2011... A Glimpse in the Rearview Mirror

It all started on January 10, 2011.  A very fat man decided he would, like millions of other New Year's Resolutions, that he would lose weight. Only, unlike others who tend to let go of their resolutions by the end of the first month, he decided to see what what he was made of. 

I started this journey almost a year ago. I had no idea what was in store for me and I had no idea what I could actually do if I put my mind and body "all in."  Since this journey started, I have officially lost 148 lbs. and I am not even close to being done with my journey.  I may not have as much weight to lose as I once did, but I now have additional goals.  I have hopes and dreams that at one time never seemed to appeal to me nor did I even think I could do them.  My life has changed in way that not many people can understand.  My attitude towards life has changed, it is filled with motivation, enthusiasm, and levels of energy that I never dreamt of having. 

I have said all along, that it was not just about losing weight, but making myself a better person both inside and out.  I feel that I have started on that journey and although I have so much more to learn and experience, I have already had a list of unbelievable experiences thus far.  I found friends and "coaches" in the most unexpected places.  I have had unbelievable support from coworkers, friends, and family alike and could never have imagined how much that support would motivate me to be better and even do better.  I could not have achieved what I have achieved so far without the help from everyone. 

If some of you are reading this blog, I want to say "Thank You!" Your support has literally helped me change my life, and probably even save it!

So as I get ready to embark into 2012, I look back to 2011 and remind myself just where I started and remind myself what it took to get to where I am now.  Would I do it all over again if I had to? Damn right I would!!  So, 2011, you are almost finished and now I say "Hello 2012, what do ya got for me?"

Let's get it done in 2012, because 2013 follows right behind and there is so much more to experience.


Good bye 2011, Hello 2012, and still running...

How to Start the New Year?

The New Year is coming upon us.  Really, how much sense does it make to put two big eating events (Christmas and Thanksgiving) a month apart and then say "Make your New Year's Resolution!" What do you think will be most everyone's resolution.  Of course, to try and lose the freakin' ten pounds that got put on starting back in October and November.  It's a vicious circle of events.

Oh, let's not forget that right after the first of the year comes a few more HUGE eating events (college football bowl games and championship and the Super Bowl).  So really, if you look at it, each month from October through February, everyone is eating more and more.  Let's also not forget that in most places in the US, it's rather cold and not many people do a lot of excessive aerobic activity during those months anyway.

Now that we have almost closed the book on 2011, I am obviously starting to look ahead to 2012 and wondering what new (and probably a little stupid) things can I try.  I am so excited to try my first triathlon, my first marathon, but more than that, I am looking forward to one of my first full years in over a decade, with me feeling healthy. I want to get healthier and push myself harder than I did in 2011. I want to test my limits.

People ask me all the time how I feel since I have lost the weight, and I never get tired of telling them that I feel amazing! I am not trying to say that I don't have sore muscles or normal aches and pains from just being as active as I am, but it is more than that.  I run up stairs now rather than looking for an elevator. I now crack a smile and push myself even harder when my body is asking me to stop. I look for the challenges to put my body and mind through rather than always searching for that easy way out. That is what feels amazing.

Therefore, instead of attempting to make a New Year's Resolution to lose weight, why not just make a resolution to "Feel Amazing!" and let that dictate how 2012 will be for you. Just do whatever it takes to make yourself feel GREAT! It may not have to be to lose weight, but maybe to do something different, something challenging, something you never thought you would, or even could do before. I guarantee it will be worth it!!

So, if I don't see, hear, or talk to you before 2012, have a memorable start!!

2011 is almost gone, 2012 is on it's way, and I am still running...

Time for a Long Run!!

Just got back from my longest run ever attempted.  I did a little over 17 miles today. I put in just under 50 miles for the week.  I really tried to fit in fifty, but it was more difficult than expected.

A year ago, I would have been tired after driving 17 miles much less running them.  Either way, it felt good, but I am sure paying for it right now.  My calves and quads are torched.  Hopefully, I will be feeling better for tomorrow morning's spinning class. If not, I will just have to "suck it up" and just do it. 

