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I have been a 3-4 mile runner for years. I also enjoy weights and kettlebell workouts. Over the past six months I had almost completely stopped running and all of my workouts. It was very sporadic.

Over the last few months I've noticed I've been more depressed, which has never been an issue for me. I didn't connect it to the exercise, but about two weeks ago I decided it was time to get started again and get back in routine. So I've been running and started my workouts again about 2-3 weeks ago.

This week I've noticed how much better I'm feeling, no more lows. It feels great. And I haven't changed anything else yet.

So I'm sold. I will not stop exercising - it is now very clear to me what a huge difference it makes for me. And hopefully I can lose the extra pounds I've gained this past year as well!

[This message edited by persevere at 9:44 PM, March 16th (Sunday)]

persevere,

I am learning that this is true. I did a 3-month DVD workout challenge over the summer and was so proud to finish and I lost a few pounds. Then, I allowed life to get in the way and the A came to light and I hadn't worked out. Recently though, I began doing another challenge, this time a hybrid of the program I did before and another I bought. Cardio and weights and yoga.

I would really like to become a runner but don't know how to transition gently. Any tips?

JellyGirl84, I'm not an experienced "race" runner, but what I've found effective is to just pick a milestone, whether mileage or time, and go for it. I may need to stop and walk at times, but that's okay. I've also found it gets better once I get past the first 10-15 minutes. Just keep going. If you have to walk a lot the first few sessions, so what? Just meet your goal.

It really is a gradual thing. I also enjoy 5K obstacle races, and training for them has been a big help in pushing myself. They really are a lot of fun. I'm not Tough Mudder material at this point (13 miles, and you can't skip obstacles) but I'm enjoying the races I am participating in. It is now something my SO and I enjoy training for - we're doing a race in May - so that has kind of influenced my need to get moving. And I'm so glad it has - I had NO idea how much NOT training was affecting me. So just keep moving!

Thanks and....YOU RUN FOR 10 MINUTES?!?!? In my book, that is professional. haha

There is a program called Couch to 5K that can help you. They have an app. Search for 'Couch to 5K' or, 'C25K'. Exercise releases endorphins which are a feel good hormone.... it's also released after sex.

I've been struggling with depression for a few months now. Since the cold weather came in, I have not been interested in running but I just had 2 5K's 2 weeks in a row. I can feel an increase in interest/energy and am determined to get back to running at least every other day to keep my blood pumping. I also was told that exercise is crucial to preventing or prolonging the onset of Alzheimer's which runs in my family.

The Couch to 5K is a great way to get started and is good to get motivated. It alternates walking and jogging in times intervals in a way that you don't over do it. Also JellyGirl, find a few friends and sign up for a 5K. It can be a lot of fun with a group and will motivate you to do more.

It's kind of counter intuitive--after all, how could exercise help? But exercise is not just breathing hard and getting your heart rate up and stressing your muscles. It also causes all sorts of interesting changes in your body (think release of various substances, for example). This is why 'exercise in a pill' is a holy grail--imagine being able to get most of the benefits of exercise with far less exercise time.

Right on!!!! I'm a big runner too and last week ended up tallying up 22 miles! That's more miles than I've ran in one week since before my marathon on October 27th of last year. I ran a whopping 8.75 on the treadmill on Saturday.....but I think it was because there was this adorable 6 foot 5 Conan the Barbarian type running on the treadmill near me and I just kept going like...."Me Jane....or She-Ra....heck...call me whatever!"

Anywho.... I didn't realize I had that in me....I did sprints and hill work too and felt really strong after! I have battled with depression my whole life and there is nothing better than exercise to knock it down to size!!! Keep it up and those endorphins will kick depressions butt!!!

[This message edited by She11ybeanz at 10:15 AM, March 17th (Monday)]