Walking is good.. but slow ;-)

Well this whole healing thing is a slow process. I have started to walk for 30 minutes to an hour a day. A very slow walk, not pushing it at all. However, I want to keep moving and keep this weight off and keep the metabolism up.

In another random buy, I needed new tennis shoes. Just to wear around and do whatever. So I went online and found some good clearance shoes at nbexpress.com. I decided on a pair of running shoes, wanted to see what they were like, etc. They came and are by far the lightest shoes ever. I can't wait to try a run in them. So far I love them.

I have also started to look at treadmills. I have seen a few go on sale here and there. What "features" or "options" should I look for in a treadmill?? Anyone who has run on one, what are some of the features, etc that you can't do without?

Ugh .. I caved.. went to doc... pulled hammy :-(

So I finally caved and decided to see a doctor. My hamstring was just giving me fits and I had stopped running. He diagnosed me with a pulled hamstring (grade 2 borderline 3). I expected this (pulled hammy that is) as his diagnosis. I just wanted to be sure. It had been nagging on for awhile and I don't remember an actually "accident" when the pain started, so I was a bit concerned and got it checked out. Needless to say I am not running for a couple weeks. Likely when I start back up, I will start around week 4 of the c25k program, ease back into the running. I think I will keep most of my stamina, I just don't want to overdue the leg. Around week 4 and 5 there is a nice mix of running and walking so it will provide a good workout without killing the leg (hopefully). And actually before I even start that I will likely walk for 30 minutes for a couple days at a decent pace just to be sure I am good to go on the running. The doc was shocked that I was walking with only a slight limp. I knew it was "slightly" bruised (give me a break back of my leg isn't the easiest thing to get a "good" look at). Anyway I guess it was a bit more than slightly as the whole thing has a blue hue to it (his words not mine). I only noticed where there was deeper more defined bruising which was ever so slight in a couple areas... ... I digress, either way I am on the bench for a bit...

So in the meantime I have been researching other ways to work out and stay in shape. I love to do something for awhile, somewhat master it, then move on. The constant challenge of something new is way too fun for me. I am thinking of getting a "nicer" mountain bike and hitting some of the trails in this area... I have some walmart cheapo bike, it has done good. However I believe it is getting to be on it's last leg....

Progress.... and injury :-(

WOOT! I am now down to 145.... Over 40 pounds lost since Jan... that shockingly fabulous. I still have a bit to go. I am starting to get toned up.. My legs are awesome from all the running..

I have shortened my runs a bit. My body was taking a beating. Right now my left hamstring is tender and sore, so I am kind of holding off. I hit the elliptical, walking only to kind of stretch it out. It seems to be helping. I am not sure if I just got a horrible charlie horse or if I pulled it. It was a slow progression. First it was just a twinge of pain occasionally. Then it worked up to needing extra stretching or I just couldn't get a good stride. Finally, it hit to where I felt I needed to slow it down. It seems to be enjoying a couple days of light workouts, however there is still obvious pain there. I really don't want to go to the doctor, so I am trying to wait it out.

With the said hamstring being a bit of a pain in the butt, I also stopped the workout DVDs. I am just hoping I won't loose all my progress by taking some time off. However I know long term wise, it is better to let the leg heal and get 100% before proceeding.

Likely will be walking only through the weekend.. will update next week to let you know how it feels....

And the Heat and Humidity Continue on....

Well I have been continuing with the running and working out. I realize that actually posting every time I run just isn't as fun now that I don't have a strict schedule to follow. Maybe I should make one up.. so that I will blog more often... HAHA

I have continued with my morning runs and evening walks. Though I am thinking of maybe just doing evening runs now. The morning seems to actually be more humid here and my breathing is taking the hit. Though of course, this just may depend on the day. I did manage to run another 9 minute mile last week, but that was during a light rain. The rain had started, it cooled off and the humidity had let up just a bit. I went for a run just before the storm finished blowing over. I had to make it a quick one as I had plans with friends, and well a quick run it was. 9 minutes went all the way around the block..... the neighbor commented that he thought I was running from the storm..... Apparently he missed the fact that for the most part it had already passed. I was thrilled with the run, I hadn't been able to comfortably hit that pace in awhile.

Well I did take a few days off also. I headed to my parents last Friday and got back late last night. Being as it was a holiday weekend, well I knew I would be busy and no time for organized running. I had a 2 year old to chase and entertain as I continue on my quest to be the world's greatest aunt. Trust me... I have the kid spoiled and he KNOWS just what to say to get his way with me.. haha..

I plan on continuing with the running and working out. My weight this morning was a surprising 147. At this point, the skinny jeans are now falling off me. The old "fat" jeans no longer fit and have been thrown in a tote to donate. I am bordering right at 40 lbs lost since January. People who know me are definitely starting to notice and comments have been made (good ones). It still feels good to be on the downward trend. Though the rate of weight loss has slowed down dramatically from when I first started, I am still going in the right direction. I just hope it continues for a bit longer.