That's my new motto lately - "quit crying and just suck it up"

Well, I hope everyone had a great weekend and we now are only one week until Christmas! I finished my shopping this weekend, how about you?

sore as hell, but still running...

Last Day of Swim Class!!

As of this morning, I finished up my four weeks of swim classes.  I started the class four weeks ago absolutely dreading it, but now, I can say that I really learned a lot about swimming and even kind of enjoyed it.  Swimming is by far the hardest workout that I have attempted.  First of all, getting into a pool (even indoors) is hard to do when it is 25-30 degrees outside.  Then, after the cold wears off, you have to learn to breathe (in through the mouth, out through the nose) the exact opposite of how you are taught to breathe when running.  For someone of my low-skill level, this is extremely difficult. And after all of that, then you have to learn how to kick, turn, and increase your endurance all at once.  I must say that I have a new found respect for anyone that is a competitive swimmer.  It is just hard, but guess what?  I will be right back in the pool early tomorrow morning!

However, looking back, I do remember when I had to push myself to walk/run just one mile or I could only make it through part of a spinning class because my butt hurt so bad.  I was always sore from something and would wonder what the hell I was doing to myself.  I guess what I am saying that it goes to show that first impressions aren't always the most accurate.  I can't imagine where I would be today if I had just quit running because my knees and feet hurt after a short walk.  Or what I would be doing with my life if I hadn't pushed myself to finish a full spinning class no matter how bad my butt hurt from that "tiny" seat.

My dad always told me that it was better to just finish what you started and not be a "quitter," and I guess that type of mentality has always helped push me a little further than I thought I could go.  There are even times when I am exhausted and running up a big hill toward the end of a long run and I say in my head, "don't walk, don't stop until until you reach the top, then decide if it is time to walk."  Every time I say that to myself, I never stop running.  It just goes to show that decisions to quit shouldn't be made in haste or when it "gets tough." I have learned if you can push yourself through the hard, then it makes you a stronger person. It strengthens your will to do better and be better.

This is just a little of my 34 year-young wisdom that I thought I would share this evening. Again, this is just my opinion, but there are times that I really don't want to run, bike, swim, or workout, but I say to myself "just start it, just get dressed and start it."  Inevitably, if I do that, I always end up pushing myself harder than I thought, just because I want to get the "I don't want to" thought out of my head.  Maybe it's just me or who I have become, but it works, and works every time.

Anyway, it is the last weekend before Christmas so I hope that everyone has finalized their shopping! If not, good luck at the malls!  Haha. Until next time.

As always, trying not to quit, and running...

Some Motivation for the Soul...

Sometimes I find it difficult to get motivated to workout or train (especially with swimming - haha).  However, I always know that I once I get myself started, then I will more than likely give it everything that I have.  There are some days that the 3:45am alarm comes very early and I want to hit the snooze button for just a bit longer. So therefore, I need a little motivation.

I always thought self-motivation was just using a person's inner motivation to do a task, but I have realized that self-motivation is much more than that.  It's also about finding the motivation to do something.  For instance, when I am getting ready to go for a long run and I am not too motivated, I tend to watch an online Ironman Video or some music video or look at old photos of myself, or even write a blog entry and that will get me pumped up.  Even though I can't always motivate myself, I am aware of the tools that get me started so I can eventually do it myself.  One thing that has motivated me a lot is reminding myself that not everyone can do the things that I am blessed to do; such as walk/run, swim, bike, and even stand on my own two feet.  I remind myself that I took advantage of being able to do this when I gained so much weight, but now, I don't ever need to take those things for granted again.  I always want to remember that and be motivated to do things because of those reasons.

I also remember quotes like:

"If you don't have a dream, then how can you make your dreams come true?"

or

“Our bodies have no limits but the limits our minds set upon them.”


and one of my favorites


“You are only as good as your last race” is a terrible quote.  The truth is your last race doesn’t mean crap.  You are really only as good as your next race.  Wake up every morning with a purpose and a goal in mind.  I have mine, what’s yours?


