Post by mrsjthompson on Jul 9, 2014 13:40:49 GMT -5
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger?
They diagnosed my scoliosis when I was 10 and put me in a full brace (shoulders to hips), then had corrective surgery when I was 12 (2 rods, 10 or so screws, left rib used to fuse almost all vertebrae together). I immediately became a special snowflake who was to have no physical activity at all, because, I don't know, my bionic spine would fall apart or something? I did keep taking dance until high school. I wan't any good, but I was at least in the classes.
Any sports in high school or college?
Um, I was in the high school marching band?
Nothing in college. After college I'd do group classes or DVDs, but nothing too strenuous. Special snowflake, remember? And several bouts of blown disks/epidural blocks/PT only reinforced this notion. It's no fun to have to go to the emergency room because the back spasms won't even let you move. So I was pretty scared to try anything that might be "real" exercise. I still don't grasp that running is a sport and I am therefore participating in sports.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits?
I like food, but I don't really have a healthy relationship with it, even now. I go between periods of "hey I only live once" to having a lot of guilt after eating something not so healthy. I also tend to get obsessive when I count calories. DH and I eat a lot healthier today than we once did, so that is good for both of us.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health?
Ugh. Like a lot of others have mentioned, I've always had problems with dysmorphia, as far back as elementary school (thanks mom). Compounding this, I put on weight very easily and have a real tough time taking it off. I did lose about 45 lbs that I'd gained dating/marrying DH, but I've put back on 25ish that will. not. come. off. I may or may not have PCOS, which could explain this, but I can't get a diagnosis one way or the other. Medical care around here is pretty meh.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had?
I'm sure I'm supposed to say finishing my half marathon, but they way it went doesn't make me feel proud (running/walking 7 miles on a broken foot -- stupidity or bad ass?). I guess just sticking with running now for 2 years, even though I'm not losing weight and I'm only getting marginally faster. If nothing else, I'm getting stronger and have less frequent back pain.
Oh, and I can backsquat 75 lbs and bench press 55 lbs. That's pretty awesome for me!
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape?
Running, weights, and yoga. Although the only shape I'm in right now is round.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you?
I'm pretty meh. I dislike my job and hate where we live (my hometown). We really want to move (me more so than DH), but that's pretty reliant on DH finding another job. And I'm not gonna lie - my current weight (and the inability to lose) depresses me. I don't feel very good about myself most days.
Goals for the future?
Have a strong half marathon this fall Make a run at Half Fanatics in 2015 Move someplace with fun things to do for adult people without kids. Or with kids. It just can't snow. *whispers* - I think I might want to take a shot at a marathon. Don't tell DH. He already gave me the side eye when I registered for a HM while I was still wearing a boot.
Holy cow; this has really exploded! Thanks for all taking the time to share.
I want to respond individually to each one of you & tell you how awesome you are. But in the interest of time, I'll post a few generalizations.
Whether you were active growing up or not, I can tell that each one of you is taking ownership now and working toward being your best. That's amazing! We all have challenges, but I think understanding our weaknesses and working through the low spots is a crucial part of the journey.
I'm a little surprised by how many of you have dealt w/ an ED. I am so sorry for your struggle, but I'm so darn proud of you all for overcoming and becoming the person you are. This issue is close to me, and I really want to applaud you all.
So many of you also have amazing stories of weight loss, accomplishment, balancing it all, and hitting new PR's. Bravo!!
Also, welcome char217 and @destinationunknown. Feel free to post more; we love new people.
runblondie26- I watched the race walk in the Olympics last year. So interesting. I feel like it would be hard to find a normal run stride after that, but obviously you've had no problem. @taratu, I had no idea you lost your mom so young. I'm sorry.
I'm a little surprised by how many of you have dealt w/ an ED. I am so sorry for your struggle, but I'm so darn proud of you all for overcoming and becoming the person you are. This issue is close to me, and I really want to applaud you all.
