Kathybad

Georgia... thanks for the video, I loved it! I had forgotten the music from the movie... so will have to add that to my ipod for when I actually complete a really difficult run... like the 20min run :biggrin: BTW, I now have 2 interviews coming! YEAH! Now if my scales would just start to cooperate, it would be a great day. DH and I had a date last night. Like Renewed, we always had a weekly date, but had to put that on hold when I lost my job. We would go out every Thur night for some golf and dinner. Last night my niece (wonderful young lady) babysat for free just because she knew we needed a night out, and we went to see the new Batman movie. I had given my DH a movie pass way back in Feb that included the movie and concession... so it was a free night and we needed it!!! Loved the movie, very sad, but lots of action. It was great just to get out without the kids... so important to a relationship!

Leslie... I agree with what everyone else is saying, but have my own twist. I think that we (us here on LBT) are so conditioned for weight loss and exercise as we went through this incredible life changing event to prime ourselves for it. We've asked our significant others/family for their support, and for the most part, we've got their support. So we've pretty much dealt with our inner demons (fear, insecurity, self consiousness, self loathing), and use our LBT support network to deal with them when they pop up. However, our loved ones are not always prepared for their own inner demons. Sometimes they fear our success will cause others to find us more attractive, and we might stray. Sometimes they have used us as a measure for themselves... "I'm ok as long as I'm smaller/in better shape than Kathy" and when we rock that viewpoint it sends their demons flying. Sometimes we forget that in our own road to success, we have been self absorbed about our needs and don't realize they need our support too. Leslie, don't pressure him, don't ask him to join you, just do it yourself. When you go for family walks or outings, include him. Help him silently and lead by example. You know that it has to be his choice, otherwise it won't be a lasting change... we've lived that. When he's ready, he will make the change, but forcing him will push him away. Also, be careful on what you expect from him on support. If your success shows him his own failure, then supporting your success will really be hard for him, and he may subconsiously be sabbatoging you... and I mean subconsiously. It is not his fault. Good luck, this is a hard one to face. Just love him for who he is, because that's what you want from him.

Renewed... it will happen, just keep going!

Renewed... I'm all teary eyed! You did it, just like that! I'm so proud of you, and so happy for your accomplishment! Thanks for the sappy stuff too, it made me feel good. WOW.. 20 minutes! That is just so great. You must be on top of the world, knowing you did it! I did my 2nd week 3 run this morning, and it went much better. I lasted through both 3 min. intervals, although I had to slow the last run down from 4.5 to 4.4... but that's ok. If I was outside, I'd have done that naturally. I'm looking forward to Sat for my next run. Last night I felt like running, but knew I shouldn't overdo it. So I took the dog for a fast walk. The dog is starting to enjoy our fast walks, and didn't want it to end. I'm not sure if she could run with me, but I might try it one day to see. She could have when she was younger, but now I'm not so sure.

Luluc - thanks for the link. I found a store in my city and am going to go check them out! Leslie - way to go!!

Ok Leslie... here's your kick in the butt! Remember that 5k run that you want to do in the Fall... it won't happen unless you go to the gym and do your run... also, remember how good you feel after you actually do the run... you can't feel that if you don't go to the gym and run! Ok, naked treadmill running.... NO WAY... my girls already hurt enough bouncing around while being confined in the sports bra... imagine the pain of a free bounce! Not an image I'd even want to imagine!

WTG Renewed! I'm excited for you to run tomorrow... good luck. Bonnie... I love my waist and back - where my waist curves into my back. It is firm, no rolls and feels just right. I'm at the tucking in stage for tops. I love how some tops look untucked, but also how some look tucked in. I even bought a belt. I haven't worn a belt in 20 years!