I know, kind of cheesy and ridiculous huh?  But, these type of quotes tend to motivate me, but as you can see, I try to find motivation in a lot of things.  I also use the kind words that people tell me to help fuel my training. Like I said, I don't think self-motivation is just the ability to think about something and have it automatically motivate you, but it is also the ability to look for ways to   become and stay motivated.  It is difficult to always get motivated to do that extra lap in the pool, or sprint out that last tenth of a mile, and even bike up that last hill as hard as you can, but the motivation that fuels you, will always push you to do your best.  The trick is to find out what motivates you and stick with it and help let it push you until you can't give anymore.  And once you have tapped into those energy sources, push yourself just a little harder, and then you have just become a self-motivator.  Remember, as I always have said, if I can do it, you can too. 


It's just time to get started! Until next time!




motivated AND running...

New Year"s Resolution or New Year's Confusion??

As I continue to go to the gym each morning, I have noticed the gym becoming busier and busier.

Hmmm... It looks like the New Year's Resolution crowds are now starting to arrive. Well, I know how it feels to be one of those gym newbies and have all the older "gym rats" look at you like you are just some sort of annoyance.  Yeah, it's true, some of the New Year's Resolution crowd will stop coming to the gym after about two to three weeks.  This can be due to a number of reasons, but I really think that some of the reasons are because the whole weight loss and exercise thing can be confusing.

With all the diets (paleo, vegan, zone, south beach, cabbage,etc) and all the workout programs (Zumba, P90X, Crossfit, etc.) it can be very confusing, and even overwhelming, for the person just starting to take those first steps towards a new healthy life.

Well, I haven't been on this weight loss gig for very long, so I am by no means an expert on anything, but I think the best way to start out is to just keep it simple.  I am not smart enough to remember point totals, carb/protein ratios, and whatever else you have to do with some of these diets.  All I know is that eating healthy and exercising helps lose weight.  I say eat what you want (in moderation), but also keep it healthy.  For instance, if you want a cheeseburger, eat one, but use lean beef or turkey and a whole wheat bun and reduced fat cheese, and instead of fries, throw some vegetables on the side or even put a salad with it.  But the key is to realize that even though you eat healthy foods, you still have to exercise regularly.  For me, it has been this simple.  All the weight loss programs might help to get jump started or to lose a few pounds if needed, but to make a lifestyle change, it needs to be just that, a "life change."

All the diets and weight loss programs have shown to work, but to be honest I really couldn't afford them and/or pay the money to have someone help me. Therefore, I had to do most of it myself.  I started using a free wellness program through my work (KershWellness) and was shown the foods that I ate needed to be "clean." In otherwords, I needed to eat more vegetables, eat less fried foods, eat fruits (this one has been hard for me), limit enriched flour products, eat 100% whole wheat, drink water over anything else, and just exercise. This is stuff each of us have been told all our lives, but it is up to us to decide when to follow it. That's all I do, and it has worked rather well.  I am not a dietitian or a doctor, but I do know that keeping it simple is what has been working for me. Therefore, if you are confused and overwhelmed, start your New Year's Resolution by just eating an extra vegetable and then go for a walk, it starts off small, but it can pay huge rewards later.

I just want to reiterate that I am only one person sharing my story and my experiences as I try to work toward being healthier for my family and eventually completing my ultimate goal of completing the 2013 Louisville Ironman.

Well, here it is, the start to a new week!  I hope everyone starts it off strong!  Until next time.

Still fat, but still running...

Tights or no Tights, that is the question...

Ok, so I woke up this morning wanting to go for a run.  I suited up and headed outside.  I have always been one to like the cold, but this morning was different.  I don't know if it is because of the weight I lost or what, but it was frigid.  I looked at the temperature and it was only 23 degrees. Surely I could handle 23 degrees wearing a long-sleeve shirt, shorts, and a cap.  I stepped outside again, but man it was cold.  Again, I am new to a lot of these things.  I have never run when it was below freezing, so I don't really know how to prepare.  However, during a black Friday sale, with the persistence from my wife, I bought a pair of running tights.  Now, I have seen people run in tights and it looked like it worked very well for them.  However, I am still a fat man, and no fat man really needs to be in tights, much less running the streets in them. But, it felt so cold, I decided being humiliated, but warm was better than being a pop-sickle and not looking like a freak.

