Why I Run

I started exercising in May 2006 after I broke up with my girlfriend. I looked at myself in the mirror and my waist size and I knew that I had let myself go (see below). I was pushing a 40 waist and I looked bad--really bad. I wasn't sleeping well and didn't feel that good about myself. So, I started walking on a treadmill along with doing Weight Watchers. I did that until January 2007 when I was at my peak for walking and wasn't burning the calories or getting the level of work out that I wanted to have.

So, purely out of efficiency, I started to run on the treadmill. I wasn't running very fast (12 minute miles), but I had set a goal for myself. I was going to run the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia in May 2007 -- a 10 mile run, exactly 10x my longest run ever before. I now had something to train for. As soon as it got warm enough out, I hit a trail a 1/4 mile from my house. I started with 2 miles and eventually worked up to 10 miles. I didn't like it at first, but I grew to love it. I couldn't stay inside anymore because I liked the allure of the road, even if I wasn't going anywhere in particular.

Since that race, I've developed a fever and the only cure was more running. I work out 6 days a week and feel guilty on the 7th day, but I know it's better for me. At this point, I do between 25 and 35 miles a week and I couldn't be happier. I went from 12 minute miles to 8-8:15 minute miles.

So, did it help? Well, you can be the judge. I lost 75 pounds in a year and went from a 40 to a 31 waist. Needless to say, I feel great.

Before (40 waist)

After (31 waist)