A little of this, a little of that...

That's exactly what bothers me. Thanks Nikke.

Your own words:  I'm not saying I don't have an advantage   

So you admit you have an advantage -- enough said.  Except, your co-workers are going to really love you.

Ditto on both accounts!

Way to go on starting 5K training!  Are you doing stretches before you start?  It's also helpful to do stretches about halfway through, when your muscles have warmed up.

On the contest.  This would hit a nerve with me too, since it implies that you haven't worked your butt off to lost the weight, which you have, sleeve or no sleeve!  For the contest, though, ask yourself how well you would have done pre-surgery.  If you would have done just as well as now, I say go for it (but get ready for some hate).  If not, I think it is an unfair advantage.  

Regardless, are the issues with your co-workers worth being right?  

To be honest, I have never had a whole hell of a lot of trouble with losing or losing quickly (which is probably another reason I struggle with my progress - I don't feel it's been much faster than without). I've always struggled with regain and initiating weight loss when I struggle to get over the fear of regain. Maintenance has always been my struggle, and I was clear about that with my doctors and other health care professionals. Like I said before, 10 years ago, I lost 40 lbs. in 6 weeks and had a total weight loss of about 80 lbs, and 3 years ago I lost 93 lbs. the difference between this year and last year lies solely in the confidence I have in my ability to keep the weight off this time if I stick with it. For me, the surgery is as much a mental tool as a physical one.

I think another reason it bothers me is like a couple people have pointed out, this particular person knows several people who have had surgery and failed to lose weight, and she watches the TV program where people fail to lose weight, but she acts like it's taking the easy way out, not just for this, but for everything. And she's a know-it-all, even when she's totally wrong, so I get very defensive of my position when it involves her anyway. 

If I were in your shoes, I'd have to think about why I was getting so upset about a contest.  It seems like it's about the rules say you can participate, and that's true.  But if were accused of cheating, I'd have to go deeper and figure out why that upset me.  You can, of course, simply say "thanks for the feedback" and move on without engaging further, but I would more than likely wonder about the damage participating in the contest would cause to my career.  Gossipy people can make your life a living hell!  Whatever you do is up to you, but be prepared to live with the consequences.  

And like I said in my previous reply, it's too easy to put more meaning into the statement.  SO many people think that WLS is the easy way out, when you and I both know it certainly is not.  You can't fix stupid.  That's why I find myself using the line "thanks for your feedback" more and more.  It tends to stop the conversation right then and there!

I checked with the people doing the contest. They told me it's really no big deal because to win most of the prizes, all that's required is participation. You simply have to register and complete an essay to win (you don't even have to weigh in), so they said it's not a big deal at all. The coworker who originally made a negative comment said today that she was "very happy we are all doing this together this year!" My concern about that part has completely gone away. Now my only worries are my muscles pains and my self-esteem.

Your self esteem will only increase the fitter you become - trust me!  The one sure to win in this contest is you if you keep moving forward with the plan.  So make sure to post every time Keith has a "I worked out today - did you" post on the board!

Keep up the couch to 5k training, sore or not.  The pains in the front of your calves will go away.  At least that was my experience.  I wore a knee brace and ankle brace at times but kept going and the soreness/pain went away.  Also, try different shoes.  Find some that are wider at the toe and leave some room.  Don't lace your shoes up tight across the vamp.  All that helped me. 

Thanks! I have new shoes that fit pretty great. I need some new socks that don't rub my toes, but it's the muscle pain that's concerning me. I'm sure it will improve, but my brother's story made me worry.