Introduction from a future marathon runner (160 pounds lost

xgg2rs

I downloaded the MFP app and started reading these forums about a month ago and have managed to lose around 15 pounds since doing so. I currently weigh 215 pounds (I am 6ft 3in) and still exploring what my ideal weight is, really my focus is just to lose my mid section, if I could move my weight around I would probably happy at this weight. (I also do strength training 3 times a week in addition to my running and would like to shape my body)

At my highest weight I was 385 pounds (at least, I might of even weighed more at one point) and tried every kind of "fab" diet, pill etc with no real success. I had sleep apnea and had to wear a machine to sleep at night. (Something I hated with a passion) I was really depressed and think I had pretty much given up on life and figured I would eat myself to death.

Then my father passed away at age 57 unexpectedly of a heart attack with high blood pressure. I had a dream about a month after that my father came to see me. He told me in this dream to quit feeling sorry for myself and do something with my life. This combined with my hatered for my breathing machine motivated me to lose weight. I was also really unhappy with not moving up at my job at the time and figured my weight was something I could attempt to control. (I finally got promoted and happy with my current job )

I started out doing low carb (adkins) diet and walked on my breaks and lunchs at work. I was often known as that walking guy at work. My mother gave me the great advice to drink alot of water to feel full and this also helped my progress. I did not lose weight in a few months time nor did I lose it in a year. This has been something I have been working on for a few years now and feel like I am with striking distance of the body I want.

After reaching one of my many stalls in weight loss, I decided to try running. I did the C25K program and can still remember thinking how in the hell am I going to run 27 minutes straight with no walking. (turned out easier than I thought) I changed my diet to a more balanced diet, trying to include whole grains, fruit, and vegetables as much as I can. I was a vegan for 6 months and while I am not a vegan now, I learned so much during that time about reading labels for foods etc. (I loved the food but could not lose weight as a vegan and finding protein that wasn't soy turned me off of it)

I ran my first 5k race 2 and a 1/2 years ago with a goal to finish in 30 minutes. (I did it in 28 minutes) From there I got the running bug and trained for a 10k and then eventually trained to run a 1/2 marathon. I ran my first 1/2 marathon in 2 hours and 14 minutes this past fall. I trained last spring and last fall and then ran it in the fall.

I am hoping this year to do the same for the full marathon. I am training to run this spring and will do the whole training program again this fall with the intention of running a full marathon.

I am a very goal oriented person and have for the most part been self motivated. I would love to make friends with other runners to gain tips on nutrition for running long distances and any other help you would want to share. (I am still trying to figure out what the right amount to eat when running over 10 miles and what I should be eating)

I also have this desire to help others who are struggling to lose weight like I have for many years, if you would like to friend me for support, I don't consider myself an expert but I do know what has worked and not worked for me.

Mike