There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens~Ecclesiastes 3:1
Years come and years go and so many of us find ourselves confessing silently (or to the world at large if you are a blogger) that this is going to be the year we do it: get (and stay) healthy. I have certainly done so publicly many times over the years. This year I skipped it. No annual weight loss or healthy eating strategy in my resolutions. It was time to stop talking about it. I had made that decision months before the dawning of 2012.
For several years now I have fought a losing battle with cholesterol. Note here that I define “fought” as taking medicine and doing nothing else AT ALL. My doc would put me on a low dose of meds and a few months later, after blood tests, I would get a call from her nurse instructing me to stop taking the medication “immediately”. Regardless of the medication, my lipid levels would be elevated to a point that obviously concerned my doctor. When this happened again in September I told her that I guess it was “time to grow up” and that I would take a more hands-on approach to lowering my cholesterol*–a promise which I promptly forgot as I entered the three-month-long autumn Eating Season.
In late January everything changed. I wish I could tell you what that magic formula was that flipped the switch, but I just don’t know. Perhaps it was me relating the very funny story at my grandmother’s funeral of our last meeting, where she declared (referring to me) that she never would have recognized me because she didn’t think she had a grandson that fat. Maybe it was seeing other family members with health issues that are exacerbated, if not caused, by weight and diet issues. Maybe I did finally grow up (in this one tiny area of my brain). Whatever it was that lit the spark**, I started a new lifestyle on February 1st and the results are these:
43 pounds lost as of today (one for every year I’ve been a citizen of the galaxy)
A drop from size 38 waist pants to 32 (and I’m getting really close to needing size 30)
I went from wearing x-large shirts to wearing medium, tapered/fitted shirts.
The appearance of these things called ‘muscles’, something I was unsure I had ever possessed
Improved mood
Improved self-esteem
and that is just naming a few things. I am 5’6 and one quarter inches tall (or short, you might say). I weighed 191 pounds on February 1st. I weighed 147 pounds this morning. Once the switch flipped and I decided to do something my thought was this: I am not going to “diet”, I am going to make lifestyle changes that I can turn into “habits”. A habit is something you don’t think about, it comes naturally. And in large part that is the foundation I’ve built over these last four and a half months.
Many of my work colleagues have asked what I’ve done to achieve my goals and to a person they utter their disappointment when I explain that I did not find some secret diet method or some quick fix to drop pounds. I made choices and then stuck with them, modifying them as need be to figure out what worked. This is what I did (do):
(Please note: I’m not advocating this as the way it has to be done, this is just what worked for me personally and I hope you find some ideas/inspiration in it)
A) I exercise every morning. Every Morning. My goal was to work hard so that I could drop weight quickly. I took a “Dave Ramsey” approach to this. In the same way that we attacked our debt by paying off small debts quickly to see results that would encourage us to keep going, I wanted to see some fairly rapid weight loss that would motivate me to stick to it.
I started getting up at 5:30 every morning instead of 7, which was my usual wake-up time. I began by making playlists on Youtube and doing my own version of step aerobics. I do better with visual distractions and the music helped set the tempo for exercise while the videos kept my mind occupied on something besides the huffing and puffing and sweating. Much later I added in the use of an actual stepper to make the workout more intense.
After a few weeks of only doing that I started adding hand weights in (10 pounds), later alternating cardio and weight days. I’ve graduated up to 15 and 20 pound hand weights now. I then decided I needed another goal to keep me motivated and so I started running on a local trail that goes along a really nice 11-mile wooded path. If everything works smoothly I run 3-4 days per week (2-3 miles per run), alternating with weight lifting routines. We also bought an Xbox and Kinect for the living room and I do Kinect Sports (Target Kicking mini-game) which really kicks my butt when I give it my all. I am at the point now where I am considering having Sunday be a rest day. We’ll see. Thus far I’ve missed only 3 days of exercise in four and a half months.
Why every day? Habit. Plain and simple. I knew early on if I missed one day then I would miss a second day, and so on. Soon I wouldn’t be exercising at all. Now I do it because it feels good to do so. It wakes me up in the morning and starts my day off right.
B) I changed my eating habits. But I thought you said you didn’t diet? And that would be correct. From day one of this change I started eating more than my usual amount of food. I used to skip breakfast every day. No more. I experimented with a lot of different things but found that what works for me is to get up, eat a piece of whole grain toast with a bit of peanut butter on it, half a banana, and a glass of water. After 30-45 minutes I work out. After that I eat some protein (usually a bit of turkey or a boiled egg) and have some fresh fruit.
I eat a salad almost every day.
I drink water constantly.
I stopped drinking soda. I didn’t plan to, but once I started really seeing results and started being cognizant of what I was eating, it seemed silly to waste calories on something as empty as soda.
I read about what foods are good at lowering bad cholesterol and/or raising good cholesterol and made them a part of my diet: Fresh veg and fruit (especially blueberries), almonds, fish, green salad, black tea and so on.
I eat fish at least once a week. I eat chicken and turkey. I eat beef on very rare occasions.
I snack between meals so that I am not ravenous. I usually snack on nuts, apples, greek yogurt with grape nuts, low-fat popcorn, celery with peanut butter.
I have “junk” but I eat it sparingly: chips, ice cream, chocolate, steak, hamburgers. And I don’t freak out about eating this stuff when I do, because I take smaller helpings and plan for it with the rest of my eating during the day.
You know what I found out eating this way? I found out that I LOVE the taste of food, and eating smaller meals several times a day makes me really appreciate what I’m eating. It makes me savor the taste and the experience.
C) I found things to help me stay motivated.
The first thing I did when I started this full on was that I inundated myself with health information, mostly in the form of magazines in print and online form. My reading (of books) dropped way off in February and March because I went to the library and checked out back issues of Runner’s World and Men’s Health. I used to read Men’s Health all the time just because I found the magazine entertaining. I knew that if I kept reading, and sometimes re-reading, those bite-sized snippets of information on different exercises and ways to practice proper form, and advice on various ways to prepare healthy meals and what foods to eat, etc. that I would stay motivated. I took a “let’s get obsessed” approach to the start of this new chapter in my life. I signed up for all the various daily email newsletters from the Men’s Health website and would read them as they popped up through the day. They were missives of encouragement to me that helped me keep my focus all day and evening.
I went and spent $100+ on running shoes. I had never purchased expensive sneakers before, but this time I went to an actual running store and bought some very comfortable Nike running shoes. Just having good running shoes that fit my feet well motivated me to get out there and use them.
