Introduce yourself

Tammywoo50

Hello everyone!

My name is Tammy, I am 50 years old and live in Kentucky. I am now on my third round of losing 100 lbs. I did so back in my late teens and again in my 30's. Now I find myself back to that much dreaded number and believe me, having an extra 100 lbs when your young is a whole lot different than carrying it when your older.

At one point about 6 years ago, I started doing 5K's, mostly walking but a little jogging and full force I don't want to be the last one crossing the finish line running! I loved it and even got to where I could at least run a mile non-stop. I did about 5 races that year and the weight poured off. First race had to get a XL shirt and the last race got a S.

I am bigger starting out this time and so I am waddling along but I feel something inside of me that needs to run even though my legs really don't want too!

I registered today for my city's Just Lose It contest, top prize is $1000. Much needed motivation!

I look forward to being a part of this group and gleaning your advice and ideas and maybe sharing a bit of humor.

quilteryoyo

Hi Tammy,

The good news is that you know you can do this. You have done it before, so you can do it again! As you know, just start out slowly, so you don't injure yourself. Feel free to add me as a friend, if you'd like. Keep us posted on your progress!

Plemmons84

Hi, I am Samantha. I just turned 47 and I am new to the group and new to running. I started reading "Run Your Butt Off" about a month ago. I have always wanted to be a runner, but for whatever the reason, I have never took to it. Call it bad running technique or whatever. With age creeping up on me, my desire to be a runner is stonger than ever, along with my determination. At a weekend get together with my Old High School buddies, the conversation came up. My friend talked about her running in a half Marathon some years ago was an acomplishment she was proud of and low and behold, one thing led to another and we have agreed to sign up for a Marathon in Nov. Yikes! After a few days, reality and fear has set in. But I really want to do this. I really want to believe I can do this. I am healthy, non-smoker for 4 years now, I exercise usually 3 days a week. Not super fit, but not completely sedentary. But I am not as young as I used to be. I am looking for good advice and moral support. I have 6 months to get ready. Help?

quilteryoyo

Six months is probably long enough. You just need to find a good program that you can follow that doesn't increase your weekly distances too fast. Have you considered Hal Higdon (sp?). He does a run/walk method that may be better since you haven't been running regularly. Are you going to train with your friend? That can be helpful and keep you accountable.

Get a good pair of shoes and get going...slowly at first. Keep us posted and, if you have any questions, maybe we can help. There is also a topic of "How you did this week" on this thread. You can keep us up to date there.

Also, feel free to add me as a friend if you would like. I'm not brave enough to run a marathon, yet, but am doing some 5ks and 4 mile races. I've had a bit of a rough month so far, due to injury and allergies, but am getting back into it.

Good luck!!!

Plemmons84

Thanks for the Advice! I will try the Hal Higdon. I think there is an Iphone app.:flowerforyou:

ZippityDD

Hi, I am a mostly SAHM living in Saudi Arabia. I have 3 children and am looking to become more active, healthy and lighter! The last time I was in shape at all was about 12 years ago- and as I am about to hit 49 and my blood pressure has started to rise I think there is no time like the present to get started. I am really a beginner at this point. We just got a new treadmill so it's time for me to move.

quilteryoyo

Welcome Zippy. Good for you for wanting to get in shape. I ran a 10K one day before I turned 50, but to prove to myself that didn't mean I was over the hill. I was still climbing and getting better. LOL

Running will definitely help lower your blood pressure and help you lose weight. Start slow and keep with it. Let us know if you have any questions and keep us informed on your progress.

Good luck and congratulations on taking the first step. Often, that one is the hardest.

arizona2012

Hello

I have rejoined MFP to loose the weight I have regained since last log on (8 lbs). I am looking for guidance and support while I regroup and turn my walking regime into running. Let me tell you about myself and perhaps one of you could help guide me on my journey to loosing this weigh once and for all!

I have struggled with keeping my weight in check my entire life! I am a 57 year old women who currently works full time as a Director on Nursing at my local community hospital. I am not very active during the course of my work day. My work days are long (9-10 hrs) and are more mentally stressful than physical. Many nights I take home work due the next day.

I am 5 feet tall and weigh 133 lbs. My initial goal is to be 110 lbs again (but I will settle for 115).

I do not have any real health issues other than menopause which has really impacted my ability to loose weight. I take daily vitamins, bioidentical hormone replacements, and a probiotic. I have no food allergies that I am aware of.

Every weekend, I take care of my elder mom for approx 2-6 hours, who resides in an assisted living facility about 40 minutes from my home.

Last fall, I completed my MSN online! Although it was a great accomplishment, I know the sedentary life of a student attributed to my weight gain. I am currently studying for certification in Leadership and management.

My morning routine (at least 5 days/week) includes walking on my treadmill (3.0-3.4mph) for approx 30. I also do a 45 min yoga DVD at least once per week. When I was in my mid to late 20s and early 30s, I ran approx. 1-3 mi/day. I loved to run and enjoyed the natural high it gave me. Unfortunately, I suffered a bulging cervical and lumbar disk from working as a nurse and gave up running. I would like to revisit my ability to run.

