Calling all DIS Runners, Fatty needs Help!

[cantwaitvaca09]

I am 34 and 50lbs over weight, just got a bit of bad news from my bloodwork.
I am an active working,married mom of 2.

I use to run in my 20's (with the help of energy pills) I do like to run, but 2 kids, a DH and a full time Job later, well not so much running, if you don't call running down the hall to chase a naked baby to get dressed. HA HA

So my request is I want to run a 1/2. My DH's work sponsors a 1/2 in the fall. I don't want to tell my DH I want to run it.
I have never ever ran a marathon or even a 5K. But for some reason, I think now's a good time to start. So Runners, HOW DO I DO IT?
I have a treadmill and an eplictal at home.

Any advise will be so much appreciated

 

[pjlla]

First of all.... welcome to the WISH board!

As far as the running goes, I suggest you check out the "C25K" thread. These folks are all working on a program known as the "Couch to 5K" program to get you up and running. It really seems to work for those who are dedicated to the program. I'm sure others on there can help you further. Good luck.........P

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

how do I find that thread?

 

[pjlla]

Here you go.... it was a bit further down the page than I thought it might be.....P

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2287151

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Thank you! Wish me Luck!

 

[cewait]

I would also suggest purchasing/reading Marathons for Mortals or Jeff Galloway's Book on Running. Both a are easy reads and oriented for the beginner. You will need to look at their half marathon plans and see how they fit into your daily schedule.

Note not every plan works for everyone. I have a book of about 8 based plans that I tailor to individuals I work with. There are just a few subtle differences in each.

Now here's a little cold splash -- You really should tell your DH. Maybe not now but soon. You will be devoting a little bit of time to your daily workouts and will soon need his support. I can never express how deeply thankful I am to my DW for putting up with my training regime. Without her support and patience I could have not finished even the first one. This will become a family event before race day.

This disclosure also has a second purpose. It will hold you ACCOUNTABLE. If you read the posts from those currently training for their first half you will see a significant percentage of folks who at one time or the other need a boost to get out the door. Having an external form of accountablity no matter how informal really can help.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I would also suggest purchasing/reading Marathons for Mortals or Jeff Galloway's Book on Running. Both a are easy reads and oriented for the beginner. You will need to look at their half marathon plans and see how they fit into your daily schedule.

Note not every plan works for everyone. I have a book of about 8 based plans that I tailor to individuals I work with. There are just a few subtle differences in each.

Now here's a little cold splash -- You really should tell your DH. Maybe not now but soon. You will be devoting a little bit of time to your daily workouts and will soon need his support. I can never express how deeply thankful I am to my DW for putting up with my training regime. Without her support and patience I could have not finished even the first one. This will become a family event before race day.

This disclosure also has a second purpose. It will hold you ACCOUNTABLE. If you read the posts from those currently training for their first half you will see a significant percentage of folks who at one time or the other need a boost to get out the door. Having an external form of accountablity no matter how informal really can help.

cewait. Thank you for your post, I think I don't want to tell him because I am afraid he will make me Accountable. Also, I just looked up the info for the 1/2 for his work, and its in MAY not the FALL, Can I at all get from Couch to 1/2 in 5 Months????????? Also where are the post from other people training for a 1/2

 

[cewait]

cewait. Thank you for your post, I think I don't want to tell him because I am afraid he will make me Accountable. Also, I just looked up the info for the 1/2 for his work, and its in MAY not the FALL, Can I at all get from Couch to 1/2 in 5 Months????????? Also where are the post from other people training for a 1/2

Look uder teh Competions/Events Sub forum. for the others.

And Yes, you should be able to get into a half by then. It depends on your curent condition, your health and your dedication. It will be a tight fit but one that is possible.

I was afraid at first and still am on certain things to tell DW. But I find that it is a fear of ridicule or 'here we go again'. I quickly found out that she didn't understnad but got out of the way when needed, opened the door when asked and pushed when required.

Good luck in your training. You will do great.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Look uder teh Competions/Events Sub forum. for the others.

