I'd call this a success for me

I'm a newly 58 year old guy who has spent 2013 getting in the best shape of his life. Thanks to MFP, the support of the incredible friends here, the amazing personal trainer I have and a lot of hard work and commitment on my part, I'm down almost 50 pounds. I've lost almost 9 inches on my waist , over 8 inches lost in the hips, and 6 inches lost in the thighs, the 3 places I store most of my fat.

Today also marks the 11 month anniversary of my total knee replacement. It was a lot tougher rehab than the hip replacements I went through 9 years ago.

But today, I think everything, all the cardio, all the weight loss, everything came together. I had to take my car to the mechanic for a state inspection. He was backed up and couldn't get to it til late today (it's still not done, some 9 hours later). Since everyone was asleep and it was a gorgeous, if slightly chilly morning, I thought I would do something I never dreamed of doing before. I would walk home. Along the main road, through my gym's parking lot and through the subdivision. So off I went. 2.0 miles and just under 36 minutes later I was at my front door. A nice walking pace of 3.3 MPH, and considering a bit was waiting for traffic and over grassy areas with no sidewalk or pavement, not bad for an old guy. No heavy breathing, I didn't even break into a mild sweat.

Even years ago, long before my knee really started acting up I never dreamed I could walk from the mechanic's to my house. today it seemed so easy and effortless. Thanks to the hard work done in the last 9 months.

And a few new pieces of titanium in my knee.

It may not seem like much to others, but for a suburban kid who never walked anywhere, who has congenital arthritis and never really pushed himself, it feels wonderful.

I realized that this was about 2/3rds of a 5k. Next up? Maybe some charity walks. Why not.