Week 5 down and to celebrate - I cried....

So i did it.  I finished week 5 of the www.c25k.com program with a 20 minute non-stop run.  It was absolutely incredible to feel my body move and know that it was capable of doing what i was asking it to do without any stress or complications.  I was totally focused and felt like a well oiled machine moving my body and listening to the podcast, while my boyfriend gave me the occasional thumb's up sign. 

I did it!  Without fuss, complications, pain or huffing and puffing.  I did it.  I stretched my body afterwards and got in the car and promptly cried.  I felt incredible and I cried tears.  Part of the tears was incredible joy and another part was this incredible grief for my "old" self.  I'm in awe of the changes and am often left in child-like wonderment at everything that is going on.  But there is a part of me that is grieving and I'm not exactly sure how to handle that. 

I'm afraid that some people wll think I'm bragging as I get excited by the new changes and incredible morphing my body is going under.  

It's all very weird and incredibly joyous.  I'm a whole whirlwind of emotions right now and most of all I'm just grateful...and happy.

Take care,
Michelle

Congrats Michelle,  Success is a wonderful feeling.  You go ahead and brag, you deserve it.  Best of luck in training for the half marathon.  Hugs

BRAG ON!!!  We love to hear all about it here.  I woulda probably cried as well.  It is a big accomplishment.  Take pride in yourself and the joy in this new YOU.  It is ok.

Now I am curious.  When did u start it? How far after surgery? How much had you lost?  What was your heaviest weight?  Reason I am asking this is because I am wanting to start this around May.  I will be out around 4 months.  So far I have lost almost 50 pounds and my heaviest was 360.  I have carried that weight for awhile and my knees unfortunately have paid the price.  I am scared that I wont be ready and that it will be too hard on my body.. So was just wondering how it has been for you.

Again.  COngrats. and what a great job you have done.

Fran, I did c25k once before and I think I can answer some of your questions.  If you're not ready, you'll just take it slower - they even suggest not moving on to the next "week" unless you feel comfortable doing so - you could start it and do each week's workout for 2 weeks if you wanted.  The first week's workouts are alternating 60 seconds jogging with 90 seconds walking for 20 minutes.  So, it's mostly walking, with something like a TOTAL of 7 minutes jogging interspersed throughout.  I think anyone could do it, that's what it's intended for!  (When I started it before and couldn't fini**** was because I had child care issues.  This time, my kid is 8 yrs old and we're going to do it TOGETHER!)

I'm planning to start it when the weather warms up a little (or at least the ice melts) - hopefully sometime in March, more likely April.

Maybe we can start it together.  That would be kewl.  It will be awesome for your daughter as well.  Know shes been begging for you to take her jogging.

Hi Fran;

My heaviest weight was 350 lbs.  I had  several complications that impeded activity so what i did was walk.  I walked a little bit at a time and eventually got up to walking 10 km every day.  I started running approximately 6 months after surgery.  I just completed my 6th week of the Couch to 5K program with a 25 minute non-stop run.  What has helped me with the program is keeping in mind that it's an accomplishment to just move my body and I try my best not to compare myself to other runners who are going faster then me. 

The key is to balance being comfortable and challenging yourself.  I'm not an expert by any means and it has been extraordinarily helpful to have an awesome support system and to have someone you can work out with.  Although keep in mind, this is about your journey and there will be times you have to make a decision to do this for yourself and no one else - if that makes any sense. 

Take care,
Michelle

thank you.  This is encouraging for me.  I will view it as a NSV when I can start and most definitely when I can finish this program.

Michelle... You can call it bragging if you want, but I call it sharing the possibilities! When people posts great things like this, it helps others to see what is possible for them too! Thats awesome! And you definately deserve bragging rights!

Suggestion: I understand that part about mourning the loss of the old you. Even tho she has no place in your life now, she still lingers in the background. Sit in a chair in a quiet room, with very soft relaxing music playing. Open your arms and mentally invite the old you into them. Tell her you love her, and she was a big part of who you were for a long time. And how without her, you wouldn't be who and what you are today, but that her place in your life is no longer first, but that you will never forget her, and her memory will be an important tool in your success on this journey. (a type of bidding her farewell). This can be a very powerful exercise! Try it, and tell her everything you have to share with her (the old you).