Bellingham Bay Marathon 9.30.12

"If you're going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired. When you were younger the mind could make you dance all night, and the body was never tired.  You've always got to make the mind take over and keep going." - George S. Patton, U.S.Army General & 1912 Olympian

Whootaaayyy Whootaaayy~I ran the Bellingham Bay  last Sunday and had the most amazing time.
This marathon is the first of 12 that I will be doing this year..... from 9.12 to 9.13.

The Bellingham Bay Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K is a group of races designed by runners for runners and walkers and was founded in 2003 by the Bellingham Bay Swim Team. 100% of net proceeds benefit non-profit Whatcom County youth organizations

First off, let me share with you how I got to the starting line.

I absolutely love reading inspirational books and I read Second Wind by Cami Ostman  in January 2011.  After reading Second Wind, I felt as though she could have been a friend from childhood or  my next door neighbor! 

Cami was a Health Hero Profile on Sporty Diva's  blog this past summer and I asked her if there were any runs in her neck of the woods and she mentioned Bellingham Bay Marathon.  The next thing I knew, I signed up for the race.
Well, Cami invited me to stay with her and her husband- Bill while I was in town.  She was a wonderful, warm, kind and gracious  host.  Cami, made a great pre-race dinner (pasta, salad, bread) yummmm~~~and invited friends.  Thanks Carol for zeee cookies!


Julie, Carol, Rosie and Cami

Race day morning- we chitted and chatted over coffee and headed to the start line.  Excitement, enthusiasm and encouragement filled the air.   

The course was beautiful, scenic and enjoyable. It was a well organized and community supported event.  The crowd support was engaging and off the charts.  I didn't have time to even think about being tired because I was so busy smiling! I plan on returning next year with a group of running pals.

Bill is the man and a total rock star....he qualified for Boston......yahoooo!!!! Thank you so mucho Bill and Cami for everything xoxo.

I vividly remember 11 years ago when I started running on a treadmill and I used to look around at other people running and wish that I could run like them one day 5.0...5.5.....6.0 etc. mph.....I thank God everyday that I didn't stay on the treadmill and that I ventured out the door and started running races.  It was all about getting in motion and staying in motion.

One of my rules in life is to do what brings me joy and to stay in the game of life.  I'm doing that by

going the distance and believing in myself and others.  And I choose not to lose sight of my aspirations, because I have the power to change my life and you have the power to change yours.

Peace, love and hair grease~

Health Hero Profile 7.9.12......Dan Herman

What is your age and where are you from?
I am 39 years old from Allentown, Pennsylvania.

What was your beginning weight?
355 lbs



What is your current weight and how long have you maintained it?
230 lbs. for about 5 years


What made you want to lose weight and exercise; was there something specific that happened or was it a combination of things?
I was essentially unable to move, unable to live.  The thought of walking up a flight of stairs was frightening.  I would go to work, come home, and lie down from exhaustion and the pain in my low back from my degenerative back condition.

What diets, supplements, and fitness programs have you tried in the past?
My doctors tried to give me pills, some approved by the FDA, some not. I tried every fad and diet there was.  Nothing worked long term.

How'd you lose your weight?
Weight management, journaling my food intake and my exercise. Journaling is the way to hold yourself accountable.

Did you share your plans with other people? How did your family, friends and co-workers influence and support you?
My family and friends were very supportive of my goals to live a healthier lifestyle.


What were some of the challenges that you experienced on your weight loss
journey?

When I started running about 8 years ago, at my heaviest weight, it seems I had trouble with some folks seeing me as a real runner.  I wanted to put the effort in and do the work. That is what made all the difference for me.

If you have dieted in the past and regained the weight, what did you do
differently this time?
I am nowhere near perfect with my nutrition. I have flaws just like anyone else. But I hold myself accountable and yet still allow myself to love. The idea of a diet rarely enters my mind anymore. Now, it is simply all about fueling myself the best way possible.

In what ways has your life changed?
I am able to run 5 miles, at a minimum, most days. There is a world of opportunity for me out there right now, all with a few simple changes.

What are some moments-accomplishments that you are most proud of?
I am a 4-time marathoner. That, to me, is the ultimate in terms of individual accomplishments. Over the past 4 years, I have been able to help coach beginning runners through out local Fleet Feet Sports's No Boundaries program.

What are your ultimate "must haves"///favorites: foods, fitness routines,
music and training gear?
Other than my running shoes and my Garmin, I need little else in terms of gear.  My favorite snack is an apple with almond butter. Great tasting and good for you!

Eating a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand for permanent weight loss. What do you do for fitness-to stay in shape?
I run 4 days every week, spinning classes, and at least two days of core resistance work.  Balance is the key. I do not want to see myself as solely a runner, but as an athlete.

What motivates you to stick with your healthy lifestyle?
Seeing my before pictures.. I know I never want to be that way again.
Do you have any positive quotes you'd like to share?
If you are not progressing, you are regressing.

What words of advice can you give to someone who is struggling to lose
weight and exercise?
Be patient with yourself. Be true to your goals, your desires, but be reasonable.
What are your best life lessons and the keys to your success? You are only
given one body. Do your best with it.

And lastly, do you have any short term (3 months or less) and long term
goals?
Hoping to finally get down to my goal weight of 200 lbs, then, take
another shot at a marathon in 2013 with a goal of setting a personal best at
that distance.
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Rosie's Note:  Dan's story of success is truly inspiring because not only does he knows what works for him but he is also taking the time to work with and inspire others thru Fleet Feet Sports's No Boundaries program.  When we help others, we often end up helping ourselves.  Thank you so much Dan for sharing your story and best wishes as you go forward and set your new marathon record, RR.