Other than the overwhelming badassery & awesomeness, this was the biggest takeaway for me as well. It's so awesome to see everyone here now, making such an effort at a healthy lifestyle.
mrsjthompson - whoa; your journey has not been easy! How is your back day-to-day now? Good luck w/ your goals. I'd suggest moving to beautiful Minnesota, but it does tend to snow almost 6 months of the year around here. :/
One more thing. I would "like" all of these, but I'm almost always posting from mobile. Is there a way to " like" from the app? Anyone?
Otherwise I'll have to actually get on a real computer at some point.
Yes. Hold down near the user's name (not on their name, that will take you to their profile) and it will highlight and little squares will pop up. You can quote or like or lots of things.
Post by CallingAllAngels on Jul 9, 2014 14:28:18 GMT -5
Back story
I grew up in an active family. I have a brother who is 18 months older than I am. When he started playing sports, my mom just put me on his teams too. So, I started paying soccer at 3 years old, joined the swim team at 6, etc. I kept up with both of those until early high school, and then quit to concentrate more on other activities (nerd). My dad was a runner, and my aunt and uncle are big runners, so I grew up going to road races.
I like to eat a lot. I have always eaten a large volume of food. This was fine until I hit my 20s. Then I started to gain weight. I was about 35 lbs overweight from 22 to 26. Lost it all doing weight watchers. Gained it back again around 28 years old. I had a kid at 29 and another at 32. Stayed about 30 lbs overweight through DD's first birthday. Went back to WW and lost it again.
When I was pregnant with DD (my second child), my SIL (brother's wife) was diagnosed with cancer. She was diagnosed the week before Thanksgiving, and my brother was told to be prepared to celebrate Christmas without her. Their kids are the same age as mine (her youngest was 3 mos old when she got sick). It was a terrible time for our family and it really opened my eyes to how unhealthily I was living. Well, SIL kicked cancer's ass, and is currently healthy and cancer-free. This inspired me to start taking better care of myself, so I set the goal that by the time DD was 2 years old, I would run a half marathon. My body was done being an incubator, and I want to take back control over it.
DD was born in June 2010. Told myself I would start running in June 2011 when I stopped breast-feeding. Finally talked myself into buying running shoes on 1/1/2012. Got out the door and did day 1, week 1 of C25K in mid-February 2012. I did the whole fucking program. I didn't skip a single run and I did the weeks straight through. It was the first time I did something just for me - and stuck with it - maybe for the first time in my entire life. It felt really good. I ran my first 5K as an adult in April 2012. I kept with running, and ran a 5-mile run in Sept 2012 and my first 10K in Dec 2012. I didn't run a half marathon by the time DD was 2, but I did it in April 2013 - before she turned 3. Completed my first triathlon in July 2013, and have one down/two to go this summer. Ran my second half in Jan 2014 and my third in March 2014. Signed up for my forth, fifth and sixth in Oct 2014, Nov 2014, and Dec 2014. I work full-time. My H works 60-80 hour weeks. Exercise is my way of avoiding turning into a drone mommy robot whose life revolves totally around others. I'm not a terribly strong athlete and feel like a poser most of the time, but I enjoy it so I keep doing it.
I still eat a lot. But running helps. Recently, I have been having a lot of digestive issues. Last week my doctor diagnosed me with IBS (barring any positive results on a number of other tests he did). Fortunately :?, it flares up when I eat fatty foods, so I've been eating better to avoid the bellyache. I am happy with my weight and smack-dab in the middle of a healthy BMI for my height.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you?
Good. Life is hard. I wish I had more time in the day, but I'm trying to make the most with what I've got. I also wish I could get these digestive issues straightened out.
Goals for the future?
