Kathybad

Wow, it's been slow today! I did my run, and made some improvement over Monday. I ran the total 20 min, but had to stop to catch my breath a few times, so walked in between for a min at a time. So I did: 13 run; 1 walk; 3 run; 1 walk; 2 run; 1 walk; 2 run; cool down. I felt really good up until about 12:45, then I just couldn't catch my breath. I think it was a bit psychological, because I set my goal at 13 min, so my body gave me all it had until then. I notice that after I stop the first time, I have a hard time keeping it going after that... hence all the short runs. Lyn, I tried your breathing advice "in - TWO" and IT WORKED!!! I kept doing it whenever I couldn't really catch my breath and it really helped!!! THANKS!!! It also helped that I ran at a slower pace. Instead of the 4.5, I ran at 4.3 and I could sustain it longer. Oh, I love my running. It makes me feel so much stronger, and has helped me deal with my stress!

Ok, since I didn't make the full 20 min last time, I'm going to continue with the "Quest for 20" by running until I have to stop. I did 11 minutes last time, so if I can make it to 13, I'll be happy. However, my energy level is really low right now, so not sure if I'll make it or not? I spent yesterday at the hospital getting my eye checked out... apparently I have "pink eye", which is no big deal. I've had it before when my son was young. But since neither of the kids have it, and I don't know where I got it, they wanted to do some tests to make sure it wasn't something else. Well, now I know my eyes are great... except for the pink eye. 3 different doctors checked them out, so I had drops in on 3 different times.... Yuck!

Mamato... hugs and support being sent your way! I'm so sorry for the ordeal you will be facing, but so happy the surgury was a success. I was thinking about you and your DH on Monday, hoping he'd come through with less pain. I know his recovery is going to be slow and the burden will fall to you, but at least he is on the path to recover. Stay strong, and unload on us whenever you feel like it! Bonnie... let it go! Beating up on yourself is the fast road to giving up, so forgive yourself and keep on runnin'

I started with a BMI of about 44. I've been banded for over a year and have lost almost 70 lbs. Slower than some, faster than others, but all around pretty good. Especially since I really didn't stress over it. I just let the band work for me. I made a committment to myself that this is a lifelong journey and I wasn't going to live on a diet the rest of my life. So I eat healthily, but don't deprive myself when I really want something. Of course, the band saves me on a regular basis, and I eat healthy about 95% of the time. But I do have an occasional glass of wine, some ice cream once in awhile, etc. My doctor believes 1-2 lbs per week is a huge success, and you get your best weight loss within the first 18 months. So don't stress over the first month or so. Plus, remember that post-op people swell and retain fluid. Once you get your first fill, it might not be enough, so you may lose slowly. Eventually you will find your sweet spot and your loss will begin. Hang in everyone. This is a lifelong journey and one to be embraced and learned... not rushed.

Lyn, your breathing technique sounds great... I think I'll try it! Tootie, you're doing great. I remember week 3. It took me all week to complete the full intervals. The first day, I didn't make it, the 2nd day I almost made it and the 3rd I did. So you're doing great to have done it the first day! Keep pushing yourself and you'll progress well.

Luluc... sorry I can't offer any advice! My typical run has me "sucking wind" so controlling my breathing means staying consiouse! Good luck on your 5k, and don't let your mind talk you out of it... you can do it! Bonnie... way to go! You are doing awesome! And the speed thing is great. Trust me, 4.0 is fine, 4.1 is great. I've been running between 4.5 down to 4.3, and can't make it as far as you. So run at whatever speed gets you there. Renewed... 31 minutes of running (28!!! + 3) that's excellent! You are going to have the greatest photo finish on your 5k. You'll be able to compare it to your last one and say "wow... look at me, how much I've improved!"

Ok, I earned that one! Thanks Leslie! :wink2: I'll listen to you!

