LocarbJ, good point about the 20 carbs. I'll try my workout plan plus lower carbs and see if that doesn't help the fat loss.
I don't mind Built discussing her problems here too, I'm learning especially since some of your concerns are my concerns.
But i have done some reading on the topic. i was as the public library for 3 hours last night, (I felt like i was in college again). I've decided to change my workout plan a bit. Realized that the reason I have been gaining weight in my workout plan is because of High impact aerobics. They tend to bulk up a person of my body type first, before I see weight loss results. That can be discouraging, especially since I have 17 pounds to go before I hit goal.
Anyway, no more step aerobics, too high impact and it was making my thighs bulky. No more running, also adding bulk to the thighs. I'm now lifting heavier weights more often to add definition to my upper body and to create a more even look between upper and lower half. Doing some resistance training on the lower half, but using lighter resistance with high reps. Better on the joints and more likely to burn the fat under the already present muscle.
I'm still doing the marathon and there is nothing wrong with walking 26.2 miles. I'm perfectly fine with that. I just don't want to have to repair damage later that training for this marathon could do to me in the long run. I don't want to be a career marathoner. I just want to be healthy. Plus I have ACL and cartledge injuries in both knees. I don't want to do more damage. I'm a little sad about not running, but my goal was to finish this marathon, raise the funds for cancer and get healthy all at the same time. I can still do that, I just have to take a different fitness route.
Now if anyone has any other suggestions, I welcome them. Or any books I should pick up. I did check out the "Slow burn" book at the library (thanks J).
Built, you said that you did some reading and research, what books did you read?
Thanks everyone, this has been awesome help...a bit confusing
but it was great to hear all the opinions.