us who read your blog.
Today’s run was okay, but I had a rough 13 miles yesterday. I too wanted to quit throughout, but I knew I’d feel horrible if I stopped. Plus, it was an out and back, so I had no choice but to keep going, right? :)
I’m loving watermelon and cherries right now! They’re amazing. I could eat bowls and bowls of each all day.
Meaghan @ Tale of Two Teachers
My run was sooo hard today! I felt like I had lead in my legs. Lately every single run has felt amazing though so I think it was just a reminder day that its not always easy :)
Love wheat thins! And the Kashi salsa crackers!
I had a mango and avocado salad today so that was my last fruit… Delicious!!!
Congrats to your dad! That is awesome! I’ve been keeping track of my food for two months now and even though I don’t need to lose much weight it’s really helped me stay focused and monitor things like protein/iron (I’m vegetarian). I use the Fitness Pal app because it makes it so easy to keep track of everything :)
cindy koenig
Looks like your visiting Utah! Welcome home. Janae, we met 2 yrs ago. I think it might have been the first ever fro-yo get together @ Farr’s Fresh! I don’t have my running blog anymore (chingchongrunning) but I still read yours everyday! :)
Ran 6 this morning. I go to bed around 10pm every night – workouts are done bright and early in the morning! Do chips count as crackers ;). Watermelon! I have eaten probably hundreds of pounds of watermelon this summer!
Please stop by my cousins NEW running blog! She would be SO ecstatic!
http://fatgirlstuckinalittlebody.blogspot.com/
Kristi
I have so much zucchini right now, I’m constantly looking for new things to try. I have made zucchini bread yet. That’ll be next on my list.
Leah @ Running with the Hayneses
I usually go to bed around 10, but this week it’s been even earlier–still recovering from my lack of sleep and 30 miles of pacing a friend during the Vermont 100! I’m going for a short run now to see how the legs feel! :)
Gracie (Complicated Day)
I don’t dislike frozen yogurt, but I will take ice cream first any day!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
I just sent the froyo article to the boyfriend announcing “I think I have a problem…” stuff is amazing.
Love your dad’s tricks, very sensible!
Cheryl
No run! Stupid injury! 50 minutes on my bestie the elliptical though ;)
Bed at 11. Still too late for 5am wake ups. I’m dragging and its only Wednesday!
Wheat thins, hands down. I love the Garden Vegetable fiber ones. Mmmmm. Have you tried those? They are reaaaaally good. I also like the sundried tomato flavor. OH! And I will say the Triscuit thin crisps are pretty good. Better than regular Triscuits. (I’m a cracker lover if you couldn’t tell ;) )
Way to go HRG Dad! Awesome example for everyone out there that doesn’t think they can get healthy and make changes! I love it!
Vikki
Glad you liked the froyo article! :) My run today was a hilly 9 miles. I did a pretty hamstring-intensive leg workout yesterday so it was killer!
As far as fruit goes, I’ve eaten just over a pint of blueberries in approximately 24 hours…….. I cannot be stopped
Logan @ Mountains and Miles
I did 7.5 miles of trail runs on my way home from work. It was wonderful.
Triscuits are my favorite cracker! Yum!!
Nectarines are delicious right now! We are going blackberry picking this weekend, so I’m really excited about that, too!
I have a dog who loves to run and I definitely agree that it helps motivate me to get out and move!
Lauren
Do cheez-its count as crackers? And I’ve been going to bed at like 12:00. Grandma is stepping it up! The last fruit I had was an apricot which just so happens to be my favorite fruit in season right now… Besides cantaloupe, watermelon, and peaches :D
Kathy McElhaney
First, congrats to you Dad! All his tips are right on.
7.5 miles on Oahu this morning after a week in Southern California. I felt hot and sticky, but I actually had a very good run!
My body is extremely confused about bedtime after a 3 hour time zone switch. I really need a nap!
Last fruit I ate = banana, but I have papaya, pineapple and kiwi to cut up right now. I can’t choose a favorite, I love all fruit!
Kathy McElhaney
Oops, I mean “your” Dad!
Alyssa
My husband always leaves the melty portion at the bottom of his froyo/ice cream and then I’m always like “hey let me throw that away for you” and sneak into the kitchen and drink the rest. Or just take it and do it in front of him because I have no shame. Leaving ice cream is just wrong and I cannot allow that to happen in my household.
IB
I have a cold (boooo! :( ). Somehow I still managed to get myself to run 3.2 miles after taking some medicine. I’m so proud of myself for doing that, especially since I’m still no good so even that short distance is an effort to me.
Irene
So impressed by your dad. I love this tips – especially the idea that veggies are unlimited so you don’t have to track them. I’ve been too busy with crazy stuff lately do do many of my best healthy habits, but I have been trying to cram in veggies every chance I get.
No run for me :( soon!
Rachel
Your dad is so awesome!
I ran a very hard 3.5 miles (sprints) and then did the stair stepper for as long as I could handle (10 minutes).
Last fruit I had was grapes. I seriously cannot live without them and go through the 4 lb basket from Costco in a week!
Kay
Haha I can see the resemblance through his writing! haha “They must add cocaine!”
