My Weight Loss Journey: Running; You Can Do it Too!

I've always wanted to be a runner, but I've always been fat and lazy. I would run 100 meters and die of exhaustion. I found out that my brother has been running and he told me that it's all in your head. I keep hearing runner say this, but they aren't fat! If they were lugging around an extra 50 pounds of weight, they'd probably have a harder time, too.

I decided that I'd give it a shot, I started out very slow and decided to pattern my breathing. After a quarter mile, I felt great, so I decided to keep going. Before I knew it, I had run a mile! I felt like I had jumped over a mountain! I ran a mile for the next four days, and each day, it got a little easier. I ended up dropping 1 3/4 pounds that week, and my eating hadn't even been that good. I then took one day off of running and just went for a half mile walk, pushing my kids in the stroller.

The next day after my day of rest, I decided I was going to up my run to 1 1/4 miles. When I started running, I noticed I was running a bit faster and much easier. Instead of running 1 1/4 miles, I ran 1 1/2 miles. Another tip I discovered while running this feat was how important it was to keep your body in control. In the past week, my body would kinda flop around in exhaustion. I noticed when I kept it in control, the running was done with ease. Keeping that patterned breathing also keeps your mind off of the pain of running and you don't get exhausted from trying to breathe.

It's also important to get a good warm up before you start your jog. I usually briskly walk 1/4 mile before and after each run. I rarely have much soreness when it's done. Give yourself a good stretch, too. When you start off running for the first time, remember to keep your cool and start slow. Don't be worried about what people think. Just jog a little faster than a brisk walk. Keeping it slow and building from there will get your goals accomplished much faster. As your heart becomes stronger, so will your ability to keep increasing your speed and distance. Just keep in mind "slow and steady wins the race". The tortoise and the hare. Anything to keep your mind off of the task that is set before you.

Most of all, just believe in yourself and keep at it. Do what you can, and each week, set a slightly higher goal for yourself. Don't envision the marathon you dream of running! Envision the task that day being your dream! GOOD LUCK!