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I have a 3 yr old and we hike pretty regularly (easy, flat trails), and he can walk almost 1 mile before tiring. The other day, we walked and ran nearly a mile (he just ran when he wanted and walked when he wanted) and had a blast. I know this is a much younger age than the kiddos you're working with and I'm not entirely…

That's awesome about running in a nature park near your house! I agree about running trails vs. roads - I'm in love with (obsessed with?) trail running. When I'm very pressed for time, I'll run on a nearby road, but most of my runs are on the trail. I've never done a mud run, but I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Well, we don't have much snow 'round here. But mud. Yes, mud. Hate running in mud. The way it sticks to the bottoms of your shoes, so each foot weighs 10 lbs. Welcome ashhills! What kinds of trails do you usually run on? Any races coming up?

Definitely don't use your hiking shoes! And it really does depend on the terrain of the trail as to whether or not you'll need trail running shoes. You can get away with road shoes on some easy trails. You might check the race website to see what they suggest. Also, trail runners can vary quite a bit from really aggressive…

I'm not sure what you mean that you felt icky? Do you mean you were having stomach issues or were you feeling that blah feeling like a cold is coming on? One thing that does come to mind (likely unrelated to your original question) - are you taking in any protein after your run? I saw that you had a banana afterward, which…

Hey Junebug, I hope you had a great race yesterday!

Is exercise something that is still fairly new to your routine? It's normal to be sore for a short while when you're first starting to exercise. But if you've been at it a while, you shouldn't be so sore that you can't exercise more than 3 days/wk. If it's something that's still a little new, don't worry - the soreness…

Have you tried putting an ice pack on it? Sometimes that can help, along with rest. If you actually pulled or strained a muscle, stretching it may cause more damage (? I'm not a doc or PT, though, so take that with a grain of salt). Alternatively, depending on the type of injury, a heating pad might help. Where in your…

Yes! It's actually on my birthday list to get later this summer! It's great to hear you like it so much.

Ha ha! I hear ya! I have foods like that, too, that I simply cannot keep around or I will eat them. One thought - if you want to try chocolate milk, you could try just buying a bottle (like the individual size - 16 oz or so, I think) right before you exercise (assuming you drive somewhere, like to the gym or to run or…

I'm not a huge lover of cold weather, but I'd much rather exercise outside than inside, even in the cold. I usually run, hike, walk the dogs, or go on walks with my 3 yr old. Once I get moving, it's not that bad and I actually kind of like it. Of course, I live in central Texas and it doesn't get that cold here. But we do…

Here's another thought - could it be that having thick, dark hair makes a difference? I wear a thin mesh white running cap (hair pulled back off my neck), which seems to help. If I don't wear a cap, the top of my head heats up like an oven. Even with the cap, my head gets hot. Sometimes I wonder if that's the source of…

I'm fine all the way through the 70s, and a thin LS (loose) running shirt works well for me in the 60s and 70s with running shorts. It's when it starts to get in the low 80s or more that I start getting too hot. By that time, I'm wearing my thin, loose reflective short sleeve running shirt (wicking) and running shorts. By…

Hi Volcano (he he, that gave me a good laugh!), You know, I've been running for years and struggling with this, but maybe I'm just still not drinking enough water (or getting enough electrolytes), even after all these years. I've never been able to drink the recommended amount of water each day (what is it - 64 oz?). The…

That is interesting about the frostbite. So after the frostbite, you were better able to deal with cold? That is really strange that it's only the 40s that causes the reaction. That's CRAZY to me that you ran in only a thin long sleeve shirt in <30! I would have frozen to death! In the 20s, I've got on two base layers and…

Were you having any problems with using regular running shoes? If not, there's no reason to change to barefoot running unless you just want to. Having your heel strike first isn't a problem in and of itself. If heel striking is causing trouble, then you can address that. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't try barefoot…

I'll give the electrolytes a try. I love Nuun, but don't usually think about using it til it's hotter, but maybe that's the problem - maybe I should be using it even in the 80s. I do take Gus on my longer runs when it's warm and have thought that's enough for my electrolytes, but maybe it's not. Thanks! I noticed the…

How long before the race to train: it depends on your current fitness level and how much running you've been doing (or not). If you're starting straight from the couch, you'll need to give yourself more time. If you're already able to run 10 miles (for example), you'll need less time. What kind of training: check out a few…

Blanco County here - in the boonies (well, sort of - south of Marble Falls). Yesterday I went for a run in Austin and got a tiny sunburn and kept having to splash my face to keep from getting too hot. Now, if I was to go for a run this morning, I'd be wearing a couple of layers and my long running tights! But my next run…

Hey, very awesome!! I'm excited for you and wish you a great, fun, happy race! Make sure to post a race report next week so we'll all know how it went. I wouldn't worry much about the pace group. I think pace groups are mainly more for racers' convenience so you can know if you are staying on pace, or ahead or behind…

Has anyone found it might be related to their age and getting older? I'm asking because both my husband and I have been having sleep troubles lately and we've been trying to figure out why. We have lots of theories, but I've been wondering if part of it is age related - we're early 40s and mid 40s. I've heard people…

I've used Galloway's method for many years and really like it. I've never had any problems with it and usually adjust my walk:run ratio according to my fitness level and goals. Right now I'm at a 1:1 because I'm struggling with some asthma I've developed recently. I've done many halfs, tris, and a really tough trail 25k.…

I agree with everything that everyone has said. I don't run much on the TM, but I can't say that it seems harder or easier - just different, like another person said. Also (like another person talked about), unless your 10k course is super flat, you'll want to get used to some uphills and downhills, which aren't a big…

I just started a few days ago and caught the tail end of Feb. But it was fun and I'm in for another 50. I'm training for my first 50k, so this will help keep me going. Thanks for doing it!

You are going to ROCK it! You've already run 2 10 milers, which means you have the fitness to complete your half. Don't worry about the missed strength training - that's not going to make or break your race. You will still cross that finish line! Don't worry about being judged about your weight. I simply can't imagine…

Is running on a softer surface possible? Maybe trails, dirt roads, or even a track? I don't know if it will help, but it might be worth a try if it's an option. Softer surfaces can help out different problems for some people, depending on the problem. Trails, with their uneven surface, can be especially helpful if the…

Does it happen only in cold weather? If so, it might just be the cold air. You can cover your mouth (the whole time you run or just every once in a while) and see if that helps. But if not, do you tend to breath in through your mouth or nose? If mouth, maybe try breathing in some through your nose. I'm sure everyone's…