This article was originally featured on RunnersWorld.comName: Shane SiemensAge: 44Occupation: BankerHometown: Sherwood Park, Alberta, CanadaStart Weight: 308 poundsEnd Weight: 175 poundsTime Running: Two yearsI was severely overweight. I was 308 pounds, and I remember the pain and embarrassment of not buying lace-up shoes at my heaviest. I was buying ugly slip-on shoes because tying shoelaces was difficult and exhausting. That was about two years ago. At the time, I saw a specialist to discuss diabetes medicine. When I brought up losing weight, the doctor waved his hand dismissively and sarcastically said, 맥스카지노�No one actually does , you know.맥스카지노� The doctor seemed like he was in a bad mood that day 맥스카지노� he said it in a derisive fashion. It actually made me mad, and I walked out with a resolve that was not there when I walked in.As a kid, I used to read running magazines, and I loved the stories of marathoners back in the 1980s. Running was ultimately what I wanted to do. I just had to figure out how to get there. If the running didn맥스카지노�t work, the question was, would I ever lose weight and get healthier? Heavy as I was, running was not an option initially. I chose the non-impact elliptical and a road bike at first. The key for me was research, research and more research. Time and time again, it came to the math and principles of thermodynamics. Food is energy, you can맥스카지노�t create energy from nothing 맥스카지노� it boils down to the amount of calories in and the amount out. How do you attack that? Running. I maintain the weight by exercising, calorie counting and using a scale.My diet has changed from literally eating everything in sight, and has evolved over the years to portion control, calorie measurement and macro measurement. This means you naturally end up less french fries and more veggies by choice. I love the way I feel now. I맥스카지노�m currently 175 pounds, losing a total of 133 pounds. The way it is changing my endurance levels is inspiring. My short-term goal is to complete a half marathon, while my long term goal is the Big Sur Marathon. My first official race is July 14. It맥스카지노�s a 10K. I맥스카지노�m excited and nervous because all of my training has been with an app and the occasional friend showing up to run and train. Last year, I could not run a mile, let alone a 10k. For advice to others, I맥스카지노�d have to say it is possible to lose weight, just start somewhere. I know you can do it. I know you will feel pain, exhaustion and may even injure yourself in the journey, but it sure beats dying from sitting on the couch.