Long overdue update .. not the good kind either

Well I started the year off with a bang... was totally digging the working out.. running on a treadmill and just life in general. Then May come along, now let me preface by saying prior to this I had no issues with the month of May. Anyway, my right knee just started hurting. I took a couple weeks off running and there was no improvement. There was no swelling and no bruising, but also no improvement. Matter of fact it was slowly getting more and more painful. I was become more and more limited. Stairs were not an option, it was stiff and sore. It would catch and randomly I would drop from it just not working right. After about 8 weeks of this nonsense, I relented and made an appointment with my orthopedic doctor. A few thousand dollars and one mri later, I found out I tore my meniscus (again!). I had surgery in the middle of July. At this moment, I have very little cartilage left in the knee.

I am just under 8 weeks out from surgery. I was told no running for a good while, so I just started back up. My style is off and totally notorious. I looked so bad the other day some guy stopped and asked if I needed a ride. It will be a slow process back into running full time. And even when I get back into it full time, I was informed that I really need to cut back on my running. :-( My knees are just too damaged and can't handle the strain.

So why this sounds like a debbie downer update, I am actually okay with it. I am running lightly to rehab for now and plan on getting into cycling in the spring. Less impact and still a damn good workout.

Hopefully everyone's summer went a bit better than mine....

Update time .. I know you have missed me..

Well I figured I would post a general update since it has been awhile. I still read blog posts from everyone, just to keep up to date on things. I also infrequently comment. Things here have continued status quo and I have been working towards dominating 2011. What can I say, it was a wonderful goal to have ;-)

I ran a 5k the other day, my time was in the 29 minute range. This wasn't a race, just around town. I am actually happy with that time, sure I was better at the end of last year, but hey I can still do it. The weather has warmed up, so I am adjusting back to running outside. The treadmill is just different. I usually run about 4 times a week of a morning before work. So far, I am not getting bored with it. Let's hope this trend continues.

This past weekend I also learned to rollerblade. I never really learned to skate at all, whether it was ice skating, rollerblading, or rollerskating. So this was an adventure, though I did catch on rather quickly. Right now I am just slow and have only had 2 wipeouts out of about 2.5 to 3 hours of rollerblading. Neither of which left a mark. So I deem this a success. Slowly I am going to work on getting a bit faster and smoother. I am going to try and go for 4 times a week after work. I have a friend, who taught me, that is enjoying the exercise. So for now we rollerblade together when the weather is favorable. Also on the agenda, learning to ice skate. However my motivation for this is somewhat girlish. The hockey team has skate with the players nights after some of the games, so well being the girl I am... knowing how to skate will only put me closer to those boys.. haha

I also purchased a bowflex, by far the best investment ever. It has really aided in trimming and toning and is not a killer on my knees. I have a quick workout I do 5 times a week that lasts about 20 minutes. It is enough to hit all the major muscle groups. In a few more weeks, I will add some more exercises to it and make it more difficult. However, decided to somewhat pace myself as with all the running and other exercise, I quickly run out of steam some days.

Speaking of all the exercise, my resting heartrate is right at 60bpm. The low end of normal. Quite the accomplishment. My blood pressure has also continually dropped, though it was never "high".

My weight has been holding steady for the most part. Usually fluctuates between 135 and 140, however I have toned up significantly since the addition of the bowflex to my routine. I am hoping to be in the low 130's by the beginning of June. I have really buckled down and I think I can make that happen.

Well I think that is about it for now. I think that is all I have had going on. I will try to be a lil more frequent in the updates, however it likely won't be weekly unless something shockingly cool happens.

Hope all the runners out there are still doing good... Keep up the good work!

Its a New Year... Good Bye 2010!!!

Well first a recap on the events of 2010....

~Lost 50 lbs. Final weight on the year 136 lbs. Finally in the "normal" BMI range.
~Size 17 down to a 7... XXL or XL shirts to Med.
~Lower Heartrate...all around healthier
~Finished the C25k running program
~Ran a 5k (not a race) in 28 minutes and XX seconds. I can't remember the exact time. Either way impressive, since Jan 1 2010, I couldn't run a mile without dying.
~Bought a treadmill
~As much as I want to say I "enjoy" running, I haven't quite hit that state yet. However, it is getting easier and more enjoyable than it was one year ago.

