“I was 260 pounds, wearing an XXL T shirt and my waist was a 40 something.” Everyday life was not easy for Stephen. He had no motivation, felt tired and sluggish all day. “I was just laying around and felt so lazy.”
In 2017 Stephen was hit by a drunk driver. He had to have surgery on his back following his accident. After the surgery he struggled a lot with the back pain. He held much of his weight in his belly and his doctor suggested that he should try and lose some of that weight. He said losing the belly weight could help alleviate some of the pressure that it was putting on his back. Stephen was desperate to get rid of that pain so he decided to join a gym.
He found that he still wasn’t losing weight the way he had wanted to so he decided to start running. He started running in April of 2017 with the intentions of working toward a 5k and eventually up to his first marathon. He had his first 5k race in November of 2017 and it only went up from there.
He ran the Steamtown Marathon in the fall of 2018 in Philadelphia. This was not only his first marathon ever but was also part of his qualification for a running club that he is now part of called Marathon Maniacs. In order to qualify for the club you have to complete 3 marathons in 90 days. Steamtown Marathon was one and then he completed the Philadelphia Marathon and Marine Corps Marathon in DC shortly after. “My goal is to run a marathon in all 50 states.”
Stephen attended the Philadelphia Expo where he connected with 6AM Run. “I had tried other supplements in the past but they all made me cramp. These products don’t do that and I feel like I can keep going for miles when I take them.”
Stephen said he has felt faster since taking these products. “For example I ran 10 miles the other day and 6 out of those 10 miles were around 8 minute pace, I couldn't do that before!” He also appreciates the 6AM Run community. 6AM Run has a facebook group for support. “I am in a lot of other running groups on Facebook, but the 6AM group is different. Everyone is always so motivating and encouraging.” When I asked Stephen what made this group different he said it is more positive and up-lifting. He said he has had people reach out to him from the group telling him that he has inspired them and that makes him feel so good. It helps motivate him to keep going.
6AM Run products have become part of his daily routine. He tries to run every day and has also incorporated some lifting during the week as well. He has added this strength training within the last few months and said he focuses a lot on lower body and core to improve his running.
Stephen is so grateful that running has helped him drop all of this weight. He is very close to his goal weight and said he is finding it pretty manageable to maintain right now. 6AM Run products have helped keep him on track with his running. “I use all 6AM Run products but my favorite is the Raspberry Iced Tea Marathon.”
Stephen said he just feels all around better now since losing all of that weight. He said his energy levels have gone up, he feels more active and just healthier in general. He has replaced a lot of the junk food he was eating with a lot more green. “I fill that void with homemade smoothies and overall just feel healthier. I’d rather be outside now than sitting in the house just watching TV like I used to.” Not only does he feel better but he said he feels he looks younger.
Stephen is now a size small T shirt and down 77 pounds from when he started his journey. He has run 2375 miles so far and plans to add many more. “I just feel much happier because my confidence has gone up so much.”
Written By 6AM Writer & Sponsored Runner: Annie Noffsinger of Anniekayfitness.com Instagram- @anniekayfitness
There is a lot of unknown in the world right now… a lot of fear, a lot of helplessness, a lot of anxiety, a lot of sadness, and a lot of disappointment.
Many of the things we love have been cancelled. But, running has not been cancelled! Whether it is on your treadmill at home or outside, you can still run!
That is one of the most beautiful things about running. They can close the gyms, but we can still run. Running is one of the few sports where you do not need any equipment! Just you and a pair of sneakers and you’re good to go. I truly love all sports but when you are a runner you don’t need to get a team together to accomplish your goals.
It is well known that running can help with depression, anxiety and sadness, things that are all too familiar feelings in these hard times.
Running can help clear your head and is often a great stress reliever.
Running can be your “me time.” It is just you and the road. For me, it is truly an indescribable feeling and very therapeutic for many. You may have heard some people talk about the “runners high.” It is a euphoric feeling that cannot really be described until you feel it. When you run, it releases a chemical in your body called endorphins. Once those chemicals are released you start to feel that euphoric feeling which can lead you to feel happier and more positive.
For many people, the hardest part of running is usually getting started. Once you lace your shoes up and get going, the rest falls into place. You will probably not always feel motivated. That is okay and very natural. Try and find discipline. Discipline will get you further.
Run for YOU! It helps you stay active and helps rev that metabolism up. It gets you outside and can help you live a healthier and happy life. Running just simply feels good.
Even if it is just one mile, the benefits are still there. So lace those shoes up and give it a try.
Written By 6AM Writer & Sponsored Runner: Annie Noffsinger of Anniekayfitness.com
