A fat man and a marathon (part II)

Marathon Man

Marathon Man

New member
I had an epiphany today. I was two miles into a five-mile race against 20,000 other people, walking because my shin was killing, when I turned around and saw maybe 50 people behind me. THAT'S RIGHT. The other 19,500 people were in front of me! I've been thinking a lot to myself how I want to become an athlete. Hell, running 5 days a week I was starting to see myself as one. Kinda destroys your self perception when your getting passed by grandmas and 6-year old kids. Damn, today I realized I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.

I could talk about where I was 3 months ago and how I've gained 30 pounds back, but looking backwards has never achieved anything for anyone. No more screwing around. I'm only looking forward, and rededicating myself to KICKING SOME ASS! I will be an athlete.

May 30th I'm running a half-marathon in Madison, WI (13.1 miles)
October 3rd I'm runnning a full marathon in Milwaukee, WI (26.2 miles)

Today, this morning, I weighed in at 308.5 pounds.

That's sad to say, having told myself I'd never weigh over 300 again 6 months ago. BUT NO LOOKING BACKWARDS! I'm not stepping on the scale again until the day before my half-marathon. I'll be posting my workouts and diet in here every day.

My old Diary is here -->A fat man and a marathon
 
Went 7 miles this morning using run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute. Gonna do 8, but got a dang blister on my pinkie toe and IT HURT LIKE HELL. :)

Not sure how many calories, since everything I ate today was random homemade stuff from a birthday party and I'm going out to eat tonight with my old friends after I help them move.

Goals for week 1
-Run 30 miles
-Walk EVERY 5 minutes and keep my shin healthy
-Eat less than 15,000 calories (2000/day, 2500 on my two long run days)
 
Yay for a new journal! And yay for moving forward! I like your idea of running 5 minutes and walking one for 7 miles - I bet it makes the time go by faster for you. I might have to steal that from ya and try it out this week :)

I'm going to vow with you to NOT step on the scale until May 30th as well! NO CHEATING!!!

~ Sarah
 
Marathon Man said:
Went 7 miles this morning using run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute. Gonna do 8, but got a dang blister on my pinkie toe and IT HURT LIKE HELL. :)

Not sure how many calories, since everything I ate today was random homemade stuff from a birthday party and I'm going out to eat tonight with my old friends after I help them move.

Goals for week 1
-Run 30 miles
-Walk EVERY 5 minutes and keep my shin healthy
-Eat less than 15,000 calories (2000/day, 2500 on my two long run days)
Click to expand...

Good luck man. i wish you well. I'm stuck at a plateau myself. Not gaining back but struggling with runs and diet. Spent over 2 weeks plus or minus 3 lbs at the same level. Time to get hard core again.
 
Are you doing any excercises to strengthen your shin muscles? (whatever the scientific name for them is)

I don't know much about running, but I know if left unattended shin splints can keep you out of action for a loooong time.
 
skkroll said:
Yay for a new journal! And yay for moving forward! I like your idea of running 5 minutes and walking one for 7 miles - I bet it makes the time go by faster for you. I might have to steal that from ya and try it out this week :)

I'm going to vow with you to NOT step on the scale until May 30th as well! NO CHEATING!!!

~ Sarah
Click to expand...

Well you better not be peeking mid-month! :)

I'm actually running without my iPod now too. I thought it'd be terrible, but it's all kinds of awesome! I read an article in Runners World about Meditation Running, where you listen to your breathing and don't think about anything else. So far I think the whole time and the meditation crap doesn't work, but it'd be nice to do a peaceful 10 mile run with no thoughts but the sound of my breath. A few more runs and I should run out of stuff to think about anyway.

caddyguy said:
Good luck man. i wish you well. I'm stuck at a plateau myself. Not gaining back but struggling with runs and diet. Spent over 2 weeks plus or minus 3 lbs at the same level. Time to get hard core again.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think it's impossible to stay 100% focused all the time, just don't fall off for 6 weeks like I did. Let's rock this. HARD CORE!

antonito said:
Are you doing any excercises to strengthen your shin muscles? (whatever the scientific name for them is)

I don't know much about running, but I know if left unattended shin splints can keep you out of action for a loooong time.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've researched it to death. My shins actually were fine. They started to hurt 8 weeks ago, turns out all I needed was new shoes, but I got so depressed about it and kept trying and it kept hurting, so I just ate and got fat. Now they're actually fine after about 2 miles with my new shoes. I think once I lose another 30 lbs it'll be back to normal again. Gonna take it easy until then, even if that means having to walk 15% of the half.
 
