Two people at work told me I was looking really good. I was shocked because I didn't feel like I was looking any better. It really helped my self-esteem and made me want to keep going and stay focused!

I'm a runner too...A couple weekends ago I just broke the hour mark for running and now every weekend I try to go out and break my time for longest run ever. So the first week I did 60 minutes, then 62, and yesterday I did 64. So hopefully the trend continues and I can get 66 or better next weekend. I just hope the weather holds up because we have been having an Indian summer over here in Colorado. Yesterday it was about 50 degrees and sunny when I went on my run. What I think to be perfect weather.



Some of my suggestions are start slow but always have a goal in mind. I did the Couch to 5k podcast to get me started and never missed a run those first 9 weeks. That set me up to make running a habit in my life.



Also try one long run a week. This is doable for me and I try to get it in on the a weekend morning. That way I still can do stuff all day once I'm done and it helps to increase your overall distance.



Goals have been important to me. My first one was finishing a 5k without walking which I did last month. Now its to finish a 10k training program and run a 10k in a couple weeks. In the future I want to do a 20k (12.4 miles) race in May. It's going to be tough to train for that but I really need something to motivate myself to go out there and push myself to get better each time.



Another thing is to enjoy running. I know people who run because of the great workout and hate every minute of it. Realize that its time you have to yourself to think about whatever you want and focus on you. Sometimes I listen to motivational podcasts when I run, especially this one or morningcoach.com. This makes the run go faster plus I'm learning something as I work out!



Hope that helps and good luck to you in your running goals!

I ran a 5k this weekend and didn't stop which was my main goal. I also got a personal best for a 5k (32:03). My next goal is to run one in 31:00 which makes for 10 minute miles....I know i will do it, it's just a matter of when. I'm also training for a 10k and plan to run one in a couple more weeks.

Hi

I'm Melissa and I have struggled with my weight all my life. In the beginning of 2006, I joined weight watchers with my mom and lost 80 pounds. I have since gained back about 20 pounds. I am trying to get back on track and lose the gained back weight and then some.



Right now I'm training for a 10k with my boyfriend. He decided to start running in May and it's been really nice to have someone to train with and to keep me motivated. We did the couch to 5k together and ran our first 5k a couple months ago.



Food has always been an issue for me. I struggle with control, portions, and eating nutritiously. When I lost all the weight, keeping a food journal was key for me. I am trying to get back devoted to journaling everyday but its extremely hard to find the time. I am using sparkpeople to record my daily calories. One of my goals is to get back to journaling every single day!



I love the podcast. My sister introduced me and she right its great and very informative and interesting!

My trigger was breaking up with my boyfriend. Being with him did nothing for my self-esteem and he encouraged my bad habits. Once I dumped him and took control of my life, I'm became a lot happier and healthier!



Another trigger is seeing myself in pictures. I realized how big I was and how badly I needed to lost weight. Sometime it takes seeing yourself as others see you to really make the change.