Back to the Run

Yesterday, I received a book in the mail. Mary Barley's "Getting Fit from the Inside Out: Seven steps to Becoming your personal best" It was a pretty small book, and I finished it in a few hours. I must say, it is refreshing to read something that isn't about what kind of shoes to get, or how to do a specific exercise. Her book was motivational, with a fitness theme, and her stories, both personal and not, put into perspective a few areas that I need to work on. I am passing this book on to another friend that I hope will enjoy it as well.

This morning, I awoke pretty motivated, and although my blisters were bothering me a little, I ran 30 minutes anyway. I ran a total of 1.91 miles on the treadmill, in a 2/1 pattern. The plan I am following says I should be running 4/1 now, but they don't know me, and I am doing what my body will allow. I had no trouble getting my heart rate into my training zone today, and would have gone too far had I run the 4/1 instead.

I am still losing weight, and now weigh 263lbs, bringing my total loss so far to 125lbs since May. My father called me the other night, and I guess I hadn't told him about my loss in a while, and he seemed amazed at the outcome. I am still amazed that the weight continues to come off, although I am working very hard at doing just that.

My training for the 5-K is going well, and although I don't think I will be able to fully run the 5-K, I definitely will be able to walk it without issue. If other friends join me, then I will walk the entire thing, otherwise, I will run some. I am hoping to complete the event in under an hour, hopefully in the 45-50 minute range, but just completing it will be the accomplishment that is most important.

I have to mention about how I am feeling these days. Although I am still overweight, and have to deal with the added effect that gravity gives me as a result, I am finding myself not taking elevators anymore at work. The stairs, that I would get winded at just looking at, now don't even cause me to breath hard. I fit in booths in restaurants now, which at 400lbs, wasn't an option. Theater seats are comfortable again. I am up and about much more than I ever used to be. I am really starting to think of myself as an athlete and runner these days, as I am working hard to be just that. Life is improving for me daily, and I am amazed each time I can do something I haven't been able to do since when I was in the military.

Well, that's it for today.

Paul