That's a toughy, only you can know if you are ready. I wouldn't do ANYTHING that will lead to injury, though. Coming back from injuries is so tough and will really frustrate you in the long run, particularly when you are relying on exercise to enhance weight loss. Maybe you want to take some time and get a really solid base of running again before you start training for the half? After all, there is no rush, there are plenty of half and fulls out there just waiting for you when you're ready! And you want to enjoy the whole experience from the first training mile to the crossing the finish line. :)

Josephine, you always put a smile :) on my face.

Well, yessiree bob I am a cool runner, aren't I. A plodding along, just glad to be here, slow paced, feel the Zen, cool runner.

And I did 5 miles in NYC today. I love running in NYC. First b/c I'm best off going somewhere rather than just doing a loop. And secondly b/c my town is so small, I'll see someone I know-- or worse yet, have someone I know see me! I prefer the anonimity thing. So what if my gut is bouncing along the straps of my waist belt on my back pack :D.
Yeah, yeah all the supportive skinny minnies around here in my town cheer the chubby girl on. It's soooo supportive :devil:
do you think I have isssues?

Kitty, honey, you don't know from chubby running. I'm the very definition of it! :) Must be cool to run in the city! So different from my little beach town!

I did 5 miles this morning and it was humid and sticky and pretty darn buggy. Some giant bumbly bee (or something) flew directly into my face, in fact. Nice.

Running in the city is cool until you get to the really crowded streets and then get behind a big diesel smoke blowing bus-- blaagch

Kitty -- where do you live? I'm originally a jersey girl...just did a 5K in Jersey City, along the Hudson, and it was beautiful!!

Josephine -- thanks for the pacing info, very helpful!! I guess I could have figured it out, but thought I'd ask!!

Kitty -- hey, you reached a mini goal!! super!!

Kim -- I still feel really new to running to give any advice, but I will say that you are inspiring!! I guess you just have to do what you feel is right for you, right?

I'm off jogging until my knee heals. Just did the elliptical at the gym, and it started bothering me a bit, but not as much as when I jog. New sneakers this weekend, I really hope that solves it.

S

Josephine - Your bee incident reminded me of the time I was biking and I got a tiny little bug of some sort in my eye. I actually had to go home and remove it from my eyeball!

Tonight I did another 3K run according to my schedule and it was fantastic. I found that I only felt a little bit of pain when I wasn't careful of my posture, but when I made sure I kept my head up, my abs tight, and my foot striking heel first I felt fine. I feel very much relieved to have had such a positive experience after all the cruddy times lately.

I'm looking forward to my LSD on Sunday to see how things go!

Do you know I was aching to do that race but with dh and ds (x4) karate in the am and my girlfriend telling me it was supposed to rain, it just didn't happen. I read your earlier post after you ran and I was with you in spirit, but sadly not in body.

goal: sweat like a b%$ch on tradmill tomorrow am. I am now reading and posting after a dinner out (read 2 glasses of wine) with college friend.

sweet dreams, all.

Ick! Once when I was biking a yellow jacket hit me in the face then got trapped behind my sunglasses and was buzzing and flapping in my eye/eyelashes!!! I almost wiped out into traffic I was so anxious to get it out! Luckily I didn't get stung on the eyelid or anything. But I was completely freaked out!

Kim -- I'm glad you had such a fantastic 3k!

No running for me this morning, I've got cross training so I'm going biking with the DH once he finishes his morning coffee read the newspaper ritual. Here's hoping for no bug encounters!

I've got a question about running attire. I've just been wearing stretchy cheap-o cotton capris pants and a tank top, but my pants are starting to literally fall off of me while I'm running (yay!) and I'm going to be doing all my runs outside soon. I was looking at pants at the Running Room last week and there are so many different types that I'm completely overwhelmed.

I'm wondering if there's something I can wear during the cooler spring weather right through to the summer or if I'll just have to get pants and then shorts/capris. I'm also hesitant to buy something if it's going to be too big for me soon, but if they're fairly stretchy I should be able to drop 20 lbs and still wear them shouldn't I? Any other tips or suggestions on what to look for or avoid?

I always look at the exercise clothing, then stick with my ratty hole-y threadbare stuff. So, no advice on that topic here.
I ran 3 miles on my treadmill today and I tried to mix it up a bit regarding speeds. Is that HIIT or is HIIT an actual program that is sold and/or people follow? I also used handweights to increase resistance and sweat more!

Have a wonderful weekend runners! :)

Kim, I think you just have to try some on, and see what's comfortable for you. I personally am most comfortable in stretchy lycra/cotton (not sure of the mix, actually, sorry) leggings, because they stay in place and the seams don't rub on me. I just wear a long shirt over, so I don't scare little old ladies or small children with the spandex look, lol! I'll probably go for a similar option in shorts, when the weather gets to that point.

kitty -- how exciting to find a local chick!! which side of the river are you on? i'm considering moving down to the tri-state area (which will always mean ny, nj and penn to me!) and i love the idea of jogging daily in central park, or along the hudson in JC or hoboken...who knows! it was a really great race, and even the T shirts were great -- long sleeved and totally NOT gaudy! What a treat!

Kim -- again, I don't really know diddly about diddly about running or running gear. The one thing I can say is about the one time I jogged in yoga pants any my tush jiggled so badly it hurt, like I needed a sports bra for my a$$. That was a wake up call!! But later that day I hung out with a very fit man friend of mine who let me squeeze his buns -- hard as rock when he flexed, but he confided that if he didnt wear the right shorts, he jiggled as bad as me! So, point being, get the right bun support!!

jam -- I gotta say, I've always felt that the difference between shorts and pants is pretty small when it comes to inner temperature regulation. That is totally my own personal take. But run in whatever makes you comfy!!

I just bought a new pair of sneakers today, in a real running shop, from a chick who observed my running style before recommending a pair of shoes. We'll see if that helps!!

s

We have exactly ONE temperature here in the South and it is HOT. So I run in shorts year-round. I prefer Nike Dri-Fit gear -- it is comfie, wicks really well, attractive, comes in nice colors, and is flattering. My fav short is the "Tempo Track Running Short".

Lizzy -- I hope you enjoy your new shoes!

I did 7 miles this morning on a route that is very popular with cyclists so I had big pelotons flying by me the whole time.

Hey all! We're back from vacation and I'm still running. Got in a few good runs in Florida - first time running in shorts since last winter! - and maintained the schedule through our time away. I've got a ten miler today and I'm hoping the rain holds out because I do NOT enjoy running while wet!

Be back soon!

Kara

Lizzy - Good luck with the new shoes! My experience with getting fit for shoes by someone knowledgeable about running was fantastic. I was set up with shoes that suited the type of support that I needed and he showed me how my old shoes were a full size too big. No wonder I lost a couple of toe nails!

Kara - It's good to hear you were able to keep up with your running while you were on vacation. I'm heading out down to the States next month for 10 days and I'm hoping I can do the same!

I did a really nice and quick (for me!) 3K this morning. I was a bit ticked because DH left my headphones at work so I didn't have any music but it was a good run nonetheless. I was able to complete the run with only a tiny walk break to take off a layer. Tomorrow is my LSD so hopefully it'll go just as well!