Shoes are important

I run with Asics Gels. They are really good shoes but they definitely have a "best before 300 miles" expiration. If you run alot on a treadmill or on clean trails your runners can look like new but all the cushioning foam is dead. Once you go through a few pairs you can really notice it. Runs seem harder and you start to get foot and shin aches and pains that are not normally there. When bigger guys who are plus 200lbs run I bet the life span of the foam is even less.

A good trick is if you find shoes you love is to buy a few pairs at a time. I hate shopping and will continue on with beat up shoes rather than shop. Also brands like NIKE will alter styles randomly which really screws you up trying to get the same thing next time.
 
caddyguy said:
A good trick is if you find shoes you love is to buy a few pairs at a time. I hate shopping and will continue on with beat up shoes rather than shop. Also brands like NIKE will alter styles randomly which really screws you up trying to get the same thing next time.
Click to expand...

Too funny. I actually have a box from Running Warehouse sitting on the kitchen table with 2 brand new pairs of Saucony Triumph 7s, not to mention the pair I JUST bought two weeks ago. Now I'm set for 6 months and can alternate shoes so they last longer.

I also have a pair of nearly new Asics Nimbus 11 that made me shins hurt 5x worse, so I'm selling them.

BTW, if you buy your running shoes online the cheapest place I can find is runningwarehouse.com. You can type in "cp20" in the team discounts for 15% off. My $130 shoes I got for $93. Expensive still, but cheaper than most.

If you'd have told me 6 months ago I'd have $1000 worth of running shoes, GPS watches, sports gels, and wicking clothes I'd have laughed. No wonder I'm broke.
 
Today was super stressful. Most boring day in the history of mankind at work, a sharp pain in my neck ALL day from sleeping on this stupid futon mattress for 6 months (even though I bought a bed a week ago I haven't had a chance to pick it up), problems with the family, boss woman trying to make me work like crazy this month even though I told her I need to work less ... AAAHHHH!

So I slipped on my brand new shoes and took off down the street. I love running at night. I live in a small town and run straight down the middle of the street. Just the streetlights overhead, the sound of my huffing and puffing, and not a soul in sight. Damn, that was exactly what I need. Five miles later and I'm stress free, relaxed and ready for bed. Exercise is amazing like that. Sweated out everything and had a GREAT run, other than having to keep checking the dang watch so I stuck to my 5/1 plan.

Monday Food
Yogurt - 100
Buffalo Chicken Salad - 300
Rice, mixed veggies, salsa, chicken - 500
Chicken sandwich w/ swiss and mayo - 460
FiberOne bar - 140
Yogurt - 100

1600 Calories ... I'll eat more tomorrow!

Also told the boss I'm no longer working a 3rd shift/1st shift double, so now I can run every morning. If I can get up at 4am tomorrow. Crossing my fingers!
 
Just tried 6 "EASY" miles. Only made it 5 and it seriously felt like I could barely move my legs. I think I need more energy! So I just scarfed down a huge PB sandwich, a glass of milk and now off for dinner. Mmmm.

Running 5, 7, 5, and 5 miles w/ no off day is taking it's toll on me ... and I have to try 8 tomorrow. BRING IT ON!

Tuesday Food

Bagel w/ PB - 460
FiberOne Bar -140
Yogurt - 100
Salad w/ Tuna and Ranch - 300
Yogurt - 100
PB Sandwich - 400
Milk -150

1650 + 12" Subway Sub and Chips --> 2500-ish.
 
Last edited:
Tried doing a 10 mile run super slow, made it a mile and my right arch and pinkie toe were killing me from the rubbing. So I decided to make today my day off and after work tomorrow I'm going in search of my shoe in a wide. I've got the numbers of 6 different shoe stores so here's hoping someone has a size 13 wide Saucony Triumph 7 IN STOCK and that the wide shoe actually works so that I can run my 10 miles tomorrow night!

Wednesday food

12" Subway turkey sub
2 yogurts
blueberry bagel
3 BIG hunks lowfat cheddar cheese
2 pieces tilapia
rice w/ salsa
veggies
more salsa over everything
hershey bar
small glass chocolate milk

2600 calories

Upped my calories planning on doing 10 miles, but only did 1. That sucks. Crossing my fingers I get shoes that work tomorrow, then I can return the 2 pair I ordered and hopefully have shoes that work. My left foot feels amazing, my right is cramped and getting blisters. I wish BOTH my feet were the same!
 
Hey there fellow Wisconsinite! :) I'm glad to see you back at it after taking a break. I am also rededicating myself to this journey.. being unhealthy just isn't lettin me achieve all I want in my life and I finally have to keep this life style for good. I wish I could run like you do. I also have major shin splint problems when I try to jog.. Have thought about buying different shoes but it's just not in my budget right now. Keep up the great work!!!
 
ChefAshley said:
Hey there fellow Wisconsinite! :) I'm glad to see you back at it after taking a break. I am also rededicating myself to this journey.. being unhealthy just isn't lettin me achieve all I want in my life and I finally have to keep this life style for good. I wish I could run like you do. I also have major shin splint problems when I try to jog.. Have thought about buying different shoes but it's just not in my budget right now. Keep up the great work!!!
Click to expand...

Hey Wisconsin! I know what you mean about feeling unhealthy, but that's what gives you motivation right. Sometimes when you're doing so good you forget what it feels like to feel terrible so you fall off, but just gotta hop right back on.

Shoes are the answer. Just got a new pair today and ran 3 miles straight. Also, run SUPER SLOW. I ran a 14 minute pace. Hell, I could power walk that fast, but that's all I can do right now. And start off with something like the couch to 5K plan. Best of luck!



Turns out I've been running in the WRONG SHOES FOR 6 MONTHS. Switched to stability shoes today and it was awesome! I actually ran straight for 3 miles. Woo! Actually it was slower than my run/walking, but I'm so happy! Here I come half marathon. Soon hopefully I'll be back to feeling like a runner and improving my pace. The hard part is having no free time working 70+ hour weeks and running every day. Especially since an 8 mile run takes my slow ass like 2 hours now almost. :) Oh well, I told my friends I'd see them all in June and at least I can afford to stock up on shoes before my hours get cut.

I'M GONNA KICK THIS HALF MARATHON'S ASS!

Ate about 3100 calories today (all healthy minus 2 King size candy bars).

That puts me at about 9800 calories and 15 miles this week. Leaves me only 5200 calories and 15 miles for Friday and the weekend. Looks like I'm having no cake at the 2 b-day parties on Saturday. I will hit all my weekly goals!
 
Last edited:
Well, it's been a rough weekend. Saturday we had a surprise birthday party for my friend so I ended up drinking and eating, but it's been FOREVER since I drank. Then Sunday and Monday I worked 27 hours, and Monday I literally passed out at 5:30 pm and didn't get up until 6am.

So I missed running the last 4 days now. Ahhh!

Oh, well. I needed some time with my friends after 150 hours of work over 2 weeks. My goal for May is to run 130 miles, and I should still be able to hit that.
 
What brand of running shoes did you buy? I have been running in Asics, I went to a shoe store on Saturday to get my feet checked out. I guess my arch is pretty normal, and it's all about just finding the right fit for me now. I still get blisters from time to time but the shin splits have stopped.

Don't feel bad about missing some runs... you've been working so much you deserve a little break! IDK how you do it! But good for you!

26 days.... ahhh!!!!
 
Yes, you do need some free time!! It's crazy how much money you have invested in cool running gadgets!! I'm jealous!!

