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. 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. =)

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