wtg Jerry, I think sports drink (gatorade) is more toxic for rny patients than the band, infact they give it to lap banders the first couple weeks. Lately my motivation has tanked for exersize and diet. I am struggling with the band, it's not as limiting as rny. I have been traveling for work and have gotten a bit more motivated with warmer climates. Training in the cold weather is hard for me. What is your next race?

--- HIJACK --- Hi Rachle: Small world seeing your 4 month old posting on this board. I did not know you had run a few marathons. Like yourself, I have completed 2 full marathons and more half marathons than I care to count. I'm trying my best to get back into shape but it is not going well. With my continued health problems from WLS, I just don't know what I will be able to do in the future if I can't eat enough food, nor eat during long runs. For example, I ran 12 miles the day before yeaterday after having eaten only 240 cal's all day. I just could not complete my planned run of 20 miles. I killed me to stop and call my wife to come pick me up as I did not have the strength to even walk the remaining 8 miles home. I can't believe I am even thinking of it -- but I am now considering trying to do a 50 mile marathon. But I can't even really give it further consideration until I get this eating (or lack of the same) problem resolved. Scoot B just ran the HI marathon but I have nott spoken with him since he completed the event. I know he finished, but do you know how he felt or what damage he might have done running a marathon where continued energy intake is so important? Anyway, have you done any distance sunning since your WLS? Good to see you hear and on the CA board. In Health, Lance

Hi Patty -- Small world, I ran the 2000 US Marine Corps Marathon as well. I thought is was very well organized and would love to give it a go sometime in the future. However, last night I read a book on ultrarunning, i.e., 50 and 100 miles events. While my heart tells me to go for it -- I just don't think I have the energy to do long distances any longer. I ran 12 miles the day befor yeaterday afterhaving eaten on 240 cal's all day. I just could not complete my planned run of 20 miles. Anyway, have you done any distance sunning since your WLS? In Health, Lance

If anyone had told me 7 months ago that I would be doing some light jogging, I would have told them they were crazy, but that's what I'm starting to do at Curves! For those of you who have never been to Curves, you exercise on one machine for 30 seconds, then move to a platform where you stand/walk/jog for 30 seconds, then move to the next machine for another 30 seconds, then to another platform, et****il you complete the circuit. You repeat the circuit 2 more times. Before my surgery and 60 lbs heavier, I barely moved on the platform so that I could keep my heartbeat DOWN within the guidelines for my age... 55. I NOW have to do some light jogging to get my heartbeat UP to where it needs to be! It's like a miracle! I am so happy! I am also mall walking a couple of times a week with a walking partner. We want to get in shape for the "Race for the Cure" next September. I wonder just how much better shape I can be in by then. It has been years since I have been able to do the things I can now do. Sure would like to hear how you are doing. Peg 281/220/155?

Hi Patty! I'm thinking about just wearing a thin plastic poncho over my running gear, but when it gets too cold I'm sure I'll wear a jacket or something. I love that cool max stuff! I got some thorlo socks for the race and I really like them. I'm still not running much, only managed to run about half the five mile race. But I injured my knee the day before, so I am pretty satisfied with just finishing. It's still VERY swollen and purple, but I have 53 weeks to go until the marathon, plenty of time to heal. there aren't too many sunny runs here! It's pretty wet most of the time, but still beautiful! Tammy