Adventure Racing to Better Health

By Jennifer Abney Anchor

At a time when most people rely on diet pills and surgery to lose weight, one Louisiana man decided to lose weight the old fashioned way. And, he is now racing his way to better health. Adventure Racing to Better Health

Published: Thu, March 20, 2008 - 6:11 am Last Updated: Thu, March 20, 2008 - 7:21 am

Jennifer Abney

At a time when most people rely on diet pills and surgery to lose weight, one Louisiana man decided to lose weight the old fashioned way. And, he is now racing his way to better health.

Dave Poleto struggled with weight loss for over 30 years. His story is a familiar one to many.

"I am just like everyone else, I spent my whole life on that weight loss/weight gain roller coaster," said Poleto, "I would lose 20 pounds and then gain back 25 pounds."

Poleto's motivation to lose weight began with a simple request from his son.

"I was with my son at the park, he was saying come run with me, play with me Dad," said Poleto, "And, I physically couldn't keep up with him."

That day Poleto made a decision to lose weight and keep it off.

"I started by signing up for walks, for 5k's," he said.

In just one year, Poleto lost 100 lbs. He went from a size 44 pants to a size 34. For him, constant motivation was the key. In just a few years, he went from participating in 5k's to competing in a 10 day long- 450 mile adventure race. It challenged him to run, bike and paddle his way to the finish line!

For years Poleto watched an event called Primal Quest on television. "Primal quest is the ultimate endurance challenge," said Poleto.

He only dreamed of competing in such an event. But after several years of training that dream came true.

"The reward of crossing that finish line after 1 1/2 weeks of racing changes your life forever," said Poleto.

In August 2005, Poleto and his team were in the midst of training for his dream race, but like many in New Orleans he lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.

"Our house was under 9 1/2 feet of water," said Poleto.

Even with this devastation facing him head on, Poleto refused to give up on his dream. His team became known as "The Spirit of Louisiana". It was that unyielding spirit that carried them across the finish line in one of the world's most difficult races. The event was held in Moab, Utah.

"It gave me purpose and focus," said Poleto.

He also made dramatic changes in the foods he consumed. Poleto says he grew up on good fat filled southern food.

"I surrounded myself with vegetables for snacks and i had fruits with chicken and fish," he said, "things that would be healthy."

Registered Dietitian, Joan Scott says Poleto's choices were key to his successful weight loss.

"Think of all the foods you can eat," said Scott, "not what you can't eat."

Poleto says he also sacrificed chocolate and sugar-filled sodas. He tries to avoid refined sugars all together.

"They are just empty calories," he said.

Poleto never considered weight loss surgery and says his common sense approach can work for almost anyone.

He recommends surrounding yourself with healthy food and motivated people.

"Do a little at a time," he said, "Before you know it you will see amazing changes in your life."

Those changes in his life still amaze Poleto.

"It's an incredible feeling of accomplishment," said Poleto, "I was able to change my life and do things i never thought i could."

Poleto has completed over 70 adventure races in many countries. This year alone he will race in Costa Rica and Africa. He is the director of Gulf Coast Adventure Racing. And, he is directing a race right here in Mobile next month on April 5th, the Mobile Urban Adventure Race.

To see an extended interview with Dave Poleto click here.