An Intro from a Reluctant Runner
 

Hi everyone, my name's Crystal. I'm eager to check out all the forums, but thought it would be nice to introduce myself first. I'm 27 (hence the screen name - oh, so clever!)

I ignored the fact that I was overweight for a long time, until a friend of mine invited me to train for a 5K with her. I thought she was crazy, but my two best friends were doing it, and I didn't want to be left behind. The first day we trained, I had a hard time running for 5 minutes straight. (I was actually chanting "I'm going to die, I'm going to die," in time with my footsteps.)

Long story short, I can now go for 3 miles without walking, and I'm starting to actually enjoying running. (Shocking!)

Of course, once I started running, it seemed counter productive to continue with the eating habits I've had all my life. (Is this trans fat-infused value meal worth 6 to 7 miles of running? No!)

In order to measure my progress, I stepped on a scale for the first time in a year, and was VERY discouraged by what I saw. I keep telling myself I needn't ever see those numbers again, which is why I'm here. I know what I need to do - and I'm committed to do it. But, honestly, it isn't easy. I'm changing a lot of time-honored bad habits, after all.

So, I'm glad to find a place like this, and hope I'll be able to give and receive some encouragement! ;)

Sincerely,

Crystal

Welcome!!!! We have several running threads in the exercise forum. I love what you chanted. :lol: I think all sorts of things when I am running and that sounds right up my alley.

I'm glad you're here!

Originally Posted by midwife:
Welcome!!!! We have several running threads in the exercise forum. I love what you chanted. :lol: I think all sorts of things when I am running and that sounds right up my alley.

I'm glad you're here!

Thank you! I'll have to check out those threads. =)

Originally Posted by CarolinaGirl:
I have always wanted to be able to run. But I have in my mind that with my weight right now I couldn't do it. Maybe I should start short distances and see how it goes. But my thoughts are I need to lose some weight first so I could keep up. Is this just all my head? Anyways, good luck to you! I sure wish I could do it.

Thanks! If you want, you could always start alternating - jog for a minute, walk for a minute, or whatever works. You don't have to go fast at all. When I started, I only really ran half of the way, but now I can run the whole distance. I just take it slow. I'm at a 15 minute mile, now (that's when I go 2 or 3 miles.)

I do feel really self conscious, though. Especially when I run by the high school. I have to talk myself back to reality - We shouldn't feel ashamed of ourselves. We're taking steps to make ourselves healthy!


Thank you for the welcome. =)

~ Crystal