Yesterday was a fitting way to enter my vacation and this weekend’s marathon.
I went to my doctor for a physical.
It was two years ago that I went in and was told I was pre-diabetic and if I didn’t start getting some sort of exercise that my future was not going to be hopeful. Thinking back on my physical in 2011 I remember the following info:
- Blood Pressure: 150/100
- Weight: 268
- Pulse: >90
- Sugar: high
- Cholesterol: Good was low and bad was high – Overall high
- About a third of my blood test was going the wrong direction
Yesterday, two years and 2000 miles of running later, here were the same stats:
- Blood Pressure: 100/60
- Weight: 182
- Pulse: 64
- Sugar: Normal
- Cholesterol: Good is high and bad is low – Overall it was good.
- My blood test was in the normal range on every item.
My doctor made an interesting statement. He said he was amazed that I had done so well. I told him that he shouldn’t be surprised since he was the one who told me to begin exercising. He said, “But no one usually listens to my advice”.
What a difference a couple years make. I am heading out tomorrow not only excited about my race, but also excited that I probably just added about 30 years to my life.
I guess it was worth an hour a day of hitting the pavement.
278 to Boston 
And think how many more miles you will cover, places you will see and people you will meet in those extra 30 years! Inspirational stuff!
Thanks! You are so right. I’ve met so many great people in my races and on my blog. I wouldn’t change anything, even if I could.
Incredible!!!!!!!! Just the kind of news you need heading into your big race…what you’ve done has consequences far beyond this weekend. You’ve changed the course of your life, and I for one am so glad that you’ve also taken the time to share your journey. Truly inspirational!
I’m so grateful you and others have decided to join me on this journey. I really don’t think I’d be as ready and motivated if it weren’t for all the help. Thank you!!!
I would say incredible, but it isn’t. It’s the results of your decision to take action and do the work. I’m so glad you found running to take you down this road.
I am so glad I found running. 6 days a week was the key for me. Thank you!!!
That’s awesome! Congrats!
Thank you!!!
Congratulations to you! I think that running was a mental health lifesaver for me. Now that my foot is broken, I really miss the stress-relief that running offers, and I can’t wait to get back. I’m so glad that running changed your life for the better!
Thank you. I know what you mean. Running is wonderful. I’m just trying to get rid of my training pains before my race. Sorry about your foot!!!
Congratulations on your progress! Those are huge results! Running obviously has many health benefits but I must chime in as one of those folks who says that running is bad for you.
I say it is bad for you UNLESS you are keeping up on strength training and flexibility. Understand though that I am saying that from a musculoskeletal standpoint, i.e. your moving parts. Exclusively running without stretching or strengthening emphasizes muscle imbalances because of the repetitive motion and impact. It leads to chronic pain, arthritis and muscle strains/sprains.
I enjoy reading some of your posts and I have noticed you have “training pains” and other injuries. So don’t forget long term body function and joint health. But obviously, heart health is most important because who cares about foot pain if you are dead right?
Just a little perspective. By the way, if you ever have questions on how to prevent and recover from injuries, I’m your girl! Ask away, I love that sort of thing 🙂
I understand. Everything in life needs balance. I appreciate your thoughts. Anything to help is important. If you ever have insights you think will help, please feel free to share. 🙂
After that test in 2011, did you think that this is where you would be in 2013? Heading off for your first marathon? I think the changes you have made are fantastic. Perhaps your doctor should point his patients towards you if they don’t usually take his advice.
I had no idea that I would be here now. I’m so glad I am though!!! Thanks! I would love to help people get in shape and lose weight. I think that would be very gratifying.
Bravo!!!!!
Thanks!!!
You. Are. The. Man. Seriously. Congrats, friend! Safe travels tomorrow and best of luck on Sunday! Can’t wait to read all about it!
You are too nice. Thank you. Believe me, if I finish, I’ll be writing about it. 🙂
Wow! What a difference indeed. I’ll bet that when you left your Doctor’s office today, you weren’t the only one who felt really good! 🙂
I’m sure. It was nice!!! Glad I made the choice to run. 🙂
Talk about satisfaction!! I think it is great that your doctor was impressed – the medical community needs to see real results like yours in order to “prescribe” exercise and diet over pills for everything! You should be so proud that you are living proof that we have more control over our health than we sometimes think. Way to go!
Thank you. That means a lot coming from a “hungrynurse”. 🙂 Anyway, I agree totally. We have a lot of control over our bodies. It just takes work. Not easy, but the benefits are tremendous.
Gosh ..I feel a bit tearful. What an amazing journey, I wish you the very best of luck with your Marathon. If it gets tough at any point remember that you have done something quite incredible and compared to that, finishing a Marathon is a drop in the ocean! I know it won’t feel like it at the time but believe me, if you have the cast iron determination to turn your health around in two short years then a marathon is child’s play, I really hope you get the time you want but please don’t make it your priority. Soak it up, you learn a bit about yourself and that is enough for your first marathon … I think
Great advice. Thank you. I do really want to enjoy the experience. Of course to make my pace goal would be icing on the proverbial cake!!! Anyway, thanks for the nice comment and I hope to do what you say. 🙂
That is one impressive journey! And i’d be willing to bet it ain’t over yet. 🙂
From you mouth to God’s ear. 🙂 Thanks!