Now to conquer 2011...
For a resolution for this year, I am slacking. I do want to maintain or loose a little more weight. However, that goal isn't as "big" as it was in 2010. I want to continue running, however I can run a few miles now, saying I want to do it faster just doesn't seem like a substantial goal. I was seriously puzzled on what I was going to do. In the end, I decided to dominate 2011. No real goal other than to live life and actually enjoy it.

I plan on dropping more weight, running more miles, and taking more adventures. I want to go skydiving. A few vacations are starting to be planned and things are just falling into place for once. I am happy, things are going well and I just want to enjoy it.

On that note, I likely won't blog too much more. The purpose of the blog was to track my running, that it has done. I don't really have a program to follow much. Well I do have the 8k program, however the support and tracking isn't as necessary anymore.

I wish anyone who continues to run, the best of luck!!!!

Broke into the 130's... 8k training is spectacular ... and my heartrate can become freakishly low...

Such an awesome title we have here... so lets recap...

Well after many months of teetering the line and lots of running and hard work.. I have officially broke into the 130's. I am talking weight. For the last week or so, I have weighed around 138.X each morning. These last 5 pounds have been stubborn, so I am hoping this is the start of another downward trend.

The 8k training program has actually be fun and enjoyable. Things just seem to get easier once you can run for 10 minutes straight and not die. Nothing overly noteworthy has come from training yet though.. except for the fact I am still enjoying it.

And finally my heartrate. Awhile back I said my resting heart rate was 73ish. This was after strolling into Walmart or Kroger to their lil machines to measure it. Or at my parents place after getting up moving around etc. So the other day, I borrowed a machine. Resting heart rate, first thing in the morning was 58. I was stoked.

Well short and sweet and to the point, but that is it for now.. Hope everyone is enjoying their runs...

8k training has started...

Well since I was getting pretty good at my 5k time (getting it in under 29 now). I decided to start working on an 8k (around 5 miles). While I can run this, it is in anything but a timely manner. So this week I started training for it. This weeks intervals were 7 minutes of running, 1 minute walk, repeat 4 times with the standard warm up and cooldown. This workout was relatively "easy", it amounted to 28 minutes of running, right around 3 miles, with a little walking. My goal is to get the 8k in about 45 minutes.. We will see how this goes...

More running.. some with a weighted vest .. some without... boy this is getting interesting.

So I caved and bought a weighted vest. Just a 20lb one, adjustable though down to 5 lbs. But lets face it, I am way too lazy to adjust it down to 5 lbs, so it shall stay at 20 lbs. The first few days, I just walked with it on. Roughly a mile each day at a pace of about 3 mph. I really didn't want to push it and get hurt. So I slowly worked into it. Then I decided I would lightly jog in it. I jogged a mile in 12 minutes with it on. I thought this was mildly impressive, however I was not pushing it. The vest is as tight as it goes, however is still a lil loose on me. So when I run it kind of moves around, making it a bit more difficult to run. So now 3 or 4 times a week, I run a mile with the vest on. I will also just wear it around the house when I am cleaning and such as it tends to add a bit resistance and has helped build some strength.

Also, in randomness, I have realized I never really timed myself running a 5k. I usually just run for a time and report back my distance. So yesterday I decided to run a 5k and see my time. It was 30 minutes and 47 seconds. I was okay with this, however had a few holdups. I couldn't really find my rhythm and settle into the run. For that reason, I decided to redo the run today. Slightly different route, however same distance 5k. I managed to run it today in 29 minutes and 45 seconds.

I am also possibly planning on registering for a 5k jingle bell run on 12/04. I am kind of waiting to see how cold it is going to be. Due to asthma, extreme cold conditions suck, however if it is "decent" out, I will be running. I can't wait!...

Weighted Running Vest? ~ Opinions???

Well I have been researching weighted running vests to use during some of my shorter more manageable runs. They have them in adjustable weight and I hear it is a good way to build up your strength and endurance.

I was curious does anyone have personal experience? Are they good or bad? Is it difficult to get used to? What things should I look at when buying one?

Running.. running... and more running

So I have been playing around with interval training and just running in general. I did a workout the other day that consisted of a 5 minute warm up walk (.25 miles), then run .25 mile, walk .1 mile, repeat till tired then do a 5 minute cool down (.25 miles). I figured this approach would help build up some stamina. The first day it went smoothly, the next day I was sluggish. However I definitely like this as a possible running workout. It is a change of pace and something different.

