Runtastic Success Story: From “morbidly obese” to fit & slim

For 12 of the last 14 years I have been overweight.  After some bad health news, and the development of Type 2 Diabetes, it was time to get off my lethargic backside and do something. I weighed 309lbs (140kg) and was extremely unfit, classified as “Morbidly Obese.”

So I started eating better and exercising in April 2012.  In August 2012, I found and downloaded the free version of Runtastic, and found that it really helped me get motivated to start exercising.

I started off slowly, walking 5-6 days a week for 30 minutes, then slowly increased the time I walked each day.  At this point, I had lost some weight and was down to 276lbs (125kg).

Over the next 15 months I kept walking regularly, eating right and living a better life. I discovered that my heart rate wasn’t getting high enough on my walks so, in October 2013, I started adding running to my walks.

At this point I weighed 220lbs (100kg).  Initially I would run (jog) 100m, then walk for 500m.  I kept this up, gradually increasing the distance I was running.  In December 2013, I began running through the whole course I was walking.  I was very proud of myself at that point, and kept up the exercise and good diet.

Over the next two months I gradually increased the distance I was running, until I could manage 5km per day.  (The course I run is 5.3km).  I try to do this every day, but sometimes I change the routine and run 3km in the morning and 3km in the afternoon, as well as running/walking up a local mountain trail on the weekends.

Before-After

 

I finally reached my first goal weight of 209lbs (95kg) in February 2014.

Runtastic has helped me reach this goal, by making it easy for me to want to exercise.  I love the tracking, and I love trying to get faster each time (though I do struggle with that sometimes).

In March, I reached another milestone I had set for myself:  I ran 5km at an average speed of 10 km/h!  (I am usually between 9 and 9.8).

When I started out, I was on three prescription drugs, for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).  Because of the loss of weight and the exercising, I am no longer taking those medications.

Thanks to the team at Runtastic for a great app and hope you enjoyed reading my Runtastic Success Story!

Sean

 

adidas Runtastic Team Are you looking to lose some weight, get more active, or improve your sleep? The adidas Runtastic Team gives you useful tips and inspiration to reach your personal goals. View all posts by adidas Runtastic Team