And Yes, you should be able to get into a half by then. It depends on your curent condition, your health and your dedication. It will be a tight fit but one that is possible.

I was afraid at first and still am on certain things to tell DW. But I find that it is a fear of ridicule or 'here we go again'. I quickly found out that she didn't understnad but got out of the way when needed, opened the door when asked and pushed when required.

Good luck in your training. You will do great.

Thank You

 

[zakismom]

I just wanted to chime in and support you. The first step is really admitting that you want to make a change, and that's what you are doing, making a change.

I started running in the Spring of 07 because I saw an add for the WDW Marathon and it had a secret medal, so I signed up. When I first started I could run 1 block, and then I would walk, and then I would run 1 more block, and so on. I kept doing this until I could run for 30 minutes continuously. About 7 months after I started I completed the WDW Full Marathon (Jan 08). It took me every minute the course had to offer, but I finished. When I first started running I made sure to tell my friends and my husband what I was doing, this way I would be accountable. Some of them made fun of me, not one of them thought I would keep it up, much less really run a marathon. This year I am going Goofy. I am not a tiny person, I am probably about 40 pounds overweight, but I can do it. It is really about putting the miles in and beating the mental game your head will play on you. A book I really enjoyed was:

The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training by Dawn Dais

Its a fun read and has some good information. Good luck!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I just wanted to chime in and support you. The first step is really admitting that you want to make a change, and that's what you are doing, making a change.

I started running in the Spring of 07 because I saw an add for the WDW Marathon and it had a secret medal, so I signed up. When I first started I could run 1 block, and then I would walk, and then I would run 1 more block, and so on. I kept doing this until I could run for 30 minutes continuously. About 7 months after I started I completed the WDW Full Marathon (Jan 08). It took me every minute the course had to offer, but I finished. When I first started running I made sure to tell my friends and my husband what I was doing, this way I would be accountable. Some of them made fun of me, not one of them thought I would keep it up, much less really run a marathon. This year I am going Goofy. I am not a tiny person, I am probably about 40 pounds overweight, but I can do it. It is really about putting the miles in and beating the mental game your head will play on you. A book I really enjoyed was:

The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women: Get Off Your Butt and On with Your Training by Dawn Dais

Its a fun read and has some good information. Good luck!

THANK YOU for your post,
You are so right, I don't want to tell anyone, because I don't think anyone would ever think I could do this. I'm not sure I can myself. I have always wanted to do the Avon 3 day race, here in Illinios, but it too much$$$ to get in. And Again 2 kids, full time job and junk food later, I am not in the shape I was in, in my 20's

However, I just sent my DH an email and told him I wanted to do his 1/2 but its in May, So not sure about that, But MARCH 2011 Disney Princess 1/2. Is my goal. DH is all for it, plus I am sure he would like to see my body look like it did pre-kids. HA, like that can happen. Anyway. After our trip Sep 09, I have because a disney addict, I love disney more than Chocolate. So that is my new goal. Disney Princess 1/2. That is my WISH!

First Step, is off my butt and on the treadmill.........

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome to WISH!
I am so glad that you felt you were able to tell DH. That is a scary thing, to tell anyone, yet a good reality moment. I'm glad he is wanting to support you through this.

You definitely need to get a program chosen. I love Marathon for Mortals plan by John Bingham, but as already stated there are many plans out there and very similar. You do not have to plan to run the entire event unless the time limitations will be requiring that. The first thing I'd do is determine your time limitation so you know where your pace goals need to be. Then pick your program, get out a calendar and chart your course.

Please do join us on the Events side of WISH where we often talk of upcoming events and training that goes with them. You do not need to have any particular level of ability, we have all abilities and it makes things fun discussions.

I look forward to hearing more how you are progressing.

 

[VernRDH]

Hi!!

Just jumping on the bandwagon. Coach Charles has given you great advice and there are many other folks here with lots to offer in terms of advice and encouragement.

I was the same way as you with telling someone that I wanted to run a half. The first person I told was my FIL, who is my training partner, coach, mentor and cheerleader. He was surprised, but got me going. He has trained with me since June (we ran my first half in September) and is going with me to Disney to run the half in 3 weeks. My DH has been nothing but supportive, and I am so grateful.

