Obese to (Ultra)marathoner

jmcowan42

Hello,

My life changed about 2.5 years ago when I made a resolution to lose weight. But let's start before that. I never was athletic when I was younger. I played tennis in high school but never took it seriously. I was never able to run. The most I could do was the mile in junior high and I hated that (it took me like 13 minutes). I was extremely unhealthy in every way. I remember one day getting my blood pressure checked and they had to take me into another room, had me sit down, and take deep breaths before they checked again. I don't remember what the numbers were but I just know the nurse seemed surprised when she seen it so it couldn't have been good. My resting heart rate would be lucky to reach the 70s. I'm extremely lucky and blessed that I did not develop diabetes (especially since it's in my family).

So 2.5 years ago I wanted to lose weight. Like everyone else, I had tried so many times in the past and have failed. So I went about it differently this time around. I wanted to find something that would help me stay motivated. More specifically I wanted to find an exercise that I would enjoy doing and would be proud of when I say I could do it. One of the first things I read was about distance runners. I looked at distance runners and lunatics who fell off the deep end. But I also had a ton of respect for them, so much that would view them as being superhumans or something weird. I looked at 5Ks as being dreadful and not in any way fun. I had done maybe 1 when I was a kid and it was miserable. I never figured 10Ks would be something I could do; I mean, who can run for an hour nonstop? Next was the half marathons which I figured was practically impossible. I had never seen myself being able to do that. Then there was the full marathons. 26.2 miles? That's a joke and only people who have insane healthy genetics would be able to do those.

Well here I am today. I've done 2 full marathons, 3 halves, a tough mudder and numerous 5Ks. My blood pressure is 120/60 and my resting heart rate is in the 50s. After this last marathon I wanted more. I have to try something more. So I signed up for a 50 miler for this November. Having "Ultramarathoner" next to my name is something a crazy person would have suggested only 2 years ago, but now it's starting to have a ring to it.

Now a picture of before (I don't have that many "good" ones because anytime there were bad pictures taken of me I turned into a secret ninja and would delete the photo before anyone realized it):



Now after (plenty of these, crazy how photogenic we become):



At mile 25 of my latest marathon:





Tough mudder pic:





Thanks for reading guys! Please add me as a friend, I can always use some encouragement! Especially for this 50!

indyrunning

To be further inspired, grab the August 2015 Runner's World and read the article "Ultra" by John Brant. Wow! I was so inspired.

debubbie

Awesome job! Good luck in your Ultra race!

karyabc

_ i just ahhhhhhh amazing!! indeed you should be proud of your self.

slimbettie

wow wow wow thank you so much for sharing. you just made my day!!

MiliOm

wow great work, you look so happy

carliekitty

Great job! You should be very proud of your accomplishments.

wannaloseit77

Wow, you look amazing and so happy! Congratulations!!

jmcowan42

Thank you guys!

wannabeskinnycat

Fantastic

christinedlg50

You are awesome! Like you, I've hated running but secretly wish I had the endurance for such. I'm not running yet but your're an inspiration! Share your healthy/diet tips sometime!

jenilla1

I did my first marathon a bazillion years ago. It was my first race ever. They didn't have half-marathons back then, which is good, because I probably would have stopped at the half and never attempted a full. Awesome achievement - that 26.2 miles of pavement really beats you down.

Now that I'm older, I prefer half-marathons. Less wear and tear, but still long enough that you feel like you've accomplished something when you're done. I've thought about trying a mud run or a zombie run, but I'd probably just break my neck. Cheers, and keep up the good work!

MrsMizart

What an excellent life story lad! Loving the after pictures, such life and vitality :-)

ebaba301

Inspiring! How did you start running?

boxfish100

Incredible. What a fantastic achievement - good luck on your ultra. Given your progress so far you are sure to smash it.

Firefly0606

Big Congratulations. You have inspired me to see this through, so thank you

jmcowan42

jenilla1 wrote: »

I've thought about trying a mud run or a zombie run, but I'd probably just break my neck.

I'd recommend a Spartan or Tough Mudder race for a mud run. Especially if you like a HM distance.

I did a zombie run once but it was done locally and was their 1st year so it wasn't a great experience but I'd love to try another one.

jmcowan42

ebaba301 wrote: »

Inspiring! How did you start running?

I started out doing a couch to 5k plan... I used the zenlabs app on my phone that did a basic run walk run program. I got injured and had to stop, but finally completed it. Then I moved on to the 10k trainer app that they have.

I would definitely recommend that to anyone starting running. And take your rest days and stretch before runs! I didn't and got shin splints after running like 5 days in a row.

shaesuperstar

Awesome sauce! I've done 3 marathons but not sure if I would ever go ultra!!

jmcowan42

shaesuperstar wrote: »

Awesome sauce! I've done 3 marathons but not sure if I would ever go ultra!!

I never would have expected signing up for an ultra... In fact, last spring when I was training for my 2nd half marathon I told a friend that I was eyeing a full marathon in the fall and they mentioned how they knew a guy who did an ultra. I told them I'd probably never get to that level to do those.

But it would probably be ideal for me to get a couple more marathons under my belt before going out for a 50 but I couldn't wait to sign up lol

mbaker566

my cousin does some extreme trail runs and trialalons

I couldn't even imagine. but then again I couldn't ever imagine me beginning to run. so you never know...

ancook02

You're definitely an inspiration! Congrats on all your hard work and achievements!!

Diana_GettingFit

What an inspirational story! Thank you for sharing. I just started running a couple of months ago. I had to cross country running at school on occasion and I HATED it. Now I can run 2 to 3 miles. I'm working on building my endurance before I start worrying about speed.

MarianneC93

Absolutely incredible. Best of luck for your ultra marathon.

disasterman

Nice story! I'm looking forward to your race report on the 50.

Noreenmarie1234

WOW! Fantastic job, you are an inspiration. Congratulations on all your hard work. It has paid off, you are amazing.

jmcowan42

moyer566 wrote: »

my cousin does some extreme trail runs and trialalons

I couldn't even imagine. but then again I couldn't ever imagine me beginning to run. so you never know...

I couldn't even comprehend running 6 miles...and certainly never thought I could do it. I've had to teach myself that I shouldn't set limits and just see where I go.

CSARdiver

Simply outstanding brother!