Been working out on the elliptical since the 3rd wk. of January, slowing building the distance & amount of time I can go . Have kept 8 pounds off. Started running at the track last week 5/13 one lap 1/4mile. 5/14 walked a lap, ran a lap, walked a lap, ran a lap, walked a lap -ran 1/2 mile total! No extreme shin splints-no extreme out of breath problems. Ran again today like last time 1/2 mile w/walking. Felt good to be able to run-haven't really been able to do this for so long -working on the elliptical has so helped me & condition my body, but running on the track really inspires you to eat less, because you are more aware of all the flab that is jiggling! Ha! Well, keep on keeping on! Eat less, live more! Don't give up, it takes lots of effort, time & consistency to build muscle mass & increase your metabolism to finally shed those extra unneeded pounds. Hello to less of me!

I was thinking today about my eating habits and that in turn got me thinking of my exercise habits. Why am I exercising? Hopefully, it is to truly be a better steward of this body God gave me. I am overweight & my cholesterol is too high & I have a family history of heart disease. I have lowered my cholesterol & triglyceride numbers over the past 2 years with exercise & better diet/food, not having to use medicine for which I am thankful. But let's be honest. I can justify that bowl of ice cream or bowl of cereal for a snack when I know I have exercised that day. But is that really helping me lose weight or just stay the same? I went down to the Fieldhouse (for my 1st time) yesterday & worked for 11 minutes on the elliptical to burn 100 calories. What we often eat in the form of a snack is more than 100 calories! Yes, even my cappuccino! So if I don't change my eating habits (better portion control, healthier snacks, etc) I will be working hard, but not losing the weight for better lifestyle & health reasons. My prayer today is to mindful of what goes in my mouth. We as Americans can be such gluttons! Yes, I need to exercise more.