Absolutely, Bella! Khris is so good to keep us going with these weight loss threads -- it's so encouraging. YLFers are going to look hot this fall

Hanna, a 5K *is* much! Don't let anyone think otherwise. I have run 5Ks, 10Ks, 10-milers, and half marathons. I found that the longer runs are easier to do than a 5K, believe it or not. It's a totally different type of running - slow and long versus fast and short. When I run 5Ks, I push so hard I am running close to anaerobic zone (you know, that state where you feel like you are going to puke). If you can do a 5K, you're accomplishing something amazing, don't minimize it.

Sarbear, one of the reasons I slacked off on the running this past year, was I kept getting injured. My problem is I set goals and push myself beyond what my body is capable of doing. My running history is one long series of setbacks, starting and stopping due to injury. The doctor says it's fibromylagia, and that running is good for me but at a low level - no competitions, don't push it too hard. Stop if the fibro flares back up. (Actually he'd prefer to see me in a pool, but I *HATE* swimming - with a passion).

So this time, I'm determined not tracking my mileage or pace and I'm not signing myself up for any races. I'm just putting on the headphones and getting out there. Running slow, enjoying it, listening to my body, if I feel like walking a bit, I do. Taking it really easy. So if I can't rack up lots and lots of miles, I'll just have to be happy with wherever my weight lands, with this level of easy running. I suspect I can eek out at least two lbs to get to 110. Getting lower than that, may be more difficult.

As for the diet part, do you find it's easier to eat healthy when you are running? I do. They've always gone hand in hand for me. Except that I will crave salt - and I think that is a hydration issue.

Laura - I wish I could lose 2.5 lbs by end of August! At the rate I'm going, about a lb a month, I'll be at 110 by early October.

Update here.
I said above I hadn't put on weight but was getting squishy - and now I have put on weight. I am veering dangerously close to my upper limit and am taking action.

You have all inspired me to take up running again. I have often done it in the past and in fact one of my resolutions this year was to do a 10K in less than an hour. (3 years ago, when DD2 was 9 months I did it in just over)I have just looked up the date of a race (we don't have many where I live) and I should have enough time to train (barring getting sick). I love running, I just don't love getting up early in winter which is realistically mostly the only time I can do it.

My other resolutions are to get back to cutting out second helpings and to not do any baking for a month. I love baking, am often asked to contribute to suppers and morning teas and my daughters enjoy doing it with me - but - I end up eating lots of both the mixture and the results. I have really been overdoing this and need to take a break.

Shiny - congrats on your recent breakthrough

All you lovely ladies have inspired me this week! I only made it to the gym once (on Monday - glad I squeezed it in at the start of the week). However I somewhat redeemed myself by going for a steep walk at the foothills of the mountain behind my house yesterday (my bum could feel it today!!) And today I went for a jog - the first in months!!! 4km with at least 4 rest/walking breaks. My jogging fitness has clearly declined - ooops!!!

The eating/drinking side of things did not go too well. This week I am not going to buy any wine or tubs of ice cream*. That way I simply can't eat/drink it. Sounds simple? Lets see how it goes.

Focuses for the coming week:

- Moving, moving, moving. Unless I leave work after 7pm, I want to do something, even if it is just a walk! I already know I'm working till 11pm Tuesday night, so there goes that night, and possibily Wednesday in recovery mode too.
- As above, no wine and gorging on ice cream!!!!

*I have bought a 4 pack of individual low fat ice cream "sundaes". Will test one of them tonight!.

Sarah: I'm a big fan of Eating Clean. It has clicked for me, especially after many years of basically starving myself. I'm not so interested in losing weight as I am in becoming more lean, and this approach has worked very well for me since I started last fall. Maintaining stable blood sugar though regular small meals has been key, as it eliminates cravings and makes it easy to stay on track. I walk and lift weights 3x a week, too, but I've been doing that for many years. I hate running, but maybe I'll have to reconsider that given what you and Shiny are saying. I've been a professional dieter my whole life, and it's not easy to lose or maintain. Supportive environments like this are great.

I just found out after my physical that my cholesterol has jumped quite a bit (it was already higher than normal) since last year. So now I have to get really serious. I worked out 5 days this week so am feeling really good about that. Now I just need to figure out how to keep that up though the cholesterol thing is helping with that. I'm down only 1 lb and while running is what gives me the most gains, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll still be able to do that despite a sore knee.