From 350 lbs to 220 lbs (Progress photo)

007irish wrote: »

Do you do cutting/bulking phases? If not, then this kind of blows the theory away when people say you cannot lose fat and gain muscle at the same time. You are proof that you can exactly do just that.

A big congratulations to you sir. Well done!

Also, any tips on the nutrition part of it? Did you cut out all processed foods or did you just eat anything you wanted as long as your macros and calories were in check?

I wish I could say that I had a master plan of nutrition that I follow. I honestly just eat towards whatever I'm training for. As I train for an ultra I tend to lose a few lbs of fats and muscle as I'm burning alot of calories and eating mostly carbs. As soon as I'm done with that particular race I kick up my protein macros and lift heavy so I can get my strength back. But I never let up on the weightlifting, even when I'm running 70-90 miles a week.

@juggamund, I'm so sorry about the delayed response. I started running right away in my journey. It was more of a slow shuffle in the beginning and I incorporated a lot of walk breaks to get started. I never felt like I had to learn proper form but I know my form isn't the best either. So far I've been lucky not to have suffered any injuries. I've had a ton of aches and pains but I try to be smart about it and not push through possible injuries. I switch to hiking and throw in some spin classes if I feel an overuse injury coming on but so far have not had to take anymore than a handful of days off to recover from any of my races.

Thanks @kjurassic and @karenkasbi

archanajoyce wrote: »

What an inspirational transformation. I've lost 100 lbs so far and am trying to complete a 5k. I'm totally motivated by your message this morning and will remember when I run tonight - that it's all in the mind. If I do complete the 5K, I shall come back here and share. Thank you for being a huge motivation.

Thank you so much. 100 lbs loss is amazing!! Congrats and good luck to you on your 5k. Please fill me in on how it goes for you.

lilyann001 wrote: »

Did you have a personal trainer along the way? Did you feel you needed a personal trainer to tell you what diet you should have and particular exercises to do to get to your particular goals? If not, how did you find out what particular type of exercises and diet to have?

I didn't have a trainer along the way. I played a lot of sports, ran, and weightlifted in my youth so I kinda reverted to what I knew. I went straight to running and strength training in the beginning of this process. My diet was a big big learning process and I'm still trying to figure out how to stay disciplined in losing the last 30 or so lbs. I think what it comes down to is strengthening your body in all ways. Making your muscles stronger, including your heart, and improving and maintaining your cardiovascular fitness. Trail running and weightlifting is how I choose to do it and I love it. Find what you enjoy, whether it be cycling, crossfit, bodyweight exercises, kettle bells, zumba, or whatever and just go for it. Make it hurt, embrace the pain, and enjoy the process of getting healthy.