In December of 2020, I weighed 163 lbs with a BMI of 28.9 kg/m2 and was considered overweight for my age and body size. At the time, I also had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a partially torn labrum in my left shoulder. I was at a point in my life where I let myself go and didn't care.

 

I was motivated by my family, specifically my wife and kids to make change. I didn't want to keep going down that road and I want to be there when my kids get older to support them like they've supported me. Being unhealthy poses risks and when I had a hard time skating around on our backyard ice rink in early January, I decided it was time to make serious change.

 

I began walking for an hour each night on the treadmill and in February after studying nutrition I went to a mostly plant based diet that incorporated fish and meat. I cut my calories from nearly 8,000/day to 1,500. I cut out bad habits such as iced tea, sweets, and sugar. Walking slowly turned to running and a half of mile slowly turned to a mile. Soon, I was running three miles a day!

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On April 24th, 2021 I competed in my first in-person race with a weight of 136 lbs! I made the decision to run for the following reasons: 1. For me (my getaway) 2. For my health 3. To help others.

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I consider myself a 5K Runner rather than a marathon runner and one of my favorite things to do is sign up for 5K's that help to support others. Life to me is about making small contributions that create big impacts! What better way to start this new adventure than by also using it to help other people?!