Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

Thanks for the warm welcome and the candidness about your own experiences.  =)

The first race was very exciting, and hands down, one of the best experiences I've had.  I will most likely join our local running club and do some races here, now that I have a taste for it, but not until after the new year..  I was originally thinking 1/2 marathon, but I enjoyed the shorter distance so much, that I will probably focus on that for a while first.

I'd be more than happy to share some info about mountain biking.  It is a lot of fun, and certainly worth trying out.

Hey, 

 

My name is Marissa and I am a pretty experienced runner. I am 19 years old and am a freshman in college. I ran cross country, indoor track and outdoor track all four years in high school and got recruited to run in college. I am about 5 weeks into my indoor track season. I started running because I used to be pretty over weight, in middle school I weighed about 150 and thankfully, now, I range anywhere from 115-120. Running has really made a difference in my life and I do not know where I would be without out. I not only thrive on the competition, but I love running to relieve stress or to enjoy my surroundings. I try to run anywhere from 6-10 miles a day.  I am new to calorie count, actually I just joined 2 days ago, but so far I think it is really cool. I am very concerned about my health and I try to eat as healthy as possible to keep my running at the best it can be. I joined this group so I could meet some people..I have not figured out how to get friends yet..so hopefully this will help me get some? haha.  Hmm, some interesting details about myself? I do not have a job right now because I am a college student, but my major is English Communications with a minor in Photography. My family is the most important thing in the world to me, I have 2 brothers and I live with my dad and my step-mom.  I have a dog, his name is Arlo, and he is a golden retriever.  My interests include running and any kind of sports usually, music, the red sox, going out to eat, I love taking pictures and I love the art museum, I love nature and I think hiking is really fun too. Of course there is more, but you don't need a biography..so hopefully someone responds to my post!

 

Bye!

Hey Marissa!  Welcome to the group.  I have been a member for a while now and have lost 20 lbs. since I joined.  I have run most of my adult life(I'm 38 now)but recently I have started running 5 and 10K races.  I also love running and I too feel it is a great stress buster for me.  I have three children which take up most of my time but I try to run about 5 times a week.  My husband is very supportive of my running because he knows when I run I'm happy!  I used to run cross-country in highschool too--god that seems so long ago!  Do you run outside at all in the winter?  This is the first winter I'm going to attempt it...I'm a chicken when it comes to the cold!  But I got some good running clothes and so far its great!  I know it hasn't hit 20 below yet but anyway...!  I can make you my friend on this site if you like and then we can keep in touch.  Our site has a lot of really great people on it and we are all cheering each other on when it comes to running!  So thanks for joining and keep running in good health and happiness!

Reba

. I've been on a roller coaster of weight ever since I graduated high school 4 years ago.  I was about 140 then, gained about 20 pounds, lost it all, and gained about 15 back.  And that was all without trying or paying any attention.  Since I started working out in September, I have lost 8 or 9 pounds and have about 6 to go to fit nicely back in my high school jeans!

2. I joined CC about a month ago.  I never thought I would become this active in it!  Reading and posting in the forums keeps me motivated.  

3. I have always wanted to be a runner!  But I played volleyball in high school and never knew how to start running healthily (or consistently, for that matter).  I'm currently doing the c25k program, although I wasn't a total couch potato.  I'm about halfway through and loving it! I can't wait to sign up for my first 5k and wear a t-shirt to show off my accomplishment!

4. I'm a senior in college at the beach (talk about pressure to look good!).  I have a wonderful boyfriend.  We share a yellow lab/husky mix who stars in my profile picture.  I also have a crazy little orange kitty.  I am absolutely, totally obsessed with both of them!  I work at a bookstore, it's a pretty good job and it's usually fun.  I want to go to law school but I didn't study for the LSAT this summer like I was supposed to, so that dream has to wait a year or so.  Hopefully not too long. 

