This Roseville Mom on The Run Has Lost 30 lbs. and She's Just Getting Started

When Lysa Pascale joined Roseville Moms on The Run in April, she had just turned 46-years-old and was down on herself.

Back in January, “I was feeling old and fat wondering what I wanted to do improve my life,” said Pascale, of Roseville.  “Going on my 46th birthday and 80 pounds overweight I felt like it may be time to lose the baby weight (my “babies” being 11 and 17).”

When Pascale discovered the Moms on the Run (MOTR) website, she  said she wondered if the program, led by trainer Vickie Seim, could be the answer to achieving a healthier life. She saw photos on the website of women who weren’t skinny.

“Maybe if they could” take up running and start getting in shape, may she could do it too,” Pascale recalled. 

Still, Pascale said she had never thought she could be a runner.   

"Having been born a full figured woman I didn’t fit the runner mold.," Pascale said.  Told myself, 'You're too old,  fat. It's too late.
"But each time I saw someone running down the street the thought that popped in my head was  'That must feel so good',”  Pascale recalled. 

Despite her self-doubts, Pascale decided to give Moms on The Run a try.  

"Seim is our trainer and the best influence I could ask for in a coach,"  Pascale said.  "From the beginning I knew I found the right spot.  Super fit, gorgeous and friendl; Vickie didn’t seem surprised by my size.  

Pascale said she felt accepted by the other women participants.  She added, "Vickie somehow figures out what I need to get to the next step without pushing or judging. " 

Pascale offered Roseville Patch this account of her running journey: 

"April 24th- The day after my 46th birthday was the first day of class and I already succeeded.  I put on my three sports bras and showed up.  The rest was a breeze. 

I am not a competitive person.  I now compete daily, with the voice in my head.  Each run is a new challenge …a new voice.

Week 1- Show up (remember to thank my daughter for helping squeeze on three sports bras).

Week 2- Don’t notice the fact that I am the heaviest one in the group.

Week 3 – Be proud you’re here and you haven’t passed out.

Week 4- Conquer the fear of getting out of breath.

Milestone-- My first 5 k- goals (show up) walk as much as needed.  
After mile one (I ran a mile! Where is the marching band??)  I noticed I was not out of breath and nothing was hurting so I kept running.
I ran the entire time.  (OK- I “ran” as fast as Julie H. walked but I did it). Hmmmm-I may just be able to do this.

Week 5-Stop listening to the voice and just breathe.

Week 6- Wait! I can breathe. 

Week 7- It is still a tough workout to get through. But wait…I think I may be running. 

Week 8 –Figure out that some days are better than others – no need to judge

Week 9- Realize how much better the workouts are as I have lost 33 lbs.  wow,  my toes are numb at the end of the run and I don’t feel like I need to go to the bathroom each step I take :o)

And so on.

Now the voice and I get to plan how to improve each run,  each day.  Thirty-three pounds lighter, I am setting my next goals.  They all start with having more fun.  

I can’t wait to feel what it feels like running after the next 20lbs ( goal for end of August).  What will it feel like by December (another 20 lbs gone).

Can’t wait for my next birthday!!"

Biggest lessons so far:

1. Don’t believe everything you think. 

2. Weight loss and fitness are the frosting but the way I feel about myself is the cake!

Lysa Pascale

Roseville Moms on the Run