Kathybad

Georgia & DE... I just checked our team Nike+ challenge... Whosya is gaining. He's only 19 miles behind us, and thats just one long run for him! With me off sick, DE's surgery and Georgia cutting back, we are losing our lead! Come on "Hotties", we've got to give this as much as we can. It ends on St. Patties Day, so let's try to keep it up. I've never won a challenge... I'd like to win one!

Don't worry too much about what you're feeling. Renewed, Georgia and I pretty much started out together, and we felt the same exact way. There were levels that I struggled with so much, I couldn't make it through the run. Some weeks I'd almost make it through the first run, bomb on the second and huff & puff through the third. I loved the feeling of accomplishment, hated the thought of running, and loved how much stronger I was getting. But it honestly didn't get better until I stopped the intervals and just started running straight out... after week 5. So hang in there... it does get better and you will end up loving it while you are actually doing it!!! Suzanne... don't let your head convince you that you can't! You might have to repeat this run a few times before you make it, but if your mind gets in the way, it will take longer. Don't worry about how far you can go. It took me a total of 4 weeks to accomplish the 20 min run, but once I did, I went from 20 to 45 in 3 weeks. It was mostly my head getting in the way, and boredom with the treadmill. I took my running outside at that point and it helped me alot. As you said.. as long as your running, all progress is progress. If you don't finish the 20 min, try again the next time and try to keep moving the needle. Carol... you are doing great. Keep progressing at a pace that seems good for you, but don't be afraid to push yourself too. Lyn... So glad your new job is going well. Your fitness schedule makes me cringe... I don't see 4am unless the kids call out or I have to catch a flight!! I'm a night time exerciser! Renewed... so did you sit on the 4 wheeler??? LOL. Sounds like DH likes wranglers!! DE... wow, just 7 days of no running? I'm with you, I think I'd wait another week. Georgia... glad the low carb is working for you. I love to see that runner move on your ticker! Onederland is approaching! I went to the doc yesterday and yes I have strep just like my DH. So I'm on antibiotics, and they are already helping. I'm off work yesterday and today, but still plan to go to Ottawa tomorrow. I think I'll be good by then. Luckily so far I don't have a cough or congestion like DH. If I can keep that away, I'll be fine. He's a mess still. Of course... no running for me. I'm way to achey for that and too tired.

Ughhh... I'm starting to feel awfull. DH went back to the emerg and turns out he has Strep and a bad Flu. They originally thought it was just a cold, but took a throat culture anyways. Turns out the culture came back today as positive for Strep. My throat is getting really bad, and my neck, shoulders and lower back are totally achy. Go figure, I have to fly to Ottawa on Friday to meet with a customer. Ohh I hope this doesn't get full blown like my DH!!! Needless to say, I didn't run last night and don't plan to until I feel better. Renewed... glad you're almost settled. Hope the new DVDs are good. DE... good luck on Monday. You'll probably notice its much like the lapband surgery... no problem! Georgia... I'm in awe of your running success! How frequently do you run... assuming you don't take the weekend off Lyn... Only a few days left before you start your new job! I'm thinking about you. I hope you love it as much as I love mine! MacMadam... grrr! Must be frustrating waiting for the Nike+ system.

Anne... congrats on the 5k. My first was 44 min, so 46 is fine. I've been working on my speed ever since, and on April 5th I hope to do a 5k race in 36 or less. My DH is even worse today... he's in horrible shape. He can't talk, coughing all the time and cycles between cold sweats and fever. Worst of all... I woke up with a sore throat! Grrrrr! I'm ok though. I plan to run tonight.

DE... Congrats on the 5k! That's a great time! I know its not what you were hoping for, but given the weather, its great! Ninner... Yeah!!! 28min is amazing. You have done so well on this program. Don't worry about the distance or speed yet. You're just building endourance now! Mac... good luck on the 5k! Kristen... glad you rested. Don't worry about keeping your motivation, well all keep you in line! LOL. No running for me today... DH is really sick so I'm playing nurse and mom to the kids. He did get me a great anniversary present... a really pretty Nike running shirt, plus a gift certificate for a pedicure!!!

