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295 lbs and ready for a change

posted over 2 years ago | Report

As stated, I'm staring 300 lbs in the face and I've decided I DO NOT want to go there! I think I'm going to start by walking, mainly because I've read that it's better for weight loss. I have mapped out a 2-mile route around my neighborhood, and as soon as I'm cleared by my doctor (I currently have pneumonia) I'm walking it daily. I guess I'm just looking for encouragement. My first goal is just to stick to the committment of walking daily for a month. I hope to work up to jogging eventually.

All I know is that every time I see a jogger or a runner, either in real-life or in a movie, I think, "I wish I could do that." Now I'm beginning to realize that I CAN do that, my body is just as capable :-)

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  • Hi Heather! Sounds like a great plan to me that you have laid out for yourself. We all have to start somewhere and most of started with walking or only running a mile or two. I started 3 years a go with running a mile and just worked up from there and now I am going to be running in my 1st marathon. I would make sure that you head to a running store and get some shoe that are fitted to your foot by professionals. There is nothing worst than beginning your plan only to start having knee pains and foot pains. I know because i would just by my shoe at a big box store and b/c i read online how to choose the right shoe I thought that I was an expert, boy was I wrong. My knees started to kill me and I thought that I would have to give up running for good. But after some physical therapy and some fitted shoes I have no more knee problems. This is a great place to stay motivated. The folks on here are first class! Good luck!!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • I've been there myself and know that it's possible.

    A bit more than a year later I was 216 lbs and feeling great.
    My goal was just to excercise every single day, either it was a short walk or a longer round, the point was to get out.

    In addition I seriously cut down on the carbs and replaced it with proteins. The weight just disappeared.

    Good luck!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Go get 'em!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Think about signing up for a goal race in a few months. You can work your way up to 5K by then, and having that race in your future will help you stay on track. Don't worry about how fast you go, lots of people walk or walk/run.People will cheer for you even harder when they see how hard you are working. It's also inspiring on race day to see people of ALL shapes and sizes finishing the race with you. When you're ready to jog/run for parts of your workout, check out the Couch to 5K program. I started walk/running in November two years ago and, like Casher, have my first marathon in my sights. You can do it!! The more you get out there, the more you realize that most barriers are mental.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Good for you to do something about it before you get there. One thing is for sure, you will never meet a more encouraging group of people. Runners and walkers are the best!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Thanks for all of the great words of encouragement! I'm feeling pretty good today and I think I'm going to take the puppy out for a 2-mile stroll. Today is the first day of the rest of my life :-P

    posted over 2 years ago

  • I just walked 2 miles in 37 minutes! My goal was 30, but I'm still very pleased!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • hope you the best of luck .I came from 385 to 225 in two years and have been there for about a year and a half.I started out exactly what your doing building up walking I got up to a hour a day then stared putting little jogs in.keep us updated

    posted over 2 years ago

  • in reply to what Margaret M. said:Think about signing up for a goal race in a few months. You can work your way up to 5K by then, and having that race in your future will help you stay on track. Don't worry about how fast you go, lots of people walk or walk/run.People will cheer ... read more

    That last sentence is outstanding! :)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • 2 miles in 37 mins is good going! Join the 70 miles before new years day challenge; great motivation to get higher up the leaderboard :-)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • My daughter and I walked the same route tonight, in 41 minutes (she had shoelace issues); she bounced and danced and chatted the entire time...gosh I wish I could bottle that lol.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Glad to see you're making a commitment! Don't give up! I think it's important to do other workouts besides walking so your metabolism doesn't get used to the walking. I would suggest doing some in-place workouts (like a workout tape) that will get your other muscles working and burning more energy. Then, of course, eating healthy (healthy, not less) will be key.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • I spent my time down with pneumonia doing all the research I could find on walking, fitness and weight-loss in general. I plan on working out on my off days to a belly dancing for fitness dvd. Something else I've always kind of wished I could do lol. As far as I can tell, when done correctly, belly dancing works your core pretty well...and it's a heck of a lot more fun than the alternatives! Also, if I get a body like that, I wouldn't complain at all! P.S...I live in the midwest in a small, conservative town...so i like being a little 'different' :-)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Keep up the good work. I started off doing the same thing as you and have now finished a marathon and two half marathons. Take little steps and you'll get there.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • 2 more miles down this morning. I usually fight the 5 am wake-ups (I have to give meds to my fiance at this time), but this morning I was raring to go...I actually had time for breakfast this morning :-)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • in reply to what Heather W. said:2 more miles down this morning. I usually fight the 5 am wake-ups (I have to give meds to my fiance at this time), but this morning I was raring to go...I actually had time for breakfast this morning :-)

