Since beginning this journey 10 weeks ago I have noticed some changes in my body. Some I figured were coming and others were complete surprises. I expected (and hoped!) that my legs would put on some muscle - Lord knows I needed it! They definitely look better now with some meat on my stems!
What I didn't expect was the change in my waist. After having kids my mid-section was drastically changed forever. My once prominent abs were buried beneath a layer of fat and excess skin. I knew that it would never go back to the way it was but I was hopeful that I could at least make it look better! After the boy was born I did work at losing the extra weight and was able to successfully get back to my pre-baby number. However it looked different - MUCH different. I assumed that there was a little bit of fat in there but since it moved around so much, I assumed it was mostly skin. Until I started running! Apparently there was more fat there than I knew because that lovely skin belt is getting looser and looser and more and more wrinkled! When I go into a push-up or plank position, if I happen to grab a glance at my mid-section, the skin droops down to a point in the middle. Ewww. While amusing, I never expected to see a difference in my waist, so that's a pleasant surprise!
And since I've been doing exercises to strengthen my core (push-ups, a number of plank variations, crunches, leg lifts) I am noticing changes in my arms as well - I'm starting to have some definition and they are definitely more toned than before. I knew the strength would increase, but I didn't expect to actually be able to see a difference, so that's another welcomed unexpected change!
And after one day of running outside I am feeling that different muscles were worked than when I am on the treadmill. As usual, my calves and shins have the ache going on, but my hamstrings, hips & quads are tender as well. I wonder what other changes I'd see if I ran outside more? Since this is our annual staycation week I'm hoping I have some opportunities to get some outside running in. I know that once fall/winter hits and the daylight hours lessen so will my chances for running outside, so I want to get some in while I have the chance. If it weren't raining today, I'd be out there right now!
I figured I'd share the new discoveries I'm making, but there are still more training blogs to come. Thanks for sticking with me!
Outside running, wahoooo!!! And isn't the human body an amazing machine??
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