April 01, 2012

Reader Questions & Answers #7


On Sundays, I will answer some readers' questions in a post. If you have a question that you would like me to answer here on the blog, just send me an e-mail with the subject "Q&A", and I may include them in a future Q&A post. They don't have to be about weight loss or running--anything is game!  (Remember, I'm not a doctor or dietician, or any sort of medical professional--I can only answer questions from my own experience).

Q. My question is about clothes....during your weight loss, how did you manage to dress yourself in clothes that fit without buying 10 different wardrobes in different sizes? I think I'm down a size and I need SOMETHING new....maybe just a belt to keep my pants up...I just don't know what to do...spend money on something that I will (hopefully) shrink out of in a few months...or look frumpy in my current clothes?

A. I dropped sizes pretty quickly while I was losing weight--approximately one size per month. I went from a size 24W to size 4 in 16 months, so I went through a LOT of clothes. But I didn't spend much money! Because I only wore each size for a month or so, I knew I only needed a few pairs of jeans and a few different in-season tops. I didn't need new pajamas, or dresses (unless I had an event), or undies. I love to shop at thrift stores and garage sales (even now--95% of my wardrobe comes from either a thrift store or garage sale). 

So while I was losing weight, and realized I needed the next size down, I would go to the thrift store and buy 2-3 pairs of jeans and a few tops to get me through the month. It's not a huge variety, but I didn't mind wearing the same things over and over for a few weeks while I was losing weight. 

I wore my underwear and pajamas until they were too baggy, and then I obviously had to buy new ones. Just for the record, I don't buy used panties ;) As I got too small for my jeans, I cut them up into squares and eventually put them all together into a quilt:
So you really just need enough to get by, if you're losing weight consistently. And don't be afraid of used clothes! I bought most of my (name brand) jeans for $1 or even less at garage sales.



Q. What kind of aches and pains did you have when you first started running? My hips are killing me!

A. I think it's very common for hips to be sore when you've just started running. Even now, when I do a longer run than usual or I run harder than usual, my hips will be sore for a day or two. There is a difference between pain and soreness, however. If you think something is wrong, you should definitely get it checked out by a doctor. But I think most people get sore in the hips and even hamstrings (back of your thighs) when they first start running.

Another common complaint is of shin splints--a sharp pain in the front of your lower leg. This can be remedied by stretching after a run, by warming up before you run, by wearing well-fitted shoes (make sure you get fitted for the right shoes!!) and by easing into running rather than running like hell your first time out the door. And, of course, my favorite remedy--rest days! ;)  One or two days rest really works wonders when you feel achy. And if it doesn't get better, you may have injured yourself and should probably get checked out by a doctor.



Q. I was wondering what you use for water/hydration while on your runs? I run regularly, but only for short distances as I hate carrying water, and find that fanny pack type things bounce too much so I end up not bringing any water with me.  I'm starting to train for a half marathon, so I will need some way to incorporate water into my runs, and hoped you would have a solution for me.

A. This was an issue I just recently had myself. I trained for my half-marathon without carrying water, but now that I'm training for a full, I knew I'd need water during my long runs. There are a few solutions:

1) Plant water bottles along your route the day before your long run. This takes effort and time, and I just didn't want to be bothered doing that;

2) Plan to run loops so that you pass your house, or your car, or some building where you can get water. For example, on a 12-mile run, plan to run three 4-mile loops so that you pass your car or house twice during the run. This was my plan, until I discovered...

3) Buy a hydration belt. I was 100% sure I was going to hate wearing a hydration belt. I don't like to carry things with me when I run (even an iPod is annoying to me). But Jessica bought one, and I gave hers a try on a long run. I was really surprised that it didn't bounce or slosh around or ride up or anything like that! 

We found that the secret is to wear it up around your natural waist (the narrowest part of your midsection) and wear it pretty snug. I tried to wear it low around my hips, but it bounced around like crazy. 

See how high up I wear the belt? It doesn't bounce.
The one I bought is this one by Amphipod, but I honestly don't think that the brand matters. I tried one on at Target (after buying the Amphipod) and it felt exactly the same to me, for $20 cheaper. My only concern with a belt like this is for people who carry a lot of excess weight around their midsection--I don't know if it would bounce around or not in that situation.



And now a question for all of you...

What is your current favorite TV show?

I am LOVING "Shameless" on Showtime. It's a guilty pleasure of mine (like listening to Eminem!) but I can't get enough. Love it! 



32 comments:

  1. New shows I got into this year that are definitely great escapes: Once Upon A Time and Smash.
    I used to have Showtime when they gave it to me for a promo but cancelled it when they started charging, so haven't seen Shameless. United States of Tara was so crazy!

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  2. I'm currently loving Smash as well! Really fun to watch ... I also like Bones & most reality TV (although it drives my husband nuts). I'll have to check out Shameless.

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  3. I like Modern Family, the Voice and I just discovered Mad Men. Watched all the re-runs on Sunday mornings and now I can watch the new season!

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  4. Desperate Housewives and The Walking Dead.

    Seeing those two shows in the same sentence just made me laugh, but it's true. I love them!

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    1. I love Desperate Housewives too, and I'm SO SAD that it's the last season!!

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  5. Good Q&A! My fave shows right now is The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family, even though I'm behind on both. :)

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  6. i still really like Biggest Loser even tho the show isn't as good as it used to be imho - tho I really, like Dolvett a lot.

    I'm totally with you btw on the thrift store/garage store clothing -- totally genius. I will NEVER pay full price for a pair of jeans again. I mean every time I go to Good Will I see DKNY. Calvin Klein, Seven, you name it - for $5 - $9. Silly to pay full price. yes it's hit or miss but especially when you're losing weight it really is the best way to go.

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    1. RHONJ is coming back 4/22!!! The sh*t is going to hit the fan!!!

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  7. I really love your Q&A's! My advice for the person who doesn't want to shell out a fortune on clothes while losing weight is to buy pants that have good stretch in them. That way you can wear them for around 3-4 sizes. Also, shirts can be like more billowy and can be cinched at the waist with a belt or a ribbon when weight loss makes them a bit more baggy. Even thrift store clothes can be bought at current size in this fashion! With my journey, I've worn a LOT of dresses, skirts, stretchy jeans, and leggings(perfect for weight loss in my opinion!). Plus if you buy thrifted clothes during weight loss you could buy a great wardrobe at the end of your journey if that would be a good goal..I am like Katie, Goodwill is my store LOL! My favorite shows are Kitchen Nightmares, Chopped, and The Biggest Loser. I catch it on Hulu since we don't have TV so I think Kitchen Nightmares and Chopped may be old seasons.

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  8. The Walking Dead and that new show Touch with Keifer Sutherland is really good as well

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  9. I simply cannot choose a favorite show, it wouldn't be fair to all the other shows!

    My current favs are Shameless, Dexter, Game of Thrones, Desperate Housewives, Castle, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office, 30 Rock...

    I feel like I'm leaving some out, oh well lol!

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  10. My favorite show that I keep up on even though I don't have cable anymore is "Psych". The ultimate comedy, crime, suspense and a smidgen of drama! It's what I live for. ;)

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  11. Would you believe I don't watch tv? Seriously! If I am just chillin at home it often involves the internet. Weight loss blogs, teaching blogs, and baking blogs are favorites. Lately internet time involves pinterest. :)

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  12. I always hated shopping at thrift stores when I was over weight...I could only find old lady clothes in my size & being in my early 20s that always made me upset/depressed. But after losing 120lbs & getting to a size 6, they are my new favorite stores. Just last week I went to 3 small thrift stores, bought a total of 6 shopping bags full of clothes for under $20...and all name brand items!

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  13. I think the thrift stores in my area must overprice....ugh!!! Ive tried a few times and anything decent was over $10...even the gross stuff was $5+. And i feel like i could do as good at the Target clearance racks. But maybe i need to try again. Or start garage sale shopping.

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  14. I love Shameless too. My husband cut back our cable :( so I look for it online. (I feel like a criminal.) We've also been watching GCB & I love Mad Men.
    I love your blog. Very inspiring. I finished couch to 5K a month ago and recently started bridge to 10K. I'm only down 30 lbs but I'm honestly having trouble cutting my eating. It's hard. :(

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  15. I love thrift stores! I find all sorts of awesome clothes alot new with tags. I just go to the nicer town a few towns over. It seems like they have so much money over there that they are throwing out brand new items.

    Anyhow, my favorite shows are, The Walking Dead, ( I don't know how I'm going to wait till fall for new ones!) Bones, and Psych.

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  16. Did you ever get plantar fasciitis? I got it my first time out walking which was this last Monday!!! :( The bottom of my left foot has been killing me ever since. Some tips on how to treat it would be great if you've every experienced this.

    My favorite current TV show??? I don't think I can pick just one...lol. I LOVE Sons of Anarchy, Justified, Dexter, and just recently jumped on The Walking Dead bandwagon.

    www.willbeskinnyernie.blogspot.com

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    1. Oh, how could I forget CRIMINAL MINDS!!! I love Spencer Reid!!! ; )

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  17. I don't get much time to watch TV but I love Once Upon A Time and, yes, Biggest Loser.

    I need to hit a thrift store. I have one pair of jeans in my new size. Have been wearing a pair of nice sweats that are two sizes too big and then I have my workout pants.

    Love reading your QandA.

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  18. I hit the thrift stores too. I wish I had someone losing weight near me because I could be offloading a PILE of clothing on them. Drats.

    My fave thing was to get normal sized underwear. I had been wearing my big girl panties for so long that when I got smaller briefs I strutted around the house flaunting my tailfeathers for a good week. I was insufferable.

    Congrats to all you "losers" needing new clothing!

    Fave program: I watch reruns of Big Bang Theory and DVD's of Bones and Downton Abbey.

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  19. I'm with Munchberry- BBT in syndication is one of my favs. I LOVE Biggest Loser and all of the Real Housewives, basically I'll watch anything on Bravo. I also love the Travel Channel- No Reservations and Man vs. Food are my favs there! Other than that I really watch no series tv.

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  20. I'm kind of a t.v. junkie *blush* I watch things at my own pace though and don't try to keep current on most shows. I really enjoyed the first season of Alcatraz. And I love Hawaii Five-0 because I like identifying where the filming took place LOL. Modern Family, Raising Hope, The Middle and Big Bang Theory all make me laugh like crazy and I LOVE to laugh :)

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  21. Did you see the season finale??? Oh my goodness, I almost cried! I LOVE Shameless!

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    1. I haven't seen it yet--got it DVR'd I think, or I can watch it on demand today. Can't wait to see what happens. No spoilers please!

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  22. Shameless is a guilty pleasure of mine as well. LOVE that show. That family is so messed up, makes me feel better about my own! I feel so sorry for Fiona and was super mad at Monaca for stealing that money the kids had worked so hard to save over the summer. Things were looking up for Fiona, she was making plans for her own future, thinking Monaca would take over some of the load she has taking care of the kids, but then Monaca, as usual, messes up again. The kids don't want to trust her when she first shows up, but somehow she always wins them over and then CRASH--down goes Monaca. And Frank. Well there are really no words for that weasel!

    Also love Breaking Bad (still need to get the last season of that--it's not out on DVD yet), aned Mad Men. I am also a fan of Dexter, New Girl (LOVE Zoey Deschanel), Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy, Blue Bloods, Southland, The Closer (don't know that I will like that as much when Kyra Sedgewick leaves though), Harry's Law, Raising Hope, Modern Family, The Middle, Suits, Teen Mom,(both I and II), 16 and Pregnant, and Dancing With the Stars. I also watch Biggest Lower, but mostly just to see the weigh-ins at the end. The rest of the show just kind of annoys me. I guess I too am a TV junkie!

    I spent way too much on clothes along the way down. Now I look at the "other" closets full of the clothes I bought as I was losing and still can't get rid of (fear of regain?), and it makes me ill--so many clothes that I hardly wore. I did get rid of all of the REAL fat clothes that I wore for years, except for the one "before" outfit--I will keep it forever--so I never forget where I came from. It was particularly fun buying new underwear. Sometimes I hold up my panties before I put them on and can't believe my formerly fat a$$ now fits in those!

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  23. You are the second person to tell me about picking up gently used clothing. I haven't tried it yet, I need to! I am close to needing a whole new wardrobe, my ups and downs wardrobe of 3 sizes isn't cutting it anymore! Thanks for continuing to inspire! :)
    http://www.icangofar.blogspot.com/

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  24. I am loving New Girl on Fox. So funny and a little quirky which I really like. My husband and I have been watching all the past episodes of Pysch on NetFlix and I have laughed out loud quite a few times. Both good shows!

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  25. The Walking Dead!!! Awesome show.

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  26. My hubby just bought me the American Shameless on dvd- we watched and loved the British version on netflix and so we are trying American. Sad news is he bought it because I broke my foot (extra sad is that it was on a trip to throw away the box to my new scales as I just started my weight loss journey). Any ideas on how to lose while stuck on the couch? Or stay motivated while I wait??? I also love Mad Men.

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  27. Last week after a long run (for me at this point 5 or 6 miles is long because I was training for my first 10k) I had some soreness in my right hip. My 10k was Sat and I had so much fun. I wrote a blog all about it. :) After stretching and resting for a day it went away and I felt fine. I sort of started to freak out a little bit, because a friend of mine who is a regular runner got a stress fracture in her hip, and she's not allowed to run for a while. I immediately was worried that happened, but my pain wasn't so much a pain as a soreness or discomfort.

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  28. GCB, Modern Family, and American Horror Story (currently on hiatus)! Can't get enough of them! I will def be hitting up thrift shops as my weight keeps dropping!

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