Kathybad

Whosya... Count me in!!! Renewed... I'm glad you're seeing the Doc and I really hope Dylan heals up quick. Carol... Welcome! Thanks for sharing yourself with us and good luck on your 5k! Whosya is definately our cheerleader and inspiration. He's also the guy we like to gang up on and tease about beating... knowing it would be such a huge task to do so! Georgia... I didn't run today!!!! I have my girlfriend and one of her sons visiting, so took the day off. I had a huge NSV today... seems to be happening a lot lately! My girlfriend wanted to go swimming, and my bathing suit is way too big, so we went to Winners (our version of TJ Max). I found a great bathing suit in size 14!! But while we were there I tried on a pair of jeans and great looking top... size 16, and they fit beautifully. That made me feel pretty good... But there's more... I ran into the President of my past company... the one I left for the "great" job that I eventually was let go from. When I was at that job, I was about 50 lbs heavier, and one of the main reasons I was going nowhere there was the VP didn't like me cause I was big. The President was always very nice to me, and was a great person, so I liked running into him. He was stunned at how I looked. He kept telling me how great and healthy I looked. I told him I was running now, and, well... it was just so cool!!! But there's more!!! After I tried on all the clothes, my girlfriend and I went down the shoe isle and I tried on a pair on high high healed boots that came up almost to my knee and were very slim and tight fitting. THEY FIT and were so amazing! In all my life I have never been able to wear high boots. My calves were always way to big and high heals just hurt. Not now! These are 4" heals and they feel fine, and look unbelievable! Can you tell I'm excited. Well, my girlfriend was in tears... she's struggled all her life like me, and was banded 7 years ago, so she knows what I feel. She was so happy for me, she bought them for me as a gift. My DH was pretty pleased with how everything looks!!! Great day today!

MacMadam... Whew Hoo!!! Congrats! What an amazing accomplishment! You're probably right on my Nike+ heals, if not ahead!! Scalingdown... Yeah, I still get sore on some days. Make sure you stretch. You'll soon figure out which muscles hurt the most frequently, and learn to stretch them. Mine is my calves and glutes, so I always stretch them. I stand on a step and one foot at a time, I put the weight on one foot and let the heal drop lower than the step. It is a good pain! Then for my glutes I lay on the floor on my back, with knees bent. Then cross one leg over and rest that ankle on the other knee. Then slowly raise the knee up towards my chest, stretching the glut from the opposite side. Renewed... I hope you all feel better soon. Fight that all or nothingness!!! Did you take Dylan to the hospital or doctors?? I know you're a nurse and know these things... I just get scared with burns. Infection can set in so easily. I'll say a prayer for him to heal fast. I ran again last night. That's 4 days in a row, and 6 out of 7 days, for a total of 15 miles! I didn't think I had it in me.

Georgia... glad you took yesterday off, but not today :scared2: LOL! Congrats on the 3m straight!!!! You deserve to pull ahead of me for that (ok, in 1 challenge you're way ahead, and in 1 I'm slightly ahead, so I guess we're even) Lyn... I missed you! I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself! My bad girl advice is to enjoy yourself, just to make sure you find 30 min each day to workout. Then any damage you do will be negated. But if that's not what you wanted to hear, and you're being good... I would go with vodka. Its very versitile and low in cals and fat. I'm still pulling and praying for your job, even if you won't find out for a few more weeks!!! Scalingdown... Welcome! The C25k program is excellent. I would suggest you try different speeds and inclines to see what works for you. I started in the summer, and I ran at between 4.0 to 4.3 mph at a 0 incline. Now I run at between 4.5 to 5.0 and still at a 0 incline, although I have started to experiment with the incline a bit. One little bit of advice... don't run on the incline all the time. If you always have it up, then it will put a lot of strain on your joints, especially your knees and hips. Good luck. Renewed... where are you my all or nothing friend!!! Don't give up, just keep on running!!! Oh, I forgot about your PS revision... you probably can't run right now. Sorry! But still visit us!