I varied my exercise routine with new things I was learning in the magazines and online so that I wouldn’t get bored with what I was doing. Every so often I put together a new video playlist at night so that I can look forward to exercising to something different the next day. Lately I’ve taken to staying caught up on shows from Geek and Sundry when I do my weight routines. Mostly Sword and Laser because my wife likes to watch The Flog and Table Top with me.
I started helping out with meal preparation. My wife decided to join in on this journey with me (she has lost 24 pounds thus far) and I knew that eating better food meant sometimes having more meal prep time and as we both work I needed to do my part to stop us both from going to a quick, and unhealthy, alternative on days we were tired. I also started grocery shopping with my wife. We make a pretty detailed menu every week (eating healthy increases food costs and so you want to make sure you are planning so there is no waste) but it is fun to go and just see what is there to decide if we want to try new things. So a bonus to all this besides us each feeling better is that we spend some good quality time together in ways we only rarely did before.
I learned how fun it is to buy new clothes. I loved buying new clothes when I was in high school. I was dating, was making money, was skinny as a rail and liked to try on and buy clothes. Over the years, and the pounds, that changed. Once I lost a significant amount of weight I was forced to buy pants (this has happened 4 times now) and with that started trying on other clothes and actually began to like what I looked like in clothes again. It makes me very glad I got my debt taken care of and my budget in order over these past few years because otherwise my newly acquired good health would be putting me in the poor house!
Warning: Prepare for embarrassment. Actually this is just a warning to me, more than anyone else. Geez!
I wish I had taken some actual “before” pictures. It never crossed my mind. I imagine because I’ve never followed through on these plans before. The best I can do is show you a few examples. This is me in August of last year playing Just Dance 3 on the Wii with my daughter’s future father-in-law, Larry.
Yes, that is my belly sticking out there in all its glory. And yes, we were doing the fanny-slapping portion of “Ring My Bell”.
I’m sorry past-Carl. And I’m sorry dear readers.
This is me and the family (Mary, Tori) from October of 2011. I look at these pictures and realize how swollen I look. My wife said I look like I am retaining water. In reality, I was retaining 40-50 or more pounds over what is considered ideal for my height. I was always so uncomfortable in my clothes, uncomfortable in my skin really.
Even back then, we cleaned up real nice!
And finally, Christmas 2011. I call this one my “drunken Gimli”. I look like I was preparing to audition as a dwarf extra for The Hobbit. I swear I did not roll out of bed Christmas morn and tuck straight into the cooking sherry. Really.
No, I mean really.
It is shocking looking at these photos. I haven’t seen any of them in 2012 before today. Others have expressed their shock at how different I look, and I certainly am not blind to the changes, but Wow, this is very shocking to me. In a good way. Tori said that I look like someone filled me up with helium. Gotta love your kid(s).
This is me today. I’m not good at posing for pictures and these look really cheesy to me, but at least they give an accurate “after” image.
Or at least “after” for the time being. Very odd picture, the angle my wife took it at makes my admittedly short legs look even shorter, lol!
My original goal was to get down to 150 pounds, although that was largely dependent on the way I looked. I didn’t know what weight I would actually be when I got down to what looked and felt good to me. Weight loss wasn’t my primary goal, lifestyle change was. Weight loss was the easiest and most apparent indication that I was making progress. Once I got down about 25 pounds though, things I never thought possible started to come to mind. Like actually putting on muscle.
I have no desire to be a muscle-bound freak. Despite the commitments to change I’ve made, I am not dedicated enough to get that way even if it was my goal. However, actually having some definition to my arms and chest is a goal I did not initially think worth hoping for but now that it is happening, slowly, I am focusing more efforts there.
I still have some very stubborn belly fat that is hanging on that I want to lose, not just because it is there and it is annoying me but belly fat is very unhealthy in males as it is can be an indicator of fat around the organs. Really don’t want that.
But I cannot complain. I’ve put in A LOT of effort over a relatively short period of time–a quarter of a year–and have seen tremendous results. The greatest result being that I feel so much better in every single way. I love that things I should have been doing all along for my health feel like habits now. It isn’t that I don’t struggle on some days wishing I could skip the exercise or go grab an unhealthy meal at McDonalds. But those times are very rare, much more rare than I would have ever expected. Instead I am happy. Very, very happy.
I didn’t do anything magical. I’m not special. I just FINALLY made a decision and stuck to it, and this very me-centric post is my way to celebrate that and hopefully be an encouragement to others at the same time. Thanks for bearing with me and thanks for allowing me to subject you to my embarrassing photos! Most importantly, thank you for being you.
________________
*the astute will notice that I’ve mentioned nothing of my cholesterol. I told myself that I would not get it checked again until I was down to my target weight of 150 pounds. Now that I’ve made it, I will schedule my blood tests and let you know the results when they come in. Hoping it will be good news.
**one thing that has inspired me very much throughout this process, this ongoing process, is Amanda’s story. Thank you Amanda for continuing to inspire me, I especially appreciate reading lately about your excitement for running and for future runs you are planning to participate in.
Congratulations Carl!! This is awesome news! I’ve got a similar story, so yours makes me very happy. My cholesterol meds caused muscle damage last year and so I was removed from them. I decided to COMMIT and eat properly, lose weight (not terribly overweight, but 15 extra lbs on my middle aged short frame was causing havoc), and exercise every.single.day. I’m happy to say that I made my doctor very, very happy today when I showed up for my appt with weight loss, looking more fit and awake, and very good BP reading. Think he was surprised to see a patient follow through. Still need to have my cholesterol checked and really hope those numbers have come down.
I wish you well, Carl and hope you get a “good grade” on your cholesterol test 🙂
I will hope for a good cholesterol result right along with you! I imagine your doctor was very surprised. I know mine was when I’d just lost 10 pounds when I saw her last. I’m actually looking forward to seeing her reaction and the nurses reaction when I weigh in next time.
Thanks for sharing your story, I’m very happy for you!
Carl, I’m so impressed with you. It’s very hard to take off weight, which I never discovered until I turned the age I am now…still beautiful in many ways, but not 20. Or, 30. Or, 40 anymore.
You didn’t look like Gimli, you silly, but it is a rather drastic change in your ‘after’ photo. I know what you mean about feeling better both physically and emotionally. I took off 15 pounds last year, and have since put them right back on; the trick is what you’ve described in this post: basically, healthy eating. Moving.
Once I kick my craving for salt and sugar, I should be okay. You, however, are inspiring.