I tore the tags off of the tights, put them on, looked in the mirror, and made some generic comments and jokes about Peter Pan, and headed out for a five-miler.  I must say that it was one of the best runs I have had in the past month or so.  It just seemed different, in a good way.  So now, I can say that I am proponent for tights in very cold temperatures. I will just make sure that if I am running in freezing temperatures, I will be running when it is dark.  I barely can subject myself to seeing me in tights, much less anyone else.

I always said that I would never wear tights, and that I would just tough out the cold, but this morning, I was proven wrong. I also said that I would never buy shoes and cleats for a bike, run a marathon, or even run for fun.  This past year has proven to be a year of me being wrong about many things, so I am used to it.

This leads me to my question, tights or no tights??

145 pounds and running...

 

Another Week of Training...

Another week of training has passed.  I lightened things up a little this past week.  My weekly run total was only about 31 miles, swim was about 2.5 miles, and I dropped one of my spinning classes for the week. However, I did add two weight training days.  Luckily, the rain and cold is arriving, so I may take a break from running for a day.

Talking to one of my friends who is an exceptional personal trainer, Justin Ford; he really gets on me about the amount of volume that I do week in and week out. He constantly tells me that I need to institute a rest day into my training.  It's really hard to listen, but he has never steered me wrong, so I may just take a day off from running (I will still hit the weights though).

I often find myself feeling guilty about thinking of taking a day off because I am worried that if I take one day off, then I will take another, and then another, then pretty soon, I will not be going to the gym hardly at all. However, I know that if one day, I get the chance to do an Ironman event, then I will need to learn to avoid over training.  Knock on wood, I have not had any significant injuries or setbacks, but as I increase the amount of running, swimming and biking, I know that I could be risking a potential injury if I don't rest.  Either way, I have a lot of learning to do about my limitations and training for endurance sports.

Ok, so the other day I said I would identify some of the events that I plan on entering for the 2012 Season.  I have a rough list of events below.  Some of the dates aren't yet available, so this is my first cut at the schedule.

Louisville Derby Marathon - April 28th
Warrior Dash 5K, Mountain City, GA - May 20th
TriFest, Taylorsville, KY - Beginning of June
Markey Race for Women's Cancer Triathlon, Lexington, KY - End of June
Bluegrass 10K, Lexington, KY - July 4th
Cincinnati Triathlon - Cincinnati, OH - July 21st
Midsummer Night's Run 5K, Lexington, KY - Beginning of August
Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL - October 7th

Again, if anyone has any suggestions on races or events, please let me know.  I am always interested to hear about races and triathlon events.  Hope everyone has a great start to the work week!

Another Brief History Moment

Just in case you are reading these posts and wondering why I decided to put together a Blog. I know losing weight is nothing special; everyone does it each year, and some are even much more successful than me.  Of course people lose weight for all different reasons; health factors, vacation plans, weddings, reunions, etc. I am just a regular person with a regular job, family obligations, bills to pay, but I have started this Blog for just that reason.  I want to show that people can change regardless of who and what the reasons are. Because even if an average guy like me can turn his life around, anyone can.

My reason was mainly because I had been fat or "morbidly obese" for more than a decade and I have three children and a wife who depend on me day in and day out to "get it done."  Last January 2011, I was downloading the photos that I took on Christmas 2010 and just kind of "woke up."  I didn't realize how big I really was until I saw those photos.

I knew that I had the self-discipline. I quit smoking "cold-turkey" over five years ago after smoking almost fifteen years, so I knew that I could lose some weight.  But as I said before, I never knew that I would or could lose this much.

So, today and everyday since I have been on this journey, I have pledged to make myself a better person, not just on the outside, but on the inside too.  I am not just doing this for me, but mainly for my family too. I want to be alive and well enough to walk both my daughters down the aisle at their weddings, and I want to see my grandchildren grow up.  I have much more life to live, and a year ago, I am not sure if I had 10-15 years left.  There was just no telling how long I had weighing almost 400 lbs.

