Nikstergirl Member

I schedule myself one rest day per week. Sometimes I still do something, a short run or nice walk, easy bike ride... sometimes I do absolutely nothing beyond my regular work. Just depends on how I feel. Rest is essential to your muscles. That said, you should really have no more than 2 rest days if you're working to…

I know that the P90X program won't fit into your schedule, but have you tried ChaLEAN Extreme? It's a DVD program also, but the workouts are shorter, there are three lifting days and 2 cardio days, and she has you lift very heavy. I'm on month 3 of this program and I've done 2 rounds of P90X and while that program totally…

I have the same thing. It's coming off slowly. I'm lifting weights at home with programs like P90X and ChaLean Extreme. So far I've gone from a size US 16 to a US 4. Abs are made in the kitchen.... it's a work in progress! I may still need a tummy tuck when all is said and done, but I'll decide that in a year or two. For…

Not sure what kind of results you're looking for other than weight loss, but I would increase your protein goal. The foods you're eating look pretty good, but don't rely too much on the protein shake (I have one every day, post-workout but that's it). I agree with the other posters, don't be afraid to eat back your…

Completly depends on where you are in your fitness goals. Check out the website, there is a place you can compare and see what would work best depending on your needs. I've done P90X and am starting ChaLean Extreme on Monday just to change it up but eventually I'll probably do them all!!!!

I've been doing P90X and that's really giving me some good definition in my arms. It has weightlifting but also some cardio and some yoga, an all-around awesome program. I've also heard great things about NROL, but haven't tried it myself. Personally I started out just running and while that is awesome (and my legs look…

If you feel good, don't let it stop you. If you feel lightheaded or nauseated from it, stop. I doubt you need to give up an entire week, normally after a day or two you start to feel better and then I would go ahead and work out. I never just stick to cardio, but that's just me. I have cardio days and strength days. Do…

I've been right at or just above my goal weight for over a year, and it's still a mental struggle sometimes. I wear a size 4 now (started at a 14-16) which is NOT big, but it's hard to think of myself as "small". I am, and it's all mental, but it's hard. It will come with time. Make sure you're dressing your new body well…

Honestly, if it were me, I'd bag it and just do a mid-distance easy run. The reason is, you don't NEED to train to 13 miles for a half. I know it's emotional and if that's all you need it for, then go for it (but take the pace SUPER easy). You're already trained enough for this race. You know it. For my first one I never…

I LOVE this post! Thanks for sharing in your experience. I agree with ALL of the points you listed as well. It's an emotional thing to conquer a race like this and you DID it!!!! Runners are awesome and I'm so grateful to be a part of the running community, both here on MFP and in general. Racing is a personal thing and I…

All of these runners are right, but there's another option that I've used very successfully for the past year and a half. It's the Smartcoach from Runner's World. You can find the app for the smartphone or use the website and it's free. Put in a little data about yourself and your running habits and coming race and it…

I love this! I need to recap my own experience... maybe later. Thanks for sharing! And GREAT job!!!!

I'm so proud of you, my dear friend!!!! I can't wait to have a similar story to tell next week... I'm getting nervous but drawing strength from what you said, the training isn't going away just because of the taper. This is an important week! I hope your recovery is going well and that you're back to your routine very…

I just finished my second round and I love this program! My biggest piece of advice comes from Tony's mouth during most of the workouts... "do your best and forget the rest". You won't be able to do every move as good as the people on the video the first time through... or the second for that matter. Don't let it get you…

I don't mind it since I was so chubby for so long. The best compliment I got this weekend was from an old college buddy who looked at me up and down and said "yeah, I'd hit that... wanna make out?" and yes, he was drunk, but still... it was nice to be noticed. Of course, I declined since we're both married, but still...…

I used to use RunKeeper until I had the GPS ping off something a mile away and then back to me about 5 different times. Hard to track when it says you ran a mile in 1 minute!! Oops. So then I tried MapMyRun. I didn't mind it, but again, the GPS was really off. I mean... REALLY off. I could run the exact same route three…

That's fantastic! Honestly, you should expect it to be a bit slower now that you're a few weeks in. Average is 1-2 pounds per week after the first few weeks. It truly is a long process but if you do it this way you will be less likely to gain it all back because you are changing your lifestyle, not just going for the quick…

I have a Nathan brand belt as well, the one with four small bottles, and I love it for training runs! I haven't used it for a race because typically the route has enough water stations and such that it's not necessary to carry any water. I do use a small pouch to carry my carbs, but with that and the water stations I've…

I'll most likely be doing the Riverbank Run 25k again in Grand Rapids, Michigan in early May. I did it this year for the first time and it was amazing! Honestly that's the longest race I've run so far and after I finish this marathon it may be my longest repeat. I love half marathons and this is slightly longer but not as…

I don't see why you can't do a full if you can already do a half! I've done 2 halfs and a 25k so far and am doing my first full this October. I follow the plans from Runner's World Smartcoach and they have worked wonderfully well!!! Good luck! We can do anything we put our minds to if we have a good plan, so go for it!

As for me, I'm doing my very first full on Oct 21, the Metro Health Marathon in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'm doing the training and still need to register, but they don't fill up fast, so I know I'm ok. I keep checking the website!!! I've done 2 halfs so far and a 25k this past May that went really well. My goal for my…

Hey, you're coming to my hometown in Sept! I'm from Spring Lake and I know you will love it here. If you need any advice, let me know, I know the area super well. I'm not running that one, as I'm running a different half the weekend before and was advised (I'm still a newish runner) not to run a half the weekend before a…

Try changing your macros goals to 40% protein, 40% Carbs and 20% fats. If you can hit those (along with eating all your calories, you don't want that big of a deficit) you will lose quicker and see more results with a tape measure as well. I thought I was doing well before I started eating this way and in 90 days of doing…

HIIT will burn the most, but it all depends on your personal effort and intensity. Running burns tons, especially if you do sprint intervals. Honestly, it's not all about the calorie burn either. You need to do some strength training on top of the cardio to get good muscle tone. When you build muscle your muscle then burns…

You've done an amazing job so far! I'm 5'2" and 128 currently and I wouldn't mind losing another 5, but right now the scale is just a tool, not a priority. At this point for me it's about building muscle and firming up my midsection. I'm much older than you so it's difficult, but P90X and running is really working for me!…

I am seriously in love with each of you... this is the best movie ever! My kids like it, maybe not as much as me, but they've only seen it a few times. Next rainy afternoon we get, this is going on the big screen!!!! "I'm not a witch, I'm your WIFE!" one of my favs... but they are ALL great!!!!

Wow, that sounds good and easy which is my kind of recipe!!! May have to take this to a picnic (unless you're coming with it, then I'll make something else!) LOL!

Geez... totally jealous over here! If I had some extra cash to spend only on fitness/wellness stuff... I'd get some Beachbody programs and whatever extra equipment I needed (like a pull up bar, medicine balls, lots of dumbells/bands, lifting gloves, push up stands) and a year's supply of protein powder and other…

Not sure what kind of plan you on, but you need to ease off carbs slowly. If you just drop them suddenly you're going to have a severe drop in energy like this. I eat a higher protein diet, but I still have my carbs, I just try to balance them. I don't do it perfectly, since I'm a runner and I need my carbs, but just try…

Go LIONS!!! I've been saying that every year for 40 years... I was brought up right! LOL! It's always a hopeful time of year right now for those of us who've been waiting a VERY long time for a championship!!!! Oh yes, Calvin Johnson is amazing... I hope he has the best season yet! And I hope the team gels into a winner…