Brandon Kelly

Today I have the pleasure of joining the 40-Something’s Club. I couldn’t be happier to be here.

A year ago, I was in the worst shape of my life. I was inching uncomfortably close to 300 pounds; I was being prescribed blood pressure medication, and my Apple Watch had opinions about my fitness level.

I decided to make 39 the year I turned things around.

The initial goal was simple: by the time I turned 40, I wanted to feel like things were heading in the right direction. Marginally better than before. On a sustainable path to betterment.

I did not expect to be fit, by any stretch of the imagination. And yet, that’s sortof what happened.

I started taking my dog on daily walks, which led to faster/longer walks, which eventually led to runs. Plus bike rides. Plus spin classes on the Peloton. Plus strength training at the gym and with Peloton.

By the numbers:

• I’ve lost about 55 pounds (25kg).
• My VO2 Max (according to my Apple Watch) has gone from low 30’s (Very Low) to low 50’s (Very High).
• My fitness level (according to Withings) is now better than 90% of other men near my age.

Critically, this did not involve a significant change to diet. Just a few subtle changes. Less French fries; more salads. Less sugary mixers; more club soda. No less pizza, or burgers, or alcohol. I’m sure a better version of me would contest that, but I’ve done that dance before, and it’s just not sustainable for me. I know I can lose a bunch of weight quickly with a strict diet, but then I take that first bite of a juicy burger and the next thing I know, I’m right back where I started (or worse).

Anyway, today I’m enering my 40’s in what feels like the best shape of my life. This morning I celebrated by runnig a 10K along the Deschutes River Trail for the first time—by far the most strenuous run I’ve ever done with some decent elevation gains—and it felt extremely great. I’ll probably start doing that weekely (weather-permitting).

There are a few people that I owe a huge thanks to:

• My dog Jude. I couldn’t ask for a better walking/running-mate.
• Justin, the best dog trainer in the world.
• Lindsey of Capacity Performance Therapy, who has helped me overcome a knee injury I thought had screwed me over for life.

Thanks to you all, I’m feeling better than ever, with a strong sense of accomplishment, and I know this is something I can (and will) keep going. Daily runs feel good. Skipping a day feels bad. So I’m pretty optimistic this will only get better and better.

To celebrate, I drank a shit-ton over the weekend, and tonight I’m going out for pizza.