shanse21

I go the podcast/audiobook route for longer runs. I lose myself in them, and sometimes run longer than I had planned because I want to finish the chapter!

Congrats on taking the leap! I also am setting myself up for running my first full in October. :)

Hi everyone! I'm active on MFP, but not as active in the equine world anymore. Up until June, I was working at a dressage training stable and riding some really fancy warmbloods professionally. My last horse was a sweet grey Irish Thoroughbred gelding named Jimmy D. He was my event horse - while we didn't compete very much…

I'll be running my second half in a little less than two weeks! Your first one feels daunting, but you'll be awesome. :smile: And then get addicted!

I am! It'll be my third half-marathon. :smile:

Adding you! I tend to keep towards a clean/whole food diet myself. I'm also totally with you re: cals. Between the higher volume of food and working out, my appetite has diminished significantly. It's starting to think about coming back now, though! On the whole, my body feels so much happier on a clean diet.

A cup of coffee in the morning, but otherwise only water. Gave up soda back when I was in high school and never looked back. If I'm feeling slow for whatever reason, I'll add a packet of Emer Gen-C to my water. Oh... and wine.

Either running or yoga. They're both fun, keep me level, and offer variety in their own way.

Welcome back! Sent you a request. :smile:

A burger. I only crave them like twice a year, and now is one of those times.

$30/month for the gym, and about $50/month for classes at my bikram yoga studio. The yoga is expensive, but my body appreciates the deep stretch after my long run days. I don't really buy any supplements, so no cost there. Edit: I do enter races. They run $30-$100 per race, and I typically do one every other month.

I end up feeling to bloated and slow that I lose my appetite almost completely. Completely takes away from the one benefit of PMS: eating whatever the heck you want for a few days out of the month!

I like to listen to podcasts or audiobooks when I run. This American Life, Stuff You Should Know, etc... keeps my mind occupied on something other than how many miles I have left. /nerd

I'm in the same boat! Coming back after a looooong break. Feel free to add me. :smile:

Just a side note... IF you are going to go to the doctor to check out a possible Celiac diagnosis, do NOT avoid wheat before you do. If it hasn't been in your system for a few weeks and you go to get tested, your body may not be reacting in the same way.…

I've got a few races coming up... Disney Princess Half (Orlando) 2/24 Nike Women's Half (DC) 4/14 Virginia Wine Country Half (VA) 6/1 Always looking to add more runners. :)

I used to work as a stable manager and ride professionally. My background was in eventing, but I got pulled into dressage... spent winters in Florida, went on business trips to Europe, the whole bit! Unfortunately, I got completely burnt out on the industry as a whole and left it last spring. Part of me misses the horses,…

I'm running that race, too! It'll be my third half... second half is coming up in just FOUR weeks. eeeeeep

Hey, all! Stephanie, 25, way out in western Loudoun. I just joined MFP this week to re-motivate myself into eating better and drop a few lbs that crept up on me.. a small goal of about 10lbs. I'm in that "I don't want to have to buy new clothes" boat! I'm just getting back to running after about a 6 week break. I've signed…

So glad to hear from so many inspiring people! To all of you looking at your first longer distance races: you can do it!! Really. If I could do it, so can you. Trust your training. :)

You replied to my topic, but I figured I'd reply back to you here! There are few better full body workouts than riding a horse. I was in the best shape of my life when I was riding a minimum of 5 dressage horses every day. Talk about core strength! My true love is eventing, but I sold my event horse after college and have…

Be careful, it's addicting! I did the Couch to 5k program and it led to a half-marathon, which is leading to a full marathon. It did definitely help me drop a little weight, but it did more for my cardiovascular health than anything else. That and some great muscle development. It's a fab program, enjoy!

I ran my first half in June and am looking to do a few more at that distance before I tackle the MCM next fall. That's a much longer time frame, but anyone feel free to add me! Always good to have more people to bounce ideas off of.

Society IS putting unrealistic expectations on women. The best thing you can do for your daughters is to emphasize a healthy lifestyle and to not focus on being objectively attractive for other people. I read this article the other day, and it seems applicable here:…

Some things are worth a little slower weight loss! Try just reducing your consumption a little bit... if you have 2+ glasses a day, take it down to one. If you have one glass every day, try limiting yourself to 5 days per week. It really is awful nice to come home to a glass of wine at the end of the day.