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Friday, August 19, 2011

50 pounds lighter

I can't put into words how much running has changed my life. It feels like it was the thing I have been missing all along. I can't imagine what else I would be doing with myself right now.

The reason I bring this up is because I ran across a picture of myself that a co-worker had taken a couple of years ago. I purposely did not take many pictures of myself because I just didn't like the way I looked. I weighed 200 pounds after I quit smoking and though I was happy I quit, I was unhappy about my weight. Looking at the picture, I can almost feel the sadness I had inside of me. It's a feeling I can't forget.

Here is that picture with an after shot as well. The before picture was from 2008 or 2009. The after pic was taken not too long ago.



I weigh now roughly 150 pounds and went from a size 36 waist to a 30... I even got a new tat with the money I saved from smoking!
I can't say the weight lose was all due to running. I also changed my eating habits. No more soda, sweets and other junk foods. I try to keep it all natural and low calorie with a lot of fruits and vegetables. I do still enjoy my beers here and there and only when not training for a race. Losing this weight was hard, but it was the easy part. Keeping it off is more of a challenge. This picture now sits at my desk at work for motivation. :)

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Runs:

Wednesday - Got 7.5 miles in during my lunch time. Could have dome more, but I didn't want to be gone for too long. I always worry that someone might be looking for me and wonder why I'm taking so long to get back.
Thursday - Speed workout that kicked my ass. It was hot and humid and the sun made it feel like I was carrying someone on my shoulders. Five not so easy miles, but got them done!

Day off today, plan on 5 tomorrow and my usual long run on Sunday. I'm shooting for 13 miles!


Have great weekend all!


3 comments:

Pahla said...

Wow, that's an amazing transformation! Congratulations!

Jeff said...

"It feels like it was the thing I have been missing all along." I think that pretty much sums it up for anyone who took up running after college.

Congratulations on the fifty pounds!

Jose said...

Thanks P for the comment!

Jeff, glad I'm not the only one that felt like that. Thanks!