My name is Kody Afusia. A retired offensive lineman (current N.A.R.P.), a Polynesian, and a former severely obese individual.

I didn’t grow up as a “runner.” I was an offensive lineman who at one point weighed over 350 pounds and could barely tie his shoes without getting out of breath. Running wasn’t part of my world. It was something I avoided, not something I trained for.

The biggest obstacle hasn’t been the marathon distance itself. It’s been changing my identity. Letting go of who I used to be comfortable being and learning that real change comes from doing hard things consistently, not just in short bursts of motivation.

I run now as part of that shift. Every run is evidence that I’m showing up differently than I used to, even on the days it feels uncomfortable. It’s also a way to show my kids and the people I coach that sustainable change is built through small daily effort, not extreme or unrealistic approaches.

I’m not training to be the fastest. I’m training to finish what I start and to build a body that supports the life I want to live.

I’m also running to raise funds for the OC Marathon Foundation. Their work helps inspire kids to move, build confidence, and develop healthy habits through programs like Kids Run the OC. As a parent, this mission matters deeply to me. I want fitness and healthy habits to be a natural part of my kids’ lives and identity, not something they have to struggle to figure out later in life.

Supporting these programs is about helping kids build confidence early, experience movement in a positive way, and see taking care of their bodies as something empowering rather than intimidating. If my journey helps someone believe change is possible, and together we help kids build a healthier foundation from the start, then every mile truly has a purpose bigger than me.