Transformation

[JanaNanner]

Yesterday was, hands down, the most amazing experience I have had since I began my weight loss. During commercial breaks from workouts on FitTV, I try to keep moving. Yesterday during one, on a whim, I began to lightly jog around my house (and it's not a big house so, mind you, there was a lot of circling going on, haha). I was struck immediately by how effortless it felt. Back at the beginning of June before I hurt my back I had tried jogging at the track and it was labored and other than feeling accomplished for having done it, it was a completely different experience. Suddenly yesterday I knew I was ready to begin running (and that is when the chorus from "Ready to Run" by the Dixie Chicks got stuck in my head. It was my theme song for the rest of the night, haha).

Later that day I went to the track. I decided I was going to alternate running a quarter of a lap and walking a quarter of a lap. My Dad, a runner himself, told me that I should walk the first lap to warm up but I honestly couldn't wait and after that first quarter lap walk, I broke out into a run.

... It was the single most amazing feeling ever. I felt like I was flying and my legs are so stunningly powerful. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to be doing and every time I hit that quarter lap to run, I payed close attention to my breathing, my stride, and my form, tweaking them because I could, because my focus was not "Oh God, I'm going to die... make it stop!" as it would have been in the past. What I was doing was not a stretch beyond my ability but a marvelous challenge that my body reveled in.

I am now addicted and fully anticipating my next opportunity to go running. <3 I am going to stick with alternating between quarter laps for now and in two or three weeks I will give half laps a try.

Edit: I now want good running shoes with a heartbreakingly tragic I-can-not-afford-them longing.

 

[chubbygirl]

My Dad, a runner himself, told me that I should walk the first lap to warm up but I honestly couldn't wait and after that first quarter lap walk, I broke out into a run.

Congrats on the running!! That is a huge accomplishment! Your dad is a smart man though and it is important to properly warm up before hand. I learned the hard way this year and pulled my hip flexor - ouch! I had to go to a chiropractor to make it better and he recommended stretching once you are warmed up before the run and since I've been doing this I haven't had any problems. Stretching after is important too. I was discouraged because I was so excited to start running and it really put me off for a couple months till it was all better.
Good shoes are important too - you don't want to hurt yourself so you are out of commission for continuing this new passion! Congrats again and have a great weekend!

 

[Tigpuppy]

Jana that is FABULOUS!!!! I'm so proud of you! No one can stop you now!

I'm just amazed at how many runners this forum has created. It's like we are all now members of these special elite club. I love it!

 

[ecky1]

Jana, I'm so happy for you. I was exactly the same as you, never expected to be able to do it and even less enjoy it but I just love running. There's no feeling like it!!!!!!! One by one we are all starting to run
It leaves me with such a high. I just can't wait for the cooler weather to get outdoors and run with the wind on my face.
Pay attention to your knees and stop for a while if they hurt. I never run two days running but always have a rest day in between. Once I've strengthened my knees I will try and run more often.
I'm also pining after some good running shoes but can't afford them at the moment.

 

[jjjay]

Yesterday was, hands down, the most amazing experience I have had since I began my weight loss. During commercial breaks from workouts on FitTV, I try to keep moving. Yesterday during one, on a whim, I began to lightly jog around my house (and it's not a big house so, mind you, there was a lot of circling going on, haha). I was struck immediately by how effortless it felt. Back at the beginning of June before I hurt my back I had tried jogging at the track and it was labored and other than feeling accomplished for having done it, it was a completely different experience. Suddenly yesterday I knew I was ready to begin running (and that is when the chorus from "Ready to Run" by the Dixie Chicks got stuck in my head. It was my theme song for the rest of the night, haha).

Later that day I went to the track. I decided I was going to alternate running a quarter of a lap and walking a quarter of a lap. My Dad, a runner himself, told me that I should walk the first lap to warm up but I honestly couldn't wait and after that first quarter lap walk, I broke out into a run.

... It was the single most amazing feeling ever. I felt like I was flying and my legs are so stunningly powerful. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to be doing and every time I hit that quarter lap to run, I payed close attention to my breathing, my stride, and my form, tweaking them because I could, because my focus was not "Oh God, I'm going to die... make it stop!" as it would have been in the past. What I was doing was not a stretch beyond my ability but a marvelous challenge that my body reveled in.

