Kathybad

Way to go Leslie!!! You're a runner now, and hooked. Thanks for the umpalumpa visual... I'm still laughing :biggrin2: Great job Georgia... it felt harder probably because you were already tired and maybe didn't have enough fuel in you. You must have felt proud to have finished it knowing how tired you were! Sugar, I looked for one of those, but couldn't find one! The guy in the store thought I was crazy, but honestly... how my butt could fit on one of those tiny seats is a mystery... and probably not architectually sound :eek:! Thanks Bonnie... I've just printed this. It will be helpful to know what I'm listening for! Keep up the great work. Did I read right that you aren't banded yet?? If that's the case... I am so in awe of you doing all of this before you get banded! You will have such a successful weight loss! Wow... on your way to work! I can barely get myself up and the kids fed and dressed, let alone think about working out! I am not a morning person, thankfully my DH is. It takes me at least an hour to cool down (visually!!), so that would mean getting up way too early before work! If he makes fun of you, threaten him that you'll embarrass him in front of his friends (or a girlfriend??) next time! That always worked for my brother when he'd tease me. Seriously, go for it and take it slow. Wow... it's fun coming here and catching up on everyone's progress. I feel really good today. I think the running has helped my mood a lot. I've been fairly stressed lately since losing my job, and looking for a new one. I've never been a stay at home type, so really don't know what to do with myself. Probably why I latched onto the running and this group!! I noticed that my weight hasn't gone down yet, even though I've been eating really well and exercising. That's ok, I know it won't go up, and it will eventually go down. It would be nice if it dropped at a steady rate, but I know my weight loss tends to happen in spurts.

If you do... please listen to your body, and rest tomorrow if you need it. We want you to succeed, so will offer our advice. But we'll be here to support you whatever you choose to do!!! Good luck!

Thanks Whosya for your perspective on what you like about each type of exercise. I love to swim, just don't get to go very often. When I was a teenager... eons ago! I was a competitive swimmer and won city champ for individual relay, backstroke and butterfly. I have (had??) very strong legs, so could power through most strokes, and butterfly is a difficult stroke to master so I didn't have a lot of competition. My only downfall was breast stroke, which required a bit of grace and stronger arms. My coach used to say that a rock could swim faster breast stroke than me... I agree! I like strength training a bit, but don't really do it very well or often. I know I should, and probably will start that soon. I have some hand weights, exercise ball and bands that I use at home. We used to have a gym membership, but it became too difficult to get there with the kids in tow. They had babysitting, but not skilled enough for our 2. Well, I did it... Day 3, week 1!!! I am so proud of myself... and the runner's high is just kicking in (1 hour later). I really enjoyed the feeling today while running. I didn't hit a wall at all, so I think I'm ready to move onto week 2. Its funny how working really hard at this program makes you stick to your healthy eating habits the rest of the time! I've been tracking my food now for 10 days on thedailyplate, and notice I'm making some great choices. Trying to make sure I have a good balance, enough calories, enough fiber, etc. In the past, I'd log in maybe 2 or 3 days in a row, then lose interest. Now its dare I say, an obsession!!! Kind of like running :crying:.

Ok Renewed... just wanted to remind you of your first post to this thread... take your own advice. If I remember correctly you are in week 4, which is about 3 or 5 minutes of running. I know you are already working out, but running can easily cause injury when you don't have the bone and muscle density you need... in the places you need! At least wait until you've done the 20 minute run successfully. And remember... take your own advice. I'm not an expert, but I believe Whosya would give you the same advice!

Thanks Bonnie... I'm so un-dance-coordinated, so probably not for me! :frown: But you dance your heart out!!! Mama... way to go on!!! If I had to run in your scary, isolated conditions, I'd probably still be sitting on the couch. I'm such a chicken... I guess I've watched too many scary movies! Good luck with week 4... you can conquor that one too! :eek: Renewed... love the pictures. We are always more critical of ourselves than others are... all I see is determination and accomplishment, and a bit of exhaustion!!! :crying: Just think how the next 5k pictures will look... Rocky music anyone!! Sugar, I think as long as we're continuing on this program we are considered "runners"... ok, did I mention I have a distorted sense of reality!! No seriously, we will all be runners... especially is Whosya has anything to say about it!! Congrats on getting to Wk3 Which do you like best... running, swiming or cycling? I know you love your triathalons, but which part agrees with you most? By the way... you are amazing! Keep at it and the weight will also come off. Good luck Leslie... you can do it. Ok, I've just finished my lunch, and in a few minutes I'm going for my run... week 1 day 3!!! I'm so psyched, it feels great! Imagine that... wanting to run :smile:

Way to go Georgia!!! That must feel great. I know I struggled with the 244-240 range for about 4 months. Then it all of a sudden dropped down to 238. Then I lost my job 3 weeks ago and the stress of that closed up my lapband so nothing was going down easily. I went from 238 to 222 in 3 weeks. The stress changed to sadness, and now I can eat relatively normally, so I'm hoping the weight will stay off and running will help me lose more.

