CM Diary - Introduction

(This entry was originally posted in late March 2007)

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will be the culmination of a 20-month journey that has transformed my life.

In 2005 I was morbidly obese weighing 305 pounds. I suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high liver enzymes and a skin discoloration called acanthosis nigricans. I had sleep apnea so bad I stopped breathing 85 times an hour. When I stepped on our bathroom scale that only went to 300 pounds, it read "Err." That's when I resolved to do something to turn my health around.

On Valentine's Day 2006, I started a 48-week, physician-monitored weight loss program that included 14 weeks of a liquid diet, weekly monitoring and behavior and nutrition education. I have lost over 120 pounds without surgery. I have gone from XXL shirts to size small, from a size 46 waist to 32. I am off all medication and all of the conditions listed above are gone!

In order to maximize my weight loss I incorporated daily exercise into my routine. At first I could barely walk 30 minutes at 2.5 mph. I kept at it every day, and after a few months I had to run to break a sweat. I was falling in love with running and the more active me.

On December 11, the day before my 42nd birthday, I bought my first real pair of running shoes and started running seriously. I developed a training program (which I'll describe in more detail in future weeks) to run my first race ever in March. As my mileage increased, I realized that I could go farther than I ever thought possible. I started to dream of running a half-marathon this spring and The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon this fall. My doctor ran tests and cleared me to do whatever I wanted - the next day I registered for the Marathon.

I'm running the Marathon for my health and to prove that I can accomplish a dream much bigger than myself. But more importantly I'm running to honor my family, friends and the staff at the weight loss clinic that have supported me this past year.

My long runs are now up to 13.1 miles, enough to know I have a long way to go and many obstacles to overcome to be ready for the race. However, the biggest obstacle to my success has been overcome. I have gone from an "I can't" person to an "I can" person. I believe that I can complete the Chicago Marathon because now I believe in myself.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you in the coming weeks.