I found this site while looking for some running tips, as I am getting ready for my first 5K on 8/4. I am still a little nervous about that, but being fit does feel awesome!

Here is part of my transformation story...years ago, while I was pregnant with my first child, I got up to about 185 lbs. I lost the bulk of it fairly quickly, but stalled out at about 140 lbs for years. I know this was not terribly overweight, but I was just not in great shape, either. In January of this year, I decided to get really fit. I started with skiing, the stairmaster, aerobics videos, weight training, and lots of good old situps and pushups. I was just weighed at my doctor's office and was surprised to see the scale at 118lbs! I'll have to have someone take my pick on my race day to post here.

For me, it's all about the habits. Once my new healthy habits became established, it all became pretty fun and easy.

About the running tip that brought me here...I completely eliminated my side ache problem with the left foot breathing thing. So a huge thanks to whoever posted that tip! Amy

What's this left foot breathing thing?

Hi C I, While jogging, inhale and exhale while landing on your left foot. I count like...breath in(on your left foot),2,3,4, out(on your left foot),2,3,4. Hmmm, a bit hard to explain here. I don't know if it's the even, steady, rhythmic breathing that's the key, or if it's really a left thing. I remember reading about the strain on the ligaments of the liver(the major organ on the left side) being a possible cause of the side stitch pain. It's working for me, so I'm not trying breathing while landing on the right!!

Thanks for the reply and congrats on your success. =)

Wow congrats!

Yeah, I use that breathing thing if I remember during the mile at school. I'm still terribly slow (13 minute mile, failing) but it makes the running more pleasant. I guess not being in pain makes everything more fun.

Mikaela, that was me just a few months ago...13 minute miles. I've gotten better since then, all practice and hard (but good) work, of course. Work towards good health, not a "diet". You'll find ideas for healthy snacks, etc, here. Find fun stuff to do with friends. (Yes, I saw your other post). My son is now your age. We go for walks, bike rides, he makes me play catch(football, baseball, frisbee). Try those "rock" climbing walls, good for toning up, too.