I’m so happy that this time it “took”, as it were. It is hard, and even though my journey has been very brief thus far in comparison with others there were times when I felt I would never get anywhere and it was frustrating because I was working really hard. It is satisfying to see hard work pay off. I’m also very grateful to God, a lot of prayer time went along with the exercise and better eating as I really wanted to make a legitimate change this time.
I love that, and your Ecclesiastes verse in your post. Without Him, what are we?
So true! And this isn’t something I wanted to do on my own. It could be seen as all in vain anyway, and would be without Him.
Go Carrrrrl! You look fantastic! You looked hot in your “before” pictures too! 🙂 I think you are so amazing to try and stick to living healthier. I haven’t had weight issues (lately) but I am an emotional eater. I started eating only when I feel hunger pains and to break my nightly fast. I have lost a few pounds but now I’m not so fixated on food. Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙂
I was hot, carrying that extra weight around, lol! Thanks! The eating smaller, more evenly spaced meals has helped me a great deal with sticking to eating healthy. I’ve really only had a couple of times over these four months where I felt like I was “starving”, and that was because I had missed a healthy snack. Eating when I know it is time to eat rather than waiting until I am hungry, and filling my plate with small portions and then stopping when that is done, not waiting to feel stuffed, has been a big factor.
Wow! That is inspiring. Keep it up and congratulations.
Thanks Jeremy, I appreciate it and will keep plugging along.
Go Carl! This is so awesome! Amanda is such an inspiration, isn’t she? I’ve lost about 40 pounds in the last year and a half but have gotten stalled lately with some pain issues. However, I decided last night to stop making excuses and was in a physical therapy appointment this afternoon. It really is all about the decisions we make — the decision to start the process, the decision to make the right food choices, the decision to enjoy each change of pant size. I am so incredibly proud of you (and Mary! 24 pounds is great!) and I hope you enjoy the new, healthy you for a long time to come!
Yes, Amanda’s story is amazing. Whenever I see one of her health related posts go up on Twitter I know I’m in for something that will spark my own enthusiasm.
Congratulations on your weight loss. I’m sorry to hear about the pain issues. I’ve fought some of those along the way myself, most notably back issues. Good for you going to get some help, that ought to get you rolling again.
I’m proud of Mary too. She isn’t losing as fast as she wants to put it is very steady and probably much more normal and realistic than what I did. I’m happy for both of us that we are doing our part to invest in our present and future health.
Very happy for you too, congratulations and best wishes for a pain free future.
Well done. And good luck with the cholesterol readings!
Thanks! I feel a bit of test anxiety!
Wow, that’s really fantastic! Congratulations and I wish you many good workouts in the months to come. Keep it up!
Thanks Maria, I will definitely take that. I’m glad I’ve established an early morning routine because that way I won’t have the excuse of summer heat to throw me off course.
That’s a really inspiring story, thank you for sharing it.
Thank you Joanne, hoping to do what Amanda and others have done for me.
wow! but I am tempted from how i’ve gotten to know you to say “you haven’t changed”.:o) I could only wish I could drop weight . some meds put 20 lbs on me (not that i was thin) and i’ve been horribly uncomfortable ever since. I had a free month at a guy some time back and did an hour a day for that month… i have cholestrol too and so never eat red meat or dairy products (haven’t for over 5 yrs) but all is to no avail. I can’t afford to join the gym and since I couldn’t even loose 1 lb (and I do watch what I eat) I fear it is here to stay..got to remember I”m 68 and have scoliosis and pain in my lower back so i am more limited..i miss my mile morning walks around the pond, once the humidity is here that’s done and gone.. I would throw up way before finishing…but you sure make me wish I could loose it again! I hope it stays off for a long time to come Carl…and Mary too!!! (lucky lady!!) you certainly are an inspiration!
Well I’m still the same goofball that I’ve always been, Deslily, if that gives you any comfort. 🙂
I’m assuming you meant “free month at a gym”, but “free month at a guy” sounds much more exotic! How continental of you!
I’m certainly going to do my part to maintain where I’ve gotten. I know its going to be harder when it gets hot here as once summer really hits it can be in the 80’s with high humidity the moment the sun comes up. I’m determined to go to bed earlier and get up earlier if need be to keep up my running schedule.
I haven’t ever considered joining a gym simply because of the cost. I figured I wouldn’t consider it until I established a routine of working out regularly in my own home (or in the neighborhood) and now that I’ve done that it is hard to think of spending the money. Maybe I’ll feel differently when winter rolls around and trail running is a less than thrilling prospect.
the older i get the more i twist letters while typing… i wonder if thats a fruedian slip??? hmmm.
even at 5 am the humidity here is so bad that our weatherman has even called it, “going outside to wear the weather”
the trick to any exercise is to make it “habit”. once you’ve done that..you’ve got it made.
I really hope it’s helped the cholestrol problem. I had to go off the statins as it was causing muscular problems (huge let and feet cramps) so now i live with high bad cholestrol..the diet doesn’t do a thing and I am nothing short of religious about no red meat and dairy products. (I should cluck or gobble and lay eggs by now!) lol ah well, it is what it is…
freudian.. did it again! gah!
I’ll have to ask my parents about this over-the-counter supplement their doctor recommended they take in addition to their cholesterol medicine. It has helped knock it down some.
I do hate that wet, sticky humidity. It is like a physical manifestation of the word “misery”.
if you mean Red Yeast Rice it also has a statin in it and can cause the same muscular problems.. I have begun taking fish oil which is “supposed” to help ..I won’t know until August when they do the cholestrol test again. if it is the “same” I will no longer allow the to waste Medicares money on the test. it’s one thing to want to make sure the meds are doing what they are supposed to do but once off of them there’s no sense in wasting their money. (I hate that they charge insurance companies and medicare outrageous prices)
No, Deslily, I know it wasn’t that. I’ll let you know when I find out. It is also no fun taking medications of any kind, so if they are not working then why bother, eh?
I’m curious about the supplement recommended to your parents. If you don’t mind, please let me know when you find out and I’ll ask my doc if it is an option for me. I really want to stay off meds if possible. Seems like I take a med and it creates other problems for me.
I will do that Terri.
Sorry Pat, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your “free month at a guy” statement too :p
It was funny, wasn’t it? I was giggling quite a lot.
Wow,Carl! This is absolutely fantastic! Congrats for finally being able to make the change. Funny how that works – no “diet” no “plan” just simply doing it, making lifestyle changes without any “program”. Seems to me that most people tend to have the most overall success this way.
Now, is cycling in your future? You should give it a try – such good exercise without the wear and tear on the knees that running can do. ;). I love cycling and really need to get back to riding consistently several times a week.
