How to get back into it?

I was a C-C regular in 2006. I lost 15 lb, started running (and enjoyed it), and was in the best shape of my life. Over the winter, I had trouble keeping up with running (I live in cold NYS, and didn't have a treadmill to use), but I kept my weight down. In spring 2007 I joined a 10K training program through my local Fleet Feet Sports. I was really excited to take my running to the next level.

Unfortunately, everything went downhill from there. I developed shin splints, which forced me to stop running for a couple of weeks. When I started trying to run again, I developed knee problems. I eventually had to leave the training program because of all of my problems. I did my best to be smart about it - pushed when I could, but not so much that I would hurt myself permanently. I finally had to give up running altogether. I couldn't run more than a mile without being in significant pain and limping instead of running. I was really upset about it, but I'd rather quit running than hurt myself permanently.

Since I stopped running, I have been searching for something to replace it. I have not been successful. It seems that everything I do ends up in injury. I play ultimate frisbee and broomball (like ice hockey but without skates). I bowl regularly (not a HUGE amount of exercise, but it's active). I hurt my wrist playing broomball, and as a result, I have a nagging injury that doesn't allow me to put significant weight on that wrist. Result: no pushups, or anything like that. I tried casually running (my goal was once a week), but the second time, my shins started hurting again.

To add to my problems, my husband and I are broke, so I can't spend money on a gym. I have a gym at work, but the treadmill is horrible. There are two arc trainers that work me decently well, but not as hard as I want. They're my best form of exercise right now. There are a few weight lifting machines that I use occasionally.

Plus, I've been really busy at work lately and end up not working out as much as I want. This creates stress, and I end up not eating as well as I would like.

I'm 5'2", 26 years old. In 1995, I weighed 189 lb. I lost 65 lb in 9 months to get to a healthy weight, and stayed there for a few years before creeping back up in college. When I started C-C in 2006 I weighed 144 lb. At my lowest I was 128 lb (that was my goal weight). Now I'm at 146.

This probably comes off as a long, whiny, message, but I'm seriously upset about this. I think the running ordeal killed some of my ability to push myself. I need advice - I need somebody to tell me what to do because I can't seem to figure it out for myself!!

Have you tried exercise videos? They're really cheap, once you've paid out you can reuse them over and over again, unlike going to a class where you have to pay each time.

 I love Billy Blanks' Tae Bo, they work you really hard and Billy Blanks is really motivational!

I've used Jillian Michaels for awhile, and I like them. Right now I can really only do the Cardio Kickboxing one though, cause the other ones involve lots of holding your weight on your hands and pushups.

And honestly, I haven't been able to push myself enough to get into a regular routine of doing the videos. My own stupid fault, I know.

    If you have a public pool near your home I would try swimming.  It is low impact and should not affect your shins.

 

AJ 

I second that, videos!

Do you have netflix?  You can get all kinds of stuff there....   Try your library too and thrift stores -- they almost always have a few for almost nothing.  ( :

Online videos too.....   

A fitness ball is only $8...  and fun.  Hand weights or big cans of veggies at home? 

Walking is good exercise on its own.  If I only walk, I walk further than if I jog, but shin splints suck.  Does walking hurt too? 

You can do it!   FInd a friend to walk or work out with!!  ( :

Thanks guys - venting helped - hormones are coming into play today too, so that makes everything seem a lot worse than it is. I talked to one of my coworkers, and we're going to work out together today.

I don't have netflix - I used to have blockbuster online, but I canceled it to save some money. I do have a few videos to do, just need to stop making excuses!

The one time I tried a fitness ball I fell off! I'm afraid of them now! :) I do have hand weights and an exercise step at home. I also play DDR sometimes, which I tell myself helps.

I didn't think that walking hurt my shins, but just last week I tried walking on the crappy work treadmill, and they were killing me! Not sure if walking outside would have the same effect, but I probably won't find out until the temperature gets closer to a bearable temperature! When I've tried walking in the past, I've ended up jogging at least a little, which hopefully will be fine as long as I don't run too much of it.

Have you tried using an elliptical, they are low impact and you can add resistance.