Everyone..."congrats," "too bad," "go you," "keep it up", etc., and everything else from all the comments I'm behind on! I'm super super super busy/freaked out/excited with my big move just a week away. I can't wait to take the leap of faith, but I'm also terrified that I'm ruining my life, if you know what I mean

But I've kept faith with my running at least - nothing awesome, but three pretty good 3-4 mile runs this week. And tomorrow a 5K - the last one with my sweet running buddy (sob). It's weird to be going into a 5K with no anxiety whatsoever. And I'm sure it'll have its challenges, but I'm looking forward to it just being fun and exciting!

I'll try to keep popping in, at least, because y'all help keep me inspired and accountable! And once I get settled in NYC, I'll be good about giving the support right back

Happy running!!

I agree we push ourselves. Aren't we always trying to run faster or further? Have a better race time? Runners are usually competitive by nature.

I think the point of the article was to know when to push yourself and when to know when it becomes unhealthy to do so in terms of the affects it has on your body or health. I think - and this goes for any physical activity, not just running - that people can start to think that just because you're doing physical activity that doing more than what your body is capable of handling is good for you. Though, I don't like that he assumes that the reason they died is because they were pushing themselves. There is just no way to know that unless an autopsy is done.

There is pushing yourself, and pushing yourself until it becomes dangerous.

FatPants, I agree. I even agree with him that if they all died near the finish line, you have to wonder if they were pushing themselves too far.

I just think that suggesting that those runners pushed themselves too far, and therefore others will be OK if they push themselves, but not too far, is exceedingly vague and unhelpful.

I'm migrating over from the triathlon thread. I did my first triathlon at the end of the season this year and loved it. There will definitely be more in my future, faster and longer hopefully. I'm focusing more on running in the off season to increase my endurance. I've been lurking over here for a bit, so I thought I would jump in and say Hi. I have a 10K trail run in a few weeks that will be my first run only event. I signed up for this particular event to get over my fear of running hills. I'm still working on it. I've hiked the course so I know what to expect, hilly and beautiful the story of my life..... My running has felt less than grand the past couple of weeks, I know it will turn around, but I'm getting a little impatient for it.

TOTALLY agree about it being vague. What is "too far"? What's too far for one person may not be too far for the other person. Plus if you don't push yourself, you'll never improve. It's hard to quantify what's "too far."

Hey girls. Interesting conversation about knowing your own body and its limitations. I think that's a big part of this whole weightloss/fitness journey - learning to listen to your body and know what is right for YOU and not for anyone else.

Iris, MBN, Sharon - Good luck on your races/long runs this weekend!

Mk - Thanks for the book recommendations! I'm gonna go to the library today and see if I can find them. How are you feeling??

SGeranium - Welcome! How cool that you did a triathlon! I've been thinking a lot of looking into those, but (and this is a bit embarassing...) I don't know how to ride a bike! Just never learned as a kid. Maybe one of these days though. I'm impressed that you signed up for a trail race. Those scare the **** out of me! You've inspired me to incorporate hill runs into my training! Your running will definitely pick up. Just stick with it and come here to get inspiration from these amazing ladies!

As for me, I got in a nice 4 mile run today and am excited for my 10K on Sunday. I haven't felt as strong on my runs lately but I think it's just one of those weeks, so hopefully next week will be good and I'll attempt a 7 mile run (ahhh!!!). Oh, I tried out of my running shorts! Sadly, after about 10 minutes, they started to ride up and got so uncomfortable that I ran up to my apartment to change into capris. Bummer. I felt like a real runner in shorts! I know it's silly but it's just one of those images I've always had in my mind. Guess I have some experimenting with running shorts to do!

Taking-dont give up on shorts!! keep trying different brands!! ALso, you can try going a size UP to make them baggier...that seems to help too!!!
I am feeling "ok". Tried to run today, but my foot was having none of it...Grrrrr......

WelCome Sgeranium!!! You will have to regal us with stories of training for tris!!! SOmething ive always wanted to do, unfortunately, I cant SWIM!!
Taking Charge--- I will do the bike, you do the swim!!! I mean, i Know HOW to make it from one end of the pool to the other without drowning, but that is really the extent of my ability!

Dont worry about your running funk either! We all get them! Youll pop outta it. All it takes is one really Stellar Run and youll have "it" back

TakingCharge--BTW Hot mama!!!! You are SO close to goal now!! You and i weigh the same!! I weighed in today at 137...BOO...but thats ok, because i havent GAINED any weight the past couple weeks, plus i had a total oink fest on Sunday and then tuesday at work. The nicotine patch comes off TOMORROW, for better or for worse, i guess.

Mk - Thanks for your nice words! I needed them today PMS has taken over and I feel like total crap and like a big fatty fatterson (it's ridiculous, I know). I even bought a cookie! I haven't done that in months. My original goal was 130 but I ended up at 137 about 4 months ago and have just maintained since then. I know I could get down lower but I can't seem to reign in my eating so I've hovered around 137. One of these days, I WILL get down into the low 130's because I think I'll feel more comfortable there, but I'm just not ready to push myself to that point yet. Hopefully soon! I totally wish we could do a triathlon together!! I have no friends here who are into health and fitness and it's kind of a bummer! Sorry your foot's not feeling better, but hopefully if you give it some rest, it'll appreciate it and get better!

wanted to *try* to run outside today........ no bueno . . . . NO FREAKIN' BUENO..... i give up..... i LOVE RUNNING, and i miss it!! and if ANYTHING running in that marathon just made me want to get out and RUN even more!! GRRRrrr.....

5.25 mi Short tempo run---1 mile easy warmup... 4 miles 7:40 pace avg; .25 mi cooldown.

If you guys want to ***** and warn me about running on my foot i will give you my BFs number.... The first couple miles hurt like a *****. Then i think my foot went numb(?). No good....but AAAHhhhhhhhh....it felt GREAT to be running outside!

SkinnyPAnts---new avatar?? IS that from this weekends 5K??? Lets hear about it then

mk - ouch! but glad you got outside - we sure get addicted to the runner's high, don't we?

TC - you are a skinny minny and look fabulous! Sorry you're not feeling that way this weekend but I'm sure you'll get your mojo back soon!

Had a great run yesterday - 4.4 miles at under 11min/mile which is fast for me at that distance. I was in a hurry as I had a dinner to get ready for and didn't want to be late - maybe I need a deadline to push me all the time! Am planning on taking my time on a longer run this morning - hope you're all enjoying some leisurely Sunday runs today....

Mk - You crazy girl! I totally understand though. I'm glad you got in a decent run but I will ask that you take care of yourself and make sure not to push yourself toooo much.

Dancer- Thank for your sweet words! I really appreciate it. And damn girl, that sounds like a great run!! You're really pushing yourself and kicking butt. Wtg!!

My race today was freakin awesome!! I'll report back a little later as I'm in desperate need of a nap but I can say with 100% certainty that I beat my first time by atleast a minute!! I'll post the official time when they put it up. Yay!!

to learn how to ride a bike or swim. There should be a deck chair to 800M program somewhere right. The internet has everything else.

The wind, rain, and a very sick child forced me in the gym for a Friday night run. I'm going to have to toughen up if I'm going to survive the Seattle rainy winter outdoors. Totally my own personal opinion but, more than 45 minutes on the TM blows. Aside from mind numbing boredom that almost sabotaged my goal around minute 50 I had a pretty good time. Still not great, but definitely good enough. I am happy with good enough for today. I'm supposed to have a six mile long and comfortable today. I spent much of the night up with my other sick child, so I'm not exactly feeling it today. We'll see how it goes....

Everyone take care of yourselves