Hi Reba,

I am Heidi and I usually do not have any problems with my weight at all. But since I am in the USA I cannot stop eating. I gained 26 pounds within 4 months. I tried Calorie Count before but I got off the track because I did not have any motivation at all. Now I have a vacation set for January 16th in 2009. Destination is Miami. We want to go to the beach and to the clubs or whatever. But I cannot go to the beach with the chubby tummy I have now.
My reason for joining this group is because I love running, but I stopped doing it because I did not have any company or friends that I can share my experiences with. So now I hope that joining this group will help.
I am a Nanny from Germany and I will stay here in the States for 1 year and then turn back to finish my College studies. My hostfamily has two dogs who I cannot stand and a cat. I am very interested in sports. In Germany I have a soccer team which usually is my workout through the week (2 exercises and the match).

Till then
heidi

Hallo Heidi,

where from Germany are you from? I was born in Hamburg, lived near the German/Denmark border for 14 years (Flensburg then Sterup) and then was transplated, due to my parents divorce, to Nurnberg for 2 years, before moving with an American soldier to the US to get married. I have been in the States for over 20 years now.

Vacations are always a good reason to start changing your eating habits and to get back into exercising. The key is to stick with them after you have reached that date you worked for so hard. (That's usually my problem).

What kind of running program or plan will you be following? Oh, and welcome to the group! I hope that Calorie Count will work out better for you the second time around. I am looking forward to hearing your progress.

Penny

 

Hello Heidi, sorry it took me so long to respond but I got caught up eating too much and not running over the holidays!!!  I'm scared to weigh myself for fear I have gained back a lot of weight!!!  I did run 5K today though and I felt really good.  I too play soccer and used to rely on it for a great workout, but now that I have three kids and they all are involved in sports soccer for me has taken a back seat...I have been coaching my 10 yr. old daughter though and I actually participate in the practises not just stand and yell from the side lines!  That can be a pretty good workout too.  Running for me is a way to take a little time for myself and I try to run whenever I get a free hour.  I hope you stick with cc because it really does work.  Talk to you soon. and Good luck with your exercising and your goals!

Reba

Hi Everyone. What a great group. Hope it's not too late to introduce myself. My name is Cynthia, and the reason for joining this group is that I'm an avid runner. This past September, telling absolutely no one before hand, I signed for a half-marathon and completed it within 2 hours. The reason was to prove to myself that I could do anything. (It was a gift to myself.) Committing myself to running these past 9 months has been quite life-changing. The hardest person is not regressing to the "I'm too busy excuse" or "I have too much work to do."

 

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

Hello runners!  I'm excited about my fitness goals this time around.  I'm 31, 5'2" and 129lbs.  I gained about 15 pounds in the last six months after quitting smokingt.  Now I'm back on the fitness bandwagon and I'm feeling pretty good about my progress.  I've lost 4lbs in about a month through proper diet and exercise, and I feel great.  My only issue is my running ability.  It varies on a day today basis, but on the average I can only run about 15 minutes at 5.5 mph.  Once I get up to 5.8 I can only last about 5 minutes.  It's a little disheartening as I feel like I should be able to do much more.  Is a 5.5 a good pace?  Should I continue at that pace and build endurance or should I increase speed first?  Any advice would be great!

I'm no expert as I just started running last year but personally, I would stay at that speed and work on endurance.  Maybe once you can run fairly comfortably for about 30 minutes you could start slowly increasing your speed.  Good luck!

Hi everyone! I'm Tillie I saw this group and was really pumped because I'm completely in love with running. 

1. I had some serious yo-yo dieting about half a year ago, but I've been on a solid, healthy weight loss plan for a while now and I'm trying to lose about 15 pounds by September (or however long it takes, I'm pretty relaxed about it as long as I'm at least maintaining my weight) AND tone up and build some lean muscle 

2. Calorie count is pretty new to me, I like to count calories on my own rather than using the site, but I love the groups, calculators, and info

3. Hopefully we can swap some awesome training and nutrition tips! I'm also looking for a running/ weight loss buddy who wants to motivate and be motivated, if anyone is interested =) 

4. I'm in high school and I run cross country and track but... I'm not that great. However, I would love to change that, and I'm going to do some intense training this summer to get in shape for XC in the fall. I'd love advice about what workouts would be good to build up endurance and speed! I'm also a vegan so nutrition tips for vegetarians/ vegans are very much appreciated 

Send me a message if you're interested in being partners in crime! Good luck with all of your running. 

