My name is Albert everybody calls me Big Al.....I am owner and master barber at Big Al's BarberShop in Azusa. The reason I am even sharing my story is not for recognition but to inspire any morbid obese people out there that think that a 13.1 miles is impossible. 2 half years ago i weighted in at 458 pounds, i felt hopeless and tired as a matter of fact i spent all my 30's at over 400. I saw no hope i felt some day i would go to sleep and never wake up. How could i do this to my family. Threw a lot of research and patience i found a solution. Gastric Sleeve, bye no way can you think this was final solution. Alot of hard work and just being tired of being very large. I had surgery on 4/20/2012 i weighted in that day at 397. Even then having lost 70 pounds on my own i thought maybe i should'nt go threw surgery, but against by better judgement i went ahead. Today i weigh in at 248 pounds and feel best i have ever felt even better than my high school football days. I got more energy and new life. I have found love of my life and my future looks long prosperous. I just want this to be a inspiration to any over weight people that think its too late for them. Its never too late. I have always had a love for jogging especially when i was young as i got older and heavier i would sometimes dream of jogging. This half marathon is on my bucket list and will be completed.