From Fat to Fitness & Boston Marathon in 2 years
mikmowtx
Posts: 8 Member
Two years ago I was 49 years old, significantly overweight and headed for certain diabetes. That all changed when I made a decision to change my life and also found MyFitnessPal!!! Yes, I had to do the work but MyFitnessPal kept me on-track and accountable to myself.
In less than a year I went from 260+ down to the 150's. Dropped 16 to 17 inches off my waistline but more importantly, I fell in love and became passionate about running (well, maybe obsessed). I set a goal of running my first half marathon in October of 2011 and my first full marathon in December of 2011. I was able to accomplish both of those goals and in a year and a half completed a total of 3 half marathons and 5 full marathons. My 2nd dream/goal was to attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon. In October 2012 I accomplished that goal by completing the Chicago Marathon with a Boston qualifying time. Two weeks ago, I completed the Boston Marathon in what was for me a new personal record.
New goals to achieve are a half or full marathon ran in every state and complete a sub three hour marathon within the next year.
I post all this not to brag (well maybe a little
) but let anyone struggling with weight and/or health issues know, YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I was overweight, lazy and had resigned myself to being that way until the day I died (which may have not been that many years away). Yes, there was a bit of an epiphany that occurred in my life (another story) but a decision must be made and you have to remain committed to it...
In less than a year I went from 260+ down to the 150's. Dropped 16 to 17 inches off my waistline but more importantly, I fell in love and became passionate about running (well, maybe obsessed). I set a goal of running my first half marathon in October of 2011 and my first full marathon in December of 2011. I was able to accomplish both of those goals and in a year and a half completed a total of 3 half marathons and 5 full marathons. My 2nd dream/goal was to attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon. In October 2012 I accomplished that goal by completing the Chicago Marathon with a Boston qualifying time. Two weeks ago, I completed the Boston Marathon in what was for me a new personal record.
New goals to achieve are a half or full marathon ran in every state and complete a sub three hour marathon within the next year.
I post all this not to brag (well maybe a little
) but let anyone struggling with weight and/or health issues know, YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I was overweight, lazy and had resigned myself to being that way until the day I died (which may have not been that many years away). Yes, there was a bit of an epiphany that occurred in my life (another story) but a decision must be made and you have to remain committed to it... 0
Replies
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wow. that's impressive! congratulation for a job well done. one more time ..wow0
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Thanks for sharing your story and congrats on changing your life around. I am currently starting to train for marathons with my first 10 mile run coming this weekend. Hoping to be running in Boston some day soon.0
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Thanks for the inspiring post! Being 50, it is great to read posts like this. It kind of kicks me in the tail and makes me want to shoot for the stars (If I miss, I will still get the moon! It's a wonderful life!). :happy:0
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Holy cow, that's amazing! Congratulations on your successful journey, and thank you for sharing your story.0
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YOU ARE AMAZING! Yes, I wrote that in all caps...because you are. Such an inspiration!0
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Applause! Applause! Thank you for sharing.0
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Two years ago I was 49 years old, significantly overweight and headed for certain diabetes. That all changed when I made a decision to change my life and also found MyFitnessPal!!! Yes, I had to do the work but MyFitnessPal kept me on-track and accountable to myself.
In less than a year I went from 260+ down to the 150's. Dropped 16 to 17 inches off my waistline but more importantly, I fell in love and became passionate about running (well, maybe obsessed). I set a goal of running my first half marathon in October of 2011 and my first full marathon in December of 2011. I was able to accomplish both of those goals and in a year and a half completed a total of 3 half marathons and 5 full marathons. My 2nd dream/goal was to attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon. In October 2012 I accomplished that goal by completing the Chicago Marathon with a Boston qualifying time. Two weeks ago, I completed the Boston Marathon in what was for me a new personal record.
New goals to achieve are a half or full marathon ran in every state and complete a sub three hour marathon within the next year.
I post all this not to brag (well maybe a little ) but let anyone struggling with weight and/or health issues know, YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I was overweight, lazy and had resigned myself to being that way until the day I died (which may have not been that many years away). Yes, there was a bit of an epiphany that occurred in my life (another story) but a decision must be made and you have to remain committed to it...
WOW. This made my jaw DROP..we a similar same age and did a very similar weight loss journey. I aspire to all the things you have achieved. What a fantastic post to read 7 days before my first ever marathon. Thank you for sharing your amazing story. Utterly inspiring.0 -
Way to go! Also, so glad that you did not get hurt.0
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I'm so glad that you took control of your life.
Congratulations on your new found health and vitality!0 -
Good luck with your first marathon!!! Which one are you running?0
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Thank you for the kind words.... the only down side to my first Boston Marathon was not really being able to celebrate given the tragedy that occurred there. I will really be looking forward to going back next year and he great part is that I am already qualified based on my time from this year.0
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Congratulations!
And as a Massachsetts resident,glad you made it safe!0 -
Thanks for sharing and bragging a little. Your journey gives hope and inspiration to people like me. Congratulations.0
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That was a good time you got !0
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Congratulations! That is amazing and so inspirational to me. I never thought I could be a runner, but after finding the right shoes and doing the c25k program I am running a 5k next weekend and am so psyched for it. I am also running the Falmouth Road Race (I live on the Cape) which is 7.1 miles in August. I have a goal to try a half marathon in October and then will evaluate after that if I want to try to run Boston next year. My heart says yes, my brain is still telling me I'm crazy.0
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Congratulations!! What an amazing accomplishment (everything!!)
There WAS a down-side, but you still deserve to have a huge celebration!!0 -
Nice job and great time!!! Congrats!0
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WOW ! you are a rock star, and an inspiration ! i just started running this week and i am so in love with it. !
thank you for posting !!! i appreciate it.0 -
What a story, you have every right to brag! I just started the couch 2 5k with my 21 year granddaughter. And we are going to do the color run in Nov. in Az. Can't wait till I get to where you're at today0
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That is awesome Alicia and a great inspiration to your granddaughter!!!0
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That is fantastic. I just started today and one of my goals is to just be able to run. Running a marathon, well I wouldn't even be able to describe that. Before you started though, did you have a lot of discomfort when walking and did that go away. When did you start running again. I worry I have already put to much on my knees.0
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CONGRATULATIONS!!! you are amazing and an imspiration. Thanks!0
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Very inspiring!
I just started running last fall and will complete my first marathon in October.
One day I hope to progress to the point where I can qualify for the Boston marathon also!0 -
Your story is so inspirational! It proves you can do anything at any age. I am a fairly new runner and have completed about 6 5k's this past year . I am also a Bostonian and someday hope to run the Boston marathon. I love hearing stories like these!
congrats! You should be extremely proud of you'd accomplishments!0
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