Again Carl – this is fantastic. What a wonderful motivation post for many, including me in way of exercising.
Thank you, it feels really good to share this after working to get down to 150 (147). I wanted to hold off sharing about this until I felt I had actually hit a target weight and did so by established habits and not some binge/diet thing.
I actually have pulled out the bike and done a tiny bit of cycling. Now that I feel fairly comfortable with my routine what I would really like to do is to cycle on Sunday mornings, on my “off day”, on the trail where I run. It is a beautiful trail and a leisurely ride would be a great way to spend an off day.
And yes, it is less wearing on the legs/knees, but I also found that proper running form decreases A LOT of the stress of running. I went to “good form running dot com” and have followed their directions and I’ve found that I haven’t had any joint issues at all. That and prayer have done wonders, as I was having some knee issues early on just walking.
Great job. Those are amazing results for such a short amount of time.
I think not drinking pop anymore (I was sometimes drinking 2-3 cans a day) helped tremendously on top of eating food (and having an eating schedule) that fueled my metabolism and exercising. I’m in this for the long term but I did set my sites on big short term results and I’m glad I did because it has really fueled my motivation.
Carl, how wonderful! I know exactly how you feel! I made the “lifestyle change” a few years ago and surprise! After years of thinking it would be a huge undertaking for me, it was actually easy and everything was just so much better.
Keep it up, you look fantastic! (I’m sure you feel even better).
Yes, Hilcia, I do actually feel a whole lot better. And I feel better about myself. I haven’t ever been a big “low self esteem” guy, but I did notice from this process that I had become very self-conscious about the way I looked and felt and that is was affecting my personality. It is nice to feel more confident now, and although some of that confidence comes from the superficial nature of looking better I do believe most of it comes from the fact that I set a goal and stuck with it and accomplished something.
Congratulations for your changes and for sticking with it.
I knew this post was coming, Carl, from what you said to me before, but it still brought tears to my eyes. I am so amazed by what you have done. Believe me when I say you have done something far greater than I have! And it’s wonderful to see the progress pictures, because we’re about the same height (I’m 5’6 even) and my eventual goal is to get to around 145 lbs. Sometimes now, at 171ish, I feel like maybe I’m kidding myself, that I’ll actually have to lose even more weight than I originally thought, because I feel I can’t actually be that close to being healthy, so it’s good to see that you are, indeed, thin and healthy at that weight. Your story inspires me right back. 🙂
You said some great things here, things I’ve also discovered along the way. Exercise is a great habit. I, personally, cannot workout every day, and never could, even though I’ve tried. I work out like a competitive athlete, and it takes a toll on my body, so I have to take a day off periodically. However, exercise is definitely a habit now and I don’t want to give it up, not even after I get healthy. I’m not looking to be a body builder, but I want to be fit. I cannot wait until I’m cleared for running again (and discovered, just this last weekend, that if I’m running on trails the way I do, I should be wearing trail running shoes. I didn’t even know they existed. Would have been nice to know a year ago…).
Then there’s this: “I found out that I LOVE the taste of food” – this is exactly it. I posted on Facebook yesterday that breakfast tastes so much more satisfying right after a heavy workout, but it wasn’t just that I worked out. It was that I worked out and then was really, really hungry afterwards. And when you’re hungry, food just tastes all that much better. The more real foods I eat, the better food in general tastes. I have that satisfaction of a wonderful meal multiple times a day, and it’s fantastic. 🙂
I hope you get good blood tests results. Back when I was at 255 lbs, for the first time, my cholesterol started to get to a level where it was almost an issue. I got it tested again back in early March, and it’s back to normal thankfully, as well as my blood pressure, liver fatty deposits, blood sugar, and a whole host of other things. Losing weight, and especially the exercise, makes a giant difference.
I’m so proud of you!! And happy that I helped in any way. 🙂 *hugs*
Oh, I don’t know about that Amanda. I look at your situation and see that you had a much bigger goal than I did plus you were juggling being a mother of young children at the same time. My daughter is 20, so my time-consuming parenting days are far behind me. All I was really giving up to make these changes was some reading/internet time.
I’ve noticed in reading your posts and your tweets that you are doing what I probably should be doing which is working out much more intensely 3-4 days a week and resting or just doing something easy like taking a walk on my off days. I generally stay at a more medium intensity and only occasionally have done a “that really kicked my butt” workout. I certainly don’t advocate it every day, nor would most experts. I just know that if I don’t do something most days a week I could very, very easily slip right back into not doing anything at all. Now that I’ve hit my target weight, or close to it, I’m in a spot where I feel I can re-evaluate what I am doing and see what would be the best course of action.
I bought trail running shoes. I had no idea they existed either until I went to the store and the guy asked me specifically what kind of running I was planning on doing. I haven’t had any foot issues at all so I would say they work very well. Isn’t trail running great? I’m having such a good time and I haven’t even done a “real” trail run yet. But soon!
I know what you mean about food. I drive out to the trail where I run because it is about a 5 minute drive from my house. I usually take an apple with me and eat it on the way back, and each time it is like I’m tasting heaven. It is SO GOOD. And a cool glass of water feels SO refreshing after working out. I love that whole endorphin thing and the amazing feeling I have after a 3 mile run.
I’m hoping for good results as well. I have a family history of high cholesterol that I am fighting against as well.
Thanks again for the way you inspire me. I am not kidding or over-exaggerating in saying that the story you’ve shared over the last many months has been foremost in my mind as I’ve made my own changes.
Eh, I think your medium-level exercise idea is a great one. I wish I could stop working out so intensely that I end up hurting myself! I don’t seem to be able to find a good balance, not even after 2.5 years of this! It’s great that you have!
And isn’t it wonderful to have a good running area so near? My running trails are about a 5 min drive from my house too, and on nice days, when I’m just walking instead of running, I actually like to walk to them, then around, then back (about 5.25 miles total). I love having an area like that! 🙂 I will definitely be investing in trail running shoes the moment I”m cleared to run again!
It is really great to have an area like that. The trail follows along a man-made “river” that the Army Corps of Engineers worked on years ago, so the adjoining area is a “park”. There are some cool railroad bridges, lots of great wooded areas, interesting twists and turns. And the trail is very nicely packed and smooth and wide enough for running and biking. I often see deer, wild turkeys, rabbits and a variety of birds when I’m out running. It is also very quiet and peaceful. I much prefer to drive over there and run than run in my neighborhood. I like walking there as well.
