weighty issues

so in the past month and a bit i've run 110 miles. pretty cool, n'est ce pas? but that's not my point.

my point is this: all around us there are millions of ads, promos, gurus, etc. promoting the latest miracle diet plan. lose 5 pounds in 5 days! lose 10 pounds this month! take of inches fast! i don't have to continue on because everyone knows what i'm talking about.

anyhoo, last night i was in the math-y mood and so i ran the numbers. 110 miles * 100 calories burned per mile (that's a fair average) = 11,000 calories burned / 3,500 calories in a pound = 3.14 pounds burned. yep, that's right. if you run 110 miles, you'll burn off 3 pounds. congratulations. somehow, i doubt many people are going to really lose those 5 pounds in 5 days.

again, i don't really have to say it. a fad diet is a fad diet and they don't really work and everyone knows that. but i suppose my bigger issue is that we live in a society where losing weight "is so easy! all you have to do is..." the truth is, it's not easy. it's hard. 110 miles for 3 pounds worth of hard.

so to all those out there on a diet, i salute you and i wish you the best of luck and effort. you'll need both.