August 20th - 26th

I am most of the way through the 3rd week of my 4 week exercise plan. I definitely see some improvement in some of the exercises. The biggest improvement I see is with my core. At the start of the plan I was only able to hold the Plank for about 15 seconds for each of the 3 sets. This last time I was able to hold it for the entire 30 seconds for each set and did not rush the last set. My lower back did not feel to much strain either. My hips are feeling a little stronger. They still feel like they are going to cramp when I do the Clamshell but they have not hurt as much during my runs. For the Modified Pushups I am working on trying to get all of the way down. I struggle with the Lats and Shoulders exercises due to not having some equipment. I did find my resistance band so that should help. I am considering getting the Iron Gym and or some of the Easy Adjustable Dumbbells. But before I go buy stuff I need to figure out what my goals are.

Other exercising.
On the 17th Matt and I headed to the pool where I discovered my long lost calling...a Water Basketball Star! This would be better with a swimsuit that actually fit though. I once again tried to do a flip and still fail. I also jumped off the diving board 5 times. The first time I got up I chickened out and walked back off, but then I got up and jumped off. I still plug my nose when jumping off. I wonder if I can plug it on the way down and then on the way up let go. I should try next time. It is still very scary to me standing on the end of the board. This would also be a better experience with a fitting swimsuit...

Running.
Sunday the 22nd I decided I would go for a long slow run to see how I felt. I went for 4 miles at an average pace of 13:40. I walked probably close to a half mile. It was rough. It took me forever.

Tuesday the 24th was cooler so I decided to do a fast run to see what I could do. I ran a total of 2 miles at 11:10 min/mile. My first run was a 10:00 min/mile. It took all of my energy.

Thursday the 26th was my best run in a long time. I ran the entire 3.28 miles! I was slow (12:38 min/mile) but the furthest before was 2.4 miles. And it did not kill me (meaning: knees and hips did not hurt did not take all of my energy).

I have looked into a few races, but I hesitate to sign up. This is not good. The races I am considering: EX2 Backyard Burn 5 mile series, Navy 5 Miler, Operation Care Package 5k.

Stuff.
I have had a blast in the kitchen creating delicious experiences. I have made: homemade blueberry muffins, homemade French Apple Tart, amazing Stuffed Shells, and tonight I am trying out my Tipsy Chicken Cooker! My summer vacation is coming to an end and I haven't been quite as productive as I had hoped for. I have done some soul searching and I think I have managed to get lost.