I'm Back!!

[funkybutt]

I've been not feeling well and battling shin splints, some other aches and pains, and most of all a lack of enery/enthusiasm for working out. I guess I've been in a bit of a "rut". In the last 2 weeks I've only run twice. I was getting a bit discouraged b/c of the shin pain and the fact that the excercise (even when i was doing it 4 times a week) hasn't made a significant difference in the "problem areas" where I was hoping to lose some fat (thighs and butt). I've been running 3-4 times a week since the end of March so I was hoping to see more changes in my body after 2 months. I guess I'll need change my eating habits for that to happen but it's hard to do in a city with such great food.

So Saturday, I started back. I ran 2 miles Saturday morning, and again this morning before work. YES, I managed to get out of bed early (I'm proud of that b/c it's not easy for me to do). For the last quarter mile there was a very heavy downpour of rain and it actually felt great.

I've decided I need a new plan, so here it is:

a. running 2-3 miles 3-4 times a week
b. working out to upper body work out video 2-3 times a week
c. bike riding at least once a week (12-16 miles)
c. drinking lots of water and avoiding snacks/soft drinks at work
d. eating more fruit instead of other snacks
e. smoothies, salads, and smaller portions for lunch and smaller portions with less carbs for dinner (most days of the week)
f. no alcoholic beverages on weekdays

of course A and C depend on the weather. So hopefully that will cooperate.

Hopefully I can stick to this new plan and lose a little fat. I bought some new shoes from a store that specializes in runner. They were super helpful. They set me up with a pair that should help my shin splints and they also told me some things I could do to prevent and help with that problem. With the purchase of the shoes, I got a FREE ENTRY into a 3 mile "TRAIL RUN" in July. It sounds like a really dirty race of running through the swamps which should be a lot of fun. That'll give me something to work up to and keep me motivated.

[MissMillie]

1. Sounds like a great plan

I'm going to run another 5K this fall too.

I am having a harder time w/ my diet than I am w/ my exercise routine. My surgery was supposed to make me not tolerate sugar, but I have had no problem at all eating sweets (of course, I can only eat small portions, so that's good).

I need to stop grazing. I have to find a way to limit myself to 3 meals and 3 snacks a day and leaving it at that.

And I have to lay off the popcorn.

[funkybutt]

2. Yeah...i need to clear my house of popcorn

It just goes so well with a movie!

[ellie]

3. I can't eat popcorn,

it makes my psoriasis act up.

[wildeyed]

4. Are you trying to lose weight or just decrease body fat?

Reason I ask, I tend to be kind of 'hippy', too. My weight never changes much, but my shape does based on my body fat levels. If I need to lose significant amounts of weight after I have had a baby, I run. If I need to decrease body fat, weights, yoga and climbing.

Maybe less running and more strength training? Just a thought.

Also, when I lose energy/enthusiasm for workouts, I am either doing too much or need a break and/or a change in activity.

[funkybutt]

5. I guess I'd be happy with either

Basically I'd just like to have less fat around my hips, butt, and thighs. I dont think I've lost any weight and although my legs are more toned in most areas, I really don't notice any difference in the thighs.

I guess I thought after 2 months of running regularly, I would have lost more fat.

I just recently got a couple of exercise videos for upper body and abs. The upperbody workout focuses mostly on the arms and back (which I'd like to tone) and uses 2 different light weight dumbells. I bought a mat for the abs one. Maybe that will help.

[wildeyed]

6. Yoga always does the best for my hips and thighs.

It seems to lift everything up without creating bulk. Good luck :)

[funkybutt]

7. Thanks!

I'm thinking of turning my office into a room where I can do my workout videos b/c it has carpet. I will look into ordering a beginners yoga video. I've never tried yoga but it's always seemed pretty interesting to me. A little intimidating...but interesting.

[wildeyed]

8. Everyone was a beginner once.

Take a few classes at a studio first if you can. Then it will be easier to follow along with a video.