Does anyone have any advice for me on an approach to increase my pace from walking to running? What about my caloric intake and percentage of Carbs, protein, and fat be daily?

I would like to see at least 1-2 lb weight loss per week. How often do you suggest I weigh myself. I have been weighing daily only to see me go up and down with the same 3-5 lbs.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thank you

arizona2012

Hello again

I posted an introduction and have not had any contact from any recently experienced joggers or runners with advice.

I would like to know if anyone else has a history of low back problems and what they have done to strengthen their backs to be able to at least fast walk if not jog.

I started to walk on my treadmill a few weeks ago when I joined MFP and after 2 weeks of doing great, I pulled something in my back and now have had sciatic pain.

I want to keep moving so I have continued to walk but cannot do more than approx 3,000-4,000 steps/day. Perhaps I am impatient but if there is any certain yoga moves or stretches that have worked for you, I would like to try them. I have used ice and naproxen (which is what my MD recommended) and it helps me be able to sleep at night.

healthfulnow

Arizona -

Hi, I am Gail (healthfulnow), I am almost 56 y.o. and have been on MFP since January of this year. I have lost 60 lbs - going from 180 lbs to 120 lbs - although my goal weight was 129 lbs. I started my weight loss journey last September by using Weight Watchers online and following their points system. I watched what I ate, decreased my portions , and significantly upped my exercise. I had just been placed on blood pressure meds and have always had back pain (I could cough and throw out my back with pain lasting for weeks). I began my exercise regimen by doing Wii Fit Plus - Basic Steps and some of the other activities, as well as walking more consistently both outside and on the treadmill. Wii Fit Plus also offers yoga activities, strength activities, as well as cardio. As my weight came off , my blood pressure lowered and my back felt better - as well as my restless leg syndrome. Since January I started running 5K distances and signed up for my first race this past April. My body has pretty much transformed through the running. I completed it in a great time and have continued to run although now my body is starting to ache a little more and my time is a little slower. Currently, I am trying to do more strength / core training.

Please feel free to add me - I am also friends with quilteryoyo and other runners - both beginners (like myself) and others more experienced. We try to offer support and encouragement as we journey on this healthier lifestyle in our own courners of the world.

Hope you feel better soon!

SewBethy

I'm Beth from AZ and joined MFP in May, but just found this group today! I'd like to have some runner/walkers (my age-ish) for friends. It'd be great to share tips and running anecdotes.

Arizona2012 I've been loving Jeff Galloway's Run/Walk/Run method. I've signed up for Vence Beach half-marathon, and have found the method's program to be manageable. The best parts are its promotion of walking breaks and its emphasis on enjoying running injury-free. Please add me if you'd like

quilteryoyo

Welcome to AZ and SewBethy! I wish there was more interaction on this thread, but there doesn't seem to be. Maybe we can get it started again. I'd love to have discussions about our running...more detailed that I put on my home page. But, you can both feel free to add me as a friend, if you'd like.

I have been fairly consistently running for about 2 years. I did take about a 3 month break this spring, due to leg injury and my nephew's wedding and other life experiences getting in the way. I am trying to get back into it and am doing pretty good. My Garmin watch stopped working last week, so that has been a bummer for me. I haven't had it long, so I need to call them or something. I just haven't taken the time to do that yet. Anyway, when I was consistent, I had gotten up to running over an hour without stopping. Now, I'm back to the run/walk intervals. I need to get the Jeff Galloway book. I really think I would do better with that. However, one of my goal was to run 30 min non-stop, so I was really happy when I did that last year! It amazes how quickly the fitness level seems to go away and how long it takes to get it back.

Hope to hear from you all soon. Will try to remember to check back here every day.

arizona2012

Hello

Need help and inspiration to make another go at jogging/running!

I am 58 years old and presently have no major health issues. I used to run (approx. 5 or so miles/day, 3-5 days per week in my 20-30's). I have had a history of back problems, one requiring a cervical fusion). I am interested in running to increase my activity in order to loose about 20 lbs.

Is there is anyone interested in joining me on this journey?

quilteryoyo

Arizona2012, I'd love to join you on this journey. I haven't been running consistently since about May and really do need to get back into it, as I have gained back a lot of the weight I lost when I was running. I am a little disgusted with myself, but I know if I did it once, I can do it again,. I would love to be able to run a half marathon in the spring for Relay For Life that is in my area. I have a plan that is supposed to get me there in 20 weeks. I keep meaning to start it, but so far, life has been getting in the way.

I will send you a friend request and hopefully we can support each other as we get going again!

lybarni

Hi all. I’m Linda. I’m 51 and new here and new to running. I am currently doing From Fat To Finish Lines learn to
Run 1mile program. I’m actually starting week 3 but am redoing week 2, I got discouraged after day 1 of week 2 because I couldn’t complete all my intervals. Instead I should’ve been thinking great job at completing 6 of the 8! Would love th join you guys for motivation, support, advice etc.