Kathybad

I'm a Token! LOL... never thought of myself in that light! I'm just a woman who has WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON MY HANDS!!!! And last night my DH was having a particularly annoying "snoring" fit... so I was up very late waiting until I was really tired. Thats when I saw Health's post! Ok... enough for today. Hope everyone has a great day. I won't be running again until Mon as my GF is coming for a visit with her 3 sons... OMG I am going to be busy!

I found out the route information for my race today and went to run it. The race is being held in a really nice parkland in our city. Filled with trees and follows a river. I did the run and it was excellent. So many people use this park for running, riding, walking, etc. All throughout the run I would pass people and get that "runner's nod". That is so cool! I did the run in 41-1/2 minutes, which is faster than the other day, but the distance might not have been the same. Doesn't matter... it felt great! Renewed... what did you run this week to prepare for your race on Sat? Anyone have any suggestions re: long vs. short runs? I kind of want to push myself to get under 40 min for the race, so would like to build my speed.

Health4Life... welcome! Pretty much all of us were NEVER runners before starting this! But I'll speak for myself. I started the C25k program in mid July. Prior to that, my only exposure to running was watching my DH cross the finish line a few times and watching other runners in the park. Me... a runner... no way! I got winded just running 30 seconds! But, I had seen how addicting running can be for my DH and thought I'd like to try. I started the program and it was a struggle! In the first few weeks, it would take all week to achieve the run as scheduled, but I continued to go at it. Throughout the process I'd turn to the people on this tread for support... which was what made it work for me! I struggled for 4 weeks to succeed on week 5, but once I did that... I rocketted through weeks 6-10 in just 3 weeks. Yesterday I ran a full 5k and am running an official race on Sept 28th. There were bumps in the road and times where I didn't want to run. I didn't skip too many run days... maybe on 3 occassions I had more than 2 days between runs. I tried to keep my runs to every 2nd day. I ran inside on a treadmill for the first 8 weeks and then moved it outside when it got cooler. I much prefer outside!!! I have bad knees and hips due to arthritis, so expected that to stop me in the early days. But I'm happy to report that my knees and hips never hurt or bothered me throughout this process. What you need: * A good pair of running shoes. Spend the money, get them fitted to your running gait (go to a good store if you can). This is the best investment you can make for your body's comfort. * An MP3 player is helpful but not a must. Personal choice. I like to run to music. If you have an MP3 player, then explore the Podrunner series of music downloads. Most of us did this to start and some of us have moved beyond that to our own personal fav music. See the first page of this thread for a link to the site to download the music. * Google "Couch to 5k" to find the site that provides the outline of what each week's run schedule is. Follow it as you can, modifying as you need to. * Access to a treadmill if you're running inside. Or go outside. * Turn to this thread for support! Good luck. This has changed my life. I honestly never would have imagined that I'd be a runner. Now, I'm eager to go running and actually enjoy it WHILE I'm running, not just afterwards!

Georgia... congrats! minute by minute is all it takes! What an amazing "bandaversary" gift! You have done so well. Mama... oh my heart goes out to you. You certainly have my prayers! I'm so glad you've been able to get back into fitness, and have found it helpful. Thanks for keeping us posted on your DH's situation.

Renewed... you must be so proud of your son for wanting to do this and for Tony in helping him achieve it! I'm so proud for you for the changes you've helped to effect in your family! Georgia... 2 lbs to go for the major milestone! I have the confetti, bells and whistles ready!

Renewed... you're making this a family affair! That's so great! My DH wanted to run with me, but I asked him not to. He's much faster than me, and I know I can't run that fast yet and it would make me nervous having him run with me... pushing me when I'm not ready for that. So for my first event, I want to do it myself and have him and the kids at the finish line. Georgia... you can do it... you're doing great! Congrats again on the moving ticker "runner"!

Luluc... here's a link to the donation page: Community in Motion The Serious(ly) Fun Run - Pledge a Participant As for your weight loss! Congrats! Who knows if it works, but I think I'll try it. Is it 4oz of OJ per day or per whole grain meal? Whosya... so I am slower than most celebrities... of course! LOL.

