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"non-contact contusion"
I've recently been told by a doc that major bruising which surfaced a few days following my first marathon were caused by the repeated blows of running 26.2. These bruises are still dark and cover a size the width of my hand on the fronts of both upper quads. An infection took hold *over* the bruising, which is a whole…
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daily motivation ... running, lifting, nutrition - your experiences
Gmorning! I seek my motivation from multiple sources. I'm kind of a exercise loner, so usually I do this on my own, but I'm lacking in creativity at the moment and wondering if you could share your experiences with daily motivational emails ... ones you've tried and really liked or ones to stay away from. I'm thinking this…
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can't stop competing with myself
So I joined the 21st century in the spring of last year and started using a running app which gives me my splits at the end of the run. This is HUGE for all the obvious reasons, so I love using it. The trouble has become that when I'm on my long (slow) runs, I struggle to keep my speed under control, knowing that my splits…
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Nine weeks of motivation ... could use a little company
Hi from Virginia! I "know" some of you, as I have been (rather inconsistently) part of the group over the past few years. I have been consistent with my running, just not as disciplined about logging into MFP daily. Anyway, I am working towards a PR for a half marathon at age 46 and therefore am working on speed over the…
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running with a muscle strain (mid-back)
Hi all - curious to know how many of you run with specific back pain (I strained a spot in the mid-back somehow ... been a couple weeks now with ibuprofen) that can be completely alleviated with ibuprofen? Or do you rest. Like the doctor tells you to ...
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oversharing - severe bruising after marathon?
I've been dealing with what I thought were hives located bilaterally on the inner-fronts of my thighs (not where they rub - more to the front than that). I ran a bitter cold, sleeting, windy marathon - my first - the weekend before last. I can't figure out what in the world is causing these swollen, light red whelps on my…
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NSV: 26.2
The scene: 35-40 degrees, 30 mph winds, rain and sleet, blowing sand (not kidding - it was like Armeggedon) We were at the beach, and I chose a cheap hotel at the far end of the boardwalk, so I rented a bicycle to get me to the start line, since all the roadways were blocked off. Logical, right? First, despite my snobby…
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Moving Comfort sports bras
Seriously these are awesome sports bras - but so expensive. Anyone have any great tips for getting them on sale?
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Long miles leading to naps I don't have time for ...
I ran 14 today - training for a November marathon (my first). How do you balance the long runs with actual life/responsibilities? I took a "quick nap" at 2 p.m. and didn't wake up until almost dinner. Uh oh ...
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marathon training for Nov race - should I hold off on training until I drop this ten pounds?
I took a few days off from running this week. Too much rest, but still - I felt my body needed it. It got me thinking - if I spend April, May, and June staying the course of my regular running and eating in a deficit with the express purpose of losing the extra ten pounds I'm carrying, will I be better off for the training…
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glycogen stores, rehydrating, and other science-y stuff
I'm going to be experimenting during my long runs this summer in anticipation of my first marathon. One of the things that has me anxious is how to ensure I don't fall apart for a reason I could have avoided - i.e., hydration and nutrition. I'm a water girl, so all the talk of gels and gummies and such eludes me. Please…
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A lesson from a stranger
I was chatting with a new acquaintance tonight over a game of pool. She was going on and on (and on and on ... and on) about the foods she was choosing and how unhappy she was during the process of losing 15 pounds for wedding season. She has 7 pounds to go, she said, and then she'll be "happy with herself." This statement…
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confused about cutting and bulking phases (not even sure if that's what they're called, tbh)
Nutshell: I'm wondering if weightlifting could be hampering my weight loss. I have been eating in deficit for about six weeks with about 15ish pounds to lose. The objective for the weight loss is to take the stress off my joints to make the running more sustainable; running is my priority (and my therapy). I run about…
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runners: sesamoiditis? turf toe? sesamoid stress fracture?
Please let me know what your experience have been, if any, with these issues ... Had a great 7-mile run yesterday and today went to do a calf extension and felt stabbing pain in the big toe - now can't flex that foot without pain. I've never had trouble in this way before. I'm researching, icing, etc. but I would love any…
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Who supplements runs and weightlifting with kettle bells?
