Renea77

Can't wait to check out the chi running thread BTB! I finished the rock and roll half marathon in 2:35:33!!!! So excited and happy!! When is your half BTB? How's training coming? I can't wait to run another half....it's so exhilarating!!!

This weekend I attended a running workshop called Chi-running. It's not as crazy as it sounds. The instructor is just a guy who is an ultra marathon runner who also happens to be into tai chi. He applied the form and physics of tai chi to running to develop a technique that allows you to run very efficiently and reduces injuries by reducing wear and tear on the body. It was a great workshop.
We spent a good deal of time learning proper posture. Learning how to use gravity to help propel us forward. And how to run without the high impact which causes so many injuries. There were all manner of runners there from accomplished marathoners to total beginners who couldn't run 1 lap around the track. It didn't matter, the class helped everyone equally. If any of you ever get the opportunity and you're interested in running marathons into your 60s and beyond (like this guy), I highly recommend it.
He's also got some DVDs and a couple of books if the workshop is not practical for you.
My wife and I went for a run this morning and I was putting what I learned into practice. Several times she yelled at me to slow down. I didn't even realize I was running faster. I felt like I was just tooling along but it was nice and comfortable.
www.chirunning.com

Way to go BTB.....looking good!!! Your going to be collecting race bibs soon!! I have a bit of good news to share.....I did it!!! I ran a half marathon on the treadmill and finished in 2:44:00! My first half marathon - The Rock and Roll Half in DC is only 14 days away and I wanted to make sure I could run from start to finish and I am sooo psyched now. I even ran errands after leaving the gym......today was an awesome day!

Way to go BTB.....looking good!!! Your going to be collecting race bibs soon!! I have a bit of good news to share.....I did it!!! I ran a half marathon on the treadmill and finished in 2:44:00! My first half marathon - The Rock and Roll Half in DC is only 14 days away and I wanted to make sure I could run from start to finish and I am sooo psyched now. I even ran errands after leaving the gym......today was an awesome day!

Hey Fiddleman,
I went from 10k to half as it seemed to be the next step. This will be my first half, I will continue to run halfs, 10K's and a few 5's. As BTB said Hal Higdon has some great plans, we are both doing one of his half marathon plans now to train for our upcoming halfs. I think your ready!! You have been making awesome progress!!

Way to go BTB.....looking good!!! Your going to be collecting race bibs soon!! I have a bit of good news to share.....I did it!!! I ran a half marathon on the treadmill and finished in 2:44:00! My first half marathon - The Rock and Roll Half in DC is only 14 days away and I wanted to make sure I could run from start to finish and I am sooo psyched now. I even ran errands after leaving the gym......today was an awesome day!

Way to go BTB.....looking good!!! Your going to be collecting race bibs soon!! I have a bit of good news to share.....I did it!!! I ran a half marathon on the treadmill and finished in 2:44:00! My first half marathon - The Rock and Roll Half in DC is only 14 days away and I wanted to make sure I could run from start to finish and I am sooo psyched now. I even ran errands after leaving the gym......today was an awesome day!

Way to go BTB, I was waiting to hear how you did!!! You rock!

I did it!!! Today I ran a 13.6 miles which is the distance of a 1/2 marathon. I can't believe it. When I stopped my legs felt like rubbery noodles and I had terrible leg cramps. Afterward, I sat in ice Water for 5 minutes, took 3 Aleve, put Biofreeze all over my legs, drank a huge electrolyte drink, ate a Protein bar and stretched, stretched, stretched. My legs feel great, but tired. In fact, I'm at Monster Jam with my husband and child.
I'm finally excited about my 1/2 marathon on the 23rd of this month. I know now that I can do it. I came back from my injury and did it. Woo! Hoo! I'm on cloud nine!!!!
Congrats to all of YOU who made some goals this week. All it takes is one foot in front of the other and we can achieve anything. Yay us!!!!
Sent from my iPhone using VST

Wtg BTB....you rock!

This was an awesome post Sassafras thanks for sharing! I am a slow loser but having lost 80 pounds in 10 months make me feel amazing, making it through the holidays and wintertime without gaining a single pound makes me feel even better! Can't remember when that ever happened. It's has been a wonderful journey and I wouldn't change it for the world.

We need to all plan to meet up one day and do a fun team run. We need to find a really good one in a great location to make it worth traveling. Team VST.

Just had to post this....I ran 20 miles in the last seven days!!!! Holy cow:) just finished my 7miler and I cant believe it, i wasn't tired and could have kept running......and to think last year this time I couldn't run a half mile.

Just had to post this....I ran 20 miles in the last seven days!!!! Holy cow:) just finished my 7miler and I cant believe it, i wasn't tired and could have kept running......and to think last year this time I couldn't run a half mile.

I'm still giggling about the olympic gold, you crack me up.
As for diet, I have put carbs back into my food. I eat oatmeal fairly consistently and will often have half a sandwich on the days before a run. I use fruit in my smoothies. For me, it is a slippery slope- I would love to justify eating funyuns as carbing up for tomorrow's run! Lol. In all seriousness, it's tricky for me. I find that I feel the best when my carbs are at 150 or so. If they are not I have problems with coordination (I look like I barely have control of my arms and legs or I kick my ankle), or it feels like there's nothing left to push me, or I feel light headed. I find that carbs are a necessity for me.
I went back and re-read the thread. I still haven't tried the gels, but need to. I did try some energy chews that have caffeine in them and they made me sick! I am not a coffee/tea/soda drinker. Basically I'm almost caffeine free. I plan on trying some gels that are caffeine free.
Tried the thorlos socks. Boy, they were extra cushiony! I did get a blister though under the pad of my foot, so I'm sticking to my cheapy target socks.
And, last but not least...we talked about running back to back! I knew the topic was familiar and I did a search. Apparently, it was already discussed. Boy, we are an efficient group.
Keep running everyone!

I will be doing the things Aussiegirl did, zip lining, riding roller coasters, skydiving. It feels great to have lost weight and feel better about myself. I have realized I am so much stronger than I thought and the world is my oyster. I am truly looking forward to a wonderful year filled with great memories! I feel so confident:)

I was and still am a slow loser. I never dropped a lot of weight at once and I actually have enjoyed that more as my weight loss has seemed soo natural to there, no one ever asks if I had surgery because the weight came off slow and steady a pound or two a week. I do exercise 5 to 6 times a week and started that ASAP within two weeks after surgery. My dr. cleared me to walk and I started there and built up to everything else. I truly feel exercising has helped immensely as I don't have much loose skin (only a little loose skin on my tummy) and have lost lots of inches. Hope that helps and best wishes:)

Started at 230 and I am 5'4, I am at 149 and my goal weight is 145, was sleeved on 3/14/12 so I am approaching my one year surgiversary!!