Fat Girls Walking Club

[grstink]

Yeah for mall walking. That's how I began. Doesn't matter with the details or excuses....you got out there and did it. The first steps are the most difficult; but after that it just flows.
I recently retired from teaching and my daughters were concerned that I might get lazy (ha, like that could happen with 4 young grandchildren around). Now, I'm not a small person and I have put on some extra pounds through the years. So, they decided to sign me up for the 5K Princess race (along with themselves so they could have fun too; we are all Disney fanatics). Well, it was the best thing for me. I began with slow walks at the mall; then, outside; and now I have a TM (thanks girls) and I keep up with the walking and exercise. Now, I am not fast nor do I consider myself marathon material but I am plugging along and enjoying the small successes that I have accomplished. Thanks to the boards and sharing my experiences I feel I can do the 5K and maybe even make it in the time allotted. Whatever happens, I am doing more now than I did before and that is all that counts.
So Sandy, in this long winded reply, all I really mean to say is you are on your way
YEAH

 

[nkkilala]

Great job Sandy!!! You got out and moved despite all of the setbacks you faced!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!! You are beyond awesome you are BE-AWESOME!

Gretchen, maybe you me and the other girls doing the Princess 5K should try to get together when we are down there! I'm going to be there the 4-11 and I'm staying at POFQ


Keep up the great work everyone!

 

[Magix]

Welcome, Sandy!!! You're making the first moves and that's what counts most. Just get out there and do it!

I completed my 3rd 5K yesterday, this time at the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, CA. I felt good until the final 5 minute run when I could actually see the finish line, which is when I usually feel really good, but this time I just wanted to stop. I kept thinking, "Okay, I'll just stop running and walk until just before the finish, then run across." Then, I'd think, "Oh come on! It's just right there! You can totally keep running and make it across!" In the end, the internal conversation lasted long enough that I made it across the finish line without giving in to the temptation to walk that last bit. Seriously, the spectators cheering encouragement near the finish really helped. I didn't want to give up in front of everyone, even though I didn't know them. I even came up with enough to do a tiny little sprint right at the end (or my version of a sprint, anyway).

I even shaved a few more seconds off my finishing time. Did it in 43:17. So, from my first 5K on Thanksgiving morning to this one, I've improved by 50 seconds. I'm pretty happy with that. It may not seem much to people who haven't done a race, but to me it's a very pleasing accomplishment.

Not sure if that was my last 5K ever or just my last for now. I'm still looking at upcoming events, trying to decide if I want to do any of them. I really like the little surfboard shaped medal I got for this one. So, maybe if I can find more with medals for all finishers, I'll do those. It's nice to have the bling, after all, no matter what distance race you do!

The difficulty of this race really set my mind straight, though. I'd been toying with little thoughts of trying to do a 1/2 marathon (or at least a 10K) with more training and a pacing group. But, no way. I think the 5K is my max. Any longer and I'd be likely to pass out or at least have serious knee problems. I'll stick to the 5Ks and be proud of what I do in them.

 

[grstink]

Gretchen, maybe you me and the other girls doing the Princess 5K should try to get together when we are down there! I'm going to be there the 4-11 and I'm staying at POFQ

Nikki,
That sounds like a great idea. I would like that since we have shared so much encouragement during this journey. We will be down there from the 5th(late arrival) to the 9th. We are staying at BWV. We plan on going to the expo early on the Friday for package pickup and shopping; so maybe that could work.
We are leaving late that Monday night so we plan on DTD for that day.(If I can still move).
Are you going to the post race party at DHS? I purchased the tickets when it was going to be the P&P party since my granddaughter so wants to be a pirate (not a princess) They all still want to go (Mom already paid so why not) But, definitely, let's try to connect!
I hope that we can see each other when we group for the 5K as well. Need my walking buddies! My daughters will be in the stroller pack but I hope they put me in the individual with an early start.
Nikki, did you get married at Disney? I noticed in your siggy that it looks like it is the GF beach and wedding pavilion. My oldest daughter had her wedding at YC. Bet the two of you would have a lot to talk about.
OK need to get on the TM before it is too late and all ambition is gone.
See ya,

 

[nkkilala]

Gretchen,

Yes we did get married at Disney! It will be our 2 year anniversary on March 6 (the day before the race). I would LOVE to share stories with your daughter! Do you know if she was ever on the Wedding section of the DIS?