Ok, I know Canada is not perceived as hot... but summer in London is humid, sticky, and hot! Right now it is 88 F. OK, not as hot as Texas or Georgia, but still gross. I couldn't live without my AC. Especially since my DH has this obsessive fear of the house being broken into so he hates keeping the windows or curtains open. I guess it comes with growing up in the bad part of Toronto. His neighbours were crack heads and dealers. I have the ceiling fan on in the bedroom all night just to keep the air moving. But my favourite is to be cold so I can snuggle in under the blankets. But, I hate the cold of winter. I'd like Arizona heat... dry! Ok Leslie... my DH would also attack me if I ran around in my birthday suit... oh wait... he already does when I'm fully clothed :wink2:... ok TMI Good luck tonight renewed. Hope the house cools down for you.

Sugar... congrats for your sister-in-law! Yeah, 1 year off for the baby. 17 weeks is considered maturnity leave which is taken by the mom. Then 35 weeks is considered parental leave which can be taken by either parent, separately, together or shared. While off, your employer must hold your job for you (or ensure you have a comparable job to return to) and you can collect employment insurance (EI) for the full year. When I had my son, it was only 6 months, of which I took the 17 weeks and my DH took 12 weeks. Then when we adopted Sarah, we could take all 35 weeks of parental leave, which my DH took. Because EI is capped at a low amount (about $400 per week), we couldn't afford to have me off for an extended length of time, and my DH's employer topped up his earnings while he was off, but mine didn't... so he took the time. BTW, I've been researching 5k runs in my area and there are 2 in Sept and Oct which I'm considering. The first one is being held on Sept. 7th, which is a bit early. It would fall on Day 3 of Week 9, assuming I progressed every 2nd day from now without repeating any weeks. I think that is a bit unrealistic. The 2nd run is Oct. 5th, which I believe is very do-able. Both runs are for causes I hold near and dear. The Sept run is for the hospitals "Children's Epilepsy Unit", which we are clients of as Jesse is a severe epileptic. The Oct. run is the "Run for a Cure" national run in support of a cure for breast cancer... of which my mom died from and I've already had a biospy on (negative). So I think I will enter both and on the earlier run, I'll run/walk.

Thanks Leslie, you keep at it and when you're ready to move to week 2, go for it. I know all of us have this same amazement feeling after our run; the feeling that "I can't believe I did that... ohh I want to do that again" and "OMG, do I really feel this way... wow!" I always feel like that about 1 - 2 hours after my run, sort of euphoric and amazed. I always teased my DH that he only ran to get high. Now I kind of understand why!!

Thanks Sugar! Were you happy with the results of the EVLT? I had never heard of that until you mentioned it. I have spider veins on my legs. Kind of bugs me, but not too bad. But have noticed I have a bit of a vericose vein behind the fat on my left thigh... it was buried, and now that I've lost fat, you can see it. I did my run, and was fairly successful! It did the first 90 sec. interval without any problems... funny how it bugged me on my first day of week 2. Then I figured the 3 min interval would do me in... but I did it. It was a stretch, but I finished it!!! Then the second 90 sec interval was fine, but the 2nd 3 min. interval was very very hard. I ended up holding on to the handrails on my treadmill for the last minute just to finish... but kept the pace going. So I won't count it as doing the full week 3 run, but will count it a success!!! I'm sure by Thur. I'll be able to do this!! I'm so happy! Today is a good day so far! As you know I'm out of work right now, and speding most of my time searching. Kind of depressing. But today I got called for an interview! Its for a 1 year contract position for Dir. of Marketing to replace a woman taking maternity leave - yes, in Canada we get a year off of paid maternity leave! Its not a permanent position, but its doing the job I'm used to, and is a well connected job, so it could lead to something good. The interview is next Thursday... so I'll take all your well wishes and prayers!!! :thumbup:

Mama, I forgot to mention... don't worry about your weight. It will come off in time. Many of us are experiencing the same thing. My weight is sitting about +3 to my ticker right now, and has been since Day 2 of week 1. It hasn't yet moved, but I know it will eventually. Stay the course... it will happen.

