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Motivation Articles  ›  Inspiring Stories

VIDEO: Running Down 120 Pounds

How Running Can Change Your Life

-- By SparkPeople Editorial Staff
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In the homemade video, a regular guy named Ben shares his struggle with increasing weight, depression, and a moment of clarity: deciding to change his life. I don't want to say too much more about it here. Just go ahead and watch it.

If you have trouble viewing the embedded video player below, watch it on YouTube.



Ben's video is more than a rah-rah story that makes you feel like you can do it, too. It also shows how there's more to exercise than burning calories and there's more to weight loss than simply looking better, landing a date, or donning a two piece. What a powerful way to help others "get" these concepts—ideas which often take a long time to discover on your own, no matter how far along you are in your own weight loss journey. So let's thank Ben for sharing his amazing story and congratulate him on running down his dreams.

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts about this video in the comments section to the right. If you enjoy it, you can easily share it with others by clicking the “Share” button at the top right of this page.
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Member Comments

  • Today. I really needed some inspiration. I have been feeling down lately with lots of "stuff" going on and I have been reverting to my old habits of binge eating. Thanks for the "pep" talk. Lovely song btw, where is it from? - 6/12/2013 11:10:20 PM
  • This is a pretty amazing story Ben. It really hit home for me on a bunch of different levels; especially the Marathon & Ironman parts -- Those are my goals too. I started my journey at 381 pounds, lost 110, and gained another 50 back. I'm working it back off however, and my ultimate goal is to get to 190, exactly half of what I used to weigh.

    I've had lots of bad days, days where I had no inspiration or drive what so ever, but this video is going to be my reminder that I'm not the only person who's ever done this, and I'm not going to be the last person who ever will do it. Thanks for posting it, and good luck on your continued adventures in life! - 6/12/2013 8:22:25 PM
  • Thank you so much for sharing!! So inspirational!! - 6/12/2013 6:35:39 PM
  • A.MAZ.ING
    Thank you for sharing...its a beautiful journey. Way to go Ben! - 6/12/2013 2:59:02 PM
  • GAILITCH
    Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us and giving us this glimpse of the road less traveled. I can be brave, too. - 6/4/2013 7:32:30 AM
  • great video Ben. I am going to show this to my son , I know you have made your family happy as well as yourself ! good boy ! - 5/21/2013 9:30:15 AM
  • I'm ready to be this guy's biggest cheerleader! I too am a runner who has struggled with trying to lose a lot of weight on and off for years. Currently, I am in an "on" period and just bought a new pair of shoes...ready to hit the ground running...but struggling with motivation. This wonderful video, song, and website was just what I needed. Thank you Ben! You are truly an inspiration to all of us!
    - 4/25/2013 9:44:53 AM
  • Goosebumps and tears here. What a great story. - 4/21/2013 11:24:02 AM
  • this is grand this has inspired me to run
    - 4/21/2013 9:50:58 AM
  • That was fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!! I am also crying . I can barely see to type this . I have been struggling with my weight . I have never weighed this much before in my life . I needed to see this video . You are awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    ! - 4/21/2013 8:55:10 AM
  • WOW!! You really have a wonderful spirit. If your journey doesn't motivate us, i'm not sure what will! I hit goal a few months ago. I never thought I'd see the day. I still never came close to a journey such as yours! I'm proud of you Ben! - 4/19/2013 8:56:34 PM
  • NADIA1239
    This was exactly what I needed tonight. Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring me to begin again.
    - 4/19/2013 8:40:09 PM
  • This is exactly what I needed to see right now. Thank you - 4/19/2013 7:33:36 AM
  • Wow great and inspiring video! - 4/12/2013 3:42:11 PM
  • Had me in tears, but what a great story! Thank you for sharing!! - 3/26/2013 8:04:50 PM