2014: sub-2:20 half marathon, sprint tri (all of the tris I have done have been shorter than a true sprint) 2015: oly tri, full marathon And beyond: HIM
mrsjthompson - whoa; your journey has not been easy! How is your back day-to-day now? Good luck w/ your goals. I'd suggest moving to beautiful Minnesota, but it does tend to snow almost 6 months of the year around here. :/
I'm sure Minnesota is just lovely, but, you know, snow. And no beaches. I need beaches.
Back's doing OK. I can tell running and lifting are helping. There's no real muscle mass in my lower back to speak of, so anything is an improvement. Believe it or not I'm still a little crooked, and much weaker on my left side (the side they removed the rib and did part of the surgery), so the muscles in my left hip and lower left back get really tight, like knots the size of golf balls, so I try to get to gentle yoga at least a couple of times a month. The surgeon didn't put any bend in the rods, so I don't have a sway in my back, and I think this causes some problems with my running form and makes my calves tight. But since I've started running and lifting regularly I don't have as many problems as I used to. I used to not be able to walk bunches, like say, all day in Disney World, without having to sit and rest my back. MUCH less of a problem these days.
It still amazes me that I can run and lift weights. When people ask me why I run, my response is usually "because I can!" because I literally never though a high impact activity was possible (and sometimes my response is "For the medals!," just for the record).
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? I was a competitive swimmer in grade school and 9th grade. I was on the soccer team in middle school, but only because my friends were, and I was terrible. I gained weight at the end of high school because I wasn't very active and I picked up my best friend's unhealthy eating habits. Um...in college I lost a lot of weight. I didn't have a ton of money to blow on food, and I was active (running, biking, lots of walking)-but I didn't participate in anything competitively.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? When I got my first "real" job after college as a middle school teacher, I packed on the pounds. I was eating and drinking out socially a lot and wasn't doing much in terms of exercise. My second year of teaching, I joined WW and dropped 15 lbs in 6 weeks. After my first son, I lost 40 of the 50 lbs I gained during pregnancy, but then I got pregnant again and gained it all back. Right now I've lost a good portion of that weight, but I still have 20-25 lbs to go.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? Yeah, for most of my life I thought I looked "fat" no matter what I weighed. Then I would look at pictures and be like, wow, I'm really not as big as I think. I had low self esteem growing up, but after getting healthy after neck surgery and having two babies, I appreciate and love my body more than ever (even though I'm a lot heavier than I was for most of my 20's). I get frustrated because it's so much harder to lose weight now that I'm 32 and have had children, but I'm happy with myself (internally and externally) on the whole.
Biggest H&F accomplishmentsyou'vehad? Losing 15 lbs. in 6 weeks on the WW flex plan was a huge accomplishment. I am also proud of bouncing back after having kids. I still have more to lose, but I'm eating healthy and exercising daily, so I know I'll get there eventually.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? I am doing Jillian Michaels's 30 Day Shred right now, and it's great! I'm only on level 1 and feel stronger already.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? I'm doing great! I still have over a month of summer vacation left before I have to go back to work...what is there to complain about?
Goals for the future? I'd like complete the 30 Day Shred, Couch to 5k program, run a 5k, train for a 10k, and run a 10k. I'd also like to start biking again. That would require actually buying a bike......
One more thing. I would "like" all of these, but I'm almost always posting from mobile. Is there a way to " like" from the app? Anyone?
Otherwise I'll have to actually get on a real computer at some point.
Yes. Hold down near the user's name (not on their name, that will take you to their profile) and it will highlight and little squares will pop up. You can quote or like or lots of things.
@taratu - ok, you've revolutionized my Proboards life. Thank you!
Also, I'm an idiot. I always use those buttons to quote, but for some reason I never realized or noticed "like" was also an option. That's a straight up Lisa moment.
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? Recreationally, I have tried out almost every sport -- some very briefly (ahem, soccer).