WTG Mama... you are doing so well. Both you and Renewed are an inspiration to me. I start week 3 today, and have to admit, I'm very nervous about the 3 min. intervals. Keep it up everyone! BTW, I planned to celebrate my 1 yr. bandaversary, but completely forgot :thumbup:. It was on July 26th. Funny how the band was not on my mind that day, instead it was running that was on my mind! I only just remembered because my "Lucky 7's" group just returned from their trip to Mall of America, which was to celebrate the 1st anniversary for us... I couldn't make the trip.

Ok, I'm a member of the muscular calf club too... even at my thinnest adult weight (size 13), by calves were way to big to fit any boots. I'm hoping, but it will likely not come true for me. But, at least my feet are starting to get a little smaller, so maybe I can wear pretty shoes. Ok, I had a fun moment earlier today. I went bra shopping! I usually hate bra shopping, since I have such big and ugly boobs... something about tennis balls and socks comes to mind :eek:. Anyways, my bra size pre-band was 46 DDD... and I've been too cheap to buy anything new. So today, I bought a sports bra and a pretty one... drum roll.... 40 D. Yippy! I'd love to be a 38 or 36 C, so smaller is good for me. Of course I need the lift and hold em up type of bra! Georgia, glad to hear the ankle is fine.

Renewed... you took the words right out of my mouth. Ditto for me. However, let's remain strong and patient. Here's my reasoning. We have put a major shock to our bodies. Let's face it... running is not natural for us, so when we introduced it to our lives, it probably sent our systems into shock and made our bodies hoard whatever it could to protect itself. I know I'm doing all the right things and it is only a matter of time before my body catches up with all the good things I'm doing. So keep on track... it will work. Having said that, OMG this is frustrating. When I lost my job a month ago, the shock and stress made it so I couldn't keep any food down, so I dropped about 10 lbs in 2 weeks. Then I started running and 3 lbs came back on, my appitite came back, and no weight has dropped!!! Just like you, I'd like my scale to start dropping. I did my week 2 run 3 tonight... and I did it!! Hear the Rocky song? Remember how I said I couldn't do the final 2 minute run on this set... well tonight I did it! As I said before, I don't really like running in the evening, but the day got away from me. :teeth_smile::eek::thumbup::eek: (oops, my son put these in) I really felt good through the run, and am so glad I didn't talk myself out of it (I kind of thought I was going to). I think I'm going to move up to week 3 on Tuesday, but will modify it so that I'm doing a combo of week 2/3. Leslie... I'm so glad everything is working out with your DH. Communication is so important.

Thank you Lynn!!! I'm so relieved to hear you won't start to run yet! And thanks Bonnie & Lynn for the advice. I think I'm going to go to the walk-in clinic tomorrow to see if its an infection. Unfortunatley, my family doctor is 3 hours away (we have great medical in Canada... if you can access it through a family doctor... none available in my city), so have to use horrible walk-in clinics more often than I'd like. Funny thing is... I don't "leak" when I'm running... or no more than I have already in the last 5 min. sitting here. The worst part is the feeling like I have to go, but it won't come out... or at least not enough does. I'm going to run today anyways.

I have been loving this running so much... but have a question to ask. This is probably TMI (too much info), but thought I'd ask for advice here... Before being banded, and +70 lbs ago, I had mild "stress incontinence". I'd have to cross my legs when I sneezed . That went away quite awhile ago, and I haven't had a "leak" in months. This last week it has come back, but different. Now my bladder never seems to empty... I'm going so frequently I mise well stay there, but only a little bit each time. Then I "leak" frequently throughout the day and night. I started to wear a pad just to stay dry. Could this be caused by the running? Should I go get this checked out? Anyone else heard of this?

Lynn... not to rain on your plan, but I wouldn't do that if I were you! You will have your band for life, waiting another week or two until your doctor clears you to run will not impact your long term success. You might feel fine right now, but internally you might not be all healed up yet and running could tear a stitch. Trust me, running can cause some serious strain on your body and just 11 days post-op is not the time to start running!!!! Give it at least until you can consult your doctor. Please!!!

