How to start running when you are out of shape?

[@Kevin.L_]

Great hearing an interview from someone that doesn't fit the typical runner mold.

[@OmaRuns67]

This is one of the best running videos I’ve watched to date. Although a lot of the content is heartbreaking, what an incredible testimony to character & perseverance!

[@FlorisGierman]

Hi @OmaRuns67 congrats on winning this contest prize, a copy of the book The Slow AF Run Club by Martinus Evans. See pinned comment to confirm you’re the winner. Please email me to claim your prize. Cheers, Floris Gierman

[@loreleialexander8607]

I was 300lbs my first half marathon!!🎉 I love this story!!

[@nicolehubert7308]

“You ain’t even in this race YOU go home!” 🏃‍♀️🙌💪

[@mario06457]

This is awesome, I get depressed seeing how fast everyone around me is running. I am just focusing on how far I can go now.

[@tiffanyr.l.peters4226]

In my part of WV, there is an organization called Genesis Running, LLC. We teach ppl how to run/walk at the effort and pace that is best for them. We never leave a runner in the dust, ever!

[@Denvercoder]

I am 250lbs at 5'11" I started running in Prison in Colorado. The Warden at the minimum security prison I was in was a rated Ultramarathoner. He allowed us to put on 4 Marathon races and 2 50 mile races. My resting heart rate is 40bpm. I can run at an 8 mile per hour pace with my heartrate being about 120-130. I have had SEVERAL times where "skinny" people like Floris' size have asked to come run with me and they have trouble keeping up. Runner's World magazine did an article about 10 years ago titled, "Can you be fat and fit?" My BP is 118/70. My doctors are happy with all of my numbers. I also have the same experience in running stores. They don't make clothes that fit me. I've been running for 15 years and I have read almost every running book out there. I probably know more about the mechanics of running than most runners. So when you see the fat guy jogging around the park, don't laugh, you might get smoked. :D

[@FlorisGierman]

Well done on your running journey and thanks for sharing your experiences! I like the point Martinus made about comparing ourself to ourself, not to others. Have fun out there on your runs!

[@trainmoveimprove]

Martinus just *radiates* positivity. A masterclass in making lemonade. I'm taking note

[@klar9477]

This is tight. I've twice picked up running as a hobby while above 270 pounds and it is a different beast. Thanks Floris for scratching this man's wisdom!

[@FlorisGierman]

Nice work! Happy to hear that!

[@mattcoffee1269]

I'm at 275 right now, week 6 walk jogging. It's not joke I'm also 50 years old! Old athlete,but the weight makes it so damn hard!!!! Doing a half marathon in Sept, I hope I can do this haha. Damn I hurt! 😀

[@standUpForTurtles]

My favorite quote - once you do hard things that gives you license to do harder things

[@jeffwatson776]

Loved this episode! My takeaway is that "comparison is the thief of joy". So easy to get caught up in what others are doing, and lose the joy of what you are accomplishing. His attitude in the face of such adversity is such an inspiration!

[@FlorisGierman]

Hi @jeffwatson776 congrats on winning this contest prize, a copy of the book The Slow AF Run Club by Martinus Evans. See pinned comment to confirm you’re the winner. Please email me to claim your prize. Cheers, Floris Gierman

[@jeffwatson776]

@@FlorisGierman Great! Where is the pinned comment for the email address?

[@guitarraclasica]

Long time listener…..this one was special, Floris. As a 6’8” 240lb runner that doesn’t fit the mold of the fast runner, I found this guest very inspiring!

[@FlorisGierman]

Hi @guitarraclasica congrats on winning this contest prize, a copy of the book The Slow AF Run Club by Martinus Evans. See pinned comment to confirm you’re the winner. Please email me to claim your prize. Cheers, Floris Gierman

[@Teeve01]

The recall of his first marathon and the buss coming every mile or so offering that chance to quit. If that isn’t a lesson about how to keep fighting and focusing on your inner strength idk what is. There are so many take ways from this interview. I could make like ten bumper stickers out of those gems! Great interview thank you.

