I am stepping way out of my comfort zone to do something I have always dreamed of. I'm signing up to do a trail half marathon! http://usnwc.org/play/whitewater-race-series/upcoming/the-new-south-trail-marathon/

Already checked with the race director to make sure it was okay that I walked part of it. I know for sure there's no way I could run the whole thing. My plan is to run a mile or two walk a mile or two. I don't care if I come in last for my age group, my goal is to finish!

Any tips for me on staying hydrated during the race and what to eat before/during/after the race?

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 238 GW = 220 (6'5")

Congrats!!! You are soaring!!!

You’ve gotten a ton of great advice so I don’t want to duplicate.

But to add... having done a lot of road and trail runs from 5k to full marathons (Ultra on the books for September)... trail running/trail runners are different.

First of all, they all embrace the run/walk... most of them do not run the whole time. And they fuel differently. Don’t be surprised to find boiled potatoes with salt, PB&J sandwiches and pop tarts among the things at the aid stations. As everyone has said make sure you know what fuel works for you, but Gus and Gels and such are the province of road racers. They have watermelon slices and Oreos at trail racing stops.

The other thing, I have found trail racers and races to be the most supportive and helpful of any runners. They embrace all types and speeds and help make you successful! Ask questions and let them help you!

You can do it!

Congrats!!! You are soaring!!!

You’ve gotten a ton of great advice so I don’t want to duplicate.

But to add... having done a lot of road and trail runs from 5k to full marathons (Ultra on the books for September)... trail running/trail runners are different.

First of all, they all embrace the run/walk... most of them do not run the whole time. And they fuel differently. Don’t be surprised to find boiled potatoes with salt, PB&J sandwiches and pop tarts among the things at the aid stations. As everyone has said make sure you know what fuel works for you, but Gus and Gels and such are the province of road racers. They have watermelon slices and Oreos at trail racing stops.

The other thing, I have found trail racers and races to be the most supportive and helpful of any runners. They embrace all types and speeds and help make you successful! Ask questions and let them help you!

You can do it!

Thanks so much. Appreciate the support!!

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 234.8 GW = 220 (6'5")

On 1/27/2018 at 11:37 AM, 336Mike said:

Update!

This morning I celebrated 125 lbs gone forever by running & hiking at Hanging Rock to train for my upcoming Trail Half Marathon. A year ago something like this would be a passing thought...dissapointed in myself, unhealthy, afraid to do something for me.

There was something abnormally peaceful at the top. No one else there. No noise but the wind. The scent of the earth, the pines. And me. Maybe it was like that for 5 minutes. Could have been longer, I don't know. A brief moment of solitude and I knew, I could feel, that I remain at peace within myself.

Living life instead of existing in life - Priceless.


VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 235.4 GW = 220 (6'5")

Beautiful photos. Your smile says it all!

Beautiful photos. Your smile says it all!

Thanks!!

VSG 10/11/17 HW = 360 SW = 292 CW = 234.8 GW = 220 (6'5")

Less than 3 weeks to go to the event. I'm as ready as I can be at this point!! Have new trail running sneakers and a hydration backpack that's worth it's weight in gold. I can carry my snacks in it and mount my trekking pole that comes in handy on the trail inclines.

VSG 10/11/17 HW= 360 SW= 292 CW= 220.8 GW= 220 (6'5") [emoji256]

Alright y'all. Completed the half trail marathon today!!!!! Still can't believe a year and 11 days ago I was 360 lb and extremely unhealthy. And here I am 5 months out from surgery and 142 lbs down doing a half marathon on trails. So much harder than a regular half marathon two. It kicked my butt but I'm so glad to have accomplished this!!


VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 3/7/18
CW = 217.2 (6'5") [emoji256]

19 hours ago, 336Mike said:

Alright y'all. Completed the half trail marathon today!!!!! Still can't believe a year and 11 days ago I was 360 lb and extremely unhealthy. And here I am 5 months out from surgery and 142 lbs down doing a half marathon on trails. So much harder than a regular half marathon two. It kicked my butt but I'm so glad to have accomplished this!!


VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 3/7/18
CW = 217.2 (6'5")

Amazing achievement Mike!

Hope you have recovered from your half marathon. I looked at the course map. It looked brutal...lol.Were you surprised by the feeling after crossing the finish line? Do you plan on doing more runs?

Thanks for posting the photos. If you have more I would love to see them.

Mike, you're awesome! Great work!

Amazing achievement Mike!
Hope you have recovered from your half marathon. I looked at the course map. It looked brutal...lol.Were you surprised by the feeling after crossing the finish line? Do you plan on doing more runs?
Thanks for posting the photos. If you have more I would love to see them.

Thank you! It was brutal...lot more than I trained for. Some of the incline's had one switch back after another to get up to the top. They felt like they were never going to end. At mile 8 I questioned if I could even do the rest. My son texted me a couple minutes later...I was not going to look at my phone but something told me to. He said, "Good luck. Don't stop until you finish!" That have me the motivation I needed to carry on.

I plan to do more runs but not trail...they're a special kind of brutal. [emoji12]

Here's my pick leaving home around 6AM and then prerace pic.



VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 3/7/18
CW = 217.2 (6'5") [emoji256]

Mike, you're awesome! Great work!

Thank you!!!

VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 3/7/18
CW = 217.2 (6'5") [emoji256]

8 minutes ago, 336Mike said:

Thank you! It was brutal...lot more than I trained for. Some of the incline's had one switch back after another to get up to the top. They felt like they were never going to end. At mile 8 I questioned if I could even do the rest. My son texted me a couple minutes later...I was not going to look at my phone but something told me to. He said, "Good luck. Don't stop until you finish!" That have me the motivation I needed to carry on.

I plan to do more runs but not trail...they're a special kind of brutal.

Here's my pick leaving home around 6AM and then prerace pic.



VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 3/7/18
CW = 217.2 (6'5")

Check this off your bucket list. Keep us updated on your next race.

Wow, I just saw this thread. Congrats Mike! You so deserve it dude!!!

To everyone workin' it. Dang!! Me=notworthy! Hat's off and mad props to each of you!!! Y'all inspire me to be and do better! To live more of my life! Big thanks!

This is awesome, Mike, way to go! I just signed up for my first trail half marathon, it's the first weekend in October. I did a road half marathon last month, but I love hiking and I'm way more interested in doing more trail running than road. Love all the pics, keep up the great work!

This is awesome, Mike, way to go! I just signed up for my first trail half marathon, it's the first weekend in October. I did a road half marathon last month, but I love hiking and I'm way more interested in doing more trail running than road. Love all the pics, keep up the great work!

Thank you! I felt so accomplished afterward. Definitely worth it!

VSG 10/11/17
HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 3/7/18
CW = 208 @ 6'5"
152 pounds gone! [emoji256]

So do any women ever do these trial half marathons? Doubt I ever. run? one, with 2 artificial knees, but if I? could even walk? a quarter marathon it would be very cool. At my point in life it would rank somewhere btween bucket list and impossible dream, but it beats all hollow the thought of draining a keg or a cask of wine., doesn't it?