I wanna Run!

I am battling weight gain and my dream of running a marathon.. even a small one.. is slipping away.  The struggle is horrible. I found myself telling myself that I am 50 yrs old and don't need to worry about my weight anymore... I am what I am. Not true.. and I don't even believe it. I deserve better, I deserve healthier.  The encouragement on this board keeps me trying.

Have I got the OH member for you! http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/deanna34/ deanna posted once here a couple days ago introducing herself, but I met her on the May 06 board.  She has already ran in a race and can help keep you motivated. Rachael

Hey thanks. I read her profile... inspirational! Now find me someone 50 who's done it!!!!!

I don't know any 50 year old who have done it already, but I know one who is going to do it successfully.... You!!!  Keep pluggin away.  Keep trying.  I know it is hard, trust me, I know... but we're all in this together and we CAN succeed.  Hugs, Tracy

Helen, You can do it!  I am 45 and I am planning to run my first marathon in November (I'll be 46 then).  I have done 3 half marathons, and I just love running!  It has always been a dream of mine to run a marathon and God willing, this will be my year.   I suggest finding a local 5k race to get yourself started.  I find races very motivational and they help keep me on track with my training.  Let me know if you have any questions on getting started. Mary

I have a question for those of you who do run.  When I was at a normal weight before surgery I ran every morning.  I would walk a half mile, run one mile, then walk the half mile home to cool down.  When I got pregnant with my first baby I stopped running and although I have tried a few times I just feel too out of shape.  I always have the excuse that I am too heavy, that I'll start running again when I get back down to 175 or 150.  So here is my question, how heavy were you when you started running?  I want to cut out the excuses and just do it, but I need motivation.  I have this image in my mind that I can't run like that because I am not skinny like that anymore.  Even when I was at my goal weight, I didn't feel like I was in shape enough to run.  I tried a few times and was just too exhausted.  Can you share with me how you started out and what you did to get where you are now?   Angela

OMG - I'm almost 50 and I would never be able to run a marathon! What a cool dream for you! I would be so proud of myself if I could do that - and you should be too. If you need the training or actual marathon for inspiration take it. Use it as a tool to get you to quit snacking, or grazing or whatever you're doing that isn't letting you achieve your dream. To me the worst thing in life is a dream not realized - or at least not tried for. Success isn't always measured by doing it, but being able to. Yes, at 50 we shouldn't have to worry about weight anymore but we do. We're not our grandparents who's lives became more sedentary when they got older. I'm almost 50 and have just started living since my weight loss surgery. I now have many years to catch up on. Don't look at your age, look at what you want to accomplish. You said it yourself  " I deserve better, I deserve healthier" and you do. Go out for that marathon - do what you have to do. I'm really proud of you for having a dream like that. If I didn't have bad knees, one replaced, I'd have a dream like yours too. I've heard 50 is the new 40. I'm really hoping that's true. Go out there and show them what you can do. And if you need additional help talk to your doc - therapy and medications are available for those who struggle with compulsions and control problems where food is concerned. You don't have to struggle every day. Hang in there - I'm anxious to hear your progress.

Well.. I'm going to the gym in the morning. Week 2. If I can just bring myself to try running on the treadmill a little.. I can challenge myself to do more and more. Thanks for the encouragement.