Running Chubby | From Bulk To Hulk

I’m Back! (At the Beginning)

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Chris

I’ve started running again and decided to resurrect my blog. First thing I noticed after cracking open WordPress was that I haven’t posted since September of last year. The whole point of this blog was to document the road to the Avengers 5k at Disneyland, but I stopped blogging months before.

So, I guess some questions a person may have are:

1) Did I get to the Avengers 5k?
I did! And I had an amazing time. My running partner Melissa and I competed the run in about 45 minutes. There’s so many things to experience in a runDisney race and so many runners that it took a bit longer than usual to finish the thing.

2) Why am I starting over?
This one is easy; I just quit. There’s more to than that and I learned a lot about my body, short days, and the cold, but at the end of the day I just stopped running. Also, my wife and I kind of had a baby, too. After five months off though I’m back at it!

3) What’s my next goal?
The runDisney Rebel Challenge January 2017. That’s a 10k followed by a half marathon in one weekend. Two races, but you get three medals.

I plan on writing more detailed posts about what winter has taught me, my new training plan and the Avengers 5k (what I can remember at least).

Man, I’m so happy to be back!

Milestone Report: Now Under 300 lbs

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Chris

It’s been two months since I started running and about eight months since I started working towards eliminating refined sugar from my diet. It’s hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely been a rewarding process.

One of those rewards is being able to share that, for the first time in over a decade, I weigh under 300 lbs.

While I don’t personally see it in the mirror, I feel it in my clothes and my health. My pant size has gone from a 56 to a 48, shirt size is a 3XL from a 4XL, and my blood pressure meds have been cut in half.

I know most people end up gaining the weight back. Continuing to run is the key to me losing more weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This may be a major milestone, but I know I’m just getting started.

Left: June 2014 Right: June 2015

Supporting Chubby Knees

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Chris

Being a runner weighing over 300 lbs I’ve had to find ways to add support for my knees. I’ve tried a number of devices and thought I’d share the results.

Here’s the disclaimer; I am not a doctor, orthopedist, sports medicine specialist, wizard or sage. Consult your health care professional on this stuff.

Pro Compression Sleeve

This thing is a turd. There is no hem at the ends so the sleeve rolls down right away. Also, the one seam it does have runs right up the middle of the knee. This causes pinching when the joint is bent. I’m not even going to tell you where I bought this thing. Best avoid it.

McDavid Compression Sleeve

This thing is way better than the Pro one. Notice the seams follow the curve of the knee. No pinching with this thing. Another bonus is that it comes in a XXL. Still folds down a little when I run but is great for recovering after a run. I got this at Sports Authority for about $19.00.

KT Tape Pro

This stuff is too rad. Basically it’s adhesive and elastic strips you apply to the problem joint to build support. It’s definitely one size fits all. Here is how I use it:

An application will last me three to four days if I trim my leg hair. You can shower in it too. I’ve found it at most sporting goods and big box stores but Amazon has the best price on it.

Visit their site and you’ll find a bunch of application videos. http://kttape.com

Hopefully you find some of this useful. Questions? Leave me a comment below!