    Great job! Keep it up. Good job on the breakfast. Most important meal of the day.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Liz
    Liz Sendmail

    Good for you! Start small and you'll be amazed at how quickly you will go from wishing to being (looks like you already are)! I started walking 14 minutes and "jogging" 1 minute. That was 11 years and 7 marathons ago. You can do it!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • in reply to what Heather W. said:2 more miles down this morning. I usually fight the 5 am wake-ups (I have to give meds to my fiance at this time), but this morning I was raring to go...I actually had time for breakfast this morning :-)

    awesome job!

    Breakfast is really important- it gets your body ready for the day, breakfast can actually help with weight loss, apparently when you wake up your metabolism is ready and your cortisol and adrenaline levels are at their highest. Your brain needs energy right away, so you need to eat right away, if you don't (or don't eat enough) your brain finds another source for fuel. If it has to do that it pulls energy from your muscles and destroys muscle tissue in the process. Then when you eat later, the body and brain are still in high-alert mode, so the body saves energy from the food as fat.

    Sorry if that's too much information, but breakfast is really important for everyone! :)

    Good job on your walk, keep it up!! :)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Great job Heather!!! Keep up the good work and soon enough you will be writing of a future race.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Hey there! Great job making the decision to get out there and exercise! I started running because I was stressed out at my job and I would never go back from not running every week. Since I've been running I've lost about 2 lbs a week which is pretty average.

    Some things to keep me motivated are definitely a positive attitude. If you start to feel negative about your work outs, you won't be as motivated to keep at them. So stay positive!

    Also, definitely find accountability. Whether it be friends where you can talk about your walking, signing up for a 5k (as stated) or consistently recording your progress on DM, make sure you have accountability. It keeps you in check and pushes you to keep progressing!

    And the last thing is to take time to look back at your progress and celebrate. Really take the time to see your improvements and look at where you can make even more.

    A majority of this is all mental because so much of losing weight and working out is mental. My best runs are when I start and finish feeling confident.

    Good luck! I look forward to seeing your progress!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Your desire is motivating and so great to see! YES, you CAN do it! Don't beat yourself up if you miss a day, or have an off day, just worry about making it habit. The first month is always the worst (at least for me, i can't speak for everyone). Keep with it, and people will be saying the same to you... "I wish I could do that!"

    posted over 2 years ago

  • YES! You can do it! My two-cents-worth is to make your walking THE thing you must do each day or whatever your schedule is. I suggest you schedule everything around it, no excuses. It's the method that got me to riding regularly and improved my cardiac fitness enormously.

    And remember while do it....NEVER GIVE UP!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Heather You CAN do it! When I first started I couldn't even run 1/2 mile. You are in the right place for motivation and encouragement--everyone here had to start somewhere. Believe in yourself because when it comes down to it, it's only about you!
    You keep going girl!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • GOOD for YOU!!!!! I looked at your profile & it seems you are doing great with the walking. I weighed 240 last Dec. & my wife & I started WeightWatchers & it has worked well. You can eat most things on this diet, you just have to use moderation on the portions. We did cut out sugar by switching to Splenda, we quit eating out in restaurants, there are lots of tricks I learned by reading. I am down to 192 & my wife is down the same amount % wise. My Dr. told me the only effective weight loss program is weightwatchers & he & his wife & father are on it. I believe him as we have tried Atkins & others with no luck. You need some patience as the lbs. come off slowly. 1-2 lbs. a week & that is normal. Those claims of 5 or more lbs. a week are laughable, they don't work according to the Drs. I have talked to
    Good luck, if you want more info, drop me a line
    Ron k

    posted over 2 years ago

  • 283 pounds! I'm so excited!! 2010 is going to be an awesome year for me fitness-wise...I can feel it!

    posted about 2 years ago

  • in reply to what Heather W. said:283 pounds! I'm so excited!! 2010 is going to be an awesome year for me fitness-wise...I can feel it!

