Test

slomo I am with you there on the weight loss. I bounce from 188 to 193. depending on what day it is or what time weigh... I have been put on a high fiber diet. not working either.... tried to stop drinking the pop I have been very good with that mostly I dont like the sugar hangover I get with it. so any other thoughts would be great... as for as speed goes it is about the same I think I havnt done a 5k for time since last september that was a pr so I getting faster I think. we will see this weekend. I have a race for st. pattys day then another 7 miles to do. I do have get my speed up. but at the same time I am enjoying my run time I know it will come with time.

I also plateaued 20 pounds from my goal.   GRRRRRR   I have tried virtually everything from carb cycling to eating less to eating more, etc.  I lost 80 pounds and just stopped.   That was a year ago and I'm still at this same point.  But I haven't let the number define me (although I do get grumpy about it) and I continue my running, healthy eating, etc.

I also am not horribly fast at running.  Running is a very personal thing.  Some people run fast, some don't.   I can do a 5K at about 12:30 but to go longer distances, I'm at about 13-14 minutes.   I also don't let that bother me.   I like going 7-8 miles at a time and my short distance now is usually 5.   I haven't gotten a lot faster.  Most say to get faster you have to do a lot of speed intervals, etc.   So, anyway, I'm just like you.   I can't seem to get you advice on how to improve but at least you aren't the only one out there.    There is nothing wrong with being slower, really - it is all relative. 

But, keep running and keep eating healthy and don't let either of those things change your attitude to running and being healthy!  

Hi all!

I too was not getting updates - I sure do now! I am still running as well, but got really sick in Jan and am still dealing with worse asthma, which means getting my wind back, so to speak.

I'm so bummed to see everyone's run times - you all say you are slow and while I have improved a lot since I first started C25K, I am still really slow compared to everyone else.

I'm still moving though!!

Take care all!

Wow! Haven't seen the board this active in a long while!! lol!

MelissaGraham7 - Congrats on your sky diving experience!! Since I have somewhat of a fear of heights/flying I just don't see that as being something on my own bucket list, lol!! I totally can understand your view of how running can change our perspective on things. I can't say that I "love" the actual running but I do at least enjoy it for the sheer enjoyment of being outside plus all the things you listed and more. 

Scotty67 - I would love to have you pace! lol! I'm currently at about 11:30-13:00 pace on race days and most training days (just started speedwork once a week) at about 12:30-14:00. I made my 2012 race schedule in late 2011 but have changed it multiple times since. What's on my blog now is bare bones races, I actually have a spreadsheet of about 35 races (most weekend double HMs) as I'm trying to move up in the Half Fantics levels. I think I'll be able to pull off at least 20/23 HMs in 20 states in 365 days but money and travel will be limiting factors. I'm also trying to do at least 4 fulls this year. I've already got a 2013 race schedule made up AND a partial 2014 schedule (Jan - June, I believe). LOL!!

Ogr44 - I hope you had a good winter! How'd your race go?

SloMo2, Wayna72, MelissaGraham7 & MoonlightCellist - I, like others, am there with you on the plateau. I'm about 15# from my goal. I've done a couple of months of the South Beach Diet in the past (before I was running) but I don't want to limit my diet that severely during training. I need to add some additional cross training (currently doing Aqua Zumba and yoga) and hopefully that'll help burn a little more fat. I need to find something because I'd like to have to weight off by late June for a class reunion. Other than that I know I need to cut the Pepsi from my diet...started again after my first half in January and haven't been able to kick the habit again yet. I'm going to also cut the sugar and white flour out as much as possible. Hopefully that'll help kick start things. Add a day of speedwork if you're not doing it already but don't worry what others tell you you should be doing. You're the only one that can judge that and speed with come with time...that's what I keep telling myself! lol! Remember, speed is all relative...what's comfortable to us may be slow to others. I myself would rather enjoy the experience and finish without collapsing at the finish line...if a PR happens then great! If I place in my division that's great! But as long as I finish whether first or last I've done what I set out to do! What's that Penguin saying?  "Yeah, I'm slow. Get over it!"

scottdeclan - You posted the same thing as SloMo2...are you one in the same?

amsparky & PhotoChyck - Sorry to hear about your illness/injury. Be sure to allow yourselves time to heal completely and prevent re-injury/worsening of symptoms. I say that, yet I got a cold last month 2 weeks before my second half and was barely starting to improve when I went ahead and ran the half. Not the best choice. I still have a lingering cough but I think it's more related to allergies and post nasal drip than anything else. I hope you are both able to get on the road/treadmill at pretty close to 100% very soon.

Well all, I have another race the AZ Distance Classic in 10 days in Tucson, then a double (Sat/Sun) half marathons the following weekend in TX (Bloodgusher HM in Midland) & OK (A2A HM in Ardmore). It'll be my first double so I'm curious how I'll do...if I'll be able to run/walk both or just run the first and walk the second. I'm trying to move up the Half Fanatics ladder and have set a minimum goal of 20 half marathons in 20 states in 365 days (beginning the count on 3/25 at the AZ race). Goal for the races...1st - to finish and 2nd - don't injure myself...primarily the IT band as my concern. I have doubles on the schedule (registration not yet paid) for all but one weekend in April and 2 weekends in May...I'll decide to register for them after I see how I survive this first double. In my head I keep telling myself that this is a good way to ease into marathon training...right? Of course $$, lodging, price of gas, travel time are all factoring into my choices for races and the $$ will be the limiting factor as to whether or not these races/this goal happens.

Run happy, run safe everyone!!

Slo Mo....have you heard about the "color" run in KC in early July? It looks like a LOT of fun...volunteers douse you in dry paint while you're running. I hear they added a 2nd day to it b/c of so many registrants.

Are you up to hm yet? I"m running in Chicago on Sept 9th...there's still openings, but the price is going up more frequently. I hope all is well!

The Conster

Ran 3 miles last night.  Love running at night.

Hi Everyone...I was just wondering if anyone is going to be at the following races in the next month. If you are going and would like to meet up, just let me know!

3/25 - AZ Distance Classic, Tucson

3/31 - The Bloodgusher, Midland, TX

4/1 - A2A HM, Ardmore, OK

4/14 - Southern Indiana Classic, Evansville

4/15 - Go! St. Louis HM

4/21 - New Mexico Centennial HM, Lovington/Hobbs

4/29 - Oklahoma City Memorial HM, OKC, OK (still debating on this one)