I had some setbacks in my professional life, which were beyond my control. I decided to focus on my health, which I could control. I quit smoking (1 & 1/2 pack a day habit), and went from 240 pounds to 180.
My weight loss was due to improving my diet, and shedding my sedentary lifestyle. Resistance training and long walks comprised the bulk of my exercise. One day, on a walk, I started to run. I made it about 30 feet.
Eight months later, I finished my first marathon. My time was 6:55:55, or as and distance runner can tell you, BAD. But I finished.
I mainly consider myself a runner, but resistance training is a key element in my training. I don't train to be faster, tougher, or stronger than anyone else. I train to be better than I am. I run because for a long time, I couldn't. I lift because for a long time, I was weak.
People tell me I don't need to lose weight. People tell me I'm fine the way I am. And I know that's not true.
I train because I can be better than I am, and I want that. I don't care what anyone else looks like, or their level of fitness. But I'll be damned if I let them talk me into shorting my self.