    Congrats! Glad your doing well and have the positive attitude! Here's to 2010! THe daily mile team is a great motivator. We are here for each other.
    Limaruss

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Congrats on your loss - that is amazing! Keep up the great work!

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Pretty well..!!!!!!!!
    Shelly Smith
    --------------------------------------
    [url=http://www.trainwithmeonline.com/programs.asp]Workout Routine[/url]

    posted about 2 years ago | edited about 2 years ago

  • go you!!!

    I started in May of 2007 and just tracked what I ate (at first made NO dietary changes) at sparkpeople and walked for 45 min every day. I did this for about five months and then started C25K. I've been running since January of last year and am now training for a marathon AND I have kept off the 15 kilos I lost. You can DEFINITELY do this!

    posted about 2 years ago

  • You definitely have the power to improve fitness and make considerable leaps and bounds in overall health. I started out at 230 lbs and I'm currently hovering slightly above 190 lbs. You definitely have the mindset to make the improvements, now you just need the 'elbow grease." Keep at it, and if you find yourself feeling frustrated, just take things one day at a time and tell yourself that you're in control and that you can accomplish your goal. The best motivator I find is to make mini-goals to work towards on my road to improved health and fitness, that way you don't get overwhelmed by the bigger picture. =)

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Hey there Heather. I started out about 18 months ago at 325Lbs (and 50 yrs old). And I started by walking and gradually added in running until it was more running than walking till now where is all running and 240Lbs (still have another 40+ lbs to go). I found that keeping track of my time helped me get motivated to work a little harder each week... then as I got better adding a little distance. Alternating between a little faster and a little farther as it got easier. Nut most importantly, I didn't let myself stop. I didn't accept any excuses for not getting out an at least doing the short loop most every night/day of the week.

    So, now I run 10Ks on weekends and 5k most nights. I still don't let myself miss more than a couple nights a week... but now its getting to the point where I'm actually enjoying the runs and I'm certainly enjoying the better health that comes with the weight loss.

    In looking back, I remember it appearing and actually feeling pretty hard to get started.. And, there were times where I just didn't want to do it... I'd have excuses like it too cold or too hot when the reality was it wasn't either... I was simply tired or sore. But now, looking back, I'm been surprised at how easily and how quickly I got back into the rhythm after nearly 30 years of sedentary existence.

    By the way... one of my techniques to stay motivated was to focus on distance and time and ignore my weight... There's too much fluctuation in a person's weight on a day by day basis... what really mattered was how I felt after my walks and later my runs... I gaged my success on how quickly and/or how far... not my weight. Its only been since November of 09 that I've tracked my weight... before that... not at all.

    So hang in there and just get started and keep going.

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Hey Heather! I just came across your post while checking out the other benefits of DailyMile and all I can say is YOU GO!!! beleive it or not i used to be 315LBS now I am 150 LBS and training to do my first Triathlon. I think It is awesome that you want to make a change for yourself, It took the passing of my father for me to realize I needed to make a change for the better. I have had my fair share of ups and downs through the long process of loosing weight as I am sure you will to. Just wanted to give you the encouragement and If you would like you can follow my blog @ fatandtheskinny.blogspot.com and you can find me on facebook username fatandtheskinny. If you have any questions feel free to hit me up =). Keep it up and you will achieve greatness! "My potential now versus my potential then is the single biggest difference in my life, I think, because that potential is what changes "I can't" into "I can".

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Good luck Heather!! Stick with it. You will find that your body can do more than you ever imagined. Many of the obstacles we face are in our heads. You have made the first step, which is getting started, and I think I can speak for everyone in saying that we are proud of you. I encourage you to write down your goals and place them in areas that you are certain to see on a regular basis. Also, share your goals with everyone. Nothing is more motivating than having someone ask about your progress. Once again good luck!! Cheers to a great 2010!! http://runridelive.blogspot.com/

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Atta girl Heather ! Looks like your doing great.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • How's it going lately? I just came across this post and felt like it needed more attention! It takes a lot for anyone to make a lifestyle change such as the one you're working on, and you deserve credit for that. I hope things are going well for you! Keep it up!