[@julianafelix8808]

thank u! im a slow runner as well, went from 10min/km to 8:30min/km... comparing with my friends: fail, with myself: total WIN! so, yes, we are slow runners but RUNNERS indeed!❤

[@djsteffler3784]

I loved it when he said “I learned lots of things about the marathon, like it’s 26.2”!

[@bryanbaker2525]

I may be slow, but I am moving faster than I did at this time last year. My speed and consistency is slowly increasing. Two months ago, I had to run on the treadmill if it was up to 3.5 mph. Now, I *almost* have to go that fast just to reach my MAF. Training is a marathon, and I am Pheidippides.

[@debh.6608]

As a back of the pack runner, this inspired me. What a great episode! Thank you!

[@danielperz6620]

My favorite quote was comparison is the thief of joy. I’ve heard it before but I’m starting to realize I need to remind myself of this daily as I’m running slow in my MAF zone.

[@turkeysandwich001]

Losing my dad last year and then getting injured and been out of training and shape, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you Floris.

[@jocmccreary9376]

Comparisson is the thief of Joy. I am 64, always enjoyed more jogging than running - but never very fast. I didn't understand what AF meant until part way through the interview. Love the name, joined on line and look forward to finding more Slow AF runners in my part of New Zealand. Thanks Floris and Martinus.

[@Echo_Recon_01]

"Comparison is the thief of Joy" the summary of the whole story thanks to this.

[@fatmel_8214]

Whoaaaa this is gold. As a 235lb / 107kg chubby jogger i will enjoy this episode no doubt on my next snailrun 😁👍🏽

[@shag377]

This is my second time watching this video. I am one of the Slow AF runners, technically a walker as of now. However, I am moving light years around where I was a year ago. My goal is a 5K at the end of October. As it stands now, I probably will not be able to run the entire race. I do not care. My goal is to finish it, and I will.

[@drharianju]

SHORT OF WORDS TO EXPRESS MY PLEASURE AND HAPPINESS AS VIEWING THIS GOOD MAN NARRATING HIS RUNNING JOURNEY. I MUST THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME LAUGH AND SMILE AT YOUR INNOCENT SUBMISSIONS .

[@anitahendrix7573]

Great videos. I am 80yo and used to do 5ks but am now so out of shape. Going to start up again at zone 2 training.

[@toby9999]

How's it going? I'm 65 after spending 24 years doing desk work and not much else. Lost my strength and fitness and collected a few injuries along the way, including plantar-fasciitis due to slipping on stairs. Now starting all over again... mostly walking, but zone 2 training / low heart rate will be my approach.

[@angelablair9226]

My favorite podcast from you yet! Absolutely inspiring to hear what he has overcome. As a “normal” weight runner who’s SAF I LOVED the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I thought about the mistrust it creates when people who are supposed to be helping in a race make a comment like that guy on his first marathon. His ability to channel those experiences, not allow it to define him and to use it as motivation is wisdom in action! ❤

[@JulianneDickerson-o3c]

Loved!!! Couple of quotes: "Once you do hard things, that gives you license to do harder things. " "This is dumb." And "So, I did some math."

[@michellebrietzman5985]

Probably my favorite video of Floris’s! I loved his journey and the positive attitude. I do love the quote about comparison is the thief of joy - not just a quote but a way to stop comparing.

[@amandaarmstrong5871]

Floris and Martinus, this was one of the best episodes ever. I loved Martinus' attitude and, like you Floris, I couldn't believe how rude that man was in the truck that was supposed to be helping struggling runners out during one of his races. There were so many inspiring comments from Martinus. I loved his comparison quote about it killing the joy. I loved his attitude of being inspired to prove people wrong when they said he couldn't do something. And I absolutely love his club name. I might get myself a t-shirt to wear that says Slow AF on it - because I am!

