KelliW_runner Member

I've been wearing fitbit every day for nearly a year. I like the information it collects and my husband and I have "contests" on step goals, etc. I also have a Garmin Forerunner HRM with GPS that I use for running (and occasionally HIIT and cycling). I can override the calorie burns for a period in time on fitbit's website…

I didn't wear my HRM for every run and I'm not disciplined about tracking the treadmill or other runs. According to Garmin I logged 297 miles in 2012. I estimate another 200 on the treadmill or in races where I didn't have the Garmin (i.e. the Spartan races).

I would look at the symptoms of overtraining and use those as a guide. Soreness is normal but sharp pains are not and would suggest stopping before pushing through a sharp pain and having an injury sideline you. If you are really concerned about this, suggest you consult a trainer for an initial assessment of your strength…

I would caution about building mileage too quickly (as others have referenced). I am in good shape but discovered why people complain about IT bands so much when I started ramping up my marathon training plan. I have maintained the Higdon long run schedule but cut back on running days during the week (1-2 runs of 5-7…

I just ran today with band-aids on blisters (side of big toe). Use one that will stick and not slip when you get sweaty. I prefer the flexible fabric kind by Band-Aid.

Congrats and good luck! I completed P90X last year (Feb-May timeframe). I generally followed the 1800 calorie guidance but didn't follow the food plan specifically. I would like to lose a few more % BF but right now I am training for a January marathon and then a May trail marathon so I'm finding it hard to cut calories or…

I have a hard time running fast without any carbs in the bloodstream. I usually do a honey stinger waffle or a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter. Echo what everyone says - everyone is different in terms of what your system will tolerate. Also depends on what your training goals are. If I were just looking 30-45…

Never wear my wedding ring (or any jewelry for that matter) to work out.

You can likely achieve the results you are looking for with bodyweight exercises. Pushups, pullups, planks, bodyweight squats (many varieties, including single leg).

Grocery stores like Whole Foods and Fresh Market often have grinders that will grind peanuts and almonds into butter. The taste and consistency takes a bit of getting used to if you are accustomed to the typical brands of peanut butter. I like to spread mine on whole wheat toast and use some natural fruit spread with it.

Weekend long run (12-20 miles, depending on where I am in marathon training). 1-2 runs during week of 4-6 miles. If I can't get in 2 runs during the week I substitute plyometric interval training for one of the runs. Then strength 2 days per week, yoga one day and rest 1 day. This has helped me recover from an IT band…

I completely relate. I am most effective at getting things done (work and home) when I am completely busy. Otherwise procrastinate mode creeps in and the time slips away. Sometimes I do wish I could work less and get in more outdoor workouts. Especially now in the winter when daylight hours are slim.

If you are limited to home gym and can't afford substantial investment, check out a TRX. Lots of bodyweight exercises can be done with this system and get you a great workout.

I upgraded my home gym - Olympic barbell and plates, squat rack, high density rubber flooring, plyo boxes. Then 5 sessions with a trainer to make sure I have proper form on some of my lifts before I start ratcheting up the weight.

Depends upon what you are looking to do. You can equip nicely with a plyo box, kettlebell, resistance bands, etc in that range and have great versatility. TRX is also useful for body weight exercises. If you are more interested in heavy lifting, I agree a squat rack is a great enabler for compound lifts.

Good post. I'm right there with you. I started out my weight loss journey as a "low carbs" person but now that I'm in maintenance and training heavily with my marathon prep I have realized that carbs are my friend. I still try to make better choices and pick whole grains over processed white flours but I don't stress over…

I'm not familiar with it. If you want to make the investment then good for you. I would be more inclined to invest in dumbells, resistance bands, plyo boxes, etc. than can be used for either HIIT or low intensity interval trainings - then you have the flexibility to vary the workout and muscle groups. If you really want a…

Cappuccino with skim milk, then instead of sugar use the cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa they set out.

Yoga is great to add into a routine. I have practiced both vinyasa and Bikram. The flexiblity, balance, and stability (core strengthening) are invaluable and help with my true fitness passion which is trail running and obstacle racing. As a newbie, I recommend you attend a class to learn the basics. Then there are many…

I don't think you are eating too much assuming the 1500 is accurate. Work cross-training into your routine. Resistance training (weights or body weight exercise) and cardio, both steady state such as jogging and HIIT (high intensity intervals) will vary the routine and challenge your body.

I guess it depends on how cold you are talking. I prefer cold to hot and humid and usually have better times. I layer and wear hat and gloves. But I'm talking 20s and 30s Farenheit. Below 20 it might be painful breathing. Once I am done with my run I get out of my sweaty clothes and take a hot shower and bundle up in…

I had great results using P90X (and I started it after 30DS). I also have the Insanity DVDs but I don't like the impact of that type of training so frequently. I do think Insanity cardio is very good - just not for 6 days/week. I would suggest starting P90X. If at any point you feel the Plyo or Kenpo workouts are not…

Good for you! I'm doing a 5 miler on Thanksgiving as well. The treadmill/road issue is quite common. I believe it is due to slight differences in your stride and also the difference in terrain. Every step on the treadmill could be exactly the same but running outside may have minor hills and require you to pay more…

You only log exercise into FitBit, and do it under activities. Your manual activity entry will overwrite the fitbit calculation for calorie burn. For example, if I do plyometrics, the fitbit will perceive steps and calculate calorie burn but I will override it. That way it doesn't double count. You have to be precise in…

Sounds like IT band syndrome (ligament that connects your hip to your knee). You can google this and find stretches and strengthening exercises to help. This website has a good overview. http://news.menshealth.com/it-band-syndrome/2012/07/27/

You didn't say what your level of running experience is. Google Hal Higdon training programs. You don't have to conduct a full program but you'll see a combo of distance runs and speedwork.

I always ask myself - do I want an apple? If an apple doesn't sound appealing then I'm not really hungry, I'm craving. I've been at this weight loss/maintain thing for 10 months now so occasionally giving in to a craving okay. To make it easier to stay on track, I have a little container of Godiva pearls (small chocolate…

I've stressed about this many times but the reality is that it is nearly impossible to gain more than a pound or two over a week (unless you're totally out of control - and sometimes water weight adds more but comes off really quickly). More often, due to high activity levels, I maintain or even lose. If you're concerned…

You missed the point entirely. If someone is a public figure, they are up for all sorts of commentary, regardless of whether the person offering it has any knowledge of the situation whatsoever. All sorts of people who don't know Marissa Mayer (pregnant Yahoo CEO, had her baby) are attacking her as a role model and making…

She's a public figure. Like it or not, public figures are subject to all sorts of commentary and opinion about their lifestyle and presumed choices. Hollywood and the tabloids are much worse. Political figures get it all the time. Look at Chris Christie versus Paul Ryan in terms of the way the media treat them. If you're…