How Far Can I Go?

Walkmeter Run Feb 9, 2012 6:55:13 AM

2012-02-09T04:28:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Feb 9, 2012 7:28:39 AM
Route: 3 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120209-0655.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wJVcif
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120209-0655.kml
Run Time: 33:16
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.00 miles
Average: 11:04 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:40 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 1:06
Ascent: 30 feet
Descent: 11 feet
Calories: 506

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Feb 8, 2012 7:33:11 AM

2012-02-08T05:27:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Feb 8, 2012 8:08:04 AM
Route: 3 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120208-0733.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/w8vBr6
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120208-0733.kml
Run Time: 34:33
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.02 miles
Average: 11:27 /mile
Fastest Pace: 10:16 /mile
Behind Best Run: 0:12
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 0 feet
Calories: 584

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Feb 8, 2012 7:33:11 AM

2012-02-08T05:23:00.001-08:00

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Feb 6, 2012 7:30:11 AM

2012-02-06T05:04:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Feb 6, 2012 8:04:43 AM
Route: 3 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120206-0730.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/z5xtjW
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120206-0730.kml
Run Time: 34:22
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.05 miles
Average: 11:17 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:46 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 0:37
Ascent: 30 feet
Descent: 23 feet
Calories: 531

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Feb 5, 2012 7:39:20 AM

2012-02-05T05:16:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Feb 5, 2012 8:16:01 AM
Route: 3 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120205-0739.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/yRIqPt
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120205-0739.kml
Run Time: 36:27
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.02 miles
Average: 12:05 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:51 /mile
Behind Best Run: 1:28
Ascent: 25 feet
Descent: 29 feet
Calories: 501

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 29, 2012 6:36:57 AM

2012-02-05T04:39:00.001-08:00

Finished Race: Feb 5, 2012 7:38:58 AM
Route: Half Marathon
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120129-0636.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/AA5nWM
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120129-0636.kml
Run Time: 2:41:09
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 13.76 miles
Average: 11:43 /mile
Fastest Pace: 5:02 /mile
Ahead of Worst Run: 0:01
Ascent: 772 feet
Descent: 776 feet
Calories: 2534

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 28, 2012 7:37:59 AM

2012-01-28T05:10:00.001-08:00

Finished Race: Jan 28, 2012 8:09:55 AM
Route: 5k
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120128-0737.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/A0houw
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120128-0737.kml
Run Time: 31:12
Stopped Time: 0:03
Distance: 3.14 miles
Average: 9:55 /mile
Fastest Pace: 6:53 /mile
Behind Worst Run: 1:30
Ascent: 9 feet
Descent: 6 feet
Calories: 520

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 27, 2012 6:44:25 AM

2012-01-27T04:20:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 27, 2012 7:19:56 AM
Route: 3 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120127-0644.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/zPSTMJ
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120127-0644.kml
Run Time: 34:58
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.01 miles
Average: 11:36 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:53 /mile
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 0 feet
Calories: 519

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 25, 2012 10:50:36 AM

2012-01-25T08:03:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 25, 2012 11:03:20 AM
Route: 1 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120125-1050.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wTXDWt
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120125-1050.kml
Run Time: 12:19
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 1.01 miles
Average: 12:13 /mile
Fastest Pace: 11:25 /mile
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 0 feet
Calories: 159

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 25, 2012 10:26:49 AM

2012-01-25T07:49:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 25, 2012 10:49:00 AM
Route: 4 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120125-1026.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/xSjzkB
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120125-1026.kml
Run Time: 22:03
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 2.01 miles
Average: 10:59 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:46 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 19:05
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 0 feet
Calories: 369

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 18, 2012 5:17:51 PM

2012-01-18T15:05:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 18, 2012 6:05:14 PM
Route: 5 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120118-1717.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/xfHacL
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120118-1717.kml
Run Time: 46:58
Stopped Time: 0:04
Distance: 4.37 miles
Average: 10:45 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:35 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 1:53
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 0 feet
Calories: 804

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 18, 2012 8:04:41 AM

2012-01-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 18, 2012 8:30:53 AM
Route: 2.5 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120118-0804.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wiNr2p
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120118-0804.kml
Run Time: 25:47
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 2.54 miles
Average: 10:10 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:06 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 0:02
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 0 feet
Calories: 581

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 17, 2012 6:28:54 AM

2012-01-17T04:34:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 17, 2012 7:34:36 AM
Route: 6 Mile Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120117-0628.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/x2Hp9d
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120117-0628.kml
Run Time: 1:05:29
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 6.01 miles
Average: 10:54 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:26 /mile
Behind Worst Run: 1:09
Ascent: 8 feet
Descent: 18 feet
Calories: 1129

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 15, 2012 7:02:22 AM

2012-01-15T06:15:00.001-08:00

Finished Race: Jan 15, 2012 9:15:08 AM
Route: Half Marathon
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120115-0702.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/xJFWY2
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120115-0702.kml
Run Time: 2:11:15
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 13.18 miles
Average: 9:58 /mile
Fastest Pace: 7:05 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 29:54
Ascent: 41 feet
Descent: 48 feet
Calories: 2155

http://www.walkmeter.com

Race Schedule

2012-01-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

So I was asked to put my race schedule up on my blog so that:

01/15/12 Naples Half MarathonFLHfM01/29/12Miami Half MarathonFLHfM 02/19/12Fort Lauderdale A1A Half MaratFLHfM03/04/1213.1 Miami BeachFLHfM03/11/12Sarasota Half MarathonFLHfM03/24/12Torrey Pines Race for ResearchFLHfM

My Week in Review

2012-01-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

After doing so well in my last 10K I made the decision that I wanted to treat the Naples News Half Marathon as a real test. I need to know what I am capable of doing in a race and want to PR this race hard core.

I decided to treat this entire week as a taper week instead of a full training week. Instead of the 60 miles I was suppose to do I only did 28 miles. That isn't a ton of miles but it was productive mileage so that I wouldn't burn myself out for the race.

I met my weight training goals and got in 5 days of lifting. I was great to get back into the gym..... I can definitely feel the difference from being away so long.... I am a bit weaker than I was when I left last, but as usual I am will pick up strength very quickly.

My workouts have been mostly lighter weights for higher reps..... I have no goal of adding more muscle mass I just want to cut up and get much more defined. I am aiming for action figure over here.

Well tomorrow is the big race.... 2:18 makes me a happy man.. anything below that and I will be cream my shorts happy.

It's on.... Time to make the donuts.

Walkmeter Run Jan 13, 2012 6:17:32 AM

2012-01-13T04:02:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 13, 2012 7:02:40 AM
Route: 4 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120113-0617.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/yJ9wIG
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120113-0617.kml
Run Time: 45:03
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 4.08 miles
Average: 11:03 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:18 /mile
Ahead of Worst Run: 0:13
Ascent: 7 feet
Descent: 13 feet
Calories: 730

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 11, 2012 8:46:50 AM

2012-01-11T06:38:00.001-08:00

Finished Bridges: Jan 11, 2012 9:36:43 AM
Route: Key Biscayne
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120111-0846.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/zjySgT
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120111-0846.kml
Run Time: 49:40
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 4.64 miles
Average: 10:42 /mile
Fastest Pace: 6:27 /mile
Behind Best Run: 16:48
Ascent: 288 feet
Descent: 249 feet
Calories: 829

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 10, 2012 8:03:33 AM

2012-01-10T05:49:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 10, 2012 8:49:02 AM
Route: 5 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120110-0803.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/y9D4o6
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120110-0803.kml
Run Time: 45:16
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 4.01 miles
Average: 11:18 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:52 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 3:35
Ascent: 9 feet
Descent: 9 feet
Calories: 674

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 9, 2012 5:54:35 PM

2012-01-09T15:28:00.001-08:00

Finished Bridges: Jan 9, 2012 6:28:40 PM
Route: Key Biscayne
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120109-1754.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wPcyJt
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120109-1754.kml
Run Time: 32:52
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.15 miles
Average: 10:25 /mile
Fastest Pace: 7:00 /mile
Ascent: 63 feet
Descent: 23 feet
Calories: 568

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 9, 2012 8:20:14 AM

2012-01-09T05:56:00.001-08:00

Finished Bridges: Jan 9, 2012 8:56:35 AM
Route: 2.5 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120109-0820.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/w68uO0
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120109-0820.kml
Run Time: 36:08
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.00 miles
Average: 12:02 /mile
Fastest Pace: 10:34 /mile
Behind Worst Run: 8:03
Ascent: 4 feet
Descent: 7 feet
Calories: 497

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 8, 2012 7:11:04 AM

2012-01-08T06:04:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 8, 2012 9:04:32 AM
Route: 10 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120108-0711.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wlLRrh
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120108-0711.kml
Run Time: 1:51:25
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 10.05 miles
Average: 11:05 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:36 /mile
Ascent: 13 feet
Descent: 17 feet
Calories: 1746

http://www.walkmeter.com

My week in review

2012-01-08T01:43:00.000-08:00

So here I am faced with a dilemma, my LoseIt week runs Mon - Sun but my run meter week runs Sun - Sat. Which do I use for my week in review post. Well today the decision was easy (mainly because I am up at 4:30 and can't get back to sleep.

So what did I do this week. Well first off all I missed my weekly running target (by a lot) and only got in 20 miles. I did 5 runs during the week but none of them came close to my duration goal. The lone bright spot was that I finished my 10K in 58:43. My happy dance goal was 58 and I would have been happy with 60 minutes. I know that I left some time out on the course and my next race (if run well) will be great. This race also make me feel really comfortable with the idea of getting 2:15 in Naples next Sunday.

For my weight lifting. I got in 2 Spartacus workouts and 1 actual gym routine. I will call that a "made" goal because it really wasn't a full week set for that goal. I will be hitting the gym at the office later today for Chest and Bicep...guess tomorrow will be a Shoulder/Triceps day.

All in all this was a good week on the fitness front. Hopefully next week gets warmer so I can start putting in a few minutes in the pool. I need to get on top of the swimming because June will come a lot faster than expected.

Walkmeter Run Jan 7, 2012 7:20:09 AM

2012-01-07T05:19:00.001-08:00

Finished Race: Jan 7, 2012 8:19:31 AM
Route: 10k
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120107-0720.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wECthc
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120107-0720.kml
Run Time: 58:43
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 6.26 miles
Average: 9:23 /mile
Fastest Pace: 6:49 /mile
Ascent: 12 feet
Descent: 7 feet
Calories: 1077

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 6, 2012 6:54:39 AM

2012-01-06T04:35:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 6, 2012 7:35:54 AM
Route: 4 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120106-0654.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/xh3OwR
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120106-0654.kml
Run Time: 41:08
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 4.01 miles
Average: 10:15 /mile
Fastest Pace: 8:28 /mile
Ahead of Best Run: 2:16
Ascent: 14 feet
Descent: 25 feet
Calories: 689

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 4, 2012 5:42:10 PM

2012-01-04T15:12:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 4, 2012 6:12:21 PM
Route: 97th Ave
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120104-1742.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wkLamS
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120104-1742.kml
Run Time: 29:51
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 3.01 miles
Average: 9:55 /mile
Fastest Pace: 7:20 /mile
Behind Median Run: 0:46
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 35 feet
Calories: 529

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 4, 2012 8:03:49 AM

2012-01-04T05:32:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 4, 2012 8:32:01 AM
Route: 2.5 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120104-0803.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/wWvifN
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120104-0803.kml
Run Time: 28:05
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 2.51 miles
Average: 11:12 /mile
Fastest Pace: 10:00 /mile
Behind Worst Run: 1:00
Ascent: 3 feet
Descent: 10 feet
Calories: 445

http://www.walkmeter.com

Walkmeter Run Jan 3, 2012 6:53:09 AM

2012-01-03T04:37:00.001-08:00

Finished Run: Jan 3, 2012 7:36:45 AM
Route: 4 Easy
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120103-0653.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/rwJ09h
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/a622/a201/4ecf/e2b4/Walkmeter-Run-20120103-0653.kml
Run Time: 43:24
Stopped Time: 0:00
Distance: 4.02 miles
Average: 10:48 /mile
Fastest Pace: 9:23 /mile
Ascent: 0 feet
Descent: 63 feet
Calories: 748

http://www.walkmeter.com

2012 Goals

2012-01-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

Guess I should put my goals for 2012 out there... so here we go: (degree of difficulty)

2000 miles running - 3
Start swimming - 10
2 marathons - 6
4 out of state races - 7
Weight train 5 days a week (Sparta or Gym) - 3 (get your mind right son)
Finish in the top 3 in my age group in 1 race - 10
Sub 25 minute 5k - 9
HM under 1:50 - 9

First Post of the Year

2012-01-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

January 2nd 2012. It's been just over 10 months before I started running.

