My first steps- 2^nd semester at Arizona

I moved to Arizona for studies and started my routine in the 2^nd semester. Because I was obese I couldn’t start off big, so I began small with short jogs of half a mile followed by walking return – every other day for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, my body was more prepared and got into a routine. I gradually increased the jog to 1 mile and walk back the 1 mile home – every other day for 2 weeks. By now I was excited and satisfied with my pace. Then, I slowly “tried” to run the 2^nd mile, but I couldn’t do 2 miles in a stretch – so I took a 5 minute rest break at the end of 1^st mile and ran the 2^nd mile back – once every other day for 2 weeks. Then, I slowly cut off the rest break and did the 2 mile continuously – once every other day for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 months I was convinced that I could certainly do this. During this period I also controlled my diet. I had to watch my diet so that my metabolism could catch up. I added swimming to my routine and alternated between jogging and swimming - each twice a week for 3 weeks. Gradually I increased my pace and distance.

By the 2^nd semester end I could run 4 miles (in about 1 hour) and swim 2 laps nonstop.

(Around 215 pounds in 6/2001)