Kathybad

krtork... thanks! I've seen a few different ones, but wasn't sure if they actually worked. I think this winter is going to be horrible, and I don't want to always run inside... so I think I'll look into these! Anna... I wish there was one with current music instead of what's offered. If you're running on a treadmill and can keep track of time, then I'd suggest you just create your own mix of songs. If you're running outside, then it becomes more difficult to know when to walk and when to run. That's why I used the podcasts until about week 8 (3rd try of week 5). Once I was just running without the walk intervals, I started using my own music. Much more motivating. Ok... the stockings are hung by the chimney, the shortbread and gingerbread cookies are done... just doing the date pecan balls now (Santa's favourite), all the gifts are wrapped, the house is as clean as its going to get, DH is out shopping for a few more stocking stuffers (LOL), the kids are napping, and I'm sittin back enjoying a glass of wine and listening to Christmas music. Ok... I'm ready! We got dumped on overnight, had about 1-1/2 ft of very wet, heavy, sticky snow in the driveway this morning. So we bundled up the kids and all headed outside to shovel. After about an hour, with only a small dent in the job... 2 young boys came along and we paid them (happily) to help finish the job! OMG... this was the biggest yet. It was fun though. All the neighbours were out chatting, having fun, and helping our ready to pop very pregnant neighbour across the street - her DH is laid up with a bad back! Nice way to spend the day. Merry Christmas everyone! Have a save and happy holiday!

Whosya... Great Time! OMG that is fast! Krtok... tisk tisk... not listening to your Dr! LOL, glad you feel good, and enjoyed the outdoor run. It feels like a freekin freezer here!!! No way am I running outside right now. What was the things you put on your shoes? Anne... welcome! Your speed if good, don't worry about it. I've been running since the summer, started out at about 4.3 mph, and now I'm up to about 4.7 - 5.0 max. My only advice... follow the c25k schedule (there are podcasts available) for the first 5 weeks or so. Pick your pace and advance to the next week when you feel ready. I repeated weeks. Most important... commit to it and have FUN!

What a beautiful day! It was snowing and blowing and freezing cold today, so we went to the park with the dog! LOL. The park was empty... usually has hundreds of people on any given day (very large park). No one braving the weather. So we let the dog off her leash and we went running through the snow. It was about 1-1/2 ft deep, fluffy and clean! Had a big melt on Thur, just in time for our blizzard on Fri and Sat. It was hillarious. We were all bundled up, and the dog loves the snow. Spent about an hour or more outside playing around. I actually went running with the dog in the deep snow - we did about 1-2 km total. It was hard, but fun. At church today they showed this video, which is very thought provoking... all about setting your priorities in life. If interested, here's the link to the same video on You Tube. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU]YouTube - Advent Conspiracy Promo Video[/ame] I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Lyn... it touches my heart when a young person does something so selfless and giving. If only more adults could do the same, maybe we would solve some of the world's problems that way! Thanks for sharing.

Confused... I don't know what your current physical condition is, but if your back is cramping up while walking, I'd suggest you find out why before starting running. Weight could be the main cause, but is there other issues. Then, make sure your stretch. There are lots of stretching exercises you can do the losen the muscles in your back. Once you're comfortable with that, go for the C25k program! Its amazing. Bethm... good for you! I hated the thought of running, now I love it. Welcome both of you! Renewed... I love the 3 gifts idea! The kids are so into the Christmas Story this year that it would make so much sense! On Tuesday my DD brought home from school the "Joy Bag", which was a way to celebrate Advent. Inside was an Advent wreath, a nativity set, prayers, stories and some homemade cookies. The kids loved it. I think we'll do the 3 gifts too! Today school was cancelled due to snow! I can't remember the last year we actually had a snow day! And its only Dec! Oh well, we had a nice day together baking gingerbread cookies! Yes, I had one!

Lyn... good for you on the personal trainer. I'm imagining a really good looking, drill sargent type of trainer... LOL! Hows the interviewing? When in Jan will they make a decision? I hear you on the treadmill... but I think I will eventually overcome the mental block I have with it. Kristen... ughhhh, just when you've built a routine. But don't worry, you really don't lose it that fast, just be sure to jump right back on the running train when you can. Ok, I was all set to do the Resolution Run on New Years Eve --- got the babysitter, but now my DH is working until 6pm, and the run starts at 5:30! So it doesn't look like we can. Christmas is just a week away, and I'm so stressed! This has been a really hard year for me and my DH. I lost my dad in Jan., my job in June, no money, struggling to keep my home, and then finally getting a job - so a light at the end of the tunnel. But, very challenging overall! I've had to be blunt with my family and friends when they go on about "what am I getting the kids, or their kids or each other" for Christmas. I have to tell them that this is a a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the love of our family. That its not a time to go crazy with spending, but to share in the things we have to praise. Funny how in this challenging time for the world, that that message is not really clear. Ok, my rant (and stressout) is over!