Leslie... YEAH... you did it! Congrats. Well, as suspected, I wasn't able to do the full 20 min. I did 10-1/2 before stepping off for about 45 sec. Then I continued 2min on, 30 sec. off until the end. So I ran for a total of about 17-18 min. I'm really happy with being able to run the 10+ min. I knew I wasn't ready for the full 20 yet, and expect that it will be a few weeks before I am. My body was working against me today as well... nasty TOM! And, I found out I didn't get the job I was interviewing for, so I was a bit bummed out. Regardless... I'm thrilled that I ran that long. I think I'm going to try and run again tomorrow.

Morning All, Ok yesterday was a write off. I didn't even attempt the 20 min run. Sorry... TMI coming... My TOM kicked into high gear and there was no way I was going to run. Now that the kids and DH are gone for the day, I'm going to give it a try this morning. At least I'll have some privacy! Lyn... there is no way in the world I would have given up the scales just a few weeks post-op! So don't be confessing yet! Go ahead... weigh away! But when you're a year in like I am, then we can talk. lol

Is anyone else having problems getting onto this site? I keep getting error messages, and am wondering if its just me? Oh well... I'm here now. Today I'm going to give my 20min run a try... wish me luck! I will consider it a success if I make it to 10min!

Renewed, glad to hear your run went well. My DH often turns to running to relieve his stress! It's his time to get away from everything. Use it if it works for you! Lyn, I have a Bodyguard treadmill. It has a shock absorbing tread which is great for running and for my bones! We got it at a fitness place. Its been almost 2 weeks and I haven't stepped on the scales!!! However, I really don't think I'm down any! :thumbup: I'm going to wait until Labour Day to weigh. I just hope to see some weight loss by then.

Georgia... sorry, when I PM'd you I hadn't read the posts yet for the day. I'm so sorry about your knee. Definately sounds like your meniscus. When I had my problem, they did x-rays. I was told this won't show any tear in the meniscus, as the x-ray only shows bones, not tissue. Apparently you need a MRI for that. However, the x-ray will show bone shards, which could be the cause. After the x-ray, I had a bone scan of my total body... that was weird! That showed the arthritis in my knees, hips, back and hands. Yeah! I have not had an MRI, as in Canada there is about a 8-10 month wait for one, and usually only for emergencies... so I didn't bother, as I won't be having surgury. Get your x-ray done!! 1st step. And if you don't like the doc, get a different one! Also talk to him about physiotherapy. Certainly helped me a lot!

Sugar, I struggle with the pre-run nutrition too. When I don't have enough, I have no energy. When I eat the wrong stuff, I feel bogged down. Tonight I felt like I had just the right amount of energy. I ran about 45 min. after eating dinner. I ate mostly protein and a bit of carb for dinner, but it wasn't a very big dinner. Sometimes when I run in the morning, I have a yogurt and a bit of fruit before the run and that seems to work. Good luck. BTW, I found week 4 was really really hard. Too many intervals. Today seemed actually easier than the 3 and 5 min intervals. good luck!

Way to go Serenity! You've been progressing really well. As for the 20 minute run... I know I probably won't be able to do the full 20 minutes, but I also know today I was able to go longer than the 8 min. So I'm going to give it a try and see how far I can go. If you still had some energy left at the end of the first 8 min, then I'd say give the 20 min. run a try. If you were totally wiped, then maybe repeat it. Whichever you choose, you can't lose. It's all good!

