Reflecting on the run
I had a great long run today. It was long and slow and gave me plenty of time to think about a question Andrew asked me:
“Do you ever forget what the old you was like?”
Truth be told I sometimes do. I went looking through my old photos the other day and this one was taken just two years ago. It always takes me by surprise when I see a photo of how I used to be. I don’t have that many as I used to avoid having my photo taken for some reason.
This version of me couldn’t run more than a minute and avoided cardio workouts like the plague. I was 80 odd pounds heavier than I am now at the time and looking back now it’s hard to remember being that heavy and unfit.
My wife took this photo about a week ago and I am literally a changed man. I love exercise now and I’m just happier in all aspects of my life. It’s really amazing to me how quickly I’ve managed to transform myself.
Don’t get me wrong, it didn’t happen overnight and it wasn’t/isn’t always easy. I still struggle everyday with eating right. Although I have found that the exercise is addictive. I’m running more and more and loving it more and more.
My run today was an absolute joy. I left the house about 6am-ish and conditions were perfect. Overcast with a gentle breeze blowing. About 3km later a gentle drizzle started to fall and after a while I was absolutely drenched. Yet I found myself incredibly happy.
I’m still doing the low heart rate training (resting heart rate was 42 the last 2 mornings!) so my pace was relatively slow at about 6:30 min per km for most of the run. However, I felt like I could run forever at that pace.
It was just a sublime feeling especially when I was recalling the days that I didn’t even like to walk 100m nevermind run! I incorporated a few long hills in my run and had to slow down to almost walking pace to keep my heart rate down at times but it didn’t matter. I was out there running and it was great.
Jason wrote this in a comment:
And I have to give an answer to AJH’s quesiton about forgetting. I do sometimes. Especially when I am in a long run or marathon and I think it is hard, then bam. I realize I am 130 lbs lighter and laugh because riding a bike for 15 minutes felt harder than running a marathon.
It made me laugh to remember how hard running 90 seconds used to be as well, especially as I did my longest run ever at 25.59 km (about 16 miles) today. Life is good indeed.
I also did my highest ever milage week at 73.6 km (about 45 miles).
A few people have asked how I get the satellite maps. I use a Garmin 305 to track my runs and I then download the GPS data to a program called Sporttracks.
One thing I would like to say is that if you are thinking about getting fit then stop thinking about it and get out there and do it. I started running about a year ago now with Couch to 5K and I’ve never looked back. I honestly believe that if this former couch potato can do it then anyone can.
Comments
28 Responses to “Reflecting on the run”
Daily Mile
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Garmin should hire you to be their spokesmodel.
Excellent progress, Andrew! I’ve truly enjoyed watching you achieve your goals, and I love that you did it so intelligently.
Cammys last blog post..Brick by Brick
Twitter: tippytoediet
Running about a year to 46 miles this week!
Amazing!
Weightloss too..
That just goes to show that you can do anything, if you put your mind(and body) to it.
Daves last blog post..WDW here I come
Amazing what a difference one yeaar can make eh. Well done on your lomngest run yet.
Bruces last blog post..Race Reports
You are very inspiring.
SeaShores last blog post..Weigh in
you are inspiring.
having just finished rereading Pasta Queens HALF-ASSED Im now curious if you have a book planned?
this blog would so be fantastic as a weight loss running guide lifestory.
MizFits last blog post..We interrupt your Saturday for the MizFit Commenter O’The Month (DRUMROLL PLEASE):
Great post. Could you tell me more about your low heart rate training? What is it, and how does it work?
You’re so right about looking back on old photos. I was going through my wallet one day recently, and found an old I.D. with a pic from before I started my journey. I was stunned. I took it in and showed my gym partner, pulling out my new driver’s license for comparison. His jaw hit the floor. He’d had no idea that I was that large.
Congratulations on how much you’ve achieved!
Gregs last blog post..Do You Like To Run In Cold Weather?
Twitter: livefitblog
Great post, Andrew, and the photos are fantastic. You’re a handsome guy in both, but you look so much healthier, more confident and happy in the second.
Congrats on the 16 mile run. That’s a huge number!
suzees last blog post..Remembering…
Great post, Andrew! This should serve as motivation to those wanting to “get fit” that it can happen with focus and determination.