Peace, 

Tillie 

 

 

My name is Tiffany, and I've been trying to lose weight for practically the last 10 years.  I have been able to lose some, but I would always gain it back eventually.  It wasn't until the first part of this year, a friend and I got serious about counting calories, and she stumbled onto this website.  I fell in love with the ease of Calorie Count and recommend it anytime I can.

I've been physically active on and off for the past 5 years.  This last Biggest Loser season was when it really hit me.  I want to be able to run.  I've never been athletic, and never been a runner.  I've only been able to run (jog) 1/2 mile at one time without stopping, and I want to be able to run miles a day for exercise.  Watching Biggest Loser do a half-marathon and then a full marathon was just icing on the cake.  That was my main motivator, and now I want to be able to do that, too!

Right now, I'm only back up to 1/4 of a mile, but I'm jogging 2-4 days a week, and increasing the endurance each week in an attempt to train for a 5K in October.  I thought this group my help with suggestions and advise.

I just wanted to say welcome to the group Tillie and Tiffany.  I've been running for a bit over a year now and I love it.  I've completed 2 5K's, 1 4 mile race and a 10K.  Next weekend I have another 5K and then I have my first half marathon next month.  I find signing up for the races keeps me motivated and on track with my training and healthy lifestyle.  I'd love to sign up for even more races but I have to spend time with my family too :)  It's not all about running after all.  Anyway, wanted to wish you both the best of luck, take your time but be persistent.  Tiffany, you might try the couch to 5K running plan (somewhere on www.coolrunning.com, I think) or some other similar program to give you guidance about building up your endurance to run further/longer.  Again, good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

To Marissa:

Hey, so I'm new and you are close (well... some what close) to my age, and at my goal weight, AND doing all of my sports at a crazier, more impressive level.

Be my friend (and tell me your summer training schedule)?

<3 Tillie

Hi everyone!

I'm a newbie to CC and have actually joined in hopes to support my hubby in his weight watching.  The reason I wanted to join this group is because I LOVE RUNNING...at least on the good days. ;) I've been running now for over a year, at first to lose all of my post pregnancy weight (50+!!) and now, after just finally finishing my first half marathon I'm working on running the ST.George Marathon in Oct! :) I'm loving this runner's high but have a tendency to slack on my training.

I'm excited to here all of your tips and wisdom when it comes to running, weight loss/maintainence, or just life in general.

-Jen

Hello

I joined CC last week and have just found your running group.  I discovered running last summer and really enjoyed it until winter hit.  I have started again with the spring and am excited to compete in a 10 KM race this weekend.  I try to train run three days a week, schedule permitting.  I have entered a 1/2 marathon in July and hope to be up to it.  I love running!

I am a yo yo dieter, up, down , up even more, down a little bit.  I hit my highest all time weight in January and have lost 20 pds since then.  I still have 15 to go but I want to take it off in a healthy and more permanent way.

I am 39 years old, 5'3 height and 138 pounds.  my goal weight is 125.  I have a 9 year old daughter and a 19 year old step son living at home with my husband and myself.  I sell ads for a radio station and live in Northern Alberta (Canada).   

Happy running!

 

 

I am new to calorie count. I have been biking but also picked up running. I have been running 5 miles for the last week.  I run slow but I can go a long way. My problem will be picking up the pace. I'm not sure how to do it. It's been tough but I want to prepare for a marathon.  The last time I ran anything was back in MIddle School.  I am 185 lbs. hoping to get to 175 and then 165 and I hope running will help me get there. What are some running suggestions you all have for a novice like me? Stuff like shoes, supplements (I take a lot of them), breathing, endurance, picking up pace?

