Howdy, all! Been a while since posting and am catching up on all your doings, some good and some hurting. I certainly would like to concur on getting a stress test before starting running, because gaining 40 pounds at age 20 is one thing, but gaining it in middle age (I'm afraid so!) is not good on anyone's heart and blood profile (which should also be done for lipids, blood sugars, etc.). Heart risks really rise by that age and with inactivity, no matter how healthy we feel we are. Enough said. I would add to also get a good new pair of running shoes and not rely on something old and worn, an unconditioned, heavy body needs a lot of support.
Big news here is that I ran a 1/2 marathon Saturday, certified course, and met my goal time of sub-2. The day was 60 degrees and about 80% RH at the start, with some breezes that we ran into for the last 5 miles or so. Saw my wife cheering us on at 12 miles, and that was when we get a nice downhill final mile, and was able to go from my 9:08 average through 12 to an 8:02 mile (per my NIKE GPS so I don't have to hit my watch for splits). Finished in 1:58:53 chip time for 7th of 35 in 60-64, and anytime I'm top 20%, it's a good day. Ran the race in HOKA's, since I have not been to the track at all to get adjusted to my LunaRacers, and carried water, thank goodness, since I drank the whole 16 oz., as well as using the aid stations. Couple of people went down in the race, d/t the abnormally high temp/humidity. Considering that 10.5 miles was my longest run this year, this was a good start at my first race of the year. It helped that my wife reminded me "just to run" is our first motto, esp. when not racing fit.
My wife has taken time off from running altogether. Her fatigue is still there. It appears to be adrenal fatigue, from numerous stresses of years of hard training, demanding work, family, etc. So is trying to go gluten free, and using some things that can restart the adrenal cortex to normality. Six months of thyroid pills did nothing. So we have more hopes, now that we have some results showing a decline in her adrenal output. She is going to also get her ferritin and her pulmonary function retested, as she has asthma and has been anemic in the past, too.
All the best to all of you, nice to be back in a great discussion thread.