Doing it wrong.

So, what's that definition of insanity that everyone always says? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? Yeah I think that means I'm insane. Every time I try to eat healthy and exercise (read: lose weight) this same thing always happens. I start a walking regimen and soon after end up with ridiculous shin splints. Then I lay off for a few weeks or months, then start the same process over again. Umm...hello?? What is wrong with me? Use your brain, Jamie...sheesh.

As I sit here with a bottle of ibuprofen and double ice packs on my shins, I am being hit with a moment of clarity... This isn't working!! It's an Oprah "ah-ha moment" for sure. I am not just your typical chubby girl who needs to just eat less and get off her ass more and then she'll lose weight. I have problems. I have injuries. Even though walking at the park shouldn't be that big of a deal for anyone, I need to chill out and start slower.

Having the world's tightest calves + walking fast at the park = shin splints

Every time. It's a rule. It's math.

I joke around a lot and say that I'm less flexible than my 87 year old grandma, but it's REALLY true. Gram can throw a leg up straight to her head...I've seen her do it. I can't even touch my toes without bending my knees. So, I need to change things up. I'm not going to just jump into my delusional dream of becoming a long distance runner. (LOL-as if!)

As much as I want to lose weight and think that cardio is the way to get that done quickly, I need to instead focus on getting my body to move properly first. If I don't, I'm just going to keep hurting myself and getting nowhere. Long story short, I'm going to dedicate my energy to stretching, rubbing out tight muscles (even though it hurts so damn bad, especially on the calves), and strengthening the muscles that are causing me to walk funny, have bad posture, and be in pain all the time. Basically, I'm going to do at-home physical therapy on myself (and maybe go back to real physical therapy, too).

I should have probably realized that half of the park being closed today for a car show was a sign...that I'm not ready to be walking! I was pissed that it was closed, but now I'm thankful I only walked three quarters of a mile. I probably wouldn't even be able to walk at all right now if I went the whole way. Time to get into yoga! ;)

[ j. ]