Need some encouragment

[sillygirlmi 8]

Really struggling and need some help. I am almost 6 months out and am close to 100 pounds lost but I saw a picture of myself on Christmas and feel as though nothing is different! I am one day from being done with the 5K running program and am running 30 minutes. I should be thrilled! But, I am thinking that I should be running faster and if I want to run a 5K for real, I don't think I will be able to yet. It's so frustrating to know that I should be thrilled with myself and I was until I saw that picture. It's frustrating to think I will never be "there" I am at about 220 now and then I look on here and see that some people are just starting at this weight.

It's so mental, it's hard. I ran yesterday and just kept feeling like I should be doing more and then I ended up feeling like such a failure that I only ran 25 minutes and had to quit, but I know it was mental.

I really want to be at 100 lost come next week Thursday when I go for my 6 month and I know I shouldn't feel that way....maybe it's the season? It's hard to not be able to eat even a "normal" plate of food and then part of me says who even cares?

[*Dean* 1,594]

I think it's great that you recognise all of this is just in your head and you have come such a long way. You know this - you just need to get your 'self talk' with the program!

Have you thought of a few sessions with a psychologist that specialises in weight loss? This seems like a common problem, especially for women. It's a shame that your not celebrating your success!!!!

[delta_girl 931]

Running for 30 minutes? I am very jealous. I signed up for a 5k in May and I am lucky if I can run for more than one minute at a time. I'm 12 weeks out.

[johnlatte 1,232]

Go actually run a 5k....About 5 years ago, I started running, and it helped me alot. The first 5k I ran, I didn't care about the time, I just wanted to finish. When I did, it was extremely uplifting. All the hard work was so worth it. While you are there, get your picture taken with your race number. That's what you want to remember not the picture you took this holiday.

I ran about 5 more before I broke my foot and had to stop running. I am starting back and can't wait to run with my daughters. You can overcome. As Nike says...Just Do IT!

[FishingNurse 1,211]

You're doing amazingly well. I also wish I could run even 10 mins! Your brain will catch up. I know exactly how you feel-- you look at a picture and think, I'm still fat! Ugh. Partly for me it was cause I was in such denial about how big I was pre-op. I feel like idoes get better (I'm 18 months out now) you are not alone! Hang in there !

[Escape_Pod 358]

100 pounds lost! Running 30 minutes - that's awesome! It's so easy to forget to appreciate how far we've come when we're not satisfied with where we're at, but sometimes you have to work at the gratitude. Dig out those before photos and look at how far you've come! Pull out an old pair of pants and try them on for size. Spend some time thinking about what life was like before the surgery.

I second the suggestion that you find a 5K to run if you can. It honestly doesn't matter how long it takes you to finish, just getting out there with your race number and feeling the energy of the crowd is a blast, and you'll quickly discover you're not the slowest of the bunch.

I think you ROCK! It's gonna be a great year!

[carstanger 346]

Proud of what you accomplished. I'll be 66 next week and have had knee replacement over a year ago. No Celebrex so trying to exercise like the doctor wants me too! Those are my challenges right now!! Proud that I have made it through Thanksgiving and Christmas, and anniversary!!