Photo by Joselyn King A slimmed down Tyler Crook talks about his weight loss before running the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic on Saturday

WHEELING – Moundsville resident Tyler Crook runs through life on lighter feet these days after losing 90 pounds over the past four years.

He spoke about his significant weight loss prior to the start of the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic on Saturday.

“When I was younger, I was heavier,” he explained. “I love to run and stay active and just look back and say I did this course.”

Crook, 26, started running at age 22, and at that time weighed 263 pounds. Today he reports he is at 172 pounds.

To accomplish the feat, he started out by running casually. Then he became more of a runner while at Wheeling University.

Today he trains for and runs races. He also watches what he eats.

“I eat carbs to stay fueled for a race, but I cut out fast food and I just prep. I prep every day,” he added.

Crook joked that before a race he might consume “half a pizza.” But a normal meal for him might be chicken and rice with some vegetables.