[@lindal986]

I can appreciate the positive vibes from Martinus, gotta keep runnin' ! 🏃‍♂️

[@Ojibwayrunner]

I really enjoyed this episode. I have lost lots of weight in my journey so far, and the persistence he had to keep going past the hate is inspiring. Such a great person, heart, and journey.

[@48jerrybiker]

Martinus you have ramped up motivation. Thanks for being so open. Helped me realize I need to continue getting out the door and have fun. I’m 74yrs old and love competing, especially in my age group. But what is discouraging is the fact as I get older I get slower. I saw a t-shirt that read, “Run For The Health Of It, Race For The Fun Of It.” The ever fact stay active and stay healthy. Everything will fall in place.

[@LizDC]

My first marathon was the TCS NYC Marathon in 2021. My finish time was 5:55:41. As I train for my next marathon, I just want to say Thank You for this podcast. Full of gems 💎💎. "We're all at different parts in our journey... comparison is the thief of joy.."

[@GeorgeEdwardsVlog]

I’m trying to something like this time in my first marathon.

[@johnsinglet575]

Legend. Very inspiring following him over these years. As someone who is historically overweight before getting into running, he's absolutely right about picking a pace that's suited for you. Gotta take ego out of the equation. Everyone's journey is an individual thing.

[@edithgruber2125]

Great podcast! I loved listening to Martinus. He's so positive and motivating despite everything he's encountered on his journey. I take away some great life lessons from this. I'm a running instructor at university in Germany and I lead the beginners running groups there. Just as he said, 10 m/m or 6 min/km are often the slowest pace that running clubs cater for and I want to give the slower students (11 m/m or slower) a place where to start. I salute him, founding the Slow AF Run Club was fantastic!

[@DuncanEpping]

What a great story! I love how determined and positive he is!

[@run2september23]

Great podcast, love this guy, I caught it on Google podcasts, so many good quotes, the match, and the first marathon story, I'm definitely slow af, I liked the leveraging ride blunt comments into success.

[@royscheffers7656]

Great interview and Martinus has such a joyous energy to him despite all the hardships he faced along the way. Listened to the podcast while in traffic and was smiling and laughing all the way to work. 😂

[@msbowcampbell6075]

Wow what a brilliant, motivating video! So inspiring thank you.

[@ericchevalley]

Great conversation! I enjoyed his openness and attitude. I love that he is helping folks to start running when perhaps they feel it's an impossible task. It might be hard to relate to, or follow, already fit coaches, other runners, when you feel you are unable to do what others can do because your are big, slow etc. Folks are not always there for you. Judgement cloud their mind and can't be compassionate and don't respect you. His "I'm going to prove you wrong" mindset is a strength and huge faith. He doesn't take no for an answer. Love it. I liked his triad approach: goal, habits and value. Brilliant.

[@easkey73]

An inspirational man. Motivating me to get off my arse. 😊

[@sandyk850]

Love his attitude. I can't believe the guy in the pickup van discouraging him, especially when hes a mile from finishing. I am 62 and started running last February. Really enjoying it but 5 and 10ks are fun for me. I found Parkruns and did one in Boulder and one in Aspen. What great people. Outrageously supportive. Wish there was one near me in Denver. Theres lots in Michigan.

[@christopherbrand5360]

So awesome! Martinus is an amazing human being. I am struck that the ways he stands out cause various ignorant people in our community to expose their ignorance. Because of who I am, how I look, and the way I run, I don't see this from them in my life. He handles their ignorance with such self possession, enlightenment, and positivity! I am a huge fan :)

[@dimitar297]

He positions himself as a victim to cultivate sympathy. I'm surprised Floris didn't pick up on this.

[@christopherbrand5360]

@@dimitar297 on the contrary, I see Martinus working hard to become a better athlete AND to help others do the same. The string of accomplishments is impressive and many of them are focused on helping others feel better about themselves through self-acceptance, humor, and accomplishment. Nothing in his story aligns with playing a victim.

