Runtastic Success Story: Weight loss & motivation gain

My Name is Gesa and during my childhood I was quite active, despite being overweight.  I was in a swimming club and played volleyball.  In college, I stopped doing sports due to a lack of time and motivation, and I got lazier and bigger.

In 2002 a slipped disk ended my last fitness efforts due to fear of the pain.

2010 was a really bad year for me, I felt terrible and my doctor first diagnosed diabetes, then high blood pressure, and then also thyroid disfunction- which turned out to be cancer.  Every one of these diagnoses changed my behavior and helped motivate me to lose weight.  I had already lost 44 lbs before I started rehab in May 2011 but was struggling with paralysis of the recurrent nerve after my throat surgery- which led to respiratory impairment.

1426718_560390887370718_541927919_n

During rehab I engaged in many fitness activities and rekindled my desired to do sports again.  I took Nordic Walking classes and got really hooked on it – especially because I did well despite my respiratory problems.

After rehab I just did short routes at first and then got myself a fitness tracker to monitor my progress.  Unfortunately, it was unreliable and just consumed lots of batteries.  Thanks to recommendations, I then found the Runtastic app. I installed them both last March and have been using them ever since.  The training diary is such a great motivation for me since it perfectly illustrates how I have improved my performance.

I now work out between 4 and 6 times per week, both outdoors and in the gym: Nordic Walking, ergometer, biking, strength training, treadmill and cross trainer.  Plus, I found a reliable running partner/friend with whom I shared common goals of the year: a bike tour from Sassnitz to Stralsund, Germany, (approx. 44 miles) and the Rügenbrücke run in October.

Gesa_English

We exceeded our expectations on both occasions and walked 7.5 miles in 2:06 hours at the Rügenbrücke run. Two years ago I would have needed a one-hour break after less than a mile.

Another success: I lost 77 lbs and six sizes. That’s my personal success story!

I definitely want to participate in the Rügenbrücke run next year, and I really hope to finish in under two hours. Let’s see what happens… all I know is that I’ll do my absolute best!  And the Runtastic app will track all my efforts 😉

Hope you enjoyed my Runtastic success story.

***

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