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Thats so good that you decided to be more active.I think the best thing to do, is make an ultimate weight goal, but maybe every 5-10 pounds a mini goal. It kept me motivated and I made it to my ultimate goal. Now I have a new one but still lol.

    Just work your way up. I remember when I first started jogging at the gym, my pace was slow and I was too lol. Then everytime I went I would bump up the speed alittle bit at a time and try to say "ok I'll run straight through without stopping for a mile." and then 2 and etc.
    Good Luck =]

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Me to im a little kid whos 85 and think im fat. Im running a mile each day but then again im a kid and i m young.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • I checked in at my doc's the other day at 313. Talk about devastating. The least I remember weighing in my adult life was 275. I logged my first walk today, and hope I can maintain a exercise program and better diet to improve my health and drop pounds. It looks like you're doing really well. Congrats! I hope to follow in your footsteps.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Best of luck Gun! What really helped me was finding an eating plan (I refuse to diet; I'm changing my life, not participating in a fad) that didn't leave me hungry. One of my doctors sent me to a dietician who told me that because of my hypoglycemia I needed to follow a stricter eating regimen. I now eat more food every day than I have ever eaten...but it's the RIGHT food. Honestly, it's a struggle to finish everything I'm supposed to eat everyday! If you would like to see the eating plan, go to http://www.programwitch.com/Diet/diet.htm

    I know I don't exercise as regularly as I should and I'm working on that. As soon as I get back from vacation, me and my 10 yo daughter are going to start training for a 5K run together! I'm so excited to share this with her and I know I'll keep up my end because I don't want to disappoint her.

    Chin up! Remember, if you fall off the wagon one day, its not a failure...unless you decide to never get back up. Never stop trying!

    posted over 1 year ago

  • I decided in March that being almost 300 pounds was not what I wanted for my life, and not what I wanted for my kids. It's been 5 months, and I've lost a total of 60 pounds so far, so I know it can be done. I have SO much more energy than I did before. My current goal is to maintain 10 pounds a month for as long as I can, I still want to lose another 78 pounds, which will take me to a very healthy 150 pounds. I started Couch to 5 K on Monday, but I'm kind of on hold until Friday when I can get some running shoes. Due to shin splints, I took yesterday off of working out, but I'll walk some today (even if it's just 1 mile at a slow pace) and I'll get back in it on Friday.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Thanks for this post, i am really inspired and have decided to start running early morning,which we help me to lose some weight and stay fit.
    great work done!
    Cheers!!!!

    posted over 1 year ago

  • I am glad I found this Heather. I was in the same boat as you. While I am 6'5" I was starting to push 270lbs for the second time in my life. I was pretty active as I officiate football, baseball and basketball. My big thing is I could pretty much eat a horse. The wife, daughter and I would go out to eat and I would eat my meal and then finish my wife and daughter's. I hated how I looked in a mirror and in photos. The gut just seems to look like this big blob attached to a stick as I basically put 90% of my weight on in the gut as opposed to the butt, legs, etc.
    I started out on January first that I was going to at least count calories. I wanted to get down to about 240 in time for my 25th class reunion. I got down to about 247. I really think most of it was calling baseball as I sweat quite a bit, especially when I am behind the plate and I always lose weight during baseball for some reason ( I run more in football and basketball so go figure).
    I decided to pick up my running (I used to run about 7 miles a day in high school and in the military right after high school) about 5 weeks ago as I flattened out. I could not get below 245lbs. I also am continually tinkering with my "diet" getting more and more healthier with it. I was still going slow at first but now I am down to 237lbs as of today. My goal is 225lbs now. I really think I am way past my 162 high school graduation weight as well as my 185 military weight as well I do enjoy being a bit of a "bigger" guy (get less lip from coaches.. lol)

    So I have sent you an add friend and hopefully we can help each other in our goals!

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Your attitude is awesome ! Seeing a lower post from you about changing your lifestyle makes me believe you'll make it.

    I was 265 pounds 11 months ago. Now I'm at 183 and still dropping. Embrace the change, study and learn about fitness and nutrition and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. they really will keep you going.

    posted over 1 year ago

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