Mamato... I'm sending you mental thoughts of peace and tranquility! And hopes and prayers that your DH's surgury is helpful on Monday and he finds some pain relief. I've had a bit of a sore back over the last few years... sort of a dull ache most days in my lower back. This is very very minor, but enough to make me cranky. I can't imagine the type of pain he is going through. Hugs sent your way! Georgia... (Rocky song in the background) :thumbup::thumbup::sad::thumbup:. Renewed... how are you doing today! My turn... I just finished my run... and I did it (mostly!!!) The first 8 min interval went great. I felt great, had lots of energy and at the end of the interval felt like I could keep running. Then the 2nd 8 min interval I was struggling a bit with it. I did 4 min, reduced the speed a bit, then another min. and then had to step off for 30 sec. Then I completed the interval plus the 30 sec. So I'm counting it as a success! Our treadmill is in our family room beside the chair my son sits in to play video games. So often when I'm running he is playing his games beside me. I think I've mentioned that my son is intellectually challenged. So when I run, I ask him not to talk to me too much because I really can't talk with him... I'm usually sucking wind!!! So tonight he was so proud of his game that he kept asking me to watch this and watch that, and kept asking me questions. So during the 2nd interval I think I lost my concentration on the run, which is why I had to stop. Ok, long winded explaination. Sorry... I find the "analysis" is theraputic... lol I plan to try the 20 min run on Sunday. I don't expect to make it the full 20 min... but will go as long as I can! I am so glad I started doing this. I love it. Just like what Mamato said, I feel like I've accomplished something really amazing every time I run. Wow... 8 minutes! That's still unbelievable to me!

Georgia... Yeah!!! I'm so glad for you. Enjoy your run tonight and I'll cross my fingers that your knee feels ok afterwards. Leslie... my band doesn't feel tighter during TOM, but does get tighter when I'm stressed. Which is actually a great thing since I'm a big time stress eater. It's saved me many times this last year. Ok, my turn to vent off thread topic... sorry! In Canada we have Employment Insurance which we can collect if we lose our jobs. In the past it has been criticised for taking way too long to process, where people had to wait at least 8 weeks before receiving any payment. They made some major changes to it over the last few years and promote now that it will only take 4 weeks. Well... its now been 7 weeks and they've lost part of my paperwork and expect a further 1-3 weeks delay before processing it. OMG... this is killing me! It has been unbelievable trying to live off my DH's income and keeping creditors at bay! Ok, enough venting! I'm looking so forward to my run tonight!!!

Renewed.... I'm praying for your kids! If this works out it would be wonderful to keep them all together. Keep us posted. Georgia... for some reason that "hula hula" song from the 50's came to mind! lol. Keep wii'in girl. I've got my fingers crossed for you tomorrow! Sugar... I hope your friend is ok. Maybe her training has been too intense. Keep training for your 5k, and maybe you'll be able to do 10 min intervals. That's my goal as I'm planning to run my 5k on Sept 7th and know I can't run the full one by then. Leslie... Oh how frustrating! Does that scale measure your % body fat? If so, maybe you've lost fat and replaced it with muscle? Keep at it and you will eventually get through the plateau. Careful not to cut back on the calories as you will just send your body into starvation mode and cut your metabolism. I read somewhere that if you increase your calories (healthily) and increase your weight training, that will help boost your metabolism. Then you should start to lose?? Stay strong! Bonnie... keep wii'ing. You're a wii queen! DH and I went for another round of golf today. Oh man am I wacked! My legs and arms ache, and I'm really tired. I guess 2 rounds of golf and 2 runs over the past 4 days is too much for this body! But we did have fun! It was our last free round, and DH's vacation is over soon, so it was nice to have the day together without the kids. Did you know that a round of golf, according to TDP, burns about 2000 calories! How cool.

Georgia... Thanks! It feels so cool to have done that! I have my fingers crossed big time for you on Friday!

Welcom DRH... it's not easy, but is fun and so worth it. I'm in week 5, and really never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever get this far, and enjoy it too! I use my Ipod too... couldn't make it without it! Here's the link to the Podrunner Intervals "First Day to 5k" download site: Podrunner: Intervals - Free Workout Music for 5K Training Here's the link to the chart outlining what each week is set at: First Day 2 5K - Printable Outline Enjoy!

