We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

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

Hiker_Rob
Hiker_Rob Posts: 5,547 Member
edited November 2024 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!

hm8bw0jxy4ll.png
htvupfxshil4.jpg
«1

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!! :#
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • 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: 9,150 Member
    Well done!
    umrcwnnzt9uv.gif
  • hotnumber
    hotnumber Posts: 222 Member
    You're a great inspiration!
  • grwrn
    grwrn Posts: 184 Member
    thumbs.gif
  • 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: 8,488 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
This discussion has been closed.

Categories

Do you Love MyFitnessPal? Have you crushed a goal or improved your life through better nutrition using MyFitnessPal?
Share your success and inspire others. Leave us a review on Apple Or Google Play stores!