I’m just another bald, butter face guy in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Husband to Patricia Ann (Patty)  for 25yrs.  (Sort of high school ‘sweet hearts.)  

Father of three beautiful daughters. I’m kind of also a animal nut.  One dog, Oreo (9yrs) & 4 cats, Leo (4yrs), Pike (3yrs), Puma (2yrs) & Vida (1yr).  I was born & raised here in Lincoln.  I’m a graphic artist & production guy at a small local Sign shop for 21yrs.  (What you see below in my signature.)  I wanted to be a comic book artist but didn’t like the freelance pay rates.  (Not knowing when your next check might show up.  And everyone and their dog wants to be a comic book artist.  So it’s hard to get good paying jobs.)  So I stayed with printing & such.  Needless to say.  I’m a comic book geek.  I’m into most nerdy things like Sci-Fi, Astronomy, the Paranormal, UFO’s, Genealogy, Biking, Rock hunting, Gardening, Some woodworking, Neighborhood Watch, Extreme weather {Lightning & thunder Storms, Tornados}, Historical research, Dinosaurs & I could keep going on and on.  Heh.

I’ve been running for about 5ish years.  Iv’e run 4 full marathons.  (So far only in Lincoln.  The Lincoln National Guard Half & Full Marathon)  About 6 half marathons.  And a pretty large variety of 5k’s, 8k’s, 10k’s and I want to say a 15k.  Heh.  I’m mainly trying to get into better shape, lose weight, feel healthier & just enjoy all I can of life.  Iv’e been fighting slight high blood pressure & depression issues for many years.  And Running helps jumping back into feeling better when I’m feeling cruddy.  I really enjoy taking ½ or full marathon classes through our local YMCA.  My wife and I are training for the upcoming ‘Market to Market Nebraska Relay’ (Sept. 30th), the ‘Nebraska ½’ (Oct. 15th) & ‘Lincoln Halfsy’  (Oct. 29th).

I am excited to join a group where others can encourage, and celebrate milestones!

I turned 40 this year, and have really been making a stronger effort to become more healthy. My husband and I are trying to start a family, and knowing that we are going to be "older" parents I want to be sure were are healthy and active for the future kiddos.

Currently I head out for a 35 min wog 3x/week (wog=walk/jog). I need to shed 60 pounds to be at my optimal self, where my knees don't yell at me every time I exercise or climb stairs!

Glad to get to know y'all!!!

I started running about 10 years ago to lose weight. It worked spectacularly and I managed to lose 100lbs! Great...right? Well, I then got put on medication that made me, for lack of a better word, crazy. It also messed with my metabolism. Before a year was up (and the medication was history), I gained back all of my weight. 

I tried again about 7 years ago to start up running. I WANTED TO RUN A MARATHON MY FIRST YEAR BACK WHEN I HAD NEVER BEFORE RUN FURTHER THAN 7 MILES. I started a *bit* smaller with 5ks and up but I ran a horrendously staged half marathon and it broke me. The half was geared towards those who had never run that distance before. Not only was the course FULL of hills (my fault for not checking), the last vehicle passed me while I was working through a side stitch and picked up all of the cones on the route. I got lost. By the time I found my truck again, I had gone around 16 miles and the lot was completely empty except for said truck. I was devastated and stopped running altogether. (I learned in later years that race messed a lot of people up)

I tried again and again to get started but the half kept reminding me I couldn't do it, so I didn't. 

Skip ahead to 2017. I told myself, let's do it. We're still fat and sassy but wanted to just be sassy. Honestly, the weight isn't the biggest thing for me this year. I wanted to get strong, I wanted more than anything to prove I can eventually work up to a half and not be afraid and then take on the dreaded full. I joined a running group which has been my lifeline when the runs seem impossible. So far this year I've tackled 2 5 milers, 1 5k and am coming up on my 10k race. I have 7 races before 2018 gets here, two of which will be half marathons!

Lately I've been incorporating strength training into my routine and am seeing a huge improvement in my overall quality of health! 

My first untrained 5 miler in March saw me barely making it over the finish with a chip pace of 18:02. My last race saw me at a slow but respectable pace 14:25.

I'm about to turn 44. I started running about 2-3 years ago and I hate every second of it LOL. All I think about when I'm running is how much I would like to NOT be running. I've never gotten that endorphin rush of a 'runner's high' - I think that's a myth.

I trained for and did two half marathons in 2015 and haven't run since. Had terrible plantar fasciatis and hip problems which have since cleared up.

The funny thing though, is that I MISS running. I see my posts from two years ago with all the miles I put in during training and it makes me feel fat and lazy. Oh wait, the 15 lbs I've gained is probably what's making me feel fat and lazy. 

I need some motivation and accountability to get my darn running shoes on and just GO RUN. I'd love to do another half in May 2018. I'm hoping I can find some inspiration with you guys :)

Cheers!