Renewed... you'll get through this, and we'll all be here to help push you along on the other goals that might take a bit of a backseat! Well, I did it! Day one, week 5!!! (3x 5min) OMG it was soooo hard! I did the first 5 min and was already tired at that point and I thought to myself... "I'm not going to make it tonight. Ok, just give up after 3 min on the 2nd interval." At 2-1/2 min during the 2nd interval I was struggling, but wanted to push to 3 min. But at 3min I found my second wind and was able to complete it. Then for the final interval I decided to give it all I had, and again at 2-1/2 min I was just about dead. Then found my second wind and finished. Then I got cocky :biggrin:! I walked for 2 min of the cool down and then ran the final minute!!! I figured that in week 4 you do a total of 16 min running over the 4 intervals. In week 5 day 1, you do a total of 15 min in 3 intervals. So I wanted to still run the 16 min... so I added the last min! And thanks Georgia and Sugar for the advice... I drank a cold glass of milk afterwards, and it was the BEST milk I've had since being banded! LOL. I can't believe I did 3x 5 min! I was really sucking wind for half the time, and would never want anyone to see me run in that condition... but I did it. And man, did I sweat! Even my fingernails were sweating. LOL. When I was just about to give up the first time... I thought of Bonnie! You are doing so well. Here you are, running like a champ, not banded, so dedicated and making it through each week. Your success gave me that extra little energy to push a bit further. Thank you! I don't know if I'll be able to do day 2 of this week (2x 8min), but will attempt it!

Renewed... I'm sending you a great big hug and lots of prayers. I know what you are going through! In the first year Sarah was with us my DH was back and forth whether he could 100% committ or not. It was an emotional rollarcoaster. But just when we finally decided it was too much, he realized he couldn't go on without her. It took removing her (in emotional theory) for him to realize he was able to committ. It was all to do with her special needs, and now 2 years later, there are days that I wonder if it was the right decision. But then I give my head a shake and know my life is complete only with her in it! I'm like you. I would never jeopordise my relationship with my DH. He is way too important to me. I'm thankful that it worked out for us, but so sad for you. I'm wishing you and your family all the strength in the next few months! Hugs!

Bonnie... you rock! Start visualizing yourself at the finish line, cause you are going to do a 5k in no time! Scale challenged friends... here's a good one for you... I tried going on LBT last night and again today, and it was not coming up. I couldn't get on the site from 9:30pm to just now (3:30pm). That's only 18 hours. But I went into shock mode. It was more frightening to me than not weighing on my scale. That's how important you all are. Ok... my interview went really well. But it will take a few weeks to hear back, so not getting my hopes up yet. I'm going to do day 1 week 5 tonight!

Renewed... way to go!! Funny how we keep pushing ourselves and get frustrated when we don't see success. Then step back and it happens. congrats! Georgia... glad the knee is feeling good after your walk. I'm crossing my fingers for you! Leslie.. yes tomorrow is the interview. So I'm starting to get a bit nervous! I just got back from the golf game and had a great time! I can't say I kicked DH's butt, but I did win!!! I golfed 118 and he golfed 122. I think I drank too much because by the end I had a few really bad holes! I hit par on 2 holes and bogied 2 holes, then cacked all over the rest! lol!!! One major success... I walked a lot of the course. We always get a cart because this course is very very hilly. In fact, in the advertising for it, they recommend carts due to the hills. Most of our friends who are die hard walkers won`t play this course because its too hilly. Having said that, I left my DH to drive the cart and I walked to my ball 80% of the time. I could never have walked that in the past. And I had the energy to do it!

Thanks for the post-workout nutrition advice. I'll drink my milk next time. I'm excited... DH and I are going to play a round of golf! I love golfing, especially with him. We are both relative beginners and well suited to play together. He hits long and erratic, I hit short and straight. In the end we both score within 2-3 strokes of each other. This is the first round I've played since losing my job. Sucks to have to watch every stinking penny , but until I get a job, that's my life. We get to play today because we received a free round as a promo. Good course too!! Good luck today everyone, and Renewed, I understand the all or nothing mentality. That's my DH through and through. Glad to hear you took yesterday off. It makes me feel normal and you more human! lol. But seriously, good for you. Now, get your butt in gear and run today! Georgia... 70 laps... that's insane! That would take me a week! I used to swim in highschool and competed in the individual medley which is 400 metres. It didn't seem like much back then, but now I bet I'd drown!

Sugar... what a great idea! Mise well get in some activity while the kids are practicing. How's your legs doing?