Need some encouragement re pace

[zacno]

I signed up for the 1/2 back in March but then just never gave it another thought. I did this a few years back and never went due to a whole bunch of stuff that got in the way. I lurk on the board all the time, but guess I'm just afraid of failing, so I never let myself get started.
I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and realized that I am failing by not doing anything. So I made the resort reservation and started walking for 30 minutes everyday for the past week. I am going to be there. I do need to lose 100 lbs overall ( I know this will not happen before January). I'm trying to lose as much as possible by then though. I'm worried about the 16 min mile pace, right now I'm no where close to that. As I lose weight will my pace naturally get faster due to weighing less? Between that and training I'm hoping I'll get below 16 before Jan. It doesn't help I'm only 5"1.
Was wondering if anyone started where I'm at with only 5 months to go and how they did. Any advice/encouragement would be great!

 

[runprincess_run]

A penguin buddy!! It sounds like our paces may be somewhat similar. I'm 5'1 too even! I spent the last week walking and my time was right around 20 minutes a mile. Way too long for the cutoff, I know, and it scared me too. I have a bit longer than you to train (Princess rather than the regular 1/2) but am worried about my time as well.

I do know that your pace does naturally increase as you become more fit and race day will make a difference just because you are pumped with adrenaline. At least that's how it worked for me on the only other distance race I've done.

I don't have advice to give but I did want to drop in and let you know that you aren't alone and I'm happy to stop by and encourage you whenever you need it.

 

[chimera]

Sorry to hear about the diabetes diagnosis. You're doing a great thing for yourself and your family by training for the half! I started training a few years ago when my blood sugar crept into the prediabetes range. I started at about a 22 min pace one year before the half in 2006 and was able to finish it with time to spare.

Your pace will increase with weight loss. It will also increase as you increase your mileage. Have you checked out Marathoning for Mortals? Great training plans to get you through the half. Just keep putting in the steps. You'll have a whole team to walk with in Jan!

 

[Steffwalks]

Welcome to Wish!

Mel put it well. We have all started somewhere, the thing is to start! Beat the diabetes and lose the weight and the rest will come.

 

[Sabeking]

Go Zacno Go!!! When I trained for my first half 5 months prior to the race I had never walked much less run before that. Granted my weight situation was different but losing only the 15lbs I needed to lose made a huge difference! As another poster said; just keep increasing that distance. This helps build the endurance. I always tell others I'm the turtle not the rabbit but who finished it in the end??? Ex..Two boys in high school went with us on a family vacation, they started training for football that will start in August. I asked if I could join them on their run. They snickered and said "sure." I'm 42; not dead! So they took off like a bat of of he**. They were walking at mile one. I ran 3 and they met me back at the house 45 minutes later. I am not a fast runner but I am consistent. This all came from training! You can absolutely do this!!! Try doing some short sprints twice a week. This may mean 30 seconds of really fast walking for you then 2 minutes of a normal pace. See if you can find other boards too for more support with diabetes and exercising! I wish you well and good health!!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Glad you've come out of lurkdom! You will certainly find it easier to train when you've begun posting about your journey! It helps to encourage others and keep yourself accountable.

You do whatever you can to get moving. Putting in those steps and challenging yourself is what the training is all about. I too will recommend Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham. You will find much of what you need there.

Do check in to let us know of your progress. On the days you are not putting in those steps it is important to work at getting those muscles stronger. It will not feel pleasant as you go through this lifestyle change. I found it brutal when we first began training for our first WISH event back in 2005. The key is to keep plugging away at it. Things will get better and you will be amazed at how good you feel about the whole transformation!

Enjoy the journey and please share it with us.

 

[zacno]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am currently reading MFM. I read it once a few years ago but definitely need a refresher. I'm trying not to think too far into the future, just getting each days walk done. It would be great to have a walking buddy but unfortunately there is no one I know who is interested. My hubby is a great support but due to knee problems is not able to walk w/ me. It's nice to be able to check in and share, I'm going to join one of the running/walking threads.
Take care, Lisa

 

[chimera]

Feel free to pop into the monthly thread. We'll likely convert back to weekly once 'official' training starts.

Month of August

 

[queen mimi]

Lisa;

Go for it!! I am a retired, overweight, non-athletic woman with arthritis in both knees who has always wanted to be in a marathon. The problem is, I have never run a day in my life!! Last year, my daughter convinced me to sign up for the princess half marathon as a walker. I printed a training schedule that appealed to me (Hal Higdon), put it on my refrigerator and got started. Being a retired principal, after I did each day's designated workout, I put a sticker on the date. I especially enjoyed the days of rest! My concern was with the time element. I trained from September to March, almost always alone. In the beginning, I was nowhere near a 16 minute mile. Some days were really hard to get going, but there was always that satisfaction from a smiley face sticker!

I finished the Princess in the allotted time, barely!! Well, my daughter and I stopped for every photo op and port-o-let. This year, our strategy is going to be a little bit different - no stops!!

I now do 10 K races. Today, I am registering to do the Air Force 10 K or half marathon next month (still don't know which one to do!). In January, I am doing the half marathon with my daughter who will then do the full marathon on Sunday (she really is Goofy!!)

we'll probably do the Princess Half marathon in March, but are waiting to see how January goes before we sign up. So, my advice is to go for it!! These discussion boards will give you loads of support.

Meg

 

[wtpclc]

Lisa - Yay for havign the COurage to start! Hang in there adn do teh training. Glad you are reading MfM. I had a friedn who was barely oding 16 mpm for a 5K in October adn did Princess with flying colors. Stick with it and you can really surprise yourself!

 

[Sandy321]

I love WISH!

Lisa

I did wog the 1/2 in '08 - (and I too almost lost it, too many stops for photos and portapotties! lol) and I was in better (not good, pretty near bad actually!) shape then - as opposed to now! I started a thread for myself to get the courage to restart!

What weight loss plan are you working on? I just realized that only doing portion control wasnt working too well! I have gained so much since the challenges we faced this year - stress eating! I know I've read people have had good luck with sparkspeople.com...

Good Luck! its a journey that's for sure!