Running Update

Hi family, Hello my friends, I'm in training for a 10 mile run this October. My big goal is to run my first marathon next June. I had my surgery 4-1-04 and have lost 100% of my excess weight and am happily maintaining at goal (with a monthly cyclical bounce of 5-8 lbs that I lose and gain). Today, I really did it this time. By "it" I mean pushed myself healthfully beyond my own boundries into the next level. This morning was my first of 10 "long" runs - longer than my customary 5k that I've gotten used to. Today I ran 4 miles for the first time in my life. It started out, I paced myself. I run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute for recovery with my running club. I kept myself hydrated and was chatting along. I was feeling great right up to the 5k, then I hit a wall. Suddenly the great run I was having started handing me my a$$ as a hat. My stomach wall got UBER hard, and it felt like I couldn't sweat enough - although if you notice a tidal wave at the Calhoun rigatta today . . .that's from the sweat I dripped off running around it today. My run club leader was SO supportive, and helped me through it - we dropped pace just a smidge, and she started giving me 15 second interval statuses on when I was going to get to start walking for recovery. I pushed through it, finished out my last set of running - and coming up on that piece of sidewalk that marked my 4 miles ran felt like a piece of heaven. I started crying tears of gratitude that I'm alive and healthy enough to take on such a physical challenge. I could never have done this a year ago - and I pray that I'll be in this shape or better every day going forward with my life. Wednesday night I'm in the Torchlight 5k for the Aquatennial, and next weekend - 5 miles baby. I am also INCREDIBLY proud to say that my loving partner was there beside me the whole run as she's taking up running with me. Did I mention how much I love her? We moved in together at the beginning of this month, and now that we're over the adjustment hump - it's INCREDIBLE. With love and respect to all no matter where they are on the journey, ~Lara -212@goal on the Maintain Train (or perhaps running along side it. . .just trying to keep pace!)

Awesome Lara ! Congratulations on everything you've accomplished. You inspire me . Wishing you continued happiness & success.

All I can say is WOW. What an accomplishment!!! It is very inspiring so see people such as yourself set and accompish their goals. I am truly amazed!! How the heck could you go running in the heat we had today??? Again, congrats!! Chad

What a complete inspiration you are!!! Thanks for sharing your story. I have often thought of how much I would like to begin running after WLS. I have two sisters (I actually have three and they are all in great shape) that are marathon runners and I would love to someday be able to run in one with them!! Good Luck and Keep it up!! Stacey

WOW YOU ROCK GIRLIE! Sounds to me like you have everything "together" and that is super important for your happiness! That's so awesome! You are indeed an inspiration! Beth -93