Johnsosa, I have noticed as I look at the results from some of the events that I'm planning to participate in, those that have age divisions are likely to offer a very wide open field for us females of a certain age.  I think I am my own harshest ridiculer, but at least, so far, nobody has laughed at me to my face.  And anyway, you're right, we run for our health and really I think, for ourselves, not for others.

I went out and bought real running shoes today.  While I was getting fitted (!) there was a Mom in the store along with two young women, and the young women were getting fitted.  I caught a glimpse of one of them running on the treadmill for that part of the fitting, and I envied her graceful form.  I'm not there (yet/any more?).  But running makes me feel good, is good for my health, and I'm finding more and more that lots of us "old people" are not sooooo old that we can't move!!

Keep on running!  What a great group we have.  We can learn lots about life, the universe, and everything, from running, it seems!

I am noticing just how much of a mental activity it is.  I THINK I am tired, but I try changing my mental self-talk, going through a ChiRunning style relaxation of my body, think "form," and find I am NOT so tired.  Amazing.  Weird.  Kind of a source of some pride -- that I am beginning to be able to run through that initial "I can't" feeling!

Linda

Donna- I forgot to mention congratulations on your long run. The 4.5 mile distance is a first for me too.

Hi All! Is it too late to join the Penguin Party?  I'm a slow runner too. I'm on W5 of C25K program. I'm off my original schedule by a little bit because I tweaked my back and had to rest for three days.

I've been overweight most of my life. The only time that I was ever at a normal weight for more then a year was when I was running in college. I used to run around the campus lake at Southern Illinois University every day. I was doing strength training 3 times a week as well. I've been up and down the scale by a hundred pounds or more at least 4 times. My lowest weight in the last 15 years was 225. In 2006 I went from 294 down to 225. As always, I lose focus and the weight comes back on. At the end if 2006 I got engaged and all my attention turned to the upcoming nuptials in February of 2007. I had gained back 20lbs in a few short months. I managed to maintain that weight until my Mom got sick and past away near the end of 2007. Since that time I climbed back up to 297 or more. This past Christmas I noticed that every single one of my siblings has put on 50lbs since my mother died. That was so sad to see. I vowed that as of January of 2010 I would do everything I could to get my health back and be a good example for my brother and sisters.

I quite smoking as of 01/01/10. I joined Curves so I could get some exercise and lose weight. The hip problem I was having for months started getting worse. I thought it was because I was so heavy. I didn't see a doctor about it until I ended up in the ER in March. It turned out that two of my disks are degenerating in my lower back and pressing on my sciatic nerve bundle. I had two injections in my spine to help block the pain so I could do physical therapy. In April I swallowed my pride and asked my primary care doctor to help me with weight loss. I knew all the weight I carry can't be helping my back. He's been so wonderful.

I started a new way of eating that I can live with. I've known all along that I over eat from stress, happiness, depression, tradition...any and all reasons. I was a member of Over Eaters Anon and became obsessive about food and exercise. I can pretty much get OC about anything. Anyway, but what I like to think is divine intervention from my mother, my husband got an email from his boss about him participating in the Gasparilla Distance Classic 5k walk in February 2011. His company does this every year to promote health and fitness at his company. The email from her was telling everyone that registration was open for this event as of July 1st. He read the email to me and I told him to count me in too. When I saw my doctor that very same week, I asked if it was ok to start training to do the 5k. He beamed and said certainly.

Then I found this community and the C25K program. We went to the running store the Saturday before we started the program and got new running shoes and socks. I was thrilled that my husband said he'd do it with me. We started on Monday, July 12th and haven't looked back since.

I can't even begin to tell you how different my life is since I started running again. Yes, I have pain, but it doesn't bother me. It makes me feel like I'm doing something besides letting my body and mind go to waste in front of the TV. I'm happier at work. My stress levels are waaaaaaaaay down. I have energy to spare. The list is endless. I enjoy it so much that I think about my next run constantly.

I've been able to take off 44lbs. I no longer obsess about what the scale says. If I eat clean and keep running, my body will get to goal weight all by itself. I don't care if it takes a year or more. I'm not in a huge hurry.

And yes, I run slow. I could probably walk faster. As the weight comes off, my speed will pick up. My goal for my first 5k is to cross the finish line and see the looks on my brother and sisters faces and hopefully give them some kind of inspiration to do something for themselves and help them to see if I can do it, they can too.

I'm signed up for 4 races so far. I plan on doing one per month until I am no longer able to run.

Thanks for listening

Dee