Posts by shill

Keep getting enough protein. That is key to muscle retention. You should maintain approximately one gram of protein per lb of body weight to maintain. I would try to sneak in a workout or two if you can, just so you don't sabotage your efforts. Also, I'm sure vacation means poor diet. You don't want to layer fat over your muscles!

I second the motion on my Saucony's. It's really different for each person though. If you seriously plan to run, be fitted! I wear Saucony's for the wider toe box and more flexible top. Other shoes cramp my toes.

If they're scary, I do. LOL.

When I'm in the gym, it's "Stop thinking about it and just do it". When I'm thwarting temptation during a competition diet it's "Imagine how that is going to look on stage...did you workout that hard to take second for a piece of cheese?". LOl! They usually work. I'll let you know if they still work in 13 weeks when I'm craving every carb in sight!!!!!!!!!!!

If you're like me and refuse to rest or if you're training and can't, I have a tip to relieve pain and help the recovery. Try tying approx 10 lbs (I suggest discs) to a circle of rope or a band. Sit with legs dangling and at least a 2 ft clearance from the floor. Place the band securely on the top of your foot. Your toes should slant down from the weight and you may need to add more. I recommend leaving your shoes on so the band doesn't slip. Seems odd, but it is an excellent stretch for the shins and truly helps in the long run. You can think of it as a regular stretch and do it as long as you need to alleviate the pain and cramping.

Your main problem truly is your shoes though. Also, the surface you run on is crucial. I die on road races with completely flat surfaces, but thrive on uneven terrain or trail runs. You made need to rethink your route.

Good luck!

I started running in high school and haven't stopped since. That was 11 years ago and it is a life changer. I agree with the mention of cross training. You definitely need weights and other cardio outlets. I loved spinning because it took the strength and endurance of my legs to a whole new level. I ran 7 years before discovering how it bettered my distance running.

You also need to make sure you have proper shoes for running if you really plan to be successful. It makes a HUGE difference. Start at your own pace, but set goals. I would go by timed goals at first, that way you won't feel so stressed to make a distance. if you need to walk some, then by all means do so. I increase the incline if I need to walk at all. For beginners, you should run a fairly level surface. Inclines add a huge cardio/strength stress when you run. Until you have your breathing down and can comfortably run a mile without walking, I would not start inclines above 3-4.

I could go on and on because I am a passionate runner, but individuals are all different and at varied levels...if you have a question, need motivation or whatever don't be afraid to message me or reply on here. I know a few other runners on here that can bounce answers back as well.

Good luck and hope to hear from you soon. Just stick with it....it gets easier each time.

PS. You guys can have a laugh at my most recent 10k last Sunday. Just follow the link and witness my muddy finish. At least I still had a smile. LOL!

I'm a single mom too. I have a 6 and 1 year old daughters. I've always been a single mom, so I don't know what it would be like to have help! LOL!

I'll start by questioning which part of my post is skewed. It's my opinion and also it's all fact.

I don't think we'll know the true effects of these vaccinations until another epidemic of genetic disorders surfaces. I think there's a cloudy track record for our CDC. This is more than documented. In 1976, the vaccine led to GBS after the country was sent into a panic by the CDC. I'm sure they stressed the importance of that shot then as well. Maybe you'll find these interesting. It's a list of factual occurrences highlighting the mistakes made over the years with vaccines. For those who rely on WebMd and other big name health websites, remember who governs those; the CDC. This is also a fact.

I'm not knocking the possibility the swine flu has to be severe, but I'm sure as hell questioning the methods of combating it.

What the CDC fails to mention is secondary infections from an original flu virus or patients with asthmatic history or other underlying health issues that were the cause of complications. Receiving an H1N1 shot would have been just as dangerous for many of these people as simply contracting it through daily contact. There is always a small percentage of complications and dropouts in the CDC studies (it varies by the class being studied). Usually, it's around 1% which doesn't sound like much, but they don't list the number of participants in the study or who conducted it. Funny, huh? There is a lot of money to be made in the field of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, both for the pharmaceutical companies as well as healthcare providers getting kick-backs for carrying certain products. I don't trust the CDC to be forthright with anything that makes them look incompetent.

I agree you should be informed before making a decision, not scared into it by selective information.

This site is decidedly conservative, but the articles' content is fact. The video is of CDC head being interviewed on CNN...

This article highlights the proven relationships to vaccine and asthma is children.

There are thousands of these articles and studies all over the world that fail to spark the interest of the CDC or WHO. I find THAT to be truly appalling.

Original Post by urzahlah:

For one thing. it's hard to find shirts that fit because my breasts are large.

So ladies, do you ever have to go through something similar? Do you work your butt off (literally!) only to encounter other moms that are effortlessly skinny?

How do you deal with it?

I know your post was well intended, but don't assume those ladies are effortlessly skinny. People say that to me and I am offended. I work hard to keep in shape and for me to be called "lucky" is a slap in the face. Some are naturally thin and others just don't take care of themselves.

As for what I do; I worry about me. That's all that matters! You are 118 and 5'4" which is phenominal. Plus, you got to keep your boobs. I wasn't so lucky. LOL! I can't fill out any tops or a bra of any size for that matter. I'm an A-! I'm 5'3", 112 and also find myself slinking through the juniors department at the age of 29. I do feel your pain there. I can't complain though...I feel great, I work with what I have and don't have and appreciate that I was blessed with two beautiful daughters.

Breathe...