sarafil Member

You can totally do this. And remember, it is NOT a failure to take a walk break if you need it. There are whole running plans that use walk breaks, even for marathons. I think you will surprise yourself, though. Just remember on the day of the race, start out slow....it's very easy to get carried away in the beginning and…

You can totally do it. Just gradually build up, maybe increase your mileage by 1/2 mile per week. Really, if you are already running 3, you can do six....it will be your mind that holds you back, not your body, if that makes sense. Run 3-4 days a week, and cross train two other days, take one full rest day (or more if you…

You will hear a lot about birth control and weight gain. The only birth control form that has shown some documentated increase in weight is depo provera, because of the high level of progesterone. Usually, when women gain weight on birth control, the increase in progesterone is the culprit...because progesterone is an…

What are they going to do for you? Do an ultrasound to locate it? They can't just leave it in your body!

Ice them right after you run, and then periodically during the day. And the best thing to do is look at your running form....shin splints are an overuse injury, so you need to figure out what kind of imbalance you have going on that is causing them in the first place. I've found the best place to start with form is your…

I think calipers (used by an experienced person, like a trainer) is the most accurate way (there are scans you can do, etc, which are probably THE most accurate, but are expensive). I am 5'9", 144 lb, and about 21%.

First off, congratulations on all you have achieved! You are amazing. And you already have kick-a** commitment to exercise, which is awesome. Running is a challenge, but you can do it. The key is to start out very, very, very slowly! As other people have mentioned, just start out by doing some run/walk combos. On a walk,…

congrats on five miles! That is a big accomplishment.

This pain will go away as you get more conditioned. Make sure you are well hydrated, and not going at a pace that is too fast. You should be able to carry on a conversation when you are running. Make sure you have good posture while running, chest up and open. Side stitches are awful, but they will go away the more you…

will watch later, thanks

I'm with you, but my daughters are 9 and 4, so I'm out of a lot of it now. We still don't own a television, though! :)

I am running my first half next month. One thing you may want to do, if possible, is try running a smaller race before the half (a 5k or 10k, etc) just to experience the whole race day thing before you run your half. Good luck and have fun!

I use a Garmin for running and I love it. I especially love that it gives me my pace, and distance...so when I go out for runs I don't need to have a specific route in mind....just go until I hit my target mileage. I'm about a month out from my first half marathon...feel free to add me if you like!

Oh my gosh....that is very little sleep! I don't know how you can sustain that, long term. Do you have time to work out between jobs? Or as someone else suggested, maybe try working out right after your second job ends, since you are awake anyway?

From Appleton, work in Green Bay. Feel free to add me, if you like!

Most likely you are tense in your arms/shoulders when you are running (which is a very common thing to do). Before you start your run, stand tall, lift your arms over your head, and let them fall to your sides. That is the posture you should have while you are running. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed before you start.…

I am already in to my training, my half is on September 23rd. But feel free to add me if you like, I have a lot of MFP women runners as friends and we are all very supportive. :)

Feeling nauseous during endurance exercise isn't that uncommon, so you are not alone! And runners do throw up sometimes, no doubt. But I wouldn't advise you push through it at this point; you just need to build a solid endurance base, and you don't want to make running a less than pleasurable experience. Part of distance…

same reasons as you, basically: I like the structure of training plans. And I need the push of a race at the end to keep me motivated, I think. And of course once you know the great feeling you have after a race, you want to keep experiencing that again and again.

Not sure of the laws in Australia, but typically a counselor would not be obliged to report the type of situation you describe. I do provide mental health services, and from what you describe, I would not be bound to report. I would say, though, if you have any reason to believe your brother could be continuing his abusive…

I am training for my first half, which is end of September. I have done 5ks and 10ks, but never 13.1. Feel free to add me if you like, we can go through this together! I am following a training group through a local running store, it has been great to have the support. I am doing one long run, one tempo run, and…

I have never heard that you should cut carbs if you have hypothyroidism. I've been dealing with that, along with thyroid cancer, for years, and none of my doctors have ever mentioned it. I'm not a big fan of low carb diets in the first place, carbs are fuel! Just make sure they are not simple carbs and keep your macros in…

Well, I don't think I am an athlete...but I do carb load for running. Anything 10 miles or over I like to make sure I eat enough carbs, typically starting two days before race day. I do think it makes a difference...you need carbs to fuel!

Could be plantar fasciitis. There is a lot of information on symptoms and how to treat out there on the web, it is a very common (unfortunately!) injury that runners face. I would ice after every run, use ibuprofen, and probably stay off it for awhile if it is really bothering you. Also, make sure you always do an active…

Typically the side cramps will get better the more conditioned you become. When I first started running, I would experience them...but I no longer ever do. What worked for me (as others have said) is to make sure I was well hydrated and that I was running at a pace that was comfortable for me. If I went out too hard, too…

congratulations on deciding to quit! I will tell you, quitting smoking was the BEST thing I have ever done. But also one of the hardest, of course. You have to realize it is going to be hard, and it's going to be a struggle...but every minute that passes and you didn't have a cigarette, is one minute closer to things…

Don't sell yourself short. If you are out there doing it, no matter what your pace, you are a RUNNER.

yep, training for a half marathon in September.

I agree with what everyone else has said.....I would encourage you to sit down with your mom or whoever you are closest with and tell them how you feel. I think some discussion would be helpful. I did see in your profile that you are recovering from an eating disorder; I wonder if their reaction may also be an underlying…

I am 5'9" and fluctuate between 140-145. Typically I wear between size 4-8; depends on the brand!