….and My Story Runs On….
I wrote this original blog post on 9/9/2014. I am updating it because it’s 3 years later and Diane is still rocking it! I am sure she will agree when I say running is a great way to not only lose weight but keep it off.
“Nearly 65 percent of dieters return to their pre-dieting weight within three years, according to Gary Foster, Ph.D., clinical director of the Weight and Eating Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania. The statistics for dieters who lose weight rapidly, according to Wellsphere, a website sponsored by Stanford University, is worse. Only 5 percent of people who lose weight on a crash diet will keep the weight off. ” (Livestrong.com)
Since the interview on 9/9/2014, Diane completed 2 marathons, 15 half marathons and “lots of 5ks and 10ks”..
This weekend she is completing her 16th half marathon at the Arizona Rock N Roll and she’s been on TV inspiring a lot more people! Check out Part 1 (3 min 48 sec) where she talks about what propelled her to start running even though she felt like she was never athletic, Part 2 (4 min 17 sec) where she talks about what running has done for her and shares inspirational tips for weight loss. And another one here too!
As a ChiRunner, Diane has been able to keep running and stay injury free and not become one of the 65% of people to regain the weight back. It keeps her consistently active and it’s become part of her lifestyle now (only way to keep it off is to make it a lifestyle). And she’s met so many new friends since she started running it’s almost impossible not to keep running when you have fun friends to do it with.
Read the original blog below:
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9/9/2014
No, I’m not about ready to start bashing anyone but just wanted to get your attention. Honestly, this will be probably my favorite blog post yet…Why? Because this story is EXACTLY why I do what I do.
Meet Diane. I met her in March this year when she attended Danny Dreyer‘s ChiRunning workshop. I remember hearing her say at one point that she lost 100 lbs. As a fitness trainer, I always love to hear these stories. We became facebook friends and she joined my Running for Brews group a few times and met at other running events across the valley. This weekend, I had the honor of being with her on her longest run to date. Not only was it her longest run (15.5 miles) but she did it on a trail…and at night time! Let’s go back a bit though…
Here is a before/after picture of Diane:
Since my passion in life is to help more people get into walking and running because it’s one of the easiest things you can do for weight loss/maintenance (if done correctly), I asked Diane if she could answer a few questions for me. I was in tears reading her answers and I asked her permission to blog about it because I know she can inspire others!
How much weight did you lose?
“I lost 100 lbs in a year and 105 lbs to date.”
When did you realize you need to make a change in your life?
“I was lying in bed one night and I was concerned because my heart was beating really hard and fast. It had been doing that for a couple months and I was scared I was going to have a heart attack and have my daughters find me. So that was my defining moment of when I decided to make a lifestyle change.”
What did you do?
“I was very strict with my diet by cutting out fast food, junk food, and sweets–I basically detoxed. I allowed myself to have one splurge meal a week.” (if you calculate it, she lost about 8-10 lbs a month which is healthy amount to lose)
When did you start running? Why? When was your first 5K?
“I started running in September 2013. Even though I had lost a lot of weight, I felt like something was missing in my life. I decided to start walking. One night on a walk I started wondering if I could run. So I tried it–it was really tough and I could only do it for maybe 30 seconds at a time. Three weeks later I ran my first 5K.” (I love that running can provide people with so many first time experiences: distances, trail, night trail, triathlons, etc. I see people pushing their boundaries all the time!)
Why did you keep doing it if it was hard?
“I was hooked on the race experience and found that I could channel my stress and anxiety through running. I ran my first half in May 2014 and am currently training for my first full in January. I’m still pretty careful about what I eat, but running allows me to enjoy brownies every once in awhile!”
What else has running done for you?
“Running and losing weight have given me the confidence and inner peace that helps me to be successful in all areas of my life, personally and professionally. The best part is I have become a good role model for my daughters, and they’re very proud of me!”
Any advice for anyone who would say to you “I could never be a runner”
“My advice to those who feel they could never be a runner is to take it slowly in the beginning with both pace and distance. If you try to do too much too soon, you could injure yourself or get burned out. Running is a huge lesson in patience. Accept the days when running feels impossible, and embrace the days when running feels effortless. Progress is gradual so don’t give up!”
Any advice for anyone who would say to you “I’m too overweight to be a runner”
“As far as those who think they’re too overweight to run, not true! Runners come in all shapes and sizes. There are plenty of amazing runners who don’t fit the mold. Fear is a prison. Don’t let it hold you back from being successful and accomplishing your dreams! It’s also important to focus on good running form so you learn how to run with minimal impact to the joints. I haven’t had shin splints, foot pain, or muscle pain since I started ChiRunning in March.
And for all new runners–don’t get hung up on being fast. Just get out there and enjoy it!”
Thanks so much to Diane for sharing a very brief summary of how weight loss and running has changed her life!
Here is a picture of us from this weekend.
Both of these ladies broke records by surpassing their longest runs to date.
Both of these ladies never thought they would be running 15 miles on a trail at night (same goes for me!).
Both of these ladies never thought they’d be running a full marathon!
But both of these ladies had the courage to listen to their heart (don’t listen to your mind because it will tell you otherwise!) and just go for it.
So whether it’s weight loss or starting a walking/running program, remember this:
“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” ~Brian Tracy
“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” ~Thomas Edison
From My Running Story to Yours….
(if you feel inspired to share your comments, do so below…I want to hear your story too!)