I would have loved to stay at the BWV this time! They are our favorite place to stay! I'll check my schedule when I get home to see if Friday, Sun, or Monday work!

I don't have tickets to the party at DHS yet, I'll have to talk it over with DH and see!

 

[nkkilala]

OK Ladies I ordered some running skirts this weekend.

2 of them have come in from skirtsports.com

The first one I got was the GymGirl Ultra

I got it in a 3X (black) and a 2X (pink). The 3X fits fairly well and the 2X is too snug (it will be returned.)

I also got 2 shirts and will be keeping one and returning the other.

I'm waiting for my order from skirtgoddess.com to come in. I'll let you know how they compare. Would anyone be interested in purchasing either the shirt or skirt that I am returning? I'll post pictures of them below

Keep on moving ladies!

 

[grstink]

Nikki,
Nice skirts. I love the pink color.
I ordered compression capris but they have not come in yet. I'm not sure since this is the first time I'm involved in anything like this. I love the skirts but think I would feel self conscious since I hold my weight in the thighs. I'm hoping the compression capris hold things together. Can't wait to try them out. For my daily walks, now, I just wear regular jogging pants or capris. I plan on wearing what is broken in and comfortable for the 5K.
No clue what my daughters are wearing. I know they love the skirts but don't want to put out any more extra $ right now.
Nikki, my daughter was on the dismooner wedding board. Her date was
9/24/04 (during hurricane Jeanne) She was lucky the hurricane hit 2 days after her ceremony; but postponed her MK photo shoot by a week.
Hope workouts are going well.

 

[acourtwdw]

Welcome Sandy


I think a meet would be a great idea. We are staying at BCV and arriving on March 5.

Not sure if we are keeping our party tickets. If they don't close DHS until 10, really what's the point of the extra $40? I think that sucks btw. Usually the party is free to the runners and their guests have to pay around $25 for it. I wanted to do this race because of the P&P party. That is why I picked this. Sorry just needed to whine.


Keep Moving Forward

Annette

 

[grstink]

Not sure if we are keeping our party tickets. If they don't close DHS until 10, really what's the point of the extra $40? I think that sucks btw. Usually the party is free to the runners and their guests have to pay around $25 for it. I wanted to do this race because of the P&P party. That is why I picked this. Sorry just needed to whine.


Keep Moving Forward

Annette

Annette,
I TOTALLY agree with you. The P&P party was what we were counting on also. Have you heard anymore about what we will get for the DHS party? Like I mentioned previously, my granddaughter was so looking forward to being a pirate at said party.
I'm still trying to break the 45 min. mark. Wish me luck today.

 

[nkkilala]

Annette I know how you feel. I cannot believe they cancelled the party!

Gretchen how did you do last night? Did you break the 45 minute mark?

I did my week 5 last night and am right on the 15 minute mile pace. I hope to start getting under it next week!


Have a great day everyone!

 

[Sandy321]

Gretchen Luck - that and perserverance - YOU CAN DO IT!

Magix WTG on your 3rd 5K WOOHOO!! I need to find one to enter - I'm just not motivated doing anything when its below zero...

that and my sons treatments have been put on hold till we deal with insurance payments...

Nikki Those pics are cute - I wanted a skirt but they are so dang short - and why cant they put pockts (for ipods, or cameras, or ID???) in women's running gear - I've taken to just buying the guy shorts - they are longer, and have pockets (and are cheap at Target!) I know people wear the compression shorts with the skirts - I love my compression shorts - no chafing problems!

