Posts: 4,173
5/12/13 10:50 P

Instead of waiting to go outside, just go. You have to walk before you run; so, walk! 30 mins/day 4 days/week for 4 weeks will help you get prepared to learn to run. Besides, it's much more rewarding to be outdoors.

Good job on your weight loss!

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5/12/13 8:01 P

Hello, thank you for the welcome. I'm hoping to do a bit of running in the house to start with (in case of collapse) lol and then venture outside when the weather improves. Looking forward to getting fitter and also toning up. I've lost about a stone so far and would like a couple more off by November.

Posts: 4,173
5/1/13 8:46 P

Hi, Phoenix, and welcome!

I hope you won't be disappointed if you don't lose those 10 lbs by July; it can be hard to try to lose weight while training for your 5K. The most important focus is to stay healthy, injury free and have fun. Avoid being too aggressive in your running plan, otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for injury.

Incorporate some cross- training 2 days/week, like swimming (45-60 mins) and resistance/strength training. You'll get stronger and the variation will help your body burn fat more efficiently.

Those folks who are scrutinizing you (in your mind) are just plain jealous; so, keep up the good work!

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5/1/13 12:43 P

Hi Phoenix and welcome to the group. I love the quote you have at the bottom. You can do this!

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5/1/13 11:52 A

Hi everyone. I am new to this group and I must say that I am quite motivated by it just looking around. It seems like every time I see someone jogging that they are in great shape and it makes me feel somewhat self conciace that here I am trying to speed walk with some jogging mixed in. It seems that everyone is looking at me and judging me. It is nice to find a group of people who use the fact that they are out there trying to get healthier as a way to overcome the feeling of social awkardness that can come from being a slow fat runner. Yesterday I just registerd for a local 5k that looks like fun. It is one where the runners get covered with paint along the way. This will be my first 5k ever, and I am really looking forward to it. It takes place in July so I have a couple of months to get ready. My goal for this 5k is to lose ten pounds and complete it. I hope that when particpate I do a decent amount of jogging. I have mapped out a couple routes around my neighbor hood that are within a 1/10 of a mile of a 5k. I plan on walking/jogging the routes at least 4 times a week preferable 6 times. One of my future goals is eventually doing 5k's with obsticles in it. Sounds like fun. I am glad that I am not the only slow fat runner out there and I look forward to being an active member of the team

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4/21/13 10:47 A

Great plan, Amy :)

It does take time and training to improve your pace and finish time. Intervals and hill training will help, as well as strength training.

Have fun and happy feet!

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4/20/13 10:07 P

Hi Alysia! Thanks for the welcome!

I have a plan for the next 2.5 months which includes maintaining running and doing hot yoga (I will be in my own personal challenge). My next 5k is in September in my neighborhood. I plan to start training in earnest for that after mid-July, mainly working on time. I have another 5k planned in October/November in my sister's town. We committed to doing 3 this year and (hopefully) improving our time every time. Maybe later this year or next year I can work on adding distance.

Posts: 4,173
4/20/13 6:54 P

Congratulations on your 5K, Amy, and welcome to our team!

That you crossed that finish line is an awesome achievement and steps forward to a healthier, fitter you.

Did you know that your pace will get you to the finish line in a 10K, a half marathon, even a marathon? Of course, it takes proper training and commitment.

So, when's your next 5K?

You can do it!

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4/20/13 4:56 P

Hi! My name is Amy and I am a slow (16 min/mile) and fat (204) runner! I just ran my first 5k today. I finished with the walkers, even though I kept a slow and steady jog up the whole time. Glad to have found this group!

Posts: 4,173
2/23/13 6:41 P

Welcome to all our newbies!

So sorry I haven't been posting for a while; so much going on. I'll post the details on my blog.

Meanwhile, welcome to all our new members. We're not speed demons, we just keep putting one foot in front of the other in somewhat more rapid succession than a leisurely stroll.


So happy you joined us,



Edited by: ACORALSEA at: 4/20/2013 (18:55)

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2/16/13 11:16 P

Hello and thank you fior welcoming me to your group! I can tell you are a fun group and you won't make me not feel bad about my 13 minute miles!