[@Victoria3lain3]

I love this entire interview! Maybe it’s the way that the experience is very comparable to what I’ve been through as well. My take away is when discussing the breakdown and doing what works for you to get where you need to be. I’ve been trying to figure out how to do exactly that and always ran into barriers because I’m not as strong or as fast as everyone else and therefore figured I wasn’t good enough. “Errr…. Wrong!” I was looking at it at the wrong mindset! It truly is a world of “You vs Yourself vs everybody else” ! I have to do what works for me and also it’s okay to not be at the front as long as I don’t quit on myself! So many amazing nuggets here! I would love a free copy… and if I don’t get one I’m definitely gonna see about obtaining one when it’s on sale. Thank you so much! I’m saving this video and showing my family. Great information!🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Thank you!

[@Fireinthestubble]

As a returning runner after 20 years this podcast was for me.

[@mariflores223]

Great episode! Love hearing stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things!

[@cherisnipes7817]

I cannot love this enough. ❤❤❤❤. I’m an old lady. Slow af. Bucket list first marathon scheduled for December. In Florida. Because it is a flat course. No unrealistic expectations. Just getting it done. Lol. #tooslowforboston.

[@Titi0980]

Oh I loved this episode Floris. It was disappointing to hear how people who were supposed to help him during the marathon were trying to sabotage his goals. But I loved how his athlete mindset didn’t let this people steal his determination. Don’t let external forces steal your goals! I am very very slow runner too, and yes…I do get that voice in my head telling me to quit but I keep showing up. As a long time listener, I thank you Floris for bringing this amazing content to us runners 😊

[@SergioCM_]

Nice AF video! Really nice video thanks for sharing. Best of luck for you, that guy and this channel !

[@cmigotsky]

Loved hearing "Comparison is the thief of joy." So true.

[@titosinha]

"Comparison is the thief of joy!" Just like we wouldn't tell a plant when it should sprout a leaf, bloom a flower, or grow by a certain time, we are no different and have our own evolutionary paths! Thank you again, Floris, for inviting Martinus and sharing his wisdom and insights with us all! 🙏🏾

[@VinceHill]

Loved the interview! Really resonated with the comments about values versus goals. Very insightful!

[@alantay9409]

Martinus is inspiring! Thank you for sharing your experiences and accomplishments! Love it.

[@Cookefan59]

Being a large Black guy living in a retirement community, I have also had some issues with other peoples behavior that I had no control over. When I first started running consistently, every 3rd or 4th run in my neighborhood, Someone would ask me if I really lived there. It was usually an elderly woman lacking of color. It used to really bother me and at first scare me because of course the next thing to happen would be the appearance of the police to check me out. It kept me on the treadmill for quite some time. Eventually, I overcame the whole issue by just consistently making my appearance on the streets and sidewalks. People have become accustomed to me. The last time I was asked if I live there, the old lady added “you look too young to be living here!” So it all came full circle for me.

[@CamboHODL]

The other hero in this story is that doctor who wasn’t afraid to say the truth and gave this guy the motivation to get on that treadmill. That’s when the seed was planted. Sometime people need to hear the hard truth.

[@Colt-ii4qn]

Love this man, gives as all hope to improve our lives both physically and mentally 👍👍👍

[@jenwatters7124]

Excellent interview! Martinus is inspiring and relatable. A winner!

[@Parquet713]

Thank for Floris. I have just started my running journey about 4 months ago and this video/interview specifically has come to me at the perfect time in my life. Happy running to all!!!

[@jonathanfroggatt5865]

Martinez is such an inspiration but Floris on 13th January I watched your video on doing a marathon while using MAF and that day I started my journey from doing 9:30 minute KM to 7:30 KM Thank You 🙏 you’re a top man ❤

[@FlorisGierman]

Love it, well done, keep doing what you're doing!