The other day I did a 5 minute warm up walk (.25 miles), then took off running (walked a few short distances in the middle), and then a 5 minute cool off walk (.25 miles). I did 5.6 miles in 64 minutes. This was a grand accomplishment. Sure I would love to run the whole thing, however I really didn't walk too much so I consider this a success. Going to work to get this time a little quicker, however I never even thought it was possible to do, so I am very happy with where this is at.

Lately I have been managing 5 runs a week, sometimes 6. The cooler weather has really helped out and made the runs "easier" or at least more manageable. There is less mental work required with the cooler weather for whatever reason.

Week of fun and randomness...

Well I have continued with the running, which is fun and right now still holding steady around a 10 minute pace. There have been a few faster days, however not enough to say that my pace has REALLY improved, but I will keep working at it.

Friday I went and played sand volleyball with some friends. The rules were loosely based on the game. I hadn't played since high school and most on the court had never played, hence the loose rules. I can honestly say it was a blast and a good workout. Running in the sand provides some night resistance, though the running distance wasn't that great. I think we are going to get a few more games in before winter hits. Then once winter hits, we will be sledding every chance we get. And yes this totally qualifies as working out as the hike back up the huge sledding hill is quite the climb.

On Saturday, I did a ton of walking at a local festival. Though I didn't eat the healthiest, all the walking seemed to have balanced it out, as there was no weight change.

Update and future goals....

So the hamstring is healed.. the shin is still bruised from my lil mishap on vacation, however the effect on running is somewhat minimal.

I have started doing a week of shorter runs twice a day then a week of longer runs. Usually Saturday and Sunday I have off, but it depends on how many runs I get in for the week. On the shorter run weeks, I will run 20 minutes before work and 20 minutes after work. For now this is equating to about 2 miles. However I am working on speed and hoping this will increase slightly over time. On the longer run weeks, I run for 45 to 60 minutes after work. These runs are all over the place as far as distance. I haven't quite got the stamina or endurance in my legs to really make these runs consistent. But I am slowly working to getting better on that. Sometimes on the longer run weeks, I will take Wednesday off to recover. My ultimate goal is to be able to run the 5k in 26.5 minutes. That is roughly at a pace of 7 miles per hour. I am slowly working towards that. My one mile pace the other day was 8.37 minutes. So I still have a ways to go, but it makes a nice long term goal.

My friend is trying to convince me to run in the mini marathon (half marathon) in Indianapolis in May. He is saying he will run with me (however has yet to get serious about running). It interests me, however I am not sure my legs can actually hold up for that many miles. I am going to continue to run and see how much progress I can make in another month. Registration is not for awhile, so the decision is not needed right away. This would be a great goal, but I don't want to get too crazy either.

This cooler weather has really helped me with the running. I can breathe. After running two miles at a 10 minute per mile pace, it takes me just a minute to calm back to regular breathing. My resting heart rate (taken mid day) has been between 71 and 76. I still need to get a way to take it first thing in the morning. The heart rate monitor chest strap I ordered has been on back order, so I am still waiting on that. Once I get that, I will more accurately track my heart rate. I would love for my resting heart rate to be mid 60's. It will be a marked improvement and the low end of normal.

Well I think that is it for now. I will likely just update once a week or so. I am constantly changing/improving my workout schedule to what works and what will help me improve.

Accomplishments...

From time to time I like to list the things I have accomplished so it keeps me motivated and going in the right direction.

~ I can now run 2 miles in 20 minutes. It used to be I could run the 10 minute per mile pace for 1 mile. Once I exceed that I was closer to the 11.5 minute pace overall. Well I am happy to report I can now hold the pace for 2 miles consistently. Now lets see if I can conquer the 3 mile mark.....

~ I now wear pants size 7/8. Wow...... I think that is summary enough. I started in Jan in Size 17's. I am thankful and fully motivated by this fact alone.

~My shirt size in juniors has went from an XL/XXL (depending on cut) to a M/L. I wouldn't say it is easier to find clothes though. It seems the smaller sizes get a lot skimpier.... I would never think of wearing half of the clothes....

~ Still weighing in at 143 lbs, however have continued to drop inches off my waist. Total weight lose is just over 40 pounds. I honestly think I have just about leveled off. At this point the "fat" I loose will turn to muscle and the scale may have a slight trend upward.

~ I can walk farther/faster during the 5 minute warm up walk than I could when I started in Jan. This is easy for me to gauge, because I run around town on the sidewalks. It used to take me right at 5 minutes to get to the sidewalks (my house is a bit out of the way, the sidewalks are not near there). Now the 5 minute mark has me well onto the sidewalks... actually right at a block farther. Not a lot, but better.