I had a nice short fun run :)
I keep falling asleep with the TV on which is badd! Cause then I wake up at 4 am and feel tired the next day
Townhouse crackerss sooooo gooddd
Are dates a fruit..?
Krissy
Awesome job for your Dad. My dad recently lost 50 lbs adn started walking/biking. It is such a good feeling to see dads getting active =). He had open heart double by-pass surgery in December and has taken the changes seriously. SO thankful!
My favorite fruit right now is honey dew melon. Cannot get enough. At Sams (I promise Costco is our favorite, but they opened a sams IN our neighborhood) they have a lemon drop honey dew and it is AMAZING!
Angela @ Honey, I Shrunk the Mom
Have you tried the new limited edition Wheat Thins with lime? Oh. My. Goodness. They are perfect with salsa and guacamole or even just by themselves. Loooove. ♥
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now
I didn’t run today, but I mountain biked :)
I’ve been going to bed way too late as well – and then early morning workouts don’t happen
Wheat Thins with the Cinnamon Cream Laughing Cow
Blueberries on oatmeal and a plum for lunch;blueberries happen to be my FAVE fruit – but plums come in a close second
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
I have been awful at going to bed early…as I write this at 12:10am :/ eek. Tomorrow morning is going to be rough!
Marissa
I did a 6 mile run today on the waterfront while vacationing in Seattle. I’ve been going to bed around 12am, which is far too late for me but I AM on vacation. I love Wheat Thins and Cheezits. Last fruit I had was an apple. My all time favorite fruit is fresh pineapple.
Lindsey
Ahhh! Chick Fil A Diet Lemonade. It was sent from Heaven. I buy it by the gallon and keep it in my refrigerator. It is the only calories I allow myself to drink.
Diet and exercise – the simplest weight loss formula of all. Congratulations to your dad!
Run – 7 miles with embedded speed work
Bed time – I’m in a rut. I stay up really late, like 1 or 2 o’clock, get up to run at 5:30, and then take a nap from 9:00 – 11:00 in the morning. I’m a teacher so work starts back for me in 3 short weeks which means no more naps and back to a real schedule :(
Favorite Cracker – I provide equal opportunity to all crackers and carbs in general.
Last Fruit – Pineapple
Seasonal Fruit – Peach
Rachel@curious runner girl
Awesome, your Dad is a legend! Go Dad!
Megan
No run but I took a new class at the gym and it spanked me good.
I have been sleeping like GARBAGE lately. I get up every hour or so, it’s super lame.
Cracker = cheese it…
Last fruit was an apple!
COngrats to your dad!! Both my parents are dropping lbs like made right now. They are both only about 20lbs shy of their 20s, CRAZY.
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
My run today- read, this week- is nonexistent :( I’m having glute issues and am trying to be smart about it and let it heal before starting any training. So tough!
I love reading your dad’s guest post! Congrats to him. THat’s awesome! I think my dad reads my blog regularly, haha. I am definitely addicted to froyo and most certainly drink the melted left overs… duh! Favorite fruit right now… blueberries :)
court!
the new sweet-potato triscuits are soooo bomb.com, you MUST try them!!!
Terikay
Chik-fil-a diet lemonade totally has cocaine in it! I was going through the driveway several times a week while pregnant for the stuff. Love your dad’s advice. Dads are just awesome!
Rest day today for me after my crazy track workout last night. Ugh… speedwork. Celebrated National Tequila Day last night with a margarita so way too late. Don’t like crackers. Didn’t even realize it until you posted the question. Peach with breakfast! Amazing and one of the benefits of living just south of Georgia!
Courtney
Ran the Deseret News 1/2 yesterday in SLC. The last mile almost killed me! Don’t know why it was so hard… but I was almost 2 minutes slower than all my other miles! Oh well, I still got a PR!
Hope
I absolutely loved this. Thanks to your dad!!
Hayley in Training
Great tips! I think running blogs are great motivation as well :)
Kay
Great tips – I think everyone could always use something new to learn and keep as motivation!
Lindsay @ Lindsay Weighs In
I loved the part from your dad! :)
Kathy
Yes! Great tips! Take a look at myfitnesspal.com – very cool app & web site. Super simple to log all your food AND exercise! Amazing database of foods – and it will track your nutrition each day so you can see where you are over under (protein, fat, sodium). Educational for me!
Anyway, easier than writing it all down (for me anyway)!
Karen
I’ve had so many bad days lately, I can relate how frustrating wanting to stop is. Today the humidity was so much better so I went for a 5K after work and set a PR for me, just by seconds but I was excited :) I love that your dad is doing so well losing weight and getting healthy. Awesome!!
LosingLindy
Your dad is awesome!
Amy @ Run Mom Run
I am the worst at going to bed early. It’s so hard sometimes when the book is so good! Besides, if I go to bed before the characters are safe who knows what will happen while I’m sleeping!
Linda Stewart
I was advised to try to not eat grains after 4, but I’m failing miserably, particularly because I have a carboholic meatoholic vegophobic husband.
Mind me asking? …. what kind of things does your dad eat for dinner?
The Hungry Runner Girl
A lot of steak, chicken and vegetables!