In August of 2007, I went to a Chiropractor to get my neck and back adjusted... unfortunately the only thing that happened was my C6-7 disk was blown into my spinal column. I got extremely lucky and was able to get the necessary surgery to repair the problem within a couple of weeks. That was just the beginning, I gained 40 pounds over the next year topping out at 245 lbs. I WAS FAT.
When I went to the Chiropractor in 2007 I was in the process of applying for a commission in the National Guard JAG Corps. After my surgery, I was PDQ'd (permanently disqualified). I set out on August 1, 2008 to get in shape and lose the weight so that I could reapply for a commission. I started going to the gym five days a week, doing cardio, lifting weights... (I started with the three pound weights, my muscles had atrophied after my injury) and walking on the elliptical.
I have friends who run every Saturday and Sunday morning and the joke always was, you'll never see me out there... Well, I started, the first time I "ran" with them I ran four blocks and walked the rest of the way. I kept at it and in October, 2008 I ran my first 5k race... my goal was to finish without stopping to walk. I did it. I finished in 38:15 and was thrilled. My running partner said the Mardi Gras half marathon was on Feb. 1, 2009 and would I like to train for it with him... I laughed and said why not, knowing in the back of my mind that they also had a 5k run...
Along the way I had runners knee in my right knee, I had my left knee lock up at the ten mile mark of an eleven mile run, I had illio-tibial band syndrome on my left leg and spent EVERY day the week before the race in a physical therapist's office having treatment so that I could run.
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On race day, I ran with a pace group and was amazed at how much fun and how exhilarating running a long distance race could be, my family and friends all had "Team Ed" shirts along the course (my running partner and I are both Ed) I got a runners high at mile 7 and literally sprinted for four and 1/2 miles until I then felt the other end of the spectrum and hit the proverbial wall at mile 12. Luckily, there was a water station and I drank and rested for a minute and then plodded my way to the finish. I was not going to be denied! It was amazing as I rounded the curve to the finish line... I remember feeling absolutely spent and amazed and exhilarated all at the same time...
My wife took a picture of me from the rear as I was crossing the finish line... and I continually am reminded of just how exhausted I was when I finished. But the key word is finished.
I am running the same race this year, running has helped me lose 50 pounds and I never want to find it again. And by the way, I was commissioned in October of 2009 in the National Guard!