My running journey began in 2010.  Before that, you couldn't have paid me to run! LOL  I was at my heaviest weight and decided on a life changing decision to have weight loss surgery.  So after I did I started to walk, which turned to a little bit of jogging and then running.  I have from day one been a run/walker though.  I love doing timed intervals of run/walk.

I ran my first 5K in Washington DC in March of 2011 and I was HOOKED!!  I was doing at least 1 5K a month for over a year after that. Finally I said it was time for more distance and did the Army 10 Miler.  While at the Expo I found Team in Training!  I did the 10 miler and thought I was going to die... lack of proper training!  Then I signed up with TNT for the Nike Women's 1/2 in DC (the first one!)

WOW, did I learn SO MUCH from my coaching and mentorship and friendship I got from TNT.  Beyond AMAZING!  I ran my first Half and when I finished I actually thought I could keep going.  So that seed was planted.  I continued to do 5Ks and 10Ks and such and finally said I was going to do a Full!  I choose to do it with TNT again and chose the Nebraska National Guard Marathon to it my race!  (my family lived there and my cousin who was battling cancer at the time could come see me)... however, life took a different course for me and I went to Afghanistan for a year as an Army Civilian.  

While overseas I kept running and found a great running partner who pushed me HARD and had my BEST 5K time ever while there.  Also had my first experience of coming in DEAD LAST in a 10K just a month after I got there.  Very Humbling!

When I came home in 2015 I was Determined to do a full so Marine Corp it was!!  Started training  and was feeling Great and bam, dislocated a bone in my foot :(  Wrong diagnoses and 11 weeks in a boot meant to training.  So I couldn't run MC so I found the next full in the area I could do and it was Rock N Roll DC in March 2016! 

I FINISHED!!  I hit all my goals... finish healthy and finish in under 6 hours! It was AMAZING, however, the training for it took too much and I lost the joy :(  I have struggled since then with running.  I moved from Maryland to Colorado Springs in April 2016 and I couldn't breathe.  The in Feb of this year I moved to Nebraska because of a divorce.  So I know most people hit the pavement when stressed, I went the opposite way and stopped all together.  

I still have the desire in my heart and I long for it but my mojo is gone :(  I signed up for the Good Life Halfsy on Oct 29th and I NEED to start training for it!!  I turn 39 on the 27th of Oct so this was my I can still do this race! LOL

Theres my journey!!!

CHEERS!

I was always “in shape” then I wasn't. 

I married a guy who owned a gym so I was.  

Due to some family issues - Mom died, I had to be a grown up - I used food as a comfort item.  Then I learned there was an alternative, besides drinking a bottle of wine each night or going to the shooting range after work. 

Who would have thought??  I have never liked running but I LOVE what it does for me… and so does my hubby.  I discovered mud runs (OCR) about 3 years ago , and found an amazing boxing gym (that makes me run before a workout) nearby!  I am closer every day to where I should be and love the Heifer Life!  The heifers motivate me to Moooooooove every day.  

Hello my name is Celia. I am 45 years old married for 27 years just had an anniversary have three children ages 28 23 and 19.

My whole life I have struggled with weight and still do to this day. Late in age in my 40s my sister inspired me to start running. I hate running but I always wanted to start running.

I fell off the wagon recently and hoping to get back on. I just signed up for a half  Marathon which will be in January 2018.

I have done 10 five k's and I have done four 10k's but never have I done a half marathon.

I am scared, well not really scared but I have anxiety thinking I'm going not gonna finish in time. LOL but that is my dream and part of my bucket list is to run a full marathon.

I will get there eventually I am needing motivation lots of it and that's why I joined your page thank you so much for all your support!

Spent most of my childhood UNDER weight (Food was not always plentiful).

Fast Forward to Adult… I met my hubby at 24 yrs old, I was 135-140 lbs.. Delivered my first baby at 210 lbs.. Got back down to 175 and repeated the process 3 more times. I am Blessed with 4 kiddos..

I have been a FAD Dieter ever since  (That is 17 YEARS of “On-Off” Dieting) – Low Calorie, Low Carb, Low Fat, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Medifast, Keto and More!!! With a bit of Sporadic exercise along the way..  Eating my way to my next diet……….

The first photo is from the LAST FAD DIET I Successfully lost weight on (I use the term ‘successfully’ lightly, Because although I did lose weight and quickly.. I gained all back and MORE)!!

A year down the road I have gained back every single pound and added a few more!!

Fast forward to this year.. I have reached a weight of 209!!!   4th Photo is what I look like now–You see those Margarita cans in front of me? Those were just the ones I drank prior to the picture.. .We stayed hours after that and I had PLENTY more!!