I did my first race on 4/29 a 5k that took me 34 minutes and change. My most recent 5k 2 weeks ago was just over 27 minutes. I can say that I have had a successful year when it comes to running. I won't be doing another 5K until April. My training should take me into the 24 or 25 minute range.

My last 10K was on 11/24 and I did it in 1:04. I have another one next week. My goal is 58 minutes. So far in my training I have be around the 10:15 range. If I follow my plan the way I am suppose to I should meet that.

My last Half Marathon was 2:40:40. My best so far is 2:29. I have another race on 1/15 and I am really looking forward to that. If I maintain where I have been with my training I should be in the 2:15 range.

So for the next week I will be training. I took two days off and will start tomorrow with a 12 mile run with Marie. That will be her longest run to date so I will be pacing a little bit slower than usual. Details to follow.

Where I have been and where do I want to go?

2012-01-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, just over 2 years ago I posted the story of where I was. Since then I haven't really made any posts but today I decided that I should.

First off in the two years since I first posted I have finally gotten to the point where I am exactly where I wanted to be. I have gone from 275 lbs down to 209. I have achieved a level of fitness that I never thought possible.

I have gone from someone who could not and would not run to someone who LOVES the act of running. In 2011 I started doing races and I have put in 10 5Ks, 1 10K, and 4 HMs. My distance is great but my time is not. So, with that said I have decided that in 2012 my job is to push my body to a level that I have never thought possible. My goal is to run a Half Marathon in less than 4hr 15 minutes.

This will be an incredible achievement for me because like U-verse I am SLOW.

So this Blog is now going to be my dedication to how far I can go. This should be fun.

Let me be myself

2009-12-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

I spent the first 26 years of my life being in phenomenal shape. Not just good shape but outright amazing shape. This was my norm and that was where I was most comfortable. Because of various things in my life, that I will not discuss in any detail, I have spent the last 8 years being a shape (round is a shape right?)

For the longest time I never really thought about what was going on over the last 8 years I just ran with it. I went with the flow to the point where 8 months ago I found myself on a scale look at 275 lbs. I knew that I had gotten out of shape but I had no idea that it had gotten that bad.

I thought that the weight gain was the only change that happened over those 8 years until one day a good friend finally said to me "man, I don't even recognize you. You are not the same guy I started hanging out with." Instantly I knew what he was talking about. I wasn't the same ball of energy, life of the party, person that I had always been. The weight wasn't the problem; the weight was just a symptom of the much deeper problem.

So finally I had to face the music, I looked in the mirror and I saw someone that I didn’t recognize and even worst it was someone that I didn’t like. I really started to think of all the things that I have lost along the way. I started to think of the friend that I had not seen in a while because I could bear to have them see the person that I had become. I thought about the time I have missed with my family for the exact same reason. It was at that moment that I finally decided that I cared enough about myself to fix those problems that caused me to gain the weight.

I started from nowhere on day one to where I am today. I have spent 6 months working and clawing and trying to find that person that I once was and bring that person back into the light. This has been a pretty long journey. I think to myself that I have been lost for so long that 6 months is no where near enough time to find myself.

The good news is that I finally remember who I am looking for and where he is. Slowly but surely I am shining in my own light. I have started to reconnect with a lot of the people who have cared enough about me through the years to know that something wasn’t right. I am not there yet, but today I look in the mirror and I am starting to see a familiar face. I am starting to see the “arrogant bastard” that I once knew and loved. I am not there yet, but today I know what I am looking for, I know who I am trying to be and for all that its worth it really feels good.

Some of you reading might wonder to yourself, what exactly is this fool talking about. To you I say you are very fortunate to have never found yourself in these shoes.

But others reading this may relate to everything that is written here. If you can relate, I only have one word of advice for you . Find that person that you once were.... go searching for that happier, better version of you that you have somehow lost for one reason or another. (OK I can’t count that’s more than one word.)

You will be amazed at how happy to are to finally see (or even be) that person again.