Joe Hrdlickas last blog post..Designing A Successful Training Week
Twitter: joehrdlicka
I have to stop by to congratulate you. You are such an inspiration to all of us! You’re energy and zest for life shows clearly in this post. Next year I hope to be where you are with your weight loss. I wont ever be able to run like that because of a knee injury but I sure can do the walking and thats exactly what I’ll do!
mrs darlings last blog post..A chat about food
Great run Andrew!
I gotta say, I’m super jealous of your warm climate!
Amys last blog post..One more thing:
You look fabulous Andrew! Amazing what alot of hard work will do!
I seldom forget the person I used to be, but I would say I almost do it on purpose, because I never want to become that person again!
Much like you, I used to be the person who could barely run to the corner and back, let alone go out running 8 miles for fun!
Kates last blog post..
Great pic Andrew, really look healthy. And awesome week running!
John’s Weight Loss Blogs last blog post..The Demise of a Weight Loss Blog
Twitter: johnisfit
It is easy to forget where we come from, but it is good to be reminded.
You doing a great job with your running.
Kristys last blog post..I just thought I would show you what I am up against!
Hey Andrew, you have come along way. You are an inspiration and an encouragement.
It can be done!
Take care,
Andrew
Andrew Scotts last blog post..Weigh-in 38: Back on Familiar Ground
Great post. I’m reminded every day that I walk by the really nice canvased photo of the three of us. It’s amazing how now you can be twitch because you didn’t run!
Well done one the long run and that’s an great weekly mileage this early into a marathon program. How is your body handling the weekly mileage that high?
That resting heartrate is amazing. I’m hoping that once I can get an accurate morning reading that I’ll see that mine s coming down. How long did it take you to see positive results from the HR training?
Aaron Cunninghams last blog post..Only My Nose Is Running
Amazing job, Andrew … on all fronts. One year of a healthier lifestyle, a great week of mileage and what you felt was a great 16 mile run. Nobody can take that feeling away from you, when your drenched from a run in the rain and you feel fantastic.
People who don’t live active lifestyles can never relate. They just look at runners or other people exercising and don’t seem to get it.
Congratulations!
Spartan7s last blog post..2009 Walt Disney World Marathon; Part 2
Wow! Your transformation is amazing to be sure! That weekly mileage is also most impressive.
And thanks for the tip on the software you use. I also have the Garmin 305, and I will check out SportTracks.
Cheers!
Vavas last blog post..Catching up on a great weekend of skiing and running
Awesome Awesome Awesome post. I am so very impressed. I need to start running again. I really do so much better when I am running.
Matts last blog post..Pound for Pound Challenge to help feed the hungry
I admire your sticktoitiveness both in your weight loss and your running. When I need a boost, it’s good for me to look back at my before and after pictures.
Bob Allens last blog post..A Frigorific Run
Twitter: allenkenya
The photos tell the tale, great job
Hi Andrew! Wow, I step away from reading for a month or so and you hit a weekly 75K ??? Incredible! Thank you for setting such a great example, and being such an inspiration.
Metroknows last blog post..Family Traditions
Exercising in the morning is indeed very addictive, once I get it into routine. Can I wait for the summer to run? lol. Anyhow, you’re looking good and such amazing hard work ! =)
Healthygirls last blog post..The Winner Of The Gift Card
I think those two pics may be distant cousins. Same guy, really, wow!! Your an inspiration Andrew.
Twice the Mans last blog post..Kill the Fat Man
WOW – what a difference a year makes! My husband and I started the C25K this week. I don’t know that I ever asspire to run 16 miles in one shot, I want to be able to do at least a 5k with ease! GREAT idea with the Garmin!!
I’ve added you to my blog reader!
Lucrecias last blog post..Do you have the proper support?
Excellent story Andrew. It’s been great to follow your progress and I look forward to see what the future holds….
Keep up the great work!
–Steve
steves last blog post..Two Hundred Sit-Ups Week 5 Day 2
Amazing transformation! Before and after pictures are the most inspiring to me, because you can really SEE the difference. I know I can get there. Thanks for sharing with us!
Sarahs last blog post..The Verdict is In
Andrew — you put it all out there beautifully. When you start to enjoy exercise and the way you look and feel, the OLD you does become distant.
My fear in talking to others is the appearance that the journey was somehow easy, which, as you’ve said, wasn’t and isn’t.
Congrats and cheers to the new you!
Jeffs last blog post..Blog Break