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11/1/12 7:17 A

To avoid chafing, use something like Body Glide, (funny names, here) Chamois Butt'r or Anti-monkey Butt Powder. Applied to any areas of your body, upper and lower, where you have potential friction from skin rubbing skin (like between thighs) or from your clothes (like where seams hit your skin), will truly help.

Use these on your feet, as well, to prevent blisters.

My running and cycling teams use these faithfully, and I have been for the several years that I've been running, etc. I learned about the cycling products from my kid sister, who is a cyclist/triathlete of some 20 years.

I also found that wearing running capris or skirts, rather than the typical running shorts, also helps, as they protect my inner thighs from the friction of skin against skin. I never had thighs until I started running, LOL!

And incontinence while running...yep, BTDT...it totally sux to be in a maturing body, doesn't it!

Edited by: ACORALSEA at: 11/1/2012 (07:18)

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10/28/12 11:51 A

I didn't have any problem with chafing so I can't help. Wish I had something to offer there, but it's never really been a problem for me.

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10/27/12 11:41 P

Linda that's a good idea, I would just worry a little about, ahh, chafing? Do you have tips to avoid it? Seems like once I get over six miles or so that starts to be an issue even with just underclothes.

Gosh, I am sounding like a real complainer! But chafing "down there" bothers me WAY more than blisters on my feet, so I do everything I can to avoid it.

And I agree that having bore children and getting older tends to affect the bladder in a certain way.

If the Disney Princess Race allowed even ONE more minute per mile, I wouldn't be nearly as worried about it. I know I can finish it. I just hope that they will let me.

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10/27/12 4:57 P

Yep, I have the same problem with frequent bathroom breaks. The longer I run or walk, it seems the more often I have to go. And I put out less. I think it's weak muscles with me, even though I've tried kegal exercises. I also live in a rural area with bushes and so I'm lucky but if I'm going to be running someplace else I figure out ahead of time where bathroom breaks can be found. And when I run a race, I wear an incontinence pad just in case I leak. It's the only time I need to do it, but it gives me peace of mind. Don't always need it, but like to be sure just in case of a little leaking. Maybe that's TMI. But maybe others have the same issues and need to know they aren't alone.

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10/27/12 10:45 A

I don’t think you sound like a health basket case at all. I get the same problems and so do a lot of ladies of a certain age, probably something to do with having babies years ago. I live in a rural area so I can pop behind bushes to solve the problem, I don’t run races it’s just me by myself. I do walk with a walking group once a week and then I restrict my liquid intake before the walk.

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10/26/12 12:31 A

Thanks for the advice - I have had this problem my whole adult life, so yes, I have discussed it with a doctor. But I do tend to drink a bottle of something sugar free - plain water has always made me sick to my stomach (I know it is sounding like I'm a health basket case here, but really I'm pretty healthy other than fat and slow!) I won't drink too much during the race (i generally have a rule against drinking ANY corn syrup or sugar drinks, but will have to make an exception here, since I think all the stops offer is water and poweraide).

Has anyone done this race (the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon)? I really don't care about anything other than that I want to finish! I'd be perfectly happy to come in last!

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10/25/12 7:34 A

How much fluid do you take in during the events? Active bladder aside, you may be drinking too much. Do you ever weigh yourself before and after one of your workouts? If there's no variance, that's good; if not, something's not right.

Don't drink anything the last hour before start time, and make sure you start on an empty bladder, then only sip your water bottle every 15-20 mins. That will help you stay hydrated without taking in too much.

Have you discussed this with your doctor?

Edited by: ACORALSEA at: 10/25/2012 (07:35)

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10/24/12 9:46 P

Welcome Linda and Tavy and thanks for the replies. And the advice from Acoralsea. I have run 2 5ks and finished both in 40 min some odd seconds. In live in western PA, and if you run here, you run hills. I have done speedwork but I don't know if it really is making me faster. Today I ran 2 miles at 13:12 pace, but had to lay off that pace after two miles.

But I have to go to the bathroom every hour. I have always had an over active bladder (I'll be 44 in February). I have read that there can be long lines for the bathrooms at the Disney race.

