KAATNS

How are you feeling?

Well said!

Way to go!!

Me too friend.

Ditto. It sucks.

You're stunning!

I started to get serious about exercise and walking about 4 weeks post-op in January 2013. I would get my iPod, blast some of my Treadmill Playlist tunes (Eminem, 50 Cent, Nelly, Pink and even Justin Bieber), find my focal point and start walking. At first I could only walk about 10-15 minutes before it felt like my legs were jelly, but it felt good and I felt like I was at least moving. I always covered the time/distance display because I didn't want to get caught up in the numbers at that point- I just wanted to sweat a little. About a month into this routine, I decided to start increasing the speed a little at a time. It was hard for my legs to keep up with the pace, but I did it. I finally got to the point where I felt strong enough to increase the speed to do a slow jog and only lasted about 2 minutes- MAX. The next day I did the same thing, but added 30 seconds. And just kept going until I found myself running on the treadmill on a regular basis. Say what?! I have NEVER enjoyed running, jogging or even sweating for that matter. But I started to crave this new feeling I got when I was running, a feeling I had never experienced before and find hard to explain. Last week while I was on the treadmill, I happened to look down and caught a glimpse of my feet moving beneath me and I became mesmerized. Although I have been on "Charlie" hundreds of times, I absolutely could not believe what I was seeing. Less than a year ago, I could hardly go up a flight of stairs without being winded and avoided multiple trips upstairs at all costs. I started to cry while I was looking down at my legs and feet gliding along at a nice pace, it looked so effortless at that moment. I'll never forget that day. Kelly Clarkson was in my ear telling me "No one can hold me back, I ain't got time for that." I took a little video on my phone to capture that moment when I really started to believe that I AM A RUNNER.

Congrats on your loss! You look great!

Love it!

Girl, I've seen your pictures and you are rocking that bikini! Just put a smile on your pretty face and own it! Happy Birthday!

You will learn of your own "trigger foods" that may cause you to PB or vomit. For me it's chicken. I love it, but have to be careful with it. I'm also guilty of eating too fast or not chewing well enough, which causes me to run for the nearest restroom. I would say 99% of the time, it's my fault. You just have to learn what works for you and stick with it.

If you are cleared to run, I say GO FOR IT! Do you have access to a treadmill at home or some back road somewhere? I started off walking after my surgery and decided to try and run. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would like it, but I actually LOVE it. I'm not the fastest and surely not the most graceful, but who cares??!! Put your hair up, get your music going and GO FOR IT!

Awesome!!

Interesting....thanks for sharing!