Thanks Luluc!!! This is great advice. Thanks for cheering us on and congrats on your weight loss!

Wow... where to start!!! Bonnie... I applaud you! I was the fat, active kid. I could do all the sports, and do a really good job at them, but was always overweight. Even when I won city champ at swimming, I was about 30 lbs overweight. Genetically I took after my Dad, and I idolized him as a kid. He had no willpower or portion control... so neither did I. Teach them young how to control their portions. I will let my kids have some sweets or junk each day, but only a small amount. Reason and explain it to your husband, and if he still doesn't get it... too bad... take control!!! Leslie... ditto what everyone else said. My DH loves me so much, and supports me in whatever I want to do. But he has never been an ounce overweight in his entire life. He doesn't understand the mental impact comments can make. So he says things without thinking. Just like you, I get really mad. But in the end, I realize he didn't mean to hurt my feelings. Nevertheless, tell him how you feel, and be justified in your feelings. I know you can do the 5k, just like I know I can and everyone else here can. By Oct/Nov we can all do it... even if we have to run/walk the route... it still counts. Renewed... way to go on the run. When you're ready to move ahead, go for it. Whosya... my sappy mom heart is beaming for your proud moment! Take pictures of her first triathalon and share... please! Georgia... heal up buddy! Ok, I did Day 2, Week 2 and it went SOOOO MUCH BETTER than day 1. Like you, Renewed, I think running earlier in the day agrees with me more. I still sucked wind big time, but my recovery time was a lot better. I was actually starting to relax into the run intervals, kind of getting a stide going... rather than just simply trying to survive them. If felt so good. I'm really enjoying this. I never thought I would. I bet that's the most common thought amoungst us!! I look forward to my run days, the feeling of actually accomplishing it. While I'm running, mostly I'm thinking about having it finish, but I still enjoy doing it. Anyone else notice the last run interval on week 2 is 2 minutes long instead of 90 seconds? I thought I'd screwed up on my first day, but today I timed it and realized it was. I couldn't make the 2 minutes either day. Today I did 1:45 before walking. I just couldn't catch my breath. I figure that I'll stay on week 2 until I can do the full 2 minutes on that last interval. That will probably be until Tue or Thur next week. I'd rather wait to progress until I think I can actually do the next level. Right now I know I can't run 3 minutes. So if it means each week is actual 1.5 to 2 weeks, that's ok! Ok, I just noticed my cool down today happened quicker than in the past. I'm usually pooched for about an hour or so afterwards. It's been 30 min. and I'm feeling ok now. Must be working!

Bahotomamma (Denise) welcome! Good luck on your first run and keep us posted. We are all spread out from week 1 runners through to triathaletes, so we're all in this together. I'm on week 2. Mamma - nice new photo - is this the new hair do? If so, very nice!! If not, I like it anyways :smile2:. It was so beautiful here today weather wise... no hummidity (I hate that), not too hot and sunny. So I took the dog for another walk. The kids were too tired from playing all day, and my DH pulled a muscle running last night, so they stayed home and I just powered through the walk. This time the dog was into the walk and we did about 4 km in 40 min. Felt great! Hopefully my run tomorrow will go better than yesterday's.

Renewed... have fun on your special night!!! I remember when we couldn't post any photos of Sarah. Now she's ours.... all ours! Bonnie... thanks for the input on Wii Fit. Glad you enjoy it, even if its not getting and keeping your heartrate up. Thats what the runs can do for you.

Leslie... they are beautiful. I see the "ham" thing going on in Renee's eyes. She'll keep you laughing! Your other daughter appears to be a thinker, full of thoughts and ideas.

Georgia... how's the ankle? Leslie... 2lbs! Yeah! I took the dog for a long walk today. The weather is absolutely beautiful. I don't think the dog likes my new found energy... she just wanted to stop and lay down in the shade, but I kept her moving!

Goodness, he is beautiful. Ok, I guess this is infectious... here's my Sarah and Jesse...