Those who say they can't: I say you can! 300lbs to a mountain marathon

Hiker_Rob
Hiker_Rob Posts: 5,547 Member
edited August 2015 in Success Stories
There is little more satisfying than completing a mountain 1/2 marathon (20k / 2050' elevation gain) in the top 1/4 while reflecting on where you were 2 to 3 years earlier.
2 years ago I never thought I would have done this but there I was earlier this month crossing the finish line, totally used up but completely satisfied at the same time. 3 years ago I was a 300lb totally out of shape 2 pack a day smoker....
To every one out there who thinks they 'can't'; I'm telling you that you can! It may not be a mountain marathon that's in your goals but what ever it is - you CAN do it!

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Replies

  • Xiaolongbao
    Xiaolongbao Posts: 854 Member
    Awesome! Congratulations.
  • sheldonklein
    sheldonklein Posts: 854 Member
    Amazing. I just did my first 5k, am building towards a10k and have fantasies of a marathon, but I'm 59 and can't convince myself that it's possible.
  • ms_smartypants
    ms_smartypants Posts: 8,278 Member
    You are awesome ....What an amazing accomplishment and terrific transformation ...Well done sir ...You look great :)
  • janiep81
    janiep81 Posts: 248 Member
    Awesome! This is inspiring. My husband and I honeymooned in BC... I'd still like to move there one day. I'd run these things all the time just for the views. :)
  • WicklowWanderer
    WicklowWanderer Posts: 247 Member
    Amazing, congratulations!
  • karyabc
    karyabc Posts: 830 Member
    You awesomeeeee!! :#
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  • Hiker_Rob
    Hiker_Rob Posts: 5,547 Member
    edited August 2015
    sheldonklein wrote: »
    Amazing. I just did my first 5k, am building towards a10k and have fantasies of a marathon, but I'm 59 and can't convince myself that it's possible.

    Answer: Can do! A good friend of mine (57) is doing a 1/2 marathon next week and it's not his first. He was 10-11k about 6 months ago and he has not been running that many years. I think once you start building your endurance then the next steps become easier
  • provence9
    provence9 Posts: 119 Member
    Cool!
  • whiteblossom14
    whiteblossom14 Posts: 240 Member
    Awesome well done x
  • Crochet180
    Crochet180 Posts: 57 Member
    Inspirational!
  • cairoqueen27
    cairoqueen27 Posts: 26 Member
    well done! such a healthy change to your life :)
  • maureented
    maureented Posts: 59 Member
    GREAT job!
  • CarrieA180
    CarrieA180 Posts: 903 Member
    Thank you for sharing your very inspirational success! Congrats! :)
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    That is just SO cool! Congrats!
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,148 Member
    Well done!
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  • hotnumber
    hotnumber Posts: 222 Member
    You're a great inspiration!
  • grwrn
    grwrn Posts: 184 Member
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  • nurselroy
    nurselroy Posts: 67 Member
    Great job and thanks for sharing. I've done a few 5Ks and will be doing my first 10K in a few months, but my biggest goal is to do a half marathon so this was very motivating and encouraging
  • lilray01
    lilray01 Posts: 11 Member
    I don't know what to congratulate you on first. Giving up smoking, losing the weight, doing a half marathon, doing a mountain one at that, and finishing in the top 1/4. All are awesome accomplishments. As a fellow half marathoner I just have to say "You Rock"!!!
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    Well done, you have accomplished a lot for all the right reasons.
    Nice part of our province you live in.

    Cheers, h.
  • kallemann67
    kallemann67 Posts: 92 Member
    sheldonklein wrote: »
    Amazing. I just did my first 5k, am building towards a10k and have fantasies of a marathon, but I'm 59 and can't convince myself that it's possible.

    Go to any triathlon and look at age groupers 65+. There are many of them. There are many stories of folks starting running in their 50's and going on to do marathons and triathlons. Your 5k is done- yes! The 10k will come then the half marathon and so on. The last triathlon I was at the overall second place finisher was in the 50-59 age group. There was another in the top ten. It's possible.
  • kallemann67
    kallemann67 Posts: 92 Member
    htvupfxshil4.jpg

    This is such a great photo. You don't even look like you cut a sweat.
  • rjivory
    rjivory Posts: 51 Member
    So awesome! Thanks! I needed that today!
  • radiosilents
    radiosilents Posts: 223 Member
    You already know that I am dazzled by your accomplishments, but I'll say it here publicly, too. You really inspire me!
  • FitOldMomma
    FitOldMomma Posts: 790 Member
    I'm saving this post for future reference.
    I too was a smoker (3 packs a day of Marlboro's) and was just shy of 300 pounds.
    Still a ways to go on my weight, but I know I'll get there eventually.
    When I have people tell me they cannot stop smoking-I tell them they most certainly can. And it will be the best decision of their lives.
    Super congratulations on your success, you are truly a role model for those seeking to make major changes. You're just awesome!
  • alltheweigh170
    alltheweigh170 Posts: 287 Member
    You look great! Loved that second pic with the mountains in the background. Hope I can do that someday. Very inspiring! Congratulations!!!
  • TrishaShav
    TrishaShav Posts: 13 Member
    Great job!!
  • LunaBrighton
    LunaBrighton Posts: 142 Member
    AMAZING!!!! You are truly an inspiration.
  • UrnAsh_84
    UrnAsh_84 Posts: 41 Member
    Congratulations

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