120 days later. What really matters.

WolffEarl

So today marks day 120 of my refocused fitness/weightloss journey and once again it is time to reflect on where I started and where I am at now. (Not that matters, but I am 49, 6 feet 1 in with a "large frame", just for reference.)
Then (March 16th 2011). Decided to rededicate myself to a better/healthier life style. At that time I had done no exercising for about 6 months, had a happy 44 in waist line, could do about 15 push ups, holding a plank for a minute was a near herculean task, carried 250 pounds of "good" living, jogging was a nice idea, 5 k barely doable but with plenty of groans ready to be uttered and would take close to 30 minutes.
Now: (July 16th 2011).
Completed 120 days of daily exercise, starting with about 30 minutes most days, now closer to 1 hour every day, running, cycling, circuit training, some punching bags, all without the help of any gyms:)
Waist line down to 35.5 in, which is less than I can recall for at least 25 years. The beginnings of a "pack" are visible:)
60 push ups are doable, on a good day 65 even, Having to push up less weight definitely helps.
Recently held a 4 min plank, I was shaking, moaning and groaning but I did it. Hurrah for being a stubborn lad.
This last month, jogged two 1/2 marathons and even ran 31 k in under 2h and 50 min. Oh that last one was a fight between my body and my mind. Mind won!:) All of these at a faster tempo than my 5 k a short time ago.
Cycled ever increasing distances, even 80 k in one sitting around the country side, before after one hour butt would complain loudly, now it pipes up much more quietly. Most days I now go 30 k on Ferdinand (my trusty cycling steed)
Successfully overcame the temptations of Oreo cookies, cakes, ice cream, pizzas, mac and cheese, all of which show up mysteriously in our home from time to time.
This next one is a bit over the top, but brought my own supper to a burger place so that my kiddos could enjoy some burgers, fries and poutine while I had my fruit salad, veggie salad, tuna on dark rye with some awesome greek yogurt after. I declare mine so much more tasty:)
Had several 4000 calorie days, amazing how exercise allows you to eat a tone and still not gain back.
Completed a warrior dash with two of my kids... so very awesome.

And yes, I did lose 51 pounds in those 120 days to be at 199 lbs, but that pales completely do all the things I can do now that I would not have considered possible just a short while ago. (Fit beats thin every day:)
Some important things I learned along the way: It is okay to be sore; It is okay to be sweaty; You can do more than you think; Baby steps, baby steps... Don't think about for too long, just do it; There is a hidden community of fellow exercise who play the streets in the very early morning hours just as the sun comes up.. all of them rooting for you. Go say hello; WE are the sum of the choices we make (or maybe even the product:); Fit beats thin every day:); MfP friends are an awesome inspiration.. Life is absolutely awesome.
Be well

WifeMomDVM

Great post - thanks for sharing. 4 min plank? I'm impressed!!!!

vijayn

One word -- respect!

Christina269

I love that not only do you get the fitness aspect, but you've also incorporated your kids! You sound like an amazing father.

Great job on your success!!

lucyhoneychurch

Awesome way to reflect on 120 days! Congratulations!

ch178

Amazing, just amazing

aubarnold

Wow. that is fantastic!! Thanks for sharing

daddyssunshyne

Wow! I have only been doing this about half as long, maybe a little less.

This is really encouraging and inspirational!

I don't think I will lose 50+ pounds over 4 months, it seems to be a slow process for me. But, it does seem men have an easier time with shedding the weight in comparison. Meaning, it seems to be a faster process for the same amount of effort than it is for women. It sure seems to be the case with hubby and I.

Thanks for sharing!!!

Sarah

bpdai

Thanks for the inspiring story of your journey. It really helps me put things in perspective. You wrote about the increase in activity and the results you got from that. Too often on here, we focus on the the food side of things - and I am way too much a part of that. I have been on here longer, with no significant measurable results. My focus has been on bad eating habits, and keeping the calories down. I had begun to realize that I was ignoring the other side of the equation, and perhaps my "failure to thrive" has been because of that. Thanks for reinforcing what I had been too slow in accepting. Keep up the great work, and keep us posted.