~ I have noticed an increase in stamina/energy. The other day I did two 4.5 miles runs, each taking just about an hour to complete. There was about 8 hours of rest between them. However this is a far cry from what I was able to do back in Jan. I have also noticed in chasing my nephew or my friends' kids, that I can keep up a heck of a lot better.

~ My resting heart rate taken mid day is 71 to 76 beats per minute. This is an improvement, so I gotta keep working at it to get it down a little more.

I think that is about it for now... I may add more later if I think of anything else...

Ugh time to get caught up... Recovery... vacation... treadmill.. weight loss... and a damn good time!!!

First I will apologize for not keeping up with the blog. I was checking in while I was rehabbing the hamstring, but then vacation hit and work got busy. So I neglected it. While rehabbing there wasn't much to write about and well it got away from me. So below is a quick recap of what has been going on.....


Recovery....
Well the hamstring was a pain in the butt to rehab. I did lots of walking, then light jogging with lots of walking mixed in, then straight jogging, then legit running. It took awhile, but I am pretty sure I am back to 100%. I just have to watch after I start to get winded or tired that I don't get a case of lazy legs. It seems to be the issue as I noticed pain when I was rehabbing at the point my legs got lazy. So when running I am paying more attention to my stride and landing.

Treadmill....
I finally caved and bought the Livestrong LS 9.9 treadmill. I LOVE this thing. Beats running out in the heat and humidity. The only thing I am still working on is getting used to setting a pace and holding it for an extended period of time. I have ran 10 minute miles, but my pace fluctuates and just averages out to a 10 minute mile. So I am working towards running at a pace for an extended period of time. Start slow and work my way up.

Vacation....
I just got back last week from a week in Colorado. Running out there is awesome. One morning I took off running and ran 45 minutes before I even looked at the clock and thought WTH where did time go. I was paced at about a 10.5 minute mile. So I was thrilled with the run. The air is crisp, no humidity, somewhat cool, so running was great. Besides running, I took in a baseball game, went on a ghost hunt, fed chipmunks out of the palm of my hand, and did a zip line tour of the canyons.

Weightloss....
I am totally stoked. I am now down to 142 and have toned up quite a bit. I just bought pants and they were a size 7/8. I can't remember the last time I was in a single digit let alone a 7/8.

Wellness at work....
So my company has this wellness thing. I did the survey last September. I was overweight, not really exercising, and just all around unhealthy. The wellness directive at the time was to speak to a life coach and set some goals to get the insurance discount (I do not have to accomplish the goals, just a few phone calls over the course of the year to actually get the discount). Well by the time the phone calls started I was already running and having a good ol' time with it. At the end of August, I had my last phone call. Then this morning had to take the survey for next year. I was shocked when I learned, I do not have to have phone calls or anything this year. My BMI is within the normal range, I exercise above their quota weekly, and my blood pressure is 91/62 with a resting pulse of 73 (this was taken mid day, however I had been sitting for several minutes at the time). This was all within their acceptable goal range, so I don't have to speak to a life coach next year. I just get the insurance discount... WOOT!!!!

So I am going to continue to run... on my treadmill or outside when weather allows, hopefully keep this blog up, and I think I am shooting for a 10k run in spring. Not totally sure, since I have yet to sign up for any races. Right now I want to just keep working towards dropping a few more pounds (I want to be at the lower end of the normal BMI reading...give myself a lil buffer area) and staying healthy.

***** Side note: I know the BMI isn't the greatest way to measure weight loss, it negates skeletal structure etc. However since our wellness program uses it as a method of measurement, I have been tracking it.

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.

Humidity SUCKS!!!!

Okay this horrible humidity is REALLY killing my time/distance in running. I just flat out can't breathe. I have managed to run/walk for at least 30minutes each day, however my pace has really taken a hit. I am running around a 10.5 or 11 minute mile. I was getting as good as 9 at one point, however just can't get that with the humidity.

I have found there is a chest strap I can order to make my droid phone a heart rate monitor.. :-). Yep you guessed it, I ordered it. WOO HOO .. my phone is just so cool.

Still working on p90 and insanity on and off throughout the week. I can breathe during this, but my house is like 58 degrees so it is nice and cool. My lungs LOVE it... hahah

I have started looking at some treadmills... Anyone have suggestions??? I am in no rush.. I want it for this coming winter.. Ya I plan ahead... WAYYYYY ahead. However was hoping to get an idea of what I like/want/need and watch for it to go on sale somewhere.

