I've been trying to get to the gym regularly, and get on the treadmill for half an hour and the stairmaster for half an hour... mostly because it's usually pretty busy while I'm there, and there's a max of 30 minutes when people are waiting for cardio equipment. I went the other afternoon, though, and it was completely dead, so I figured I'd see just how far I could go on the treadmill - turns out I can run, non-stop, for almost an hour (55 minutes with a five minute cool down)!!! Granted, I was going between 5 and 5.5 mph the whole time, so I'm not exactly in the running for the next iron man... But I honestly don't think I have ever run that long or that far (5 miles) in my whole life - I had no idea I could do it. I'm certainly not in good enough shape to do it every day - I could barely walk the next day, and everything still hurts (even my shoulders?!?!). But the exhileration I felt after realizing what I could do was worth all the pain - I can't wait to get back on the treadmill again, and I just had to share how excited I feel! And now i'll go get some more tiger balm...

WOW, your going to be ready for a marathon soon.

That's fantastic...I think it was willpower that kept you going. And that says alot about you as a person. So keep it up in this weightloss journey and you will reach your goal!

Wow, that's incredible! That's a huge accomplishment!

you know, almost every gym I know has a 30 minute restriction for the treadmills. The ellipticals don't have time blocks, so I always choose the elliptical. But congrats!!!

Wow, I didn't know that. Sounds like gyms should get MORE treadmills. I would be so frustrated if I had to get off when I wasn't ready. Then again, I would be frustrated if I had to wait too long if I wanted to start.

No wait time here at my house, Veggielover. Come on over!

Sierra, Whoo hooo! I am so impressed. I was recently excited about my few seconds run at 5.4 mph. Granted the incline was tough for me .. but even at near zero incline I can't imagine running like you did. I am so impressed!! I already said that, didn't I?

Sierra, I am so impressed!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks guys!!!It felt so good to know my body could do that - it kind of meant even more than the numbers on the scale, because I know I wan't to be healthy and capable and not just thin, and that just proved to me that I'm making lasting changes in my overall health.

And yes, Jayde, it is frustrating to have to wait or get off when I'm not ready... but student loans don't account for the need for your own exercise equipment! So for now the gym will have to do.
Kornard - I'm hoping to be ready for a triathlon by this time next year, and a marathon in fall 2007 - always wanted to do it, but never thought I could!

Great Job!! When's your first 5K?! I'd say you can run one of those anytime now! It must feel wonderful.

You are right, Jayde... I have never seen a gym yet that had enough treadmills; people are always waiting for them.

sierra, that is amazing!!! great job!!! i understand about the shoulders thing. when i was jogging, my shoulders always felt tensed up.

That is so awesome!! I think you are about ready for a 5k also!!! Good luck on your first one!!!