I work out at Curves 4 times a week and the Fri-Sun I walk about 3.5 miles in about an hour each day. I am ready to start moving a little bit more as the walk is fun (hills and all) but the challenge is gone. I want to run. Something I thought I would never say in a million years. At 280 pounds I never had a hard time strutting myself in a swimsuit and lying out by the pool or beach. For some reason, I feel that I might look ridiculous running at about 195 pounds. I have never felt self conscious about anything when I was heavier. Not that I am over 80 lbs thinner I have a feeling everybody will be peeping out their windows starting at the big girl running. I am sure not, but it is all in my head. I know what to do this, I have downloaded several podcast for couch to 5k, bought good ruinning shoes and a sports bra.

I think I need some reassurance from the 1st time runners and long time runners that you didn't gave a damn who was looking you. You just did it. I keep telling myself that....but I still have a little reservations about it.

Any words of wisdom here?

Bought a pair of compression running pants for cold weather, they arrived yesterday, will give them a try tonight.

CW-X Conditioning Wear

Supposedly they reduce muscle effort by 26%. Sounds like a lot. I wouldn't have been caught dead wearing something like this a year ago.

Hi BillOH,

Please let me know how they work out for you...I'm checking out their website as I type this and they've got some really good stuff - including a support bra for those of us who were *ahem* genetically blessed.

Gotta tell ya - that's rare!

Their running pants look good, and if they help me run farther / faster, that will be even better! :confused:

Still getting in a few days a week - but nothing the last few days because of a deep cough. It's nearly gone, so I should be back on the road this weekend. Yay! I miss running - I've still been walking, but it's definatley NOT the same!:scared2:

Hi BillOH,

Please let me know how they work out for you...I'm checking out their website as I type this and they've got some really good stuff - including a support bra for those of us who were *ahem* genetically blessed.

I have some really good reviews on runnersworld.com about their sport bras. I don't wear them obviously, just a fan of watching them.

Bought a pair of compression running pants for cold weather, they arrived yesterday, will give them a try tonight.

CW-X Conditioning Wear

Supposedly they reduce muscle effort by 26%. Sounds like a lot. I wouldn't have been caught dead wearing something like this a year ago.

I love my compression running tights. I have 3 pairs, I bought them because there was no way I was going to run in the garage on the treadmill in the cold...they keep you real warm. Love them

I have some really good reviews on runnersworld.com about their sport bras. I don't wear them obviously, just a fan of watching them.

You are just too funny

I'll be sure to post my review here so the other running babes can see it. I like that we share resources in addition to inspiration on this thread.

I know I would not be as successful with my running without the encouragement and inspiration I read here...everyone have a wonderful weekend!

Supposed to be sunny and near 60 here in CT - I'm definately going for a run! :bored:

Tomorrow will be the test of the pants. I'm running a Beat Michigan (again) 5K before the game. I'll see if it feels any easier than before. Somewhere I have a picture of a woman running in one of those Sports bras during the Columbus Marathon where it was 31 degrees. (I ran in warm ups the whole way) I've always been a warm weather runner, but I find I get cold a lot easier now.

Hi BillOH,

Please let me know how they work out for you

Loved them. Its hard to imagine, but it really does lessen the effort by your leg muscles. I try to start off 5 and 10ks at a 8 minute pace, I usually end up starting my first mile in 7:40 or so. I did the first mile today in 6:56. Legs felt great today, the cold air was tough. The pants are definitely warm though.

You are going to be just fine put in your earbuds get a good stretch and then pound that pavement girl...

I'm so taking your advice! Thanks so much!

The Turkey trot was a great time today. Ran 49:13 for a 10k today, a new personal record! I broke my age (50) some say running your age is like shooting less than your age in golf.

The Turkey trot was a great time today. Ran 49:13 for a 10k today, a new personal record! I broke my age (50) some say running your age is like shooting less than your age in golf.

Glad to hear that you had a great time and run. Happy Holidays!!!

I put on 5 lbs this week! Time to get back at it.

Running the Jingle Bells 5k to benefit arthritis tomorrow. Its supposed to be around 25 degrees! 5000 people are expecting and it goes right through the heart of downtown. I love running the downtown streets. I'm glad I bought those CW-X pants. They are warm.

FYI, I signed up for 1/2 marathon #2 today, and I am committing myself to run the full marathon in October of 2010. I am probably going to start a blog about it. I've avoided blogs till now, not thinking anyone really would care about anything I wrote, but I figured I would right it anyway for myself as I know a lot of people have running a marathon on their bucket list.

Check out my blog Melodie Takes Manhattan!! It's about my quest to walk all of Manhattan.

Check out my blog Melodie Takes Manhattan!! It's about my Quest to walk all of Manhattan.

I will do so. (Just got back) Interesting goal, I will look forward to reading more.