Ok, I don't follow The Biggest Loser too closely, so I'm not up on all the drama. I watched one episode this season and then last nights final. But what bothers me is all the coniving, skeeming and politicing. I have to say, when the last 5 "at home" challengers were being weighed, I was so impressed with their success... and some of them had higher % losses than the actual winner. Interesting! Lyn... how's your treadmill working?

Lyn... prayers being sent! Good luck friend, you deserve it! Kristen... I hear you on the treadmill thing... I started my C25k program on the treadmill and was fine, until I got to week 5 and the 20 min run. Then I just hit this wall. To this day I still struggle with running longer than 20 min on the treadmill. It is so boring, and seems so much longer. Plus with the time staring me in the face I get so discouraged so easily. But in this cold, its hard to run outside. I'm also afraid of slipping on the ice. On Sunday we all went to the park (DH, kids and dog). It was misting a bit, but fairly warm and all the ice and snow was off the road in the park. DH and I kept watching the runners pass by and we were so jealouse! But it was too late to go get our shoes and trade off the kids. It would have been perfect for running outside. Hopefully we'll get another day like that soon. Still no sitter for the kids on New Years Eve, so not sure if we'll be running in the 5k... if not, maybe we can challenge each other to a treadmill 5k at home! I ran 30 min tonight and pushed myself on the speed. It felt really good... and I watched the Biggest Loser while running... talk about motivation!

Renewed... Good for you! 5k in 35 min, after not really running for several weeks! You're my hero! I tried to run last night, but it was too soon after dinner... and well, lets just say it was not pleasent! So tonight I'm waiting longer and I'm going to go for 5k, even if I have to walk for some of it. I know its going to take long because I have a headache and I'm tired.... no excuses though!

Kristen... great job. I bet it felt amazing when you crested the hill. Whosya... wow, what a workout! Renewed... It's tomorrow... have you run yet? If not... get that butt in gear and start running! My knee is fine. I ran last night for 20 min at 4.8mph and was fine. Yeah!!!! Ok, now I have to get serious. DH and I have decided to do the Resolution Run on New Years Eve - assuming we can get a sitter for a few hours. So that's just 2-1/2 weeks away, and I haven't run more than 2 miles in quite awhile! Plus, I haven't ever run outside in the snow! Wish me luck!

In my single days I had a cleaning lady and it kept me happy and sane... 12 years, 1 DH, 2 kids and a 1 dog later... I don't have a cleaning lady and I am INSANE!!!!! Oh well, my DH doesn't mind cleaning for the most part, and I help a bit! I just heard on the news that they think they found the body of that little girl in FL... I'm praying for peace, understanding and healing for the community if it is her, and for closure for everyone! This is very sad. I felt a bit of a tweek in my knee today after shaking it a bit. Last year (before surgury) I tore my ligaments in my L knee and was on crutches and a cane for quite awhile. I'm very worried I might have aggrivated it somehow. Cross your fingers that its ok! Welcome Shelley... you'll love running.

Ok, I think I'm getting my motivation back DH and I have been pushing each other to run. Since Fri, I've run 4 times... F, S, M, W. Each night we take turns on the treadmill, sort of challenging each other. If he starts and runs for 20 min, I'll then go and run for 21. Then if I start, he'll go for about a minute or 2 longer than me. His speed is always better than mine, but that never matters. I had a really long day today and didn't feel like running, but he pushed me into it, and I'm so glad I did. I only ran for 15 min, but I kept bumping up the speed cause I wanted that rush. Now I'm sitting here feeling wiped out, but tingly and high! Ohhh I like it! LOL. I'm glad we revisited our lists and shared them. It is motivating and it helps us to help each other. I've copied down some of them to remember. I particularly like Renewed's "keep a cleaner house" - if I had that one on my list my DH would wonder who I was and what I'd done with his wife!!!

