The Reason Why I Left

Sabbatical

I am just returning from a long term sabbatical from this blog and social media related to my fitness account. I just needed some time away. That’s not a good excuse, but it is the reason.

Back in 2013, I was up to 209 pounds on my 5’11” frame. My fitness was subpar at best and I had very little motivation to do much of anything. One day in October 2013 I got the bright idea to run a half marathon. Two weeks later, I ran my first half marathon with no training. Wait, there’s more! 15 days later I ran a second half and destroyed my knee.

Although my knee couldn’t support any weight for a few days, I was addicted and dove in head first to running. In November of 2015, I ran my first full marathon at the Indy Monumental Marathon (Check out my review). I loved the full, but it destroyed me in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

Destroyed

The farthest I had ever ran before race day was 13.1. I had barely ran any training and was to hard headed to do it right. I had a near mental break down at mile 17 when I wanted to quit. My body was quitting, my soul was missing, and my desire was extinguished.

Texting my wife while squatted behind a parked car near the 17 mile marker, she wouldn’t let me quit. Let me tell you, the encouragement she gave me in those moments were CRUCIAL to getting me over the wall.

Pushing hard, I finished the race. With tears in my eyes as I turned down the last 0.2 mile stretch, I crossed the finish in a personal best 5:08:22 (the first one always has that freebie). I finished, I ran a marathon.

I thought the hard part was over…I wasn’t ready for the coming days, weeks, and months. That race took more of a toll on me than I thought at the finish line. It beat me up emotionally and mentally, ironically I wasn’t hurting physically that much at first.

I took a couple weeks off my running, fitness, and diet. Then Thanksgiving dinner came and went. Soon it was Christmas time and I would get back on the wagon for the New Year. Let me fast forward and tell you but July 1, 2016, I weighed in at 206 pounds and considered myself a loser in my personal fitness journey.

Living Forward

In July, I took a strict approach to a Ketogenic aka Keto diet that was extremely low carb, high fat and protein diet. I was able to leave for vacation August 1 at 186 and feeling amazing. Let’s just say I was not on diet for vacation. Although I am not fully back on keto yet, I am doing well and motivated for the coming fall racing season.

In October, I’m running the Urban Bourbon as a representative of BibRave. Then in November, I’m tackling the Indy Monumental Marathon again. This time, going in with a stronger mindset and understanding of the process.

Ok, I’ve rambled enough. I took some time away, because I needed it for me and my family. But I’m back. Thanks for reading.

Question: Have you ever had to take a break from fitness? You can leave a comment by clicking here.