running/exercise update

I'm so happy that I finally had the time to put together a post regarding my progress in working out and attempting the C25k program. I know that there are women out there who struggle with their weight or their overall health, and don't know how to go about changing their lifestyle. 

to backtrack a bit... up until February, I saw a personal trainer twice a week for nearly 7 months. during that time, I also dabbled in spinning classes and a bit of walking on the treadmill, but I've never really been one to fully commit to a cardio routine. I much prefer strength training to cardio, that's for sure. 

a few weeks ago, I attempted to start the C25k program, which I blogged about here briefly. I've struggled with shin splints in the past, so it was no surprise to me that I ended up with screeching pain in my shins after only two days into the program. while my gym shoes are running shoes, I figured that since they're pretty old (not necessarily beat up though, since I don't do ANY running), I could probably benefit from a new pair, and finally decided to go ahead and get properly fitted for new shoes (I blogged about the shoes I wanted to buy in this post). 

in between the time of suffering from shin splints and getting fitted for new shoes, I discovered that I had been running incorrectly... meaning my form and where I landed on my feet was causing a great/abnormal impact on my lower legs, and therefore causing the stress to my shins. obviously, I've since made a mental note to just run with what feels like a "natural" form... which is kinda hard for me considering that I don't run on a regular basis and so NONE of it really feels "natural" for me. either way, I needed to change my running form. 

so I finally got a chance to head up to the running specialty store in Annapolis, which came highly recommended to me by a few people. I had previously tried on a pair of the Nike Free Run and the Reebok ZigTech shoes, and I liked both of them, but clearly wanted something custom for my feet. mostly, I was concerned with whether I under-pronated or over-pronated, etc. 

the sales team at Charm City Run were amazing to work with, and it seems to me that they really know their shit. immediately, she had me take my shoes off, roll my pants up, and walk a straight line away from her, and then back. she squatted down close to the ground to watch my feet as I walked, and she determined that I was neutral, which means that I walk "normal." 

based on the arches in my feet and my level of running experience, she recommended three pairs of shoes with neutral cushioning for me: the Brooks Ghost, the ASICS Gel-Cumulus, and the Nike LunarFly. I ended up picking the LunarFly, because they were the most comfortable for me. The ASICS felt too heavy for me, and the Brooks were lighter, but didn't give the support in the right place on my feet. I grabbed a couple of breathable tanks and a pair of compression shorts before heading out, too.

I decided to go ahead and break in my new shoes at the March of Dimes 5 mile walk yesterday, and it was a wonderful idea. my feet were comfortable ALL day long, and the shoes are so light that they never bothered me at all. I couldn't believe how great I felt afterward... yes, I know it was just a walk, but it was 5 miles, and I have only ever walked that distance once, when I participated in the AIDS walk with my family as a kid. so yeah, it was amazing. 

I also wore my new shorts, and I am so glad I discovered them.... I might have to go out and buy a few more pairs of them. one thing I hate about wearing shorts to the gym is that I have thick thighs that rub together, which means that my shorts always ride up and my legs chafe easily... not with these babies. 

anyway, so the new shoes are amazing and I have a feeling they will contribute nothing but greatness to my new running routine. I strained my hip/groin during the walk yesterday, so I couldn't do much running today, but I did get up and walk at an incline for about 30 minutes this morning. I'm not totally used to morning workouts, but I'm looking forward to having my evenings back for getting things done around the house and eating dinner before 9PM. 

oh, and here are a few pictures from the March of Dimes that I shamelessly stole from Stephanie, who was our wonderful team leader! we ended up having 55+ walkers and raising over $3300. it was an amazing experience and I'm sure I'll be making it an annual event for our family! 

you can see my sweet new gear - I'm sitting low in the lower left hand side of the picture.

sadly, my camera died before the walk even started, so I only have a handful of pictures, which I still need to upload to the computer.

I should be back into the running game and continuing with Week 1 of the C25k program on Wednesday. I'll make sure to keep you all updated!

have you done any running lately? what running shoes do you prefer?

