Running Man

I've been remiss in posting, but here is an update!

I have successfully completed my first full squat challenge! 30 days (more like 35) of squats every day. My thighs are looking awesome! I will be the first to admit that I didn't really think that anything would really happen, but to be honest I am quite impressed with the results. I lost about a half inch on each thigh, as well as drastically reducing the cellulite and its overall more toned. I started a second squat challenge, but I lost interest about halfway through because this was more progressive that the first one (meaning the first one would give you a random number of squats to do, and the second challenge started at 50 and increased each day by five or ten, so there isn't really that surprise to it). I am going to reboot and start the challenge again, and I'll let you know how it goes.

Because of my work schedule, I can't really get out to ride as much as I want to. I work ten days and then get four days off, and it is really hard to work up the energy to get my gear and go for a ride when I have a  bunch of other things that I have to catch up on before going back to work. So I needed to find something else to help. I thought about taking swim classes again, because they were amazing and fun, even though I still cant' swim, but they are difficult to find for adults. So then I considered doing martial arts, but I wasn't able to find a dojo that had sufficient classes to really qualify as fitness/exercises. Most of them only meet maybe twice or three times a week and their hours were really odd. (Do people really take off work in the middle of the day to go do MMA and then shower and go back to work???) So then it was crossfit, which would have worked but the CHEAPEST one that had a decent work out schedule was $100 a month....up front for a year. $1200....I don't know that I am that dedicated. I mean, read back through this blog and you will find that I am probably not $1200 worth of dedicated.

So I decided to go back to the basics. I found an app called Freeletics Running, and tried it out. Piece of Advice #1: always make sure you are properly equipped to do something. Running outfit: Check. Running App: Check. Earbuds: Check. Decent Running Shoes: not so much. I did go for a run but I had a pair of old Sketchers with memory foam insides that were not retaining much memory anymore and while it was exhilarating, I began to hurt the minute I got home, and that night I couldn't sleep for the pain in my hips, knees and feet. A day or two later I could feel the over all soreness of a good run, but that first day damn near killed me. So I am going to go get fitted for a decent pair of running shoes later this week and hopefully get into that groove.

I've also signed up for a 5k, which I haven't done in several years, and this one looks to be super fun. It's called the Color Buzz and it is a nighttime, glow in the dark run. I am very excited about it.

As always, I hope this hasn't been too boring!

It's hard...but it's getting easier.

I've been trying to incorporate exercise into my life as part of my new daily routine. I didn't start this big exercise program. I didn't drastically change my diet. I am just starting to make some slow changes that might help.

I started a fiber program, since I am pretty sure I have IBS, but I haven't made it to the doctor yet. I've had a recurring problem with my intestines for a few years and hadn't thought to have it checked out till here recently. I've also started eating smaller portions when I can. I no longer get regular sized burgers if I'm craving one- I get the value menu ones and small fries. I'm trying to drink more water as well. 

As far as exercise, I am starting with a couple of things. I am doing squats a few times a week at least. A while back I was doing a 30- day squat challenge and the results in the 21 days I managed to stick with it were amazing. I started with 50 squats a day and by day 21 I was up to 200 a day, and the difference was very noticeable. So, I'm, doing squats and incorporating knee lifts (the ones where you bring up your knee to the opposite elbow in an attempt to work out your abs). I like doing the squats because I know they produce results. I'll let you know what happens with the rest. 

I'll try to be more consistent about posting on here. I've finished the task I had set out to do about eighteen months ago, so now I can dedicate my self to getting healthier and in shape. 

So I'll leave you with this: