My NSV's...thanks for reading

I tend to be private and low-key, and so opeing up to all MFP'ers has taken me some time. But I wanted to share my NSV's because I'm damn proud of my accomplishments, and I want to share with the group. Some stuff is PG13, depending on your sensibilities, so judge me not.

In March 2011, I stopped smoking weed. What started out as a fun activity in college became my way of dealing with anxiety, sleeplessness, depression and whatever else ailed me. This was a 22 year thing. I NEVER thought I would be able to quit. But I did. The withdrawls were real and lasted about a month. Yes, I've smoked since Mar11, five times to be exact, and every time I think to myself "Its just not the same anymore". So that's done and gone.

In June 2011 I decided to drastically cut back on the amount of alcohol I drank. I realized that I could not stay asleep thru the night after several beers/wines/drinks. Again, in my circle or friends growing up, partying was the culture, and it was fun. And again, that was then and this is now, and its just not the same anymore. I still have my fun nights with friends, but as I now tell them, I have the tolerance of a fifteen year old girl. Saves a lot of $$.

In April 2012, my aching back, due to a big belly/manboobs and weak torso, needed yet another Chiropractic visit. ENOUGH! So I started to go to a Pilates trainer. Been going at least once a week since. Back is great.

In June 2012, after an allergic reaction sent me to the ER in an ambulance, I stopped smoking cigarettes. Truthfully, I was a light smoker. I loved a smoke after a stoner session. But I was a two packs a month smoker. But still. My kids could smell it on me and also find the butts by the curb. Since then, zero cigs. Done and gone.

This ER visit prompted a DR's visit, where I weighed in at an all time high. 263 with shoes and clothes on (so what's that, about 258?). And my blood work showed very high triglycerides. The DR challenged me and this time I listened.

I started walking on a treadmill. At first I couldn't last twenty minutes. I got better, and added in some light jogging with the walking. Got better, stronger, and then did more jogging than walking. Then I took my runs outside, in my neighborhood. To me, this made if official. I wanted my neighbors to see the bloated, pot smoking, cig smoking binge drinker RUNNING. OFTEN. I then added spinning into my routine. I bought a HRM. I purchased a pair of running shoes that fit and support my feet. I monitor my diet (although Mexican restaurants are my kryptonite). Last week I did a personal best in my 5K run - 29m11s. I want to strength train, and to get ready (still apprehensive to lift at my health club...its kinda intimidating) I began doing pushups. I've lost at least 8 pounds and feel even better in my clothes. I went on a run Wednesday night after work. My wife and 10yo son each said "WOW, thats great!" It was 20 degrees outside in Chicago that night.

So I'm pretty happy right now as I take inventory of where I've come from. I'm currently at 249 lbs, on my way down to a goal of 220. My fantasy is, next spring, after Chicago thaws and people go outside again, I want my friends and neighbors to see me and say "Wow, you look great, you lost a ton of weight! How did you do it?"

"Hard work", I'll say, recalling all the smart food choices, lunchtime spin classes and running sessions in the cold weather. "Hard work".

Thanks for the soapbox, and thanks to all you MFP'ers for smart advice, great motivation and for being solid examples.

GET BETTER TODAY.