Any sports in high school or college? I was never a good athlete, but I did swim for my high school team and got a varsity letter...probably just for sticking it out all those years! Ha! No sports in college, but I was a fitness instructor sophomore through senior years.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I've always been a semi-healthy eater, genuinely preferring more nutrient-rich foods (WW wheat bread over white bread, fruit, etc). I have definitely had to rein in my sweet tooth as I have gotten older and my metabolism has slowed.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? Not particularly, but I do have a problem with losing too much weight when stressed. I have struggled with my mental health, particularly anxiety, and I am currently speaking to a counselor about learning to manage my stress.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? Running and crossing the finish line of two marathons (Chicago 2008 and 2009).
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Running, HIIT type classes, barre classes, lifting, walking.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? Kind of blah, but feeling okay because I have eaten pretty well and squeezed in quick HIIT workout over lunch.
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? None. I was never signed up for gymnastics, ballet, or rec soccer and basketball. I realize it's a total FWP, but I still hold resentment towards my parents for this. I was terribly inactive because I could even play a pick-up game of soccer (I didn't know the rules, and it's not like other 7 year olds are great about teaching other kids how to play when they just want to play). I ended up a pretty chubby kid in elementary school, and I don't think it's stretch to think this was because of total inactivity.
Any sports in high school or college? I ran recreational x-country and did swimming.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? Nothing significant. Just the typical Freshmen 15 (well...20). I tend to gain and lose the same 10lbs, and I'd love to put an end to this. Old habits die hard.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? Not really.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? Hmm. Not a race or anything, but I like how in the past year daily activity has just become part of my routine. Usually at busy times (back to school, the holidays) daily exercise is the first thing I drop. Well now I'm committed to finding time, even if I am busy. I think I owe this to tri training over the summer and half marathon training in the winter. Exercise is just part of my day.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Tri training is great because it has a lot of variety, and I like all 3 sports. H is also into biking now so it's nice to be able to do that together. And I also found a yoga class I LOVE. I never really understood how people liked yoga (it always seemed so boring), but I finally "get it".
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? Pretty great. Yoga class does wonders.
Goals for the future? Sub 2:00 half marathon Metric Century Half Ironman
Background: inactive parents, but I did all Of the basic/major sports for at least a season. Quit track after day 1 of practice in 6th grade . Swam on a team when really young, 8-14. Played club tennis for many years.
Any sports in high school or college? HS tennis, no college. In college I used to spin every day followed by a huge coffee & treat at Starbucks next door with my bestie. That was THE LIFE.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I am relatively balanced, though I could manage to clean it up. I enjoy food and enjoy going out, but I don't do much fast food or classically "unhealthy" foods - not that I don't like a good McDonalds fry.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? Yes.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? Completing an Ironman.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Swimming and yoga, with a bit of running.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? I am in a great place, and very thankful for that.
Goals for the future? Sub 1:50 half, sub 4 full. Another ironman, with a relatively good PR. Sub 6 HIM.
Post by bostonmichelle on Jul 9, 2014 19:32:18 GMT -5
This is an awesome idea!
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? I did a few seasons of soccer but I could never run/breath so I quit. I did karate for 6-7 years and got my black belt and then stopped shortly thereafter. I took dance for a few years in elementary school. I took piano lessons from 2nd - 6th grade, took flute 5th-8th grade, and then switched back to piano at the end of high school. I also did math club in high school, go nerds!
