bagsrpacked

Make sure you're getting a good balanced lunch - including protein and healthy fats - the lack of fats could be what is causing your lethargy - for me, its easier if I use a fatty fish (like salmon or tuna) because I really don't love putting olive oil or other oily dressings on my salads and rarely even use salad…

Shaklee's protein shakes (not sure what they're called as I am currently out and won't "join" or autoship - I just call my friend and she gets them for me) are very, very good - well balanced nutritionally and tasty! I also use Shakeology (Beachbody) and Usana - and, yes, all three are "multi-level" companies - but their…

go to your local running store and have them fit you for a good pair of shoes. They might cost a little more there than they would at Target, but your feet (and legs, and butt) will thank you. I used to get horrible shin splints - getting fitted fixed that issue AND the "numb toe" syndrome. I found out that in running…

Amen - they get worse and you will have difficulty doing ANYTHING! One thing that i found helps me is to put the treadmill on a slight incline. If running/walking outdoors, make sure you're on a consistent surface and that you are both warming up (first) with a slow walk for a few minutes and then stretching well prior to…

I"ll be watching - this year I'm working on getting to 10 miles by October - but next year, I want to do 2 half marathons. Not sure if I'll ever want to do a full, but I never wanted to do a half before, either, so who knows.

salad spinner

I have 2: Lifetime Fitness - 10 Pros: Lap pool and laps in the rec pool open only to adults most of the day - steam room in the locker room - REAL towels (not icky scratchy hand towels that you can't dry off with), numerous free classes, great online support, an abundance of cardio and weight training options, onsite cafe…

First, don't worry if you have to walk part of it. The fact that you're DOING it is what is important. If you really feel strongly about running the whole thing, take it slow ... no, slooooowwww. If your legs are burning, chances are one of three things is going on: 1. You aren't stretching. You need to walk for about 5…

I'm in! SW 234.2 CW 223.4 GW for March - 216.0 At 5 weeks, I hope this is very doable - I'm running 3x per week and trying to do something else the other 4 - even if its just walking the dog or taking my daughter down the street to meet the bus. If I can take off 5-7 pounds per month, every month the rest of the year, that…

I'll give it a shot! I'm at 4 miles so far, so better pick up the pace.

I'm not in Chicago, but I'm in the burbs. :)

My trainer advises me to ice after a workout if I feel them starting - another poster mentioned doing kettlebell lifts - h did toe raises (sitting) with 5 pound ankle weights around the balls of my feet - again, the muscles are underdeveloped and that is part of what causes the shin splints. The way you land is the other…

I use Shakeology as meal replacements when a) I'm in a hurry and need a good, healthy breakfast - I mix with almond milk and it keeps me full all morning b) I'm bored and don't know what I want to eat and want to avoid eating badly or c) I'm having a chocolate craving - will have it along with a salad made of spinach with…

I'm 45 - and my 3 teenage daughters actually still like hanging out with me. (so do their friends) Therefore, I must be cool? My 11yo and I are training to run the Tower of Terror Ten Mile run at Disney this September - I assume that should help me continue dropping pounds. Glad to find a group of folks about my age…

Are you nursing? If so, your body will go into starvation mode at 1200 calories - you need to make sure that you're only eating high quality calories, too - especially if you're exercising. Eliminate breads and pasta and any other "empty" calories, and focus on getting your calories from protein (egg white, chicken, fish,…

Good for you! and very inspiring - I have about 80 to lose myself - and I guess "slow and steady" is the way to go - I've started running, too, and have committed myself to multiple races this year - and my goal is not to finish LAST! (I'm slow too) Congratulations!