How Running Helped Lose 150 Pounds

           " Desiree does not equal destiny, discipline equals destiny." 


Name: Jose E Santos
Age: 35
Occupation: Bilingual Drywall-Sales Specialist 
Hometown: San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
How long have you been running?
I started running back in December 2012. I started running to lose weight and get healthy.
What prompted you to start?
After dealing with a break-up, I made a conssious decision to better my life, starting with my body, then my mind and finally my soul. 
How often do you run?
I currently run five times per week and rest two days.  Average of 10-15 miles.
What is your routine?
Typically, I will have a long run once a week , about 5-7miles. Then during the week I try to run 2-3 miles, Followed by a protein shake. 
Do you race? If so, how often, and what kind of races?
Yes I do race! I love being out there running in different event, supporting different causes. I mainly try to stick to road running, however most of my friends enjoy the trails. 
​Do you engage in other sports or activities? If so, what and how often?
I like to try and enjoy different sports. I also enjoy playing basketball, football, and off-road cycling. I try to get out there and enjoy them attest twice a month.
What’s the most rewarding part of running for you?
The most rewarding part of running for me, has to be the feeling I get when I conquer and finish a race. I feel the power, courage and confidences surging thru my body as I know I just did something amazing. "Runners High"
Please describe your weight loss journey?.
Since I can remember I have always been overweight.  Some of my most familiar words are fat, chunky and gordo. Growing up as a child I was always made fun of because of my weight and how I looked. I became so used to the fat shaming and name calling but eventually I learned not to take what was said to me so seriously and would just let the negative comments fall by wayside and go on with my business.  However, those negative words/comments still affected me and the overall image I had of myself. 

Over the years, my self-esteem decreased and it even got to the point where I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror.  But then something clicked inside me, No More, No More is what I told myself, I wanted  more out of life. My highest weight was 430 pounds back  in 12/20/2012. This was when I realized I needed a change, and I started my journey. I was determined to not only lose the weight both physically and mentally, but change my whole life forever and help others do the same. This was the day "RUN2IMPROVE" was created.

On December 23, 2014 I weighed myself. I was 326lbs., by September 30, 2015 I was 305 lbs. I’m still exercising to get  to my healthy goal weight of 210.  By 12/17/2017. I will be at my max physique. With your support you can help me share my story with many more people who want to change their lives. I know my story will be a motivator for those individuals who have struggled with being overweight. My name is Jose and I am an overcomer and my hope is that my life journey will ignite the passion in those that want to reach their weight loss goal and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What is the secret to your weight loss success?
If I have to call it a secret it has to be the following, staying consistent, devoted to yourself, and just eating a healthy, the rest will fall in place.
How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivate by keeping busy and making sure that I registered for 1-2 event each month, so I know I have to be focus and consistent to finish.
Do you have any favorite motivational quotes?
"Desiree does not equal destiny, Discipline equals destiny."- Unknown 
​What are your current short and long term goals?
It sounds cheesy, but I just want to get Improve every day. After losing this much weight I get a lot of people asking me what is my ultimate goal? I say, “To run a full marathon 26.2, conquer a Triathlon, and become an Ultra runner."
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
This journey is not for those that seek a quick solution, it takes time, patiences, sweat, blood and tears. But if you stick with it, you can achieve anything you want in life, and in this sport.

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Jose E Santos

A man, a friend, a runner, and an inspiration to all those that he meets.