How one person went from couch potato to marathon runner in four months

This is the story of how a Maryland property agent Yianni Konstantopoulos ended up marathon running in 16 weeks.

Overweight at 330 pounds, he was motivated to take up running by a marathon running coach he knew, who suggested he attempt the Berlin Marathon in 2022.

Konstantopoulos followed a plan to build up to 23-mile peak mileage every week, running four days out of seven, and ensuring he observed the correct levels of food, hydration and sleep.

While the early runs were arduous, he gradually built up longer and longer distances, completing Saturday morning 15-mile runs with draining yet motivational routines, awaking at 4.45am and often running in humid conditions.

In doing so, he developed a disciplined mindset that felt uncomfortable if he wasn’t out on the road, but he balanced this out by ensuring he still had time to lead a normal life and have quality family time.

From a 4.44 time in Berlin, Konstantopoulos then completed other major marathon events, including London, Chicago, New York and Boston, supporting charities such as Back on My Feet, which aims at combating homelessness via fitness.

Aside from the good causes he has supported, Konstantopoulos has been a major winner himself, shedding over 100 pounds and having to replace his entire wardrobe. Not only have his knees and wider physical health benefited, but his self-belief and mental health have, too.

If you have felt inspired by Yianni Konstantopoulos’s story and need some professional marathon tips, contact running specialist Maximum Mileage Coaching today to discuss a suitable marathon training schedule, tailored to you.

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