Whosya... Great new picture! Thanks for the article. Renewed... I hope Dylan feels better soon! Poor little guy. Georgia... I'm with Renewed and Whosya... strength training is really, really good for you. I'm like you and have always had lots of muscle, just well hidden by the fat! But even at my highest my leg strength was excellent (not so good on the upper body, LOL). When I had a gym membership, my DH and I would strength train 3-4x per week. This went on for probably a year or so. I didn't bulk up at all. In fact, I got really well toned and slimmer. My goal is to be able to afford a gym membership so we can do that again. I know I can also do free weights at home, but I'm not as disciplined and focused that way (excuses excuses). Ok, I had an absolutely crappy day today. Very upsetting. Then I picked up the kids and they kept bugging each other, so my DS hit my DD, so I had to inflict a harsh punishhment (no video games for a week - he was warned!), so that added to the drama. So I had every reason in the world to just say screw the running. Instead I decided to do it, and ran 3.4 m. It helped a lot! Oh yeah, when I was out of town, I used the hotel fitness room. The first day I was in there the young girl who reports to me came in and ran beside me. She only lasted 15 min and gave up! I lasted 45. The second day my boss came in and ran beside me and lasted 10 min to my 21. Man it felt good... both are much younger and hotter than me, so I had a little chuckle!!!

Georgia... Yeah!!! Congrats on running again! Now, next time you're outside, don't trip on the cracks!!!! Renewed... reality bites, but its good to get a full dose of it once in awhile to bring you back around. Sorry you've conceeded defeat! I've been out of town since Monday morning, so have just now caught up on everyone. I used the hotel fitness facility to run Tue & Today, and it was nice. NSV to share... ever go to the hotel and they have small bath towels and those plush housecoats that are "One Size Fits All". It was always very frustrating for me cause the towels were too small to wrap around me and the housecoats would never fit me... Well now they do!!! After my shower I wrapped the towel around me and it OVERLAPPED! Then I cozyied up in the housecoat, and it was too big!!! I get to fly on Feb 1st, which is the first time since very early banding days (about 85 lbs ago), so I'm excited to see if I fit in the seat comfortably now???

Georgia... If I can give you some advice given to me a long time ago... "if you think there's a problem, there is!" It was given to me at work in reference to a problem employee, but I've applied it to many areas of life, so that I listen to my sixth sense. If you think there might be a problem with your ankle, then GO GET AN X-RAY!!!! It sounds like there might be some damage. Renewed... Thanks for the update! What a great adventour your family is starting! Congrats on moving back to the front of the challenge!!!

I had never heard of this, and would question why an infection started 1 yr post op. Call your Band Surgeon... even though he/she is in Mexico, you should still be entitled to telephone support and possibly follow up support. If that doesn't help, go to a band surgeon in your area and get their input. I hope all works out for you!

We've always gotten out for walks, even when I was at my highest. It was just harder for me then. But very important for my kids to get exercise. Now I look forward to going for walks. Yesterday we took the dog for 2 walks, both about a mile each. I should have worn my Nike+ sensor to rack up the distance... LOL, but that's not running! Oh it was cold, but it helped the dog and the kids sleep better! I didn't feel like running last night, but I did. Once I got started it was much better. Renewed... you haven't been around much? How are you? Georgia... how's your ankle? I hope its healing up.

MacMadam... what - you don't like that beep-bob-whowho music! Congrats on your success!!! I ditched the program at the end of week 6 too! I much prefer running to my own music! I thought I might listen to week 9 or 10 to say I actually graduated, but in the end, chose not too! Took the family and dog out for a walk today. We all bundled up and my DD kept saying she was a snow man! While walking against the wind it was horrific. The kids didn't complain, but OMG it was so cold. Then when we turned the corner away from the wind we were fine. It was refreshing.

