One day, I took my 325 pound couch potato self to Disneyland for a vacation. It was around Christmas time in 2009 and I wanted to show the family a good time. Then, the unthinkable happened. My world came crashing down as I was kicked off of a ride in front of everyone because I was too big to fit in the seat. It was humiliating, embarrassing and unexpected. But, it changed my life.

I realized that my life needed to change. I also realized that I have missed out on so much in my own life because I never took control of my health. I missed out on serving in the military because I was too big, I missed becoming a police officer because I was too out of shape, and I missed achieving some of the dreams in my life.

Not any more. I threw away the fear of failure and dared to do something impossible. In one year, I lost over 100 pounds and did something that I never thought I could do – I ran a marathon. I achieved the impossible and it was the most amazing thing ever. So, I am continuing on my journey, achieving the impossible, and preparing to add a new title – IRONMAN. On June 24, 2012, I will cross the finish line in Coeur d’Alene and, after that 140.6 mile journey, I will once again celebrate achieving something impossible.

This blog celebrates our ability to achieve things that seem impossible. You can achieve anything!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

How did I just do that? 14 miles in 2:15:23

Whenever I tackle a new long distance, it always seems like a quite daunting task. However, one foot in front of the other, I get there. Every time I finish I always think to myself "how did I just do that?" That was going through my head today as I finished up the 14th mile of my run. I imagine that Sir Edmund Hillary had the same thing going through his head on that moment in May of 1953 when he reached the summit of Everest. Even if it was just for a fleeting second, I imagine that he stood on top of the world looking down upon the clouds and said to himself "How did I just do that?" It is such a great feeling to know that you can do what was once perceived to be impossible.

I ended up keeping a pretty good pace too. Just about 9:40 per mile. My half marathon time was 2:06:26, about 2 and 1/2 minutes faster than the last time I ran that distance. Not under 2 hours yet, but getting closer!

So, after the run I had the wife take another picture. I figured it was time for another comparison to the 325 pound me. I'm going to update the header photo to this one soon. Unfortunately, I broke the camera while taking the photo. It seized up and now I can't get it to work. In any event, here is me after about 8 months and 87 pounds:


Only 5 weeks until the running of the San Jose Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. I can't wait!
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4 comments:

  1. Travis, congratulations!!! That is amazing and you should be SO proud of yourself!!!! Running for 2 + hours is something I can't even comprehend at this point on my road to fitness, but I am really enjoying watching your journey!

    You look awesome...the new pic is great. You know what I fear that's really silly? I'm 45...and I have no wrinkles. I have a theory that all this fat pushes the wrinkles out...and when I get to my goal weight I'm going to look like a craggy old hag. LOL. You look pretty good!!! So tell me...are you getting more wrinkles as you shrink? (please say no, please say no!!!)

    http://battleofthebutt.blogspot.com

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  2. Travis - I stumled upon your blog after seeing your question to Mario that is currently posted on the Nashville Country Music Marathon home page. Check it out... http://nashville.competitor.com/

    I ended up spending 3-4 hours last night reading your journey from start to today. Extemely inspiring. You've got amazing willpower and determination.

    I have been training for a 5k since June and just finished it this morning. Was able to run the whole thing, which was my main goal... in just over 40 minutes. Slow, but steady.

    My situation is similar to yours in a lot of ways. I'm a 30 year old guy and weigh 285... looking to get to around 200. I've really taken an interest in running and have decided to continue with my training. I start 10k training on Tuesday.

    Just wanted to let you know how inspiring you are and best of luck in the training for San Jose. I'm looking forward to following your continued progress.

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  3. JLA - thanks for finding my blog! For those who are wondering, professional runner Mario Fraioli (he ran a marathon in 2:28!) works for the Competitor group who puts on the Rock N' Roll Marathon Series. A regualr feature on their website is a section where he answers questions from runners. The other day, he elected to answer the question I had sent in to him. Check it out at:
    http://running.competitor.com/2010/08/features/ask-the-experts-whats-next-after-the-big-race_12602

    I was really excited to hear that JLA found my blog and has read it, thanks! One thing that has been keeping me going at this is all the support and people cheering me on along the way. Kind of like a big race, the cheers keep one foot in front of the other.

    JLA - I'm glad you've really taken an interest in running. Running is not for everyone and I never was into it until something clicked recently. I love to hear about people finding something to be passionate about. I remember back in May when I ran my first 5K and it was such an accomplishment to have run the whole thing. Next thing you know you will be running double digit miles! I can tell you will because you found my blog through the competitor site, proof that your thirst for the next mile marker will keep you going.

    Best of luck with the training for your upcoming 10K. If you have any questions about running or weight loss or just want to take a look at my training schedule, let me know and I will send it to you.

    As for the Nashville Marathon and Half next April . . . I might see you there!

    To let a cat out of the bag, I am currently in negotiations with one of my sponsors to run several of the Rock N' Roll marathons next year. They want to see how things go in December first, and I can't blame them, but I may be on tour as a spokesperson of theirs for the races and I might just be going to Nashville. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will come through . . .

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  4. AWESOME job bro check out my site! i am in the process of dropping my weight! My Bio is on there as well as to what happend to me and whats going till this day! Together we can make it happen brother! God Bless!
    http://datboyjunior.blogspot.com/

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