I enjoy drinking Beer as much as any Man, When I open a bottle of wine, I finish it, Margaritas should happen at least once a week and what is a Celebration without loads of food, snacks and desserts!! Dinners at my house are Huge pots of Biscuits and Gravy, Spaghetti and Garlic Bread, Pasta and Alfredo Sauce, Lasagna etc…  When we get together with friends, its dinner and drinks..

This 4th photo was A HUGE WAKE UP CALL… I had NO IDEA I looked like this :-( Biggest I have ever been (Accept during pregnancy) .. Not sure what diet to try now (Because I have honestly been on them all) I decided to do keto (Why Not, everyones doing it) .. I lost about 8 pounds the 1st month..  I was eating bacon, sausage, butter, Cheese and a whole lot of slim jims and pork rinds! IT WAS AWESOME!!

But I knew it wasn’t healthy.. Hubby started talking about practicing for a 5k and eating healthier.. I was getting tired of eggs and the pork rinds were making my mouth raw.. OK.. I’LL TRY :-)   We started with the c25k program – the 1st day is a 60 second walk / 60 second run.. Repeat 3 times.. We did this every other day until week 2, week 2 added some more run time.. I BARELY made it.. BUT I MADE IT!!  The weeks progressed from there – We joined a couple FB running groups.. Watched a couple Spartan Videos and We finished the training 9 weeks later (2 days ago)) at running 2 miles 3 times a week.. TWO WHOLE MILES!!! UNBELIEVABLE!! Last night we watched a RAGNAR race on Netflix (((I AM TOTALLY DOING ON ONE OF THOSE))) So very very very inspiring.. I LOVED IT.. AND this morning we ran 3 MILES!! The FARTHEST we have gone so far.. Yep, we went at a turtles pace.. BUT… WE WENT!!!  That’s my story..

Although I am slow, I enjoy exercising,   I am still struggling with food, I HATE cooked vegetables.. Hubby will not eat seafood and I won’t buy or cook it just for myself..  I do not know how to make healthy meals, so we eat a lot of salad with different protein on top… Working on this :-)

Today I weigh 188 lbs.. My goal is 135/140..  I do not want to focus too much on my weight.. Its more important to me to be Strong and FIT..

Over years of trying EVERY fad diet nothing seems to work. Don't get me wrong, I love food, healthy foods and not so healthy foods. As I got older (now in my forties) I realized I probably will never be a skinny girl. I decided to eat healthy and exercise. I eat better move more that is supposed to be the recipe to being skinny no? ummm i guess not if you add chips, chocolate and pizza.

Things happend in my life, like they do for everyone, that made me think....eat the damn pizza. I could be here today gone tomorrow right? true but i had to find balance, and that is the real challenge. I found peace in running ( I run as slow as a turtle) but i still enjoy it. Started with a 5k, then a 10k and then 3 half marathons. This year life has hit with some curve balls and emotionally it is hard to find my mojo to run....to find that balance....

I feel like I am getting there, my mojo is slowly coming back to get off my butt. My best friend in the whole wide word added me to this group on my birthday, what a great gift. Here we are after running our first Half Marathon together..( i am on the right, Karrie Rose on the left.this was an awesome day! I want my mojo back and this is the group to do it in, thank you for adding me xoxo

I am a wife and mother of twin 3 year old boys aka craziness all the time.

I have always been a person that gives up on any weight loss journey or new workout adventure. I would get excited, take some pounds off and then just stop.

When my boys were born they were 9 weeks early and one of them was born with a birth defect, spina bifida and chiari malformation. Our one little guy Max was healthy as a horse and came home at 6 weeks old. Our other little guy, Cooper was in the NICU (1.5 hours from home) for the first 9 months of his life. We brought him home doing very scary and life threatening things multiple times a day. Before this I would never have described myself as a strong person. But now I am told all the time that people don't know how I do it and all that jazz.

Well come to find out it did change me. Now I don't give up because I'm sweaty or my legs hurt or I'm breathing hard. My boys and their incredible start in this world has given me strength, power and determination. I now know I can do whatever I put my mind to.

Ok, so that was longer than I expected. Sorry about that. I do workouts everyday and have my first half marathon on 9/9. I will probably end up doing a walk/jog strategy. My goal is to finish and be home before my sons nurse is off duty, lol. What a goal huh?

Thanks for the add! I love being motivated by others journeys and their struggles make me realize I'm not alone at times.

I'm 50 years old, started running last year and then I got plantar fasciitis and boy did it hurt.

I went in for a steroid shot and boy did that hurt! 

So, I kinda just stopped because I was scared it would start hurting again. I walk almost every morning and my foot is sore but doesn't hurt like last year so I'm ready to run again.

I'm 43, a nurse, wife and mother, and have struggled with my depression, anxiety and then obesity for a very long time.

