“I Became a Runner and Lost 80 Pounds!”

Running helped Ruffian Rhodes build a new future and lose 80 pounds!
Running helped Ruffian Rhodes build a new future and lose 80 pounds!

NAME: Ruffin Rhodes
AGE: 53
OCCUPATION: Architect/Business Owner
HOMETOWN: Oviedo, FL
FAMILY: wife, Sarah; daughter, Alisha (20 yrs.); son, Andrew (19 yrs.)

What prompted you to start working out?

In January of 2008, at the age of 49, I was 5'6" and 250 pounds and was already on high blood pressure medication. Diabetes had run in my family. I'd watched my father inject insulin three times a day and seen him struggle with hypertension and numerous other obesity-related ailments, finally succumbing to congestive heart failure. I knew diabetes was knocking on my door. I have a wife and two children, and I knew if I didn't start doing something, I would be next.

How did you start?
I started walking, stopped eating fast food, and began counting calories. A year later, he joined a gym and started working out on an elliptical trainer, lifting weights, and eventually running. I began getting up at 4 a.m. to challenge my commitment. On mornings when I just want to stay in bed, I force myself to do it anyways, and feel better afterwards.

GET STARTED: The Easiest Learn-to-Run Program, Ever

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

Time. I'm a businessman, and setting time aside to run and work out is a challenge. I began getting up at 4 a.m. to challenge my commitment. The other challenge is on mornings when I just want to stay in bed. On those days, you force yourself and feel even better afterwards.

What's the most rewarding part of your running life?

Now I run up to 25 miles a week and lifts weights twice a week. I'm down to 176 pounds. Running has made me a much more disciplined and confident professional. I have more energy to spend time with my children, and it's benefited my marriage. I love the races. I'm not the fastest person out there, but I always feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment afterwards, however. I also enjoy the "me" time. Running, for me, is like a cheap therapy session. As an architect and partner in my own company, I'm often stressed. Many times I've resolved work problems or design solutions while out on my runs. It's the solitude that allows me to think a bit more clearly and "de-stress."

PLUS: 50 Ways to Motivate Your Next Workout

Rhodes, before the weight loss
Rhodes, before the weight loss

What kinds of changes did you make to what and how you ate?
Previously, I ate on the run, grabbing fast foods and going out to restaurants. Now I bring my lunches to work and refuse lunch meetings, and my wife and I rarely go out to eat anymore. We elect to stay home and cook a healthy meal, then go to a movie. I log my calories daily and do my best to eat healthy meals. I'm a fanatic about weighing my food. I have a scale at home and at the office.

TRY THIS: 15 Food Swaps for Weight Loss

What advice would you give to a beginner?
Invest in good running shoes. When I first tried running, I tried running on some cheap cross-trainers and was constantly battling knee pain. I was about to give up until a friend recommended I get sized for a proper pair of running shoes. It was the best $140 I ever spent, and it made all the difference in the world.

More from Runner's World:

Find the Best Workout Shoes for Your Feet

50 Ways to Lose Weight, Fast

10 Ways to Test Your Fitness Level