Schaff

Hey all! So glad to see so many people getting into barefoot running! I have been running barefoot for about a year, I started completely au natural and then bought a pair of vibrams so I could move up to different types of terrain. I started running on the grass turf of a rubber track, and have gradually made my way up to…

To answer your question, a "tempo" run is a run that is considered "comfortably hard", meaning it is faster than your long run pace, but not as fast as you are doing your intervals. You should try and sustain this pace for as long as you can, working up until you can sustain it for about 30-40 minutes. I actually like…

You can incorporate the 10K into your training, a lot of 1/2 plans actually tell you to plan to run a 5 or 10k as you are training. That is sort of what I did for my first half. although I ran a 5k, not a 10K. I trained for 12 weeks, I "made" my own plan from looking at a bunch of other plans out there. Basically, most…

I definitely have noticed that out of control feeling when I am working out hard. I know there is a balance, I was just wondering if anyone has read anything anywhere that explains it, and/or how to find that balance. I want to be able to work out and eat well comfortably, that is my goal, and I think that I had found it…

There is a natural supplement that may be able to help. I too am a sugar addict. I feel as if a frenzy comes over me when I have anything sweet. And then I can't stop, so I totally know how ya'll feel. My trainer gave me the name of a supplement that increases the serotonin in your brain so you don't crave sweets as much,…

It sounds to me like you have a bug that just won't go away (i.e. cold). Keep this in mind: exercise is a stressor on your body. So is an illness. If you are not feeling well, the best thing to do is to shut down all the engines and let yourself recuperate. You will prolong your illness if you don't give your body the rest…

I have been on Yaz for over a year and it literally changed my life. It was night and day difference. Before I got on Yaz, I was having horrible symptoms for almost the entire month, I was a prisoner to my emotions. As soon as I got on the Yaz it was if the sunshine turned on for me, and I haven't looked back since. As…

You may be dehydrated and/or need more fuel in the form of carbs. I carry a water bottle with me when I run now, they say if you are running over an hour you need to be re-hydrating and you need to take a energy gel or sports drink to replenish your carbs. I found the greatest water bottle with a hand grip that just slides…

Nothing wrong with shaving 2 minutes off your PR!!! Remember, slow and steady progress is better every time! I have also been trying to work on speeding up my runs over the past few months. Do you do any speedwork? I started doing some on the treadmill and the track and I have seen a huge improvement, really without me…

Actually my last name is Schaffer, I am boring and just use the beginning part as a nickname. I do not believe I have family in oregon, but I wouldn't be surprised if I did! In general, it does matter what you are eating. I would not recommend doing this zig zagging idea with nothing but fast food! I am a person that…

I'm actually in the middle of zig zagging right now. I found a program online (I would include the link, but I forget what it is). I will share with you a breakdown of what I am doing. I have been doing it for two weeks and I think my 6 month plateau is starting to go away at last! Hope this helps! First you need to…

I agree that you really can't get the total sensation running barefoot without running completely barefoot! But, since I am now working up to hard surfaces, I have moved towards having something on my feet to protect me from rocks and things like that. So I bought a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, and I LOOOOOVE THEM!!! They…

Lol, I feel the same way about it! A friend of mine got me into barefoot running, and the way he explained the concept and rationale just made perfect sense to me. If you have ever broken a limb (or known someone who has) what happens after the cast comes off? Your muscles have atrophied from non-use. Same concept with…

Nice to see others trying out barefoot running! I run barefoot at least twice a week, it is one of the most organic experiences I have ever had in my life, it has made me a MUCH better runner. I started (and still do) run on the inner turf of a track. The connection between your brain and your feet is incredible! Few words…

YOU GO GIRL!!!! You better not go anywhere! You need to join the ranks of those who are the "wise ones" and help the rest of us get through this! Enjoy life, you've earned it. Found a quote you might like: "Success is the journey, not the end"

Sorry for not posting in a week, work has been CRAZY!!! So I gained 4 pounds over the holiday weekend by eating WAY too much and not really working out. Since I got back I have brought that down 2 pounds (yay!) So here are my stats for the week: current weight: 137.4 Hours slept last night: 8 1/2 Calories consumed so far…

No Pudge Fudge brownie mix is my favorite! All you need is some lowfat vanilla yogurt and you are all set. On the side of the box is a recipe for a single serving. Just nuke it in the microwave for 1 minute and you have an instant, warm, chocolate brownie for about 120 calories! BOMB! P.S. you can get the mix at Trader…

I hear ya dewdrop! When I started losing weight over a year ago, I was WAY more in control of my sweet tooth than I am now. I'm not really sure why that is, I was going along fine until February, losing weight very consistently, and then Mardi Gras and king cake hit me like a truck. I know that it is possible for me to…

Morning all! Ok, here are my "stats": Height: 5'4 Weight: 135.6 lbs (although that was before I went to a Nashville sounds game, which was sort of a HUGE calorie fest. Wrap your mind around this: chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick. I can't even regret it, it was so effing awesome!!!) Measurements: don't actually know,…

I am soooo IN ya'll! I have been on the last 10 since February!!! Talk about FRUSTRATING!!! I managed to get down to 132, but I have gone up 3 pounds since then. Its like you have to fight sooo hard for those last 10! I don't know about the rest of you, but when I see the scale go down 0.2 pounds I get wicked excited!!! My…

Terrific post! It just affirms the theory that when you workout, wherever you do and whatever you do, you should be making your workout as efficient as possible. Posts like this help us understand how to get to that maximum efficiency point to become the fittest, and slim-est, you!

When the most gorgeous girl in your law school class asks you what you do to work out and tells you how jealous she is of your calves! Seriously, this girl is drop dead gorgeous, and she is one of those who is naturally thin. Probably one of the most flattering moments of my life! Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie…

You run an 8 minute mile for the first time in YOUR LIFE!!! I don't think I could do this when I was in my teens, certainly not during the stupid "Presidential Fitness Exam"! Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

I think we all have been where you are now from time to time. Its hard! Sometimes you just want to sit at home in sweats and just be! You mentioned that you had seen a psychiatrist once and that her advice was not helpful. I can see why you wouldn't want to go back, her advice was a load of crap! But, it can make all the…

I'm definitely in! I have been at a plateau for at least a month. Let's see if I can make some moves by Independence Day! Starting weight: 155 Current weight: 133 Goal weight by July 4th: 130 Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Easy Calorie Counting

I agree with everyone who said don't work the same muscle groups two days in a row. It is true that your muscles need time to recover. Think about it this way, your muscles basically tear and heal over and over again, that's how they grow and for you to get stronger. The best thing to do is after your workout, within 30…

It could be your shoes that are the problem. The right pair of kicks can make all the difference in the world. Do you have a Fleet Feet anywhere near you? They are trained to fit you for running shoes. They even have a camera attached to the treadmill to watch your form, which could also be a problem. I have been running…

I think trying out classes might get me to burn some more. I want to try out spin really badly, everyone says its awesome! I have also hit a plateau and I think pushing myself to burn a little bit more will help me get over the hump. Plus I'm ready to change things up. Its sooooo effing hot outside right now, and humid (I…

I have been seeing various people post that they are burning 1,000+ calories when they are working out and I was wondering what everyone is doing. I consider myself pretty active, I workout 6 days a week for 45 minutes to an hour and I burn between 300-425 per workout (I mostly run). I wonder also if it has to do with how…

I loved it to! But did anyone notice Gambit?!?! He's a hottie!