Way to go Georgia!!! This program seems to be working for all of us... building our strength and endourance as we go. Good plan to have the crackers ahead of time. So you're going to repeat week 1? Are you going on Monday or Tuesday? If my run goes the same on Monday, then I think I'm going to give week 2 a try. If that turns out to be too much, then I'll go back to week 1. But I think I can do 90 seconds. I don't think I'll move beyond week 2 right away though. BTW, I checked my sugar level again this morning, and once again it was in the normal zone!!! Yesterday it was just above normal (no run the day before), but this morning it was NORMAL (ran yesterday). I think it's helping me. I keep hearing how much fun the Wii Fit is... when I get another job (and have some money coming in :thumbup:) I plan to get it. Bonnie... I just really started to exercise, so I take lots of days off in between. But now that I've started this, and also seem to have lots of energy, I have been at least walking the dog and/or the kids on my days in between. This is not full fledged exercise, but it is movement! BTW, what is 'DDR' ?? Mama, yoga is such a great exercise... one I wish I could do. I have a friend that is a yogo master and she is in such great shape, and is so "centered" (I think that's what they call it, lol) I tried it a few times, but I have arthritis in my hands (the joint at the base of both thumbs), so any pressure on these joints is very painful... and go figure, almost all of the positions I tried put pressure on those joints. So no can do for me! Keep up the great work everyone. Today, if it doesn't rain, we're going for a family walk.

Amy, great job! Congrats on finishing week 3. Thank you for starting this up... its a real inspiration and so much better to do this together! Georgia... good luck tonight! I have to eat something prior to running... but not right before. I've eaten a yogurt about 30 mins prior. Then I bring my water with me. However, I don't drink too much water during because it gerggles around in my stomach and bothers me when I'm running. I think I'll get used to this, and when the intervals are longer it might be better... but right now I don't. When I do drink, its on a walk interval. I then drink lots of water afterwards, and also eat a meal. So far I've eaten a lean cuisine dish following the run... and it tastes sooo good!

Great job Sugar! I envy your outdoor weather... it's 36 celcius here... which is 97 F... so I ran inside. I did my Day 2 week 1 run this morning... it went great. I struggled a bit around the halfway point... but overall did better than the first. I was more tired today than Wed., and no runner's high :scared2:, but felt good afterwards. Who'sya... thank you for giving us such great advice and being our mentor and role model!!! Good luck everyone.

Hi everyone... are you getting excited for your MOA trip? You'll have a great time! I can't believe its been a year since our banding. What a year! I wouldn't change this for anything. I've started the Couch to 5k challenge, learning to run through interval training. I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but I tried it yesterday, and was so proud of myself. I'm still very heavy, so was worried about my knees, but no problem. I even got the runner's high afterwards! Tomorrow is my 2nd run... and I'm so psyched for it! I've exercised everyday this week, which is the first time I've done that since being banded. I know... you guys have been... but I was a slow starter in this area. So now I'm building the habit! Enjoy your trip! Candice... love the photos you sent!

Hi everyone... sounds like we're all doing great!! I took the kids and dog for our nightly walk with my DH. Its a 2km walk, and we usually stop at the playground halfway. So tonight, when we stopped at the playground, I sent them off with the DH to play and I continued with the dog for another 2km at a much faster pace. It felt great, and all I could think about was wanting to run!!! I think this is going to be good!

I've lost 70 lbs so far, one year into the bandsters! Now its time to kick it up a bit. So I've started the Couch to 5k challenge, to learn how to run and get addicted. I did my first run, and was so impressed with how well I did, and amazingly got the "runner's high" feeling I've heard about!

I've lost 70 lbs so far, one year into the bandsters! Now its time to kick it up a bit. So I've started the Couch to 5k challenge, to learn how to run and get addicted. I did my first run, and was so impressed with how well I did, and amazingly got the "runner's high" feeling I've heard about!

Thanks Georgia. Do you have Wii Fit? I've heard it's fun, but haven't bought it. Money's tight right now since I lost my job a few weeks ago. I like Wii Golf... I beat my DH everytime!!! Last night I was playing with my profile and loaded some of my photos of before, during and current. I don't think I've created the folder correctly, so will still work on it, but it was fun looking at the progression.