Sugar... congrats on the intervals. I'm running at 4.5, and trying to work up to a faster speed (its been hard). I haven't heard from Leslie for awhile, but Renewed is away for the weekend... so should be back soon. I miss Luluc too. Took my DD to a specialist today for the rubber stamp on her FAS diagnosis, or so I thought. Turns out, although all the specialists agree that she likely has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, we now need to take her to a geneticist for an official diagnosis, unless the birth mom admits to drinking... since we don't have contact with the birth mom, that isn't going to happen. The problem is without the official diagnosis, she doesn't qualify for extra resources in school... so we really need the diagnosis. Ughhhh, this is frustrating. This is the 4th Dr that we've been to for this rubber stamp! Ok... off to run off my frustration!

Ok, I know I said I wasn't going to be online today, but had to share this NSV... We received about 1-1/2 feet of snow overnight... yuck! I helped my DH shovel the driveway, and I wasn't tired, winded or achy! I did about 3/4 of the driveway as he dealt with the cars and played with the kids. In the past, if I did any shovelling, it would only be at most a 10th of the driveway. Not that I like shovelling, but wow, this is cool!

Ohhh that darn kill switch! That's one main reason my DD is not allowed downstairs unattended... that and the "gaming zone" (or as I call it... the "boy toys area") Sorry you couldn't get your run in today Lyn. :sad_smile: I just finished mine. that's 2 days in a row... whew hoo, kind of a record of late! Didn't go for very long, as I realized that I forgot to put on my sports bra, and the girls didn't like it! I'm working on speed. I am trying to increase my speed from 4.3mph to 5.0mph. I used to run at 4.3 and push myself to 4.5. Now I'm running at 4.5 and push myself to 4.8 or even 5.0. So if I keep this up, hopefully I can get to 5.0 by the spring. We have the tree up, thawing out and soaking up the water. We'll decorate it after church tomorrow. I love Christmas... all the decorations, get togethers, fun family time and the extra kindness people offer to each other. Have a great day tomorrow everyone, not sure if I'll have time to logon, as I'm set to make gingerbread cookies with my DS on top of everything else.

Sugar... thank you! I would not have succeeded this far without their support, so to get the rest of the way, I have to include them! Congrats on the treadmill. I don't attach that safety key, its just tucked up in one of the cup holders so it doesn't come detached. However, when we first got the treadmill, my DH was going on about how it was a stupid thing to have that key... then one night I heard a crash and came running downstairs in time to see him crawling out of the whole in the wall... he turned up the speed too far and lost control. Once I realized he was ok, I laughed so hard I pee'd myself. For the next few months he wore the key!!! Ok, I'm heading downstairs for my run. I need to run to warm up. We went to cut down our Christmas tree today, and it was freezing. Lots of fun... but really cold.

Kristen... congrats on the 5k... great time! I know it feels great when you cross that finish line! Keep it up. Lyn... I've been thinking about you and your interviewing. I've been saying a few prayers for you that you get this job and that its exactly what you want, cause you deserve it!!! I love your list, it is inspiring. Georgia... great list and good for you choosing to get back on track now instead of after the next event. I always fall into that trap, but sometimes we just have to realize that there will always be that next event, and we have to learn to enjoy them while still making the right choices. BTW, I was thinking of putting the 5k under 30min on my list, but didn't cause I thought it was too tough. So I'm adding a few more to my goal list, so here's the full list... 1. I want to have a Normal BMI 2. Next year in the Community Living run (that I ran this year) I want to run the 5k with my son. 3. To improve my family finances (now that I'm working) so we can afford a gym membership, so I can to do strength training 3+ times per week 4. To no longer think of myself as "plus sized" 5. To manage my stress so that I stop taking it out on my family 6. To run a 5k in under 35 min. 7. To help motivate my loved ones to live healthier lives. I think these will help me re-motivate myself going forward.