Any sports in high school or college? I tried out for volleyball freshman year. I do somewhat regret not going for track though since they took everyone, probably would've been good for me.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I always carried around an extra 25 lbs or so in high school/college. I lost it all sophomore year of college while studying abroad in Rome and walking apx 6 miles a day, then promptly gained most of it back junior year. Senior year I joined weight watchers and lost most of it again and have kept most of it off since then. I always ate relatively healthy but portion sizes were out of control, most likely due to cafeteria eating.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? See above. But the second time I lost the weight it was a huge mental game for me. I've also never been into exercising until I caught the running bug finally last November.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? 1st 5k, sub 30 min 5k, 1st 10k. Also just sticking with it this time around has been a huge accomplishment. I think I've started C25K several times in the past and have made my new year's resolution of running a 5k at least 3 years before I actually did it.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? I love running now that I am actually half way decent at it. I've always been a huge biker and swimmer so I've been using those for cross training and its been helping a lot.I also started NROLW and it has been such a confidence booster already actually knowing what I'm doing out there with the weights.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? Doing pretty awesome. I've been in my house for just over 2 years now. My 2nd wedding anniversary is approaching. And our dog is just past 2 years old now. I enjoy my job and the flexibility I have. I feel like I'm finally where I'm supposed to be in life and enjoying it. Except the days I'm like when the hell did I grow up and become an adult?! I've also learned over the last year or so that life is flying by and at some point you just have to go along for the ride and try and manipulate it in your favor.
Goals for the future? Keep having fun running. Run 2 10 mile races this year, run 2 half marathons this year. Break 60 mins for my 10k. Keep up with my track workouts with my running club and weekly runs. Run a marathon in fall 2015. TTC after said fall 2015 marathon.
Post by blndsnbrdr on Jul 10, 2014 13:10:21 GMT -5
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? Never did any organized sports until HS -- and as a farm kid most of the free time was spent helping out with animals or driving tractor or...not many organized activities!
Any sports in high school or college? I ran track and cross country in HS...but more for the social aspect than for running, I literally sucked at both. Nothing in college.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I've been lucky -- aside for paying attention to my vegetable ratio I'm pretty much an eat anything kind of person. I've tried to track calories and I do lose weight -- but only because I stop eating because actually tracking calories is too much work. Not exactly a very good method, especially when I don't really *need* to lose any weight!
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? Weight is tricky, was actually recently discussing this on a run with a friend -- I know I'm not overweight and I'm a very active person. But I think I will always wish I was a little bit skinnier. I'll never put the effort into it, but if I could have a flatter stomach... That said, I know that all starts in the kitchen and I like my current diet, so overall, I am pretty happy with my body/weight.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? I can run further than I ever thought possible...just finished my second 50Miler that completely kicked my ass, but I finished.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Pretty much just running...and hiking. And just being out on the trails in some way. I'm working on fitting in cross training, but...ew!
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? Pretty good. I'm stressed the eff out with personal life stuff, but overall, it'll pass and things will be okay!
Goals for the future? Complete my 100Mile race with a smile, even if I have to fake it. Holy shit, I might die. I'm trying not to think about the whole "only 9.5 weeks" because I get all panic-y! I also really want to have a race that leaves me wanting more...so I actually want to go out and do it again! Further out -- I'd like to run a 24+ hour race and I'm toying with the idea of a 6 day race, just to see what my body can do.
Post by sweetiesparkles on Jul 10, 2014 15:51:07 GMT -5
I am sooooo late to this party---hope I can still play!~ Such a great idea.
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? I did softball in my elementary school years as well as basketball. I was "good" but I didn't have the push to get better....I appreciated not being dragged to practice by my parents but I wished they would have pushed me just a little bit. When I quit, they would not try to find out why. I was too lazy.
I also did cheerleading in middle school but again, I quit after one year.
Any sports in high school or college? No and no. I did theatre in high school but again, I quit after 2 years. Wow, I am seeing a pattern...
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I went though a year in high school (Senior year when I got braces) when I didn't eat too much because my mouth was torn up. Because I saw some weight fall off, I liked my look and then really watched what I ate.
My freshman year I was so scared of the F15 that I only ate salads/lean chicken, etc. for lunch and dinner.
Sophomore-Senior years in college I ate crap--still never gained weight. I was the envy of some of my sorority sisters.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? I only gained 29 lbs with my DD when I was pg. So no real weight issues. I did gain 10 lbs back when I finished breastfeeding; that was rough.
For health, I have dealt with issues---gallstones and surgery at 24 (family history), and a large kidney stone at 31 that required surgery. I also had 2 precancerous moles removed from my legs last year at 32. I had 24 stitches and they still are pink.