Annette thanks for the Welcome!

I think with Disney its the bottom line problem - like everyone they have a decrease - and I think they realize people are willing to shell out a lot of money for MNSSHP and MVMCP - (I dont think the P&P parties are as well attended) the Halloween Party was $25 when we first went, and I balked at that, and have refused to pay more - its up to $50 and posts on the Theme board indicate its still crowded...

 

[grstink]

OK so I am chipping away at my time second by second. I really pushed myself last night and was very close to the 45 min. mark. So, I felt good that with perseverance (thanks Sandy), I will get there by March. I walked (at the mall) with my daughter this morning, and she was impressed with my progress and my quickness of step. All is going well; I hope the same for all of you.

 

[Magix]

Nikki & Gretchen - Sounds like you're both doing great!! Way to go!

I'd NEVER wear a running skirt. Blech... just wouldn't look good on me. I'll stick to long sweatpants (plus, it gives me pockets that way). I do wear compression shorts underneath my sweatpants. They really make a difference.

 

[nkkilala]

I didn't think I would like a skirt either but I have a problem with my thighs.... they are just TOO fat and compression shorts just make them look bigger.

The nice thing about the skirt is that is has compression shorts (WITH POCKETS!) underneath and the skirt covers up my chubby thighs! Win Win for me!

 

[Sandy321]

Nikki you are a good salesperson!! I know in '08 I saw quite a few "pooh" sized women wearing them, and I know I looked at them, but - my size ..

I'm in a dead zone.

I hate to add that tomorrow is my birthday, and I havent done a thing! We're back at home and seem to be in a limbo - lots of money woes with insurance etc... so I just want to curl up...

 

[nkkilala]

Sandy,

I'm sorry that things aren't going too peachy! Just remember that tomorrow is another day!

I know the skirt running isn't for everyone! I was just stating some facts.......and yeah I'm bias!

Here is my latest Skirt purchase. I think I like it the most! It will work great if it is chilly in the AM. I'm going to try it out tomorrow outside!!! (it is actually 50 degrees out right now!!!)

It actually makes it look like I have a butt!!

 

[grstink]

Sandy, I hope you have a great birthday and it brings all the best to you for the coming year. I like to think that every cloud has a silver lining and I hope things begin to look up for you.

Nikki, I am anxious to hear how your new purchase pans out. I think capri/skirt combo looks nice.

I got my compression capris and gave them a try. I DO NOT like them at all. They are going back asap. Well, not sure now what I'll be wearing for the 5K; probably my old, comfy reliables.

Not too much longer now

 

[nkkilala]

I got to run OUTSIDE today!!! It was great!!


I did 2.8 miles in 35 minutes, better than ANY of my Tread Mill runs!

I used my new Skirt with Capris! They were awesome!!! I had a little trouble at first, lets just say they kept sliding down. I was able to re-adjust and it felt WONDERFUL the rest of the run!


How did everyone do this weekend?

 

[Sandy321]

WTG Nikki

Thanks Nikki and Gretchen!

Well today I walked - a lot - and fast...

DS wants to transfer to UIC in chicago so he asked me to go with him - we take a train to Chicago and a bus to UIC - then we walked (he has long legs and it was chilly out this am! well windy in the city - only chilly because I didnt have a hat on!! Once we got inside I was hot) so we did 4 - 20ish min walks then 1 30ish min walk - from bus to bus - at a good clip - so it counts!! ( I meant to take my pedometer with me drats!) I'm going to figure out where that google pedometer map thingy is!! Then there was the 'run' in the train station!! that was a cool down!! I just pray for money - that all will be well...

 

[Sandy321]

Took advantage of the 60 degree Chicago weather and did 1 1 /2 mile

I hate running - its boring - and that's with my ipod... after about 5 min I'm like, ok, now what?