How wonderful! I see deer and rabbits and (eek) snakes in our area, though thankfully not snakes too often. Once, I came across a huge six-footer while walking – that was a bit scary! But he just crossed the road and I waited until he was far enough away… 😀
Yikes!
I forgot, Mary and I saw a big black snake on this trail one night, and a few really large spiders. Not Shelob large, but intimidating nonetheless. I also see worms and snails on my runs. I try not to think about how many of these I am squishing as I try to keep my head up and eyes looking down the trail.
You’ve been a huge inspiration to me too Amanda!! Between this post and all of yours, maybe I can finally turn my health around too 🙂
Go for it Chris! We will be your cheerleaders!
Carl! Ok, so I’m just now getting to know you but I LOVED this post and reading about your journey. Your words are incredibly inspirational and I love how this has become a way of life (as it should). We all slip into bad habits which sometimes seems crazy when you consider how great the good habits feel (and taste). I think your post has given me the kick in the pants that I needed to start getting up earlier in the morning to get my workouts in. I generally try to work out at lunch or in the evenings but most days that doesn’t end up happening. Congratulations–you look fantastic.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. It seems to be easier for me to compartmentalize things. Mary and I spent a long time getting our financial lives in order and that is working well know…more habits created…and now we are doing the same thing with our health. I’m hoping to build on this method with other areas where I need to get healthy, for lack of a better way to describe it.
Carl– First, congrats. I understand fully that “switch” that has to be flipped inside of you. I did the same thing 58 days ago. I am amazed at the results already.
We are the same height, but I started out much heavier than you– at 317 pounds. I’m now 25 pounds lighter, running three days a week (like you, 2-3 miles each run), with another “long run” of 5-6 miles to help me build endurance for the half-marathon that I’ve signed up for in October.
There is no special diet, no $$$ spent on consultants or management programs. It is purely willpower, common sense, and a desire to be around when my kids all graduate and move on.
Thanks for posting this, as you provide continuing inspiration to many people, including me, as we march forward in our personal journeys. Keep it up, stay focused on the life-long plan, and God bless.
Rus
p.s.: I have been chronicling my journey in a blog (linked here). Check it out when you can…
Okay, so the moment I saw you in the comment Rus I felt GUILTY. It has been FOREVER since I’ve chatted with you and I’m so sorry about that.
Congrats on starting this journey and on the progress you’ve made. I lost about the same amount of weight in the same amount of time. It is great to see some fairly quick results, isn’t it?
I’m wanting to be a 5K runner. I have a work friend pushing me to do a half-marathon but I don’t see that happening. I may try a 10K some day but really I would just like to run a timed 5K once a month. I do want to work up to the point though were I am running about 5 miles 1-2 times per week as I think that is doable. I’m not huffing at wheezing at the end of 3 miles like I was at the beginning only running one mile (or less). Progress is good!
I’m glad you mentioned “common sense”. That is what I mean by the “Dave Ramsey” method. His financial stuff is common sense and that is what I wanted to bring to this health regime.
I am definitely going to come over and check out your blog about the journey you are on. Congratulations!
Carl, I read this after following a link Amanda posted, and I am SO glad I did. You are very inspiring! You put in a lot of hard work and focused your efforts, and your results clearly reflect that. I’m personally struggling with finding motivation, and your story helped me to realize that I don’t have to wait for a big moment of inspiration to strike; I just have to wake up each day and put one foot in front of the other and form some healthier habits. Thanks for sharing your story!
Amanda was a real sweetie to post this on her Facebook and Twitter. Glad you came over as well.
Motivation has ALWAYS been my downfall, especially because I’ve spent so much of my life either consciously or unconsciously waiting for the “muse” in whatever area of my life needed change. It has been nice making at least some progress in overcoming this foible in myself that meant I had to “feel” like doing something to do it. Not sure if you have had that same problem, but it has been the story of my life. That is why I have went out of my way this time to make things motivational for myself this time, why I purposefully look for ways to change things up and look for stories that I can draw inspiration from. I hope you’ll come back and share with me your victory too!
Wow, Carl. That is wonderful. Seriously. This post may be what I need to get out of my flirting stage with getting healthy and just actually doing it. Very encouraging and motivating.
Congratulations, and keep it up!
Thank you my friend, I really appreciate it. I’ve done a lot of flirting with change (good word) over the years so I know exactly what you mean.
I started this morning, Carl. Well, actually I started the day you posted this. I went to the library and checked out a book and scoured the web for articles and planned. Then, today, I began. Henceforth I’m (coincidentally) a 5:30am guy who’s taking up running.
Even after two days of planning and one day into the running I feel much better. Thank you very much for finally giving me the kick upside the head I needed. Your story has been very inspiring and motivating. Keep it up, friend.
(Oh, and I finally put that book in the mail yesterday. Sorry about the tardiness.)
Awesome, welcome to the club! I highly recommend checking out the Good Form Running website:
http://www.goodformrunning.com/
It was very beneficial to me and since I started paying attention to my form I haven’t had any knee problems or other issues and I feel really good when I run.
I am thinking of putting together a once or twice a month email list of people who’ve commented here who are either doing posts of their progress or who would just like to share what is going on with a small group, kind of a way for us to encourage one another. Would you like to be included on that?
Yes, I’d love to be in on the email list. Accountability is vital in this kind of stuff, and the more people I’m (and others) are accountable to, the better off. What a great idea!
I will definitely include you. I got so inspired by reading some of what others are doing that I decided I needed to find a way to keep up with this.
Awesome work Carl! Looking great. It’s inspiring as I start down a similar path.
Great, Reed! I hope you’ll remember to share your progress with me. Drop me an email or send me a post link if you post about it. I’d love to be able to be an encouragement to you.
Way to go, great work! Your motivation and success are inspiring. I, too, have lost 43 pounds since getting serious about losing weight and getting healthy. Only difference: I started in April 2011. Oh, and I also got pregnant and had a baby in that time. I’m still waiting to get the go-ahead from the doc to start exercising again.
Hey, we are both part of the 43 club!!!! Woo-hoo! 🙂 Congratulations!!!
Well, so you did everything the hard way, getting pregnant and going through all that involves! Kudos to you! I hope you get the go-ahead soon and wish you well on your ongoing journey.
And congratulations on your baby too!
Wow, Carl! That is some serious change!! I can’t believe the change from December to today. Your blog post was really inspiring, how small changes can add up. I, too, hate the word “diet.” I like to think of it as making healthier food choices.
I’ve been slacking off lately in the exercise department, and I really need to remind myself to do it first before the day gets so busy that it gets forgotten.