I have hypertension that is related to genetics--I eat clean and am not overweight (healthy bmi) but take meds to lower it down to less than 120/80. Today it was 112/67.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? I started c25k this year after trying and failing for over 10 years to complete the program. I am so proud that I finally stuck it out. The first time I ran 3.1 I cried. I could not believe it. This fall I am doing a marathon relay with my girlfriends. Maybe next year this fall I'll do a 1/2.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Running! Doing hills once a week with some girlfriends. I would love to try barre method. Maybe I'll find some dvd's. I don't like group classes although I like socializing with others. During workout sessions I prefer to do cardio alone.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? I have been a little anxious at night trying to sleep but other than that my health has improved!
Goals for the future? I will do a 10K, then a 1/2. Wow, I said 1/2. I am crazy.
So, share your H&F bio. Here are a few questions to think about.
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? Field hockey, soccer, a good old fashioned game of Man Hunt in the neighborhood
Any sports in high school or college? Varsity field hockey, soccer, and club field hockey in college
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I tend to be "all in" or "all out" when it comes to eating healthy. I have (thankfully) never been at an unhealthy weight or anything but tend to go through phases. I successfully completed couple Whole 30s in 2014 and got back to my goal weight under 130 (or hovering a few lbs in each direction). (I had gained about 15lbs last summer/fall/winter while recovering from knee surgery).
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? Not with my weight, but I have always been a little self conscious about my body image. I've recently experienced some odd health issues but overall I am healthy.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? Half Fanatics! Also, recovering from 2 knee surgeries in 2 years. Placing in my first "race" back from my second knee surgery. Oh, and also, when I was in high school I scored the winning goal in a double overtime game of field hockey and we continued to districts. Lame, but that's all I've got.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Powersculpt, crossfit, yoga, and cycling
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? I can't complain.
Goals for the future? Maintain my weight, stay healthy, work out at least 3x per week, eventually start a family
Post by sassystace on Jul 11, 2014 20:50:19 GMT -5
I've loved reading these and know I'm late to answer but here goes nothing...
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? I've played soccer since I was about 10 years old, took ballet classes, did gymnastics. Was pretty active roller skating and biking around the neighborhood with friends. Any sports in high school or college? In HS, I played soccer for the traveling team (this was before there was a women's soccer team at my HS) but I wouldn't consider myself very athletic--preferred to play goalie so I wouldn't have to run much. In college, I ended up on the college soccer team and that really changed my H&F life for the better. I actually was asked to play on the team because I brought a soccer ball when I moved into the dorm which started the conversation of 'hey, why don't you come play soccer?' The team was new and in desperate need of more players so I just kind of ended up playing soccer for all 4 years. I still didn't love to run but enjoyed being part of the team and being active. I don't think I would have had the confidence I have now to just go out and try H&F things without having played college sports. What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I love candy and all the sweets. I always hover a little over my 'ideal' weight' but am really unwilling to give up my desserts and wine. Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? I think I've always had fairly high self esteem--I'm not perfect but don't expect myself to be. After my first kid was born, I got really sick and turned out to have Crohn's disease (it's an autoimmune disease of the intestine). I lost 15 lbs in like 2 weeks before I was diagnosed and learned really quick how important food really was to life (because I couldn't eat or absorb food due to the condition of my colon). Now I appreciate having a little extra "meat" on my bones in case I get sick again... It is fairly well controlled with medicines now but I still have to be careful because my nutrient absorption is not optimal and I end up with low vitamin or mineral (potassium) levels. Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? After my second kid was about 1 yr old (about 3.5 years ago), I started c25k and just slowly started carving out me time to exercise and do something away from kids and for myself again. After my first several 5ks I was hooked and set my sights on a half marathon. I've run several halfs since, a 20 mile race and now have my sights on my first marathon in October. I turn 40 in January so this was kind of a "do it before your turn 40" kind of goal. What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? running and biking (just got a new bike)
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? I'm tired! I need more hours in the day. Two kids plus work and marathon training and enjoying summer in the meantime is hard work. But overall, things are great and summer is my favorite time of year.
