I am new, got talked into doing a moutain run in August and figured it would be a good reason to quit smoking. I have been training for about 1.5 months now and run about 5 miles 3 or 4 times a week. Going to be bumping that up soon. Just signed up for a 5/10K on June 21. I'm still undecided if I want to do the 5 or 10K because it will be my first real run. Anyways, the smoking is gone and the running is improving, my feet and knees regularly ache but I'm hoping that will work itself out.

Mandy,  WIth what you have been through with school and your other activities you are constantly on the go.  I have been in your position before.  I'll try to address this one at a time.

First your heartburn  could have something to with your daily eating habits. (Diets are fads).  Make your change slowly this way you are not overwhelmed.  Instead of fast food cook something or a Lean Cusine or Healthy Choice Dinner.  If you must eat fast food leave off the fries and soda get a water instead.   Eat on a regular schedule every 2 and 1/2 hours to 3 hours.   

I am not sure what kind of living are you have instead of storing your T.V. keep it out of the bed room.   Try listening to some Jazz or classical music at(Something that will relax you.

You have made a decision about school so let it rest. Move on to the next thing.  the Purpose of a Driven Life is a very good and useful tool.  I am also taking it that you haven't had a lot of working out.  I know you are very active with the youth group (I think).   Yes these are wonderful activities and I commend you for wanting to make a difference.

So my next question and the point is what does Mandy like to do?  I see a soccer ball with your name? Do you like to camp, hike, fish, ride bikes, shop, read or somethhing else.  Prehaps take a small day trip by your self or with a friend or family.  You live in Kansas, right?  How about a baseball game ( Not sure how close you are to one of the stadiums)   Depending on the location you are not that far from Colorado.  ( We could also make a million excuses not go somewhere).  You owe it to your self to just relax.   Sometimes we need a weekend to ourselves and if you miss a weekend of activities that you do that is okay.  Take break.

Try a dark room and candle light and a warm bath with slow music. I listen to Keeny G when I want this mood.  Have a nice long prayer  when you get into bed and evrything that starts racing list them.

Hope this helps.

Vicki

Hey  Oscar,  I'll call you Grumpy  )

Try icing it and  heat  no longer than 15 minutes a piece. for htirty minutes.   I have also use icy hot or deep heat.   THe main thing with a hamstring is that it takes time.  Stay off of it as much as possible.

Next there more 5ks out there with our names on them.

I ride a bike so I recommend that.   With th e7 lbs.  You probaly still eat like you did when you were running/  Cut back some on you caloric intake because your metablism is not as fast as it was. 

We have been there at one time or another. Now that it is out of your system move on. If you miss the run or walk it drive on to the next goal.  When you do start back so one day  a 2 min. run and 3 min. walk to see where your at. You might be surprised as where you stand physically.

Also heres one for you i haven't worn my kne brace in ages I run and bike 6 days a week. for th emost part, then I got anew job one where I stand, squat, bend over and walk all day.  By doing this I aggravated my knee and have fluid build up and now have to wear my brace at work and when I run.  The last run I did was Saturday and I probably won't run until next Tuesday. which seems like an eternity.

Take break the hamstring is a common but painful injury.    Don't worry about running but getting better.

Vicki    

Stargal,  I would run with you if I was there   Glad to here Tennesse was great. Can't wait until we move there. 

I think I am in a rut and can't get past twelve minute mark.  Sounds like week for day 3 the hump day!   How far are you from the Tri-city area in Tennesse. 

Enjoy the rest you are getting. Are there any exercises you can do instead of running?  You may only have to do 1 or 2 days at the previous week.

Vicki

Hey Vicki, We stayed in Gatlinburg. I live in Florida. Where you planning on moving in Tennessee? Its a beautiful place.  Miss the weather and the mountains.  The Chiropractor is starting me on weighted neck exercises tomorrow to try and strengthen my neck muscles.  I can walk, bike or swim just nothing that will jar my neck like running. I'm praying after one or two exercise sessions he'll let me start to run again. Its been 3 weeks!!!

Rebecca that is too bad you're not closer. I'm in the Tampa Bay area. A lil far for us to meet daily, LOLLLLL   I'm so proud of your 5K time. That's AWESOME!  Running a 5K is my goal for this year. Hopefully soon.  The heat and humidity has been terrible lately. I don't know how you're doing it girl. 

Well guess I'll go for a walk now. I feel like I'm so full of energy I'm gonna burst if I don't do something LOLLLLL

Have a great run everyone!!

Hey  Stargal,

Guess what I am hooked on?    Swimming  Yeah I went with my friends last night to the gym and worked out in the pool with them.  I learned a lot so now the triathalon bug has bit me.

But first I do need practice on my form and I have to let the swelling in my knee go down.  My friend is giving me the name of her Dr.   Don't really want to go, but need a proper diagnois.  Hopefully I can run by Saturday.  At least I can still bike and swim.

As soon as our house sells here we are moving.  Any want to buy a house in Las Vegas? )   

Have a good week every one

I was planning to start my C25K last week, but had traveled to NY which threw that off. I walked a ton in NY and came back with a swollen left ankle:-( I started to get back into it yesterday evening, but could only do about 3 mins total running and walked 30. My nagging problem is shin splits on my left foot and also some pain around the left ankle. I've been stretching and also doing some yoga about 2-3 times a week. What are some good stretches to try and move past this?

Daydreams76, I suffered from shinsplints when I started running, as did my husband.  The only thing that really helped us get past it is toe raises.  Stand with just your toes on a step and lift up to your tip toes, then lower down so your heals are below the step, repeat each leg separately as many as you can do and try to do it every day.