so, i started the couch to 5k today. i've tried to start it several times before i got banded, but i'm not good at sticking to exercise. part of the problem before was that, at 290 lbs, my legs would really hurt and i wouldn't be able to finish all the intervals of the first exercise. (290 lb people maybe shouldn't jog.) i have shin splints really bad, and i also have heel spurs, so my legs and feet would often kill me just from walking, much less jogging.

well, i did the intervals today, and not only did i make it through all of them, but i even went a couple more laps around the track at the end because i was almost to 2 miles. i was tired, but i wasn't in any pain. it's amazing what losing 20 lbs can do for you!

i'm 6 weeks post op, and i haven't been exercising much. i've sort of been telling myself that i'll start exercising once i lose a few lbs, because maybe it will hurt less. well, i did, and it does, and now i think i'll finally get to really work on this whole 5k things. whippee!!

Way to go Tracy! What an awesome feeling!

Good for you!!

Its funny, I started the program just yesterday and was AMAZED that I made it through without passing out and wasn't so winded that I couldn't make it. I was very proud of myself. I am little sore today, but not in pain, just know that I did something. Today I am taking it easy and dancing around with the kids, but tomorrow I will be right back at it.

Good luck in your Couch to 5K endeavor!

Mikki

Way to go! Keep on going! I too, was once 290 lbs. I am now 210. It does get much easier once the weight starts falling off! Today I walked 5 minutes, ran 12, walked 2, ran 14, then walked 4. (3.2 miles) I remember when I first started the couch 5k and struggling to run for 60 seconds!

I'm even looking for 5k's and other races to compete in this summer!

Good for you! Isn't it a great feeling? I just started running in February. At first just knowing that I COULD run was enough to make me want to do it--now I actually enjoy the running, too.

You're doing this the healthy way--not waiting to lose weight before starting an exercise program. You might want to check out Jeff Galloway's book, Running: Getting Started. I found it helpful as a beginner.

Way to go!

thanks gkeyt! i might do that. thanks for the encouragement.