Thanks Whosya... you just made my night! Ohhh I'm going to try this... kids will love it, and I need to do something in this weather! It's -8F here but with the windchill its -26!! Minxz... Welcome! You'll love this program. I got a good sports bra, one that was for "Active" sports. I think it was Wonderbra, but not sure. You want one thats going to hold the girls good and tight with no movement! I think the cold weather is affecting me. I feel drained. A few people mentioned that I looked down or sad today, and my DH is convinced there's something wrong. I know its what I'm projecting, but I'm not sad, I'm just kind of tired and without the typical boundless energy and joyful spark. I don't know why, so I'll blame the weather. It's the Canadian thing to do! LOL.

Renewed... I think Whosya is conceeding defeat!!! Oh, but there's still 1-1/2 weeks left, so you never know! So when you move out into the boon-docks, will you have Internet access... heck, are ya gunna have runnin' water! LOL, I'm just teasing! I'm so jealouse... I'd love to live out in the country and have a little hobby farm! Charlie... congrats on the weight loss! I look the last 2 days off running, and really didn't feel up to running tonight, but I did, and I'm really glad I did! I feel so much better now. Energized and a real sense of accomplishment. When I loaded my run, Nike+ told me that I've completed 50km since starting. The most I've done in a month is 38km in the past, so in 3 weeks I've gone so much farther. I'm hoping to reach 60km in the month! I know that's not super far like many of you go, but Its amazing for me and I must admit, I'm really proud of it! I don't toot my own horn often... but once in awhile :wink:

Renewed... sounds like an amazing opportunity. How long will it take to build a house? I didn't run tonight either. I just don't feel very well, so chose to rest instead.

Lyn... shake it off! Must be PMSing, or stressing... you're doing great, so one wrong meal is going to do nothing! Ninner... Welcome! The C25K program is excellent. It turned me into a runner and I'm so much healthier than ever before. My diabetes is pretty much non existent, and my energy level is huge!! Keep up the great work. Georgia... keep using the wrap when you need it and take it slow. Then when you're ready to start back, start slow! MacMadam... I hope its just a light strain and you rest and heal up quick. Renewed... 68km... OMG! You're amazing! I don't feel all that well today, a little gassy and bloated (from having cabbage rolls too many days in a row! LOL). I don't feel like running, but I'm going to. I didn't run yesterday... too tired, so I can't miss 2 days in a row or I'd fall out of the challenge completely.

Georgia... how's the ankle?? Renewed... WTG on your run! You are kickin butt!

Thanks Lyn... should I see my doc or just laugh about it? Yeah, things are heating up. There are 2 groups... the monsters, and Salsa is one of them!!! and the highly motivated, attractive and nice group (guess which one I am - LOL). Seriously, this challenge is a great motivator!!! Everyone is doing so great! MacMadam - great run!

Ok All or Nothin Girl... don't give into the dark side! You are doing awesome. Make a plan to run 4 days and rest 1, run 4, rest 1. That way you'll still get in a few rest days to recover and try to kick butt. If you don't win the challenge, you'll still kick butt overall! You're already almost triple my distance! Salsa I think was banded the same month as me... part of the Lucky 7's I think. Ok... kind of a weird question... I've been losing some fat on my body (yeah!!) which has made my skin a little loser and bones more noticable. I was rubbing my upper arm (itchy) and noticed it was all bumpy under the skin, kind of like hard cottage cheese. Its not noticable to see unless I pull the skin a bit. Is this fat deposits or should I be concerned? Its on both arms?

55 degrees is downright hot in my opinion! I just finished a 2 mile run with the dog (she kept up!!) in 17 degree weather! It felt great... honestly! As long as you bundle up in layers, its fine. I'm only worried about the ice and snow, but it wasn't too bad today. The dog loved it too! Georgia... I'm so glad your ankle is feeling a bit better. Congrats Renewed and Georgia on the moving ticker! I know its not moving as fast as you want... I hear ya! I have run 46 km since Dec 26th, and as of this morning, I've lost 0.5 lbs in that time. I also haven't been really overeating, so its been a bit frustrating. I choose to look at it this way... I did eat cookies and chocolate during that time (not too excessive) and didn't gain anything. So by running, I'm improving my health and maintaining my weight! BTW, the cabbage rolls were EXCELLENT!!! They were just like my Mom's. DH loved them too. So now we have a whole lot of them for our lunches over the next while. It wasn't too hard to make either, and its very healthy. I noticed Whosya has eeked ahead of renewed in the challenge!!

