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Encourage Each Other!

guest — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:14:51 GMT

Have any of you heard of "Ben Does Life"? A guy from Arkansas (Ben Davis) started a tumblr account (http://bendoeslife.tumblr.com) to document his progress in losing weight (he's lost over 100lbs since he started) and living life. If you haven't heard of it, you should definitely check it out! It's truly an inspiration. I started to wonder if something like that would work as a group effort. Like multiple people watching the progress of others, motivating each other, etc... I've seen tons of people motivating/encouraging each other in the 200+ topic here but it's fairly hard to keep up with it (and each person's progress).

I don't know about you guys but I'm tired of starting to run, quitting, starting to run, quitting, etc... I'm tired of being ashamed of my weight. Most of all, I'm tired of seeing/hearing about other people that are in the same situation. Let's band together, document our progress, motivate each other, and start doing life! I have started a tumblr account too. You can find it at:

http://nathanloses.tumblr.com

Please don't mistake this as a plea for popularity, followers, or site hits. I couldn't care less about that. This is about motivation for myself and people in the same situation as me.

If you're in the same boat, join in! You don't necessarily have to create a tumblr and all of that (if you do, let me know and I will follow you!). Just post in this topic! Don't be ashamed to put yourself out there. Anyone that would ridicule you for trying to make such a big change in your life clearly needs to make a big change in their own. Let's keep each other motivated!

Happy Running!

Re: 200+ Pound Club!

guest — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:25:38 GMT

After some pretty significant shin pain, I had once again given up. I quit checking this forum, quit running, etc... I'm finally able to run again now and I'm training for my first 5K (schedule for Oct 30). I can't wait!

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:44:58 GMT

SPI 64: Glad to have you aboard! Starting is definitely the hardest part haha. I know that C25K recommends waiting a day between runs (which leaves an extra day every week). I would recommend, however, using that extra day for an "extra run". I had originally decided to go with a Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday running schedule. The first week went fine... but Week 2 Day 1 was absolutely awful. I'm going to start doing each week's run 4 times per week (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday). That way I still have a day of rest before starting the new week's challenge but I haven't take two days of rest prior to starting a new week. Might be something to consider! Glad to see so many people joining in!

Edit: Lisa; Compression shorts are, indeed, spandex-like shorts. They're really great for wicking sweat and reducing chaffing.

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:23:25 GMT

Lisa: Good luck starting out tomorrow! If you're new to running, the best advice that I can give you is get good running shoes, running socks, and compression shorts. Until recently I'd tried to start running many many times and always gave up due to foot pain, shin splints, or chaffing. I've finally got the right combination going and it's great!

If you've never bought running shoes, I'd highly recommend going to a specialty running store. They will look at your feet and help you decide which shoes are right for you (my local "Fleet Feet" had me run barefoot on a treadmill and noticed that I'm an overpronator). The specialty stores really have the know-how more than you or I would and their not really any more expensive than a regular shoe store (I got my Asics for $100).

Running socks, on the other hand, are expensive but are well worth the price. I have two pairs that I bought for $9 each. I found a two pack of Asic running socks for $14 at Dick's Sporting Goods last week. They work pretty well too. Running socks also make a big difference (as they have cushioning in the right places and wick sweat away from the body to prevent blisters etc...).

Compression shorts seem to go both ways. I have two pairs of compression shorts that I bought at Wal-Mart ($10.00 each). I normally wear a 38-40 waist in jeans. The first pair that I bought was an XL (40-42 waist). They fit me quite well (tight of course) but the crotch area was a little too big (which caused even more chaffing). I picked up a second pair (large 34-38 waist) and they're perfect. Long story short: buy them a size smaller than you think you should.

I look ridiculous in compression shorts... so I wear regular running shorts over them. I've been thinking about getting a compression tank-top as well to wear under my T-shirts (I just wear a regular T-shirt right now). I might get one next week to try out.

Hope this helps! Once again, good luck everyone! =P

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:56:25 GMT

Here's how I like to think about the pain.

http://www.inperspire.com/Motivational-gym-towel-Pain-is-weakness-leaving-p/twl004.htm

By the way, I'm totally buying that towel =P

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:10:00 GMT

Just got back from my first week 2 run. Boy was that interesting. I finished week 1 on Thursday and had Friday and Saturday off from running. I think that was a terrible idea. My legs did NOT want to move. By the second half I was struggling just to keep going. I made it though. This was probably my hardest run yet. Interestingly I wasn't running out of air as much this time (I attribute that to quitting smoking haha. I'm approaching 1 week or being smoke free!). My legs were just in tremendous pain. I'm going to have to try some different stretches prior to running I guess.

I'll probably join sparkpeople too. Seems like a cool place!

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:57:54 GMT

Kathy: I noticed something in your post. Are you running every day? If so, you should definitely take a day off between runs especially when starting. I know sometimes it's hard to do, since a day of rest doesn't feel like it's helping with the weight loss/getting in shape, but it really is. If you go full force and run every day (especially while having hip pain/discomfort) you're just going to get burned out or end up with an early injury. On one of your "resting days" if you feel energetic, just go for a walk. You can never take a break from walking

I start week 2 of C25K on Sunday morning. I'm pretty excited (since week 1 was getting pretty stale). Just figured I'd throw this out there, are any of you guys using PodRunner intervals? Podrunner intervals follows C25K and makes the experience so much more enjoyable. http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I'm not weighing myself. You will gain weight at first (or at least maintain your current weight) in most cases. When you're new to exercise (and start exercising) your body requires more fuel. You'll feel more hungry and probably eat more (combined with gaining muscle, water retention, etc...). The key is learning to eat the right things. Once you've built up to being able to burn 500+ calories per workout (and adjusted your diet), you should notice the weight dropping steadily. In the past, I've lost around 5 lbs per week just by adjusting diet and exercising 3-5 times per week. I wish I could just continue following the diet haha.

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:22:19 GMT

When I ran in the past, I had the same problem as cuppycakegirl. For some reason, I don't have that problem at all anymore. I actually look forward to my runs. My running days are Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I actually ran today (Wednesday) too. I was in a bad mood (car problems & money haha) and all I felt like doing was running. It really helped. I was in a much better mood. I'm about to start Week two of C25K. I decided to do week 1 a few extra times since I haven't been running at all for the past year or two. I ran Week 1 Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Going to do it again tomorrow then, on Sunday, my week 2 begins!

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:39:36 GMT

I think it's a great idea for all of us to team up and encourage each other!

I got my second run in this morning. It was much easier than the first. I probably could've kept going but I figured I'd follow the directions and not overdo it =P

Re: 200+ lbs and Starting C25K on July 18, 2010

guest — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:15:16 GMT

Good luck with your first run. I just started C25K (Using Podrunner Intervals by DJ Beatsmith) yesterday (July 16). My story's pretty similar to yours. I used to weigh 200-210 and felt/looked great. In the past 5 years or so, I've gained a lot. At the most, I weighted 280. I've recently dropped down to 250-260ish. My goal is to be 200 by Christmas. I'm working on adjusting my diet as well... that part's a bit more difficult haha.

Good Luck! I'll be running with you tomorrow =P