Please indulge me by reading this one... The time has come to share something with the world.
Last July, almost for no apparent reason, I decided to start running. I wanted to be healthy, I wanted to start a new habit, I wanted to exercise, and I wanted to do something that I had always hated. I was never good at running, I couldn't do it, and I thought it wasn't for me. Well, I think for those reasons I simply got off the couch and started to run. That was in July, 2009.
I started out knowing absolutely nothing about running. I had the wrong shoes, didn't know how to pace myself, and typically wanted to do too much too soon. I could barely go a tenth of a mile without having to stop. I was not in running shape... With some research, some great new shoes, a lot of support from my amazing wife and children, and with a TON of determination I have now become a full-blooded, totally addicted, and much more savvy runner!
Slowly over the months, my endurance improved. I remember when I finally was able to run a mile without stopping. Quickly that turned into 2, 3, 4, 5, and even 6 miles. I regularly run at least 6 miles every other day - in the rain, in the snow, in the ice, and yes, all through the Michigan winter - outside! I haven't missed a single run in 9 months - if I had to miss for some reason, I made it up - every run.
For my recent birthday, my Mom sent me a check. I decided that I wanted to cap my 9 months of running by completing my first Half Marathon - yup, that's 13.1 miles. So, I registered for the Martian Marathon in Dearborn, MI (mostly because it was the only close and on a Saturday - not because I am interested in Martians...). Well... I did it today! Yes, I worked hard, but over these last 9 months, I have been blessed by God. I was thankfully able to "run and not be weary, walk and not faint."
I had three goals: simply to finish, to run the entire time, and to do it under 2 hours. Fortunately, I was able to accomplish that (yes, I just squeaked in under my 2 hour time limit):
1:58:14
Running is amazing and I am hooked. I was unhealthy, really big, not a runner, and probably rightfully scared of starting. But I did it - you can do it. If you want to, get off the couch, put on your shoes, and go for a walk. After a few walks, start to run a little - pace yourself, but run. Sooner than later the miles will pile on and you can feel great. Not only did I finish the run today, but I feel GREAT!
So, here's my own Discover card commerical:
In 9 Months
3 pairs of running shoes (about to start my 4th)
Now proudly wearing runner tights
574 total miles run
103,777 calories burned
a Half Marathon completed
Oh, and did I mention I have lost 90 lbs in the process!!!
A new Jason - Priceless!
Now, go run! Call me, and I'll come with you...
17 comments:
You go, Jason!! Running is strangely addictive--I don't really understand why, but I know that so many of the AA wives found it to be a wonderful cure-all for the Michigan winter blues, etc.
wow! That's totally awesome! I love an inspiring running story. when people say "i'm not a runner" I am always sparked to changing their minds. way to go!
What?! That is amazing!! You are truly inspiring!!
Congrats Jason! That is great accomplishment.
CONGRATS Random-Man! Impressive, impressive, impressive! As with everyone else who reads this post, you inspire me to live a little healthier... Seriously, the other day I was just telling Nicole how I have always admired your work ethic and your determination to accomplish your goals. Thanks for your great example. Love the Discover Card commercial. Keep up the great work! Love you, man!
Jason - you rock!
Hail the conquering hero! Nice job! That really is an awesomely huge accomplishment. I'm on that path right now and it is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Wow Jason that's fabulous! I think running is God's favorite sport - there are SO many gospel parallels! Here's a running-related book recommendation: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. I haven't read it yet, but it's been recommended to me by a couple of friends. They say that it will make you want to go out and run for miles.
Jason, that's so amazing, all of it!! I just ran my first half marathon a couple weeks ago, too, and am just as hooked as you are! This morning I did an 8-mile run, and I still can't believe my body can do that now. Isn't it cool?? Congrats for sticking to it, tackling it at all, getting so crazy healthy, and meeting all your goals!
That is awesome but I knew you could do it.
That is so awesome. A huge congrats from the Mullins family. Congratulations on all count!!
That is inspiring! Way to go Jason! You look great!
keep up the good work! you look absolutely great! did you know that they make jogger strollers that you can put one of the kids in while you go jogging/running! Now you can wear the speedo bathing suit that you've always wanted to wear.
Jason, you really are an inspiration! I'm an "I don't run" person, but maybe I should change my attitude - especially if I could loose 90 pounds! Way to go, you are amazing!
Ann Arbor makes runners out of lots of us. Great job! Your half marathon time is pretty impressive. Will you go for a full now?
Jason I am so impressed!! Seriously, you are an inspiration! Congrats to the new you!
Jason-I am so proud of you!! That's awesome!! Love, the Wise guys:)
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