Want “this shitty life to finally be over with’? Replace the shitty with something good. Even something small. May sound lame at first but if you can replace the bad with good, one thing at a time, eventually you’ll find a life that’s pretty damn good.

P90x is great, as you have heard me blabbing all over my blog . I got it from a guy on Craigslist for $50, which is nicer than the $120 fee on their site. And honestly, I feel it’s comparable to a gym membership. Which is totally awesome.

I do a weekly yoga class (1.5 hrs – and it’s not beginner so it’s a good warm-up) and I like to do at least on of my weekly runs after doing yoga. I know Melissa says stretching doesn’t help, but I think of my yoga more as an extended warm-up than just stretching (it’s not hot yoga, but I work up a sweat easily). I always feel like running is easier after than if I just go out cold.

I’d be curious it’s the same for you.

Also… you might want to check into Chi Running to help with the core strenght/form that might be making your old knee injury act up. I’m doing a seminar this weekend and I’ll likely blog about it if I’m not completely whipped… I’m the idiot that scheduled a 5K in the morning and a running seminar in the afternoon.

I bet your cooldown walk did help. You should make yourself do more of them. You could also try a warmup workout before the run, and stretching after the run.

Little known fact: Stretching before a run doesn’t help, in fact it may slow you down. Warm up before, stretch and cool down after!

I have a Nathan trail running belt – 2 water bottles, a pocket that holds my phone, keys, gels, etc. I only wear it if I’m running for longer than an hour. It weighs me down.

I’ve considered trying a camelbak or a handheld – I used to run holding a bottle and I hated it. But some of the handhelds look comfy. Both of those options will have a small pocket or two for stuff.

For shorter runs, I have a fuel belt that just has a small pocket (no water) that holds a couple of gels and a key. Won’t hold my phone, and I typically like to have my phone with me in case of emergency if I’m more than 5-6 miles from home.

There’s no such thing as too personal when it comes to running questions. I wear underwear underneath but I’m a girl so that’s maybe not a question for me …

Try Hammer brand stuff for energy. They use more good stuff and not bad stuff and it tastes good. I like their “Heed” – acts like gatorade but doesn’t taste gross. TrySports has that too. See why I love them?

You are doing great! Listening to your body and kicking ass! Tell Trysports about the ankle – I know the dr knows, but they may have a suggestion too, either about form or shoes or who knows what else …