In early 2009, I was 310 lbs, smoked a half pack of  cigarettes per day (sometimes more) and my diet pretty much consisted of fast food meals, greasy home made meals and junk food. I avoided many outdoor activities with my family as physically it was a struggle to participate and would tire very quick. During the summer months when my family was outdoors enjoying the sun I was indoors on the couch watching TV.

One day, I landed in the hospital due to sever abdominal pain. I thought it was appendicitis until a CatScan of my abdomen later confirmed that I had diverticulitis which is most commonly found in people twice my age (60 and older) I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was border line diabetic. Years of bad eating habits and lack of exercise were finally catching up to me and this was my warning. While at the hospital, all I could think about were my three children and my wife and what would happen to them if anything really serious were to happen to me.  It was at this point in my life that I new I had to change my lifestyle or suffer the consequences later down the road that not only affected me but my loved ones as well. My goal was to regain control of my life and slowly rebuild my body and mind to a healthier person. I had to get healthy not just for me but for my family also. I joined a  gym and slowly worked on cardio and resistance training 5-6 days per week. My diet also received a major makeover as I traded my fast food meals, greasy foods and junk foods for healthy wholesome foods, fruits and lean proteins.

At the gym I would walk on the treadmill for 15-20 minutes walking as fast as I could but at 310lbs it felt like I was running uphill with concrete blocks on my legs and breathing through a straw. Still, I never gave up and kept at it day after day and  soon, the weight started coming off and it got easier to speed walk on the treadmill, soon I found myself doing something I had not done since a child, running! I could not believe it, I was actually running again after 19+ years. Little did I know that I was  planting the seed for my love for  running in the year to come.  

I soon found myself running half mile then 1 mile straight without stopping then 2 miles and eventually I ran my first 5k! I was hooked. Running had transformed itself from a weight loss tool to part of my daily life routine. The weight continued to drop and eventually I found myself 25 lbs lighter, then 35 lbs, and then 50 lbs. A half year had past and I was now running 3-4 miles 6 days per week and it felt great! I felt like I could run forever and never stop (on most days). Granted, I was not breaking any speed records as I averaged 11 minute miles. I had also made another life changing decision, I quit smoking! The toughest part of becoming healthier for me was quitting smoking but I knew that smoking and running just did not make a good match. So cold turkey it was and thanks to running and lots of will power, I kicked the habit for good.

  Now, instead of staying at home watching TV I would plan family outings that would include walks at the park or local trails and even fun runs for the family at the local high school track. I purchased a running stroller for my little girl and my two older boys would ride their bikes along side me while I would run laps around the track. This was a great way for me to log some miles while my wife was at work and for my children it was just plain fun for them to be out with daddy getting some fresh air and some exercise at the same time.

  Almost 1 year later, I lost 100 lbs,  my blood pressure fell down to an average of 110/70,  I was taken off high blood pressure medication, my cholesterol had returned to normal and I was no longer at risk for diabetes. Ohh, and my 5 year old son stopped comparing me to "that fat guy" on the reality show the biggest looser.

  My endurance was getting stronger and  eventually I was logging up to 6-7 miles daily and my long runs consisting of 10-14 miles. At work, I would take a quick 3 mile run during my lunch breaks just to fit more a few more miles into my day. I guess you can say running was becoming an obsession to me but I was OK and it sure beat the alternative of staying indoors watching TV.

Physically I was a changed person that appeared to be healthier and slimmer than my previous 310 lb frame, but mentally I still needed to convince myself that I was a changed person. I recall reading a story in a magazine of people exceeding marathon distances in a single race such as running 30 miles, 50 miles and even 100 miles in a single race and were referred as "Ultras". To me, Ultra's seemed like a spiritual experience more than it was a race. Sure you have the elite runners racing each other for 1st place but for most ultra runners it seemed like it was a soul searching experience. A test of mind and body while pushing our bodies to the edge and this captured my attention. Completing an ultra would finally confirm that I indeed was a changed person both mentally and physically. I found a 12 hour endurance run hosted by The Cascade Running Club in Washington State Called the Redmond Watershed Preserve 12 hour Ultra.

The objective of  this endurance run is to run as many miles within the 12 hour time frame. The course is ran on 2 trail loops. Loop 1 is a 4.655 mile loop which is followed by a smaller loop of 0.72 for a total of 5.375 total  miles. I contacted Chris Ralph who is one of the event coordinators and told her that I was interested in participating in the event and that this would be my first ultra ever. Chris was really supportive of me from the beginning and that eased my fears and doubts about participating in such an event. After all, the closest I ever got to running an ultra was reading about them in running magazines and books.

On May 15 2010, I got up at 4:00 am sharp in the morning and got ready for my first ultra. Upon arrival to the event, I got a glimpse of some of the runners; people from all age groups and backgrounds were there. From teen-aged runners to runners in their early 80's! This was awesome! I thought to myself. Everyone present is here because they love to run! They did not care about medals, fancy shirts, or fame. They ran because this is what they love doing and running is part of who they are. I felt so at ease with this crowd that I immediately got a sense of relaxation. All my fears and doubts turned into feelings of happiness and confidence. I was introduced to Tom Ripley who was another event coordinator and like Chris, Tom was extremely supportive and made me feel right at home. Another nice token was that Tom and Chris introduced me to the other runners announcing the obstacles that I had overcome in my life. It was such a memorable moment in my life that I will never forget.

  Once the event was underway, I knew that I had to pace myself accordingly if I were to survive 12 hours or close to it. Luckily, other veteran runners were more than willing to provide advise to this rookie ultra runner who would have probably taken off too fast and tried to run up all of the hills disabling me way before the 12 hour mark.

  Thanks to Chris and Tom and all the other runners who pushed me to continue at times when I was ready to quit, I ended up running 44.44 miles in 11:52.45. As for the soul searching that I was after, I definitely found it out there in the trails and it was awesome! I felt like all of the outer shells were stripped away from my body and the only thing I was left with was my true identity. It was like a cleansing of the soul with all of the fears, doubts and demons left out there in the trails to starve and die. After the run, awards were presented to male and female runners with the most miles within the 12 hour time frame and for the masters (40+) male and female runners. I must say that I was very impressed with how organized this event was thanks to Chris, Tom and all of the staff that made this run possible. The aid station was fully stocked with lot's of food during the entire 12 hours with food choices ranging from fruits to soup, chips cookies and even birthday cake and my new found love, tortilla PB&J wraps!.

The support from all the runners was unforgettable and amazing! Everyone would constantly congratulate each other for being out there hour after hour and no matter how much pain we were in, we always found a way to provide a smile to a passing runner. Ultra running folk are a unique bunch of people and I am proud to be associated with such a great group of athletes.

  I can truly say that I am an ultra runner now and perhaps someday, someone will read this article and it will inspire them to take those first few steps to a better healthier life and perhaps their very own first ultra! I am truly convinced that running and especially ultra running can be a huge weapon against obesity, smoking, drinking and many other bad vices that we as society struggle with day after day including STRESS.

  I could not have chosen a better ultra to begin with and I highly suggest this ultra for the beginner or for the season ed ultra runner who wants to enjoy 12 hours of running with such a great group of people. My next goal is to someday participate in a 100 mile ultra.

  Special Thanks to Chris and Tom from Cascade Running Club and all of the volunteers whom with out them, this race would not be made possible.

  I would also like to thank my wife Olga for all of her support and putting up with my running schedule while staying at home taking care of our three children.

 

Jorge Orozco