Georgia & Whosya... congrats on the win!!! That was a good one. Georgia... I've noticed your ticker runner is moving! Congrats!

I just finished my run. I did 4m outside in the beautiful sunshine! I followed a new route that took me on some main roads outside the neighbourhood. I've shyed away for the main roads - self consious - but wanted to push myself. It was fine! There were also a lot of hills, which I did ok. By the time I was finished I felt spent but in a good way. We took the kids and dog to the park and this time my DH did the long run as I walked the kids & dog. It was fun. I can feel spring is coming, even though its still very cold, I can see the buds on the trees... oh I love spring! Now its off to bake a cake... promised the kids I'd make one for DH & my anniversary!

Kristen... REST!!! When you are really sick, you won't be doing your body any favours by taxing it with too much exercise. If you are only a little under the weather, then a bit of exercise can be good... but listen to your body, and if it says "NO WAY", then don't. Also, don't beat yourself up for not running while away. Even if you weren't sick, its hard to keep motivated and on track when everything else is out of routine. Give yourself a few days to heal up before pushing yourself. As for your run... you still have 2 weeks to prepare, so don't worry. If worse comes to worse, walk some of the race. I ran last night for 30 min at a fairly good pace for me. I've been pushing myself to get to 5mph, but I can't sustain that for more than a few minutes, so I've been doing intervals with that speed and then putting it down to 4.5 or less if need be. Last night I did 5 min at 5.0 and the rest at 4.8, which is much faster than usual. At one point I had to slow it down to 4.5 for about 1min, and it felt so SLOW!!! LOL. I ran a total of 4.2 km and made my Feb goal of 50km. Today I plan to run outside. Its very cold, but not windy and beautifully sunny, and no ice or snow on the ground!!! Listen to me... I'm actually excited!

Tomorrow is DH and my anniversary. He's been watching me with the Nike+ and mentioned he might get one eventually. So for his present, I got it for him!!! I also signed the two of us up for the 5k run on April 5. This is the 2nd largest run in London... gets about 1500 people at it. Should be fun. Now we can do challenges together, and when I beat him in distance, I can officially gloat!!! LOL.

Ohh I was so bad! I planned to run last night, but played hookey!! Instead, DH and I just curled up together and watched Survivor & House... I love my PVR! Tonight for sure, as I need to get in the last 3km to meet my Feb goal. I want to get them in today so that I don't have to worry tomorrow. Tomorrow is DH & my 11th anniversary, so we have a family day planned - I know, not romantic, but we're celebrating 11 years as a family!

On My 19 Month Bandaversary... I hit a major milestone! I've now officially lost over 100 lbs!!!! When I started this journey I knew I had to, but really never thought I would. Well, today I have. I'm now at my lowest weight since University, which was 19 years ago! OMG I'm getting young again!!! LOL. I also overcame my blahs last night and ran 2m fast. Felt good!!!

Suzanne... I didn't know the lingo either :thumbup:. Thanks Mac for filling us in! I'm not hypoglycemic, but do try to eat before my runs cause I sometimes run out of steam if I don't have any nutrition in me. I think with the amount I eat in a meal, its not enough to sustain me through a long run. I will try to eat any one of the following about 10-20 min before my run: Yogurt Cheesestring All Bran Bites Orange Juice Milk That usually works for me.