What pace would you aim for if you had to make two or three bathroom stops along the way? (No bathroom stops during those 5ks BTW, but for one I had to go the whole race and there was no place to stop!)

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10/24/12 8:53 P

Hello, Amberly, and welcome to our team!

Question for you: have you done any 5-10K events so far? These can help you prepare for race conditions (crowd, porta potty logistics, etc.) and be a pace predictor for your half marathon.

Pace requirement: because the race is based on a 16/M (16-minute mile), you need to be able to do a 15/M (4 mph). Your 5K finish time should be within 45 minutes, and your 10K pace within 1:30h. This would put your predicted HM finish around 3:30.

During these remaining weeks of your training, are you working in any speed work? Hills?

For the dark: wear a cap light and something reflective, like a reflective vest (found at running and outdoor equipment stores).

For the cold: layers are best. You lose the majority of your body heat via your head and extremities, so you want to keep your head and hands covered. Be careful to not overdress, risking over-heating.

Here's a nice online calculator for what to wear based on the temperature and conditions:
www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152
,s6-240-325-330-0,00.html I'll wear shorts/running skirt until the temp drops below 50F; then, I'll wear running capris or long pants, depending upon the temp.

I hate treadmills, too! But, when conditions are really bad, the treadmill is better than nothing.

Hope this helps,

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10/24/12 1:56 P

Hi and welcome Amberly and Tavy! I didn't start running until age 54. Hated it when I had to run in school or anywhere else. Now I've done a number of 5k's, one 10k, and have walked/ran a few half marathons, although those were more walking than running. I still hope to eventually be able to run a half.

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10/24/12 3:07 A

Hi there, I started running this year at the grand old age of 57, never ran before in my life, reason for running - to help me lose weight. I worked my way through the BBC's UK C25K programme, I first completed my in 48 mins mixed in with a bit of walking, last week I timed myself again and completed the whole distance without stopping in 41 mins 44secs.
So I guess that qualifies me as a slow runner, not too sure about the fat though even though I have a couple of stone I want to lose.
Tavy

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10/23/12 11:53 P

Hello Everyone. New to the group though I have been running since January. I am also training for the Disney Princess Half in February. I am so slow that I am worried that I wont be able to handle the pace requirement once I count the times I'll have to wait in line for the potty! I know it sounds silly, but this is a big worry for me. I will be very sad if I can't finish and will ruin my families vacation, so I keep wondering why I decided to do this? Is it worth it? Also worried about having to train for it in PA in the middle of winter. I hate treadmills because my legs get numb. Any advice for training outside in the dark and cold weather?

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10/18/12 11:32 A

Hi to all the new ones and welcome to the team!

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10/18/12 11:27 A

ACORALSEA - Thank you for the feedback! I will work on embracing the word 'fat' in my life!

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10/18/12 4:30 A

I can't run for 32 mins straight anymore; my goal is to just keep moving, LOL!

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10/18/12 4:27 A

Hello, JHUSTO01, and welcome!

Part of the reason why you're having a hard time jogging you already know (it's the smoking). Being able to breathe well actually helps your jogging.

It's okay to be going very slow - you're doing the best you can.

Shin splints:

1) Make sure your shoes are properly fitted at a running specialty store, don't just buy off the shelf. Your shoes are the most important gear you need.

2) Keep your stride short and under you. Poor form and stretching your stride too far out stresses your muscles. Foot turnover is more efficient than a lengthy stride.

3) Apply an ice compress to your legs after your workout to help your recovery and treat the inflammation from the shin splints. Learn the RICE method of recovery: Rest Ice Compression and Elevation.

4) Back off your workouts a bit, reducing the number of times you go out and how long you're jogging. Ease into jogging from walking. You might be trying to do too much too soon.

Compression socks:

I wear compression leggings, rather than the full socks, but that's my preference. I wear them more because I run long distances and that does take a toll on my legs. My coach even wears hers during a triathlon (and she's an Ironman triathlete). They do help, but they won't correct stride. ;)

Learning to jog/run takes time; be patient, take it slowly, and you'll get "unstuck."

Do let us know how you're doing, and please don't be shy about asking any questions. We're here to help!