Update since I am slacking on the blog...

I have been totally slacking with the blogging... I'm sorry. :-)


For the most part, I have been exercising daily and have been enjoying myself. I have been going for runs later in the evening (after 8 pm). We had morning showers on and off for the past two weeks, so that put a damper on my morning runs. I have gotten in the habit of running hard for 8 minutes, walking for 2, run, walk, etc. This seems to be a good balance for me. I get mind numbing bored with a 45 minute run. I can do it, its just boring. Lol… I have tried music, downloading a tv program to listen to, increasing the amount of times the tracking program talks to, and running the trails. For me, 20 minutes passes quickly and I am doing fantastically…. 25 minutes I am bored. The running form is still going good, I just am bored with it.

My quickest mile now has been 9 minutes flat. I was really happy with this pace, however I can not maintain it for very long ;)

When I alternate, it breaks it up and I actually end up running more (go figure). Last night I was out for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Though I did end with a 15 minute walk…… my hamstring got tight and I wanted to walk it off.

I have continued mixing in p90x and insanity workouts. They are getting “easier”, though don’t let that fool you. They are still extremely challenging. I am actually liking the insanity workouts a ton better than the p90x ones. Insanity is more cardio intensive and there is less lollygagging. Hard to explain but I think Tony Horton is a goof and spends too much time joking around etc. His moves are also a little more complicated at times, so I sit there needing to watch it a few times before I can workout. This drops my heart rate and I get frustrated with it. Insanity (Shaun T) is continuous and extremely fast paced. However for the most part the exercises are fairly straight forward and I am able to do them. I have had to modify a couple of them due to bad knees, however am still seeing results and overall happy with it.

Weight wise I have dropped to 150 lbs and have been holding steady there. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment. I honestly can’t remember the last time I weighed this “little”. I am now in unchartered territory. The drop has slowed a bit, but the overall trend has continued to go downwards. I have hit one of my goals. That pair of skinny jeans I had, well they are now hanging off of me. I love the fact this has happened, however I am really getting tired of shopping .. HAHAH

Another thing I have recently found is Special K protein shakes. I hate strawberry in anything, so I haven’t tried that flavor. The milk chocolate I am kind of on the fence with. I drank one loved it, drank another and it had a bitter flavor to it. I finished the 4-pack and likely won’t buy any more. My favorite by far is the French vanilla. I have been having one first thing in the morning for the past few weeks. I have never been a breakfast person. I will literally force myself to have a granola bar and am good till around 10:30 or 11. Then I go to lunch. So instead of a granola bar, I started having a shake. It seems to work just as well, and I am happy to drink that than force down any food.

ohhh New feature found in the app

So I have been playing with my new phone/app pretty much nonstop. I have found that I can race myself. It stores all my runs (I am sure there is a limit), but then you can select to race yourself. So your current pace is set against your fastest time. The app then tells you if you are loosing or winning. Kind of neat and a way to keep me moving when I feel like slacking.

I actually overslept this morning. Totally on accident, alarm didn't go off because quite frankly I didn't set it.. haha.. So tomorrow I shall race myself and see how I do...

New gadget for phone.. hehehe

So I took a few days off after finishing the C25k Program. Weather was crappy, life was busy, and I needed a break. This morning however I decided to strap on the running shoes and hit the pavement (okay the real motivating factor was the new app I have on my Droid... sooo in love there).

So anyway, this new app, every minute it announces an update (custom set). Mine will either say distance, time, calories burned, or mile pace. Sometimes it is a combo. However every minute, I get an "update". It also uses the gps to make me a cute lil map, etc. This morning being the first run, I didn't give it my all. I wanted to play with my new gadget. Nerdiness trumps fitness any day of the week. I was really slowing down to make sure it was picking up GPS etc. So I did go a bit slower, but that is probably a good thing after a couple days off.. haha... Here are the stats..

Distance 1.82 miles
Speed 5.5 mi/hr
Calories 211
and Time 19:43

I think I can upload the map also... however I am slacking on that ;-)..

The app is free for anyone who has a droid and is interested. It is called Cardio trainer.

The only downside, the calories burned is not based off heartrate. You input your weight and it calculates from there.

Speaking of weight, I am holding steady at 154 lbs. However have continued to tone up quite a bit. Still on the right track and still loving it :-)