I suggest Marathoning for Mortals, it is a great book and has many plans you can adapt for your needs.

Runners come in all shapes and sizes, don't be intimidated by anyone else. So lace em up and get out there!

We're rooting for you!!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Thank you both so much for posting and encouraging me.
I will go to the book store this weekend. I did print out the Get Started Plan from C25K. I will start there for now.

So if all goes well, Princess 1/2 in 2011!!!!

 

[airtime247]

I just wanted to chime in with some encouragement as well. You sound exactly like I did two years ago (minus being female ). I was 34 and a working dad who was 50-60 lbs overweight.

I was nervous about telling my wife too as I thought she would think it's another one of my hair-brained ideas that never come to fruition.

I heard about the Disney races and it immediately became my goal. You have the advantage of running in your 20's though and I never had that. You also have folks on here giving you great advice and I wish I looked for that when I started. A good training plan and advice would have saved me time and injuries!

I highly recommend the Marathoning for Mortals book. If you do what the book says with picking a run/walk routine, I'm sure you will be able to finish a half before you realize it.

I also recommend you find a small 5K in your area to set as a shorter-term goal. Completing it will give you so much confidence and make you that much more eager to tackle the next distance.

Taking up running was the best decision I've ever made. I was able to get off my cholesterol/triglycerides medication, I've lost 35 pounds so far, and I'm literally in the best shape of my life. It feels great. I'm sure you will see great results with the weight loss and blood work.

Keep us posted on your progress!

-steve

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I just wanted to chime in with some encouragement as well. You sound exactly like I did two years ago (minus being female ). I was 34 and a working dad who was 50-60 lbs overweight.

I was nervous about telling my wife too as I thought she would think it's another one of my hair-brained ideas that never come to fruition.

I heard about the Disney races and it immediately became my goal. You have the advantage of running in your 20's though and I never had that. You also have folks on here giving you great advice and I wish I looked for that when I started. A good training plan and advice would have saved me time and injuries!

I highly recommend the Marathoning for Mortals book. If you do what the book says with picking a run/walk routine, I'm sure you will be able to finish a half before you realize it.

I also recommend you find a small 5K in your area to set as a shorter-term goal. Completing it will give you so much confidence and make you that much more eager to tackle the next distance.

Taking up running was the best decision I've ever made. I was able to get off my cholesterol/triglycerides medication, I've lost 35 pounds so far, and I'm literally in the best shape of my life. It feels great. I'm sure you will see great results with the weight loss and blood work.

Keep us posted on your progress!

-steve

Thank you Steve, triglycerides is what they said in my blood work that was high. My Father at 56 is having a 3x bypass, I have recently found out that triglycerides are in issue in my family. that is why I went for the check up.
There will be a 5K in my town over the summer. I am going to shoot for that. We just went to Disney this past Sept/Oct and before we went I was up to a job for 8 mins. And I had stopped drinking pop, (i drink 1 a day) But then when we went to disney. Them Damn Refillable Mugs.... Need I say more.HA HA. I have to get back on track now. I don't want me kids waiting in a hospital for me to have a 3x bypass.

Thank you so much for you post.
Good luck on 1-10-10!!!

 

[cewait]

Thank you Steve, triglycerides is what they said in my blood work that was high. My Father at 56 is having a 3x bypass, I have recently found out that triglycerides are in issue in my family. that is why I went for the check up.
There will be a 5K in my town over the summer. I am going to shoot for that. We just went to Disney this past Sept/Oct and before we went I was up to a job for 8 mins. And I had stopped drinking pop, (i drink 1 a day) But then when we went to disney. Them Damn Refillable Mugs.... Need I say more.HA HA. I have to get back on track now. I don't want me kids waiting in a hospital for me to have a 3x bypass.

Thank you so much for you post.
Good luck on 1-10-10!!!

Do a little research.... You will find that triglycerides can be a result of eating too many processed carbs. You kind of know where to start after looking at that.