Ok, I've registered for my 5k run. I decided to enter the run on Sept 28th. It is in support of "Community Living London", which provides living support for people with intellectual disabilities. They offer housing, care giver support, respite care and just ongoing support for the families. This is near and dear to me, as my son will require their services when he is an adult. So I've decided to try to fund raise for the cause! I have to raise at least $80 to get the T-shirt... and I definately want the T-shirt from my first run! LOL. Wish me luck! The other run I was considering is for breast cancer... which is also very important. However, this one gets over 3000 people enterring it each year and that is so many people for my first official run. So I have less than 2 weeks to get prepared for this run... but I know I can do it! I'm a little achy this morning from my run... but not too bad. I'm going to run the 5k again tomorrow and then on the weekend I plan to do a shorter run, but increase the speed???

Thanks everyone! You make me feel special! I really appreciate it. My legs feel like spaghetti noodles, and I'm a bit achy... but still on a high and itching to do it all over again on Thurs. Have a great night everyone.

I DID IT!!!!!! OMG... I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!! Can you tell I'm excited! I actually ran the whole 5k - NON-STOP! It took me 44 min and 24 seconds... yes I did time it! LOL. I ran listening to my own music... so much better! I calculated my speed at approx 4.2 MPH, based on the time it took to complete! It was funny, as I was running through the neighbourhood whenever I would get a bit winded, I would think of Lyn's advice "1 - TOOO" and it helped! Then when I'd get a bit tired I would think of all of you and know that you would be cheering me to keep going... so I did. Then when I got to a certain point on the route, I knew I was going to make it the whole way, and it energized me so much that I just powered through. I really did not think I was going to run the whole way... but knew that once I stopped to walk, it would mean restarting was going to be very hard, so I wanted to go as long as I could. It is so beautiful out today. Cool, bright and sunny and fresh. A perfect fall day. And now even more perfect. I ran 5k. It is a perfect day! Some things I'm thankful for: 1. My DH. He's the perfect partner in my crazy life! 2. My son. He has taught me so much about love and compassion. 3. My daughter. She has shown me a side of myself that I will always be thankful for. 4. My Mom. She was my mentor, role model and best friend. 5. My stamina/endourance. It has helped me through so much in my life. 6. My eyes. My best feature! 7. My waist... yes I have one, it was just hidden for many years!!! 8. My calves... strong, shaped and firm... but maybe a touch too big! LOL 9. All of you! I couldn't have made it through this very difficult summer without your support. I really needed to accomplish something in my life when I lost my job, and was able to do that with all of you to help me through. From the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Quick question... does anyone else see the ads on this site for "Slimband"? The one I'm talking about is usually at the bottom of my screen and is of a woman with her arms outstretched? The reason I ask, is this is the new centre name for my lapband surgeon, and the woman in the ad is my Fill Nurse. She was banded back in 2006 and believe me... she's beautiful!

Renewed... start talking yourself back into your plan. That's what I tell my DH when he goes down his negative "all or nothing" path. He is so 100% all or nothing... drives me crazy! For him... its all or nothing worry. So when he worries about ridiculous stuff, I tell him to start talking about why he doesn't need to worry. That usually works. So start telling yourself about how running/exercise makes you feel, how it has changed your life, etc, etc... and if you need some reminding... and this is for all of us! Go to Page 35, post #512 and Go to Page 34, post #500 This is a good reminder of what all this means! Ok, I've mapped out 5k in the neighborhood... and I'm going to go the route and see how long it takes me. I don't expect to run it all... but want to run at least 30 min of it. My guess is it will take me about 50 min to run/walk the route. I'll report back later!

Georgia... Yee Haw!!!! That's great news. I'm so happy for you! Congrats! And thanks, you're a great running buddy too! Back in August I applied for a job at 3M that was pretty much the same as what I was doing before... Sr. Marketing Mgr. I found out this morning that I got an interview!!!!! It's not until Oct 8th, but at least I have my foot in the door. 3M is the only other big company in town that does consumer marketing. Their Canadian head office is here. So failing this position, I will either have to move or change careers. So please... everyone pray, cross your fingers, or send good karma my way on Oct. 8th. BTW... that's the day after I run my 5k!