[@jonathanfroggatt5865]

@@FlorisGierman thanks mate🙏

[@vacationmode6286]

Great Interview! I love running and pushing myself to be a better me. start slow and being consistent is so important. you have to strength train is so true. Running has helped me focus on what I want.

[@L33tcon]

Such a positive and happy outlook, love it!

[@1519Spring]

Shared with two friends who are smaller than your guest, but who say they are too big to run. On mybown journey back to faster more consistent running after pandemic weight gain.

[@silvermandavid]

I love this guy! LOVE HIM. I want to join the Slow AF Run Club.

[@teamhassan9686]

Such a great episode! This guy is a total inspiration and funny AF! 😂

[@jensmith2594]

Love this interview. Can’t wait for the book!

[@drexbargas]

Loved it! Great talk Floris!

[@edgodber1870]

Love this interview, what a inspirational journey

[@zhivkotsenov9700]

Great video, a lot of positive vibes and motivation! Keep it up man!

[@fredvonk]

Comparison is the thief of joy! This phrase will keep me motivated during my training and race event.

[@altheadegree2883]

This was an awesome podcast! I can’t wait to share and most of all begin running right where I am!!!

[@FlorisGierman]

🚨GIVEAWAY!! What was your favorite takeaway, lesson or quote from this video? Let me know in the comments. Win a copy of the book The Slow AF Run Club by Martinus Evans. To enter, subscribe to my KZbin channel & comment below. Congrats @OmaRuns67 @guitarraclasica @jeffwatson776 on winning this contest prize.

[@FlorisGierman]

@@Denvercoder thanks for the heads up. Updated

[@drawdescorp]

Great interview! Thanks for it!

[@FelixNL05]

Great interview and very motivating

[@MrWeirdSystem]

Awesome episode. Martinus has a fire I envy. I find myself comparing a lot so I will gladly take the advice and lock up the thief. Thanks Floris, thanks Martinus.

[@atulchadha24]

Love his laugh and positivity

[@dazamad]

What a great video. I really hope to see a follow-up video in his journey 🙏

[@DavaoCutieTV]

I love it. I think we have the same opinion about our Running journey. Every person is unique and with that my take away from him is that we have to have our own toolbox. I am also a Slow Runner that obese guy wanting to have a runners body. And learning from my own experience is what I am looking into these stories and podcasts and reflect what I can change and not everything that these pros do.

[@harvey2278]

This was so refreshing to watch.

[@senseisuarez]

I'm no stranger to what happened to you even though I wasn't that heavy but yes 100 pounds extra and lots of health issues related 4 years ago so I take ownership and start running every day ! 💥💯❤️🔨💪🏽🐺🙏🏽

[@wissamkheir]

Awesome !!! What a wonderful person ! Outstanding analogies !

[@veev2561]

I soo love this guy's positive attitude.its so not easy when genetics, your family made really bad choices that endangered your lifehealth,that's how genetics, bad habits they did affected your health no matter how much extreme over the top starvation,and in 34 your life from 7 yr old and up you were a extreme exerciser. Olympic only helps those who Bing eat, eat too much too often,can lose weight immediately when you still have a existent thyroid, pituitary gland, and hormones. Olympic would never work for someone who expeecises 3 times a day - eats under 1000- 1500 cal a day, no sweets, bread, bad fats, meats, dairy, no sodas, chips, candy.only salads w vinegar, olive oil, veggies avacados,, fruit, still can't drop fat, weight. My muscles( which are to burn fat) muscles, no cottage cheese legs, arms,but even w situps, lower belly fat I never had til recently.i am constantly active,don't look my age, many say I appear 10- 20 years younger than I am. My spirit, attitude is also of someone 20-30 years younger than people My age and younger have a permanent scowl, grumpy face like the world beat them down,and these are wealthy people with all the means to do all to stay healthy, happy but they don't even want to say hello, look you in the eye, but I find that w gen z, but I know most of them are truly ( autistic) and many know they are, won't look up, are,afraid people will say hi, start a conversation,they seem so paranoid, but i notice this in chines3 culture youngcor old even when you day hi,vthey have a scowel, wont say hi back, wierd, yet many othwrs that arent chinese will say hi.i know mentalcillness, paranoia is common in the chinese community, as there has been 4 mass shooting murders by chinese men in the past 1- 2 years.and in fl a chinese scientist woman put her kids in cages at home that are 2-6 years old all day when shes at the university as a scientist, omg wtf???!!!😊

[@sherryelebeauty]

I belong to a running club. We train the run walk method in 5k and 10k groups we never leave anyone behind.

