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?

Great JOB!!!!!:thumbdown:

Thanks, I reduced the size of the photo, sorry about that. Tonight is a 5k that I hope adds a lift to a lousy day. This will be the last 5k of my 40s. Maybe next time I can win a prize in the over 50 group.

Well, the 5K went great, which will help my mood from what was turning in to a bad weekend. My previous best was 28:57. Tonight 26:20. I'm looking forward to see how that would hold up against other 50+ year olds. (50 on Sunday)

Oh, my bypass wife (-120) finished the entire 5k running the whole way. She had never run more than 1.5 miles before.

Started the first day of my 50's (Yes, that is a hint for recognition) with a 2.4 mile run through the hood. Running in the morning is great, no traffic to deal with and for the most part, no people. The only person I saw was my brother in law Jim out watering his flowers. Not happy about canceling the birthday party I have been looking forward to for years. My mom's sister died, so that would have taken a 3rd of the guest away.

I wanted to start running too. How do i get the podcast couch to 5k? I walk 2-3 miles every other day and would like to start running to increase weightloss.

go here:

Couch to 5k - C25K Running Program

I'm actually looking forward to getting up at 6:30am on a Saturday for 5K #4. My first one at 50 years old. Another good cause, a benefit for the families of fallen law enforcement officers.

The rain stopped and I got up and ran week 2 of my couch to 5k yesterday and this morning. I am feeling stronger with each session and I have completly gotten over my "what if someone sees me running" fear. I run with complete confidence now.

Good Luck Billoh running in your next 5K.

Edited June 19, 200917 yr by Claudine1975

Claudine, I am glad that you are over the fear - you are on your way! Running is such a great release, I really get cranky when I miss my runs!

BillOh, Congrats on turning 50! Must feel great to hit that milestone and be a healthier you! Good luck with the 5K, you are rockin' it with great times! I need to get my fanny out and moving, have a 5K next weekend and don't feel ready for it. I may post my slowest time yet - argh!

Off to cardio/strength training and putting in a run or bike ride this evening!

Thanks KR. On the subject of running and encourgement, I got some more today.

6 months ago, I couldn't run 1/4 mile.

WAY TO GO BILLOH!!!:biggrin:

Claudine-

I'm also over my "what if someone sees me".

Matter of fact, one of the neighbors did a double take today when they saw me running. I just looked the other way - lol.

Congrats on moving to week 2! I'm still on week 1 because I'm too scared I can't do week 2. I'm literally out of breath and I know I shouldn't be.

Did you do week 1 for just the one week?

Claudine-

. I'm literally out of breath and I know I shouldn't be.

Did you do week 1 for just the one week?

Many times during running your so busy just trying to "make it" you can forget to breath or breath shallow. Every so often during your run, take as deep a breath as you can. It can be amazing how your energy returns.

Malissa,

I am in no rush to finish the program in a certain about of time. I stayed on week 1 until I was comfortable running. I will be on week 2 for at least another week. There are killer hills in my neighborhood and I really want to make sure I am ready to move.

I stay on a "week" for about 2 weeks and then I am ready to move on. Breathing gets better with time and practice.

I've been looking and for the 4th of July weekend there are 5K races everywhere. My experience with them is that there are a lot of people at every experience level and everyone has a good time. Maybe you should go for it this weekend! Lots of people run/walk or just walk, and you still get the T-shirt.

There is a podcast!! So cool! I will have to download it when I get home.

I am on the second week of the cto5k. I was surprised I was able to move on to it right away but I am not sure about the third week. 90 seconds at a time is a real challenge I don't see me handling 3 and 5 minute intervals yet.

As far as looking funny I have come to terms with that I mean I am shuffling almost 300 lbs forward in an awkward jog while puffing like a steam engine. I know I look funny.. I'm ok with that lol. I just wonder what the people who walk by me think when I am in my recovery walking beet faced and puffing lol. I want to say "you just missed it but I was running back there honest Im not so out of shape that walking did this to me.:blushing:"