Reality Check, a push, and running.

[Kid A]

...I told justin most of this story already. I guess he just has to read it again! Ha!

 

I work for a tire delivery warehouse here in Southern California, and for my job we drive box trucks very similar to what uhaul gives for their smaller size box trucks. We are required to have physicals done what seems like every 2 years. They check height, weight, vision, hearing, and do a drug test.

 

On July 21, I was asked to do a physical.

 

When the physical started, the doctor ask me if I knew my height and weight, I told him 5'8" but I have no clue as to my weight being that I haven't weighed myself since my last physical and I didn't remember what I was then. But I knew I had gained some weight. Doc said that's ok and he'll weigh me later.

 

So after my vision, and hearing test, I was finally asked to step on the scale. I take off my boots, empty my pockets, and step on the scale.

 

It read 244.

 

I literally hung my head in disbelief. Reality had set in. Six years ago I was at 185. 59 pounds gained. I could not believe it. It was a HUGE reality check.

 

THAT NIGHT, I joined a gym.

 

I started actually attending the gym the very next day, July 22, to start working out.

 

The first day was torture. But I knew I needed to keep going. I needed some sort of motivation or push or something.

 

July 23 is my birthday. That day, legs sore, I still went to the gym and rode a stationary bike for about 20 minutes. Kept it short because, my family had a gathering planned for me and also, like I said, I was sore.

 

That night, I was talking to my brother and I had already told him that I had started running again. He asked me if I would ever run a half marathon (He already has 20+ half marathons under his belt). I said , "Well, I don't know. I know that they can get pricey and honestly it's something I wouldn't want to pay for right now."

 

He then tells me, "What if I pay for it? For your birthday".

 

It then occurred to me. That is the push I needed.

 

My brother sent me a training schedule that he uses to prep for his runs. This is what it looks like.

 

 

One month later he messages me this pic:

 

 

I was officially registered to run the Riverside Mission Inn Half Marathon.

 

Today it hit me that my Half Marathon is 6 days away.

 

I've been running ever since, pretty much, the day of my physical. Last I weighed myself, I've lost 25 pounds. That was 2 weeks ago. I'm feeling better about myself. My clothes are fitting better. And It feels like I have more energy overall.

 

Saturday I go pick up my packet, with my bib number and info. Sunday is half marathon day. I'd be lying if I said I'm not a bit nervous. I am also a bit excited for my run. But one thing I know for sure, I'm 100% determined to finish it.

Edited November 8, 2016 by KidA0723

[Justin]

Awesome that you shared this with us! Congratulations on your weight loss, feeling better about yourself, and good luck at your marathon on Saturday!

[Atari 5200 Guy]

I believe you will do great.  Awesome way to get that innovation you needed, too.  "Go Ninja, Go Ninja, Go!"  You can do it!

[StormSurge]

Good luck!

That's awesome! You can definitely do it!

I had a similar situation this past March. I had ballooned to my highest weight ever & was sick of it. I hate the gym & the only exercise I get is playing basketball twice a week. The weight gain came from a constant need to snack while gaming.

Anyway, I started tracking my calorie intact, started walking during my lunch break & started the Couch to 5K program. My first "run" (it's basically a walk, with a couple 30 second jogs thrown in) was brutal. I could barely finish. But I kept up with it & nearly finished the 8 weeks before my knee protested too much. I did manage to shed those extra pounds & then some (nearly 40). 

Thanks for sharing! Hopefully that can motivate us to get healthy! There's lots of games to be played!

[DeLorean]

Nice! Good luck KidA!   

[MaximumRD]

Way to go!   

[RickR]

This post is fantastic.  Good luck with your run.  Don't be nervous -- you are a winner for trying in my book.  It is really something to stick with a plan like you've done.  :thumb:

[Kid A]

So look at what I got today.

 

 

Tomorrow is the big day! I want to thank you all for all the encouragement and well wishes. All of you guys are awesome. Let you guys know how I did once I finish tomorrow!

Edited November 13, 2016 by KidA0723

[RickR]

You will do awesome I'm sure.  Good luck.  Enjoy!

[Kid A]

For the last three and a half months, I have been training for my Half Marathon and as some of you may or may not know because of that was posted on IG, I am so ecstatic to say that I have frnished my half marathon! Just not only finishing it, but finishing it 17 minutes faster than I thought I would!

 

 

I was so proud of myself to finish this. My brother, who could have left me in the dust, ran along side me the entire time. He was a major source of encouragement, pushing me the entire way.

 

 

It was such an awesome experience. 13.1 miles of determination and pushing myself to its limits.

 

When I crossed the finish line, I was filled with so much emotion. I ripped my hat off my head, and yelled out with joy. I gave my brother and hug and started tearing up a bit. I don't think he knew.

 

I am so proud of myself that I finished and it's most definitely an experience I'll never forget.

 

 

Edited November 14, 2016 by KidA0723

[RickR]

Dude, that is FANTASTIC.  If you don't mind me saying, you look great.