JStigs

Hey all. I posted here over a month ago looking for some diet/workout suggestions.

I cut my weight training for a month and conentrated totally on cardio to get rid of a small beer belly. My weight has dropped to 187 (from 204) and I look and feel a lot better. I know some of that weight was lost muscle mass but in turn my arms and shoulders have gotten skinnier and while I look a little 'smaller', I look more toned. This week I restarted weight training, and am looking now just to tone up more.

Is this possible to do while I am still doing cardio? I run 30-40mins 6 days a week, and lift 4 days. I know the importance of protein in retaining muscle mass so I have a high protein lunch, and then a shake (23g) or two right before, during, and after my workout.

I am not looking to add a lot of muscle mass now, I wanted to get down to 180 or so and then concentrate more on building muscle. Is it a good idea for me to lift now or am I wasting my time?

Also, is it important that I get my shake in immediately after I lift (right before my run) or could I wait until after the run? The thought of running on a stomach full of that stuff makes me kind of quesey.