theginnyray Member

^^^This. My gym doesn't have a squat rack and it's not an option to switch gyms right now. So, Smith Machine it is for me. It's better than sitting on the couch, right?

- to support my love affair with chocolate - sweating is fun - gives me something constructive to do - has shown me that I'm capable of more than I ever thought - allows me to play and play and play with my kid and not get worn out - free entertainment for the family (walking/running/biking together) - cheaper than therapy…

Aside from staying hydrated, this isn't how side stitches work on my body. If I drink too much water during a run (a big gulp, rather than sip), I'm guaranteed a stitch within the next block. If I drink MORE water once a stitch has arrived, I might as well end my run right then and there. I think that article also sums it…

I think the training plan is causing you to over think all of this. In a complicated way, your training plan is just saying to run faster once a week. It doesn't have to be an exact science (altho a lot of runners would disagree with me on that one!), but pick a day (or whatever your plan says) and just run faster.…

LOL, I'm not the only one who finds this reply hilarious, right???

Run - because if I have to stop halfway up, it's much easier to start running up a hill than it is to start pedaling up a hill.

My gym also only has a Smith machine to use - I'm not opposed to using dumbbells instead tho. Can someone post a photo or link about how to set them on your shoulders? I'm a little confused about that one...

I bought the book in March, but finally got to the gym yesterday to start. I am nice and sore today! Happy to see a lot of other newbies in this group! I am a stranger to the weight room - I have been a runner (distance) for about five years, and normally do very basic strength training (Jillian). I won't be giving up my…

I don't. I do, however, opt for all natural PB, typically one that requires refridgeration - without added sugar and oils. I also like powdered peanut butter.

I have a few: - thinking about the jeans/dress/clothing article I want to wear - reminding myself WHY I'm out there - I enjoy running, I like to sweat, I like beating those hills - remembering how lucky/blessed I am to have two legs that can take me anywhere - thinking about the person I used to be (couch potato) and how…

Do you actually have knee problems? Or did you self-diagnose? :-) I don't mean that snarkily - but if you don't have actual pain, your knees are probly just weak. I'm no doctor, nor do I play one on the internet, but from personal experience - my knees also make crunchy noises/feelings while walking up stairs, but all of…

Great post! I'm really glad you emphasize running WITH water - I keep seeing posts on here with people all high and mighty about running 10 miles sans water, and how you shouldn't NEED water if you're running under X amount of miles. I always run with water! Even if I'm going for a two mile walk, my water bottle comes…

^^^ What she said (most of them anyways). I'm a lone runner. I typically run super early and in town. I don't live in the richest/fanciest part of town, but I also don't live in the scary parts. I always see other runners on my routes, as well as random possible drunks and homeless people. I carry my phone and wear a…

You have plenty of time, if you really want to find time to workout, you'll have to adjust your priorities. Suggestions: Sit on an exercise ball while watching TV Do squats/lunges/crunches/planks while watching TV. Play outside with your kid - go for a walk or bike ride Walk your kid to pre-k, or to get groceries/errands…

In my early 20's I was an afternoon runner. As a mid-to-late-20 something, I'm a morning runner. I like it, I like getting up early and doing my thing before the rest of the house wakes up. And let's be honest, I caffeinate before running and there is a huge difference when I don't. I use energy gels. I do like running in…

That is awesome! I hate seeing food go to waste, especially with so many hungry bodies. I'm glad even a small amount of wasted food is being put to good use.

Popcorn - couple of tablespoons in a paper bag in the microwave. I'll add salt if I'm needy.

I just bought mine last week, I'm now a believer. My favorite way - by the powdery spoonful and a swig of water. No, it doesn't taste the same as your "regular" Skippy or Jif, and it was still a little off from the natural/organic (no sugar added) stuff, but I think it's still good.

LOL You are adamant that you make your own food, but willing to log it as PF Changs? What the what? Take the time to log your meals - each individual ingredient. Once you log it, it's there for future reference. If it's a meal you make all the time, add it to your recipes.

LOL my thoughts exactly

There are a lot more options than just tight or just baggy clothes. Go to a store and ask an associate to help you pick out some clothes. Try on clothes you'd never pick out for yourself, you'll probably be surprised. Most stores ARE willing to help you and are pretty knowledgeable about what's fashionable for your body…

Go to your local running store and get fitted for the correct shoe for your foot. Don't take recommendations from strangers on the internet. The wrong shoe can lead to injury. A local running store (IE, not a big box chain store) will analyze your foot and find a shoe suitable for your needs. You don't necessarily have to…

Check out your local running/walking/fitness store and get fitted for the correct shoes for your foot. Go to a local store, not a big-box chain (****s, Scheels, etc). Just because I recommend XYZ doesn't mean it will work for your foot... Wrong shoes can cause serious injury.

I'll second that it's written by crazy vegans. It's an OK read tho. I like their approach, the 'in your face' stuff works well for me. I was reading it this morning. I stopped when I got to the anti-meat chapter, and ignored their rant about not drinking coffee. So, if you read it, be willing to read between the lines.

Instead of saying "Thank you" try saying "No thank you!" It's still polite. Take your own food to work or whatever. If someone offers to buy lunch, you just say "No thank you, I brought mine today". It's OK to say no.

I use a water belt - it holds four small bottles and has plenty of room for phones/keys etc. I use it regardless of the distance - if I'm going four or 10, I take water with me.

I wear a fuel belt, think I got it at Walmart to try out. Comes with (and holds) four small water bottles, plus two pockets for phones/ipods and two smaller pockets for gels/keys. I think belts take a little getting used to - you have to find where you like it to sit on your body, but I never run outside without it. It was…

Couldn't have said it better myself. Now that she is mortified, and rightfully so, I'd make a point to run next to her at the gym. Really make her feel uncomfortable. I don't mind being the smelly girl at the gym. If it keeps people from jumping on the treadmill next to me, I'm in.

What do you wear for training? Or do you train inside? I would suggest trying to get the same style of legging that is too big, but in your current size. Good luck tho! I always heard that rule and thought it was a good idea - and then once I didn't follow it. Wore a different tank top in a race, my under-arm was chafed…

Are your shoes too tight? This has happened to me a few times (I'm a runner) and making sure my shoes are nice and loose has fixed the problem in minutes.