A fat man and a marathon

[Marathon Man]

I only made it 1/2 a mile into my run and my dang leg muscle by my shin was getting really sore, again. It's always my left side. Dang it! So I walked the rest, again. Makes me think I might be running wrong or something or need different shoes. Seemed okay though the last 1/2 mile. Try again Sun morning. I better be able to my 6 on Monday!

But I was so upset I made myself go 30 miles biking at the gym! Took me 90 minutes at level 7. The last 1/2 hour was absolute hell. I don't understand how someone can do an Ironman, with 100+ miles on a bike AND THEN run a marathon. My butt is still sore.

And 2 people told me how I lost A LOT of weight just today. That was nice. I'm doing pretty good! I needed that reminder that I am down almost 50 pounds, plus I got a haircut and some new contacts. I AM looking pretty hot the past few days! haha!



EDIT: Actually it's been interesting how different people have reacted to my losing weight the last few months. My mom said I was inspiring her and everyone a week ago. But yesterday I talked to one of my friends whose bigger than me and haven't seen in while. I told him (because running and fitness is a big part of my life now), but he was just kind of "Yeah, I keep telling myself I'm going to but I don't. I need to lose weight. No time, I can't, etc." And my other friends were pretty impressed that I passed on all the pizza during the Packers game a few weeks ago. And then some of them feel bad about eating it and do the whole, "I need to workout. I shouldn't be eating this" thing. So I feel bad about making THEM feel bad. And that was my problem for years. I always wanted to go along with the group and go to eat with them and ruin my diet. Now I go and get salad and fish, and if that makes you feel bad. TOUGH SHIT! I've got goals baby!

Interesting how me improving myself affects people so differently.

 

[kureransu]

I know exactly how you feel about the impact you have on people. I just make sure i'm not victim to the scale. i eat what i want to eat, which people don't understand. Its not that i'm sacrificing, it just when you know what the foods does to your body, you DON"t want to eat it!. As far as running goes, man you run a lot of days! I run 12 - 20 miles depending on the week, my schedule is either 2 days or 4 days. I'll go mon, tues, thurs, fri, or just tues, thurs for short weeks. 20 mile weeks are 3,7,7,3 and short are 6 and 6. Seriously i typed this an hour ago and forgot to hit send. lol

 

[Marathon Man]

Tried to go super easy this morning, but I could still feel my leg acting up after 1/2 mile again. Might go get a gait analysis in Madison one night this week to make sure I'm using the proper shoes. I still think it's just from overuse, but it'll be nice to know for sure. Crossing my fingers I feel fresh for my long run Monday.

Weighed in today since I can't in the morning. 284.5. Same as last week (actually only been 5 days). But I've been eating kinda high the whole past month. More and more each week. Thought it'd be a good break to my system to up my calories. Was gonna cut this week, but ... I added another week. Good to know I can eat 2600/day and still maintain. Hopefully the weight plummets off now! Gonna track my food to make sure I get my act together and hit my New Year's Goal.

As far as running goes, man you run a lot of days! I run 12 - 20 miles depending on the week, my schedule is either 2 days or 4 days.

Yeah, I like to run every day because I love working out and besides cycling, I hate the other machines at the health club. I might cut down to 3-4 days though since I keep having a problem with my left leg, and then do 2-3 days cycling/weight training.

 

[Benji1]

I know what you mean about that pain, the (significantly shorter!) runs I've been going on tend to flare up weird shin/lower leg pain if I'm doing it 2-3 days in a row. Maybe it's time to take a break, stick to the cycling machines for a few days, and let your leg heal up?

Last thing you want is an injury that knocks you out of running for a while, after how far you've come!

 

[skroll]

I only made it 1/2 a mile into my run and my dang leg muscle by my shin was getting really sore, again. It's always my left side. Dang it! So I walked the rest, again. Makes me think I might be running wrong or something or need different shoes.

This is funny!!! Okay, not REALLY but it's funny because whenever I had problems with my shin, it was ALWAYS my left one!!! And I always think it's because I run funny or I just gotta get outta these Nike's

And 2 people told me how I lost A LOT of weight just today. That was nice. I'm doing pretty good! I needed that reminder that I am down almost 50 pounds, plus I got a haircut and some new contacts. I AM looking pretty hot the past few days! haha! [/COLOR]

Awesome!!!

BTW, I have a new journal now. Same title, but I had to make a new account because something happened to my old one and I am NOT able to sign into it now!!!

