One "wow" and a NSV

WOW- had my 9 (well actually 10) month follow up today and they were very happy with my progress as was I. My BMI has gone from a 56 and change, to a 31.5! Almost within the range of "normal". I almost choked. :)


NSV- I went out for a spur of the moment run tonight. It was just me and my music. In the end I conquered 10k which I had never done before. It took me 1 hour, 11 minutes, 13 seconds. Not bad for my first time. Not so victorious are the "runners trots" and the muscle cramps I am now experiencing. I hadn't had enough to drink or eat today and went out anyways. Note to self: next time fuel up.

Good work in both areas Marny! I am going to stop saying I can't do it when it comes to running and just keep trying. I envy those who already worked through the hardest part!

Thanks.  I swear...in the first ten minutes of every single run I do, the thought crossess my mind "WHYYYYYYYY do I like this????" Then the 10 minutes pass, and it sounds hard to believe, but for me it is like my body switches to auto-pilot and I just run.  I currently try to run 20 minutes straight, and then switch to 10 minutes run/ 1 minute walk for the rest of the time.  I also joined the Running Room which I can't say enough about.  I didn't know if I was going to like running with a group, but it is (for me) a very different experience than going it alone (which I also like).  It's very motivational and talking to new people while you run helps to make the time/distance pass a heck of a lot faster.  They have runs that you can join for free (Wednesday nights at my store), just to see it you like it.  All are welcome, as many weeks as you want.

Thanks! My cousin Sarah started with Running Room this past summer to do a cancer run this fall. I don't think I am anywhere near ready for that yet. How did you start? I leave my house, pick up some speed then slow down and almost die of embarrassment and breathlessness.

It can be as simple as running to one light post, then walking to the next.  In the "Learn to Run" clinic, the do 1 minute run, one minute walk for a total of 20 minutes (I think).  The next week, they do 2 minutes run, 1 minute walk...and so on, until they build up to 10 minutes run/ 1 minute walk.  You don't have to do it for very long, and the walking recoveries help you to go further than you would otherwise.  Try 15 minutes your first time, but make sure you do it often enough, otherwise you won't improve.  They reccomend 3 times a week. Our schedule for the 5k was Monday, Wednesday, Saturday. 

Myself, I just happened to start at the gym with my trainer.  She would put me on the treadmill for 5, then 10,and so on.  When I felt comfortable I tried outdoor running.  Truthfully, I much prefer it than the treadmill. 

OK, I am going to try the run/walk combo. I want to run outside til the weather gets bad. Thanks for being a good role model : )

and start slow, Jennifer. I did the learn to run program, so happy i did it. don't push yourself too much, like don't think you should go from 1 minute to 5 minutes.. take your time and learn to do it right.

I was told to drink some pickle juice to help with the muscle cramps, weird I know but it's supposed to work, Congrats on all your progress and wishing you the best!!!!!

Thanks for the info.  At this point, I might just go with that. :)

 10 K... WOW...you are amazing.

I think every person who has this surgery and becomes active deserves major high fives and kudoos.  It is one giant leap towards a healthier, longer, lifestyle.

Pickle Juice...YUM!!!  Now there is an excuse...