I am now addicted and fully anticipating my next opportunity to go running. <3 I am going to stick with alternating between quarter laps for now and in two or three weeks I will give half laps a try.

Edit: I now want good running shoes with a heartbreakingly tragic I-can-not-afford-them longing.

Oh WOW oh WOW oh WOW oh WOW!!!!!

I know EXACTLY how you feel - as does Tigpuppy and Eycky and Flumes!!! It is such a liberating feeling of achievement when you finally really that you DO have it in you to be a RUNNY PERSON!!

Congratulations!!! My life has changed so much since I started running regularly - I feel so EMPOWERED. I know it sounds really weird but I always thought I would never be the sort of person that could just go and do a run, but now I can literally pull on my running shoes (and YES, a proper pair of fitted measured shoes makes SO much difference - the best cash I spent in ages) and just go and run 5 miles!! Or at least, I could before I went on holiday and got slightly less fit!! But when I started, I literally had trouble running 90 seconds, walking 2 mins. Now, I miss it if I cant go for a run for a couple of days - its like reset time for me...my body does the physical running bit and my mind churns over all the stuff from the day and makes sense of it all - I come back feeling like a different person.

I feel like a born again.....runner - like we should be shouting it from the roof tops as to HOW DARN GOOD it feels to go out running.

So, I guess my point it, if I can get to that point, then heck girl so can you because I was teh most unlikely person to do it. You're already on the right track!! (hehehe terrible pun I know) and it sounds like your dad knows what he is on about. Have a look at the Couch to 5k program on the net (just google Cto5k and it comes up) as I followed this for the first 4-5 weeks and then just didn't stop running one day.

But I am really proud of you for discovering this new challenge and revelling in it!!!! Go forth and inspire others to become runny!!

 

[ecky1]

Oh WOW oh WOW oh WOW oh
I feel like a born again.....runner - like we should be shouting it from the roof tops as to HOW DARN GOOD it feels to go out running.

Go forth and inspire others to become runny!!

LOL, that's exactly how I feel but when I talk to people about it they think I'm totally mad!!!! I love the fact that it is catching on so much in these forums

 

[Tigpuppy]

And it's such an awesome feeling when you can slip little comments into conversations with people like 'the other day right after I did my 3 mile run...' People are so impressed with our accomplishment! I love it!

 

[ecky1]

I always run on the treadmill in the gym at the moment. Often when I tell people that I run they seem impressed. But when I tell them that I run on a machine they change their attitude and say things like. 'Oh thats why you can run that far then' as if there's no merit at all to running in the gym. I admit that it is easier than running on rough ground but I think that outdoors has it's advantages as well like being able to run further as it isn't monotonous and you get a lot more of a sense of freedom and fun to urge you on.

 

[Tigpuppy]

I always run on the treadmill in the gym at the moment. Often when I tell people that I run they seem impressed. But when I tell them that I run on a machine they change their attitude and say things like. 'Oh thats why you can run that far then' as if there's no merit at all to running in the gym. I admit that it is easier than running on rough ground but I think that outdoors has it's advantages as well like being able to run further as it isn't monotonous and you get a lot more of a sense of freedom and fun to urge you on.

I wonder why that is? Personally after swallowing a bug last time I ran outside I prefer running inside in the A/C, with my 2 fans blowing on me and my tunes cranked. I get just as much of a workout as I do outside, but my feet hurt less when I run on the treadmill for some reason. For me that's key to me keeping up with the whole running thing.

 

[Flumes]

Congrats on the running Jana!!!!!

You are amazing! Well done!!!!!!

And I know the runners in this forum are equally as proud of you as I am!

Awesome!

Take care!

 

[jjjay]

I always run on the treadmill in the gym at the moment. Often when I tell people that I run they seem impressed. But when I tell them that I run on a machine they change their attitude and say things like. 'Oh thats why you can run that far then' as if there's no merit at all to running in the gym. I admit that it is easier than running on rough ground but I think that outdoors has it's advantages as well like being able to run further as it isn't monotonous and you get a lot more of a sense of freedom and fun to urge you on.

PAH That's a pile of big-four-legged-milking-bovine-male-poo when people say that!! I'd like to see them climb on a treadmill and run 6.5 km like you do! Yeah its easier than outdoor rough running, easier on the joints as it bounces and you don't trip up if you stop looking where you are going (yes, I have indeed run into a tree on occasion when distracted by a fine looking sailor or two on the lake next to my running trail!), BUT its still bloody hard work and 6.5km is still 6.5km.