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10/18/12 4:10 A

Hello, Blessed,

Welcome to our team, and I'm happy you finally decided to join us. :)

"Fat" is in the title for a reason. In every endurance event I've done, there have been those participants who are carrying a few more pounds than the stick figures, and they're out there inspiring others by the healthy lifestyle they are leading. I started running because I realized that my formerly stick figure (for me, 110 lbs was getting thick around the middle) had become fat (155 lbs) as I started going through menopause, and my 50th bday photo was a shocker. Running helped me drop some of the weight (after 10 years, I'm still over 140 lbs), but, most importantly, get fit and develop lean muscle.

I'm still The Slow Fat Runner, founder of this group and a live running team, as well as a slow fat triathlete (but still place in my age group). There are a lot of "fat" runners/joggers/walkers/woggers out there who are a lot stronger than I am, too!

So, be proud of yourself and don't be shy about our team name. We embrace all shapes and sizes, and encourage you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Get off that treadmill and take your wagging outdoors!

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10/17/12 10:26 A

I didn't join this team for a long time because I really dislike the name "Fat" in the title of the group. However, I am a slow runner who needs to lose weight so I fit the bill. I actually 'wog' - walk/jog. I love participating in 5Ks and I did my first 10K this year too. Looking for spark friends who also run but don't 'race'. Most of my wogging is done on a treadmill as I'm a 'fair weather wogger'.

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10/16/12 11:56 A

Hi everyone. I am a VERY slow runner (partially because I have a few extra pounds on me and have NEVER been a runner, partially because I am currently a smoker... hoping to quit in the next few weeks).

I am in the Rookie 5K program, stuck on the week 5 routine. I have a hard time jogging for three minutes straight more than a time or two in a row... even going VERY slow. LOL.

My other big running problem is that I always get shin pain. I just got a new pair of shoes. I've seen some stuff on the compression leg things, may check those out - my husband thinks once I lose a little more weight that may get better too?

Anyway, I want to run just because I know so many people who enjoy it, and I just want to say I'm a runner :) I also want to be able to go on runs with my husband and to be able to keep up with my 3 year old son! :)

Look forward to chatting with everyon! :)

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9/22/12 2:54 P

Lolaturtle you are so absolutely right!!! That 32 minutes more than so many people do!

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9/20/12 4:32 P

My people!!

Little old men on the next treadmill walk faster than me, hahaha. But hey, I can run for 32 minutes (thank you Couch to 5k!) and that's 3x as much as a lot of people I know.

I don't care how slow I am, I just want to GO. GO!

Posts: 14,292
9/7/12 9:23 A

Hi all the new members and welcome to the team! We have a great group here that you can find a lot of support from.

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9/6/12 8:58 P

I'm so happy I found this group. I've never been able to run with a running group because I'm usually the slowest person and if I'm going to run by myself I might as well do it on my own schedule. I'm a middle to back of the packer, depending on the race size. I was getting better but depression, weight gain, and loss of motivation happened and now I'm pretty much back where I started a few years ago. I'm okay with that. As long as I'm getting out there and getting my fix, it really doesn't matter how long it takes me. I've many 5k's, three or four 10k's, seven half marathons, and hopefully next year will be my marathon year. Just need to make sure it has a generous time limit.

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9/4/12 10:58 A

OMG I am still laughing. Slow fat runners! That is exactly what I am - and I have the pictures to prove it. I ran a 5K in July - VERY SLOWLY-. I have to take it easy though, because my knees get sore. As I lose more weight I hope to run a bit more.

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8/18/12 8:21 P

Hello, all!

I saw this forum and it describes me perfectly! I have been an on again, off again runner all of my adult life. At 46, though, my knees and feet don't appreciate the pounding they get, but I still try to do what I can-and frequently surprise myself that at over 200 pounds, I can still jog a couple of miles comfortably!

I dropped a full watering can on my foot earlier this summer and am still having nerve and pain issues with it, so have not done too much running, but I'm walking and I have jogged a few times in the 1-2 mile range. I'd love to get back to frequent jogs whenever my foot heals up, and hopefully before winter sets in, but if not, I'm content to walk.

