As I have mentioned before, I am trying to be a marathon runner. My best time, so far (called a PR, or Personal Record) is 3:48:08. Respectable, but not a BQ (Boston Qualifier). I had read or heard somewhere that, on average, for every pound of weight I lost, I could expect a minute faster finish time in a marathon race.
Using that estimate, and doing some simple math, I quickly calculated that if I followed my same marathon training regimen, but lost 20 pounds, I might expect to finish a marathon in 3:28:08. This would be very close to a BQ, which for me would be 3:25:00 (assuming everything else stayed the same).
Of course, not everything stays the same. For example, I have also read that for every degree Fahrenheit above 60 degrees (outside temperature), a runner will run 1 second slower for each mile. So if the temperature in St. George is 85 degrees F, my time would be 25 seconds slower…every mile!
I can’t control the temperature. But I can control how I train, and I can lose weight. I currently weigh in at 192 pounds–I almost qualify for the Clydesdale division in some marathons (the Clydesdale division is unique to some marathons, and I’ve heard the qualifying weight is generally 200-220 lbs or above. In fact, one runner suggested I try to gain weight to more easily be accepted for certain marathons. Unfortunately, the Boston Marathon doesn’t have a Clydesdale division. So, back to the weight loss plan.
Recently I visited with a fitness trainer. She taught me a number of things about nutrition. I followed her plan and within 2 months I had lost 10 lbs! I had more energy, slept better, and I felt my mind was clearer. I won’t go into the specifics (I wouldn’t want a reader to follow my very limited nutritional plan description, only to suffer negative effects and sue me). But based upon my experience, I can encourage readers to first talk to their physician about your fitness goals, take your physician’s advise, and if appropriate, seek out a fitness trainer to help you lose weight, permanently. It works!
If you would like more information on my experience, I invite you to write me (chamberlaindentalhealth@gmail.com), call me (801-292-3501), or come visit us at Cannon Family Dental. We can take care of your smile too!