Running...Again.

Today is the first day back of running since I injured my seismoids back in ... I don't know when. It's been a few months.

So, I decided this time, we'll do it right.

I went to the gym. Put on my running shoes with the orthotics (boooooo!) and got on the treadmill.

• 4 minutes walking at 3.5.
• 1 minute running at 6.0.
• 4 minutes walking at 3.5.
• 1 minute running at 6.0.
• 4 minutes walking at 3.5.
• 1 minute running at 6.0
• 4 minutes walking at 3.5.
• 1 minute running at 6.0.
• 2 minutes at 3.0

STRETCHING.

I checked my heart rate right after each 1-minute run - avg 168/169. 1 minute later - around 135/136. Not bad.

The 1 minute of running did not leave me winded or gasping (inhaler was at the ready, just in case). I didn't feel any pain anywhere. No soreness.

I will do this again, same pattern in 1-2 days. If all feels the same, then we'll increase the running and decrease the walking - slowly...

My tendency is just to jump right back in with both feet. That's probably why I've had so many injuries over these past few months/years. I don't ease into anything...so, I've decided I will follow the "experts" advice (those editors at Runner's World and various other resources) and ease back into running over a few weeks period of time. Of course, I will heed the warning of any trouble-spot in my body that is reminding me that I'm over 200 lbs and shouldn't be doing this...but, then again...

Over 650 Calories in 45 minutes!

No, that is NOT the number of calories I consumed...

That's the total number of calories burned while using the Arc Trainer at the gym. I also added 60 stomach crunches on the ball with some stretching. I don't know the calories burned doing that, but 650 calories...that's everything I've eaten so far today!

I've been trying to add more cardio to my daily regimen. I'm attempting a 45-min cardio session daily, whether it just be walking, running or using one of the machines at the gym. I'm trying to boost my calories burned. I'm just trying to shake it up a little and see if it will make a difference. .
The scale says no. But,
...my pants are a little looser...
...my spandex are not hugging on so tightly anymore...
...and all those vericose veins in my one leg are sticking out more than I've ever seen them. (ok - so that's not so encouraging other than the fat that was hiding them is gone.)
...my legs are thinned out.
...my arms are starting to get some muscular definition (not a lot, but it's a start).
...I have a chin and a neck - 2 separate body parts :)

So, I'm feeling stronger and my body is getting stronger. Now, let's go blast some fat and see if we can't get some of that outta here!

Where Have I been?

So that may be the question that some of you might be asking...

I'm unemployed!

As much as one might think, "Oh, she has so much time on her hands." But that's so not true. There's so much to do...house to clean, studying to do, hobbies to work on, shopping to do, organizing, budgeting, going to the gym, time with God, working on Farmtown...ok.

I don't know what to do with myself - to be honest. I have focused on getting all the requirements completed for my credentials. I finished all the studies and passed my exam. Now, I have some "Mentor" requirements that I need to work on. The question is: WHAT's NEXT?

My answer: "I HAVE NO CLUE!"

I'm taking it day by day at this point. I'm trying to focus on those things that are important to me..."exercising" my spiritual and physical muscles. That's pretty much my focus at this time.

I continue to look for employment, but not vigorously.

I want to look for a missions trip or internship to fill my time.

I want to keep hitting the gym and focusing on my physical strength.

I want to keep "hitting" the Bible and focusing on my spiritual strength.

Well, that's what I've been doing.

Maybe soon, I'll get into a routine and figure out what exactly this time is purposed for me to experience!