Carol... I know I'm a little late in responding to your question. However, since I PB alot, and get stuck alot :thumbup:, I figure I'll give you my 2cents worth... Go for the run! I've only had 2 experiences where I had to stop running because of being irritated, and I've ran with an irritated throat/stomach numerous times. I decided a long time ago that I would start the run and if I didn't feel good, I'd stop. Its amazing how many times your head will try to convince you that you shouldn't, but when you don't listen and you actually try the run, you feel so much better afterwards. BTW, I don't PB because I'm too tight or don't chew. I have an incredible gag reflex, always have, and certain foods will "tickle" my gag reflex and cause me to PB. Also, overly dry or starchy foods will often glum together for me and get stuck for hours. Very icky, but I live with it in order to get a variety of foods in. When I'm stressed, its 10x worse too! When I lost my job in the summer I lost all sorts of weight cause I just couldn't eat! LOL! Something good came out of that at least! I'm struggling tonight. I don't feel like running. DH is going to go downstairs to run soon and I know that will motivate me to go when he's done. Thank goodness we both run... it really helps to keep us on track! I have to get in 7km by Sat to meet my 50k in Feb goal. I've kind of slacked off a bit this month, so at this point I don't have much slacking room left unless I plan a longer run. Plus, I'd rather beat the hell out of my goal instead of just meeting it.

Ok, just a bit of a pity party! How long do I have to sit at the 99.5 lbs lost mark before the scale tips a measly 0.5 lbs! Its been weeks and it still hasn't moved. I just want that measly 1/2 lb to make the official 100 lb club! Ok... venting gone!

Suzanne... You can do it!!! 5 min is a hard hurdle to get over, but you can!!! If you need to just slow your run down a bit until you feel right. Don't get discouraged by comparing to us. Remember, we were right there with you a few months ago... just started earlier that's all! Soon you'll be powering through right along with us. It doesn't take long, but its important to get the basic body conditioning first. I can't tell you how much that has helped me. I hated running, but for some reason by following the C25k program, I built up my bone/muscle structure enough and my heart health so that I could do it, and better yet... I wanted to do it! Keep it up... you're doing amazing!

Well todays run was much better than yesterday! I did struggle with my head at the beginning... funny how that still gets in the way once in awhile! It kept telling me... "oh you're still too tired; just run for a few minutes; the kids need you; etc; etc" But I kept going and after 10 min, I was on a roll and went for the full 30 min. My DH took the dog outside to run today. We want to train her to run with us. So far, we've got her up to a fast trot (my normal pace LOL) for about 2.5 km. Hopefully by the summer she can run a full 5k with me. Not bad for an old gal - she's 6 (LOL - that's me in dog years!). I'm also going to get my son on the treadmill, I think. I'm a bit nervous about that, given his mental capacity. But I think he'll like trying it, as long as we're there with him. He likes to run, and last fall we had him running 1/4 mile laps, so I'm hoping the treadmill will hold his interest and get him running.

Whosya... Congrats on the Triathalon!! How short is "short"? How did you do the bike portion inside? I took 2 days off due to work activities. Then ran yesterday. I was really stiff and couldn't go very far. Probably tired from some late night activities. I plan to run this evening, so hopefully it will be a bit better than yesterday. I went to see the Toronto Leafs play the Columbas Blue Jackets the other night. Our company has a Box, so I was there entertaining a customer. First time in the box for me... cool!!! (((((I'm not a hockey fan)))))... I whispered that - afterall, I am Canadian! LOL! Good thing I was in the box, as I got to socialize rather than focus on the game. However, it did go into sudden death overtime and then a shoot out! Of course my team (Leafs) lost, but really... that's ok!

Welcome back Renewed! Glad your move was successful. How's that treadmill doing??? LOL! Well... I did go for a walk which turned into a run! I started out walking to see if it caused any issues with my migraine. It didn't, so I started to run... and didn't stop for an hour! I ran 7.7 km. I was slower than usual, but it felt good, and my migraine is receeding even more! Yeah!!! BTW... the Hotties are back on top!!

Ninner... good for you! Amazing how switching to your own music is so much more motivating than listening to that other stuff! I won't say congrats on the achy feet... but congrats on the reason! LOL.