Hows it going Jana!? Are you stilllll there?!??!? Have you been running?!?! OR have we exploded into enthusiastic chatter and frightened you away?!? hehe

 

[Tigpuppy]

PAH That's a pile of big-four-legged-milking-bovine-male-poo when people say that!!

I had to read this about half a dozen times to figure out what the heck you meant - or might have meant. The whole milking part thrown in with the male part threw me off.

As someone who raises cattle I have to tell you that the males do NOT give you milk! LOL!!!

 

[Flumes]

I had to read this about half a dozen times to figure out what the heck you meant - or might have meant. The whole milking part thrown in with the male part threw me off.

As someone who raises cattle I have to tell you that the males do NOT give you milk! LOL!!!

I was just about to type the same thing TP! lol

But I (a city folk) didnt learn that till I was in my twenty's! lol.

Now, in if a rooster lays an egg right in the middle of the barn roof, which way does the egg fall?

 

[JanaNanner]

Congrats on the running!! That is a huge accomplishment! Your dad is a smart man though and it is important to properly warm up before hand. I learned the hard way this year and pulled my hip flexor - ouch! I had to go to a chiropractor to make it better and he recommended stretching once you are warmed up before the run and since I've been doing this I haven't had any problems. Stretching after is important too. I was discouraged because I was so excited to start running and it really put me off for a couple months till it was all better.
Good shoes are important too - you don't want to hurt yourself so you are out of commission for continuing this new passion! Congrats again and have a great weekend!

Thank you for the advice. The second time I went running I did warm-up and stretch when I was done. So far so good. No injuries yet. And I hope I'll be able to get good shoes as soon as possible, but at this point I'm running on an old pair of Sketchers sneakers.

Jana that is FABULOUS!!!! I'm so proud of you! No one can stop you now!

I'm just amazed at how many runners this forum has created. It's like we are all now members of these special elite club. I love it!

Thank you! It's like it is contagious, haha. The whole forum will be running in no time. Thanks.

Jana, I'm so happy for you. I was exactly the same as you, never expected to be able to do it and even less enjoy it but I just love running. There's no feeling like it!!!!!!! One by one we are all starting to run
It leaves me with such a high. I just can't wait for the cooler weather to get outdoors and run with the wind on my face.
Pay attention to your knees and stop for a while if they hurt. I never run two days running but always have a rest day in between. Once I've strengthened my knees I will try and run more often.
I'm also pining after some good running shoes but can't afford them at the moment.

Yeah, I really had to pay attention to my body when I went running on Monday, actually. I didn't feel quite right (because I was getting sick) so I was trying to take it easy but keep going at the same time.

I hope we can both get some good running shoes soon. I think it will make the running experience even that much better for us.

Thanks for the support and cheering me on. I know you know how this feels.

Oh WOW oh WOW oh WOW oh WOW!!!!!

I know EXACTLY how you feel - as does Tigpuppy and Eycky and Flumes!!! It is such a liberating feeling of achievement when you finally really that you DO have it in you to be a RUNNY PERSON!!

Congratulations!!! My life has changed so much since I started running regularly - I feel so EMPOWERED. I know it sounds really weird but I always thought I would never be the sort of person that could just go and do a run, but now I can literally pull on my running shoes (and YES, a proper pair of fitted measured shoes makes SO much difference - the best cash I spent in ages) and just go and run 5 miles!! Or at least, I could before I went on holiday and got slightly less fit!! But when I started, I literally had trouble running 90 seconds, walking 2 mins. Now, I miss it if I cant go for a run for a couple of days - its like reset time for me...my body does the physical running bit and my mind churns over all the stuff from the day and makes sense of it all - I come back feeling like a different person.

I feel like a born again.....runner - like we should be shouting it from the roof tops as to HOW DARN GOOD it feels to go out running.

So, I guess my point it, if I can get to that point, then heck girl so can you because I was teh most unlikely person to do it. You're already on the right track!! (hehehe terrible pun I know) and it sounds like your dad knows what he is on about. Have a look at the Couch to 5k program on the net (just google Cto5k and it comes up) as I followed this for the first 4-5 weeks and then just didn't stop running one day.

But I am really proud of you for discovering this new challenge and revelling in it!!!! Go forth and inspire others to become runny!!