I just watched a video, so it's on my mind. I have been curious about substituting one day of heavy lifting (I lift 2 or 3x per week) with one day of kettle bells. I'm concerned about the whipping around - afraid I might injure myself (not coordinated at all), and I can't afford to stop running due to injury now. Would…
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Fitbit - "credit for it"
I was just given a Fitbit Charge for Valentine's Day - a generous and thoughtful gift. The following is intended to be lighthearted. My son explained that if I take it off, I won't get credit for whatever I do when it's not on. Does anyone else feel they've just willingly signed up for Big Brother's Exercise Regimen? Do I…
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runners - coming back from high ankle sprain - moving forward
Been sidelined since mid-April with a bad sprain and a bad attitude BUT I'm back in the gym weight training (everything, including squats - ankle feels stable enough), riding the stationary bike and walking ... (I can keep from limping when walking but not without at least a little pain, and I can't run on it yet. It's the…
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steroid use ...
I am not "in the conversation" on this issue and would like to have a general picture - based on what you've observed and heard among younger athletes at the gym - about steroid use. Is this finally taboo now - or is it still an issue in certain circles? I'm not considering using steroids and have a valid reason for my…
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Mind Games: ways we sabotage ourselves
I have been disciplined for months - working out faithfully, trying new things, running further and faster ... and (a big one for me) eating moderately and within the limits I set for myself. [...screeching halt!] I got injured on Sunday - I can't run (so no extra calories for maybe weeks) - and ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT IS…
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sidelined briefly by injury
I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement. I'm eating in a deficit and rely heavily on my running. I sprained my ankle today and am just a little anxious about staying on track without that daily, heavy training (not to mention emotional therapy). Not a whiner ... but whining a little ... who's been there? How did…
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pre-logging: motivating or an opportunity to let things slide (sabotage)
I hear lots of well-respected folks in MFP offering the advice to pre-log your day. I think, for me, part of the motivation of staying on track is sitting at the computer a few times a day and holding myself accountable for the choices I have already made. If I pre-log, I think I might be inclined to take a…
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deadlifts and barbell rows
Do you return the bar to the floor between every single repetition? (I'm doing three-five sets of five reps, depending on the time I have in the gym.) That is what I have read to do and it's messing with my sense of efficiency. Also, I lose form those last six inches to the ground (back rounds out), so I don't even know if…
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NSV - squats off the squat rack in the big kids' weight room
MFP friends: I've been mustering the courage for a year to step into the squat rack/cage thing and give it a shot. I have been super-intimidated, mostly because it's such a commitment. Dumb bells can be taken into a corner. Bench presses are off to the side and you're lying down, so no one's watching you. But the squat…
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technique question - overhead press
Except for the squat rack, our barbells are at waist level. Obviously, our dumbbells are down low, too. I moved up to dumbbells at 25 each for overhead presses today, and it felt great - except for getting them from my waist into position for the presses. I'm sure it will be suggested that I move to a barbell but I think…
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Please don't be discouraged!
I'm on my 54th day of logging into MFP and really making a concerted effort to lose some weight and improve my running times. I stayed at 158-159 for weeks. Weeeeeeeeeeks. (Okay, it was only a few weeks, but good grief it felt like forever - you know what I mean?) I asked on the forums about the number of calories I was…
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5x5 ... but not so often? or ... other options?
I have been working on form and figuring out the right starting place (weight) for the exercises in the 5x5 stronglifts program for the last month or so. I have heard you and understand the need for a specific program. I know the 5x5 program is 3x/week. I just don't think that's going to be practical for me; I can't give…
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strength imbalance
I've increased my strength training, and I'm starting to do some heavier lifts. I'm noticing a strength imbalance (both in performance and visual comparison), and I'd like to fix it before it becomes a problem. I've looked online but there appear to be different approaches to fixing it. Start with left, start with right,…
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squat gurus ... preference?
I work out in different gyms (work, home). I have been doing squats in my home gym for a few weeks now - have also started doing deadlifts - feeling very accomplished actually, as it did take some courage. Today, during lunch at my work gym, I didn't feel like running, so I did my strength workout instead. The squat rack…
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sports massage (runners?)
2015 is my year to fix alignment issues, get into the right shoes, strengthen glutes/core and improve my running form. With that in mind (and because my shoulders are not even in the mirror when I'm running, which I thought was weird and might be tight muscles, etc.), I decided to get a massage. "Sports massage" sounded…
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weight lifting in calorie deficit
You guys have helped me to understand that I don't build muscle while in a calorie deficit. As I was doing my squats, deadlifts and bench presses (yes - I did them all today!!!), it occurred to me ... WHY am I doing this? LOL ... I know this sounds like a crazy question with an obvious answer, but I'm working really hard…
