At one time, I ran a blog called Fitterverse: A universe of fitness. One of my favorite features of that blog was an interview series I did with a variety of people at different stages in their fitness journey. Thanks to the Wayback Machine, I’ve been able to recapture the text of those interviews. I’ve published them here on their original publication dates.
Paul M, a 43-year-old stock processor and broker, found Fitterverse on Twitter, and submitted his interview via email.
FV: What made you start your fitness program?
PM: This is a hard question to answer. I was at a bad place in my life and ballooned up to 513 lbs and had several knee surgeries from my military injury. I was sitting there one night not happy with my life, and the fact I could not play sports any more. I was very active in softball, bowling, the gym, and volleyball. As I was laying there in the dark I said this was enough – I wanted my life back.. The next day I started looking up weight loss programs and surgeries.. I started a journal and have not looked back since.
FV: What are your goals?
PM: My goal is to get down to 220 lbs. Currently at 265.
FV: Are you measuring progress? How?
PM: I am mostly measuring by weight. Since I started running I have added muscle, so now I’ve started measurements of waist, thighs, arms, chest, and neck.
FV: Have you made any progress? If so, what?
PM: I have done very well in the 2 years since I started this. I have gone from a 52″ waist to a 40″ waist, a 5x shirt to a 3x shirt and from 513 lbs to currently 265lbs.
FV: How long have you been working out? On your current program?
PM: I started running Feb 1st and run 3-4 times a week. I hit the gym maybe 2 times a week to work pure body. But really not trying to gain muscle. Just lose the weight and tone up.
FV: What are you currently doing for workouts?
PM: Running outside, cardio, light weight training. No set workout, just reps at light weight.
FV: What do you find difficult?
PM: The running! On my titanium knee the short distances are good, but anything 7 miles or more takes a lot out of me.
FV: What do you enjoy most?
PM: The quiet times running. I get to think a lot about what I am doing and the day. Also love the mental challenge to break the walls and continue on.
FV: Do you have any advice for people who want to start a program like yours?
PM: I say if you want too lose weight, look into everything and do what’s best for you. I did the Lap band and was the best choice I made in my life. Also join support groups or Twitter. There are some really awesome people out there that will support and encourage you!
FV: Do you use any tools? Apps? Which ones?
PM: I use RunKeeper for my runs.. Tracks everything for you and really worth the $20 yearly so friends and family can follow you online, keeps a log of miles ran & calories burned. Also, I use a Fitbit as well..