Thanks Whosya! It helps to hear another's perspective. This one was one of my worst yet. But I'm feeling relatively good right now. I still have what I call "motion echo". Kind of a woosy throb in my head. When I exert myself, like picking up something, my head throbs, but when I walk from room to room it feels good. So I think I might get on the treadmill and just walk to see how it feels. Usually, if I don't catch it within the first 1/2 hour or so, then meds don't help at all. That's what happened yesterday. I thought it was just a muscle kink in my neck, and didn't have anything to take at work. By the time I got home it was a full blown migraine with nausia right away. I couldn't get or keep anything down last night. But when I took the meds this morning it did help a lot... even though I felt it melting in my throat, as it didn't pass through easily! I haven't had anything checked out... no scans... haven't even told my Dr. about this. It doesn't happen very often, and my Dr is in Toronto (2h away) so I don't see him often and when I do, I usually have something else more pressing. My DH gets so mad at me for not following up with this... can't blame him... I probably havent as I'm a bit of a chicken!

Scalingdown... congrats on your runs so far. I got my first runners high around week 2 or so, and then sporadically throughout. I don't get it everytime... my DH does, so I'm jealouse! But when it happens, its amazing. You get all euphoric... Don't get discouraged! It is hard going for the first several weeks, and then you start to notice the real benefits, and thats what motivates me! However, I agree... the people here are my daily dose of inspiration! LOL... as long as you're a Hottie, nothing else matters! Carol... I love reading your posts! They are filled with insights and make me think. It is amazing how people can affect others. I sent you those links, which helped you and hopefully a few others. But someone else sent them to me, and so on. Its the "6 Degress of Separation" all over again! I'm having a tough day today. A migrane started yesterday afternoon and came on like a tonne of bricks. It totally wiped me out last night and I tossed and turned with the pain. Finally I was able to swallow some meds around 5:30am - nausious before that - and the pain has receeded a bit. But I'm home today as I don't think I could handle working. I had wanted to run today, but not sure what physical exercise would do to my migrane... might make it better, but might make it worse?? I used to get lots of headaches pre-banding, but they slowly receeded with the weight loss. But I still get a couple migranes each year. They are weather related. When the pressure suddenly goes up (or down... not sure which), then it happens. For me, when its grey skies and in a very short time it suddenly clears up and is beautiful outside, usually causes me to get one. Thankfully it doesn't happen often.

Whosya... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! 15m is huge! You are such an inspiration! Carol... congrats on Week 1 Day 1! You're officially a runner now! Yeah, I know, you walk too... but you're a runner at heart! don't worry about repeating a week. I know many of us did... Just move on when you're ready. My only advice is to push yourself a little, but don't be crazy. I moved up when I was able to complete the run requirements in at least 1 of the week's runs. If not, I stayed. Suzanne... great work! Keep it up! Georgia... you must be feelin better if you ran 5m. BTW, on the new team challenge, did you know you're on both the "Hotties" team and on Salsas team? Of course you're supposed to be a "Hottie", cause we need you!!!

Wow... I'm on a major runner's high!!! I went on my longest run yet... 7.4km (4.6m?) and loved it. I went to this great park... same place as my 5k run was in the fall. DH took the kids and dog on a walk and ended at the playground, and I just ran, and ran, and ran! I just wanted to see how far I could go, so when my legs finally started to feel like rubber I finished. I ran the whole distance, and at a decent pace. In fact, my Nike+ told me I ran 5k in 35:37 min. I'm so psyched up I think I'm going to enter the Mother's Day 10k. That's 12 weeks away... if I can go 7.4 now, I should be able to do 10 by then!

Carol... I used the "Podrunner" series. Here's the link to it: Podrunner: Intervals - Free Workout Music for 5K Training You can download the podcast on iTunes or directly from here. The outline is also helpful, as it gives you what each week's plan is. Here's a link to that... First Day 2 5K - Printable Outline The music isn't the greatest... but it takes the guesswork out of when to run and when to walk. I used it up until week 7 when I didn't run/walk anymore. That's when I switched to my own music.

MacMadam... love the new picture!