148 to 150 Pounds--Running Leaner, Meaner!

Aug 22, 2009

Hurray! I am the Bionic Woman! I've lost an inch off my waist since beginning running 3 months ago, though the scale only shows a 2 to 4 pound loss. Who cares? I am into Non-Scale Victories at this point and am exultant that I am getting fitter and healthier with every step. A 29 inch waist! Oh, gosh, I haven't seen that since college!

It does make my loose skin hang off me even more dramatically, but I am trying hard to ignore that. I don't have the money to get the tummy tuck, lower body lift, arm lift and inner thigh lift that I want, but c'est la vie! I am not going to let it stop me. The compression running pants I wear help to keep everything together, although I still jiggle quite a bit.

At first it was really hard to get out there and run. I hate to be watched--it makes me feel so self-conscious! But I think I am slowly overcoming that. My mom never used to let others' shock at her scarred leg prevent her from wearing shorts when it was hot, or getting out and about to just have fun. I think that if I keep her in mind, I will eventually be able to overcome my anxieties about being criticized and judged when I am out running. 

I am now able to run 5 miles at a time, and am averaging just under 22 miles a week. I initially had some muscle soreness at the beginning of my running adventure, but ibuprofen took care of it. I have started to do a series of knee-strengthening exercises in addition to my pre-run stretching exercises. I am going to buy a set of ankle weights so I can do them at home rather than at the gym, which is more convenient for me.

Today I am taking a rest day. Sunday I am going to push the envelope a little and go for 5.5 miles on my route. I want to increase my distance slowly--no more than 10% a week--and if I can keep running for a year, train for the 2010 Portland Marathon!

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