Congrats to everyone at the Dino Series Trail Run at Eagle Creek yesterday (Saturday 3/9)!! You survived LOTS of mud and an icy section that was a uncomfortably close to a 15 foot drop into the reservoir. So much fun! Congrat to the DINO team too!!

I was so bummed that they scheduled the Eagle Creek run against the Mini training series 10K, which I had signed up for first. Last few years I was able to do both.

Oh, well. Where's the next one, Anderson? Maybe I can make that.

Question about running! I have attempted it quite a few times but just get so discouraged. I was 308 lbs back in August when I decided to change my lifestyle. Right now I am down to 254. I feel like I still have too much extra weight to run like I would love to do. Does anyone else have this problem or have any advice? Does the C25K really work? Help!!

Congrats on your losses so far! That's great!!

I started running when I was around 220. It was tough. Moving that much extra weight put a lot of strain on me, not to mention the extra momentum it took just to "go". I'm at 181 now, and it's much easier. I regularly run 3-4 miles at a time. But, it wasn't till I got to about 190 that it started being so much easier.

My first suggestion would be to get the right shoes. Get fitted at a running store. When I started, I needed stability shoes because of my size. I ran in Brooks Adrenalines. They really helped my joints and the knee pain I was having. But, you need the right shoes for you. Definitely get fitted.

I didn't do C25K, but I wish I had - I think it would have helped me a lot. It probably wouldn't hurt to try it. And if you have to repeat a few weeks, feel free to do so. Just remember - whether you're doing a 7 minute mile or a 14 minute mile, you're still lapping everyone on the couch!!

The biggest thing that kept me going was signing up for races. I started with the 5K at the Mini Marathon, but I've done several others in Indy. There are always a variety of people running.....fierce competitors, older runners, heavy runners, walkers, men, women, etc. It's pretty inspiring to see everyone just get out there and give it their best. So, I would definitely encourage you to sign up for a race!

Question about running! I have attempted it quite a few times but just get so discouraged. I was 308 lbs back in August when I decided to change my lifestyle. Right now I am down to 254. I feel like I still have too much extra weight to run like I would love to do. Does anyone else have this problem or have any advice? Does the C25K really work? Help!!

Congratulations! I know it can be very discouraging. I had both emotional and physical barriers that I had to get past. I was 300 pounds (now 220) when I started walking/running. I remember the first few times at the gym I was very self conscious and stressed myself out. My solution was to start walking/running in a very secluded part of the wildlife refuge that I was fortunate to live close to. That's probably not a good idea for anyone nervous about creepy guys in vans (I did see a few) or snakes and bugs. However, it gave me enough psychological space to heal my self-esteem and realize no one really gave a sh** about the red-faced guy on the treadmill next to them. Then I went back to the gym. However, I needed to start out privately.

Physically, I started by deciding to walk in 3 mile (5k) sections. The pond that I walked around was 3 miles according to the park map. I would always start at the same place and pick an arbitrary object (duck) some distance away and try to run to it. If I made it I would be happy and walk the rest of the way. If not, I would choose a closer landmark and try again. The next day I would pick an even further object (oak tree) and try to run to it. Over the course of about 6 months I realized I could run the entire 3 miles. It was pretty slow running but I was still running!

When I went to the gym on bad weather days I did the same thing except I tried to pick an equivalent distance on the treadmill and try to run that much and walk the rest. If I was running 1/3 way around the 3 mile park loop I would try to run one mile on the treadmill and walk the rest.

A series of small goals meant a series of small victories. Once that clicked there was no stopping me. Now I am up to 15 to 18 miles on my long runs.

Lastly, I have to emphatically agree and emphasize what LoraF83 says about SHOES. Without my specific type of shoe I cannot run a single mile. I have tried other shoes and simply cannot do it. It hurts too much. Go to a running store like the Blue Mile and NOT Foot Locker. They typically do not know much about neutral/pronating/supinating/heel strike/etc. The Blue Mile in Greenwood will walk you on a treadmill and check your stride/arch to see which shoe you need. They are super nice and supportive people.

Have no doubts that you will do it. We all know you will. It just may take a little longer than you had planned.

See you out there.

Thank you very much! I can't wait to be running 15 to 18 miles!

There is an Electric Run on October 5th at the State Fairgrounds... www.electricrun.com I just signed up this weekend. Time to start my C25K!

A series of small goals meant a series of small victories. Once that clicked there was no stopping me. Now I am up to 15 to 18 miles on my long runs.

Lastly, I have to emphatically agree and emphasize what LoraF83 says about SHOES. Without my specific type of shoe I cannot run a single mile. I have tried other shoes and simply cannot do it. It hurts too much. Go to a running store like the Blue Mile and NOT Foot Locker. They typically do not know much about neutral/pronating/supinating/heel strike/etc. The Blue Mile in Greenwood will walk you on a treadmill and check your stride/arch to see which shoe you need. They are super nice and supportive people.

Have no doubts that you will do it. We all know you will. It just may take a little longer than you had planned.

See you out there.

Totally agree! Shoes make all the difference. I had to wear men's shoes when running. And I still rarely find women's athletic shoes that fit right (except in the ankle). I never would have tried a men's shoe had it not been for a "real" running shoe store.

For all those who are interested in the May 25th Color In Motion race, Groupon has a half-off registration fee offer right now. It's only on there for one more day, and it takes the entry fee from $50 to $25.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up!

Hello, I'm a newbie to this group. Just saw this thread and wanted to see if anyone is doing the Talk Walk on Sat at Ft Ben or the Best Buddies Walk on Sun downtown. I've signed up for both. If anyone is interested let me know, I would welcome a walking buddy.

Here are a couple of cool runs coming up at the beginning of October..


Wine at the Line - Mallow Run winery:
http://mallowrun.com/wine-at-the-line/

A nice looking zombie run:
http://www.thezombierun.com/location/indianapolis/

Zombie run looks pretty cool. Anyone else going?