Same here. I hated running in the past, but the C25k worked for me. Now I look forward to my runs and usually enjoy the time while running. I love swimming, but don't have access to a pool. I hate biking. I think the motion of turning the peddles won't work with my arthritic knee. Funny how I can run 5k without any pain in my knees, but can't climb a single stair with my right knee. I admire anyone who can do a triathalon. That is such an accomplishment. I've been craving cabbage rolls for the last week or so, which is very strange because I've never made them and only had them a handfull of times in my life. So I googled a recipe that sort of looked like what my Mom did and made them. My DH (being of Polish decent) helped with what he remembered his Dad making... so we'll see if they turn out. About another hour in the oven. No run tonight, but just finished our 1m family walk. It was cold and snowy, but a nice walk.

MacMadam... good for you on the Triathalon. Which part do you like the most and the least??

Georgia... I was thinking about you throughout my run. I hope it feels better soon. I'm so nervous about running outside in the snow and ice right now, so I just run on the treadmill most of the time. I'm so glad I have one here at home, because I never would have made it this far if I had to go to the gym to run. When we adopted our DD we cancelled our gym memberships and bought a club model treadmill, cause we knew we'd never consistently get to the gym with both kids now. Best $$ I spent next to the lapband! Although I don't love running on it compared to outside, it is so much better than not at all! Keep us posted on how it heals up. Don't rush it, but remember, I need you up there on the challenge to keep pushing me forward!!!! I just finished 3.2 miles, and it felt great! I love that I'm a runner now. I always envied the feeling my DH got when he ran, and now we share it. Its like our own special little club, kind of like a nod or wink or a secret that we share. We push each other to keep going and have a healthy bit of competition going. Every day as I improve my speed, I get closer and closer to keeping pace with him, so hopefully by the spring/summer we can run comfortably beside each other without feeling like I'm slowing him down.

Georgia.... Oh No! I'm so sorry for you! I hope you heal up quickly. Was the ground icy? Being from the cold north, I just assume Georgia is always warm and you don't have to deal with things like ice... but I'm probably wrong! Rest easy.

MacMadam... week 5 was my absolute toughest. Congrats!!!! You are doing so much cross training... what an amazing fitness experience. WTG!

I love this challenge! It is keeping me so motivated to run. I have no hope of winning, but I want to keep my bar moving forward. I'm so motivated to run every day, even though I know my body needs to rest every once in awhile. However, I'm taking my rest days... I'm not crazy like Renewed!!! DH and I took the kids out for dinner tonight. It was really nice. The kids were great and the food was yummy. I'm stuffed, so have to digest before my run! Georgia... WTG on the 3+ mile run! Keep it up! Lyn... glad you're going to join the challenge.

Georgia... I've only been using "Basic" so far. I think when you choose "Distance" it gives you feedback at milestones. And maybe you program in how far you want to go. I might try that one soon, but I don't think I'm trying "Speed"! I think I ran too late at night. I finished my run at 10:45, but it took awhile to cool down and then my hair was wet from the shower... so it kept me up fairly late, and I'm tired now. MacMadam... are you training for a triathalon? Renewed... 100 miles! If you do that, first its amazing, but second, you will be relegated to your own team and it will be the rest of us against you and also against Whosya! A 3 team challenge... have to even the odds a bit! Seriously, what an awesome goal. I'm definately cheering you on!!!!

Lyn... LOL you were posting as I was! I'm so glad the interview went well. I've got you well planted in my thoughts!!! Feb 1 is going to be a good day for you. Go to your running store and buy the Nike+ sensor. If you wear Nike+ running shoes, it fits into your shoe. If you don't (I don't) buy the shoelace holder for the sensor. Then put it on your shoe and plug the receiver into your iPod Nano (it only works with the Nano) and you're good to go. For more info, go to: www.nikeplus.com Night all :thumbup: