Starting from Scratch - Re-motivating when all seem loss

cparter

As of April 29, 2014, I have lost eleven pounds this year. The weight loss was simply me documenting my intake, exercise and making myself more accountable by doing so.

Below is a blog I wrote in September of 2013. I was motivated to get moving but it took until 46 days ago for me to do something about it. Since many of you have not seen what was going through my mind at the time I thought I would repost it and hopefully it would add a bit of motivation to those who are struggling:

When I originally joined MFP I lost 50 lbs, ran four marathons and three half marathons; along with a multitude of smaller races. I was chiseled and happy with the results. Fast forward a year and life hit me like a boulder and I regressed a bit. I lost several love ones to cancer, was not sure of my employment future (moving from contract work to federal), had a reoccurring hip injury that sidelined me, my rotator cuff that I injured (due to some malpractice) was re-injured and although I live a faith based life it still got to me and food became my crutch. It has been a tough two years after my year of success. Through it all, many of my MFP friends stood by my side. I lost some and gained some because I could not bring myself to log in for the sake of logging in. I felt that was not serving you all well so I contemplated leaving the community but my wonderful friend, Tahrah, called me and brought the joy back to my heart so I picked up and gained the motivation that was lost in those stressful times. To this I am thankful. So, here I am facing a bright future and spilling my soul like an alcoholic. In reality, that is what I am or at least similar to one. As an overeater or someone who depends on food to fill the void when stress comes on you, you are just like an alcoholic and by accepting this fact you have started the journey home. You will always be who you are and by acknowledging it and being forever aware of it will help you constructively deal with it. You will always be an alcoholic but you will not be defeated by it. So, my alcohol is food and when I was young and active it was not a problem but now that my metabolism is slowed down and I can no longer lift weights the way I did in my body building days I must accept these facts and find another way. As I continue in this journey I will encourage others not to give up the fight and continue updating this blog on my journey. God bless you all and I wish you the best as we all strive for a healthy life style filled with success. Remember, you are not alone.

cparter

I would hope others would share their stories because we are not all perfect and we fall and get up when we want to win.

cparter

Update:

As I previously stated, I ran some marathons when I lost the weight before but this time around the hips were suffering so running did not sound like a fun way to get in shape any longer. I bought a road bike in December of 2013. We (me and the bike) finally got out and rode it on the 3rd and 4th. It was so exciting to get out there and put some distance on the bike. The calories burned was just as impressive for the distance and time I rode. I think I got a new source as long as I can deal with the saddle scars.

So, I will see just how well this helps me on my goals over the next 49 days. The first 49 days were quite pleasing so I can only envision on what the future holds. Besides, biking is less impact on my body and still helps me burn the fat.