The Runner Within

Jacob Impresses Me!

20th April 2007

Jacob Impresses Me!

posted in Weight, General, Personal, Other Runners |

Well, I read a blog today by a guy who was over 300lbs and ran the Boston Marathon (after the registered racers had already started). It really impressed me that this guy, Jacob, had the guts to take on a challenge like that. Not only did he take on the physical challenge, but he was willing to face possible public humiliation to change for the better. That is the kind of inspiration we all need. I’ve already battled my demons with weight, but we all have sources of weakness and potential shame, and they can be overcome, just as weight can. So, even though I may have already been where Jacob was and gotten through that part of my life, he is an inspiration to tackle future challenges and better myself in other ways. It never ceases to amaze me what people will do to overcome obstacles. I commend you, Jacob, for facing those elite runners and the throngs of people there watching. Even in my small form, I would not have had the guts to run after them, for fear of humiliating myself. You’re a true hero, not just to the obese, but to everyone! Here is his story: What Would Jacob Do?

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There are currently 2 responses to “Jacob Impresses Me!”

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  1. 1 On April 20th, 2007, Eric said:

    You lost 120lbs? What did you do, get a divorce? I think I have a new person to put in my hero file. Way to go! I know that the next time I’m dragging along on a long run that I’m going to think about your accomplishment and it will give me the energy and motivation to keep moving forward.

    Jacob’s story is interesting. I hope he had a good running base under him before he attempted this feat. He’s the guy that will pay if he inflicted any long term damage. I hope that his Boston run won’t be his last. We need to see him out there next week!

    Eric

    posted on April 20th, 2007 at 7:44 pm

  2. 2 On April 20th, 2007, Alia said:

    I agree with you Eric about Jacob using this experience as a stepping stone. Hopefully he hasn’t pushed himself over the edge by doing too much at once. I still think, though, that his mindset and willingness to take something that he doesn’t like about himself and change it in a public way… to force himself to improve. I admire that.

    I really don’t deserve hero status, although I thank you for your kind remarks. :) It will be heroic when I cross the line of my first marathon, probably behind everyone else, and probably purple in the face. But, that will be when I have really made a change in my life. I feel like losing the weight is only the first step to being the person you want to be. I defined myself as fat, but I can’t define myself as thin. I have to define myself by other, more meaninful attributes… maybe as an intellectual, a lawyer, an athelete, a daughter, a sister, a friend. Those are ways I want to define myself. Thanks for the comment, and I wish you tremendous luck on your amazing 100 mile adventure. Maybe I’ll be there some day. :) For now, I will focus my attention on the Space Coast Marathon. Cheers!

    posted on April 20th, 2007 at 8:05 pm

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