Well. I haven't run in a month! I was getting so into it too! Well, apparently my knee didn't like me running 3.2 miles straight. As much as I mentally and cardiovascularlly wanted to, my legs, more specifically my left knee just wouldn't let me. The last time I ran 3.2 miles, my knee hurt for 2 weeks just walking around. I did a lot of research on the internet about the specific kind of pain I have and it really looks like it's IT band related. It bummed me out so much, I didn't do anything at all. I could have done something else but when my life got really busy with summer camp, school clothes and supplies shopping and the first week of school madness, it was easy to just put exercise on the back burner especially since I knew running was out. I tend to get hyperfocused on running and nothing else compares. I've gotta stop that! The good news is I made an appointment with a sports medicine doctor as soon as I felt the pain and the soonest they could schedule me was a month out. Well, my appointment is next week!

Last night, I stayed up later than I have all week (10:30pm **shudders** LOL) I was super excited about the fact that I could sleep in and what do you know? I was wide awake at 6:00 am. After laying there for 15 minutes, I thought to myself why not go out for a good walk. In the back of my mind, I wondered if I should try to run. I figured I'd do 3 miles of walking and then "try" some running after that. I was nervous and excited at the same time! I got a half a mile in and my knee started hurting. That was that. Now, it's flaring up sooner! After all that rest! Bummer! I found a great article about strength training for the IT Band plus he did a video showing how to do all the exercises so I'll probably get started on them as soon as I can get my hands on a Theraband. If you're interested in the article here it is:
http://strengthrunning.com/2
011/01/it-band-injury/
And here is the link to the video of the exercises:
http://strengthrunning.com/2
011/02/the-itb-rehab-routi
ne-video-demonstration/
I'm going to stick to walking until I have more info from my Dr. visit on Tuesday. Also, I joined the Jamie Eason program that FITWHIT started so I'll get busy with some ST. Lord knows I need it-no muscle definition here! :)

On the weight front, I got down to 145 at one point then got back to 150! Now I'm fluctuating between 147 and 149. I have been having a really hard time with cravings, snacking and not feeling satisfied. I go over different things in my head over and over about what I need to do. Evenings are just the worst! I'll get my groove back. This is just what I'm going through right now.

My Sister in law, her husband and two boys are visiting for the weekend. My in-laws will be here shortly. We're celebrating my FIL's birthday (Aug. 16) and my DH's upcoming birthday (Sept. 2). I've had a really relaxing morning and feel good about moving my body this morning. I hope you are all having a great weekend and for those of you in the path of Irene, please be safe!

This is what I need to look at every day!!