Friday loves

this video that Sean sent me this week. baby laughing at a dog who eats bubbles. I'm pretty positive there's nothing cuter in the world.

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I don't have much of a green thumb, but I've been wanting to grow my own herbs this year. these three planters (thyme, rosemary & basil) from C&B would be perfect to sit on my window sill. and if I ever got tired of growing herbs, they could double as flower planters too.

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our local March of Dimes walk is a little over a week away, and I'm thoroughly excited about it. one, it's for a great cause, obviously. our team has raised almost $2500 for the charity and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the largest walking team in our area.

oh, and two, it'll be great exercise. and I'm wearing a purple & black tutu. don't worry, there will be about a gazillion pictures taken. <---- I know this isn't something I've come across on the internet this week, but I'm SO pumped, I couldn't NOT post something about it.

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these running shoes, which I may or may not be buying for myself. there will be a post regarding my progress (or lack thereof) of the C25k next week. short story is that I've got shin splints and I need them to heal. I've also been running wrong. only I would find the "wrong" way to run and fuck my legs up because of it.

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I started following Sherry's (from YHL, as if you didn't already know that) boards on Pinterest this week, and am so glad I did. she is an awesome pinner (is that a real term?) and I love her style! it would be awesome if their servers weren't down all the time though, ugh.

also, while I'm on the subject of cute baby & dog videos AND my crazy obsession totally normal affinity with YHL, check this video out. adorbs in every sense of the word.

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totes digging these funky vases from Pier1. I'm hoping to stop in my local store this weekend, and I'm crossing my fingers that they have that teal one in stock. 

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spending hours a day watching a live feed of a Bald Eagle pair and their newborn baby chicks! thank you to Kaley for passing this cuteness over to me! it's seriously one of most awesome things I've ever seen. if you haven't seen it, go here now and keep it up on your computer at all times. you will not regret it.

Happy Friday!

design ADD & tidbits

I changed my header again. and my button. I'm sticking with the argyle background though, cause I loves it. I wanted something cleaner and not so busy, so voila. even made a matching button, cause I'm fancy and shit. sike. 

had a busy weekend - got this done on Saturday. it's the only picture I have so far, and it's on my cell phone, of course. I got the two flowers and the crab colored... I only have one more session to go until my sleeve is complete, and I can't wait. it's disgusting looking right now with the peeling and the flaking, so I'll wait til it's healed to take better pictures. 

spent Sunday with my best friend at her house for a Tastefully Simple party. pretty sure I'm hooked on their products now... especially the strawberry cheeseball. holy crap, that thing was delicious. I ordered $66.61 worth of stuff from the consultant. 666... fitting, no?

I had the day off yesterday, which was wonderful considering it was about 80 degrees and beautiful outside. I went to my first ever dermatologist appointment in the morning... I needed to have my moles checked out (I'm moley, ha), and to find out what the hell is going on with my skin. as I suspected, my recent breakouts are due to my crazy ass hormones going bonkers since getting off birth control. and my moles are A-okay. 

the rest of the day went as follows: 

-drop off prescribed antibiotic lotion at pharmacy

-stop to see a friend at her work

-get nails done (color= jade is the new black. it's gorgeous)

-pick up prescribed antibiotic from pharmacy

-go home and take a quick nap

-head BACK out to the dentist, have teeth cleaned and told I need to floss more (what else is new?)

-go home and change

-go to the gym and start C25K program (awesome, by the way)

-home again... shower, dinner, TV, bed

WHEW!

wish I could have relaxed more on my day off, but it just wasn't in the cards for me I guess, haha. I'll write a better post about the Couch to 5K program when I get some time, but I'm sure you've all heard of it. I definitely want to elaborate on my experience with it, because I'm not a runner... but I'm only on Week 1, so I'll see how I feel about it in a few weeks and update you!

oh. one more thing. who has two thumbs and has been a non-smoker for 6 months today? 
this girl!  :)

Happy Tuesday, readers!