It started out with a 5 kilometer race in Bay City but is ending up in the city of Boston at the marathon.
Eight weeks ago, NBC25 challenged viewers to send us their stories about their struggle with exercising and eating right.
We selected two and called them our rookie runners who received special training and completed a 5K race last week.
One of those runners is taking the challenge to one of the highest running levels.
We first met Dave Gill on the streets of Bay City 8-weeks ago for his first training session.
He had Bariatric surgery 8-years ago and lost 160 pounds, but he still lacked the motivation to stay active.
Here's what he said then "The goal is to participate and just to become more of an avid runner and just make it more a part of my life so it doesn't hurt everyday when I run."
Dave is now 15 pounds lighter than his first training session and running 6 days a week. He's running 50 to 60 miles a week.
He says he has the motivation now, "It's always been there. Everybody has that. It's just bringing it out and having that challenge put in front of you and surrounding yourself with the right team around you."
That team includes Ann Gasta from the Bay Area Runners Club, Dave's trainer.
She says, the difference between being sedentary and being active is all in your head. "Just the motivation factor of it and saying 'I want to do it' is the first step. Not being a runner, that has nothing to do with it. As long as they're given clearance from their doctor, we can take anyone off the couch and make then a marathon runner," Ann says.
At 38 years old, 6'5'' and 220 pounds, Dave says crossing the finish line at the Boston Marathon and living a healthy lifestyle will make it all worth it. "Emotionally, it's draining, but it's exciting. I'm getting there," Dave says.
Dave will run the Boston Marathon in three weeks.
He hopes to finish between 4 and a half to 5 hours.
Adidas has sponsored him to run the race, and NBC25 will let you know how he does.
