“Running Helped Me Lose 200 Pounds!”

NAME: Len Banks
AGE: 50
OCCUPATION: Minister
HOMETOWN: Half Moon Bay, CA
FAMILY: Wife of 27 years, Diane and daughter, Nikki

What prompted you to start working out?
I have struggled with weight my entire life and so working out has been something I have tried numerous times as well. But this time the trigger was what I call my "fake heart attack" in November of 2012. It turned out to be acid reflux, but for four days in the hospital, having an angiogram, and just the general thought I might not make it, I was basically scared straight.

How did you start?
I had been trying to figure out a whole lot of emotional and spiritual issues as to why I reacted to life the way I did by sabotaging myself with eating and more. So it really all began with counseling. The nutrition and exercise came much later, unlike previous times. Then the "fake heart attack" happened and I was forced to switch to the GERD diet. As the weight finally started coming off, something switched in my head and I began to just "move more." I began walking a LOT.

Here's how you can get started: The Easiest Running Weight Loss Plan, Ever.

Describe your regular workout routine.
It has morphed over the last year and a half. It started as just walking. Then I added trail hiking. I happen to live in the one of the most beautiful regions of the world--the coastal region south of San Francisco. We have lots of coastal trails and mountain vista trails. I just began to take advantage of them. As the weather started to turn to winter I went indoors with the gym and that's where running finally kicked in (a year and half later). I was on the treadmill and decided to try to run. I was shocked when I was able to run 5 miles in an hour without even feeling tired. I was encouraged to try a 10K. I happened to be going on vacation to Disney World the next week when the Princess runs were happening. I registered for the 5K, did it, and was hooked! I now run 3-5 times a week, workout in the gym 1-2 times and throw in a bike ride now and again. And of course still walk as much as I can.

What was the biggest hurdle to working out and how did you get over it?

I was the biggest hurdle! I have gotten in my own way my whole life. I finally just began to invest in me--took time to workout, put money towards a personal trainer at the gym and the various equipment needs. Realized it wasn't selfish or narcissistic. Pushed past my own created myths that it wasn't as fun as other hobbies.

PLUS: Overcome the 5 Biggest Mental Barriers that keep you from reaching your fitness goals.

What's the most rewarding part of your running life?
I am the most excited of the realization of just how fit I actually am! I am 50 and the most internally peaceful and hopeful I have ever been. But I am also the most physically fit too. I have only been running since February 2014 and almost immediately was throwing down 5-10 miles. I share with runners who are amazed at what I am doing. I am not fast, but I seem to be strong and good at endurance. I try not to brag, but I find myself going on with excitement to anyone who will listen. Fit feels so good!

Photo courtesy of Len Banks
Photo courtesy of Len Banks

Did you have a weight-loss goal?
A few years ago I was 435 lbs. At my "fake heart attack" in November 2012 I was 395. Today I am 245. I am 6' tall and at one point in my early 20's I was down to 195 and was way too thin. So my goal is 205. At that weight I feel great. In reality, at 50, even if I didn't lose anymore weight I would be fine. But I think running would be easier if I took off a few more pounds.

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What's the secret to your weight-loss success?

My mantra has been "eat less, move more" But that wasn't really the main thing. I've been a master at losing weight over the years. I have done the yo-yo thing my whole life (check out how yo-yo dieting really affects your metabolism.) But I kept sabotaging myself. This time what made the difference, was the counseling which led to deep breakthroughs both emotionally and spiritually. I have come to believe that one doesn't get to the extreme weights like I was without having emotional issues that need to be resolved. Willpower and exercise just aren't enough, in my opinion.

What kinds of changes did you make to what and how you ate?

It started with needing to follow the GERD diet which strips out virtually all fat, spices, citrus, and caffeine. (Find the right diet for your body, here.) For many months I followed this very strictly. When one comes to a point when food causes you serious pain, you tend to avoid food. That started me on losing about 10 pounds a month for a year. It has slowed down since November, but that was when the holidays happened and also when I started adding weight training. I did put on 15 pounds during the holidays (which I have taken back off). But I also am reshaping my body with some muscle mass. My measurements have slimmed down even when the scale was not changing.

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What advice would you give to a beginner or someone just starting out?

I stress to people all the time, figure out why you have put on the weight in the first place and then if you address that, taking the weight off will be more realistic.

What are your favorite motivational quotes?

As a Christ-follower and well read person, there are many inspirational Bible verses and quotes from great books that motivate me. But I am not really triggered that way to do the motivational self-talk. I do, however, have a couple of songs with lyrics which I resonate with immensely. Joshua Radin's "Brand New Day" and Michael Buble's "Feeling Good". I have this new hope and freedom in so many ways these days!

What's your idea of a Rave Run?
I live in the paradise! I run along the coast hearing and seeing the waves crash, seeing wildflowers and rabbits, soaring birds, and even whales! It's incredible. That's my favorite. But I go inland and south just a couple of miles and I am running in a redwood rain forest on lush fern bordered trails. Or I go inland and north a bit and I am in running/hiking on wild grass covered hills with incredible ocean views. It's easy to find peace while running around here.

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What is your long term goal?
I suppose this is mostly a short-term goal, but I want to run more of the special runDisney events. I started running in February 2014 and by mid January 2015 I will complete the following:

• 5K in February (Cinderella Royal Family)
• 10K/Half Marathon combo in August (Dumbo Double Dare)
• 5K/Half Marathon combo in November (Avengers Super Heroes)
• 5K/10K/Half Marathon/Full Marathon combo in January (Dopey Challenge in conjunction with the Runner's World Challenge)
• 5K Castaway Cay Challenge in conjunction with the Dopey Challenge

The total miles I will have run at official events in 11 months will be 100.3!

Longer term than that? Remaining fit, staying true to what I have discovered in my heart and spirit, and embracing an active life! For specific activities, I would love to run the Thames trail in England someday.