Obese & Menopausal-- to-- 1/2 Marathon!

On Sunday (Nov 10, 2013) this 58-year-old, formerly obese, menopausal lady finished her first 1/2 Marathon ever in 2:25:19.

HERE I AM AT 236+POUNDS



NOW AT 146 POUNDS.....SHE STARTS!



SHE FINISHES!



SHE GETS HER MEDAL!!!



Here's some background on my journey from obese to goal (April 2012 - March 2013) via my "Mud Run 5K" posting--I included a link in that thread to my "Goal Posting" so you can read how I "did it" if you're intersted.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/992718-58-year-old-goddess-completes-1st-5k-mud-run

My sister (mentioned in the "goal" thread) is currently down over 125 pounds (in 15 months!) and returned this year to re-do our VERY FIRST 5K walk-- this year I came in first overall and she came in second overall! Moreover, she also completed a 1/2 marathon this past Sunday too! She completed it in 2:57:21! Walking most of the way due to issues she has with her feet--and she's 60 years old! I'm SO, SO PROUD OF HER...SHOUT OUT TO MARVELMO!!

I signed up for this 1/2 Marathon in July and used a "walking 1/2 marathon" plan I downloaded from About.com. I later incorporated a bit of the walk-run-walk training and received some great tips looking through the MFP boards and blogs. Special shout out to MFPers Jeanmk56 and bw_conway for their great tips and encouragement in the final days leading up to the race.

When I hit "goal weight" and entered maintenance in March 2013, I decided to use participation in 5Ks as my strategy for staying on track with my fitness and nutrition. I try to always be "in training" for an upcoming 5K. In addition to run-walking about 3x a week, I also use weight machines 2x a week and attend a cardio-sculpting class 2x (same day as weight training).

I'm now thinking of entering another 1/2 marathon that takes place in March 2014 (ironically the 1 year anniversary of the day I reached "goal weight"). And my ultimate goal is to do the Disney World Full Marathon in January 2015 to celebrate my 60th birthiday (if my thighs and calves are willing). In January of 2014 I'm thinking of starting a blog on MFP to outline my one-year leading up to my 60th birthday and Marathon training and hope to enlist the help of all the knowledgeable MPFers out there on how to successfully get my tired, wrinkled old body across the finish line in Disney World and live to celebrate my 60th birthday.

At present, I'm still not comfortable doing the "friending-social media thingie" on MFP, but I will certainly answer any questions i receive in my mailbox. And when I get my blog up (when I start and figure it out) I'll respond there too.

In closing, to all my fellow Menopausal Goddesses out there fighting the good fight against obesity, I recommend signing up for a fun 5K walk this holiday season (lots of Turkey Trots & Jingle Jogs) to give you something to train for and help shift your holiday focus from a "sugar & fat fest" season to "fit fest" season. And to all you "youngsters" (under 50s)...a 58 year old lady completed a mud run 5K AND a 1/2 marathon after dropping 90 pounds--what's your excuse??

Best of luck to all the MFPers for a fun and HEALTHY holiday season and thanks for providing me with so much information and inspiration over the past 16 months!