How one couple trained to run a marathon

People who knew Al and I in our "before" days don't recognize us anymore. And when they do, we usually hear, "I don't know how you did it!" The answer is simple: We supported each other and for years made baby steps each day toward becoming the people we wanted to be.

Al and I both qualified for the Boston Marathon this year, and Al wants to do some road cycle racing. New activities – kayaking and hiking – are also on our itinerary. We still run together, no matter the weather. It just feels so good to be out there with my best friend. I especially love it when it rains, because I like to think that in any one of the passing cars, there's a woman thinking I'm crazy.

How to make small lifestyle changes work for you
Through the small, simple changes they made in their eating and exercise habits over the past seven years, Rose and Al Sarkany have morphed from idle overeaters into active, fit marathon runners.

Diana Steele, a registered dietitian in Vancouver, says the Sarkany family was smart to go slow and steady. "You have to think about how long it took you to put on your extra weight," she says. "So many people want a quick fix, but it won't last unless you look at it in the long-term perspective."

Here's how you can make small changes in your life and reap the rewards.
• Keep a journal. Making a record of what you eat, how you feel and how much you exercise each day will keep you motivated. "Plus, it gives you something to look back on to see just how much you've progressed," says Rose.

• Shop smart. To avoid temptation, "I avoid the junk-food and frozen-food aisles altogether," says Rose. A list of the ingredients you'll need for the week's meals is crucial to staying on the right track.

• Start small. Going from inactivity to daily intense gym workouts won't usually last, says Steele. Instead, make a plan of activities you enjoy and ease into an exercise workout that's doable. "If you want to run, start with nightly walks and go from there," she says.

• Get a partner. "It doesn't have to be your spouse," says Rose. "But I think sharing the same wellness goals with someone else is so key." Make dates to exercise together and go grocery shopping with your partner. "You'll be inspired by the people you surround yourself with, and you'll inspire them, too."


Read more:
• How to start your own running or walking regimen
• How to find the perfect pair of running shoes
• 6 tips on maintaining weight-loss motivation

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