''Running Helped Me Lose Almost 100 Pounds!''

A Health Scare Inspired MKKAYA to Start Losing Weight

-- By SparkPeople Editorial Staff

Besides weight loss, what other improvements have you noticed?
My confidence is so much higher. I am now happier and have a skip in my step. I have also made good friends because of running. One of my SparkBuddies and I run races together. We are the best of friends and continue to motivate each other along the way.

What are some of your running goals?
I am going to start training for a triathlon—I already have a race in mind. I also run to stay healthy. I don’t want to stop because running makes me feel so good!

What are some of your accomplishments?
I have completed various 5K races with my times going from 32:00 for my first to 27:56 for the third one with a 6th place ribbon. I have also participated in a number of 10K races with my personal best being 57:21, getting a second place ribbon for my age group. My health and body is my biggest accomplishment. I have lost about 90 pounds and 10 inches off my waist.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I am so thankful for my SparkFriends and what they have helped me accomplish. When I completed my first official 5K, I was so thrilled about finishing—and my time was good. But the biggest thrill for me was not finishing the race, it was the start of the race. As I was waiting for the gun to go off, I thought about what I had done to get to this point, who helped me, and how hard I had worked. I was so happy when that gun went off— I HAD BECOME A RUNNER!

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Member Comments

LAILA07

I'm starting the Couch to 5K program soon and this gives me some extra added motivation! - 5/19/2013 11:10:36 AM
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GLORIAMAJDI

That is awesome and you are an inspiration! I want to start running but have been a bit nervous about it, this makes me things I need to JUST DO IT! - 5/17/2013 9:08:25 AM
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DELLMEL

You look good. Keep the good work up. Woohoo - 5/7/2013 6:02:32 PM
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CRANE_WIFE

Thank you for sharing your story! I have been slowly getting into running, and you have inspired me to start thinking about doing a 5K. Thank you! - 4/12/2013 8:38:34 AM
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XME501

Thank you for sharing, Mike. You have been an inspiration to me - and continue to encourage me.
barb - 2/20/2013 11:15:39 AM
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BANKER-CHUCK

Great story, I have followed some of your story. Keep up the good work. I met you just before the HTC. Keep up the inspiration. - 2/20/2013 11:04:26 AM
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FRANCES-AGAPE

WOOHOOOOOO, MIKE !!!

Congrats
and
THANKS for sharing
You are encouraging
to we couch potatoes !

BLESSINGS ! - 2/7/2013 11:02:50 PM
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AL-EE-SUN

thank you so much for sharing the story -- I have been so apprehensive about getting out and exercising in my neighborhood. This was JUST the nudge I needed. Mike -- you're a true inspiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you! - 11/13/2012 9:36:42 PM
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MRSJOCCO

What an inspiring story--you just did it, one step at a time! - 9/21/2011 11:41:38 AM
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TIMOTHYNOHE

Heck yeah! Like Mike, I lost 90 pounds through a comprehensive change in lifestyle ... eating better and moving A LOT more. I could not complete a 10 brisk walk without exhaustion. I am now counting down the days to my first marathons ... 44 days to Savannah Rock and Roll and 25 to Baltimore (which will be used as a training run for Savannah).

I love my new life! I think I would like to keep it. - 9/21/2011 10:33:21 AM
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MOTOGUY128

I'm always impressed with individuals that were able to make such dramatic changes in their life. Its' one thing to have put on 100lb from your 20's to your 40's., bu it's another when you've always been overweight, never been a runner and now discover what it's like to be fit and healthy.

My favorite, and also detested comment, is "you're too skinny". No... it's just that most Americans are too accustomed to seeing overweight and obese people all the time, that someone fit looks sickly to them. Maybe it;s also just a bit of guilt due to a certain amount of self examination.

I've trimmed 40lbs to return to a former self. To reach that higher level of fitness that's escaped me the last 12 years. ti discover the untapped potential I had in me, but was being held back by poor eating habits and lack of motivation. Sprak has been a great tool to track my sucess. - 4/13/2011 12:20:17 PM
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ZAZENMAMA

Thanks for the inspiration! I'm going to find a 5k and start training. - 4/11/2011 6:06:14 PM
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SICKANDTIRED24

That's fantastic! Anybody in the 60181/60126 area looking for somebody to walk with...then run? - 4/5/2011 4:33:07 PM
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ASW4770

I would like to become a runner.....your story is reassurance that I can do it! Thank you, and Congratulations!! - 4/5/2011 9:23:24 AM
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MISSIEH1

Great job. You are a very inspiring person. Thank you for sharing. - 4/3/2011 7:43:06 AM
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