Laura Peoples

I'm breaking the rules as a runner. I am 28 years old and I am a plus size runner and a smoker. When I started running in Jaunuary of 2012 I crossed the finish line of my first race at 220 pounds and roughly a size 18 (my pants were labeled 18 but they were more snug then I like to admit). I finished the 5 mile race in 1 hour and 8 minutes. I was proud that I finished the race but had no idea that I would continue to chase the numbers at the finish line.

Since then I have completed 18 races including The Slacker Half Marathon and I am a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Road Runners Club. I am now 195 pounds at a size 17 and now I'm not fooling myself I actually fit in them correctly. When I first begin running I thought whoa this is fun and scary. It was fun to run but scary when all my fat bounced with me. I really wondered what people must think of me. After a few races I let it go. Everyone knew I was the fat kid at the race including myself. Really it wasn't a big deal because I was improving my speed and my endurance. My current 5k PR is 36:41 and my PR for 7k is 55:53 (4 minutes faster than last year)! Meanwhile my smoking habits have not changed, which I will admit does make a impact on running. I must say that a cigarette on the way to the start line and right after is still my favorite.

Currently I am training for the Tough Mudder in June. I run a race each month with my running club, usually a 5k. In April I will be doing a 10 mile race to check my progress for the Tough Mudder. My training schedule is a generic half marathon plan. Currently I have a gluten free and low calorie diet. I eat about 1,400 calories a day, I do not eat gluten, grains, or anything that does not have natural carbs. Basically I eat protein and veggies. I generally run 5-6 miles four times a week (increasing weekly) and swim as cross training. I also do circuit training.

I have fallen in love with running and it has helped me lose weight. However I cannot say that this epic journey was all rainbows and sunshine! I have had my share of shin splints, knees feeling like they were going to fall off, being so sore I wasn't able to walk, and many more rookie mistakes! I also get frustrated at the scale quite a bit. I burn over 700 calories in exercise a day and count EVERY calorie I consume and still... I am plus size. I know that losing weight will help me become faster and of course I will look better naked but, I have to admit bec