Congrats on your achievement, and I hope those cholesterol tests come back with great results!
Me either, Darlene. It is visually shocking to see those pictures compared to the ones my wife took of me yesterday.
I too hate the word “diet”. I hate any method of changing eating habits that is only meant to be short term as so often the result is only a temporary change. Mary and I wanted to build an eating lifestyle that could be just that, a “lifestyle”. And it has been wonderful. I’m loving the things we make, also loving eating lots of fruit and veggies.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Fantastic story! Congratulations on your great effort and stunning results.
Thank you so much, Deb. 🙂
Carl this is wonderful. I knew you mentioned in the past that you were exercising more and eating healthier but I had no idea what a journey you were on. You look great! And I hope the blood test results come back with good news. Keep up the good work…you are an inspiration!
Thank you, TBM. I didn’t broadcast much about it and that was on purpose. I’ve done the “talking” thing way too much and hadn’t done the “follow through”. I decided that this time I was going to do the follow through first and then talk about it after it became a life change. It was fun to finally reach the point where it felt right to post about this.
I am proud of you, honey!
Thanks sweetie, I’m proud of you right back and appreciate your support and partnership in this adventure.
First off. Congratulations. An amazing achievement. Secondly, your line “I knew early on if I missed one day then I would miss a second day, and so on.” has really hit a chord with me. Like you, I’ve started twice on a similar path and stopped twice. I was thinking of hitting the pool again in the morning, Now I know I have to – so thanks for the kick in the butt, and once again, congrats on what you have done. I hope you are very proud of your accomplishments.
Butt-kicking free of charge, right here! 🙂 You are welcome, I hope you’ll stick with it and update me on your progress too.
Carl, I am so impressed!
I need to get busy and do this as well. I need to loose 25 pounds and up until seeing your amazing improvement it seemed like an impossible thing to accomplish.
I sure do feel guilty about that doughnut I had for breakfast now.
Only feel guilty if it was day old! 🙂
I thought this was pretty impossible too, given my track record on making an effort in this area. I’m pleased that was not the case this time. I’d be more than happy to give you a nudge now and then (or kick your butt as Stuart mentioned) if you decide to make some changes.
I’m feeling quite motivated to jump in line behind you.
I could get up at 5am…..er…..
No, you need to be in front of me so that I can do the kicking!
Maybe your foot will remove some of the excess?
Now you’re thinking. Plus I’d get the exercise bonus for the leg work. I like it!
This was such an inspiring story – so a HUGE thank you for sharing!!! Esecially the part about exercising every day because you knew if you missed one day it would lead to a 2nd etc. That’s probably what I struggle with the most – and have accepted that I need to do something everyday whether or not the experts say rest etc. If I miss 1 day it’s so hard to get back into it. So thanks again 🙂
I mean, every day does seem excessive, and would be if I was killing myself every day, but I do a moderate intensity workout most days and so if I take a “rest” day and do something lighter like play Kinect or take a walk then at least I am still in that habit of set aside time every morning for exercise.
thank you!
Great post Carl – congratulations on all you have achieved! You look wonderful and even more importantly you FEEL wonderful – this is such a happy post! I’m working on what I hope to be a 20 pound loss (like you, I won’t know if more is necessary until I lose the first 20)and it is ultimately about moving your body and putting the right foods in it – and for me at least, learning portions. Great job – good luck with the cholesterol test!
Yes I do feel wonderful, Courtney, thank you! It is exactly about moving your body and eating the right foods, you are so right. And learning portions is a big part of that. I eat much smaller meals than I used to and that has been a big help. Funny too how I can eat smaller portions and not feel hungry and I used to eat so much more at each meal, way more than I needed or even wanted had I taken the time to listen to my body.
What a fantastic story: it’s a thrill to read it. And how wonderful that you have been inspired by Amanda’s story, and to think that someone will be reading your story and find the same inspiration in it, and, some time from now, will be sharing their tale. What you’ve had to say about habit, self-knowledge, long-term planning, routine: it all resonates powerfully. Congratulations on all the changes that you’ve made and are continuing to make!
Yes, Amanda’s story is pretty fantastic. And like mine, hers is still unfolding so it is great to know that more inspiration and encouragement is in the future. I certainly hope what I did inspires others as I am very much a regular Joe who just made some decisions and I want people to realize they can do the same thing.
Wow. That is really incredible and incredibly motivating to see. Congratulations!
Thank you, I really do appreciate it1 🙂
I have appreciated your blog for a while now. I enjoy the reviews and stories. But this one tops them all! What a great story, Carl. First, I relate to the Biblical reference. Ecclesiastes is one of my favorites books. And your story of recognition, change and redemption is inspiring. You should be proud because YOU did the work. Now it is up to you to live the lifestyle you have set out upon.
I too had similar issues. 60 pounds overweight, smoker, drinker, health issues. I made a similar admission and made a similar change. Exercise, diet (what I eat) and general lifestyle changes have changed my physical appearance, but more so my mental, emotional and spiritual health. That was over 15 years ago.
Today I am a competitive triathlete. I gained selection to the USA Nationals Team and have represented the USA in the World Championships. I am a better husband, better father and better worker.
You are an inspiration to many. Keep up the good work. Keep up the fantastic blog!!!
Thanks so much Tony! I tend to go through periods where I don’t blog much about personal stuff outside of reviews and need to do things like this more often.
Wow, what a story you have! Congratulations on your accomplishments on the national teams, that is so cool! Even better to hear that changes you made have been so long-lasting. My true test is before me, this has just been a warm-up. I want to be able to look back 15 years from now and still be in great shape, still be running and doing fun health-related activities.
I can see how this changed your mental and spiritual outlook, it has certainly made a big impact on my own as well.
Now let’s read!!!!
Always a welcome suggestion.
That’s awesome! Congratulations.
Thank you Dan!
Wonderful! I’m very happy for you!
Thank you Stacey!
Carl,I am so darn proud of you!! You look wonderful and know you feel good also. Thank you for motivating me -as of this morning I have lost 15 pounds,my blood pressure is fine now and my Dex scan showed much improvement in my Osteopina(precursor to Osteoporosis.
That is great, mom! Congratulations to you. It definitely does feel better to have that weight off and also feels better having more energy from being healthier and having good food in my system.
well done, Carl!!! Isn’t it funny about flipping the switch and not knowing what causes it? I finally flipped mine on March 26th and I’m down 15 pounds. And like you, I’m not dieting, but have changed my eating habits. Two boiled eggs for breakfast, a salad for lunch and 3 ounces of protein for dinner with veggies and sometimes a starch. Occasionally some ice cream. Chips & bread are triggers for me, so I mostly stay away. But if I’m visiting someone and those things are on the menu, I’ll have some. I don’t swear off anything, I just eat in moderation 🙂 You’re looking great! Congrats 🙂
Thanks Janet, I’m glad your switch flipped (try saying that fast three times) too and congrats on your progress!
