rockstargal629

I think cross-training on rest days is good, I like to mix it up and combine strength training with my runs or hopping on the eliptical when I'm prepping for a big run the next day. The big thing is not to overdo it and to give yourself at least 1 full day off of everything per week. Rest days are just as vital to your…

For starters, congratulations on setting a huge goal for yourself!! In my experience it's setting goals like that and getting registered for races that turn wishes into reality. As far as the treadmill training, if you absolutely can't train outside there are various programs on most treadmills to help combat stagnant…

I too use to be a smoker and a non-runner. Dec 2011 some work acquaintances told me about a Half Marathon they were doing in May of 2012, I thought ... hey ... I can do that! Much the same as you, I started out slow, building up to running farther and farther distances. I quit smoking in January 2012 and this year I'm…

I was sort of worried about this leading up to my half because I would run after work 3 days a week and only ran in the mornings one day on the weekend. I didn't alter my schedule any leading up to the Half and it turned out completely fine. I was honestly so pumped up with andrenaline that the time of day didn't matter at…

Congratulations!!! That's a great time for a first Half! What's your goal for the next?

I think there is logic in that!!! :) I tried a new trail about a month ago, it didn't have the same steep inclines as my other route and I wanted to give my IT band a break. So one afternoon I go on this new trail, it's got great views, it's pretty isolated on the far south side of town on the top of a bluff. There are…

Exercise in general isn't easy, you are not alone there! We all struggle at times with all sorts of issues, motivation, fatigue, injury, etc etc. But what I mean is, if I'm feeling tense, if I'm in my own head arguing with myself about how far I'm going to go or justifying quitting early, if I'm feeling like I'm just out…

I love my Brooks - but I am a big believer that everyone is different. Each stride is different, foot type, how much you run, do you have any joint issues, over or under pronating, etc. I highly recommend going to a running store, having your stride analyzed (this is typically free) letting them make some recommendations…

I have a God awful snake story - but I'll save it for another day. Let's just suffice it to say that I was not as brave as you and didn't turn it into a speed booster. Instead I screamed (I'm not sure who I was screaming for, help maybe? There was no one around to rescue me so I'm not clear on what I was hoping to…

A Hot Pacer is a Pacer - who out of obligation is required to run at the same pace and therefore not away from you (hahaha) and is also very attractive. As someone else in the thread said earlier, it's a must have every single time. :smile: A Hot Pacer will make everything much more pleasant and motivational! If they…

I definitely have a phobia of snakes, but I more have a loathing of the squirrels. ;) Or maybe more specifically, just that one squirrel who delighfully mocks me every time I run under "his" tree. I'm a little paranoid about the Zombie 5k, I'm sure it will be a personal record day for me lol. I'll be more than happy to put…

I haven't tried any energy gels yet, I was contemplating giving these a shot as I train for my Half in October. What have you tried that you like? Don't like? I've heard many people say they don't like the texture of Gu. Do you find they do in fact give you more energy/endurance? My biggest struggle at the end of my half…

lol I thought about mentioning Lesson number 11, Arrive early!!! ;) Fortunately I got there about 90 minutes before start time so we beat the crowd and avoided the logistical nightmare. It's worth it to get there extra early! After I posted I went and looked up The Color Run. That's actually taking place the day after my…

Ahhhhh a world without squirrels??? Where is this heavenly place?? I must move immediately!! I'm serious, he threw a branch at me and then laughed! I think he was the Adam Sandler of squirrels. ;) As long as magpies can't throw branches I'll take my chances with them. And I completely agree, if you're feeling injured…

I struggled a little with this towards the middle of my training, at times I would have weeks where I was exhausted, unmotivated and my knees and ankles were stiff and sore. I would typically scale back, cross train and decrease my miles until I was feeling back to 100%. Then it was easier to tackle increasing my mileage…

You will get there!! I know how disappointing it can be to not meet your own expectations, but keep up the good work and it will happen!!

Over the last few months leading up to my first Half I battled a variety of injuries, and I've always battled joint problems. The biggest things I can tell you is to take your time as you build up your distances and to find supportive gear (a great brace, good shoes, etc) that minimize the impact to your knee. Rest time is…

:) It's always good to keep a sense of humor about it! And I'm sure you'll do great! I genuinely got very nervous in the days leading up to it, thinking that despite all my training I wasn't prepared and would fail. I couldn't have been more wrong. As long as you pace yourself and put in an even effort you'll do great!…

I read about that! It's a 5k right? They also have some sort of paint run in KC that sounded like fun, you wear a white shirt and shorts and run through color stations where they throw what amounts to dry paint at you. It's suppose to be loads of fun. Urban route too. My friend Lindsay was also telling me about a Glow run…

For those of you training for upcoming Half Marathons, I can't say enough about the Smart Pacing teams. I hope that each of your Half's have them because there is no way I would have crossed the finish line in the time I did without them. I was running by myself so I didn't have any supporters and I'd been taking it easy…

Snow Patrol - Called out in the Dark, Just Say Yes, Heartbeat The Fray, Lifehouse, Coldplay Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Paris (Ooh la la) Florence and the Machine - Shake it Out, Heavy in Your Arms Kings of Leon - California Waiting, Nobody Knows, Pyro, Pickup Truck, Radioactive Tegan and Sara, Goyte and a bunch of…

I agree, visiting a running store and having your stride analyzed is the best way to start. And then you should decide if you would prefer a more minimalist shoe or a traditional cushioned shoe. For me, a cushioned shoe worked best because I have a lot of joint issues in my ankles, knees and hips. I personally love the…

I'm a single mom, I work M-F 8:30 to 5:30 and some weekends. For years I kept saying, I don't have the time! I just don't have the time! Late night work outs leave you too amped to go to bed, and not to mention finding the motivation is the hardest! Is it possible for your husband to pick up the kids and keep them till 6…

Not to encourage what is considered illegal activity ... but that's what I did too. Downloaded P90X and Brazil Butt Lift. All you pay is the cost of a dvd to burn it and then buy the equipment separately (like hand weights, yoga mats, bands, etc). There are legitimate copies out there, be wary of those that are not and…

Love it! Downloaded and burned it for free and I have a few gals I work with who do it with me. I don't do any of the programs because I'm training for a half marathon which gives me my cardio. But I love high and tight and tummy tuck. I throw in Bum Bum or Bum Bum Rapido if I need an extra cardio workout in the middle of…

I too just started training for a half marathon about 4 weeks ago. A training program will depend largely on where you are fitness wise right now. If you can run/jog for at least 30 minutes straight then you're ok to begin a 10 week training program. I certainly was not at that point yet so I began much slower. Typically…

I recently experienced something similar. I lost about 40lbs over the course of 6 months, then started training for a half marathon 4 weeks ago and upped my calorie intake to 1200-1400 calories per day. But as I suspected, I really stalled on the weight loss. I had been working out sporadically before but nothing as…

Had a little trouble with the photo but I think I got it now!