Looking forward to learning and cheering everyone on!

Posts: 14,292
8/17/12 3:41 P

JDAVIS4521 hi and welcome to the team! I have finished a race dead last before. At first I felt terrible, but then thought about what I knew I had put into getting even to the point where I entered a race and then decided to feel good because I finished. Someone has to be last, and my favorite quote is Last is just the slowest winner! I don't think you'll be last but just wanted to let you know that it's not the end of the world and that no matter what you can be proud of yourself because we are outdoing all those sitting on the couch! I believe that you can build it up though. One suggestion is that make sure you're not doing the jogging too fast because that ends up making us feel it's hopeless. Go as slow as you need to and build up the endurance. Getting faster will come later. There's a great training plan called C25k on coolrunnings.com that has walk/run intervals to build up to running a race. It's a 9 week plan, but many of us have repeated days or weeks until we could move on further. I also found that Jeff Galloway has a great philosophy for runners of all levels of doing walk/run intervals. Some get up to running 5 or 10 minutes and walking 1 minutes for half marathons or marathons. However I have found that when I did a 5k race using 1 min run/1 min walk for a 5k durng the winter I did it faster than I had done when I tried to run the whole thing. You can also try things like 30 sec running/30 sec or 1 minute of walking to build up and then if you feel you can make the running intervals slightly long over time. Play with it and find what works for you instead of trying to set out to run a mile right off. Whatever you do, don't get discouraged. I believe you can do this if you consistently work at whatever method you choose and put your mind to it. Good luck and congratulations on setting an awesome goal!

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8/16/12 10:23 A

Hello all, I am new. I just started training for my first 5k. Who knew it would be so hard?!? I use to walk a mile in under 12 minutes less than 8 years ago, but got lazy and stopped walking. Now, I can walk a mile in about 30 minutes. I thought, you know I can walk a mile,I can jog a mile. WELL...not there yet. I went out yesterday and after 2 minutes of jogging I couldn't breath. It was horrible and discouraging. However, I promised myself that I will do the Santa run on December 1st and I will finish even if in last place. I am hoping to find some motivation here.

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8/10/12 10:44 A

TEACHFIRST268 welcome to the team. Don't despair. It will get better soon as the weather improves. I have a lot of trouble in the summer months with running also. But you're going to be able to do this.

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8/9/12 3:11 P

Thanks for the welcome, ladies! I am dreading heading out tonight - it's so darned hot! I've been walking when it's been so humid - which has been quite often. This slow, fat runner is getting slower!

I'll never pick up speed at this rate!

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8/6/12 10:06 P

Hi, Teach, and welcome!

Just train well and you'll do fine. At least you have a PR to meet or beat.


It's okay to be a slow fat runner; you're in good company!

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8/6/12 10:04 P

Hi Teach! You sound like we need to be running buddies by your times. I think we have pretty much the same pace. I love the name of this group also! Fits me to a tee!

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Valerie

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8/6/12 10:03 P

Hello, Valerie, and welcome!

Slow and steady will get you to the finish line every time. 11:20-12/M is a respectable pace, especially if you can steadily maintain that over the distance.

We can all shed a few pounds, I think. I just did a little triathlon this weekend and saw my race photos tonight - egads, was that whale me? Oh, well, I'm keeping up the team image, LOL!

Absolutely do please connect with others here, they're an awesome group,

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8/6/12 9:14 P

Love the name of this team! Made me chuckle.

I can never enter running on my fitness tracker because SP only considers it running if you're doing a 12 min mile. Perhaps someday I'll get there, but for now I'm just a slow, fat, runner!

I'm a first grade teacher in Massachusetts. I've signed up to do the Flutie 5k in October. I did it 5 years ago with a time of 38.29. Since then I gained back all the weight that I lost and then some. I have now lost the weight again - and then some! I'm hoping this time I can complete the race in the same time, or better!

Looking forward to getting to know you folks and giving and receiving support on this journey!

