Progress Pics

I wasn't going to share this pic but someone convinced me to. The left side of the pic is me about this time last year. The right side is today. I've been losing a steady 1-2 pounds a week since I've joined MFP. I've met some wonderful people and couldn't do it without their support.

How have I done it so far? I've been consistent and honest. I log my food every day. I exercise almost daily. I usually shoot for some kind of movement 6 days a week. I switched up my workouts from conventional weight lifting to kettlebells 3 days a week.

I've also started running. At first I started running on the treadmill at the gym and then I moved it outdoors. Now I run outdoors 4-5 days a week, rain or shine. Lately I've been training to run a 5k using C25K. I'm now in week 6 of the program. My first 5K is in May and I'm going to kill it. Had you asked me last year about running a 5k, I wouldn't even even think about running one.

Some other things that have helped me along the way are planning, good shoes, and a HRM. Like a lot of people here, I lead a busy life. For all intents and purposes, I'm a single dad. I also work full-time. I have my kids over 50% of the time and they are busy kids. At this time of the year they are in baseball, basketball, and wrestling. We're at practices and games almost 7 days a week. BUT I make sure to have some 'me' time. I make sure to get in some exercise where I can. I know their schedules ahead of time so I plan my workouts around them.

Good shoes...I can't say it enough. BUY GOOD SHOES. If you're a runner or want to run, this is one of the best investments you can make. Go to a running store that employs people who actually run. Have them fit and test you. It makes that much of a difference. Good shoes aren't cheap, but your health is priceless.

Buy an HRM. It takes all the guess work out of how many calories you're burning. If you're a numbers nerd like I am, it gives you a clearer picture of how you're doing.

I'm no where near where I plan to be but my planning has gotten me 24lbs closer to that goal.

**edit**

I wanted to add that I got serious on January 3rd of this year. All my progress has been since that day. I have the same shirt on in both pics. Also, I haven't given up my comfort foods either. I just eat less of them. Heck, I'm an islander...we BBQ all the damn time!