Running...OUCH!

So I've been running more, trying to get into a regular routine...however...IT HURTS! Not my whole body, not even my legs so to speak, but my knees! Either I need new shoes, or my knees really are that bad. It didn't help that on Saturday I decided that I needed to do a set of bleachers after my 3.1 mile run. But I am slowly getting back into the groove of my running.

On the flip side of things, I feel a lot better now that I'm running again. It gives me the chance to clear my head. But also it makes me want to work out more.

Back in the swing of things...

So I've decided to start running again. I was a competitive runner all through school, even in to college, but stopped a few years ago. I am not planning to race again, but just run on a regular basis.

But let me tell you, it's hard to get back at it! I went running the other day and did not realize how out of shape I really was! My muscles were so sore the next day. It made me realize how important exercise in general really is.

Hopefully, I can get back into the swing of things....I'll keep you all posted on how it goes:)

4 ways to shed belly fat...

I recently read this article and it gave some great tips on how to trim that waistline:

4 Ways to Shed Belly Fat

1. Exercise. You can't exercise to spot reduce, but it will help you shed excess pounds -- and often, the fat your body sheds first comes from your belly. Abdominal crunches can help tone muscles to make your stomach look flatter, but to truly get rid of fat, you have to burn it off through aerobic activity.

2. Be a mindful eater. Researchers are currently investigating whether really paying attention to what you eat can help redistribute body fat from your waist to your hips. Plenty of studies, though, have shown that mindful eating can help with weight loss efforts.

3. Get adequate amounts of sleep. Too little sleep (less than six hours) or too much (more than eight hours) results in an excess production of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone promotes the storage of fat in the belly.

4. Reduce stress. Penciling in 15 minutes a day for relaxation can also lower your cortisol levels, helping you shed belly fat. Deep breathing, a stroll outdoors under the blossoming trees, or a bubble bath can help you leave the world behind.

For more information check out the following link:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/28/4-Ways-to-Shed-Belly-Fat.aspx

Focus on the Good

Lately, I have been struggling at work and home. My struggle is with all the negative things going on in my life. Something bad happens and all I do is focus it.

Last night at church we were talking about this very issue and it dawned on me. What if something bad happens and I try to find the good in it instead of the bad? If I just try to keep my focus on God and all the good things He has done for me instead of all the negativity that is floating around in the world, I would be a lot happier and probably healthier.

So I am going to extend my challenge to all you out there. Focus on the good things in your life, the many blessings that have been bestowed, upon you. I guarantee that you will feel better and enjoy life more.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.

Proverbs 3, 5-6