You can't all be marathon runners...is anyone a couch potatoe?

Jachut · July 9, 2008

Yes, running isnt all that realistic at first. I just sort of wanted to make the point that some of us that are seemingly performing miracles, werent all that far behind the eightball in the first place. I was already lighter and fitter than a lot of bandsters, which meant I could do more. Its not that I'm more dedicated, or have more willpower or anything, its simply that I had more physical ability and less weight to overcome.

So nobody should feel bad if they're not out there running half marathons with me, lol.

whosyadaddy · July 15, 2008

Hey i started running on the couch to 5k program when i was 370lbs! Now i am 269 and i am still running with no problem. Now I kNOW this is not the case for everyone.

MY passion now is Triathlons!!! I just LOVE them, i limit myself to one a month because they can get to be 50-70 Us dollars a shot.

Ang1982 · July 18, 2008

Running is a wonderful way to build muscle, tone the body, build stamina and lose weight. Very true, but not a realistic 'exercise' for very overweight people. With a BMI of 35, I'm sure it was not that difficult to get back to it. I am happy for you that this works so well for you.
For the rest of us, myself, and many others we would be happy if we could walk to the end of the driveway without huffing and puffing. That's how is was for me, just a few years ago with my BMI 54.

Happily, I can say today, that I can ride my stationary bike 10 miles, 4-5 days a week. I no longer avoid the stairs, or try to get the closest parking spots anymore. With the band and lots of exercise, my BMI is now 38.7. I actually enjoy the exercise. And that is something I never thought I would say in my lifetime!

Maybe I will be able to start running soon. That would be amazing! I can't remember the last time I really ran.... It's been 40+ years! My plans are to do a 5k walk next spring. Who knows, maybe I will be able to switch to the 1/2 marathon by that time and not finish last!

Congrats on your loss so far, you've done great!

But I just thought that I would throw out there that I was (still am) the person who drives around to find the closest parking spot, rides the elevator and still suffers from serious couch potato syndrome. I haven't been physically active in probably 15 years. My BMI when banding was 50.3, I am now a BMI of 44.1 (281lbs) when I started running (well started the couch to 5k) I was probably around 288 lbs. I have now been doing it for 5 weeks straight and can run for 5 minutes straight. It's a challenge and its not easy but people who are a high BMI can do it too ... if they put their mind to it. No one said it was going to be a cake walk, but if you're anything like me - we've done one too many cake walks in life already haha. :thumbup:

Hey i started running on the couch to 5k program when i was 370lbs! Now i am 269 and i am still running with no problem. Now I kNOW this is not the case for everyone.
MY passion now is Triathlons!!! I just LOVE them, i limit myself to one a month because they can get to be 50-70 Us dollars a shot.

Like I said, runnings not for just the "less obese" the "morbidly obese" do it too! And whosyadaddy is a fine example of what some hard work can do! :wub:

Edited July 18, 2008 by Ang1982
spelling (silly me)

areellady · July 18, 2008

I think the important thing to remember is EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!! What one person can do, another can not do. Find something that you enjoy, I mean really enjoy, and you will stick with it. I started out walking, then biking, then running(well, jogging), hated both walking and running and now I totally bike. I love it with all of my heart and am upset when something gets in my way of doing it, not because I want to exercise, but because I just love getting out there on my bike and riding!!