Anyway... keep doin' what you're doin'.... if you can't run 8 miles, so be it! As long as you're gettin' on the treadmill or something else and moving, that's what counts

~ Sarah

 

[kells1983]

Wow, I'm really inspired by your diary! I used to run religiously in college, but as work has taken up my life, I haven't had the time/energy to do it as much as I used to

Also, I have lost some weight recently (through diet, mostly), and have been avoiding getting back into a heavy running schedule again because I'm always more hungry when I work out really hard. I know - it sounds bad... But I think I'm at a good point where I can up my intensity and not worry about food so much. So thanks for the inspiration - I'm going to commit to at least going for a couple of longer runs on weekends.

As for your leg pain, have you tried Fleet Feet, or another similar store for your shoes? They actually do an assessment of your gait, pronation, etc., and then recommend a shoe that would work for you (and no, they don't just recommend the most expensive pair!). I know there's a Fleet Feet in Madison, because I got my shoes there when in college in WI. I would recommend trying that place out - in the meantime, don't injure yourself further by pushing it during your workouts.

Anyway, good luck! I'll be checking in on your diary now & again to see how it's going!

 

[thelast20]

Makes me think I might be running wrong or something or need different shoes.

.

Have you concidered any kind of therapy?? I'm a massage therapist and have worked with quite a few runners. EVERYONE runs "wrong"!! We all have 1 leg that's longer, or more flexible and that causes your gait to be off. By working in the hip, calf and foot you can see some amazing results pretty quick!! Something to think about And definately look into the shoe place as Kell1983 has suggested!!

Congrats on you progress though!! You are doing awesome and truely an inspiration to those of us whose are just starting our running journey

marie

 

[Marathon Man]

OK, now it's been 5 days, and I'm getting irritated that I can only go half mile before it flares up. So I did some research.

From:

While every lower-leg injury has its specific biomechanical causes, all are rooted in tight calf muscles and relative weakness in the front leg muscles. What's going on is that your tight calves are pulling up on your heel, which in turn pulls the front of your foot down. This puts strain on the muscles in the front of your leg, which unfortunately are not strong enough to resist the pulling. Ouch.

This is very, very common in runners, since running tends to exercise the calf muscles more than those in the front. As a result, you may eventually experience one or many of the injuries listed in this section. But fear not, a little rest and a lot of stretching and strengthening will fix you up and possibly make you a better runner, too.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anterior Shin Splints

Description:
Pain in the front and outer edge of your legs. If the strain continues, it is possible that micro-fractures may form in your tibia; these are stress fractures. There won't be a sudden break, just a gradual increase in pain until it becomes quite severe. If you have extreme shin pain, see a doctor for an x-ray. If you have only mild pain, it's probably shin splints (but if the pain does not respond to remedies after a few days, go see a doctor; it may be a stress fracture after all).

Likely causes:
While the root cause of shin splints are tight calf muscles and weak shin muscles, the injury may have been further aggravated by a variety of factors. Running on hard surfaces can put an added strain on your front leg muscles. You may have a foot that tilts in (pronates) or out (supinates) when you run, causing your front leg muscles to work harder to achieve foot stability. Or you may have developed flat feet, which you should treat separately. Most likely, however, is that you're simply running too much.

Shin splints are very common among beginning runners, whose enthusiasm for their new sport has over-stepped the limits of their legs. Take a look at your running program; you may be doing too much too soon.

Remedy:
If you have a stress fracture, you should stop running immediately and see a doctor. Your injury will likely keep you off the roads for about six weeks, and depending on the severity of the stress fracture you may need a cast. Don't screw around with this, it's a serious injury.

For shin splints, there are a number of steps you can take to speed recovery. First, to reduce the pain, ice your lower legs after you run. Use a commercial freeze-pack that you can wrap around your leg (or just put a wet towel in the freezer before you go out for a run). Keep the ice wrap on for ten to fifteen minutes, keeping your foot elevated. To help reduce the inflammation further, take aspirin or ibuprofen with food. Never take it on an empty stomach or before running. In the evening or at bedtime wrap a heating pad around your leg and put it on a low setting.

Cut back on your running. If you can stand it, you might consider taking a few days off altogether. The important thing is not to run through the pain. You'll only make it worse.

With all that extra downtime, you'll have plenty of opportunity to stretch your calves and strengthen your anterior leg muscles. Do wall pushups, and be particularly careful not to overstretch; ease into your stretches gradually. Do these several times a day, and especially before and after you run. To strengthen your front leg muscles, try the foot press and the furniture lift.

You might have the wrong shoes. Check your feet to see if you might need more stability and/or cushioning. Also, try inserting heel lifts so that your calves don't have to stretch as far. You can buy these at your local drugstore, or use makeup sponges as a substitute.

