My fellow bloggers are awesome. Everyone has an amazing story to tell, and more often than not these stories become great inspirational and motivational forces for my own journey.
David has one of those stories. He is the man behind Running…Because I Can. He has recently completed his eighth half marathon, and is running his ninth next week! And because that isn’t nearly enough 
, he is training for his second Marathon in November, and has committed to running 1000 miles this year. WooT!
He and I have exchanged guest posts today, so you can check out my Q&A session with him here!
Take it away, David!
When Steve and I talked about exchanging blog entries, I was at a loss at what to say. This is only my second guest post on someone else’s blog. It takes me out of my comfort zone. I’m generally a shy guy, but when it comes to running and weight loss or something similar I open up. Steve suggested that I talk about how running “changed” me, which I think is a perfect topic considering the general nature of this blog.
More than six years ago when I started running again — I ran some track in high school in the mid-1990s — I did it to lose weight for my wedding. On Jan. 1, 2004, I bought a scale. I hadn’t weighed myself in several years. I figured after drinking and eating pizza throughout college that I had put on enough pounds to weigh “around” 200 pounds. I knew I was much bigger than when I graduated high school in 1996, but I had always stayed somewhat active too. However, at the end of 2003 when I was looking forward to getting married, my 38 jeans were too tight, I NEVER tucked in my extra large shirt and I looked like crap in photos.
So I weighed myself … that “around” 200 pounds was well over 200 pounds. 220 to be exact. And from that moment forward it’s been different. I started eating better and I started running. My running was literally one step in front of the other, a little farther every day for about a month or so. Then it just became a regular thing. And the pounds gradually shed off. 40 to be exact.
Fast forward six-plus years … because of running, I continue to live a healthier lifestyle and I’ve managed to keep most of the weight off. But running is mu
ch more than that — the health benefits are just a small reward. Because of running, I am a goal oriented person. Not that I didn’t set goals before, but when I’m on runs I sort through my problems in my head. I come up with solutions for work; I figure out what would be good for the holidays for all sides of my family; I decide what to eat for dinner that night; I think about something I want to do years from now.
Running makes me happier in general. I used to be a much angrier person than I am now. Throwing shoes across the room because I was made at something? Yeah, that was me. Now I channel my negative thoughts to the pavement. I take a deep breath instead of reacting right away. If I’m in a situation that warrants anger, I just get up and walk away.
Another way running has changed me is the people I associate myself with. I’ve made many new friends because of running; I’ve reconnected with old friends because of running; and I’ve even disassociated myself with so-called friends because of running.
For anyone who questions whether or not to run, these are the things I tell them. Running is certainly not the key to changing everyone’s lives, but I can guarantee you that it’ll help.
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You can read more from David at Running…Because I Can. You can also follow him on Twitter (@RunningBecause) and become a fan on Facebook!
So agree. Running has changed so many things in my life.
Hey! Great guest post! Congrats on the successes. I wonder if this C25K business will make me one of you running people. So far I do it because I have to, but I am enjoying some benefits.
Great guest post, guys.
MrsFatass´s last blog ..since you asked
Great post! Very inspiring.
Excellent post! I like the whole person effects of regular exercise/running and that you pointed out you’ve been at it long enough to see bigger and better benefits than just pounds down. Awesome
Fabulous guest post. Running does indeed transform people…thank you for swapping blogs!
Thanks for this opportunity to guest post here … and thanks for all the comments so far. I’m sure Steve would love to see some comments on his Q&A too! Just to give a little plug for the Facebook page, I’m giving away Steve Speirs 100 push-ups book once I hit 250 fans. So come check it out. It looks like CommentLuv is pulling from the post right now, so click on the link before for the details. (Or just go to the link in the guest post.)
David H.´s last blog ..Become a Fan, win a book
What a great post. Thanks so much for sharing your story! I have really grown to love running…I’m already seeing the transformation in my life and I’ve only just begun!
josie´s last blog ..Run for Music 10K – WOW!
Thanks for the post! No matter how much I run I can’t seem to catch the running fire like you have. When did you first know that you loved to run? I’d love to hear!
For me, it was running my first race and the emotions that came with it — it was truly much more than “just running.” Unfortunately I didn’t blog then, so I never documented those thoughts very well. My love hasn’t always been there though — it certainly comes in waves. Fortunately I’m on a runner’s high right now and have goals for the whole year for the first time in 3 years — goal-setting is very key to keep the passion going. I actually ran track in high school and liked it a lot then; I just didn’t stick with it, obviously, through college.
I love that you did a guest post. David, thank you for coming doing it with Steve. What a great idea. I enjoyed reading your post. I agree about running changing you. I struggle with anger too and now that I think about it I don’t think I’ve thrown one thing since I started to run. Wow. Interesting… ok, I’m going to go now and check out your blog David!
Lynne Garcia´s last blog ..Weigh in for April 13th
What a great idea to exchange blogs for a day. Running was always something I detested and then one day I decided I needed to try something new. I won’t exagerate here and say that I now love running, but I am noticing so many changes in my attitude and my endurance and I know that has a lot to do with running. Your post has confirmed that I need to keep at it and continue to strengthen my appreciation for running.
Running has changed my life as well. I think you’re both inspirational.
AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Best Running Song Ever?
Excellent post and thank you Steve for finding me another blog to follow
Running is definitely changing my life and I’m loving it.
Alison´s last blog ..New Shoes, New Bras, New Hat, I’m so ready to go!
Look at our little running circle. It keeps growing and growing. I love it.
I agree with the running. It started out as something for me to prove that I could do. And it still is that. But it’s much more. It’s a stress reliever and because I’m a competitive person, it allows me to be competitive with my worst enemy: myself. I can best my own time, I can try for new heights, and I know that I’ll get there eventually.
Great guest post! 2011 Tri?!
Jess´s last blog ..Day 72: Project Barefoot
That’s awesome about all of the races he’s done and will be doing. I look at these people and think…can I get to that point?! I hope so…there is such a peace with running…if you overlook the initial pain and the “mind over matter” thing. Good guest post!
Great guest post! I’m only just starting to get into running myself, but I’m really enjoying it so far. I love how it’s an exercise that you can do basically anywhere, with minimal gear. And it’s so nice to get outside and fun, as opposed to being couped up inside a gym.
Brandon´s last blog ..Couch to 5K: Week 1 review
It’s an awesome thing we have going here. I love the high I get sometimes from running. I’ll be 20 minutes into the run and just get this awesome feeling. It’s worth the pain you sometimes get from it. haha
I don’t excersize at all right now and have never been into sports. What’s the best way to get into running if you are a true true beginner who doesn’t even take walks?
To start running, you need to start at square one — start walking. When I started running again 6+ years ago, it was literally one foot in the front of the other, a little more every day. While I was already walking, my running was very minimal for a while. I just added a little more every day.
And I have no idea where my photo went. I’m working on that.
What a cool story! I can relate to your comment about being “around” 200 pounds. I was in total denial for a long time and told myself the same thing. Turns out I was 250! Yikes.