Weight loss speech inspires students

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

“Do Life”. That was the message inspirational speaker Ben Davis had for KU students in Woodruff Auditorium Tuesday evening. Davis told the story of his battle with obesity and depression during his college years through developing a passion for running. Davis lost 120 pounds of his original 365 and now participates in Ironman competitions.

“This isn’t about me,” Davis said. “This is about life. Not just enjoying, but spreading it.”

Having been overweight for most of his life, Davis decided in late 2008 to get in shape with the help of his brother. Not long after the creation of the blog, Davis’ father joined his training.

Starting with a 5K, Davis and his family eventually pursued an Ironman triathlon. A marathon consists of running 26.2 miles. An Ironman triathlon is composed of swimming for 2.4 miles, biking for 112 miles, and running a marathon distance. The entire competition usually takes 17 hours to complete.

In the process, Davis met others dealing with hardships including drug addictions, eating disorders and social phobias.

“We’ve met so many people changing their lives through running,” Davis said.

Davis found his father’s and brother’s support instrumental in his life change. Davis also found setting short-term goals rather than lofty, abstract ones to be effective in making progress.

Jordan Dauer, a junior from Lee Summit, Mo., attended the speech and, like Davis, finds fulfillment in running. Dauer runs three miles almost everyday.

“Running always makes me happy,” Dauer said.

Dauer also convinced her roommate, Courtney Schmidt, a junior from Shawnee, to join her. Having known her since freshman year, Schmidt finally joined Dauer on her runs beginning this past fall after reading the book, “Born to Run.”

Schmidt was inspired by Davis’ story and related to how finding a passion and sticking to it helps a person be happier. Although Schmidt previously disliked running, she finds that running with her roommate gives the helpful support Davis gained from his father and brother.

“If you have a passion, it makes life more fun to live,” Schmidt said.

Davis’ presentation was part of Celebrate EveryBody Week, sponsored by KU Student Health Services. The week continued with Campus Largest Workout from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Ambler Student Recreation Center on Wednesday. The week ends this Thursday with special discounts at different eating venues on campus.

— Edited by Pat Strathman

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