These are a few of the reasons for wanting to make myself a better person:

Time to Swim!!

This morning I had my second official swim class.  It went about as well as expected for someone who has no idea how to swim competitively.  I would assume I looked like a two year who has hit the water for the first time. I thought to myself, "How could I be so bad at this, I just swam two miles this past weekend?"

Anyway, I know now that how I used to swim was "completely wrong."  But there is still hope, because I have five more classes left.  Woohooo!!  I hope the sarcasm can be detected.

Either way, if I plan to do any length of a triahlon next year, I need to understand how to effeciently swim without using just all of my upper body. I still plan on doing an Olympic distance triathlon next year with the distant hopes of a Half-Ironman and Full Ironman in 2013. At least those are my long-term goals.

All I am concerned about right now is getting ready for the Louisville Derby Marathon and increasing my endurance in the swim, bike, run during the winter.  If anyone has any advice on how to increase endurance during the off-season, please let me know because I am always open to suggestions and/or advice.

Hope everyone is enjoying the work week, and dress warmly, cause in the Kentucky Area, it may be snowing in the morning!! Anyone know how to run in snowboots????

144 pounds lost and counting...

Thanksgiving and the Thoroughbred Classic 5K!!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!  It is now time to start back to our daily patterns (work, daycare, doctor's appts., etc.)

As I said before, I had registered to race in the Thoroughbred Classic at Keeneland on Thanksgiving morning.  To me, it was kind of a way to justify eating so much turkey later in the day.  haha

Anyway, I finished with a new PR (personal record) from the last 5K that I did back in August.  I reduced my finish time by about 8 minutes!  I finished in the top 50 in my age group with a 26:26 official time.  Like I said, I am not a speed demon by any means, but I will not quit. 

Cold start to day!!

Thanksgiving Week has Arrived!!

One of the most dreaded weeks for losing weight is upon us, Thanksgiving Week. The time to drive for hours to the family's house and eat as much as you can (multiple times), and then plop on the couch and watch football for hours. Yes, the Holiday Season is now upon us (woohooo!! - hint of sarcasm). Of course, I used to enjoy the Holidays, but mostly for eating rather than hanging out with family and friends.  This year though, I will try to do the opposite.  I will try to enjoy the family side of things this holiday rather than to see how much stuffing, mashed potatoes, ham and turkey, and deviled eggs I can fit onto one paper plate.  This year, I will try to keep my wits about me and stick to the eating habits that have gotten me to where I am now.  Too much emphasis is put onto food, rather then the ultimate goal, family and friends.

This year, it seems that I may have more to be thankful for, my health. I also am thankful for the support that my family and friends have given me through this past year.  Without the support system from my family, the many people at work and the staff at YMCA, I know I could never be where I currently am. The constant acknowledgement and encouraging from everyone have played a large part in fueling my motivation to get where I am today.

One thing that is very important during weight loss, is support, and fortunately, I have had amazing support. If you are planning on losing weight in the next few months, take a look around at the people you deal with from day-to-day, because those people will be motivators to you on the days that you don't feel like pushing yourself.

Therefore this holiday season, I want to thank everyone that has supported me.  In some way, shape or form, you have helped push me to do better, and to expect a better person for myself, and for that, I am humbled and grateful.

Thank you to everyone, and have a great Thanksgiving!!

Last Day of the Weekend... Let's Make the Most out of it!!

It is now Sunday morning and I am getting ready to head to the YMCA for my workout.  I have decided that Sunday is typically my day to do my most challenging workouts.  It gives me a chance to clear my head and get ready for the workweek.  However, this week is a shortened week, so I am excited about the time off. 

Today, I will start my morning with a swim workout of around 800-1000 yards, and then transition into an hour and a half spinning class.  Once I get finished with that, it's time to eat a powerbar and move on to some running or strength training (I haven't quite decided yet).  Either way, I have a few hours of fun ahead of me.  I am also looking forward to the Thoroughbred Classic, a 5K run around Keeneland on Thanksgiving morning.  I am going to try to get a new PR on this one. 