I don’t swear off anything either. We ate at someone’s house the other night and they grilled burgers. I ate mine loaded with veggies and stayed away from all the chips and pop and dessert, mostly because I didn’t really crave those things anyway. I ended up having a second slice of burger with tomato on it and that was perfect, and so much more enjoyable than the calories from pop or chips would have been.
This makes me so happy for you!! You look absolutely fantastic and I bet you feel that way too. What a great investment in yourself, your family and friends — a healthier you is definitely a happier you. Way to go! Those new habits will keep you on the right track. Yay!!
It has been a good investment, Daphne, and worth keeping up on. Thank you! 🙂
related: When my dad, a former pro athlete, was about 45, he was about 6 ft and 240 pounds. Very chubby. He decided to do something about it — started eating his famous training diet (mostly venison and salad), lost 50 pounds, started pole-vaulting again (yes, at age 45) and is now 65 and continuing to make world records for his age class. He is currently the #2 vaulter for the 65-70 age bracket (yes, people continue to pole-vault into their 70s!) — he made 12 feet last year! He’s amazing and so inspiring. I think he currently weighs around 165 or 170 and is beyond healthy.
That is so cool! I’d be terrified to pole vault! He is indeed very inspiring, thank you for sharing that. Wow!!!
Wowza! Congrats on the transformation! I’m hoping to get shot of my beer gut, but it’s one hell of a slow process. I think I need a stricter way of doing things – I like what you did. I’ll take more than a few tips from you 🙂
Thanks Jamie, and best wishes to you. I know I had to buckle down in order for it to make a difference. Seems to be a pretty common message though, so not surprising. What has been surprising is that once I got over the urges to give up every day and just sleep in, it hasn’t really been difficult at all to keep up with this.
The scripture you used has been in my face many times within the month, hmmmm.
Now to say Congratulations Carl, that is amazing news and just confirms when you are ready it gets done, starting is always the hardest to do.
Very proud of you and not talking about the cholesterol was refreshing, that means you see the BIGGER PICTURE and I don’t mean the you bigger 🙂
Well done
That is interesting, Marce. It is so very true…
Thanks for the congratulations, it does feel very nice to have come this far in a relatively short amount of time. Starting is very hard to do, you are correct. I need to remember that when I find myself shying away from things I know are going to be real work.
Carl, what a brilliant piece and really quite inspirational. It makes me feel really good for you and really bad for me 🙁 Only because I’ve been in one of those downward spirally type things. But, I’ve read your piece and I’m going to pick myself up and get back on to the good intentions again.
So, thanks for that and I hope you get good news from your doctor soon.
Lynn 😀
I’m sorry Lynn, certainly don’t want to make you feel bad. I hope the downward spiral is ending and that you’ll be shooting up and up and up really soon.
Oh no! Don’t you be sorry. Your piece has made me have a serious think – I’ve been such a lazy little mare for quite a while now – last year both Paul and I were really active. Went on long walks every weekend, took part in the 10k Bupa run and also took part in a charity walk called The Shine (for cancer research) – which basically involves walking 26 miles for charity, pretty exhausting but good at the same time. I think the fact that we’d signed up for these two things inspired us to get into shape and lead a more healthy lifestyle and like you mentioned, we were spending more time together which was really nice, we also found that we spent less money each month because out time was taken up with all sorts of free activities (such as walking). But this year, and partly due to overdoing it and getting sprains (me) and other injuries (Paul) we’ve had to give it a rest and it’s surprising how easily we’ve slipped out of it. Like you say, I think you have to do something each day (even if it’s only mild exercise on a couple of days) because once you take a break it’s surprising how quickly it can become a proper vacation 😀
Anyway, I loved this piece and it’s made me want to pick up again – maybe a bit gently at first – and try and get fit. So, thanks for that.
I’ll keep my eye out for your cholesterol results – I’m certain you must have made a big impact – exercise is one of the best things (I think?) Could be getting my facts mixed up though.
Lynn 😀
Yes, a gentle start and slowly working up is the way to go (says the guy who was really pushing at the beginning! LOL). I’m wanting to do some charity runs/walks like that too as I think those things will not only be great motivators but will also help me keep my focus where it needs to be, which is not on myself but upon helping others. It is easy to get too wrapped up in oneself when tackling health/fitness issues and while I want to keep my eye on the goal, I don’t want my life to be orbiting around the planet “me”. 🙂
I hope you and Paul can get right back into it, stay injury free this time, and have a wonderful time doing it together.
You and I have a very similar approach to this journey. You have done fantastic! Keep up the hard work!
So glad you came by Tim, it was great to go read your blog and see how similar our current places are with our running. I’ve subscribed as I hope we can be an encouragement to one another.
congrats! I am glad you are a happier and healthier self.. and I hope this continues (*and that good results on your cholesterol test will be another happy reward for your hard work).
Now am I just going to have to take a long bike ride–tomorrow. 🙂
Thank you L, I’m hoping it continues as well. If it doesn’t it will be my fault only and I know I have plenty of family and friends who are not to shy to give me the ol’ “hey, you are putting on weight” jabs if they see me slacking off.
I’m hoping to take a bike ride on Sunday, its been too long.
Congrats, and great work! Such an inspiring story… brb, just going to run around the block!
Ha, have a good time! And thank you so much.
Very impressive Carl. I really need to lose weight because of my bad back. And I’ve been trying for years. My body just wants to weigh 238 pounds. It wants to weigh more if I eat junk food. But if I don’t each junk food, exercise and eat pretty healthy it will stay around 235-238. I had to give up running years ago, and then I had to give up walking for exercise about three eyes ago.
But you inspire me to try harder. I’d consider it a miracle if I could just get below 200. I’ve very glad you wrote this.
Hey Jim, you were the lucky 100th comment. Too bad there is no prize other than bragging rights!
I’m sorry that things have happened that inhibit your ability to exercise, or at least exercise the way you want to. I hope there is something you can find to do to improve your health as I know from following you over the years this is something that is on your mind.
After I posted that reply I joined http://loseit.com and got the app for my iPod touch. It’s a food and exercise journal. I’m hoping by chronicling everything I eat and do it will help me stay focused on the goal. It’s a very slick program. I can even scan the bar codes of foods to enter data.
