As a part of being accepted into the "Brotherhood of the Traveling Shirt", Schulte and Swann suggested that I start a blog to help track my progress. This is my first attempt at a blog.
I heard about the competition on the morning show at a time when I had realized that my struggle with my weight was more serious than I had thought. Over the last 10-15 years my weight has gone up and down. I usually hit a point where I will diet for a while and lose 20-30 lbs. People typically start complimenting me and I start feeling better. Before I know it, I am back to old habits and weigh more than I did previously. Earlier this year I was able to lose over 30 lbs only to gain it all back and then some.
When I heard that Scott Schulte wanted to pass on the shirt he received from Matt Hoover (season 2 winner of the Biggest Loser) to someone who would commit to carrying the torch, it struck a nerve. I watch the Biggest Loser frequently and have admired the amazing transformations that occur on the show. It didn't seem realistic to me as a father who works 40+ hours a week and has a lot going on. This seemed like an opportunity to really put myself out there like they do on the Biggest Loser but on a much smaller scale.
I was surprised to get an email from Clare at the station letting me know I was chosen! So, all of a sudden, it was real. My hope is that this contest keeps me motivated to the point that I can really change my life. Now, on top of family and friends, I have to answer to a radio show that will be checking in with me periodically. I welcome the pressure. My biggest moments of weakness seem to occur when no one else is around to see what I am eating. Knowing that I am accountable to this new process should be enough motivation to keep me going until I am able to make it a habit.
I will try to update this blog with posts from time to time about the struggles I am facing along with the hopeful successes. It has been 2 weeks since I began and I have lost some weight already. I started at 270 lbs two weeks ago and weighed in today at 258. Twelve pounds in two weeks may sound like a lot to some people, but it just shows me that I was way out of control with my eating habits before. The first bit of weight always comes off easy for me so I am not getting excited yet. I have been sticking to a very strict, low calorie diet during the week and allowing myself a "cheat day" on the weekends. I love good food and know that I can't deprive myself of everything forever. Having a cheat day helps keep me in check during the rest of the week.
A huge step for me this week has been joining a gym. I looked at a lot of places in the area and found the MAC (in Cedar Rapids) to be a great fit for me. The people there really seem to get what I am trying to do. They have genuine interest in this contest too and have sincere hopes for me to succeed. I had a session with a personal trainer for the first time today! I was nervous about being a fat guy in a gym because everyone else in there seems to already be pretty fit. Jane made me feel comfortable and helped me establish a routine that I can do on my own in a short amount of time. She is even helping me adjust my diet. Unlike the people on the Biggest Loser, I don't have hours everyday that I can dedicate to working out. I work full time, am a part time student, have a 3 year old son, and have other responsibilities. For now, I plan to be at the MAC 3 days a week for 45 minutes each time.
I know there will be many hurdles and snags in the near future but I plan to press on. I want to do everything I can to make sure I will be around for my wife and son. I also don't want my son to pick up on my bad habits, and I'm tired of telling myself that there is plenty of time to change later. Ready or not, the time is now.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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