Fluffy Girls Should NOT Run

I go to the gym and I do my own little routine everyday. However, every once in a while I like to spice it up a bit and during my cardio do spurts of running (ok, a fast jog). Let me note, that going to the gym is hard for me anyways - working out in front of people when you've been "the fat girl" your entire life is not easy. That being said, trying to run is exceptionally difficult for me - especially when I am between two marathon runners - ya, that was my night last night. But, I just suck it up and said this is the year of "do."  So like any normal day I'm walking along and it's "spurt" time, so I push that little speed button from 3.5 to 5.5 (yes that's my max right now), everything is going great, I'm "running" along and all of a sudden "pop" - OMG my leg (well hip) decided that it didn't want to run today. Really...so now here I am at 5.5 trying to not cry, get back down to my walk speed and not hobble off the treadmill at the same time.  At this point, looking like a fool was a definite (thank goodness I go to a "judgement free" gym). As I finally came to a stop I realized now I have to walk off the treadmill, across the gym, and to the locker room...without looking like an old lady. Let's just say January 8th was NOT my day to be at the gym apparently.

Initially my take away from this day at the gym was -- Fluffy Girls Should NOT Run -- then I realized that was just me being bitter about the fact that I probably just over did it or landing wrong while jogging. So in reality, I need to push myself but be smart about it. Going to the gym three days in a row after not going for three months in a row, is a good indication on how I managed to pull something. It's also a good indication that I need to stretch more. I know I don't do this enough - usually my stretching is about 10 mins from start to finish. Clearly not working for me or my hip flexors. Guess what that means - we get to take a trip to pinterest again!

So, I found this awesome article 12 Great Stretches for Tight Hip Flexors while cruising through pinterest. The fact that I sit at a desk for 8.5-9hrs a day is a good indication of my need for a better stretching routine - ok, a stretching routine in general. This one seems to fit me perfect, and I can do them (or will try with all my might, while looking silly or not) either at the gym or home on an "off" day. Just because I'm not going to the gym, doesn't mean I shouldn't be doing something to keep myself active or flexible! I'm kind of excited to try these out. I think that tonight (day 4) I am going to do these stretches and my home "routine" and have my rest day. Thursday's are good rest days - right before the weekend craziness, and after a few days at the gym. Sounds like my routine is starting to shape up a little bit!

2014 is going to be great, I can feel it (well right now, it's a painful annoyance in my right hip and a slight tightness in my left ankle, but it will get better)...

~Melissa
Weight: 189lbs
Goal: 150-155lbs