On my birthday in April 1998, I just tipped the scale at 205 lbs and had to make the decision of whether to go from 36″ -> 38″ pants or do something about it and move back in the other direction. I chose the latter and for the next six months, I had an apple (yes, ONE) and walked 2-3 miles at lunchtime. Whenever we went out to eat, I would immediately ask for a to -go box and divide my food in half. By September, I’d lost 35 lbs. I joined the fitness center at work (NCR, at the time) and began working out. I usually just rode the bike for putz’d with the stairmaster in addition to working my way thru the weight machines but one day in late December… Oh, yeah, I was still walking around the lakes at the airport. Anyhow, one particularly, yucky day outside in late December, I got on the treadmill and started walking, but then I started to speed up the pace and before you know it I was going along at a pretty good trot. For years, I hadn’t run because my knees had given me problems due to several injuries suffered in the past (1973 working for Daniel Construction Co, and 1983 skiing in Steamboat Springs, CO), but it wasn’t too bad… I continued. Spring arrived and I ventured outside and started running the route that I’d previously been walking. It was nice… I enjoyed it… I could do it.. and it didn’t hurt. It had been year and I was down to 165 lbs and hadn’t felt this good in years! A few months later, Eric, the director of the NCR fitness center, came up and said “You want to run a marathon?” I shot back with one of those “ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND” looks! But he was serious and explained how it could be accomplished. I agreed for two reasons… one… it would be an amazing accomplishment and two, the thought of training and running with this totally HOT dude was real incentive (Ok, I’m a dirty old man ).
So, in the fall of 1999 a group of us begain our training to run the Myrtle Beach Marathon… Feb 2000, I rolled across the finish line in 4:37… Six months later was the 25th Marine Corps Marathon (4:26) and then 6 weeks later, Kiawah in 4:20 (PR).

I haven’t run any more marathons (still thinking about it though). I’m 53 now and I still get out here and try to get my miles in (Nov. was my first 100 mi month in 2 yrs). I still enjoy (some would question the use of that verb!) running and while I’m not in the same league as you guys, I don’t exactly suck either! So, I’ll continue as long as I can!

- Dean

I only curse myself for the 16 years I wasted (and ballooned in weight) Oh well, I guess this was my mid-life crisis too, being 34. This was a good crisis to have though, as it was cheaper than a new car and I am not a lot more healthy because of it.