I found a free group fitness group and started going to that, after almost 3 years of sedentary activity. I set a goal to get up to 3 days of activity a week, which I achieved by joining Greg Leitch's Real Bodies Runners - Learn to Run Group. Now I do three 'runs' or joffles a week and at least 1 - 2 group fitness classes a week.

Now that I have the exercise side of things sorted, I am working on my weight and using My Fitness Pal to track and log my calories and daily nutrients. I have been a yo yo dieter for a very long time and this is the first time I actually feel confident I will make it to my goal.

I have set a goal to do a 5.7km run at the Melbourne Marathon on Oct 15th, fundraising for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne. I have never been proud of myself, but I am now.
 

In my teens and early twenties I was a track athlete. I loved it but unfortunately I developed an unhealthy relationship with food.

I reluctantly had to take a break and never really made a comeback. For ten years I struggled with ups and downs, I was lacking a lot of self love and my happiness and zest for life was compromised. Early this year I had to make some big life changes, something that should have knocked me down actually gave me the courage to live my life for me.

I started training for my first half marathon and spending a lot of my time either running or hill walking. I finally felt free from my demons, I felt at peace with myself and rediscovered that inner happiness. Now, whenever I feel life is getting on top of me, I either take to the hills or put on my running shoes. It really is the best therapy!

I came to the Herd site after following you on Twitter and hearing you speak on the Ordinary Marathon podcast.  My running journey over the last few years has been very rewarding but also very solitary.  I train by myself.  My wife and son are very, very supportive but not really up for runs so sometimes it is difficult to share my ups and downs.   I am looking to be part of a larger community that can help me further enjoy my journey and where I can support others as well.  I recently launched a blog call at runslowandsmile.com where I share some of my stories.

My fitness path has been very schizophrenic over the years.  I have always struggled with my weight and it seems like I have been trying to do something about it for all of my 51 years.  It has always been a challenge for me to find the right motivation and plan to address it.

During my 30’s, I lived in Chicago and became interested in running.  I twice trained for the marathon but was not able to complete it. 

After a 15 year break from much of any exercise, when I was 49, I committed to a schedule and raising money for a great cause (Endure to Cure) and finished the 2015 Chicago Marathon.  Prior to my training, I weighed close to 230 pounds having gained 45 pounds since getting married in 2007.  Through the marathon prep, I dropped 20 lbs.

After finishing the Chicago marathon, I fell back into some old habits and gained back 10 lbs of the what I had lost.  Finally this spring I decided to push myself again.  I am now in the midst of finishing my training for a second marathon in October and have been able to lose some additional weight but still have some worked to do.

Thanks for considering me to be part of The Herd.  Look forward to hearing from your soon!

At the beginning of the year I set goals and slowly started ticking them off. 

What I soon realised is although I had an awesome support team, I required a coach to assist me.  I have no regrets where my journey has taken me.  Not only ticking goals but lifestyle changes and friends.  For this I will be forever grateful for choosing to put me first finally.  This year one of my goals was to complete 5.7km with family and friends at Gold Coast Qld for Autism Spectrum.  Followed by half marathon the next day ✅. 

Who the thought I would be running half marathons, not me for sure.  What's even better I have inspired family and friends to make a healthy change. 

Well for many years my life was work, then sat in front of the TV drinking beer. I knew I wanted to change but was not finding the way to do it. Then one day it clicked and I exchanged the beer can for a pair for trainers and a water bottle and started running.

This was back in April and since then no beer and plenty of running.

I changed as I wanted to be a better example to my 2 sons, this is why I run.  

I'm Yvette, I'm almost 40, happily married to my husband of over 17 years, and a mom of 5 awesome kiddos.

I've been overweight since late high school and despite years of yo-yo dieting I've remained so. Last year when I turned 39, I had a wake up call. My blood pressure was out of control, I was close to my highest weight ever, I was depressed and miserable and I'd suffered a severe back injury that had me wondering if my mobility would be permanently limited.

The idea of turning 40 in a year being seriously obese did not sit well with me either. I decided it was time to make some drastic changes. Now a year later and less that a week from my 40th birthday, I am over 30 lb lighter, my blood pressure is normal, and best of all my back injury is healed and although I have some aches and pains, my mobility is no longer impaired! I still have a long way to go, but I'm making strides every day.

So far I'm a treadmill warrior but I am so inspired by everyone here and I'm tenderly glancing at some local 5ks and hoping to make the leap this year!

I thought I would never be able to run. I was never a runner from high school onwards. Greg Leitch told me I could run and showed me the way. He inspired me and gave the confidence to give it a go.  Now I can run!!! And I do!!!  Getting better at it every week and love out running club!

I started on a healthy lifestyle journey almost 3 years ago.  I have always been obese and heart disease has taken many family members way too young (all were obese as well).  As I approach the age my father had a massive heart attack and died I decided I'd better do something (way too much to live for). 