Finally, check to make sure that you have good running form. In particular, be sure that you aren't leaning forward too much. If you slouch forward when you run, you may be pulling too hard on your calf muscles.

If you try these suggestions, and your pain persists, see an orthopedist about the possibility of a stress fracture. If that's the problem, you may need orthotics to correct a foot imbalance. In general, though, keep in mind that shin splints, like most running injuries, are basically an overuse injury. Listen to your body and back off when you begin to feel pain.​

Okay, so I run too much, leaning forward too much, on too hard of a surface. Nice to see that I fit this article to a T, so at least now I have a better idea what to do to fix this.

Going to only run 1 day this week, Thursday with my coworker. Until then my new Obsessive Compulsive goal is to bike 150 miles this week. Haha, stupid legs!! You ain't getting out of my torture that easy.

Breakfast:
1/2 cup cottage cheese (160)
yoplait yogurt (100)

Lunch:
1 Cup Brown Rice w/ Salsa (180)
1 1/4 cup mixed veggies (120)
1 Can Tuna (100)
Hot sauce

Dinner:
Probabaly a Subway Turkey Sub w/ Mustard (600)

1260 Total Calories, a bit low, but it's been a strange day. I'll hit up all your journals and respond in the morning. Gotta go for now.

 

[ehdabeags]

Wow good work man. I stumbled upon your diary through Google, can't even remember what I was searching for but I have been reading through your diary and want to comment on a few things.

First, I was in somewhat of a similar situation to you. I weighted 310 pounds 2 years ago and had some chest pains and decided enough was enough. Luckily I was young (23) and able to do something about it. Through watching my diet and exercising 6 days a week I am down to 233 pounds as of this morning. I lifted 3 days a week and then also did 45 minutes of walking at 3.9 mph at a 8% incline on the treadmill for basically 2 years straight.

I have been running 3-4 days a week for the past 4 or 5 months and I am doing quite well, which isn't surprising since my father has completed over 200 marathons and 15 or so Ironmans, I think endurance running is in my blood.

Anyway, I think you are making a couple of mistakes here. First, I don't think you should be running 5 or 6 days a week. 1 long run, and 2 or 3 shorter runs are all you need in a week. Do some longer duration lighter intensity stuff on the 2 days you don't run and have a complete rest day after your long run. Also should mix in some weight training on those days you x-train in the gym.

Also, have you thought about seeing a nutritionist? I think you could stand to eat some more calories. A man your size probably needs more than 3k calories to maintain weight if you were doing nothing. You are exercising a good amount almost every day. If you were consuming 2200-2300 calories a day and burning 500 you would still be looking at a 1200-1300 calorie deficit a day, which is still a lot.

I am pretty hardcore about my calorie tracking and I can really tell a difference on days I eat 2600 calories or so and go run as opposed to a day when I am in the 1500 range.

By all means, if you are losing weight and that is your main goal then stick with what is working. I just think it will be tough to train for a half marathon while keeping a 1500-2000 a day calorie deficit.

Sorry for the long post, but I have been at this for a little while and grew up around an endurance athlete so I feel I have some good knowledge to share.

 

[codon2004]

Hey man... when you get back to running, remember the 10% rule. You should NEVER increase your overall mileage by more than 10% from week to week. For instance, if you ran 10 miles overall last week, the most you can run this week is 11 miles. This is especially important for big guys like us. Also, what are you wearing on your feet? I just got my first pair of proper running shoes. I went to a specialty running store where they looked at my stride. Turns out I have lower arches (common among bigger guys) which make my feet turn in a bit or "pronate". This puts extra strain on the legs... so I got shoes that are geared towards stability to keep my feet pointing straight ahead as I run. Feel better and keep up the good work.

 

[Marathon Man]

As for your leg pain, have you tried Fleet Feet, or another similar store for your shoes? They actually do an assessment of your gait, pronation, etc., and then recommend a shoe that would work for you (and no, they don't just recommend the most expensive pair!). I know there's a Fleet Feet in Madison, because I got my shoes there when in college in WI. I would recommend trying that place out - in the meantime, don't injure yourself further by pushing it during your workouts.

Anyway, good luck! I'll be checking in on your diary now & again to see how it's going!

Just checked out their website. I was actually going to go up there today, but I figure I'll wait until Friday so that I have some money to actually buy some shoes from them. I'm completely backing off the running for a bit to fully rest for a few days and get an assessment.

Best of luck with your future running!

Have you concidered any kind of therapy?? I'm a massage therapist and have worked with quite a few runners. EVERYONE runs "wrong"!! We all have 1 leg that's longer, or more flexible and that causes your gait to be off. By working in the hip, calf and foot you can see some amazing results pretty quick!! Something to think about And definately look into the shoe place as Kell1983 has suggested!!

