Welcome Back, Kotter (or anyone reading)

So, it's definitely been a few weeks since posting.  I hadn't planned to let it go this long, but things have been kinda crazy for me lately.  

Well, I'll set your fears to rest right away.  Just because I haven't posted recently doesn't mean I haven't been working out.  I've actually kept up with the routine very well.  Sometimes I go to the gym, but I mostly enjoy the good weather we've been having here in the Philly area.

I've been running/walking all over this county and there are some really nice trails here.  I think my favorite is Valley Green in and around the chestnut hill area.  There are a ton of trails as well as a main trail marked with mile markers.  Having mile markers makes things really easy, because I can't find a good iphone app that allows me to track my mileage as I walk/run.  FYI what we've always known as Valley Green is technically now called the Wissahickon Valley.  If you'd like to check it here's the website: http://www.fow.org/map.php.  You can rent bikes there, run, walk trails, and if you own a horse, you can walk it on the trail.  I definitely recommend it.  I've also been to the famous Horsham Powerline Trail.  Now this trail is really "electrifying".  It's actually a pretty nice trail.  The road is paved and there are definitely mile markings, 1/4 mile markings to be exact.  My biggest complaint about the Powerline Trail (spoiler alert) is the fact that a power line runs through the entire trail.  You can hear the buzzing from the power lines as you walk.  However, to be fair it's really well maintained and there are some really nice parks along the way.

I've definitely developed a really good support group during this whole thing.  I don't walk alone very often and I've had people push me to walk when I haven't been very into walking that day.  Yes, I've had days where it's been difficult to walk/run.  They are a little more occurrent than when I first started, but I still enjoy this very much.

On to the actual running/walking.  I'm definitely comfortable walking 5 miles.  Of the five miles I can run about 3/4's of a mile at the moment which is not that great, but from what I understand it's not too bad either.  The longer I do this, the better I feel, obviously.  When I do walk though, I walk at a pretty good pace, I'm not just walking lethargically down the path.  

I've also discovered other forms of exercise that have helped raise my endurance.  I've been playing a little bit of tennis which is a ton of fun.  I forgot how much fun tennis is.  I started off a little rocky (that's boxing, I know) but it's come back to me pretty quickly.  I think I even served the ball like 80 mph for three or four serves in a row, acing my opponent all three/four times.  However, I then lost it again.  If anyone's interested in playing, let me know!!

In regards to my last post, I have not bought a pair of shoes yet, but I think I found a pair I like.  It's by Adidas, it's called the Ozweego.  If you've heard of it, let me know what you think, but I've read some reviews and they were mainly positive.  Here is a link if you're interested in taking a look:  http://www.shopadidas.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10954267&page=2&v2=y&cp=3748174.3748186.3748266.3778628.2012801&cid=G22829&shopGroup=R.

Well thanks again for joining me on this crazy trip.  It definitely won't be as long for my next update.  As usual any and all suggestions are much appreciated.  

Next topic of discussion, run mix (what songs do you listen to while running), so think about it.

Until next time, 

Big D

It's been, one week!! (BNL style)

Welcome back!

It's been a productive week.  I walked everyday this week except for two days.  I've realized that I like walking outside more than inside, but considering that we can't control the weather yet, I'll have to deal with it.

Wednesday I did my four miles again but I decided this time I was going to run a little bit.  I ran for half a mile.  I was pretty proud of myself.  I realize that to some people that's nothing, but to me that's somewhat of an accomplishment.  I'm not ready to pat myself on the back yet, but I was proud of myself for putting in the extra effort and running.

The other days I did more power walking than running but I still walked 4 miles.  Today however, was a little different.  Today I walked less than my normal 4 miles, but I included some hills and I walked a pretty steady pace.  I broke a sweat and could definitely feel the burn in my muscles which I believe is a good sign.

Speaking of muscle burn on Thursday I was in some major major pain.  After pushing myself on Wednesday I could definitely feel it.  My whole lower body was aching, especially my gluteus maximus.    I could barely even sit on it and was oohing and ahhing all day.  I think I said "my butt hurts" 100 times that day.  I do realize that my body is probably going to feel like that for a while, but I definitely wasn't used to.  However, when I woke up on Friday I was already feeling a lot better.

I've also realized that I'm going to sleep a little earlier than usual because my body is so drained.  The last benefit that I can tell has kicked in right away is that I'm in a better mood.  You always hear people say "if you exercise it puts you in a good mood" and then I always think to myself, I'm pretty sure sitting on my couch and watching the office will leave me in a good enough mood.  I hate to admit it, but those people are right!  I've been in a a much better mood everyday.

For the most part I've also made healthier eating choices this week.  Which that part has been tough for me in the past, but I feel like eating healthier now.  For example, I went to Starbucks earlier this week, and instead of buying a cookie or cake product, I bought a cup of fruit.  I've had yogurt with fruit a few times this week and as I'm writing this, I'm drinking a coffee with soy milk.....soy milk...!!  (who would've thought)

One major discovery I made this week, I need new clothes!!  As I was running on the treadmill on Wednesday my shorts kept falling down.  I had to hike them all the way up.  I was like the Steve Urkell of the Gym and the fact that I snort when I laugh sometimes doesn't help.  I must have looked like an idiot when I was running and pulling up my shorts at the same time.  So I think sometime soon I will have to get some new workout clothes and definitely some new sneakers.  The support in these sneaks are shot!!  If anyone has any recommendations on running sneakers, please feel free to let me know.

So that's it, one week down, 24 more to go!  Of course I'm feeling good about this right.  It seems really easy, but I know it's going to get harder.  I know that at a certain point I'm going to hit a wall, but I'm going to have to push through.  Thanks for reading and I'll see you guys in a few days!!!