[@mikemcclellan2863]

Floris and Martinus having Roman general sounding names over here.. But seriously i'm happy to see this kind of thing. I feel more encouraged to help my dad lose weight now.

[@MrTthacker98001]

Love the athlete mindset mentioned.

[@eddrew840]

Favorite takeaway, “comparison is the thief of joy”. I personally get frustrated when I compare myself to previous versions of myself. That is what frustrates me most, when I’m below my own baseline.

[@FlorisGierman]

So well said @eddrew840. It's not only the comparison to others, but also to previous versions of ourself. Great way of putting it

[@KaiEast]

Loved this episode! Comparison is the Thief of Joy.

[@kimberlywallingford5771]

Comparison is the joy stealer!

[@Mrgrumpfish]

Crosstrain! Start slow, and calm the fuck down. 😂 Is my fav take away from this.

[@moomoomayhem7527]

Awesome video.

[@FlorisGierman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andreahuss3156]

Brilliant

[@veev2561]

Wow he's right, runner, cyclists act as elitist , snobs like ca. I looove his story! What most don't get, when you reach a certain age, 40ish it's downhill, the uphill race when hormones,thyroid shut off.its obviously why men get catered to with low testosterone issues yet women suffer low estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, that there seem no answers. Osembic only works to curb hunger. If food intake is not the issue, genetics is, what do you do,when you battled weight starvation, extreme exercise from a child, had to have the lifelong battle no meds help. Then add depression, its a disaster in the making. Lipo? An only option?

[@joem3556]

What a champ

[@Blacknight200]

Whoa just caught this episode! Love it, runners dont have to be just thick to be slow as effff too.

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

there's only one thing I agree with: running groups *theoretically* being about inclusivity and then in practice not even considering the possibility of having actual slow people showing up. I was part of one such group. They simply didn't have a pack of runners going slower than 6:00/km and I was able to do so only when I was in tiptop shape. Most of the times I cannot do a proper base run (within MAF) unless I slow down or even incorporate some walk breaks. However, I wasn't going there for the base training because I didn't want to be a burden, I went there mostly to learn other stuff like proper warm up, running drills and workouts and for the sense of community. I never bitched about the fact they were not prone to waiting around for my slow ass to finally finish so they could go home. The way I see it, If you're unfit and slow, it's not their fault and you shouldn't expect anyone to wait around for you. Find a buddy or build a community like this guy did.

[@toby9999]

Yeah, I noticed that also. I joined a running club in my 20s (40 years ago!). I had to train on my own for a few months before I could even make it into the beginners 5k group.

[@DaniBoyMels]

I completed my first 10 k at 1.14 after few weeks i completed another with few trail runs with 1.10

[@DaniBoyMels]

Looking to run under one hour next month

[@sterlingsimmons8309]

"If it don't apply, let if fly"

[@electricant55]

I don’t know what I would do if someone said that to me during a goddamn marathon, I’d either start a fistfight or go home and never run again

[@FlorisGierman]

haha right?!

[@virtuallycyndee]

Those are all the reason I don't join run clubs anymore and I have to run indoors because it is so dangerous to run alone outside.

[@Regnisab]

Although it is easy to see the doctor that called him fat in a bad light, he struck the match.

[@FlorisGierman]

He really did!

[@HighseekGaming]

BAM 💥💥 100 💯💯 😹😁 👍😎💪