Open Mic Friday: ExtraOrdinary Runner Award Winner Jason

Welcome to Jason (aka runrox77), the winner of April's ExtraOrdinary Running Award for his submission of his great story about beginning running and weight loss.  

Congratulations Jason!

Tell us a little more detail about your 85 pound weight loss in the past year.

Well to start a year ago I not only was I in bad shape physically but I also had no confidence in myself as a person. I have to admit that starting this I was unsure whether or not getting physically healthy was going to make me feel better as a person. Like everyone else starting off on a weight loss regimen I had a very difficult time starting and keeping it up for the first month. As I said in my story, the first month was the hardest. That first mile run was very hard on my legs. I can remember getting shin splits really badly and having a hard time walking after. I specifically remember not being motivated to do the second run but I did. All this lasted for about the first 3 weeks. I figured I’m not the only one that has ever had to struggle to lose weight. That’s what I’ve always kept in the back of my mind when I’m having a hard time getting motivated. Looking back now being physically healthy has actually made me feel better about myself. I’ve got more confidence as I go through life struggles. Now other things in my personal and professional life don’t seem so hard because I know I can not only set goals but achieve them as well.

Beyond your return to fitness and weight loss, what else does running mean to you?

I read and article in the Chicago Sun Times about how economically hard time gym memberships actually increase. It talked about how running helps people to reduce the stress about not being able to find a job. [http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1545293,CST-NWS-gym27.article] Running helps me to relieve stress I’m feeling on a daily basis. Running is helping me to lose weight but the stress relieving aspect is gravy. Besides, who just doesn’t feel better after they run?

How would you describe your motivation to change your lifestyle so dramatically?

I hate to say my motivation was part superficial but I guess it was. I had got up one morning and got tired of how I looked in the mirror. I wanted to look and feel better about myself. Now that time has past my motivation is more about getting healthy. Look good is now just a result of this.

Why do say you might be addicted to running?

Running is a habit for me. I certainly don’t recommend it but I have to do it everyday or I just don’t feel right. I probably push myself a little harder than the typical person. Luckily, I’ve never had any joint problems (knock on wood).

Your transformation was ignited by the emotions of a broken off relationship.  Looking back was it a worthwhile tradeoff?

Absolutely. It’s a matter of taking an opportunity to learn something from the bad things that happen to us. I always try to look at bad things that happen to me in a positive life. That’s not something that’s easy to do. We tend to default to a negative outlook on life.  Have you ever walked into the self help section of a bookstore and found a book on how to be negative? There aren’t any. Most of those books are about being positive because it is hard to have that outlook.

What eating guidelines do you follow to maintain your weight?

I’m still in the process of losing the weight. I’d like to get down to 170-175, about 10 to go. The running is only half of that struggle, eating is the other half. After a swim in the morning I eat a granola bar and graze on fruit (typically bananas), I love peanut butter, and drink LOTS of water throughout the day. For lunch all I eat is a Slimfast shake. After that it’s back to the gym for the run and then home for dinner. I don’t really eat anything too healthy for dinner. It’s usually the stuff I ate before but just less of it. The amount of calories I burn in a typical day balances that out. The only dietary changes I have made are less soda (only during meals); and I do eat some low-fat foods. I don’t usually eat sweets either but this is easy for me because I’ve never had much of a sweet tooth anyway. Reading “You On A Diet” has helped changed my attitude about food. “Food is fuel” is my rule. I eat only when I’m hungry. Another thing I’ve learned is its okay to snack; it doesn’t mean that you fail a diet. I should mention that I don’t what I’ve done as I diet. Diets typically fail and that they are temporary. I look at what I’ve done as more of a lifestyle change than a diet. That’s a very important distinction to make.

Any quirky running traits?

Mostly mental images. I think about the look on that woman’s face when she saw after losing all that weight. I think of the brute power of jet airplanes (I’m really into aviation). About halfway through the run I bang my fist on my chest. I have no idea why but it helps me to push it that much harder. Music helps; mostly Metallica!

What have you not done with your running that you’re still looking forward to?

I’d like to do a triathlon and run the Chicago Marathon. Longer range than that I’d like to do the Ironman.

Non-running interests?

Aviation. I’ve been a pilot since 16 and currently teach others how to fly. Like all other pilots it’s something I love. Outside of my regular job I’m working to become an airline pilot.

Greatest running moment?

I ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8k this year. The weather was just horrible, it was snowing, raining, cold and windy. It was a very difficult run.

What is one unique thing about you that most people don't know?

Well if I tell you then most people know it. I’m an avid reader. I probably read 6 to 10 books a month and read many blogs throughout the week.

Most embarrassing running moment?

Falling off a treadmill after a woman I had a crush on entered the gym. There may be a theme here with women.

If money could buy you a running dream, what would it be?

A lifetime supply of custom made running shoes. The shoes I have now are rather old and probably not the best for how I run.

Best running advice you’ve ever been given?

The first month is always the most difficult after that it gets easier. After all it’s not Utah beach at Normandy or the Ardennes Forest during World War 2 or the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. It’s easy to do when no one is shooting at you.

Best running advice you’d like to share?

I’m no different than anyone else on this planet. I am no more or less special. If I can do this anyone can. We live in the greatest country that God gave man. We are the beneficiaries of unprecedented and unparalleled freedom and prosperity that no one in the history has ever seen or known. What we do with all of that is up to you.

Comments

[dr dre beats]

Right now, I'm longing for the melting sun & exhausting heat. But, I'm sure I'll change my mind in a few weeks and I'll be wishing for the ice cold air & killer winds I wished away a few weeks ago.