GREAT MORNING TO BE OUTSIDE...

I was out at 5:50 this morning to do my workout. The weather was very comfortable. I feel like I do so much more when I walk/run outside. I only got about 35 minutes in before I needed to get ready for work, but it was great. Hope everyone else is having an awesome week of fitness.

I LIKE TO LOSE...

Pounds that is.

Since I've started this new journey of exercising regularly, I weigh every Saturday morning. This past Saturday was great, because it showed I lost 3 pounds. I even checked two more times, just to be sure my scales weren't playing tricks on me. While three is not a lot, it's a start.

I've been feeling great, not near as sore as I was a couple of weeks ago. I have found that getting up at 5:30 in the morning to do my walking is the best thing for me. I get pumped up before I go to work. Although, some mornings I feel there's no way I could do anything, but once I get going there's no stopping.

I plan to gradually add back my running for 1 minute intervals this week, but only two or three times during my walk, and see how that goes.

Also, I've really started to look at what I eat and just how much of it, I eat. By no means am I eating healthy everyday, every time, but I really have cut back on the serving size of my food.

I'm looking forward to Saturday's weigh in.

Slowing Down a Bit

At the end of my first two weeks of walking/running, I realized my body was so sore that I had to take a 3 day break this weekend and yesterday. I know sore muscles are to be expected when exercising, but I woke up at least three mornings with my lower back aching like crazy. My husband said it was due to not stretching my hamstrings before my workout. While that may be true, I've found, by Googling, that I may have done to much to soon. The website on the previous post informed, that when training to become a runner, spend the first 2-3 weeks just walking for 20-30 minutes. (Ann, you also advised Phil of this over the phone.) I do some stretches before my workout and walk for the first 5 minutes before I do any running. I was proud of myself this past Friday, because I ran 2 minutes straight, then back to just 1 minute in between walking. That may not seem like a lot to some, but for me, it's progress. Like I said this weekend was gorgeous, but my legs and back were so sore, that I decided to not continue my workout until this morning. I think I'm going to just walk this week and maybe next week, for a 30 minute workout, and see if cutting out the running will allow my body to feel better. Then add back the running intervals. If anybody has any advice on this situation, please advise.

I did take my husband's advice this morning and stretched my hamstrings before my workout.

I am determined to not get discouraged, and stick with this. It's the only way I'm going to achieve a new body.

Discussing the previous Five Questions.....

1. Why have you added fitness to your lifestyle?
Like Sarah B., I too had a baby last year and want to lose the baby fat, plus weight that I already had to begin with. I want to get in shape and just feel, physically fit. I've always been a little overweight, but never like what I am right now. I decided it's time to make a change, not only for me, but for my son, Mason, and my husband, Phil.

2.Who/What inspires you?
To be honest, Sarah B. you do. Just reading your blog, and seeing how you made exercise/running part of your everyday life. You speak so highly of the success you feel after running 8 or more miles.
Also, since I've started my walk/run program, Phil has been inspiring me with his encouraging words.
What: Just knowing that I would feel so much better by losing this weight and being in good physical shape. The image of playing, outdoors with Mason this summer and not being out of breath!

3. What do you find challenging about finding the time to fit in a workout?
Everything. During this past week when I got home from work and picking up Mason, which is around 5:30, I would usually go straight to the treadmill, to just go ahead and get the workout over with. Because I found if I don't do it as soon as I get home, I won't do it. (Mason is my cheerleader, as he plays and watches me on the treadmill.) The weekends are not as bad. The past two Saturdays, I've waited until Mason takes his morning nap, to do my walking/running. My goal would be, to get up earlier in the morning and do my exercise routine, so that when I get home, it's already done.
If anybody has any tips on budgeting a working mom's/wife's time, please advise.

4. What is the best part of working out?
The feeling of accomplishment. "I did it."

5. Do you workout/run/walk, etc. to music? What is your favorite song(s)?
When I'm outside I don't listen to any music, although, purchasing an IPOD did cross my mind this weekend. When I'm inside on the treadmill, I have the radio on 92.9. I did find when a really good song came on, I had a little more pep in my step.

A question I would like to add:
6. What do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that fits a healthier lifestyle?
I too am not on a diet, but I am interested in any recipes you might have for making a quick, easy, healthy dinner. Also, what do you try to eat for lunch that's healthy, but filling? Any suggestions are appreciated!



Keep Running!!!!!!We Can Do It!!!!!!

One Week In...

Today marks the first day of my second week of becoming a runner. I did not lose nor did I gain any weight this week, but the main thing is, I was able to walk/run 5 out 7 days this past week. I feel great, although my legs are a little sore. I'm looking forward to this second week of the 8 week program, hopefully it will be a little bit easier as far as my endurance level goes. I just keep reminding myself about the results I could have after just 4 weeks of the program.

Good Luck to all the other team members of All In Stride!