HAHAHAHA.... Kathy Good sounds funny to me! I happy to provide any advice I can (don't always follow it myself!), I just say what I feel. As for the "Bad" name... here's a few reasons for it: 1. My favourite holiday is Halloween. I like the candy, but love the "darker persona" part of it!!! 2. My name "Kathlene" comes from "Pure One"... NOT!!!!! 3. I always was drawn to the "bad boys", couldn't find much interest in good guys. 4. Best of all.... I married a Bad Boy.... he's so bad, his name (which I took) is "Badeski" aka "BAD" So there you have it... origin of my name "Kathybad"... oh but I do like to be bad! Lynn... thanks for the comment on my new pic! Taken yesterday! What you didn't see in the picture is the nice big piece of cake I had too! We were celebrating our Daughter's 1st anniversary of her adoption!

Leslie... its time to take care of YOURSELF and in doing so you will take care of your family. Honour your committment to your girls tonight by taking them to the game, but then once you're home, spend some time moving for yourself. It'll probably be too late to go outside for a run or to the gym, but get down on the floor and do some crunches, stretches, etc. Then don't committ to them for tomorrow... committ to yourself. You know the answer to what you need... as Nike ads say "Just Do It". But in the meanwhile, don't beat yourself up. S#/t happens, but the band is there for life and will save you from this. So let it go. I know exactly what you're going through... trying to find the balance between yourself and your family (and work). Its never going to be easy, but putting guilt in there will always unbalance things even more. Don't do the guilt thing... it never ends well!

WTG Lynn... 30+ minutes!!!! I love your posts! and am glad I was able to help kick you in the butt to get there! BTW, forget the APB on your ass... you're a runner now... you ran and it can't keep up!!! It's gone babe! Georgia... keep at it girl and you'll get through week 4. I know week 5 killed me... took me 4 weeks to get through. One suggestion... when you try running it next time, pay attention to your energy level during the 2nd, 3rd and/or 4th intervals. If you lose steam like I did, then maybe try just running one interval, and run until you have to stop. I found when I stopped to walk I couldn't get my breathing under control during the next run interval. But when I just keep running I get in a groove that seems to work for my breathing. Renewed... batten down the hatches and good luck. We are glued to CNN watching Ike roll into Galvaston... scarey! Ok... time for a minor rant... Your election is Nov 4th and your leaders have been campaigning for almost 2 years and now are in high gear. Every day there is something on your TV stations about issues, points of view, positions, etc... 1 week ago our Prime Minister (aka President) called an election. In Canada the leading party gets to call an election anytime within a 5 year period... no set date, so they usually try for a time that they are leading in polls. The election date is Oct 14th... in just 1 month!!! And there is nothing on TV about it... just the occasional mention. I bet Canadians are more interested in your election than our own... and it affects us so much. At times like this, I'm ashamed to be Canadian. Ok, rant over!

Thanks Leslie and Luluc! It's what I needed. I RAN! I did 25 min on the treadmill. I was struggling... lol. I don't think my body likes the treadmill!!! However, this is the first time I've done more than 13 min non-stop on the treadmill... so that's a major success!! I ran to my own music this time, and it really helped!

Nice to hear from you Mama and Georgia! Mama... here's your gentle push... as requested! Seriously, though... take it one day at a time. Your DH and family needs you! I hope your DH is recovering well. Georgia... that's excellent that you continued to run through the move period. Stupid treadmills... it probably is elevated! Another energy sapper might be lack of carbs. I know you had said you were going to follow a low carb plan... that might be causing you some energy drain?? Ok... I was hoping someone would be online here to give me a good kick in the butt to get moving. It's rainy, hot and humid here today and I can't run outside... but dreading using the treadmill. I don't really want to run, so using that as an excuse!

Lyn... me a hottie... LOL, but thanks! BTW, when are you going to get some progress photos on your profile. We need to see a larger picture of that sexy red hair. Love the new avatar photo!

