richjones1968

Definitely both. The weights will give you better body shape as well as helping burn calories. Better body and core strength also helps you run faster/longer, the mix of training helps prevent overuse injury - the bane of runners.

First of all don't worry too much about the gaunt comments - I tried running my way to weight loss a few years ago and got down from 13st 7 to 12st 2 (5ft 10) and a BMI around 22 - and I got all the same comments; I was pushing it too far, I was making myself ill etc. I think that this comes from 2 things: - The comparison…

Several points to offer if you don`t mind a man commenting (and I`m not trying to start a huge debate here over what`s best - beauty is in the eye of the beholder); Despite what the press, certain magazines and Baywatch would have you believe, smaller is beautiful, most especially on slimmer figures (proportion is…

Can`t see your diary to see how you've set up your profile but your net daily intake is around 1500 which sounds good. However it depends how the target has been set. Have you set your profile as active and are you then adding the riding/mucking out etc. as extra exercise. If your goal has been set expecting you to do this…

For me it`s definitely at the gym or a club or class. Occasionally I run cross country on my own just to enjoy the solitude and tranquillity but the rest of the time having that pre agreed time makes it so much easier to get up and go- and classes and clubs are a social environment - good for support but also just good to…

Why wait to progress to jogging. If you`re capable of good 5 mile walks you already have a reasonable base and should be able to start jogging now. Take it easy at first, try mixing run/walking , say a minute run, minute walk until you find a comfortable level, then up the running to 2mins and 1 minute walk etc. Do get a…

I seldom use a treadmill but when I do I have it programmed in 2 minute intervals; 2 mins at 3% incline, 2 mins flat 2 mins at 6%, 2 mins flat then 9, 12 and 15% and if I`m feeling keen I`ll work it back down through 12, 9, 6, again. Both the flat and inclines are set at speeds appropriate for the section. My main problem…

Net calories is the relative total after allowing for any exercise you do. For example if you walked for half an hour and logged this as burning 200 calories, the your total allowance for that day would be raised by 200 calories. The site than takes all the food you've entered and shows you your total calorie intake for…

Sounds like you`ve done it before and know what to do - Choose a workout that`s right for you - one that you enjoy and will not see as a chore - I prefer group activities - running, spinning, circuit training in a class etc. as it makes it a social event as well as a workout. but that`s just what works for me. - Count…

I love carb loaded food as well. Find a way to fit them in sensibly (if you don`t then you`re going to go straight back to them once you finish the diet and undo all the good work anyway). If you want chips, have oven chips but weigh out a portion before you cook them - I was laughing at the pathetic size of the portion on…

Nothing you can do. Once you`ve had a few drinks your normal reasoning goes out the window - I`ve been out for a 3 course meal with a lot of drinks and stopped for a curry on the way home. Try to regulate the drinks (make every third drink water or orange and lemonade) so that you`re less drunk and can control the decision…

Pilates is the way to go. Whether in a class or get an instructional DVD to give you ideas for exercises to do at home. Works the whole core much better than sit ups/crunches and the basic exercises don't actually feel like an effort even though they work wonders. Just concentrate on mastering the technique of engaging…

A good mix of weights will give you muscle tone and a better body shape to show when the diet has shed the pounds - you already have cardio in two half hour walks every day. - If you want to do more then try picking up the pace on the walk home. - Exercise at home depends on what you want to do. Pilates gives great core…

Best to cut right back until the race - if you`ve done all the training up to now a couple of weeks rest shouldn`t make too much difference but a full injury might mean you don't make the start line. Try to do other training - swimming or cycling or even light weights - but don`t push too hard in a new way. Do a couple of…

Don't get too hung up on whether it was 400 or 500 or 600 calories - half hour at 10% gradient is a good effort and as long as your heart rate was in the right zone then you`re working and that's what counts. If you`re after reassurance does the treadmill not have a calorie counter to compare? - As long as your not eating…

Well done for making the decision. Surround yourself with supportive people and take control. Look forward to seeing your story progress on the success board.

You shouldn`t have to put up with such behaviour but life`s never perfect; Even if you`re not in a position to vocalise your thoughts about their behaviour try and see comedy in the anger - think of them as a 2 year old and whatever they`re saying repeat back in your head imagining a child`s squeaky tantrum voice and…

Your exercise needs adjusting down by at least 60%; the calorie burn for your walking is set way too high - I wouldn't expect to burn at that rate on a really hard run - and don't eat back the extra calories - others may if they do 22 mile runs but that`s an altogether different level. You`ve got to look at what you`re…

If you go to the exercise page and add an exercise that you plan to do, eg walking, it brings up a list of options to add based on speed/effort etc. Select what you plan and it will add it and allocate calories to your daily plan - then just click the red delete button next to it if you don't do it (or delete it and then…

90lbs is a massive success! Don't put yourself down just because you've set yourself a higher target. Sustained loss takes a lifestyle change as well as a diet and you've managed this for a year. Another 6 months and you`ll be there and life will be about enjoying your new shape rather than aspiring to it.

Awesome effort to have lost 9 stone! We all have our temptations (for me its biscuits and cakes). Whenever you feel like succumbing just focus on how good it felt each time you ticked a stone off and think do I really want this. Have you chosen a 10k to aim for? A specific race will help focus your mind and give you a…

Do you warm up in the gym before hitting the treadmill? - this gets your muscles warmed up, heart rate increased and steady, adrenalin etc. raised. When I run outside it takes me at least a mile to get going and I often take this mile easy and discount it from my target distance.

Many running clubs have beginners groups in the spring. Don't be put off by the word club - our beginners course has over 100 beginners each year, most of whom cannot run half a mile when they start - a 10 week course (2 sessions a week) culminates with a 5k run and then the option to join the club and take it as far they…