Too Young to Be A Mall Walker?

(This pic. cracks me up! I had to use it.)


Oh my, I have so many titles for this blog in my head. There was Kat vs. the Mall, Kat Conquers the Mall, Too Young to Be A Mall Walker, Too Old to Care, Old People Have The Right Idea (okay, not a great one), etc.

So as you know, I like to walk. I started my walking career (haha) during the spring when the mornings were still nice and cool. Now however, the mornings (even starting at 7:30 am) are HOT and HUMID! We have been walking at Riverside, and although I love walking there, it is just too much right now. So my mom suggested the mall and I said sure. What a great idea!!! It's cool (air conditioning people! Woohoo!), you can window shop, and they even play music (although I usually just have my headphones in, but still). There are bathrooms and water fountains and lots of friendly people. Mall walkers are friendly. They are determined, but friendly. I have only been twice so far, but saw some of the same faces both times.

Yes, they are an older group of people (I told my mom I was the youngest there. She quickly told me she saw a little girl in a stroller, so I wasn't. Har har Mom...har har!), but I really don't care. True, I am not your typical age for a "mall walker", but that doesn't bother me in the slightest! When do I ever go with the status quo anyway?

So if you want to walk but you don't like the heat, check out your local mall and see when they open. Most open early for mall walkers. I think ours opens around 7:00 am, three hours before the stores open. I think it is a wonderful alternative to sweating your skin off! Don't you?


Love and kisses,
Kat the Mall Walker

How Ridiculous Do My Feet Look Right Now?

Raise your hand if you agree! Don't worry, I'll turn my head so I won't see! Haha! There are so many things I don't like about these shoes. First of all, I'm not a fan of white shoes. I'm not a white shoe hater, so don't get upset if you looove them, but they are just not for me. Secondly, I'm just not a fan of wearing glitter on my tennis shoes. Yes, I have flip flops with glitter and maybe even a few shirts that have a little sparkle, but on my tennis shoes? Seriously, I feel like a tween. It takes me back to the days of New Kids On The Block and My Little Ponies. And I have to say, these were the best of the small selection they had. Sigh...

If you don't already know, these are called Shape-ups by Skechers and they are designed to tone your legs when you walk. I must say, I have worn them three times now and I do feel a difference when I walk. As you can see, they have a curvy bottom to them that makes sort of a rocking motion when you walk. They are comfy and you get used to them (even how dumb they look) after awhile. I don't know how much they will "tone" my legs, but they have been around for awhile and have really good reviews, so we will see. I honestly would recommend buying them if you are a serious walker like me (I can't believe I can say that...I'm a SERIOUS walker!!! That's awesome!!!). I have included a link at the bottom of this post for their website where you can look at all of the different styles they have and hopefully find some cuter than mine. I'm just impatient and wanted my Shape-ups RIGHT THEN or I would have ordered them online. They are a bit pricey, but if they do what they say, I think they are worth it. Like I said, we will see. Stay tuned...

http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/styles/fitness/list

5K Love

I have recently discovered something about myself...I love to walk. Now this is quite a revelation! I have hated exercise for so long, that I was afraid to really get out there and try it. A few weeks ago I attended the A2A Marathon/Half Marathon/5K in Ardmore (http://www.a2amarathon.com/) and did the 5K with my sisters. I was scared to death I wouldn't be able to finish it. I mean I walk on the treadmill, but that is so boring I'm always ready to jump off. Well, I finished it and was thrilled! What a rush! I couldn't wait until my next one! The next three days however, I was so very sore! I scheduled my next 5K for May 8th and thought I would have plenty of time to get ready. Then last weekend I was in a local pizza place and noticed a sign for a 5K walk for MS and decided I wanted to do that as well. The problem was it was only a week away. I decided to do it anyway. I started walking in my neighborhood and walked about a mile...and the next day, I walked two. I then decided to throw it all in and walk the track around LaFortune Park (which is exactly the length of a 5K, 3.1 miles) on Thursday morning. I did that too with no problem (Woohoo!!)! The very best part, I haven't been sore all week. So when I woke up yesterday, I was ready for my second official 5K. The weather was perfect, the course was beautiful (lots of gorgeous homes and azaleas everywhere!). There were even several hills and I walked up them with no problem. I wasn't thinking, "When will this torture end???" like in the past, I just listened to my music and took in the scenery. I was actually a little disappointed when it was over. I grabbed my finishers medal at the end and couldn't help but smile. Yes, a new love had been born! I may never run a marathon (who am I kidding, I will NEVER run a marathon, haha!) or even run a 5K, although that is a goal, but walking is something I can and will do! Trust me, I never thought I would actually like exercise! If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone!