Well, I'm up to four miles now. on day nine of running and I can see a huge difference in my attitude and my mental stability.

Even though I am not doing good quitting smoking, I only have a couple a day, I'm at that point that my breathing is good, but it's my lack of muscles that's holding me back from hitting my goal pace... 10 minute miles. I used to be at a 7:32 pace so it's really hard to go my 12:00 miles right now. My body remembers going much faster so I have to try harder to keep my new pace.

thought I would give an update. How is everyone else doing, I know there are other runners on the board.

I miss the gym

[Clinte89]

Good job dan. Thats fantastic! It sounds like running is doing you some great stuff. I have been walking latley myself only about 2 miles for now. Im a fat boy so it takes alot to just do that but Ill get better soon. I can relate to how much better it makes you feel. Its better than meds I think.

it's a good mix for me with the meds and excercise. I just take the meds like I'm supposed to and for the rest of the day I don't even think anymore that I am actually bipolar. I feel now like there is nothing wrong and I am just living and getting by. it would be easy to stop taking my meds, but I know better. lol.

KEEP WALKING! keep us updated how that is going, okay?

[bos314489]

That is great news on the walking and running. I believe it is so important for our mental health. I haven't been able to run in several days but I am going to start back today. I can definitly feel the difference when I do not run compared to when I do. I almost feel "normal" after a run!

[TheDragon]

Hey Dan, it's great to hear how much running is helping you. If there's one tool I swear by it's definitely some hearty exercise. Great for your mind and body. Just keep up with it, and hopefully you'll naturally quit smoking. So long you're scaling back it's a good start, although I'm one of those odd people that believe if you can become and excellent runner and smoke (in moderation of course) if you want to.

As for working on speed and letting muscle develop properly, it's going to take time since you're only on day 9. You're making solid progress so far. Just keep that in mind and don't over do it or you're going to get classic burn out. I know it's hard as hell when you use to have a different level of fitness, and then when you start again it's almost like learning to walk all over again.

Make sure you're eating properly with enough protein to back up muscle development and lots of fruits and veggies that are high in vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin C and potassium). Yogurt is also great. I also use some supplements for health in general, but I feel like they help my running a bit.

A good way to increase your speed is vary your distance and pace day by day. Do 2.5-3 miles one day and focus on keeping speed, then do one mile the next focusing on bursts of speed (sorta like interval training). If you do this, it'll help increase your speed while maintaining and building upon your endurance.

Did you use to do martial arts? Consider starting martial arts again. It's an amazing way to exercise, and running compliments it beautifully. Furthermore, many martial arts come with a philosophy that help further your mind and soul. Even if it's not a traditional martial art, training will simply give you a lot more discipline and focus. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys exercise, especially if they deal with mental health as well.

Keep up the good work!

[Anika.]

Dan you already know how fantastic I think this is!! I am very proud of you... Keep it up. I am so glad you are reaping the benefits.

Clinte that is awesome, proud of you too!! Keep walking and in no time you will be increasing your distance. It really does make a difference in how you feel, that's great.

I have increased my yoga practise again. I am not back to where I was with the amount I practise and Dan I understand that part. Last night I had one of my best sessions ever I think. In focus, discipline and determination. I was able to hold standing bow for the whole 10 min which is a feat for me. And my toe stand has also improved. It feel good to see progression. I agree with Dragon about activities that require great focus, especially when peopke with mental illness and Bipolar often really struggle with that. The focus and discipline yoga has brought me is unbelievable for me.

My inner thighs are super tight so I am having issues with burning pain, gotta work on that. I did one run but it is pretty cold here still and the cold cold air does not feel good on the lungs. So I will be patient for a bit warmer weather.

Also Dan as well as enough protien make sure you get enough carbs whether through veggies or whatever. As I cannot have gluten I probably really don't get enough carbs. Since I do hot yoga I sweat buckets there and it smells like amonia, which is my body burning protien from not enough carbs. You don't want that either. I have been trying to get more carbs but it's hard for me, I have a small appetite and honestly I dunno how much more veggies I can eat.

Keep up the awesome work..both of you..! So good to see this, thanks for the update.

[BlackPup]

I'm struggling to walk 4km at the moment but that's cos I'm in my last trimester of pregnancy. Hopefully I can get back to walking ormaybe even running after the baby. 9 weeks to go.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm so glad you are slowly increasing you running and speed. I envy runners. I know tons of athletes that smoke so don't stress that your decreasing it slowly. All this getting healthier is catching. I wonder if it's the summer coming.

[aquaman]

That's awesome! Keep it up.

I swim a few times a week. I always feel great afterwards, even during a depressive episode. Sometimes I think swimming does more to make me feel good than any meds I'm taking. Gotta love those endorphins!

[MLPTX]

Great to hear your hitting the streets. I know for a fact in my own life, running has been great. Keep at it, dont worry about speed, your doing it for yourself, just stay at it.

yeppers. been two days since I have been smoking just way too much. quitting again tomorrow and hoping to get a good run in too. I don't do good running when I smoke too much. it feels self defeating.

[bryanf101]

For staying fit,

I run atleast twice a week on thread mill and swimming once a week.

I'm down to every three days so I don't get burnt out. smoking the way that I do still makes it harder to get motivated, but my lung function is dramatically improving. guess i'm stuck right now in the middle. hopefully I will kick the smoking for good soon.

[hamster-bamster]

I have been reading this thread. Not joining yet, but reading and admiring.

I have stopped doing anything since I got my car back. I do not bike anymore. I am just ENJOYING having the car after almost 4 years without it.

But eventually I will go back to treadmill walking/jogging, swimming, biking, etc.

For now I have two TINY goals, but I am serious about them:

- at work, climb the stairs (my office is on the third floor) unless I am carrying a cup of coffee or walking with somebody who takes the elevator

- at work, in the cubicle, stand at my standing desk. No sitting in the cubicle. Only sit in meetings.

Once these become second nature again, I will add something else. Baby steps.

[Cocosurviving]

Kudos to you for staying very active. Right now I can't afford a membership at the Y. I have been going walking and I'm looking into an alternative gym that's cheaper. I miss the treadmill.