He consulted a doctor and scaled back his sprint workout. He also consulted avid runner Tim Simpkins, the guy who dresses up as Superman to promote running. Simpkins stocked Joanos with sports drinks. That was smart too, keeping him replenished with minerals and electrolytes he sweated out that the muscles need to stay fit. Joanos lost his weight at a rate of about four pounds a week, not a dangerous amount, but one that puts him at risk of bouncing back to his old size if he scales back his workout and starts filling up on the fried chicken again.
Nutritionists recommend a goal of about one to two pounds a week.
As for setting a target, even a challenge for yourself, that's not a bad idea, said O'Connor and the other fitness folks. But it should be reasonable and it shouldn't be the end all and be all of a diet and exercise program. The thing a lot of people do for something like a reunion or a wedding, they just set a goal. They don't have a routine. Less sleep, more energy Joanos said after the race that he's going to lay off on the betting.