Thursday, July 9, 2009

The Journey Begins, or More Accurately, Began

"Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time." -Mark Twain

What journey, you ask? Probably the most difficult journey I'm ever going to make. Sure, I've gone through some tough times, and I've had my ups and downs in life. But this is different because I'm now fighting my number one enemy: myself.

Why now? Many reasons. I got married, and suddenly it wasn't just about me anymore. I got sick of making excuses. I saw and experienced too many young people dying of obesity-related diseases and disorders and saw myself going that route. I just didn't feel healthy anymore. Luckily, I have no diseases or disorders that I know of, but I am bringing on all sorts of bad stuff if I stay at this weight. I already know I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and I've been told in the past that my weight puts me at a risk for onset diabetes.

I'm not a complete stranger to this weight loss stuff. I lost around 70 pounds in 2001, but I gained it all back and lots more. I've always had trouble limiting what I eat, and my picky eating habits don't help either. Plus, just the thought of any form of exercise makes me cringe. I've just never been able to keep any sort of weight loss. But the fact that I have previously lost weight makes me believe that I can do it again.

I have a lot higher aspirations this time around. I have a set weight goal. I'm not embarrassed to be honest and realistic about my weight. I have a lot more support this time around. I have this blog. And I'm going to run the 2012 Boston Marathon.

Wh-wh-WHAT?!

I think people who know me just laughed out loud reading that statement because of its incredulity. People who don't know me will probably think I'm crazy or wasting my time. Hell, I sometimes don't believe that I have set such a ridiculous goal. But I believe that this goal is giving me that extra motivation that I need in order to lose weight and keep it off permanently.

The journey began on Monday, June 22, 2009, and the journey will end on Monday, April 16, 2012 for the 116th running of the Boston Marathon. My start weight is 315 lbs. (ouch...it hurts to read that). My current weight is 305.2 lbs. My first step is to lose 5%, which would put me at around 299 lbs. My ultimate weight loss goal is to be 180 lbs. when I start training for the marathon, which would require me to lose 135 lbs. (ouch...it hurts even more to read that). I'm using Weight Watchers Online for food and weight tracking. I'm exercising 30 minutes a day using EA Sports Active and Wii Fit for the Wii video game system; I'm not yet in the right state of mind to be exercising in a gym or in public...too embarrassing for me right now. I'm hoping that will change as I lose weight.

I hope people will follow my progress and find this blog interesting to read. I encourage everyone to make comments and suggestions, both positive and negative. I need all the support and criticism I can get. I also hope people will be motivated and inspired by this blog to make positive changes in their own lives. Even if only one person is inspired, I will consider this blog a success.

Let the transformation from fat guy to fast guy begin...wish me luck! I'm gonna need it...

11 comments:

Scott said...

This is Scott...just testing out the comments feature.

SVL said...

Good luck Scott. You're off to a great start and it sounds like you have a solid mindset.

Jackie said...

Hey Buddy. I don't think your goals are at all ridiculous! I'm doing Weight Watchers too (meetings, when I can actually make it to them!) and hopefully a couple people and I will soon be starting a weight-related blog as well. So we'll let you know when we do! And we can swap WW info. :-) I'll be following along with you all the way!

morphiaflow said...

Scott, this is an amazing undertaking. Fortunately, you're amazing yourself so there's no reason 'tall you won't reach your goals. I definitely be there to cheer you on in 2012. Oh, and along the way too I guess. :-)

Anonymous said...

This is awesome! If you ever want a running partner... I need to start doing that myself, so let me know! Im not fast and I am not the most enthusiastic about running itself, but I should still do it. =)

~Grace

Anonymous said...

Wow. What a goal. More power to you!

Scott - You rock. You have my full support.

-Luis

Anonymous said...

Go Scotty go! If you need motivation, just look at the pics of you from mine and Kerry's wedding - that should keep you going. Count me in for the 2012 marathon (Wh-wh-WHAT?!).

-John

Unknown said...

Scott-- you are a rockstar! You can do anything you set your mind to!

Lots of love and support to you.

Sarah Z.

Rich Want said...

Awesome!

I'm really glad that you decided to take this step, and with such fortitude. I have no doubt that if you put your mind to it, and it seems like you have, you can do it. I remember coming back to college the Summer of '01 and you were the same Scotty as before, but happier and with a better outlook on things. I hope that never changed.

Looking forward to cheering 'You can do it!' along the way.

Gershom said...

Scott - This is awesome.

Rob S said...

Good luck mate!!! I meant it in nappers when I said I'd run the marathon with you. I have no doubt you'll cross the finish line before me.