Oh yeah... us Canadian's have a different scale for blood sugar in case you're reading this and saying huh? Normal is 3 to 6 High is 7+ low is under 3

Hi Ang, A fellow Canadian!!! Welcome. Ok, morning after my first run... not too bad. I expected my knees to hurt, but they don't. :wub: My thighs do a bit. One really big change... might not have anything to do with the run, but I did nothing else different yesterday, so I'm thinking it was the run... my blood sugar was the lowest it has been in 5 years!!!! I'm a type 2 diabetic, and pre-banding I was on meds, then came off the meds and my typical morning sugar was about 7.2 - 7.5, which is technically a bit high, but not too concerning for me. This morning it was 5.9... that's in the NORMAL zone!!!! If that is because of the running... I'm not going to stop!

Congrats Georgia... you made it! I still feel really good, sort of warm and happy. I guess it's the runner's high, or just plain pride in myself for actually doing this! Lyn, welcome to bandsters. The first few months are very weird. Its like relearning to eat. Take your time... this is a lifelong journey. One year in, and I can honestly say I can't imagine life without my band. It has save my life on numerous occasions, so enjoy.

Wow, I can't believe it! I did my first run. I did it on my treadmill, and it was great. My speed was at about 3.3 mph for walking and 4.3 mph for jogging. I was struggling a bit during the 4th interval, but once I got through that I realized I was past the half way point, the rest was great. I used the podrunner to listen to. I liked the mix!! I'd really like to thank all of you for welcoming me so well. Renewedhope: thanks for sharing your family info with me. You are truly amazing... 5 kids! I imagine some days are pretty stressful. I know with our kids they can be. Our kids are the centre of our world, but not the only thing in our lives. I think that's important to have your own interests too. I have a website that talks about the kids, and gives some tips, if you're interested in visiting: parentingspecialkids - Parenting Special Kids Georgia: I'm not likely going to go week 1-9 without some delays!! I'll be your running partner. Looks like we're pretty well matched. How long ago were you banded? I think I migh try running outside soon, but not while its hot. Whosyadaddy: What a cheerleader! Thank you for your encouragement and advice. I've read some of your earlier posts when this thread was starting up and you've been amazing. I look forward to reaching this goal along with your encouragement. Annika: Congrats on your progress to date... straight lines are always helpful on a treadmill, but on the pavement... no worries! Thanks for the welcome. Wow... the "rush" seems to be settling in. My run ended about 1 hour ago, and I'm feeling amazing!! Can't wait until Sat! Good luck everyone on your next run.

Hi everyone, I just learned about the C25K program and found this tread. I've read most of your posts... and feel like I know you. I'm going to start the program now (Day 1 Week 1), and am nervous but excited. My DH is a runner (or has been in the past... not so much lately), and I've always envied his dedication and the high he gets from it. I've never really enjoyed running much in the past, but have a lot of energy now and want to put it to use. I'm coming up on my 1 year bandaversary, and have lost 70 lbs so far. I'm a little worried about my size and running, but will take it slow. I'll let you know how it goes. BTW, do most of you run on treadmills or outside? I have a great treadmill, but its also summer, so wasn't sure which to choose (although its a little hot out right now). A little about me... my name is Kathy, and I'm the mom of 2 special needs kids. We have a son (10) who is hearing impaired, has epilepsy, intellectually delayed and has ADHD. Our daughter is 4, we adopted her when she was 2. She has fetal alcohol, hydrocephalus, learning problems, sensory issues, and generally a major handful . Love the both dearly, but OMG they can be a lot of work. I'm hoping I'll get the sense of euphoria from running that my hubby gets :Banane03:

I agree 110% with JJSMILES. We all get very frustrated with the conflicting advice everyone gets from the nutritionists and docs. In the end, it's what will work for you long term. I'm approaching my 1 year band anniversary, and have lost 70+ lbs in that time. I did this by eating as normally as my band will allow. Here's my typical menu: B: coffee w/ cream (can't do it without cream); All Bran Honey & Nut Cereal (11 g fiber); some fresh fruit and a bit of milk. S: cheese string or yogurt (don't always have a snack) L: leftovers from the night before or a Lean Cuisine meal S: All Bran Bites, yogurt or cheese string D: a meat, vegetable and a bit of starch S: a treat... usually a cookie or ice cream or chips. When I log my day on thedailyplate.com, it usually comes out at about 1000 to 1200 cals, based on my quantities. Sometimes I get high in Protein, sometimes not... but its usually pretty balanced. If I followed the "all protein only" plan, it wouldn't last long for me because I love my veggies and fruit... its what keeps me happy. Exercise is also key, which is why I haven't lost more in my first year. I haven't been exercising all that much. But that changed this last week, and now I've committed to an exercise plan. Good luck to all of the new bandsters... I love my band, and know it literally saved my life.