How I Lost 30 Pounds and Fixed My Broken Heart - Part 2

I just talked about the nutrition side of my transformation from unhealthy and declining to “average.”

Now let’s talk about fitness.

I’ve always been a big walker. 

At times in my adulthood, I averaged well over 15,000 steps a day, regularly going on 15+ mile walks around New York City.

But I always came up short in the rigorous exercise department.

And still overate to the point where I had trouble keeping weight off. I’ve had weekends where I walked 35+ miles and GAINED WEIGHT! I’ll write about that another time…

Then I decided to run the New York City marathon.

I lost a decent amount of weight from dietary changes alone.

But in late 2024, I knew I needed some hardcore exercise to get into better shape.

I was still getting winded walking up stairs.

And then I saw my sister complete the New York City marathon.

I served as her mobile pit crew, following her all over the city to cheer for her and offer support. 

The energy around the city was contagious, and I said “I need to do this one day.”

That was on November 3, 2024

I took my first run two days later.

It was a disaster.

I made it about 90 seconds before I had to take my first break. My legs were killing me and I was out of breath.

I managed to squeeze out nine tenths of a mile, making four or five stops along the way.

And then I had to lie down on the couch.

My second run sucked just as bad.

And my third sucked a little less.

So I decided I was a runner. 

I applied to run the 2025 New York City Marathon for the cancer charity Fred’s Team. (I highly recommend running for them if you want to race for a charity. Good people!)

And I came up with a brilliant running strategy

I decided I would run three times a week.

And each time, I would run a little further than last time.

That was my entire strategy.

My motto was Be Stupid, Be Consistent.

I tracked everything in a simple Google sheet which I updated manually:

My whole life, I’ve had a tendency to overthink and overresearch every little thing. Without ever getting started.

With running, I did the opposite. 

I did no research or real planning, aside from some basic Googling on hydration and fueling.

I bought the first pair of running shoes I tried on at DSW that fit decently.

I didn’t rush to get fancy socks or apps or anything.

I just ran.

And on February 3 (about 3 months in), I hit 8.3 miles.

And on April 26, 2025, I ran the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience half marathon.

I finished in 2 hours and 33 minutes, missing my goal by about 4 minutes:

Two weeks before that, I got the heads-up from Fred’s Team that I could run the marathon for them.

And on November 2, 2025, I finished the marathon.

So in one year, I went from crashing out after 90 seconds to finishing one of the toughest marathons in the world.

And oh yeah. I was sick for an entire week before the race, and I got no sleep the night before because of nerves.

I finished the race nearly an hour slower than I wanted. But I did finish.

I also started doing strength training.

A mix of pushups, kettlebell swings, squats, and dips.

I hate going to the gym, and I like basic bodyweight exercises. 

They make me feel manly.

And then something crazy happened in late 2025 after the marathon.

I noticed veins popping on my biceps.

Not like a bodybuilder or anything.

But I’ve never had them before.

Call it vanity, but that motivated me to get even more serious about strength training.

And my strength’s gone through the roof.

I went from being able to do 15 pushups in a row to 35+.

When I first bought my dip stands, I could not do a single dip. Now I can knock out 10+ no problem.

There’s even been more practical everyday life benefits.

My neighbor had a big piece of furniture delivered. I lifted the 80+ pound box up the stairs with no problem.

I actually enjoy carrying heavy bags of groceries home. 

Feeling strong feels damn good.

In my first post, when I discussed the “why” behind my health and fitness journey, I talked about how I wanted to avoid the suffering my parents went through.

I realized I lied. 

By omission.

Because vanity played a factor.

Looking better is one hell of a motivator.

So is just not being ashamed of how I look.

Speaking of shame… we’re get into that next.

Because I just realized that it was a major motivator for me.