be_runner

Races running through downtown Chicago are some of my favorite races! I'm doing hot chocolate for the first time this year and have been warned about the crowds. I'm not expecting a PR just a fun quick run. :) Hope you have a great time!

Subtract your BMR for the time period by the output of the HRM if you're really concerned with over eating your exercise calories back.

Workouts are about to get awesome once you have a clear number and start losing! If elliptical is your exercise of choice try upping the resistance. That'll help get your heart rate up! I love my polar f4. It gives me an accurate burn for my runs and when my heart rate is really high gives me the "permission" to slow down.

I live in Chicago and ran all winter. I ran in many layers of moisture wicking fabric to keep my core temperature up. I also used a smart wool neck gaiter over my nose and mouth and that was incredibly helpful in keeping my face comfortable. My lungs ached for the first half mile but I just focused on breathing deep and…

I've put booze on serious hold (save for this week). I drink once a week sometimes less because once I start drinking I can't stop myself from eating everything, both the day I drink and then the next day to "cure" my hangover. Plus I am way more likely to skip the next days work out if I drank the night before.

Ugh. This. I stopped buying box cereal years ago. Sometime as a treat I'll buy the individual serving honey but cheerios. My husband mocks me that I think cereal is a treat, but it totally is for me. I'd rather eat cereal than ice cream.

Yeah, it's driving me crazy. I'd love to say I'm running 8 minute miles but I'm most definitely not. I'm also not running crazy zig zags like it thinks I am... I think I'm going to buy myself a Garmin after I finish the Solider Field 10 mile at the end of this month as a reward.

Thanks everyone! This is super helpful. I think after my 10 mile during at the end of May I'm probably going to scale back the distance and train for a 10k and start working on speed work. I'd still like to know an accurate distance and split.

Congrats on your first race! That's a great time.

My heart is heavy too. It's a horrible tragedy on multiple levels for many groups of people and I think the idea of the running community being hurt is what hits a little harder this time? And how sad is it that we now refer to events like yesterdays bombings as "this time". Ugh. I think the thing to remember is that this…

I had mine removed Oct 2011. I was home later that afternoon and up and moving (slowly) three days later. I havent had a single issue since and can eat whatever I want without repercussions. Surgery is never fun but from the other side I'm very glad I did it.

Congrats on signing up for your first 5k! I think the fun run is the perfect atmosphere to try out races. My first 5k was last August and I felt very proud of myself for working hard and being able to run most of the way. Don't get hung up on times or others around you. Try to do some training outside so your legs get used…

Don't see a doctor but go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. I had a horrible heel strike that hurt my ankles, knees, even back when I started to increase my mileage. This was from 5 miles a week to 9, nothing huge, but enough to injury myself with my poor form and subpar shoes. They fitted me in a shoe that…

If you want to eat them back I would most definitely deduct the calories for living.

I'm relatively lax. I track everything except when I'm traveling but I'll estimate fruits and veg sometimes. Anything packaged PR processed I always scan with the app so its accurate but I eye ball things like lettuce or fruit. I figure its not very high cal so it can't hurt too much. I also under estimate some exercise…

That's my hesitance to count it too - how much gets burned off and how much should I count? Yesterday on my first day I was almost 300 calories under and I don't want to do that... which is what lead to this question. If I measured and counted the oil I used when cooking I'm sure I'd hit that number.

Yeah, I used to use a spray too but it ruined my pans so I went back to straight up oil. I do think I have a hand pump mister around here somewhere.

I agree with bzmommy. I started the same way - run/walk combo and was wearing a pair of shoes because they were cute and had a cool commercial. I also got horrible runners knee within a few months as I started to up my mileage (from 4 miles a week to closer to 10). I went and got fitted and still have an occasional knee…