...I have really realllllly been meaning to get me a new pair of running shoes! Maybe if God allows, this weekend I will! My Full Marathon is the same day as YOURS...OCT 3rd!! How exciting!! We are going to do it together!!!

...You are doing great!! No matter how long those miles take you...YOU ARE DOING IT!!! I'm so proud of you!!!! Great job!

...I can truly hear the passion and Love of Running now, when you speak about it. Going out for your night runs..and venting. Running is THAT FANTASTIC!..I'm glad it has become that in your life too!

My 1/2 Marathon is June 15th!...I just tell myself when shit on my body hurts...lol..."Pain is an indication of CHANGE on the forefront!" ...."PUSH THROUGH IT!"

...Keep training...but don't push yourself too much before the BIG day!!! Stay focused buddy..you got this!!!

"SHOW ME THE METALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!"
 
Last edited:
skkroll said:
What brand of running shoes did you buy? I have been running in Asics, I went to a shoe store on Saturday to get my feet checked out. I guess my arch is pretty normal, and it's all about just finding the right fit for me now. I still get blisters from time to time but the shin splits have stopped.

Don't feel bad about missing some runs... you've been working so much you deserve a little break! IDK how you do it! But good for you!

26 days.... ahhh!!!!
Click to expand...

I bought Mizuno Nirvanas. I love them, but my left ankle is getting a little sore when I run now. Not too bad though. That's what happens when fat people run. Haha!

I like them because the old Saucony's had a narrow front foot area. I went to try on wide shoes and it turns out that a normal pair of the mizuno's fit perfectly. So if you're having issues with your toes rubbing the sides or whatever they might be a good choice. Of course, Mizunos are like the most expensive running shoe out there and I can't get the discount on them at runningwarehouse, so that sucks, but at least I'm running pain free!
 
Alta818 said:
Yes, you do need some free time!! It's crazy how much money you have invested in cool running gadgets!! I'm jealous!!

...I have really realllllly been meaning to get me a new pair of running shoes! Maybe if God allows, this weekend I will! My Full Marathon is the same day as YOURS...OCT 3rd!! How exciting!! We are going to do it together!!!
Click to expand...

Yeah, today I actually ran without my garmin at all. It was nice. And how awesome is it that we get to run a marathon together, even if it's different states? Woo!

So this morning I realized I've been making my runs not very fun. I think that's why I skipped a few. I'm so competitive with myself and always checking that STUPID garmin watch to see my pace and then feeling bad b/c I run so slow. Plus I'm trying to up my mileage and do longer runs, which means I have to walk more.

This morning I said, you know what ... Fuck that big-ass hill on my 5 mile route, I hate it and my 4 mile route is hilly enough. So I ditched the Garmin and the iPod and just ran for fun. Ran slow, walked whenever I got tired (probably too much). It was nice. But if I'm going to keep getting up at 4 am to run all summer long, my morning runs HAVE to be fun. My afternoon and weekend runs I'll try to kill myself!
 
4 miles at a 12:56 pace and I'm beat. That was fun. Except for the random kid that came out of nowhere in the dark as I was Jammin' to Jane Says, hobbling and wobbling his arms. Scared the shit out of me. Rocking out and running straight down the middle of the road and wholy shit! I thought I was going to get jumped, but I think it was just some teenage douchebag trying to mock me.

Too bad I'm not 16 anymore and don't give a shit what you think of me. :)

If I had mace I totally would've sprayed him and said that's what you get for startling me on my run. Probably should turn the iPod down, but it was my last mile!

Also, had some random guy call me a jackass the other day. Just running down the sidewalk enjoying the sunshine and this red pickup drives by, guy sticks his head out of the window, looks at me and shouts, "JACKASS!" Frickin' people really crack me up. Sad, ridiculous people. Hey, dude, maybe if you went for a run you wouldn't be so pissed off at the world. And I live in a nice small town. Can't imagine you women running in the city.

Trying to keep up my 2-a-days. A couple more gentle, FUN, miles in the morning. Hopefully I run into another angry douchebag to stoke my fire!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top