And So it Begins

TheRunnerDad

Back in September of this year I decided once again to get back into blogging. I blog about running, being a new father, and life in general (if you're interested, it's www.therunnerdad.com). It was around Halloween when I wrote a post about going pumpkin picking with my wife and son. I included a photo...and that's when it hit me. Man, had I put on some weight. You could definitely see it in my face, but you could see it in my mid section too. I was ashamed...and I thought that would get me going. It didn't.

Don't get me wrong, I started running again, but I was still eating terrible. Over the previous year, I had stopped running all together. Then, after my wife became pregnant, I used it as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted...sympathy eating I liked to joke. I figured once our child was born I would turn things around. As you all know, it's hard to end a relationship...especially one with eating. And so it continued...

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I had to go get my license renewed. I got my picture taken, waited patiently for it to be made, then headed out to the parking lot. Only then did I take a look at the photo...and compare it to the one 4 years ago. Who was this impostor looking back at me from my new license...his face was round and sad. My old photo was what I felt like on the inside...happy and slim. Apparently that guy was hiding somewhere under the layers of fat. That's when I decided it was time.

So, a few days ago I set out to lose the weight and start training again. My weigh in was at 178 lbs. Never thought I'd weigh that much...back in High School, a mere 15 years ago, I had weighed 135lbs (I'm 5'7).

The journey begins. Here are my goals for myself:

1. Get down to 160lbs.
2. Get my mile time back down somewhere in the 6-6:30 range (best time in high school was 4:56).
3. Get my 5K time back under 21 minutes (best time in high school was 17:31).
4. For the first time ever see some ab muscles.
5. Strengthen my back and core, so I'm not sore every time I pick up my son.

And so it begins...I'm on day 4, and despite some hunger pangs, I'm doing alright. Let's see where this journey takes me!

kateauch

Everyone has to start somewhere and it sounds like you've made a GREAT start! Keep up the good work and just remember that the first couple weeks are the hardest. Your body will adjust. I always remind myself that people have lived on less and not just survived but thrived. You'll be happier and healthier in the end!

pamla77

good luck! I just started running a year ago and am trying to start up again to achieve some new goals.
feel free to add me and best of luck!

LizDHarris

Good Luck - whatever your motivation, the hardest step is always the first one. And you've already taken that one.

TheRunnerDad

Happy to report I'm down 18lbs, my mile time is at 6:36, I'm starting to see a small bit of definition in my abs, but I'm still working on my back and core.

norahwynn

great job! keep it up...you're on the right track!!!

TheRunnerDad

Down 23lbs! 2 to go to reach my ultimate goal of 25lbs lost!

Still need a lot of work on my abs and back muscles, but every day is a new day!