How I Went from Zero Exercise for 13 Years to Completing a Full Marathon in 2 Years

I recently took on the challenge of a full marathon.
The result was

I managed to finish! Although my time was incredibly slow.

You might think that running was already a hobby of mine, but I only started running about two years ago. For the 13 years prior to that, I barely exercised, using the excuse that I was too busy with work.

How I started running

Two years ago (at age 38), I had my workplace health checkup.

The result:

My blood test data showed high triglycerides, requiring caution!

It was the first time I had been pointed out as having abnormal blood test results. I was shocked because everything had been within the normal range until then without me doing anything.

And, my weight had suddenly increased by 7 kilograms in one year.

Is this because of my age?

I see. So that's it. I realized that the health bonus period where I could stay healthy without doing anything had finally ended.

Is my life just going to be about getting old and dying like this?

N-no, I don't want that!

I want to regain a healthy body!

My goal was to obtain a healthy body and spend my days in good health.

To achieve that goal, I needed to set some targets.

On New Year's Day two years ago (2023),

Complete a half marathon
Get my weight down to 70 kilograms

I posted these on the refrigerator.

I bought a scale and measured my weight every day. Since it links to an app, it's easy to see the changes.

At first, I started with walks around the neighborhood. I changed the route a little bit each time so that I could enjoy the walks. You can make all sorts of discoveries just by taking a slightly different alleyway.
Once I got used to that, I started jogging two or three kilometers. Then, little by little, I gradually increased the distance.

Keeping a record of my running also helped me maintain motivation, and after nine months, running 100 kilometers a month became my short-term goal.

A year later, my blood test results were within the normal range, and I was able to lose six kilograms. And, I was able to successfully complete a half marathon.
Then, I was able to successfully complete a half marathon.

Then, on New Year's Day this year (2024), I wrote "complete a full marathon" and posted it on the refrigerator.

Thanks to the habit I formed last year, I continued running 100 kilometers a month (7 to 10 kilometers per run), and the other day I managed to complete a full marathon.

Honestly, I felt that a full marathon was too much of a burden on my body, so I think a half marathon is probably more appropriate for me starting next year.

I have been able to maintain my weight without it increasing. There were no particular problems found in this year's health checkup either.

Just set a goal, post it, and keep recording.

I believe this is a method anyone can do.

Thank you for reading until the end.

By the way, here is what the marathon was like.

This is something I still continue to do to maintain my weight.