Edited by: TEACHFIRST268 at: 8/6/2012 (21:16)

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8/5/12 1:59 P

Hi All! My name is Valerie and I am from E TN. I have been running since Feb of 09 and have never been a fast runner. In fact, in all the races I've done, I have never been in the first half of my age group on finishing times. That is my goal right now to finish in the first half of my age group. The most I have ever run in one session is 9 miles. The longest race I have done thus far is a 10k. I usually run a 12 min+ pace on a long run and the fasted pace I have run in a race is around 11:20. I have another 30 lbs to lose to get to my goal weight. I think this group will be an awesome place to connect and get inspiration and contribute as well. Look forward to getting to know you all!

Valerie

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8/4/12 6:51 A

Hello, Annie, and welcome!

Have fun on your 5K next week, and don't even think about your pace. The goal is to finish smiling for the camera. :)

There will never be as sweet a moment as crossing the finish line for the very first time.

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8/3/12 4:04 P

Just wanted to introduce myself. I just found this group and thought it was a good fit for me. I have been training since June 10th to run a 5k. My first real race is next Saturday, August 11th. I signed up to do the virtual 5k on here this week, doing it tonight. I am also thinking about doing another 5k Aug. 25 and then the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I just can't wait to cross the finish line, regardless of how slow I am compared to everyone else. At least I will be able to say I did it.

Well, Hi everyone!!!

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7/23/12 9:52 A

Hi Tania and welcome to the team! Great goal. You can do it!

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7/19/12 8:27 A

Hello, Tania, and welcome!

Great that you have a goal to work towards. Between now and the October 10-miler, I recommend you do a 5K in August, then a 10K in September. You'll be ready for October's big run. :)

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7/19/12 7:27 A

Hi everyone! I am joining this team because I too am a slow fat runner

I am signed up to do the Army 10-miler in October and am training for it- I read a bit of the thread and can relate to this team! The important thing for me it to finish. Crossing the finish line is my goal. Right now I am huffing and puffing my way to 3.75miles.....working my way up to 10:)

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7/12/12 9:21 A

Hi and welcome to both of you to the team! You can train for a 5k by yourself if you have too. The c25k (couch to 5k) program is a great plan. If you have a smartphone there is an app you can download for free that you can play your own music in the background and it signals you when to change from running to walking. If you can find a group though that would be better but in the area I live there aren't any. Good luck to both of you on your journey!

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7/11/12 10:47 P

Hi, EMTChick, and welcome!

Is there a live running group near you that you can join? It's not too difficult to train for a 5K by yourself, but, you can learn a lot from other runners. Form, proper shoe fitting, etc. - everything you can learn can help you stay injury free and just have fun.

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7/11/12 10:43 P

Hi, RunnerGal, and welcome!

You start when you're ready. ;)

Because you've already done a couple of 5K's, you already have a base for a 10K, which leads to the half marathon. You have plenty of time between now and the Disney to prepare, so, start now!

Jeff Galloway's run/walk method is terrific, and I do recommend getting his half marathon plan. Plus, let's get real - everyone I know who has done the Disney admits that it's just too much fun to focus on time (besides, you're still a beginner), just go out there to have fun with the characters.

I'm a coach. I say - get a good coach and just listen to your coach!
:)

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7/10/12 4:30 P

Hi everyone!

I'm a new runner. I began the 5K Rookie Running program. I'm on week 3. I'm looking forward to running my first 5K in September. If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

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7/9/12 5:11 P

Hi everyone! I just joined SP for some moral support. I am training (well...starting to train) to run the Princess half marathon next february in Disney World. I have been told a bunch of different things: "don't train too early", "you should start right away" "you should be able to run a solid three miles easily before starting to train," etc. I'm starting to get overwhelmed and not sure what to do! My plan was to follow Jeff Galloway's training plan, and start a few months earlier, given that I'm just a beginner and have only ever run two 5K's (January and February of this year). Any advice?? Thanks!

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6/28/12 8:06 P

OK, so...how do you sign up for a race by accident? You know you really wanted to do it, haha!



It's perfectly okay to walk; I've trained people to walk a full marathon. Be very proud of yourself and I hope you make that goal. That's a lot of races to do in 4 years! Congratulations on the progress you're making.

Just be sure to train smart and to stay injury-free so that you can meet that goal in your best condition.

