Sharonbed4d Member

I am a runner and I try to eat a balance of carbs and proteins. A few days prior to my half, I increase my carbs but not drastically since I include them in my diet everyday. Bananas are great before a run and most of the time before my events, I simply have a peanut butter/jelly on honey wheat bread. It works for me but…

I count the calories and add it into cardio as Body Pump (strength) but I use a HRM. It's not straight cardio but I eat my exercise calories so I count it.

Try eating some of your exercise calories and drink lots of water. Invest in a hrm for exercise if you aren't already using one. That way you have an accurate calorie burn and add that back into your food. Don't give up and good luck!

I've had shin splints and ran a marathon with them although that goes against what someone should do but I'm stubborn. Shin splints are normally caused by going too far too fast and not having proper fitted shoes. Besides rest, you can ice your shins and stretch, stretch and stretch. If you still insist on doing your race,…

I have a polar FT4 and I paid right around $100. I've heard some find them cheaper on ebay. Polar is accurate and well worth the cost!

Getting a good quality HRM is so worth it! I have the Polar FT4 which is not too terribly expensive and I love it!

I think that depends on the person. I only take in "extra" carbs when I'm doing a half marathon or more. That works for me because I eat carbs on a regular basis and don't limit them like some people do when they are trying to lose weight. I opt for complex carbs and I make sure I keep well hydrated days before any race.…

I hit my goal in Feb and went straight to maintenance on MPF. I had never heard of slowly increasing but I still kept my same exercise routine and just ate more. It was scary at first and my weight did fluctuate 1-2 lbs but mainly because of going over or more likely sodium which caused water retention. I'm still at my…

Are you going too far under your calories? Sometimes being too good isn't good if we aren't eating enough to compensate for our activity. How has your sodium intake been? Too much makes you retain water. There could be many variables but you lost and didn't gain so congrats!

I have the Polar FT4 and love it! I use it 5-6 times a week and no problems at all.

I'm your same height and started off at 136 and now I'm at 122. I'm not trying to lose anymore but just simply firm up what is left. I recommend adding strength training into your exercise routine if you haven't already done so. Good luck!!

Use a HRM that tracks calories burned. I have the Polar FT4 with cheststrap and it is very accurate.

I'm an avid distance runner and try to keep strength training in my routine. I wouldn't recommend doing legs on the same day as your run. I've done body pump after my 8 and 9 miles runs but that is cardo lifting and not heavy weights. Even lifting heavy the day prior to your long run can cause you to be more fatigued. Good…

I have been using this site for several months and MFP adds those cals back in for a reason. Some people think less is better but you need fuel if you are exercising at a higher intensity. I recommend using a HRM to track calories and definitely eat them!

You get what you pay for and that is especially true for cycling shorts! I bought cheap once and it was painful after riding in them. It's not like you are only going to wear them once so I say splurge and get what will last and be comfortable!!

Oh and on shin splints, I had them too. I was running too much too soon and didn't have the proper shoes. Invest in good shoes. Running stores can fit you properly. It took me a few styles to get it right. To help relieve pain, ice, stretch and rest! Many people skip the stretch but that is just as important as getting in…

There are endless resources for running. I too was never a runner and even smoked. In 2006, I ran a relay in a marathon (which felt like a whole marathon to me!) The next year I ran the full marathon! I still enjoy running but stick with 1/2 marathons since my joints don't enjoy the longer distance. It's great to have a…

I thought I was in pretty decent shape until I tried the plyo...talk about wanting to vomit! DON"T give up, it takes times to get back in shape and the first 6-8 weeks can be the worst! YES you can do a half marathon this year! Work on getting a base line cardio and then start training. You don't have to run the whole…

I recently experienced the same thing except I bought 9 boxes and thin mints are my weakness!! I've been good about not touching them for the past week but now that I read your post it reminded me of how yummy they are:)

I have the FT4 and haven't washed the strap in the washing machine but wash it in warm soapy water without the clip attached. It's very durable and I've used mine 6 days a week for about 6 months without any problems.

I use advocare products but only a few. I drink spark for energy and have done the cleanse. I love spark because it gives me energy without the jitters or crash. I have friends who have done the 24 day challenge and lost weight but I'm not a big believer in supplements but instead trying to develop more healthy eating and…

Sounds like you are doing circuit training which includes bouts of cardio. I would count those calories but definitely invest in a HRM since everyone varies so much when it comes to weight training.

Of course, you should take a rest day every week. If you are feeling under the weather your body is probably letting you know it's need some recovery. I hope you are eating more than apples and celery too:)

I am your same height and weight 123. I've been in maintenance mode for about 3 months and will fluctuate a few pounds here and there but it is definitely water weight because a few days of drinking plenty of water gets rid of any extra pounds. I was scared at first but after about a month of seeing that I wouldn't gain it…

I also have a Polar FT4 and love it! You definitely need one with a chest strap that allows you to put in your height and weight for most accurate calorie counts.

I wouldn't eat too close to bed but maybe have a light snack a few hours after your last meal and before bed.

Runnersworld.com has a smart coach that gives training programs based on recent race times. If you haven't built up your base mileage, they have a beginner running program. After you have a good base mileage down, give yourself at least 12 to 16 weeks of actual training. Some will say more but everyone is different. I've…

If you go to runnersworld.com and go to Smartcoach, there is a beginning running program. You have to sign up for an account but it's free and once you finish the beginning program, you can use smartcoach to train for various race distances. I'm an avid runner with a history of injuries so starting off slow and gradually…

Try eating more. Don't starve yourself or you will not be able to stick with the plan.

Without it asking for your weight, not very accurate. I have a polar FT4 and it asks for height and weight plus age and gender. My calories burned are way different than the machines at the gym even when I enter my weight.