Moriarty_697 Member

I was a gym member for a few years but finally gave it up. As I got more and more into running and cycling, I found I just wasn't going to the gym enough to make it worthwhile. The treadmills were what did me in. Even on a cold rainy day, I can find some fun in being out running. Once you accept you're going to get wet, it…

Well, not to overstate the obvious or trample on the high level of smugness in this topic but I think it's because people are hoping to get accurate information. More than that, they often just want to hear from other people doing similar things and to find out about their experiences. That's why I come on here. I can…

When I first got into running, my usual route took me down a trail that was well populated with ridiculously fit and thin people in fashionable exercisewear. It reminded me of my first time working out in a gym in that it was only intimidating for a very short while. I soon realized that most everyone was too busy running…

Basically, I just use the average speed overall from my Garmin and then adjust the calories according to what the HRM says.

It does get easier but hills are still nasty, nasty things. I keep hoping to find that magical running route from my home that is downhill all the way back to my home but it hasn't happened yet. I say do what you feel like. There is no shame in walking. That said, I've been in the the same position as you, wanting to run…

Well, it's definitely a Polar but I wonder why the seller photographed in such a way. Without a shot full on the face of the watch, it's very hard to tell which one it is.

My favourites vary from day to day but I generally like the start off with Eminem's Lose Yourself. I put it on while I'm tying my laces and by the time I've hit the road, I'm pumped and ready to go.

If you're serious about exercise, you need one with a chest strap. They are just that much more accurate. I started with a fairly basic Polar (FT7) but now have a Garmin Forerunner 610. I'll never be the most serious runner but I love the GPS. It also does a great job of tracking my cycle commute. I can argue for both. The…

Walking is indeed excellent exercise. If you're losing weight consistently then that may be all you need. That said, if you aren't feeling challenged, you may want to pick up the pace a bit to get the heart moving a little faster. Have fun.

I find that, generally, MFP's values are close but not perfect. It's not really the fault of MFP, it's just that there numbers seem to be averages whereas real life is often about being above or below the average. I tested this out on my cycle commute yesterday. Usually, I just use MFP's values for tracking my commute…

I wear a helmet but I can understand some of the arguments against them or for leaving it a matter of choice. Go youtube some videos of cyclists in Europe and you will see surprisingly few helmets. Between proper infrastructure, bicycle awareness and laws that protect cyclists, large numbers of cyclists are able to get…

Big change for sure. Congrats.

I miss the old days when alcohol consumption actually seemed to help exercise. You look at pictures of the early Tour de France races and those guys rode with wine skins. Alas, it doesn't work that way for me. That said, I don't drink that often but, when I do, the next day can be a bit of a struggle. Of course, this could…

Music is a definite plus as is running with someone. That said, when I'm running outside, I don't often get that voice. On the treadmill is a different story. I finally gave up my gym membership because I couldn't handle knowing that no matter how far or fast I ran, I just wasn't going to get any closer to that speck on…

It really depends on the day and my level of willpower. I have abstained completely and ate my own food. People are pretty understanding of that. What I've done more often is eaten a little and tracked it. That way, I get the best of both worlds - some tasty food but still within my calorie goals. Still, there are rare…

Personally, distance alone doesn't really show much for me. At my most out of shape, I started an exercise program requiring me to walk 3 miles in 48 minutes at least 3 times a week. 48 minutes was a pretty good workout. I got faster and my time to do the 3 miles dropped considerably. Now I can run those 3 miles in just…

dad106 took the words out of my mouth. If you notice it happening while exercising, try pulling the contacts off your body for a second before putting them back. I found it sometimes helps get the HRM working again.

I only tend to get side stitches on the days when I've eaten too much (usually too much junk) too soon before my run. Then I just tough it out, slow down a bit if I must, focus on breathing. It usually goes away in a short while.

I started with a Polar FT7 and loved it. As I got more into running, I started to look at GPS devices. I now have a Garmin Forerunner 610. It's way more watch than I'll likely ever use but I love it. I can track my whole workout with that one device - heart rate, pace, location. Even better, I can set it up any way I want…

It all depends on the intensity. If you are out for a leisurely stroll, then it probably won't be effective. If you are really pushing yourself, getting your heart rate up, then it's still a good workout. I did some quick math and it looks like you averaged just under 3.5 mph for the walk (around 5.6 kph). Now we're all…

How many days a week do you work?

Mine are pretty small but, yes, they do get sweaty. I haven't really found a good solution. I just accept it as the price I pay because I won't stick anything in my ear.

Apparently, my ear canals are narrow so I find earbuds to be painful too. I just stopped wearing them. I do my running with a pair of folding Sennheiser headphones. Not quite as stylish, but a whole lot more comfortable.

Actually, I am not simple at all. But, yes, it is about soda. And skyrocketing healthcare costs. I just question whether this is really about individual freedom when the costs are going to be paid for by society as a whole. How much are you willing to pay to subsidize someone's freedom? How much of your own personal…

I love when people take a health issue and equate it with communism. I mean. . . Really? Unlimited soda is a symbol of freedom in the face of communist tyranny? If that's the best America has for a symbol of freedom, then it's in pretty bad shape, indeed. Diabetes. . . Heart disease. . . Cancer. . . These are the diseases…

It depends on how much exercise you usually do and how fit you are. If you are used to exercising and have pretty good leg strength and cardio but haven't run much, then sure, you could probably do it. If you are truly going couch to 5k, from sedentary to running, then I would say forget the running this time and focus on…

Green Day's American Idiot album works well. I've sometimes ran to Metallica's Master of Puppets but I have to be in the right mood.

It's like a lot of things - I wouldn't do it personally but if it works for someone else, who am I to question it? I tried counting the calories burned worrying about questionable things other people do but it just didn't add up to enough to be worthwhile.

I've got a few walking and running mixes on my ipod with music ranging from punk to rap to rock and even some country. A lot of it depends on my mood. For a while, I just played Green Day's American Idiot album. Other times, I've played some folkier stuff. If I were to offer up some suggestions, I'd go with: To start -…

Because jogging is such a 70's concept. I prefer to run.