Welcome to our team!

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6/28/12 5:17 P

Suppose I should introduce myself :) I have been on SP since Sept of 2010, but just started (trying) to run in March. I signed up for a 5K by accident and knew I couldn't back out. I had just 17 days to do it! But I did, completed it, and now cannot stop doing races. They are my new obsession. I still cannot run a full race without walking, but eh, at least I am moving! My goal is to do 30 races before I turn 30 (in 4 years). My 5th one is next month!

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6/28/12 6:53 A

Welcome to all our newbies!

We're so happy you found us. Summer is on - and blazing hot for those of us in the heat belt, so, we might be cutting back our runs for a little while. If you're still out there pounding the paving or tearing up trails in the heat, I bow to you!

If you're lurking, please pop in and introduce yourself to this wonderful group of folks who are out there, just like you, setting an example for their families and others of a healthy lifestyle, and proving that anyone can put one foot in front of the other in succession and have fun doing so!

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6/9/12 11:59 A

Offandaway - welcome to our team, and congratulations on your achievements!

Good luck on the Marine Corp Marathon; friends and colleagues of mine who have done it said it was one of the best events they've ever done.

Please do let us know how you're doing,

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6/6/12 8:43 A

Welcome to the team!! Glad you're here with us. Amazing goal you have.

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6/5/12 4:35 P

Hello everyone! Relatively new runner here (my first 5K was Mother’s Day last year). I run because it is the most challenging exercise I can do. I’m a former tennis player, so sprinting is more my thing. I’ve learned to love crossing the finish line (even at a snail’s pace), and have signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon 10/28. It’s occurred to me that running would be a lot easier without the extra baggage, and if I’m going to train for a marathon, I better fuel my body right.

So here I am! On SparkPeople, hoping that making my food journal public will help me become more accountable. Glad to be here.

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6/1/12 4:55 A

Welcome to our team, Ann, and what an inspiration you are!

Congratulations on completing your HM for ALS. I hope your brother-in-law is getting good care, and my thoughts and prayers for your family.

It sounds like you're a bit in over-training mode, as most running injuries are caused that way. Ease up a little on your pace, be careful stretching, and ice that knee. Here's a good article on the achilles tendon and treating injury:
runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=12
684

Here in Central Texas, we're dealing with heat, as well. A few years ago, I suffered a heat stroke, while on a long training run, and have been prone to heat exhaustion ever since. Proper hydration certainly helps. But, I find that swimming is very beneficial, as you can maintain your conditioning, get a good cardio workout with no impact, and help recovery from running injuries, while staying cool.

Hope this helps, and we're glad you found us, too!


Please do let us know how you're doing.

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5/30/12 4:56 P

Hi, I have left sparkpeople for awhile but came back. I love Sparkpeople and this team! Pretty much describes me...57 and overweight... I have never liked to run....but have always loved to walk....but always secretly wanted to run. Well...last year my brother in law was diagnosed with ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease and basically his muscles are wasting away. I took up running last December to train for 1/2 Marathon in May which I completed in order to raise funds for ALS cure. Now I am hooked on running and want to get better. I am struggling a little now with the heat plus I have a sore achilles tendon and my left knee hurts. Right now trying about 2 miles every other day at about a 10 to 11 minute mile pace.

Glad to have found this team!

Ann

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5/16/12 8:40 P

Hello, Tastensee, and welcome!

Yes, one step at a time is all it takes...

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5/16/12 11:19 A

I was looking for a running team and knew this was the team for me. What a great team name! It fits for me. I am 42 and just started running a little over a year ago. I've amazed at what my oldish chubby body can do. I'm working towards a half marathon, but taking it slow. Last night I met a new distance goal - with 8 miles! Slow miles, but miles none the less. Slowly but surely we'll get there, right?

