Lise King |
FROM 0 KM TO HALF-MARATHON IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS
In November 2008, 44-year old Lise King had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, weighed over 200 pounds, smoked, and had never run a race in her life. Ten months later, a much lighter, fitter Lise ran the 5K in 2009 Canada Army Run, with a time of 26:37.9. This year, she’ll be running the half marathon.
Lise’s remarkable journey began in November 2008 during a visit with her sister in Victoria, B.C. “My sister used to be overweight, like myself, but when she picked me up at the airport, she was a tiny little thing running half-marathons. She was my inspiration to take control of my health and to make the changes necessary to get my life and my health back.”
When she returned to Ottawa, Lise entered the “Biggest Loser Ottawa” competition (she won!), worked with a personal trainer twice a week and on her own two-to-three times a week, started eating healthier, and ultimately signed up for Running Room’s 5K running clinic. When she found she could only run for three minutes, she gave up smoking.
She targeted Canada Army Run for her first official running event – an event she wanted to run with her husband, who was being deployed for Afghanistan two weeks after. “My husband was a great support for me during my journey. It was my turn to support him.”
Lise completed the 5K, finishing within the top 10% of all female 5K runners.
“My finish time and placement were more than I could ever have dreamed of, especially considering that not even a year before I had difficulties walking around the neighbourhood or climbing the stairs, and I thought I’d have to live with the debilitating pain of fibromyalgia for the rest of my life.”
Lise is still running and loving it, and no longer has symptoms of fibromyalgia. She and her husband, now back from Afghanistan, have both signed up for the half marathon in 2010 Canada Army Run.
“It's amazing what someone can accomplish when they put their mind to it. I think the real trick to it all is just wanting it – really wanting it – and having the confidence in yourself that you can do it. Having the support and encouragement of family and friends is also key.”
Lise has recently completed a certification course for personal training, with the desire to help others achieve their own health and fitness goals.
Comments:
Posted by
Lise King on June 29, 2010
I would like to thank everyone who posted comments and for those who have approached me about my story. It is humbling to know that I am inspiring others in their quest for a healthier lifestyle. I have been asked on many occasions: “What motivated you to make the change?” and “How did you do it?”
My motivation was that I wanted to start living again. I felt trapped in my unhealthy body. I had stopped doing things that I loved to do – like playing golf, playing tennis, going hiking, and even attending social events. I had no energy, was in constant pain, and had a difficult time doing simple tasks like walking up the stairs, doing the laundry, etc. Enough was enough, and something had to change because I felt like I wasn't living anymore. I was just existing. The problem was how to do it.
I had many things to change with my lifestyle, including nutrition, physical fitness and smoking. My sister gave me the nutritional knowledge I needed, as well as a boost in confidence that I could do it, one step at a time. So, in November 2008, I started eating healthy for a couple of months, then I incorporated the fitness element, which included a personal trainer for five months, then I quit smoking and started running. The process wasn't an easy one, but definitely worth all the hard work that I put into it.
In June 2009, I started running with the 5K Running Room clinic, then moved on to the 10K clinic in the fall, followed by the 1/2 marathon clinic this past winter, and am now doing the marathon clinic this summer. I feel awesome. Running is in my blood, and I love it. I keep challenging myself by setting short and long term goals which keep me motivated. I hope that I will be able to continue running for the rest of my life.
The most important message that I would like to pass on to everyone is: Have confidence in yourself. You can do it! This not only applies to running, but to anything in your life. Good luck to all in your personal journey to a happy and healthy life. You deserve it.
Posted by
Jaques Dénommé on June 21, 2010
Wow, Lise, you are truly an inspiration! GOOD ON YOU! Keep up the good work and stay on track.
Love ya,
Jacques
Posted by
Carrie Parker on June 15, 2010
Congratulations!!! I was diagnosed over 10 yrs ago myself... I have never had a weight problem but had the pain associated with it all.One day 4 yrs ago, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to Pilates. Well it went from there to running and 3 yrs ago I did my first 1/2 marathon!!And I have not stopped since.I have no signs anymore of fibromyalgia... And have worked my way up to 3 1/2s a summer and this fall I will take on a full!!!Keep RUNNING you will never regret it and that feeling of such accomplishment you get everytime you cross the finish line!!
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