Anyway, started a doctor supervised fast (11 months of drinking only protein shakes).  I went from 311 down to 140.9.  I have gained a few back (okay, more than a few, about 35) so took up running to either maintain where I am or get back down). 

I usually run 5K's, 10K's or 15K's, but have signed up for my first marathon (next April).  What caught my eye most about the group though was my husband was a dairy farmer his entire career and I collect cows.  You'll notice in my picture that I have a few-and that really is only a few of what I have).

Thank you again for the add.  I hope I will be able to help encourage and motivate others.

My name is Cindy and i just turned 40 in July! I've been married for about 18 years. I have two kids.  We just recently moved to Nebraksa. This is my second time doing my C25K and i was on week 4 before we moved. Now that we are settled in our home, I am starting to do my running again. Its been hard because its been about a month since i did any running.

I look forward to getting to know everyone. I would love any advice anyone would like to give me, for a newbie runner. 

I love my family!!!

Hi, I'm Jennifer and I've been overweight all of my adult life. I've never been very good at sports, and I never considered myself an athlete of any kind.

But, for some reason, I've always been drawn to the idea of running. About a year ago, shortly after my 49th birthday, I realized that I'm not getting any younger, so I set myself a goal of completing a half marathon as my 50th birthday present to myself.

Well, I met that goal last weekend at the Disneyland Half! A walked more than I had hoped, especially since it was very hot, but I did it!

I've been following the Galloway method of run/walk intervals, and I find it really works for me, though I'd like to work up to longer running intervals and less walking. But I'll get there. I am looking forward to getting to know the other members of the group.

I am Kimberly from Bay Saint Louis, MS. I am happily married for the last 24 years, mother of 3 grown children, "gigi" to 3 great grand babies (with another on the way early next year). I am 45 years young.

I got started on my fitness journey in April 2017. I weighed in at 224.5 pounds and thought "enough is enough" and so it began. I am now weighing in at 190.0 with about 63 pounds left to drop. I am just watching what I eat and drinking lots of water.

I am currently in training to run a half marathon after not running for 28 years. It's slow going but I'm getting there. I am registered with local 5, 10, and 15k's every weekend from this week until the end of November. I have the motivation, just need to build my endurance up to match it. I have a friend training me. She has completed tons of 5k's and 2 half marathons. She's a great motivator.

I am attaching 2 photos of myself. One is of the Color Vibe in Mobile, AL July 2017, the other is a comparison from August of 2016 & August 2017.

Originally from Tennessee (Marysville, just outside of Knoxville, east side of TN). Currently living in Cary, NC. Have worked, lived, and traveled around the world and find Greece to be one of my very favorite places on the planet. I am Irish by heritage, American by birth, and super pale because that is my curse (lol).

If there was a color titled "Glow in the Dark", that would be my color. I have a furbaby (dog), Feirin, and she is my very best friend. She is 3 1/2 years old, Australian Kelpie and better than I deserve on most days. Her name is Irish-Gaelic, and means GIFT. I am a life-long fitness buff and used to really love being in motion. The last few years has seen me damaged, broken, and falling down - so I am just returning to it and going at a very, very . . . . very slow pace. I am 5'3" and currently no less than 40 lbs. overweight so I have a journey ahead of me but am no shy on hard work and will to get it done.

Ummm . . . I enjoy Triathlons but have only ever completed Sprints. Running-wise, I enjoy but am not a sick athlete and will never complete an Ironman or ultra anything. I run because it makes me free - so 1/2 marathons and a couple fulls but nothing intense or sponsor-worthy. The only awards I will be rockin' are "Participant" lol . . . and that is really great with me (smile). Last but not least, I am tickled to have found this little group. I am also excited to get #HeiferBelle out on the road with me and maybe gear up in a few shirts. 

My name is Eric and I am a Brit who has been living in the beautiful Austrian mountains for most of the last 12 years. What got me into running? Well, on my 22nd birthday I ended up putting myself into hospital because of years of alcohol abuse.

Yes I was not the cleverest of young adults, whilst most people got through their partying and drinking stage mine just got worse. I remember after a week in the hospital the doctor coming to me and telling me, "If you continue drinking the way you are then you won't see you 26th birthday", that was 4 years away...

Its enough to make anyone at any age re-evaluate their life choices. So, I moved back to the UK leaving all of my friends and my old life behind in the mountains unsure if i'd ever go back. 

Surprisingly I didn't start running until a few years after then when I had finally got rid of my drinking issues and found some sort of normality back in the UK. I was sitting on the tube reading the Metro when a last minute add for charity place runners in the London Marathon popped out at me.

Something in my head though "yea, thats a great idea" despite never even running to the shops before, and the rest, as they say, is history. Ever since then I have been on a mission to out-do myself with race distances, trying to prove to myself that no matter what has happened to me in the past that I can achieve anything that I can put my mind to. That is where my latest challenge came from... to run across America!