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5/14/12 12:19 P

Kari I sympathize on the RA, although I don't have that. I do have fibromyalgia though and my body feels the effects and rebels at times and at the same time has kept me able to do more. I decided a few years ago (before running) that I hurt if I exercised and hurt if I didn't so not doing anything wasn't getting me anywhere. If I was going to hurt I might as well be doing something. As I started with walking and weights at first I found that it actually helped. Who would have guessed??? Even though I had read it before I wouldn't have believed it. As the weather gets warmer I have a lot of trouble with fatigue because my body just doens't handle heat well whether because of the fibro or because of my thyroid problems. But we get out there and we keep reaching for dreams because lying around complaining about our pain and other problems doesn't help us at all.

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5/10/12 9:42 P

Hi, Kari, and welcome!

I also have RA, and running keeps me going. Sure, sometimes it's hard and the legs would rather be doing something else; but, we do what we can, eh?

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5/10/12 9:36 A

Hi and welcome to the team! I keep doing it, although not fast or as far as I would like, on my 185 lb 57 year old frame with some creaks and groans from my muscles at times LOL! You can do it.

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5/9/12 2:42 P

I am so happy to have found this team!! I LOVE RUNNING! I ran my first marathon with my husband in 2002, since then have weighed from 150- 170 lbs, plus had two babies, and now diagnosed with rhematoid arhtritis and other things. I am a part time PE/ Health teacher and coached High SChool track and cross country for 7 years. I am soo not your typical runner.
In the past 4 years having 2 babies and getting sick I am lucky to run 20 miles a week. I can no longer really run as much as I want OR as fast by any means, or even lose weight. BUT i will run 3-4 times a week continue to do events as much as possible and jog/ walk along my 170 lb big breasted frame as much as I can.

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5/9/12 2:36 P

Jennifer,
i was going to reccomend you to look up Galloway's method too then saw Alysia's post. I have modified it for me but it works amazing and keeps you injury free. It is a misconeption that to be a runner you cannot walk. AND as you keep going and training you can go longer periods without walking and get faster. He has books and also a great website. Let us know how you are doing and good luck!!!

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4/26/12 10:26 P

Thank you sooo much for the helpful tip and reads..I will look him up at the library.. I will try your running tips the next time I go on my walks!!

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4/26/12 10:22 P

Hello, Jennifer, and welcome to our team!

It sounds like you're already building a good base with your current workouts. I strongly recommend the walk/run method for you. By gradually introducing run segments into your walks, you'll develop the stamina and endurance you'll need for the extra exertion, while staying injury free.

Former Olympian (now in his 60's) Jeff Galloway developed the method and it works. I trained with Jeff and he's terrific. You can find his books online or at a bookstore.

So, you'll follow a plan like this:

5 mins warmup walk, easy pace (e.g., 3 mph)
3X (15-30 seconds jog/3-5 mins walk, brisk pace (e.g., 3.5 mph))
5 mins cool down walk, easy pace

The following week, you'll increase the jog time 10-15 seconds.

You'll keep increasing the jog time each week until you can hold a jog for 1 full minute. It's okay to keep the 5 min walk intervals; you'll eventually decrease the walk time.

Listen to your body and take this slowly. We all get impatient and want to push ourselves harder; but, you need to avoid doing this, in order to stay injury free.

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4/26/12 4:30 P

Hello my name is Jennifer..I really want to become a runner, but I just don't know where or how to begin..I need to start slow because I'm still 264lbs and don't want to risk injury..But I would like to do a local 1 mile run in my home town in December and would like to start to figure it all out..I walk everyday and I'm exercising regularly..I do water aerobics 3 days a week for 1 hour then I bike for 30 minutes and treadmill for 30-40minutes.. I walk 3.5mph on the treadmill on a hills program. Any tips on where to start or if I even should yet until I bring my weight down more?? Just want to become the runner I feel inside!!

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4/22/12 11:50 P

Welcome to our team! Persistence and patience pay off over time. You will do just fine.

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4/21/12 5:12 P

Hi and welomt to the team! C25k is a great program. Congratulations on making it to week 5. You can definitely do it. Look for a race maybe in the fall when it cools off and sign up for it to help keep you motivated. You're going to rock it!

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4/21/12 12:51 P

Hi I am new "again" to running. I used to run in high school for cross-country and that was the first and last 5k I ever ran. I am currently using the couch to 5k program to get back into it and am now on week 5. I am hoping to run my first 5k since high school sometime next year.

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