JessM822 Member

Muscle weighs more than fat. You’re body may become more defined without losing weight. Take measurements of specific areas of your body and keep track that way as well.

Running will do a lot for your legs and back side. I haven’t seen any serious runners or long distance runners that don’t have great legs. It just depends on how serious you get with your training. Strength Training still plays a role in training. My strength training increases during my off season and decreases when my…

Most shoes start losing support after a few hundred miles. That also depends on what brand shoe you have as well. I will usually retire mine around 300 miles or so. Shin splints take time to heal. There’s really no magic potion for them once you have them. Rest your legs

I had a pair of Bose headphones I really liked. Little on the expensive side but not compare to Beats

Very true, but I think tracking your steps is a stepping stone into learning how to be more efficient in the fitness area. I compete in Ironmans and also picked up the Ultra Marathon bug now. I obviously didn’t start there. I started by running my first mile, cycling my first 10 miles, and thought it was awesome when I was…

Wouldn’t moving more mean having more steps? Why wouldn’t someone focus on their daily step count if it was making them move? This all came about as a fun way to have people challenge themselves to MOVE more. Like you said you hit 10,000 steps regularly. Why not increase your step count. You know that’s an option right? I…

The swim is the shortest discipline, but is the most challenging part mentally. It still take me 300 yards or so to calm myself down during the swim portion.

That’s impressive! I only swim fast because I really want out of the water. Not a fan of the water but it’s getting better. Good for you on the distance though!!!

I don’t beforehand. I usually go for a little run around the block before I actually start my run. You may want to stretch a little afterwards though or stretch before bed. Everyone’s different though. Everyone has an opinion too. Find what works for you. Your body will tell you what it likes.

You should listen to them!!

Keep doing what you’re doing with your marathon training. It’s more about weekly mileage than long runs. You do want long runs, but keep them for every couple of weeks or so. Again, everyone is different when it comes to running. I have my plan I can share with you. Nothing fancy but it seems to work for me. I’ve competed…

I don’t think it’s the cold doing it unless your place is freezing inside. My guess would be stress. Maybe you don’t like the winter and it doesn’t exactly make you happy? Mine stays pretty even across the board at 41 bpm. I live in Minnesota, so we get a little of everything here.

I’m currently training for a 50 miler in February, then continue training for a 100 miler late this year. Then returning to Ironmans next year. It will be a very exciting journey for you. Doing your first half, then your first marathon are extremely motivating and exciting. It never gets old crossing that finish line.…

Definitely go cheap at first. This can be a very expensive sport. Even going cheap it is still expensive. This sport will be the reason I can’t retire. lol Good luck with everything. It’s a wonderful sport and you’ll meet awesome people along the way. Remember to run your own race. Don’t worry about what other people are…

It’s a half marathon. You stated yourself pace doesn’t matter to you, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Walk it if you need to walk it. A lot of technical answers above, and honestly probably thinking to much into it. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and get to the starting line. After that just enjoy the race!!!

Good advice above, but considering it’s your first one just go out there and have fun. For the swim stay towards the back so you don’t get caught up in the mess with the other swimmers. You’ll learn a lot from your first one and everyone after. Brick workouts are great. Bike and run that is. It trains your legs to accept…

There is no certain answer to this. Everyone’s body is different and their body’s needs are different. Nutrition is a trial and error course. Try different things and see how your body reacts. Shorter distances/times don’t require much usually. The intensity is a major factor.

I did Madison 70.3 this year as one of my training events for the Wisconsin Ironman. It’s a technical bike course with lots of hills and turns. The roads are not the best either. This year it did get really hot on run. Not much shade at all running around the lake. The swim was great though. Probably the best swim I had…

How are you handling our awesome weather???

I will be in Wisconsin in September as well. Any final word yet if they're changing the bike course? I keep hearing yes and no.

You do need to build endurance for swimming. You also have to have a technique as well so you're not fighting the water. If you're getting that sore maybe try slowing down your pace a little bit and go with the water.

Sounds pretty solid for what you have access to. Just remember it takes time.

Fitness trackers are worth it. Just be careful that you don't become a slave to it. People tend to keep trying to beat their previous pace, distance, or steps and fail to listen to their bodies. They're addicting once you get going. Tracking your progress is great, but make sure you continue to be smart about it.

The treadmill is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Sure you still get a workout in, but you do hit a point where your mind just can't take it and you need to get off.

Base Amino with a scoop of Gatorade. Have it before, during, or after. Gives energy and helps with recovery. Depending on the intensity of your training sessions you will need more than just water.

Might just want to find a coach. Personal Trainers are very limited to what they can do and the advice they can give. Plus, a coach won't have any problem with making you sore, and making you do it all again tomorrow. A good coach has no sympathy. I think it will cost you about the same. Might even be cheaper depending on…

You burn very few calories swimming actually. Probably better off running or cycling to be honest. I swim 2,200 yards on average and only burn 400 calories or so. You can run in waist deep water. I see people doing that all the time but don't know what the calorie burn is like.

Not a good time to change anything. Eat how you trained. Any changes now won't do anything for you or they'll hurt you. Not worth the risk.

Time to become an Ironman then. Only running must get old. Plus, running a marathon after swimming 2.4 miles and cycling 112 miles will build character.