Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

[ShannonK]

Good afternoon, I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Shannon and I have been getting a lot of encouragement from this board, but I have never really posted too much and I have never introduced myself. Two years ago, I lost twenty pounds on Atkins and reached goal weight within a couple of months. I became overly confident, Christmas came, and you know what happened. Anyway, here I am again. I have pushed through induction, lost seven pounds and am holding steady. Today, I feel like I could use some friends and encouragement from you all. After the first weeks loss, I feel like I have stalled. My pants are fitting looser, though, so I know I am on the right track. I also starting running about five weeks ago and I have actually stuck to it. I am 36 years old and never imagined myself as a runner. Now, you should see me! Anyway, thanks in advance for the welcome and thanks to Finelly for sending me to this board. I have read through the threads and you guys are exactly what I need!
shannon

[Finelly]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Welcome, Shannon!!!!!!!!

This is exactly the right place for you to be.....toldja so, toljda so!!!! <grin>

I'm interested in the running thing. I ran for about 2 years many, many (we will not say how many, ok?) years ago and loved it. I have been thinking about using the coolrunning website's "couch to 5k" plan to start again, but I'm conflicted. I hate that I can do 45 min of cardio no problem at the gym, but if I try to run I feel as heavy as an elephant and get out of breath so fast! Can you give some words of advice here?

We're in the middle of a "Tape measure challenge" in which we took our measurements last Tuesday and are gonna remeasure a week from tomorrow. You could join in the middle or start a new one, as we have several newbies who would probably join. I find that the inches come off so much faster than the pounds, it is a big motivator. I personally haven't weighed yet, because I just do not want to know what the scale says......lol

Anyway, welcome aboard, and keep checking in!

[ShannonK]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.









I am including the plan that I am using. I am on week five! After I ran the first week, I went home and cried. It was so, so hard. I didn't think I could ever do it. Now, I can run eight minutes straight, three times. For me, that is so huge! It started for me when my husband (who is active duty Army) said he was going to run a the Army Ten Miler in Washington D.C. and would I like to come and watch? He had the best of intentions, but I was so offended that I was only invited to "watch". It never occured to him that I might take up running that very day. Now, five weeks into it, I don't think I would like to do that run, but I would love, love, love to work up to 30 minutes a day.



And yes, I will measure today! How to Build a Base for Marathon Training
Before starting marathon training, you should be at a certain level of physical fitness and running experience. If you're starting from scratch, this 10-week regimen is for you.







Steps:

1.

Plan to exercise four days a week for 10 weeks.

2.

Begin each session with 10 to 15 minutes of stretching, and end each session with a 10-minute walk followed by more stretching.

3.

Take on week one. Walk 10 minutes. Jog 2 to 3 minutes. Walk 4 minutes. Repeat five times each session.

4.

Get into it with week two. Walk 10 minutes. Jog 3 minutes. Walk 3 minutes. Repeat five times each session.

5.

Settle into week three. Walk 5 to 10 minutes. Jog 5 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Repeat four times each session.

6.

Keep it going into week four. Walk 5 minutes. Run 7 minutes. Walk 3 minutes. Repeat three times each session.

7.

Stay on a roll in week five. Walk 5 minutes. Run 8 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Repeat three times each session.

8.

Pat yourself on the back for being halfway there as you enter week six. Walk 3 to 5 minutes. Run 9 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Repeat three times each session.

9.

Recognize your growing stamina in week seven. Walk 3 to 5 minutes. Run 9 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Repeat three times each session.

10.

Feel good about yourself as you confront week eight. Walk 3 to 5 minutes. Run 13 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Repeat twice each session.

11.

Visualize the end of your first goal as you begin week nine. Walk 3 minutes. Run 14 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this twice each session.

12.

Congratulate yourself for your accomplishment in week 10. Walk 3 minutes. Run 30 minutes without stopping.







Tips:



After the 10th week, begin working on building mileage and going for longer runs.





Run at a pace that allows you to carry on a conversation.

[ShannonK]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Um, gee, I sure am sorry that it posted like that. Please don't kick me off your board.

[Finelly]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

lol, you have to do WAY more than that to get kicked off the board. Like try to force us to eat cake or something!

[californiacasey]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Hey, sending some encouragement your way. I am on day seven of one of many induction cycles since January. I know it gets hard to stay focused, but you can do this!!!! You've already lost 7 pounds. Keep posting and go back and re-read DANDR! That helps me stay on track.

You can do this Shannon!

[ShannonK]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Nope, I wouldn't dare try to get you to eat cake. My son had a birthday yesterday and we had cake and everything. I didn't touch it. I didn't even think about it! I was pretty proud. Thanks for the encouragement CA Casey. I see you are going to Hawaii in 5 months and 1 week, not that you are counting. I used to live there. I love Hawaii in the wintertime, too. My husband surfed and that was when the northshore waves were huge! Which island are you going to?

[Terry]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Hi Shannon! Congrats on the running. That is a huge accomplishment and something to be really proud of!

Welcome to STAC!

[Sarah1341]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Hi Shannon!! Congrats on your success with the running and your loss!!!

[MorningGlory]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Hi there, I'm new too Shannon. I also followed the Couch to 5K plan on the Cool Running site and had amazing success. Until I sprained my ankle. But, I would highly recommend that plan and sticking to it. Three weeks into it I could march up all kinds of steep trails without having to stop and catch my breath. This past winter I had major back problems so am a little afraid to run, but I may try again. I loved running.
Great job with the 7 lb loss too!

[ShannonK]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

I am loving the plan, too. I have had terrible sprains in the past, so I know how you feel. It definitely stops you in your tracks for a long time. I hate to say that I am having a set back. I live in Florida and it has turned awfully hot. I don't like to run in the evenings anymore and that leaves me with 5:00 a.m. I know I have to do it, but I keep trying and I am so sleepy! I know what I would tell my kids.
shannon

[texwife&mom]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

hi!!! I am a 5 miles @ 5am er- In Texas in July any other time is suicide!!! Check out the exercise forum. There is no better time to run, you will feel awesome for the rest of the day!!!

[ShannonK]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

You are smokin' hot! Literally. Wow. I am truly impressed. I just have to get up and go. I know that I do. I am going to do it tomorrow! I really am. You have lost 25 lbs! Good for you. You are an inspiration!

[texwife&mom]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Awe, shucks. Thanks. You hang in there. I am having a struggle with the scale at the moment as well. Just keep reminding yourself that the muscle you are putting on just happens to weigh more than the fat you are taking off at the moment!!! One of life's little jokes.

[Desertthorn]

Re: Hi, I'm new! Day 21, 2nd time.

Hummmmm cake.
Welcome Shannon, the board owner is a marathon runner so if you need any support or advice, Im sure he would help. Great post.