Author: kevin_rader
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Running from the Shadow of My Grandfather: How I Started Running
For those who have followed my blog, you know I’ve shared my struggles with weight during college. I dabbled in running back then, but at a heavier weight, it led to knee swelling and pain. So, I turned to low-impact activities—rollerblading and calorie restriction—following Weight Watchers until I reached a more manageable weight. By the…
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Breaking 20: How I Took My 5K to the Next Level
Back in early 2004, after I had about a year of running under my belt, I set my sights on a bold running goal: breaking 20 minutes in the 5K. But there was another motivation fueling me—beating my younger brother in the process. I circled May 8th on the calendar, the date of the Apple…
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Celebrating 5 Years of the Prosper Running Club
Five years ago, on February 14, 2020, just before the world changed with COVID-19, we officially launched the Prosper Running Club. What started as an idea among a few friends has grown into a thriving community of runners who support, motivate, and challenge each other every step of the way. How The Prosper Running Club…
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How The Power of Vitality Keeps Me Motivated and Moving
Staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging, but having the right motivation makes all the difference. That’s where the Power of Vitality program comes in—a workplace benefit designed to encourage employees to prioritize their health through exercise, nutrition, and wellness education. While the financial incentives are modest (about 100 points per dollar,…
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Running for Chocolate: My Hot Chocolate Run 15K Experience
A Race That’s as Sweet as It Sounds. Every February, my wife and I lace up our running shoes for one of our favorite local races—the Hot Chocolate Run 15K in Dallas. It’s part of a national race series that takes place in cities across the U.S., known for its fun, well-organized atmosphere and, of…
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Garmin Epix 2: A Game-Changer for Runners and Athletes Like Me
Over the years, I’ve tried different fitness tools, gadgets, and training strategies in my quest to improve my running and overall fitness. My focus has always been on running, strength training (even if it’s not my favorite), and nutrition. While I’ve used various Garmin watches through the years, starting with the Forerunner 301 back in…
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Strength Training: The Missing Piece
In my last post, I talked about the three key pillars of fitness: cardio (for me, primarily running), nutrition, and strength training. While running and nutrition have always been my focus, strength training has been the one area I’ve historically neglected. A quick glance at my bookshelf confirms it—I’ve got stacks of books on running,…
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How Weight Watchers Helped Me Build Better Eating Habits
The biggest lesson I took from Weight Watchers was shifting from a “diet” mindset to a lifestyle change. It wasn’t about temporary restrictions—it was about learning to eat better permanently.
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Chasing Boston: My Journey to Qualifying for the Boston Marathon
Back in 2009, at 38 years old, I was in the fastest running shape of my life. That year, I set personal records (PRs) in the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. The highlight? Running the Chicago Marathon in 3 hours, 15 minutes, and 52 seconds—a time that, by sheer luck, was fast enough to…
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Introduction
I created My Body Experiment as a way to share the knowledge and benefits that I have personally gained as an avid runner, amateur nutrionist, and all around data junkie with anyone interested in living a healthier life.