Sugar... Happy belated ONEDERLAND!!! You are amazing!!! You hit both goals and now its smooth sailing! I'm still at 199, but I know I'm going to fall off this plateau very soon. I can feel that my body is a bit smaller, and that's usually the sign that I'm going to have a losing streak soon. Yeah! I think our bodies get sticking points that are difficult to get by. Over the many eons that I have yo-yo'd, I would lose enough to get down to a certain weight, stay there for a few months and then go back up. Usually I'd hit that plateau and lose motivation. Now, with the band as my friend, I can wait out the plateau. I've also noted that the plateaus are the weights that I'd stop at in the past before regaining. So everytime I blow through one of these plateaus, I feel like its a major deal... and I can just feel it comin... Gypsy... congrats on your band. I'm 18 months in, and wouldn't change it for anything. It has saved my life. You are very right... it is a lifelong journey that you mise well enjoy. But one note of caution... don't be so worried about speed of weight loss. You've lost 16 lbs in just 1 month... that is excellent, but don't get discouraged when its only 2lb in a month... every month is different, and every person is. Keep at it and you'll get there. I RAN tonight! I'm so happy that I did. I feel great. I've got the runner's high going right now... all tingly and kind of euphoric. Its actually been awhile since I felt that... reinforces why I like this so much. Ok, I came up with 2 goals I want to add to my new motivation list... 1. I want to have a Normal BMI 2. Next year in the Community Living run (that I ran this year) I want to run the 5k with my son. These are pretty lofty goals. The first is weight loss of course, but the 2nd is not... its family involvement, and training my son to make healthier choices. This goal is actually going to be hard on 2 levels. First, to keep my son focused and interested and then training him to go that distance. Right now he can run/walk 2km, so I think we can get there. Second, although he runs & walks, he's much faster than me, so I'll have to train hard to pick up the pace. Should be a good goal.

Hi All... I've been MIA for a few days and just caught up on all the posts... sounds like we're all in the same place... UNMOTIVATED, and BLA feeling. I'm right there with you. My motivation list when I started losing weight was... 1. For more energy 2. To improve my health 3. To be a better role model for my kids 4. To improve my diabetes 5. To live longer 6. To look better 7. To feel better overall 8. To be proud of myself 9. To improve my confidence 10. To wear a normal size So here's where I'm at.... 1. Done 2. Done 3. Done 4. Done 5. Done (as far as the health is concerned... can't control firey crashes!!) 6. Done - although it could always be better 7. Done 8. Almost done 9. Done 10. Almost done... in 16/18 So here's what the problem is. I've pretty much accomplished my list, so I don't have the burning motivation I once had. The same goes for running. I did the 5k, and now its horribly cold out, so I'm not super motivated to do it. I bet many of us are at the same point... we've accomplished a lot, but not all the way, and we don't have the same steam to keep going. Now's the time to power through, so I am going to think on this over the next few days to come up with a new list of goals I want to accomplish. I'll share them when I'm done! I am going to run tomorrow. That is a date I'm not going to break!

Glad you all had a good Thanksgiving. Congrats on wise eating choices. Sugar... you'll love having the treadmill. I have a love hate relationship with mine, as I prefer to run outside. But now that the snow is here to stay, I'm so glad I have one. Tonight is my company Christmas party, and I'm so glad to say that I don't have anything that really fits!!! I have one fancy dress that I've been keeping in my closet. It has an asian style neck, clingy fit in a tourquoise colour and kind of sparkly. The last time I wore it was on a cruise with my DH when we were still dating in 1996. I had to wear a girdle to make it fit right. Well, I tried it on, and it was a bit big. I can still wear it, but its a little loose on top, and hugs my curves really nicely, and no need to hold it all in with a girdle!!!

Finally... I'm in ONEDERLAND!!!

Welcome Beanie... you'll love it! I used the Podrunner Intervals, but there is also "Cool Running", if you google it you'll probably find it. There are others out there, just search on C25k. Good luck! Ok, I've been deliquent... haven't run for a few days. Not feeling all that well, but that's just an excuse. My weight is also still stuck at 200... no movement. So I guess this is my way of saying "kick me in the butt please"

Welcome back Lyn... missed you! I'd probably just start running and see how long you can go, then if its not as long as you like, walk for a bit and then go again until you're happy. Whatever works for you! Today we took the kids to my company Christmas party. It was a lot of fun. They had 4 very large inflatable bouncy things for the kids to play in, cookie decorating, a magician and of course Santa and Mrs. Clause. Plus all the kid favs for food... pizza, cotton candy, popcorn. It was a blast. The kids played full out for 4 hours. Also, Santa spent a lot of time with each family. Meant there was a long wait, but worth it. The kids really love Santa, so this was special. I'm exhausted chasing after them all day. Didn't run all weekend :laugh: Well, there's always tomorrow.

Sugar... thanks! Have a great shopping trip!