After losing more than 150 pounds and then struggling with further weight gain, Pascal Courville will run a fourth 21.1-kilometer race at the Beneva de Québec Marathon on Sunday.
Nearly a decade ago, in his early 40s, the truck driver from Drummondville weighed 324 pounds.
Pascal Courville was completely inactive and had to make drastic changes to his lifestyle because he was afraid of passing it by. He even managed to lose 50% of his total weight to 165 pounds.
Photo provided by Pascal Courville
“As I moved, my heart was racing and I was sweating. My pressure was high. In fact, everything that portended a not-so-bright future. Also for morale. I have accumulated problems. It’s like dying slowly,” he explains.
Concerned and anxious, Mr. Courville became aware of the significant risks to his health. “If I didn’t do anything when I was 50, I knew I might not be alive. I really had no choice if I didn’t want to have a heart attack. »
A success
The Quebecer was also a little tired of the comments, prejudices and ridicule of those around him. “After 35 years I had given up. I stopped taking care of myself at all. One day you hit a wall. I decided enough was enough! Nobody else would do it for me. »
Photo provided by Pascal Courville
Little by little, Pascal Courville began to move. While awaiting bariatric surgery, he managed to lose a few dozen pounds in the preoperative period.
“After a year of waiting, it was my turn. I continued my diet and went to the gym. A few months later I had lost between 50 and 30 pounds, so I said I didn’t need it anymore and continued on my own. »
While traveling, the man had gotten into the habit of carrying a stationary bike in his truck. “I also had a challenge. I wanted to run at least three miles in every US state. »
Photo provided by Pascal Courville
The Drummondvillois does not hide the fact that living with better looks has boosted his self-esteem. The list of new projects, especially hiking projects, grew quickly. “I can do it, that’s the fun,” he said.
A daily struggle
Mr. Courville now weighed 165 pounds but found he lacked a little energy. Perhaps the threshold was too low to sustain. Due to COVID-19, many sports have been put on hold and motivation has decreased slightly.
“I became more relaxed and focused and got back up to almost 220 pounds. I understood it for the first time and got back to work. I now weigh about 190 pounds. It’s a daily battle that is never over. »
After completing two marathons and trying his hand at triathlon, Pascal Courville is starting his fourth half marathon on Sunday morning in Quebec. “At the pace of happiness!” he says, referring to his running pace.
On September 30 and October 1, 2023, thousands of runners will start the Beneva de Québec Marathon. The 2K youth run and 5K run will take place on Saturday, while the 10K, half marathon and marathon runs will take place on Sunday.