Be an inspiration: If you’ve made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o Patty Murphy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
SUCCESS STORY / Michael Martinez, 40: From 306 pounds to 218 pounds
Former weight: 306 pounds
Current weight: 218 pounds
Pounds lost: 88 pounds
Height: 6 feet 5 inches
Age: 40 years
How long he's kept it off: He started January 2014. "My original goal was 235 pounds; I hit that around month seven but then I made a new goal of just being fit," said Martinez.
Personal life: "I work as a healthcare service coordinator for UnitedHealth Care," he said. "Single [in] Marietta, I'm a runner. Recently a marathoner, completing my first marathon here in Atlanta at the Publix Georgia Marathon on March 22, 2015."
Turning point: "After a long two-week vacation, I felt I hit my bottom. I was up to my highest weight of 306 pounds. I knew something had to change because I had been running and lifting in the gym since 2009, with no significant results. At that point, I had to sit back and think of a plan this time, after so many failed attempts to lose weight and get fit. My first goal was to stop drinking alcohol for 100 days, since I felt this was one of the main reasons I would eat unhealthy and miss scheduled workouts. At that point, I joined Black Men Run, a running group in Atlanta (blkmenrun.com/atlanta-runs-2), and also registered for the 2014 Publix Georgia Half-marathon."
Diet plan: Breakfast is eggs, oatmeal, lean protein and mango salsa. Lunch and dinner are lean protein and vegetables. "I heard there were some health benefits to red wine so I switched to that."
Exercise routine: "I used a walk/run plan from Runners' World magazine to start — the eight week beginners' program… I run between 15 to 30 miles per week… I also work all body parts in the gym four to five times per week."
Biggest challenge: "Cutting down my alcohol consumption as well as going and hanging out with friends. This is something I just don't have as much time for any longer because of my health and fitness goals."
How life has changed: "I can honestly say that I'm truly enjoying life … I'm in good health, good shape. I've totally changed my way of thinking. My blood pressure is normal where it was high, my risk for diabetes and heart disease have been reduced," he said. He also gave up smoking (www.whyquit.com). "I wouldn't be doing any of this running if I were still smoking." He runs with Black Men Run, Atlanta Track Club, Running Nerds and Movers and Pacers. "I get so much support from [other runners] — it's only positive."
About the Author