Also, yesterday, I ran the new half marathon route for the "Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon" that happens in March 2012, and loved it.  It was an extremly windy and hilly route, but I really enjoyed the chance to run it with other racers.  I usually run alone and it was a different experience to be able to run alongside others.  I think the race itself will be challenging, but I hope to use it as a measure of my physical abilities before the Louisville Marathon that is toward the end of April 2012.

Hope everyone can get out today and have fun! Watch some football, run, shop, or even workout, just have fun. Until next time...

-Jason

It's Friday!!

Time to go for a run!  Trial run of your choosing, either 7 or 13.1 miles on the new course for the Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon is tomorrow morning.  Anyone out there interested in running the route, please join us at Keeneland at 7:30am. The actual event is on March 31st.

Look forward to seeing everyone out there!! If not, have a great weekend and stay tuned.  I will be adding in my 2012 race schedule soon.  I am new to these races, so if anyone has any suggestions of any races that I could run in, please feel free to email enviro.engineer@gmail.com or comment.

As of today, 238 lbs and counting down...

When do you know?

When do you know when you need to change things in your life?  I am not quite sure, but for me, it was over the course of years of seeing myself in the mirror and trying to make myself believe that I wasn't fat. I knew all along that i was, but like most people with a problem, I was in denial.  I went through some of these photos last night and couldn't believe how big I really was.  I really was almost 400 lbs! I could eat a triple whopper with cheese, chicken fries, regular fries, and then wash it all down with a diet coke.  Genius Right??

Christmas 2008 - Wow, may need a wide angle lens next time!

Summer 2010 - Take a load off Buddy!!

Christmas 2010 - This is what broke the straw for me.  Two weeks later, I was starting anew way of life. We now use that shirt as a sheet for one of our beds.

Now for some 2011 Photos!
August 2011 - My first 5K!!

Another one in August.

And last one, Iron Horse Half Marathon!! October 2011

End of the Workday!! Time to have some real fun!!

Now that the workday is almost over, I get to lace up my running shoes and pound the pavement for a ten mile run!! I may not break any speed records, but it's not about that; it's about getting the chance to do something that less than a year ago, I couldn't have physically been able to attempt. It's time to pop in my headphones, and let the road take me where I need to go! Oh, by the way, I now run an average of about 35-40 miles a week, a long way from the 1 mile run/walk loop that I used to do!! Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can!!

A little background information...

Like I said before, I started this journey with the hopes of losing a little weight to get healthier, but it has now become a way of life, a start to a new world.  My life has been turned around.  Since the start of my weight loss, I have grown to love running.  I started by running/walking a mile lap until I was able to complete one whole lap! I was 340 lbs when I was able to complete my first lap without stopping.  My knees and feet hurt, and it seemed  like I had just run a marathon, and in fact, once I completed the entire mile, that is exactly what it was.  It was the start of my marathon.

Since that day that I completed that one full mile, I have fell in love with running.  I started by entering a July 4th 10K and then went on to a 5K race.  Just recently, this past October, I just completed a Half-Marathon!! Until this year, I have never entered in a race nor did I think that I could even do one.  I just registered for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in April and also have my fingers crossed to get a spot to run the Chicago marathon next year!

I just wanted to share some tidbits about me...

More Photos of the BIGGER Me

This is me standing with my mother when I graduated from college in 2006.  One of my heavier days. Almost 390 lbs. here.  I was worried that they wouldn't have a gown big enough for me. More photos of the bigger me to follow...

The BIGGER me...

This are photos during my "first ever" official vacation with my family.  I was weighing in at approx. 380 lbs! I was having a great time, but knew something needed to change in my life. I have been married to my wife almost ten years, and had gained almost 100lbs. since I met her.  She has loved me every step of the way, no matter what weight I have been at.  Wow, what an amazing woman!!

My First Official Blog Entry

Ok, here it is, my first official posting as a blogger.  I don't have anything genius to say or any words of wisdom. All I can say is that my life has changed in front of my own eyes.  I have lost a total of 140 lbs. since my journey started on January 10th. Like most people, I had a New Year's Resolution to lose weight and it started with that. Since that time, my life has changed dramatically. More to come...