It was always something that I wanted to do, but it was always something that I knew I never would until one day I decided to change my way of thinking and actually do it! Now here I am, 7 months away from the biggest most exciting journey of my life, running 4,200 miles across the USA. I am excited beyond words, and cannot wait to get started and to meet so many amazing people along the way. Hopefully even some of the heard from here, and prove that you really can achieve anything, no matter what your circumstances. The next 7 months of training are going to be tough, I have to get myself back in shape for running 162 marathons in 8 months :/

P.S Also if you would like to have a look, the website for the run is www.CornerToCorner.run :)

Hi, I’m a 43yo (for a few more days at least, 43 I mean) step mum of 2 (Miss 12 & Mr 8) from Brisbane, Australia.  I started running I guess about 4 1/2 years ago, every now and then, training for events about 2 years ago. 

Since then I have managed to finish a few sprint triathlons, many 5k’s, quite a few 10k’s, a couple of 14k events and 2 half marathons, both at the Gold Coast.  I’m training now for Melbourne Half Marathon in 5 weeks, which is my first interstate event.

I started running again after a brain bleed at 39 scared me senseless.  Totally unexpected.  That’s when I knew something had to give. 

Mental Health is a huge motivator for me also.  I am a member of a number of fitness groups, but for some reason running stood out for me.  We have a very strong running community here in Australia and in Brisbane the groups I am apart of are very inclusive and supportive.  I have met my favourite people through running and made a #runningbestie, a true #solesister who is also new to this group.  She is in 2 of my photos here (& most of my running photos), Mel Love.

We have made some very BHAG for 2018 and one of them is to run the full marathon at GCAM in July 2018, so less than 300 days to go.  Coach Leitchy, Greg Leitch is our running coach.

Can’t wait to read all you stories and share in your triumphs.  Much love x

I'm Nicole and I'm excited to join the herd! I love working out these days (at least I love the after working out endorphin rush) but I was a very sedentary kid.

My idea of exercise was getting up to change the TV channel -- for all the young people out there, there was a time when you physically had to stand and walk to the television if you wanted to change the channel.  

At 38, I weigh about 5 pounds more than I did at 10 and wear 3 pant sizes smaller. Though many decades have passed, I remember how hard those first few weeks of moving are on you mentally and physically. I was lucky to have a hyperactive, supportive mother who ran/ walked with me for the first year and told me I could do it.

The first time I came across Run, Heifer, Run, I smiled, remembering the great support, encouragement, and occasional kick in the butt I received on my first 1,000 strides. I'm excited to join such a great group of fellow and future endorphin addicts! 

My names Casey and I'm a professional goofball. I've been walking for about twenty-eight years, but now I try to add some jogging and some healthy-eating in there, too. ;)

I'm an author and most of my walks involve imagining vast scenes in one of my books. The jogging less so, since it takes most of my brain power to keep at that pace and not trip over my own feet, grass, thin air... gravity and I have an interesting relationship. It misses me when I don't check in.

I'm a huge fan of puns and science jokes and I love to cook (and eat). I have four cats as crazy as me and a dog who's driving me even more round the bend (maybe I'll make it full circle back to sanity soon). I love to smile, laugh, and cheer other people on, and I'm happy to join your awesome group.
 

My name is Cassie. Married. 2 kids. Started running in November 2016 on my weight loss journey. Down 70lbs since July 2016. I live with Bipolar Disorder 1, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and General Anxiety Disorder. Suicide survivor. Running is real therapy for me (along with doctors and medication). My mental illnesses were not in control until I started this health journey and running really has saved my life. 

I Just turned 44 in August and can honestly say I am feeling better now than I have ever felt.  I started running a little over 3 years ago.  Ran my first 5K May 3, 2014 and I am now training for a 1/2 marathon in Nov in Vegas, the Rock and Roll Strip at Night.

I fell off the running wagon for most of 2016. Felt like crap. Started running again. My friend Erica Myers really encouraged me and a year ago said we should go to Vegas.  I always thought a 1/2 would be my ultimate someday years from now goal.  Id work towards some 10Ks.  Well look at me now!!!  Have many 5ks under my belt,  three 10Ks and up 11 miles on long runs!!!  I am a slow runner....over weight, short legs....but a consistent 13 to 14 min mi.  I have had some 12 m/m.  I'm more endurance than speed.

I am single.  Raised two kids in my own.  Now 21-son, college grad, in process of buying his first home, former hockey star.  18-daughter, freshmen in college nursing program, works full time as a CNA, former swimmer, smart and oh so witty!!!! She keeps me laughing.  I have a furkid named Molly that runs with me and is my empty nest dog.  She loves to run, swim, and camp....anything as long as she gets to go with me.  I also have a grand-furkid, my daughter's, but she is so busy he is pretty much with me all the time.  Im ok with that.  I am from North Dakota, the northwest corner, Williston ND.

