A quick note about road races

Jill and I are insane. That is the key to keep in my here people.

We're talking bat**** looney here.

We seem cut from the same cloth in this way: We have reclaimed our bodies and as such we are trying to live a lifetime in a weekend as the saying goes.

What I mean is that yesterday's race was an attempt to see how far our bodies can go. I learned that I am still a long way from where I need to be. I also have to keep in mind that I am 9 months post-op. Going from 400 lbs. to this the time it takes to have a baby is a hell of change.

But please, do not think that this will be your experience if you are exercising. I regularly run 5k or 10k races, which are 1/4 to 1/2 of the length of what I did yesterday. The furthest I have ever gone on a training run was 8 miles. So I was stepping into uncharted territory here. And I paid the price. But on a morning where I run a 5k or a 10k I could not feel better. I get out, spend the day with family, live life.

I encourage any of you who feel inspired (or scared) by our tales to try to build to a race. There are tons of 5ks in any of the areas where you are. Check out active.com for them. And a 5k is a little over 3 miles, which is totally walkable if you're not up to running yet. I can tell you (and I am sure Jill will confirm) that there are many, many people at these shorter races who are walkign them.

And I can guarantee that if this is something you've never done you'll feel the same sense of pride that we do doing a half marathon. Maybe you'll get the bug too (although maybe not as gonzo as we).

Now get up people!!

Great note.  I have ALWAYS said that there is NOTHING in the rule book that says that you cannot walk.  Hell...I'm already planning for next year's 1/2 as a walker.

I enjoy running, but yesterday was a killer.  Like you, I'm an 8 mile girl and this was new to me, too.  But, doing it taught me a few things:

1.  The amount of training is not something that I want to repeat.  i enjoy way too many things to be stuck doing one thing all of the time.  I am too competitive with myself and have a way of taking the "fun" out.

2.  I do not have the focus for a 2 1/2 hour run.  I get bored after about 1 1/2 hours.

3.  I do not get in enough nutrition.  Carbs is key to these types of events and when your body does not tolerate alot of good-for-you kind of carbs, it makes eating difficult.  We are not the same animals we were years ago.  Meaning, able to eat anything I wanted in the amounts I wanted.  There is a problem when nutritionists tell you "eat more", "stop exercising so much", "I have no clue what to do with you".  There is just not enough information out there.

4.  I enjoy the shorter runs....PERIOD.  5K, 8K, 10K....I'm good.

I'm glad that I tried it.  I found hwat I liked and did not like...what I will do again or different.  I think that one thing that helped me was having family memebers at various points ont he route with my hydration and energy bars.  If I didn't have a crummy stomach, it would have been perfect.  But, with having the crummy stomach, it just helped.  So..I will do that again next year....but as a walker.

Doing this also inspired my hubby and son to work towards doing it next year as runners.  They can do it.

So, for me...no regrets at all!

You have both inspired me to go for my first 5K run on Thanksgiving morning...my aunt and cousin run/walk it every year and this year I've signed up as well. My dad may even get out and walk it (major improvement for him!). 

Yes it's scary, yes it'll be difficult, but heck...I know I can walk it...I just want to try to run it. Either way, I'll just be happy to fini**** 

Of course, I'm all insprired to train after my recent vacation and then I got in a car accident and my back is a bit tweaked so I can't train like I'd like too. Any thoughts on what I CAN be doing?? Chiro says to ice my shoulder twice a day and to rest as much as possible....I went out Saturday night and walked a few blocks in heels...paid for it dearly yesterday...still not quite right. :( 

Well clearly getting some good shoes for one would help.

My advice is to do something cardio that you can stick to. I have a dreadful left knee so I can run nearly as much as I want to. I generally only run 2x a week. I do the elliptical the other days. There is one at my gym that simulates the running motion but doesn't put the shock on my joints.

The bottom line is whether it is running, walking, elliptical, bike, swimming, whatever, any cardio work will make it so that when you do the 5k you'll be better prepared.

And CONGRATS on joining the racing cult!

Tennis shoes would have looked horrible with the hot little black dress I rocked...heehee!

Don't forget flexibility training and strength training.  Just as important as the cardio. 

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

Do you know what the difference is between a runner and a jogger???  The entry slip!

Now that you have made the commitment to do this, you have your motivation.  Post it on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, work desk, etc!  I post the flyers everywhere I am so they are constant reminders.  What's your goal?  To finish - because that is the absolute best that you can do.  And remember that.  Sometimes we are our own worst enemies when it comes to setting these types of goals.  I know I am.  But, you want to fini****even if it's crawling across the line.  It ALL counts!

As for the back, I would recommend laying off of the heals for a little while.  I know, sneakers aren't real attractive with dress pants, but trust me on this one.  Sounds like you need something that is low impact and non-weight bearing.  Try the recumbent bike or the ellipticle.  But, take it easy.  Also, check with your doc during the follow up.

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!!!!

Blair & Jill - I am just so proud and happy of you both.  I'm glad you both survived it!  I think that once i'm under 200 lbs, i may give running a try.  Right now my knees are still a bit sore (even though i'm much lighter now).  Could just be the fact that i'll be 45 next month!  Again, thrilled about you both!  Lys

Thanks a bunch.  Look forward to seeing you on the road!