Today I'm cutting the lawn when I get home....

Last night I ran 4 miles....and almost stepped on a snake (okay...yes, it was a garter snake....BUT IT WAS STILL A SNAKE!!)  Well I got so spooked by it I jacked up all my torso muscles in my spastic fit and twists and flailing attemps to get away from said snake.....luckily some walking and hydrating made the muscles relax and today I'm good as new!

Yeah...I'm really proud of my performance....especially since a walker was headed toward me right when it happened..........

I'll bet the snake died of a heart attack.

I was bigger than you, 45 years old with arthritis already in my knees....and I was able to do it--you can too!

The main thing it takes is desire. Make sure you invest in a good pair of running shoes from a running store.....not a sports store.  You need to be properly fitted.

Then, start slow.  It took me over a year to be able to run 2 miles non-stop.  Listen to your body--if you feel joint pain, walk for a while.  You will get to the point where you KNOW which pain means stop, and which pain you can "push through".

Most importantly, enjoy the process and set small goals at first. The Couch to 5k program is excellent.

Happy running!

Kim

 Just show up on race day.  You'll be fine.  You will see people there that can do even less than you.  Give yourself permission to go as far as you can and then to leave if you need to--I'll bet you'll see that finish line--the only person you are racing against is you.

Enjoy it and congratulations!!

Kim

Duly noted!  Glad the helmet did it's job--heal quickly my friend!

Kim

I am so proud of you for taking control of your health at such a young age!  I wish I'd done that, and had the support to do it.

The one thing I can't stress enough is EXERCISE.  It really has to become part of your life, everyday.  Find things you like to do:  running, weight training, yoga, hiking, swimming, biking, etc.  These are the things you will stick with--if you don't enjoy it, you wont keep doing it. 

I mix running, power walking, yoga and P90X for most of my workouts.  In the Fall/Winter/Spring I also do long strenuous hikes...which I adore!  I've been a regular exerciser now for 3 years.....because I found things I love to do so I keep doing them.

It really is simple science:  Consume less than you burn=lose weight.  It SOUNDS simple, but it is hard to practice.  You have to find foods that will keep you full so you don't get hungry.  The closer a food is to its natural state, the better it is for you.  For instance, a fresh apple is better than canned apple.  Fresh grilled chicken is better than fried chicken. 

If you can, eat 6 mini-meals a day.  Do you know about good nutrition?  If you don't, please read some books on the subject, or see a nutritionist.  It is important to learn about good fuel for your body.  Does that mean you should never eat fast food or cookies?  Absolutely not.  If those things are important to you, you should have them in limited amounts.  You shouldn't think of food as "evil".  Food is food, and you should (within reason) have what you want.  You just need to make sure you have more quality food than processed food.  And I promise the more quality food you eat, the more your body will demand it.

Audrey, you can do this.  First you must love yourself and put yourself first.  Be selfish when it comes to your health.  If your friends want to veg out and play video games and it is time for you to go run, invite them along with you, or leave them behind while you take care of you.  You are worth it!!!

I wish you much success and we are here if you need us.

Kim

Amen Nate!  Any doctor that tells you "stop exercising" is a moron in my opinion.  Put the scale away.  Exercise daily--weigh once a week.  I exercised 6x a week since 6 months before my surgery (cardio and weight training).  I lost consistently.  I am in maintenance now for 14 months.  Not one lb regained....and I eat and drink what I want (within reason of course) and I DO NOT DIET.

I look fabulous (at least I think I do!!) and most importantly--------I FEEL THE BEST I HAVE IN MY LIFE!  I am strong, have tons of energy and can do anything--I no longer wake up with aches and pains.

My sister had VSG 2 months before my RNY.  She lost weight, but doesn't exercise (she has serious back issues) and is  basically a smaller version of her former self.  I am transformed from a health standpoint.

Please, please, please do not get discouraged.  You may need to up your calories (in protein and complex carbs) on the days you workout.  Add 200 on those days.  I promise it will work.

Kim

Thanks for sharing!

Repeat after me:  I AM A RUNNER, I AM A RUNNER!!

My old slow ass is always going to be a "slow" runner, but I'm a runner none the less.  The heart is pumping, I'm sweating and I'm moving faster than a walk, slower that the youngsters on the path, and at a pace that I enjoy...........which is key to me continuing to do it long term....I'm in my 2nd year now, so I guess I've found the recipe for success (for me).

Happy running!!

Kim

I'll bet you can do it with ease!  And if you decide that is your max, then your goals will be same length races in great places around the world!

And yeah, the heat in Atlanta is brutal...they have the same weather as us.  Drink lots before the race, and of course, during.

Kim

I invested in a good running treadmill when I was pre-op and I still use it now but only when the weather wont let me run outdoors......I'm wih the ohers.....get some good running shoes (even if you are just walking) and take it outdoors....it does wonders for the body and soul.

Congrats to you for starting this positive change in your life now.  I started 6 months before surgery and it made my recovery soooo much better.

We are here if you need us!

Kim

P90X upper body and abs when I get home today

Yup, what Nate said.  Generally after exercise the hunger you feel is real.  Feed that poor starving body!! (no Oreos!)

Kim