[moondragon]

I am 26 years old, 5'6", and have gained 30 lbs since finishing my undergrad and moving to Wyoming. At 150, I started having heart palpitations and such that were brought on by my fitness level in relation to the altitude. It scared me off doing any cardio for a while. I got my dad into swimming three times a week over a year ago, and had hoped that I would go regularly with him. Between schedule changes and illness, I really didn't maintain that schedule.

Now, at 160 after basically doing nothing for 3 years, I've gotten to a point where it's tough to do normal things like walk quickly anymore. Three weeks ago, I started with the Beginning Running Guide on thefitgirls.com, and so far, I actually like jogging/running! It was always my least favorite part of athletics when I was younger, but between the Vibram FiveFingers I got and the goal being to be able to go for 40 min (rather than a speed or distance goal), I just want to go!

I also really enjoy swimming and have picked up going to the pool more often. I'm partly worried about going too crazy and burning myself out, but it just feels so good to be able to do things again. On a day that I just want to work out, I'll do a little over two hours of working out between swimming, jogging, and Pilates.

So, I'm here to keep grounded about my progress (or lack thereof) and gain advice and inspiration from the successes, beginnings, and the failings of the folks here, and hopefully contribute a little with my own.

Hi!

Edit: Oh, is anybody else on myfitnesspal.com? My username there is a_moondragon.

[GeekMom]

Im on myfitnesspal!

Geekmom17

I've done the same thing and suddenly became an exercise nut! I love trying to find little ways to kick up the exercise doing daily things!

I was working out 6 days a week trying to burn over 1400 calories and I did in fact get burned out. I took this last weekend off and just rested it was horrible! I think it sounds like you have a great attitude towards getting in shape!

Good luck! I hope it all works out for you and I see you around!

[ross88guy]

Virbams are pretty specialist! Why did you decide to go for them instead of normal cushioned running shoes?

Good luck with the exercise and weight loss plan btw!

[moondragon]

Well, initially I got the Vibrams because a fellow was available to trade training me in martial arts for music lessons. There was no room in the house, so I wanted to train outside. It's so dry that the grass we attempted to grow never really made it against the climate and the weeds. Thus, our yard is really nasty to go barefoot on. The Vibrams were great for a similar feel to being barefoot without the pain.

He was restationed by the military so I only got about a month of training in, and the Vibrams became regular shoes. I read so much about folks that had pretty much eliminated prior stress injuries from running with the Vibrams that I decided to give them a try for that. So far, they are so much better than any running/sports shoe I've ever used!