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?

I just had to "get over it" when it came to people seeing me run. I started looking at people running and I barely noticed what they looked like from the car. I think you have to tune out everyone out listen to your music and just do it. I did and don't feel nearly as self conscious as I did on Sunday. This morning was great – I guess running releases some endorphins and I feel fantastic.

I am still on week 1 of the Couch to 5K Podcast, and I am not ready for week 2 until I can run comfortably. Take it slow and do your best. You don’t want to go gun hoe and then injury yourself to the point of not being able to exercise. On the breathing, just take it easy.

Ok - you inspired me.

After working out at Curves tonight I took a detour to a fairly empty park. (No way would I let my neighbors see me running in front of the house....)

Anyway, I committed myself to running to the end of the fence...and I did it!

I probably looked like a big rolly polly fool....but I did it.

This may seem like a silly question, but as a non-runner, what is the correct way to breathe? I was almost wheezing & my face was beet red.

P.S.

My goal is to complete a 5k by the end of the summer.

Do you think this is doable??

-Malissa

There is no wrong way to breathe, but two tips. If you listen to music, singing along (our mouthing it) helps you keep breathing regularly and keeps your blood pressure in check. Some people hold their breath during exertion. Also if you are susceptible to side cramps, breathing through your nose helps warm the air and alleviate that symptom.

doable? heck yes. Most 5Ks are a fun, less competitive event and many people do a run/walk combo and just try to improve their times. I'm running them in about 28 minutes now, well behind the serious runners. My wife is working up to running the whole thing, but run/walking them in about 47 minutes with lots of people still behind her.

Edited June 2, 200917 yr by BillOh
corrected grammer to correct the illusion I think I'm a serious runner :)

I think you have to tune out everyone out listen to your music and just do it.

While excellent advice from a self esteem point of view, I must add when you run with music, which I do, you have to be extra aware of traffic and your surroundings. When I run by myself, I run on sidewalks and the berm and keep an eye on traffic especially at intersections. On the two 5K road races I have run I don't use my MP3. On the last one, they had one direction of the road closed for the race. A pickup was running from the police and went into our lane, I kept running but moved to the berm. I could see a young lady about 100 yards ahead of me running down the middle and I couldn't catch her or get her attention The truck just missed her. It was the scariest thing I ever seen running.

Edited June 2, 200917 yr by BillOh
typo

While excellent advice from a self esteem point of view, I must add when you run with music, which I do, you have to be extra aware of traffic and your surroundings. When I run by myself, I run on sidewalks and the berm and keep an eye on traffic especially at intersections. On the two 5K road races I have run I don't use my MP3. On the last one, they had one direction of the road closed for the race. A pickup was running from the police and went into our lane, I kept running but moved to the berm. I could see a young lady about 100 yards ahead of me running down the middle and I couldn't catch her or get her attention The truck just missed her. It was the scariest thing I ever seen running.

I've found that the over the ear foam headsets don't cover up as much outside noise than the in the ear buds, so I chose to run with the foam ones.

I run in my neighborhood with the volume on low. I can hear a car coming before it gets to me. I don't plan on running at night and I wouldn't think running in a 5k with headphones on . I think you would need your full attention around you since there are so many people, kids and pets.

. I think you would need your full attention around you since there are so many people, kids and pets.

This is not directed at you, but the group in general, you also need to have the full attention of drivers and can't assume you have it. Many drivers look right through runners at intersections and are focused on approaching traffic and will shoot out with out warning even if you are right in front of them.

All that said, I have really enjoyed running again and have loved the 5K. Will I love the 10k this weekend? Only if I finish :frown:. It did inspire me to look up my old cross country coach (74-77) and talk to him this weekend. (You can find anything on the internet I swear.

All that said, I have really enjoyed running again and have loved the 5K. Will I love the 10k this weekend? Only if I finish :biggrin:. It did inspire me to look up my old cross country coach (74-77) and talk to him this weekend. (You can find anything on the internet I swear.

Good luck with the 10K this weekend! That is one of my next challenges, still toying with the idea, haven't fully commited to it yet. I bet your old xc coach loved hearing from you, that is great that you looked him up!

Good luck with the 10K this weekend! That is one of my next challenges, still toying with the idea, haven't fully commited to it yet. I bet your old xc coach loved hearing from you, that is great that you looked him up!

The weather looks like it is going to be great. For this event, I will have to remember not to consider it a race, I need to keep my pace and just finish. When that is accomplished I can think about improving on the next one. On that first 5k, it brought back all the competitive feelings I loved about running from my past (not-over competitive, but enjoying the challenge/accomplishment.

After a week of travelling I was able to run/walk today and I really missed it. Good Luck Billoh with the 10K:thumbup:

After a week of travelling I was able to run/walk today and I really missed it. Good Luck Billoh with the 10K:thumbup:

Thanks, My lovely wife who also does 5ks is sitting this one out, but will be waiting for me at the finish. I'll post a picture if she gets one. hoping to post a new low weight on Monday after the 10k

Good luck with the 10K this weekend! That is one of my next challenges, still toying with the idea, haven't fully commited to it yet. I bet your old xc coach loved hearing from you, that is great that you looked him up!

Thanks, and I'm glad to report I exceeded my wildest expectations. After finishing two 5ks in around 29 minutes I just hoped to finish and be in around 60-70 minutes. I ended up at 59minutes flat with a strong kick at the end, just like I had when I was 17.

Great JOB!!!!!:thumbup:

Bill~ WTG! I bet it felt great to finish strong!

Bill~ WTG! I bet it felt great to finish strong!

The great feeling continued through today. Down 1.5 pounds in one day. I'll have to work today to just maintain that. Next 5K Friday.

Malissa, you can do it! Small steps first, but you can work your way up to it! If you haven't worked out in awhile, you might want to check in with your doctor first, just to get a thumbs up. BillOh, that's amazing, what great stories and what great success! Are any of you tracking your daily runs or anything? My friend Fran runs marathons (!) and she tracks her workouts. I have been trying it out online through my HealthVault account but I've got to get into a groove. I like seeing my progress, but I have to admit I get distracted and busy. One more thing to do on days when just doing anything is the goal! I am so inspired by all of your stories. Can't wait to hear more!:thumbdown: