My name is Thomas Rup, most commonly referred to as Tom. I am current 35 years old, a father, husband and family man before all else. I work in IT and spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer. I had spent a lot of my younger days being an athlete, right up until my wife and I decided to move to New Hampshire. I started running in the winter of 2012 with the goal to be able to run a 5k. When I started I weighed in at about 245 lbs, which isn't horrible for someone that is a little shy of 6'4" tall. But I just never felt good, either about my self or about my energy levels. That, coupled with a Dr telling me that I elevated Cholesterol levels, motivated me to finally start doing something and keep doing something. I decided it was time to get active again and do something different.
I used to HATE running. I that it was stupid and boring. Heck, I never even really liked just going for a walk. I felt like it was unproductive to just walk around with no destination. But with the options I had for exercise, including not wanting to spend a lot of money on equipment or memberships, running seemed like a reasonable activity. When I first started, it was on a track at the local Y in Keene, NH. The track was small, 1/12 of a mile. I started my own routine right about January with the intent of running a 5K in April. I was in bad shape, only about to jog about 3 laps before getting winded. But I worked at it, trying to add a modest about of distance every week.
I have to say, at this point running has been great for me. People talk about that "Runner' High" and I have to say that I agree with them. Being able to be out often and to have that time to clear my head and to get into a new mind state is a fantastic thing. I think it certainly helps and I can tell the difference in my mood when between when I am training and running with purpose as opposed to when I am not doing anything. I am happy to say that at the point of writing this (March of 2013) I know weigh about 205. I have weighed less, I have weighed more. But that is my average and I am about to start my training for big running events.
Now, I know a lot of this my sound like a sales pitch, it really isn't intended to be one. I have not been running for a long time and by no means do I know enough to tell anyone what do to. I am not trying to be arrogant about why I am doing this, and I am not trying to prove anything to anyone. My sole reasoning was to chronicle my workouts as I head to a Half Marathon, and share detailed accounts with the people that have asked to me to share. I will answer questions from people with the tag that this is how I do things based on what feels right for me. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, and everyone's body react differently to different things. Just because I run doesn't mean I am telling you that you need to run. Just because I like Asics running shoes, doesn't mean you need to wear them. Please keep that in mind as you (hopefully) follow my progress.
And now, to leave you with the iconic words of Frank Bartles and Ed Jaymes:
Thank you for your support.
-Tom
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