Renewed... that is thought provoking and very interesting. I don't know if I'm there yet, but it is certainly an inspiring way to look at the journey. I'm still at the very eager to know stage... I want to know how FAR, how LONG, how MUCH!!! It kind of drives my DH crazy... he's very calm and secure with his running.. he doesn't need to know the details, he's just comfortable with knowing he's done his run. Maybe that's where you are at!

It's funny, at the start of this c25k process, I never thought I'd get this far. Now I know I can run a 5k... I know I have it in me! That's an amazing feeling. I hear you on the music thing. I don't hate the podrunner music, but I don't like it much either... guess I'm too old! Today I put together a mix of my favourite music and loaded that on my ipod. My problem is I don't wear a watch, so don't know how long I'm running. I'm still working on how to make the mix a specific length of time.

I'm with you Renewed... I'm missing all of our friends! Leslie... we missed you girl! Don't ever feel like a failure! You have come so far since your pre-banding days... just look at your progress photos if you need proof. Don't worry about taking a break from running... just don't let that break turn into a stop! If you find yourself "lurking" and not posting... just send a post and say "Hi Everyone". Then watch all the love and support flow in. We are all here to be friends and support buddies... even if you aren't running! Same goes for everyone! Luluc... wow, what a workout you've got planned. I plan to do my strength training session today. I think that has helped me jumpstart my weight loss a bit. I know it's certainly helped my shape! LOL I went shopping yesterday to get the kids coats, as its getting a bit cool. While there, I checked out some clothes for myself... and I'm down a size!!! I now in a regular XL or size 18. Yeah!!! I took a couple of pictures of myself. I'm posting them to my progress photo folder on my profile... but here they are. I took them in the mirror, so they aren't that clear (DH takes BAD pictures.. LOL), but I'm happy with them!

Jbrad... I hit the wall on week 4 too! It was really frustrating and demotivating. I didn't make it through the intervals on the 1st or 2nd run and almost did on the 3rd. I kept losing steam by the end interval. So I decided to move onto week 5 and see how I did. I did very well with the first 2 mixes of week 5, but struggled with the 20 min run (for 3 weeks!!). I finally achieved the 20 min run by taking it outside. So my advice... move onto week 5, day 1, and see if you can do that mix. Then the next time you hit a wall, try running outside. I know its hot in Georgia... so might not be an option, but it worked for me. I progressed very quickly once I started running outside on my own steam. I'm now running 30 min, and that's just 1 1/2 weeks after hitting the 20 min mark. I'm also like Lynn... I have difficulty with intervals. Once I stop running and start walking, its really hard for me to get back into the groove of running again. I do better just steady running. aclubb... don't worry about distance and speed right now. All you want to think about is amount of time. We are all different, as we all go different speeds. But if you need a comparison, when I was on week 4, I would do a total of 2 miles from start to finish including my cool down. So I think you're doing great. When I was on the treadmill, I was walking at 3.5 mph and running at 4.3 to 4.5. Now outside, its a rough guess, but I'm running at about 4.3 mph, so in 30 min I'm going just over 2 miles.

Another slow day here today :omg_smile: Oh well... I guess you all have lives! LOL I did my run today. I did the week 7 run, but felt so good that I kept running through the cool down. So I ran a total of 30 min!!! I could have kept going too, but really had to pee!!! LOL I then drove the distance to see how far it was... 3.5km. So I'm running at the speed of about 4.3 mph. I know its not that fast... but it's better than it was the other day and will continue to get better. Based on that speed, it will take me about 43 min to run a 5k. Oh I love running outside! The weather was so nice today. Sunny, coolish and a light breeze. The coolest thing is when you cross paths with another runner and they give you the "nod"... you know, the "looking good, yeah you're a runner, hope you're enjoying your run" sort of nod! To ME! Who would have imagined that a year ago!!!

I'm a red head too... not by nature though. By nature I'm 99% salt and 1% pepper! So I go dark brown with the red tint... then when it fades, the red gets more intense. I wish I was a natural red head! While I'm at it, I wish I looked like "Addison" from Grey's Anatomy... now that's hot!