Why I hated the word "RUNNING"

Running can be a chore, especially if you are new to running OR dread the word "running." I don't know about you but RUNNING was not one of my fav activities to do, especially before loosing my first initial 30lbs and here is why.

1. Jiggling. YES, I said it - JIG-GLING. 30 pounds ago, when I tried to run it would HURT! Yes, I said it! Between my boobs slapping me in my face and my big legs pounding on my tender knees - it was an annoyance to me and I dreaded when my husband would say those three words "Let's go Run!"

Low and behold, I went to Target and found some compression pants and some additional compression gear and that has helped tremendously. I can tell the difference in my body when I wear my compression gear and when I do not.

Now that I am 30 pounds lighter and I have the correct equipment,  running isn't as bad as I thought.  I thoroughly enjoyed my first 5K with Black Girls Run (more on that coming shortly) - and now I have a love affair with running.

Running actually clears my mind and allows me to think - especially when I'm playing Rick Ross in the background *smiling* #guiltypleasure

2. Knee Pain. I suffered from knee pain for YEARS. Never did I put two and two together that the pain was a result of my excessive weight gain. I am 5'3" which means I should be no more than 150lbs or less. My doctor said 160lbs  and she will be happy but I'm going for my personal goal of 150lbs.  I could care less on how I "look" as long as I am healthy and fitting into the clothes that I want to wear! (that's another conversation).

Not only did my knees hurt but they would make an excruciating noise when I did simple things as squats, lunges and walking up the stairs. I would literally tell people to walk in front of me - I was that embarrased. Now 30 pounds lighter, NO MORE KNEE PAIN (Praise the LORD) BUT they do still make that noise. I've just learned to ignore it - I can't let anything hold me back from obtaining my goals!

3. Lazy. I admit - I can be very lazy BUT on this journey to a healhier "ebby" I had to put my differences and "don't like's" to the side in order to obtain my goals. Running takes a lot of energy and commitment and in order to see results, I knew I had to get out there and go.

4. Shins. OOOHWEEE I do not know if you ever experienced shin splints but let me be the first to tell you -PAIN - FUL! I used to run track in high school and had to quit because of my shins and I wasn't even heavy back them (was actually a toothpick). Let me be the first to tell you, that pain is from Satan himself!

So I am sharing all of this with you for what?
In my weight loss journey, I knew I had to switch up my workouts (because I get bored very easily) and running is one of those "things" that I dreaded but knew I had to do it. Well, during my first run a few months ago, I really messed up my right foot and here is what happened to me - I got Plantar Fasciitis! An excruciating pain occurs in my right foot and it's hard to walk some times - especially in the morning. I had to get cortisone shots in my foot a few times to ease the pain. I still have the pain (because I don't do the proper stretches and exercises) BUT I wanted to share this video with you that I got from Runner's World which shows you various exercises to do with your foot to prevent what I am now suffering from.

BTW, My husband, Dr. Kittles diagnosed me after doing research online (smiling).