Hello Despond!

I am certainly no expert runner but I have done one 1/2 marathon last year and am booked for 3 this year.  Yikes!  Shoes are absolutely the most important decision you can make.  If you can find a running store (I love the running room but I am sure there are lots of other great shops).  They will fit you with the running shoe (not cross trainer, or court shoe or anything else) that fits your foot, your gait, your body.  The sales person should watch you walk without shoes, make you do lunges, that kind of stuff, they should ask where you run, how far you run, lots of stuff.  If they don't, move on to a different store!!!  Running is hard on the knees, hips, feet and you need all the protection you can get.  The sales person should recommend a shoe that provides support to your foot and ensures that your knees and hips don't feel more stress than necessary!  I was fitted for the first time last March and had amazing results.  I pounded my shoes out this spring and just got my new ones this weekend.  I love them!!!!!

I run, i am not very techno or knowledgeble.  I just bought the Running Room's Book on Running.  I needed a more detailed training program, I did not think I was improving fast enough.  Strangely enough, this book tells me not to push this hard, to run slower.  ????  I run pretty slow as it is.  He recommends only one long run a week (I was trying to do 3 runs of 10km each) and then 4 short runs at 1/2 the distance.  The difference is the short ones are hills or faster pace.  I am going to try that.  This author is really big on 10 and 1, where you run for 10 minutes and walk for 1 minute, or even run 5 and walk 1.  I have not tried it yet, I try not to complicate my running and have a hard time thinking while I run but it is supposed to reduce injuries and increase overall speed. 

I am not a big supplement person, I find it difficult enough to stay well hydrated.

How often do you run?  What kind of terrain?  do you run with a friend or with music??? how do you stay motivated?

 

 

 

Thanks lisalauzon!  I bought my first running shoes,  some spira shoes http://www.zappos.com/product/7160693/color/4 10). I'm not totally impressed. I had to add new soles that are cushion and made them better. I was feeling the coil on the right shoe. My wife also bought a pair at the store, where the guy did the measuring, etc. The shoes are ok though.  I guess I expecting a lot more for the price. Something really cushioning. 

For about a week now, I have run about 5 miles a day for 5 days or 6 days, slow without stopping on a track at a college near buy. Eventually I want to move to a long run outside. But I find the track good because it has cushion.  I want to get ready for a marathon and will probably alternate between running and biking every other day. I eventually want to do a triathalon. I just bought a new bike. Actually, I started biking first.  

Here are some of the supplements I take:

Fish oil

Flax oil

COQ10

Niacin

Policosanol (for cholesterol) - I am borderline.

probiotic

NSI

CLA Tonalin  & L-Carnitine for weight management

 

Hi despond - Welcome to the group.  I have to agree about the shoe thing.  I feel like I'm on a never ending quest to find the right sneaker.  I do best with New Balance because they really help control my pronation.  Right now, I'm waiting for the running store to call me when a pair of NB sneaks in a wide width come in.  I also have to make sure that my shoes have lots of forefoot cushioning so we'll see how these new ones fit and feel when they arrive.

I do a lot of my training on the treadmill at the gym.  Once a week, I'll work on speed by doing HIIT (high intensity interval training) where you run pretty much as fast as you can for a short period of time or distance, then slow it down to recover, and then do it again.  After a warm-up, I will run at 9.0-9.2 mph for 60 seconds and then slow it down to 6.0 mph for 90 sec's to recover and I repeat this 6 times, then cool-down for 5 minutes.  There are different ways to do speed workouts, this is just the one I've chosen.  Try googling HIIT and you should find more info on it but in order to run faster, you have to practice running faster. 

I also do some easy 3-4-5 mile runs during the week and then have been doing one long run on the weekend.  My longest run so far has been 15.7 miles but I'm training right now for a half marathon on June 28th.  We'll see how this half goes, but if all goes well, I may sign up for the Hartford Marathon in the fall.

Good luck with all your training!

Maureen