Other than Erica and my kiddos, I have no one else in my life that's a run supporter.  In fact my parents and brothers scoffed and made fun of the idea of me running a half. Not so much my dad....at one time he said maybe we could run a 5K togEther when I started running three years ago. 

My name is Jacki. I'm 46 years old. I started running in 2011 when a friend of mine asked me to sign up for a half marathon with her.. I ran consistently for a few years, and then got burnt out on it. After gaining 20 pounds, I've decided to try to get motivated to start running again.. I'm basically starting from scratch at this point. 

Thank you for allowing me to join this wonderful community of positivity!

I was never really athletic growing up, in fact I dreaded going outside. When I joined the Air Force, I dreaded my PT tests because I'd miss the run by a few minutes. I didn't really get back into running till I gained 70 lbs after I got out of the military. After trying twenty different fitness plans, I realized my true passion lay in running. Something about how my legs felt like they were flying when I did sprints. I did miss the feeling despite dreading my AFPT runs.
So, I started running again (without any pressure!). I ran the MCM half earlier this year and deferred to the MCM 2018 so I can work on my time. ( I hate being the last one!)

I actually run 4-5 times a week and enjoy it! I love the calm that washes over me as I run. The pounding of my feet in rhythm with "Left,right,left". I used it as a tool to lose weight, but 40 lbs later its more of a stress reliever than weight loss tool.

Hello my name is Randall. I am fairly new to running/walking.  I recently got into running about three months ago. I have really enjoyed it a lot. I have come to love running through my zombie run app which has made running so much fun.

Ever since then I have run just about every day or every other day. I love reading. My favorite Arthur's Archer Robert Jordan. Love most outdoor activities in most sports. Spending time with my family my two wonderful daughters Jillian and Jersey my beautiful wife Brittany.

I just ran my first 5k last month it was a VR solar eclipse race. I haven't signed up for more 5K runs. I will be doing the zombie Run 5K October 21st. And honor and strength  Heroes 5K run in October. And I will be doing a hurting front to the Run in November. I recently got into fitness about 2 years ago. It's made a big difference in my life I have come down from 450 lb to 300 hopefully I will get to my target weight of 240.

My fitness has mainly been from eating right dieting and weight training. And now we can add running which I have really enjoyed like I said before. I would really love to participate and are run heifer run VR race. I really just don't know if I am ready for a half marathon. I I'm a super friendly outgoing guy never meets a stranger. With a positive attitude I try never to let anything get me down. I love to give positive motivation. Encouragement and lift others up I really love to help people whenever I make my target weight I plan on getting my personal trainers license because I think the fitness industry needs more positive and encouraging fitness trainer.

I think I can bring a lot of positive and encouraging. Motivation to this form with all of the other wonderful people I love to be around and communicate with others that are so positive and wonderful as the ones I have read so far on this form

Hi! My name is Carrie. I'm a single mom to 2 young girls.

I'm here for motivation, encouragement & friendships. After I had my youngest 7 years ago, I was sick of being overweight so I joined the gym and ate healthy.

I lost 70 pounds and felt and looked better than I had in years. But, after divorce life became much more stressful and I put everyone else and everything before me.

The weight has creeped back on and I just don't have the confidence I used to. So ready to be healthy again!

My name is Julie. Just moved from Kentucky to Port Charlotte Florida 3 months ago.

My husband is terminal and this is what we decided to do for the rest of his time. I'm 49 and will be 50 in January. I started my get healthy journey because I don't want to be this way in my 50s. I had my ah hah moment and knew this was gonna be a lot hard work but worth it.

I'm a hospice worker with Alzheimer's/ dementia training. Love crafts and traveling. My ultimate dream would be to do a spartan race. But for now I'll settle for losing 150 pounds! 

My journey with running started on earth day 2017.  The new 24 hour fitness center in town was having an earth day event to clean up the trash along the streets of our town. 

I wanted to see the inside if the gym, clean up my town, meet some people of the town etc.... through that somehow in Facebook I was connected to a new group in town called Getting Skinny in the Burg (GSITB). I had put on weight since my divorce and winter was just as unkind, I was eating blizzards for dinner and knew I had to change something.

I joined this group just to lose weight, I had no plan on exercising because I thought my job was physical enough..... I joined in round 2 of the group, and lost nothing.... I hardly ate, and my eating got worse when I realized that even on days I was starving, I still couldn't drop the weight.

Then there was round 3, I joined again and they started "group runs".  My first outing with the group I walked over half the 5K route, but returned every Saturday till I finally ran the entire thing... then running became a passion.  I wanted a better time, a longer distance. 