Congrats on you progress though!! You are doing awesome and truely an inspiration to those of us whose are just starting our running journey

marie

Too funny cause I was just looking at my reflection while I was on the bike at the health club and thinking, maybe my whole left side is longer! And I've never had a massage before and was just talking about that today at work. Might just use that as a little reward when I finally get my marathon done.

If I keep getting problems I'll look into therapy too. Actually I'm researching different stretches and exercises to strengthen my weak leg muscles right now. But I'm nearly positive it's just a too much too soon type thing. I mean, I'm almost 300 pounds, have never run outside, and then suddenly decided to run 8 miles straight with no rest days on a hard surface. Time to get back to reality and a good schedule.

Also, have you thought about seeing a nutritionist? I think you could stand to eat some more calories. A man your size probably needs more than 3k calories to maintain weight if you were doing nothing. You are exercising a good amount almost every day. If you were consuming 2200-2300 calories a day and burning 500 you would still be looking at a 1200-1300 calorie deficit a day, which is still a lot.

Congrats on dropping the weight and getting healthier! I felt a little funny in the chest and winded all the time when I was 23 too. Started working out again right when I turned 24. I'm still tinkering with the calories a bit. Since I started working out a lot a month ago, I've upped my calories quite a bit, and the day I ran 8 miles I had a couple power bars and a lot of food which is why I think I had so much energy.

I usually change my goals from week to week also. Keeps it interesting so don't get bored. And I like being able to go from maintenance for one week to cutting for a few weeks to back so I'm not in a constant deficit for the next 2 years while losing. Like this week I'm shooting for lower. Around 12,000 (1700/day, which btw is the lowest I ever go), because I know I can lose a good chunk of weight that way and still be plenty full and hit my nutrients. AND my diet will be practically identical to last week when I had probably 18,000+ calories, exept cutting out the cookies and junk I ate last week. And I have just been losely guessing the past month also and may have actually underestimated for my conscience. I do have to work better at finding my proper maintenance level though and settle into a more laid back exercise routine.

Hey man... when you get back to running, remember the 10% rule. You should NEVER increase your overall mileage by more than 10% from week to week. For instance, if you ran 10 miles overall last week, the most you can run this week is 11 miles. This is especially important for big guys like us. Also, what are you wearing on your feet? I just got my first pair of proper running shoes. I went to a specialty running store where they looked at my stride. Turns out I have lower arches (common among bigger guys) which make my feet turn in a bit or "pronate". This puts extra strain on the legs... so I got shoes that are geared towards stability to keep my feet pointing straight ahead as I run. Feel better and keep up the good work.

Right now I'm running in Triumph 6's, which are for high arches and good for a bigger guy. I like them a lot so far. A guy who runs tons of marathons looked at my feet and said that's what I needed and I think he's right based on the tests at runners world. I think I may over pronate a bit though. I'm definitely going to check out the store and double check with a professional. And I know the 10% rule, but completely threw it out the window. I've always been a stubborn bastard and a bit too competetive.

Starting next week I will resume running and be sane about it again.

 

[Geordie1]

Loving Your Work

Loving your work Marathon Man

I am on here keeping my own diary down from 222lbs to about 186 this year.

I am cycling 10 miles a day for work but really fancy running to help with overall fitness, I have lost a lot of weight but need to feel fitter.

So just a quick question, are you struggling with joint pain when running?, as this is my biggest fear, which is why i continue to cycle.

 

[Marathon Man]

So just a quick question, are you struggling with joint pain when running?, as this is my biggest fear, which is why i continue to cycle.

Not really ... just a sore muscle by my left shin. My knees were a bit sore after the long run a week ago, but I really pushed myself that day. Definitely just EASE into running. Despite the past few weeks, I've eased into it pretty slowly.

I'm actually worried I may aggrevate my knees a bit doing all the cycling I'm planning this week!


Had cottage cheese, 2 pieces of string cheese and an english muffin for breakfast (340), 2 small bananas for a snack (180), and my rice, veggies and tuna packed for lunch (400) ... so should be over 60 grams of protein after lunch, with plenty of calories left for a scoop of protein powder and an uber- delicious chicken dinner tonight ... mmm!

 

[Marathon Man]

Oh, I've been slacking on the cycling. Still got 136 more miles to do by Sunday to hit my goal for the week. Been crazy busy this week with work.

Off to take a much needed nap after my 7 hour "Nonviolent Crisis Intervention" training class. Then hoping I wake up in time to squeeze in 30 miles (90 min) on the cycle tonight and then go to sleep and get up at like 4 am so that I can get in another 20 miles and weightlifting before work tomorrow. I'm going to skip out on the run with my coworker so that I get a full 6 days off of running though. No sense throwing one run there that might aggravate my shin.

And since I've stopped running I've found it much harder to get motivated to work out. I like cycling, but running is so much better. But I'm GOING TO hit my 150 miles this week.

"Some people follow their dreams, others hunt them down and beat them mercilessly into submission."
Neil Kendall​

270's here I come!!

 

[Shinsplint]

Good work Marathon Man!

And I love that quote!!!

 

[Marathon Man]

But I'm GOING TO hit my 150 miles this week.

Well, I guess I'm a liar. I knew it was going to be a tough goal, but I'm already at 60 hours for work and the week isn't even over yet! I keep picking up shifts. And even though my health is a top priority, I'm not going to become obsessive and put ALL my free time into working out. Should be able to bang out 75 miles though tonight and the weekend though to finish at 100.

Hoping to drop a good 4 pounds this week.

Tonight I hit up Fleet Feet and next week I'll be back to running! Wooooooooooooooo!

 

[Geordie1]

Run for home

I just though I woul dlet you know, you inspired me to run, so instead of biking the 5 miles to work and 5 miles back, I jogged it, took about 45 mins there and 55 mins back (2 factors, I was tired coming home, and the journey in that direction is slightly more uphill).

I am going to jog one day a week from now on.

 

[Marathon Man]

I just though I woul dlet you know, you inspired me to run, so instead of biking the 5 miles to work and 5 miles back, I jogged it, took about 45 mins there and 55 mins back (2 factors, I was tired coming home, and the journey in that direction is slightly more uphill).

I am going to jog one day a week from now on.

Awesome! So nice to hear that my silly journal has inspired someone instead of me being the one stealing all the inspiration from everybody else. And I'd LOVE to be able to cycle to work (or run), but I'm 25 miles away. Keep it up! Hope it makes you feel fitter, but you must be in pretty good shape for a 9 min/mile pace. I was ecstatic when I hit 11 min/mile.

 

[Marathon Man]

Sign you're not eating enough: spend the day at work looking for desert recipes online, find one for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins, and then at the store to pick up Pumpkin and Romaine lettuce ... drop like $60 AND forget the gosh dang lettuce!

On the plus side I know have Chicken, Salmon, Flounder, tons of fruits, cheese, yogurt, veggies and all sorts of other goodness overflowing in the fridge. Mmmm, I'm so tempted to go and EAT IT ALL UP, but I will wait. I have the will power. Tomorrow I'm making a big pan of chicken drumsticks seasoned to perfection and coated with some spicy bbq. And my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffins.

Want to know my real secret to losing weight. Buffalo Chicken Salad. A little bit of Romaine cut up (and soaked in ice water for 5 minutes so it stays fresh all week), some green and red peppers, a nice potent red onion, pico de gallo (used to make it fresh, but now I'm lazy and buy it at Walmart), jalepenos and a serving of chicken covered in buffalo sauce. It's like 200 calories with 6 oz. of chicken and is probably the best thing since sliced bread. Can you tell I'm hungry?


And I dropped 140 bucks on Mizuno shoes today ... probably why I'm broke. Could've saved 50 bucks I'm sure online, but the lady at the store was very helpful. Says I pronate a bit, so I got a stability shoe. And the Mizuno's had great arch support. Probably alternate with my month old shoes so they last longer. Fleet Feet is a great store!

But I will not run until Monday. I must be strong and resist the urge!

 

[Marathon Man]

So I stepped on the scale today and saw 279!! But my official weigh in isn't until Monday so I'm not going to get too excited yet. Hopefully I can hold on and never see the 280's again.

That means I'm (un)officially down 50 pounds! I decided that once I hit 249 I'm going to donate all the fat clothes I'm wearing now.

And I did not run, just looked at my pretty new Mizunos on the dresser. And that is almost a bigger accomplishment that actually running.

Read a quote on facebook from one of my friends a bit ago. "Some pursue happiness. Others create it.

I love that. Just love it. Not that weight loss=happiness at all, but I totally made some all around stupid decisions the last year. Financially and healthwise. And now it's time to fix those mistakes no matter how hard. If you truly want it, you'll do it. And this week I worked almost 70 hours and dropped 5 pounds ... so I'm going to celebrate my awesomeness of achieving my goals and go into the start of this week with a smile. Because I'm not gonna sit on my ass and wish for a better life. I'm taking all the things I want to make better and creating it.

Now if the Packers will whup the 49ers and my nephew likes my birthday present best tomorrow, it may turn out to be a perfect week.