Haha, aww. It's so sweet how excited you are for me. And you're right, it IS empowering. It gives you the sense that you could just do anything at all. Thanks. And I will look into Cto5k!

Congrats on the running Jana!!!!!

You are amazing! Well done!!!!!!

And I know the runners in this forum are equally as proud of you as I am!

Awesome!

Take care!

Thanks Flumes. I'll continue working hard to make you all proud!

Hows it going Jana!? Are you stilllll there?!??!? Have you been running?!?! OR have we exploded into enthusiastic chatter and frightened you away?!? hehe

Yes I am still here. But I have to say, it is good to know that I can disappear for days at a time and you guys keep my diary alive going back and forth about things.

Sorry I was away for so long. I just keep getting worse and worse about staying regular with this whole journaling thing.

 

[JanaNanner]

So, where to start?

I'll just start off with the really good news right away. I weighed in at 259.4 this morning. I've officially broken into the 250's and it's about time! It was somewhat of a short-term goal for me so I am very pleased.

I've been sick for a couple of days. My Mom, my Dad, a friend, my sister and my niece are all sick as well, so I was bound to catch it from one of them. Interestingly though they're all doing much worse than I am and it occurs to me that my lifestyle change has done wonders to boost my immune system. I started getting sick on Monday night and this morning I feel like I'm on my way to getting better. I feel fine now, other than a runny nose.

I went running Monday night but because I was getting sick I didn't feel quite right. I did the same amount of running that I did before but it felt more labored and I realize looking back it was because my body was starting to fight off illness. I didn't do much Tuesday, but I managed to fit in a half hour of pilates. Wednesday I didn't do anything at all and it felt so very wrong, haha.

Today I hope to get back into the swing of things with about an hour of exercise. I'll go walking tonight and maybe run again. We'll see. I know that I need to be easy on my body when I'm sick.

I've been testing myself a lot this week, just... out of curiosity. It involves a lot of thinking about foods that I could not have resisted before. But I really do it because I marvel at how it is not difficult to resist those things anymore rather than feeling I might not be able to resist them.

Hmmm... fries with melty cheese and ketchup. Do I want it? Hmmm. I don't want it. That's amazing.

Hey, look! It's Chick-fil-A! ... Huh. I don't want it. Amazing.

And pretty much that is how it goes. I am sure that it can't even begin to compare to overcoming a drug addiction, but I wonder if former drug addicts experience such an empowering feeling of strongly facing what they could never say no to in the past. It feels good.

 

[Flumes]

Like Eycky, you're getting this control thing down pat too! Well done!

Hope your feeling back up to snuff and ready for a long weekend!

Keep up the great work!!!

 

[JanaNanner]

Like Eycky, you're getting this control thing down pat too! Well done!

Hope your feeling back up to snuff and ready for a long weekend!

Keep up the great work!!!

Thank you so much Flumes... I really appreciate that you're always coming around here to encourage me. Have a terrific weekend yourself.

 

[JanaNanner]

Well, I am just terrible lately. I really haven't been reading anyone's journal and barely even writing in my own this past week and a half or so... and I'm really sorry for that. I feel really guilty about the fact that I've been neglecting to read and comment around here. I will try my best to get back into the swing of things.

But just let me say this here: you guys are terrific and I wish you all the best, wherever you are and whatever you're doing. You guys are so wonderful and I just hope that you're smiling and happy this week. I hope I'll be able to get around to say that individually to you all soon.

Today I had my first "you look smaller!" experience. I was at church and it was said to me not ONCE, but TWICE. It felt spectacular to be able to then say to them "Well, I have lost 25 pounds..." and see their faces light up with surprise at my accomplishment. And also, like most around here have reported experiencing, I was asked what kind of special diet I'm on and it was actually fun to explain to them that I'm just working really hard being a good girl eating right and exercising and that that's really all it takes. One of them said "I bet you feel great, don't you?" Other than the fact that I've been sick this week, yes. I do feel great.

 

[Laele]

Hi! I'm new here I see you run. I do it too, or at least I try! But sometimes I feel like my weight kind of slows me down and I lose motivation. I hope I'll be able to run 3 miles too in the future!

 

[ecky1]

I'm so glad that finally you are getting the compliments that you deserve and you will get them more and more as your weight goes down Just wait until you get men craning their necks to get a better look at you as you walk past. You already have a pretty face so you are going to look stunning