Goals for the future? First marathon in October. After that, who knows, maybe a sprint tri is somewhere in my future.
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger?
I was a swimmer through high school. I wasn't super fast, but I could hold my own and I always loved it.
Any sports in high school or college?
Just swimming.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits?
Lately, I've been wanting to lose, but can't seem to find the right "formula." I gained some weight when TTC (the fertility meds through my body off in more ways than one). I've never lost that weight.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health?
Not really, other than the above.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had?
Three Ironman triathlon finishes, with a PR of 13:07 in LP 2013 Qualified for and participated in the 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas 2012
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape?
I'm all about triathlon, but I add in Pilates, yoga, and other activities (kayaking, hiking) when I can.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you?
I'm doing well! Today is the day before the third 70.3 for the season and my body and mind both seem to be ready for it. My life is a pretty happy one.
Goals for the future?
I'd like to go under 6 hours again for a 70.3. Once isn't enough! My goal for the next Ironman is to go under 13 hours. While I'd love to do that in Lake Placid, I think the next one may be in Mont Tremblant, which is also a challenging course.
Post by foundmylazybum on Jul 12, 2014 14:21:33 GMT -5
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? I did lots of activities when I was really young--like soccer, gymnastics, dancing, ice skating, synchronized swimming (lol), basketball...and then my parents tried out swimming and I was like 'Dude I'm in." So I did that for a long time and I was pretty good. I won a city championship--then a state championship when I was 12 lol.
Any sports in high school or college? Yes. My friend in high school who did swimming but also was an AMAZING runner talked me into trying out track and field--and I did--and it turned out I was pretty good at that too...I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything...In 9th grade I got 4th in the state meet in the mile. So then I did T&F and CC...they let you have Sundays off! What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits?
When I start to get higher mileage--anything over 40 miles a week I find it really difficult to match the whole "calories in calories out" thing. As in...I will under eat. I don't do protein shakes or anything like that...so it's just been kind of a struggle. It's been really hard at 60 mpw or more.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health?
I always worry I will get fat.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had?
Meh. I don't know. I ran a 1:23 half marathon..and that was freaking awesome.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Running..and more than that trail running. I'm actually a really good trail runner and would do it all the time, every day if I could. I vastly prefer running trails to roads and would rather train for trail races rather than say..a marathon..blech.
ETA:
Goals: I really want to break into the 17's for the 5K and also into the sub 39's for a 10K. Also, back down to 1:25-1:24 for a half marathon in the fall.
How am I doing overall? Like my wellness?
Fine. I like my job and where we live is fine--I'd rather live in the mountain West--and I think my work/life balance would be better there. But I can't complain too much!
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? I did lots of activities when I was really young--like soccer, gymnastics, dancing, ice skating, synchronized swimming (lol), basketball...and then my parents tried out swimming and I was like 'Dude I'm in." So I did that for a long time and I was pretty good. I won a city championship--then a state championship when I was 12 lol.
Any sports in high school or college? Yes. My friend in high school who did swimming but also was an AMAZING runner talked me into trying out track and field--and I did--and it turned out I was pretty good at that too...I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything...In 9th grade I got 4th in the state meet in the mile. So then I did T&F and CC...they let you have Sundays off! What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits?
When I start to get higher mileage--anything over 40 miles a week I find it really difficult to match the whole "calories in calories out" thing. As in...I will under eat. I don't do protein shakes or anything like that...so it's just been kind of a struggle. It's been really hard at 60 mpw or more.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health?
I always worry I will get fat.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had?