The good news here is that if you get out the door and get fit through strenuous cardio 4-5 times a week you can repair any damage you may have done in that area. Cool. Seems like muscles want to be fed better when they know they will be worked at strenuous levels on a regular basis. The miracle of the human body is the capillaries and arteries will grow and new ones will be created to assist in suppliing the muscle. This includes the most important muscle you have - the heart. There are several studies of folks having created new arteries - 'self bypassing' partially blocked arteries.

Cool stuff - All you gotta do is get out and play!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Do a little research.... You will find that triglycerides can be a result of eating too many processed carbs. You kind of know where to start after looking at that.

The good news here is that if you get out the door and get fit through strenuous cardio 4-5 times a week you can repair any damage you may have done in that area. Cool. Seems like muscles want to be fed better when they know they will be worked at strenuous levels on a regular basis. The miracle of the human body is the capillaries and arteries will grow and new ones will be created to assist in suppliing the muscle. This includes the most important muscle you have - the heart. There are several studies of folks having created new arteries - 'self bypassing' partially blocked arteries.

Cool stuff - All you gotta do is get out and play!

Has anyone told you, ,,,, You ROCK!!! Thanks.. Yes my father's blockage is pretty bad, they say he heart did regrow arteries. We found all of this out while he was preping for a carrodid (sp?) artery sugury.. Well I don't want that to be my fate. I am only 34....

Again Thank you so much for all of your support and info.

 

[Creativebeth]

You have gotten some good advice here.....

I was in the same boat as you.....a husband, two kids (ACTIVE kids!), and a job. I was out of shape, and miserable. What you want to do is very hard. You are changing your life! You have to be accountable to YOU. Your dh can support you, but he can't get up on on the TM for you.

Every day.......you have to work at it every day, and don't make excuses. I know those excuses.....used them myself for years. I didn't start this path to run any races.....I was about losing the weight. I got up before work every day and walked for 30 minutes on the TM. EVERY day......without fail.
By doing that for 6 months, it helped me get into a rhythm and find the time to exercise even when I didn't think there was the time.

You can do this, but you have to really want it! There have been bumps along the way, but it has basically changed my life. Running has become it's own thing with me. It's no longer about weight loss. I need to run for me. It's empowering to me. Without it, I am not the same person. This coming from a previous couch potato!

I have to get up at 5:15 am on the days I work to get my run in. I am not a morning person, but that is the time I have that is consistent. So, I get up. My family isn't missing time with me, I am just missing some sleep!

The ability to do the same is in you.

Beth

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

You have gotten some good advice here.....

I was in the same boat as you.....a husband, two kids (ACTIVE kids!), and a job. I was out of shape, and miserable. What you want to do is very hard. You are changing your life! You have to be accountable to YOU. Your dh can support you, but he can't get up on on the TM for you.

Every day.......you have to work at it every day, and don't make excuses. I know those excuses.....used them myself for years. I didn't start this path to run any races.....I was about losing the weight. I got up before work every day and walked for 30 minutes on the TM. EVERY day......without fail.
By doing that for 6 months, it helped me get into a rhythm and find the time to exercise even when I didn't think there was the time.

You can do this, but you have to really want it! There have been bumps along the way, but it has basically changed my life. Running has become it's own thing with me. It's no longer about weight loss. I need to run for me. It's empowering to me. Without it, I am not the same person. This coming from a previous couch potato!

I have to get up at 5:15 am on the days I work to get my run in. I am not a morning person, but that is the time I have that is consistent. So, I get up. My family isn't missing time with me, I am just missing some sleep!

The ability to do the same is in you.

Beth

Thanks Beth for your post, I to have been getting up at 5AM, I would say that I have never been a person to really sit on the couch, at least not after having my kids. But I do do do for eveyone else, I do for my work, I do for my kids, I do for my DH. This IS about me. This IS about me changing my life. I am freaked out, I am not sure I can I do the 1/2 for sure, But I sure am going to try very hard. I use to work out all the time in my 20's and I do love it. But the past 8 years have been about DH, Kids, Work ect.

Thank you again for your post. I need all the help I can get.