I found that my depression was helped, my moods were better in days I could run, I could let my mind go 100 different directions on a run, and come back restored and calm.  I ran further and further and fell in love with the being outside, me against myself.... and 6 months later I ran my first half marathon with a time of 2 hours and 26 minutes on the dot.  Then a month later I ran my second, much more brutal hilly course and bettered my time to 2 hrs 21 minutes and 46 seconds... now i am working towards a half marathon of 2 hours or right around that time marker and I will enter a full marathon.

While I'm still in the group GSITB, I'm now focused on the health and fitness support, I only lost 3 pounds but I'm stronger, happier, my clothes fit better and I have a passion that makes my days have a new purpose.

And that is my journey......

 I'm excited to join the herd. Here's my bio!

My name is Joshua , but known simply as Josher by friends and family. 

I've been big pretty much my whole life.  I was a big kid and that pretty much carried over into adulthood. To make a long story short — 8 years ago — I had enough. I hit the scales just over 400, I was depressed and visionless to where my life was going and I found running.

Well, walking at first.

I started making the changes I needed to make and within a couple years I lost 180lbs. I found running through 5Ks and that eventually lead to half marathons as I loved the challenge of seeing if I go farther and faster.

At age 30 I made a goal to run 180 races (one for each pound I lost and the 180 degree turn running has given my life) over 13.1 miles by my 40th birthday. The goal didn't just lead me into running more, but that same itch to run farther. The halfs lead to full marathons which eventually into ultras as well.

I am barely 36 and I am running my 160th race this Saturday. My goal will be to finish my 180th where it started in 2011 next July! But, not before I tackle running 100 miles this upcoming February.

I believe that running is for EVERYONE and I enjoy pacing the "slower" times — aka "The Party in the Back!" — because that's where my people are at! 

My struggle with my weight is ongoing, thanks to my Thyroid issues and a recent diagnosis with Hashimoto's. But, I've never let that keep me from my goals and not being a participant in life — I spent nearly 30 years doing that. I'm still going!

I might be slow and I might be the last one to get to the finish line, but you can bet I'll have the most fun out there on the course.

If others are interested, I blog about my health, running and races at www.phatjosh.com. You can also find me on social media at @josherwalla on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Today I got a reminder from Facebook saying that today 3 years ago I did my first 5k ever (picture on the left), I walked that whole 5k felt I was going to die, and as people were passing me by I was wondering why in the world people think running is fun!?!?!?!? ...

I didn't do another 5 k again, until a year after that first picture was taken; and that's because I was forced into the second 5k! (You can imagine the "joy" of remembering my first 5k and how "excited" I felt 😒😒😒😒)
Fast forward to 2017: I've lost 120 lbs, guess how? 
Running!!!!! Why? because it's fun ! 😂😂😂😂

And for this year (picture in the right ) I've done a bunch of races some of them: my first half marathon , a sub 25 min 5k, a sprint triathlon , participated in the Crossfit open games, and currently training for my first full marathon in November of this year, also training for my first HIM. 💥🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️💥

Somebody not long ago asked in this group :what keeps you motivated ? Well my friend; Facebook keeps reminding me how bad things were before, but also how wonderful progress has been!

I’m a working mom trying to keep it all together- take care of everyone else and still make time for myself.

That’s not happening so much right now. I am signed up for a mountain bike race and, two weeks later, a 10 mile trail trek in northern Wisconsin (I’m from Illinois) at the end of September. I want to run the half-marathon there someday but I’m haven’t been running enough to attempt that. The trek was a way to participate within my current abilities. I’ve run in the past but have gained around 30 pounds over the past 4 years and am trying to put myself first again instead of always taking care of everyone else needs and only getting the dregs. 

I mountain bike, road bike, and cross country ski when I can, but am aiming to get back to regular workouts (running and weights) on a consistent basis. 

I turned 40, got divorced and was at my highest weight ever so i decided something had to change. 

I joined the gym.  But I have done that so many times before.  So I decided to sign up for a 5k a few months out to make sure I kept going.  I am still slow, but I am so much faster than I was in the beginning.  I just finished my 5th 5k.  I am always the back of the pack and sometimes last, but last place beats the couch I was sitting on last year.

Started out riding/racing mountain bikes in my late 20's. Transitioned to triathlon in mid 30's because my sister signed me up for a triathlon as a birthday present and told me to learn to run. So I did a learn to run program. That was followed by 10km, half and full marathon clinics.  Triathlons went from sprints to Olympic distance and half-ironman distances.

Fast forward to now. Been battling injury, weight gain and some medical issues.  Haven't been training/racing much in the past couple of years. I was looking for motivation when I found #runheiferrun. And wow! Did I ever find motivation.  Getting back into training has been hard because I think I should be just as fast as I was a few years ago.  I know I can get back to where I was, but patience is required.

I'm happy to have such a wonderful group to share my journey with!