Meh. I don't know. I ran a 1:23 half marathon..and that was freaking awesome.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? Running..and more than that trail running. I'm actually a really good trail runner and would do it all the time, every day if I could. I vastly prefer running trails to roads and would rather train for trail races rather than say..a marathon..blech.
ETA:
Goals: I really want to break into the 17's for the 5K and also into the sub 39's for a 10K. Also, back down to 1:25-1:24 for a half marathon in the fall.
How am I doing overall? Like my wellness?
Fine. I like my job and where we live is fine--I'd rather live in the mountain West--and I think my work/life balance would be better there. But I can't complain too much!
I totally did synchronized swimming too. Sometimes at the poo I'll dunk around and try out some moves!
Post by mrsukyankee on Jul 13, 2014 12:42:41 GMT -5
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? I played sports - field hockey, basketball & softball.
Any sports in high school or college? I did all three in high school and field hockey (goalie) in university.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? I had an eating disorder in university due to my hockey coach telling me I was fat (at 22% body fat)...and then I had disordered eating for years. I met my DH and gained about 25 lbs because I was happy and we enjoyed cooking and drinking. I've since lost most of it. I'm not 'dieting' but eating just a bit under my TDEE so I can lose weight slowly while also weight lifting to keep my muscle. It's working and I like myself at 45 a lot more than I did when I was younger but skinnier.
Have you had challenges with weight, body image, or health? See above
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? I'm still playing high level field hockey in England at age 45. I love it.
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? I have fallen in love with lifting and trying to get stronger and better at it.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? Feeling good. Planning on a bikini at 45 even though I don't have what I would have considered a 'bikini body' when I was younger. I'm celebrating the fact that I've lost 20 lbs and feel good.
Goals for the future? To lose some body fat and get strong. Keep playing field hockey into my 50s.
Post by mandiespharm on Jul 13, 2014 15:09:59 GMT -5
What activities did you participate in or enjoy when you were younger? - skiing and swimming for fun
Any sports in high school or college? - I played some form of sport year round from 7th grade on. I swam, did ski racing and for fun, golf and softball. I was always busy and a straight A student. I thrived on being busy. I liked the sports better where we didn't run a lot. I couldn't. I hated it. And no matter how hard I tried I couldn't do it. In college I just skied on a club sport team and then I displaced my tibial plateau and was done with skiing as a team sport. I never really got back into working out again until pharmacy school when I needed an outlet for stress and I started doing step/aerobic classes. Graduation came I moved bought a house and a 24 hour gym opened across the street. It was perfect. I could work a 12hr day and then work out the go home and do it all over again. Then I lost it. I didn't care that I gained weight or that I didn't want to go to the gym. I lost all interest in going and working out. I think bc I had no one to push me to go. Then I met my trainer. I love her. She is the number one best thing that happened. (Besides DH of course!)She knows just how to push you to do a little more. And when you cheat on your food or workouts she won't let you forget it.
What struggles or victories have you had w/ your eating habits? -I've kind of always felt like I'm never skinny enough even though I know I am. I'm working on getting stronger and being "skinny fit" now. I'm stronger than I have ever been and realistically I'm the skinniest I have ever been too. I just don't see it, but i don't think that very many of us do.
Biggest H&F accomplishments you've had? - realizing that I can run. I am capable of it. I've finished too many 5ks a couple 10ks and a 12k. Crossfit is making me so much stronger and more confidant. I love lifting (except snatches!)
What are your current favorites for exercise & staying in shape? - crossfit 3 or 4 days on and 1 day off - I need to incorporate some more running - October is going to be here before we know it and so will that HM. - in the winter more so I spin a lot.
How are you doing today - the WHOLE you? - honestly okay. I wish I could say great but like a few of you we are struggling with unexplained infertility which makes life stressful. But other than that I'm good. In eating better and working out more consistently than I ever have. And DH is great.
Goals for the future? - run a marathon - maybe a sprint or oly- tri. I realized how much I do like riding so it only makes sense.