How Running Changed Joey Young

Name: Joey Young
Age: 39
Occupation: General Manager
Hometown: Burleson, Texas

Start Weight: 310 pounds
End Weight: 227 pounds
Time Running: 11 months

When I started my journey I weighed 310 pounds, and I started running for health reasons. After an annual wellness exam that is required by my employer, I was told that I had diabetes. I have never been on medication, so I asked the doctor what I could do to not be on medicine long term. She told me that losing weight would be a step in the right direction.

That was in November 2016. I started working out in the gym the following January but was only walking a little on the inside track and then would spend most of my time pumping weights because I thought cardio was boring. However, after seeing several runners doing lap after lap, I decided to give it a try. After almost falling out after just one time around the track, I realized just how out of shape I was. One thing led to another and I eventually started running outdoors and made running part of my life.

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After getting those results from the doctor, I also started researching foods to eat and different recipes to add to my family’s diet. We changed the foods we ate to incorporate more greens, less sugar, and fried foods, and we eliminated processed meats. My wife and I decided that we are not calling it a “diet,” but we are changing our lifestyle.

I learned early on that losing weight is a battle. There will be a lot of sweat, some tears, and maybe even some bloodshed in the process. But if you keep your goal in front of you and back that with a plan and dedication, you will be successful.

There is no easy way to get off the fat and keep it off. There are no secret fads, diets or machines. It takes hard work and dedication. It is a process that takes time and each time you make a decision to do the right thing, you when small battles that add up to building your willpower. The “secret” is simple: Desire, plan, and discipline to that plan. Not everyone gets it. Saying no to that little piece of birthday cake or running even when you don’t feel like it may seem overboard to some people, but do what works for you. Stay disciplined to the plan.

I remember that first run and how hard it was to run that first mile without stopping. I thought I would never get to three, but I did and now I have done as much as 13 for my long run. My current goal is running the Dallas 1/2 Marathon this weekend. For the long-term, I want to run a 5K in less than 23 minutes, then run a marathon. Along the way, I want to continue getting healthier. My original goal weight was 200 pounds, but I no longer have a time frame for that. My goals are more running oriented and I know the weight will get there as I accomplish them.

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Besides running, I also love to play basketball with my daughter and two sons. During the summer, we will play every Friday night. We have a standing game at 8 p.m. when we have friends of all ages come over and play until late into the night. I also incorporate weight training into my schedule two days per week. I used to only like the lifting and now it is something I only do because it helps my overall performance and health.

I went back for my wellness exam this year and was told everything was perfect. No more diabetes medicine and no more elevated cholesterol. I feel much better health wise and feel better when looking in the mirror. I know it is a combination of a better diet and the running. But I think it is the desire to get better at running that keeps me on track and making the right foods and staying active.

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