Wednesday February 1, 2012; Day 86; 8:14 a.m.: As I continue through this winding road of weight loss, self discovery, and the ahh-hah moments (albeit the ahh-hah's seem to be more obvious than I would have previously given credence to), I am finding out how little I know about health. wellness, weight loss, even my self.
For those keeping track of the numbers (and admittedly I am fairly attached to them as well) as of day 84 when I weighed in at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) at 232.4 pounds for a week's loss of 2.6, and I sit at a total loss to date of 42.6 pounds, losing just about a pound every two days on average (at least that is what the dietitian with a calculator and far better grasp of mathematics than me says).
I must admit lately even as self effacing as I typically am, I have allowed myself a modest celebration or two with recent discoveries. Two in particular. My clothing (hold the punchlines, as they are coming), and my ability to do things I haven't been able to until now.
Last Saturday I went for an early workout at the Y and to have my car serviced before picking my wife up at home to take her to brunch. After that, we drove over to a mall and looked around as we are both starting to notice the need for new clothes, as the ones we own are quickly becoming too big to wear. As we browsed clearance racks and sale aisles, I found myself buying a pair of jeans in a size I have not owned since my senior year of college in the fall of 1998 (insert age joke here). I purchased a size 36 pair of jeans. I started my journey in a size 42. My wife shopped in a store that is typically geared toward teens for a sun dress as she had a gift card and purchased a size she has not fit into since high school. While she looks absolutely amazing and I am so very proud of and motivated by her, I am told it's not polite to discuss specifics of women's measurements or age, so I won't mention either even if personal bests for a 31 year old,..- oops, we ll measurements are out. ;-) The next day we went through my wardrobe, tried things on, and ended up filling 5 - 50 gallon trash bags to donate. I have to say while I shiver at the cost to replenish them, I am thrilled some of them are gone!
The second discovery, and reason for the title above, came just last night. Let me digress so the discovery has context. I have been running on the treadmill for a couple of months now, but know it is completely different to run outside, with changing topography, air temperatures, and surfaces. I average 35 minutes or so on the treadmill at a decent pace, but was a little nervous to see how it would translate to actual running. Last night due to the un-seasonally warm January temperatures, my wife and I decided to go for a run around a tow path close to our home. We started and the only thought in my head was "I wonder how soon I'll have to stop." While not exactly the proper mind set, history had told me that at most I was only ever able to run a quarter of a mile. Adding to that was the fact I had swum for a morning workout already. As we headed out on the path we jogged together. As we hit the 1/4 mile marker on the trail, I noticed I was not yet fatigued enough to stop. So I tuned out my own thoughts as I tuned into the music on my play list and continued on. A while later, and in the middle of some Eminem from the "Recovery" album (yes I like hip hop - don't judge me lol) it dawned on me, I hadn't stopped running. Not too long after my wife slowed to a cool down walk, so I took my cue to do the same. She looked at her pedometer, and declared "3 miles plus." I have to admit actually physically and consciously had to remind myself to not show too much pride. So with the bravado of a "real man" I simply retorted "yeah,...nice easy workout to end the day." Who am I kidding?!?!?! That was clearly a personal best by a long shot and I NEVER would have thought it possible at this stage! Clearly she saw right through the attempt to brush it off and countered with "Umm, you couldn't even make it half way around that track (we finished our run on the local university track) 5 months ago." And I have officially been put right back into check like only a loving wife can do. HA!
She is right. I have to be able to celebrate my successes just like I own my failures and short comings. With that I look forward to our next run together as we are planning to run a couple 5K's this summer and if I get really cocky, maybe even try a 10K together by the end of the season. Who knows? Really who cares!?!? We have something else we can do together, be healthy, and enjoy as a couple we have not had to this point. Life is getting better by the moment because fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has taught me that it IS possible if I A.) Fully commit myself to the process, B.) Keep an open mind to the possibilities and C.) Develop the proper perspective to keep the big picture and long term goal of health and wellness at the forefront of my mind and motivations as I make my way through this journey.
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