That sounds cool, Jim. I haven’t graduated up to having an app phone yet but I gotta say I love the way technology can be used to help with goals like this. I’m proud of you for joining in this fight for better health. I’ll include you on an email list I am going to put together for those of us who I’ve talked to because of this post who are tracking our fitness goals in one form or another because I think we could all use companionship and encouragement on this road.
I don’t have a smart phone either. I have an iPod touch, but it’s still $200. But it does almost everything an iPhone does except make calls. No monthly bills. I carry it everywhere because it plays audio books, and when I’m in wi-fi does most computer things. It’s also a camera and video camera. Now it helps me track calories and exercise. There are Androids devices that do the same thing that aren’t phones. Think of them as 4″ tablet computers. Very handy.
We are getting new blackberry’s for work sometime soon. Not sure what kind they will be or if we’ll be allowed to run any specific programs from them. One of these days I’d like to get a Nook tablet, but am in no hurry.
Well Lose It! works fine from the web, you don’t even have to have a device. But Carl, you’ve already worked out your method and it’s a huge success so you don’t need anything.
If your eyes are fine for regular books I wouldn’t worry about an ebook reader.
Thanks Jim.
At this point the only reason I would like an ereader is that I would like to get magazines like Lightspeed and Clarkesworld and Asimov’s that way. I’d be more apt to keep up with them and I do not like reading stories on a regular computer at all.
Awesome, Carl! Very impressive! It’s amazing what those seemingly small changes add up to over time. I’m in the process of my own little transformation. My plan? Exercise more, eat less (specifically eat less junk.) Seems to be working, but I have a long way to go.
Thank you Raun. And congratulations on your transformation journey. Isn’t it great when you start seeing some progress?
Carl — you look amazing, and younger too! Congrats on making so many great lifestyle changes. Sounds like they are stickin’!
Thanks! They are stickin’, which is really nice.
Congrats!!! That is wonderful news and you’ve worked really hard to get there. I think people are always looking for an easy fix, but it’s just hard work. Good for you and thanks for sharing this to inspire others!
Thanks Melissa, it has really been worth it, not just because of the progress but also because the work has been helpful from a discipline/following through with goals standpoint.
Though we’ve been exchanging emails about this, seeing the pictures and reading all the details really brings a wallop. Like os many others, I give you my congratulations. Don’t overdo it, but it seems you’re making a good habit out of a bad one.
I love food, and got both old and lazy and it’s nearly killed me. Still could, actually. But as you know I’m working on it. I can’t do the exercising, I take meds that slow my metabolism, it all works against me, and recently I’ve had some darned rough (gain or flat) weeks (-5, +3, flat, +1, flat) but this week I finally lost again (-3) so I’m encouraged. At my advanced age, and with so much (over 150) to lose, it won’t be fast or easy. You’re smart not to have waiting too long, if I could walk more than a block at a time it would be much better for me! My wife works out at the gym 4 times a week and is doing great. Weight Watchers is a pretty good way to control intake because it’s shocking how many “points” the bad stuff has.
Keep it up, my friend, keep it up.
I’ve been wondering how your progress has been going Richard. I’m glad you are sticking with it even though you’ve been hitting some really rough patches. No worries about overdoing it here, but I appreciate the sentiment. I was really obsessive at first but have settled down into a nice reasonable lifestyle at this point.
I’m hoping that when you lose some more weight you’ll be able to increase your walking some. You’ve definitely got a hard, slow road ahead but the fact of the matter is that as long as you keep traveling that road, you will make it. I’m glad you haven’t decided that it is too late, because it all helps.
CARL!!!! I am so damn proud of you!!!!! I had no idea you were even trying to get into shape like this, but go you!! And you really do look amazing! All of your hard work shows and I know you must feel better than ever right now 🙂 Between you and Amanda, I think I’ve really gotten the inspiration I need too to start changing my habits. I’ve noticed since me and Matt got a place that I’m cooking more now and bringing my lunch. I haven’t had fast food in over a month now!! And we have a gym at our complex that’s really nice and FREE!! Have to use that. I have to say that over the years, no one’s inspired me quite like you…Between my financial situation, starting blogging, and getting on the fitness wagon, you’ve been a true inspiration from the beginning! Thanks for that and congratulations to you 🙂 This put such a huge smile on my face!!
Thanks so much Chris, that means a lot and I appreciate it. No one but folks here (in person) really had any knowledge that I was doing this because I had determined not to talk about it until I had actually done something real and tangible. Part of it was probably not wanting to jinx it but mostly it was wanting it to become a habit before it became words on a page.
I certainly would love to be a cheerleader for you going forward if you want to make some changes. Sounds like you are already on that road, which is great. And since you are doing the Dave Ramsey stuff I know that you understand even more how I’ve approached this thing. Thanks to this post I’ve met a few more people who are blogging their progress on a regular basis and I’ve been thinking about putting together an email list or something just so that we can all keep up with each other and keep encouraging each other.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Chris. I’m just trying to give back to all of the wonderful people, yourself included, who’ve made this online life so very rewarding.
Carl, you are an amazing inspiration! You look as fabulous it sounds like you feel. Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing!
I was excited to finally share this and I thank you so much for the nice words.
Congrats, Carl! Be proud — it’s a great accomplishment.
Thanks Isabella, it has been a very satisfying experience.
Congratulations! That’s awesome!
Thank you! 🙂
Amazing transformation! The “new” you looks great!
Thanks so much George, the new me feels great too.
wow! i’m impressed with your ‘stick-to-it-ivness’! Good for you, Carl!
Thanks, I’m pretty surprised by it myself. But glad!
You look fantastic Carl! Good for you for sticking to those lifestyle changes! I agree with you on the exercise and the need to do it every day especially when first starting out. I work out for an hour every night no matter what. It helps make exercise a habit and leaves no room for hemming and hawing about not “feeling” like it. Keep it up Carl! I am certain when you do have your cholesterol checked the results will be very good 🙂
Thanks so much Stefanie. It is definitely different seeing how my life has changes, especially the day-to-day structure of my life, with exercise and healthy eating habits. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who feels the need to just go ahead and do something every day to keep on track.
I’m on Lipitor, but not because I have high cholesterol (I control my cholesterol by eating steel cut oats). My last cholesterol reading was 129. My doctor thinks Lipitor (and other statins) have anti-inflammatory properties that can help avert heart-attacks and strokes.
I’m pretty sure that was one of the ones they put me on first, George. I hope your doc is right and it keeps working for you in that very manner!
Wow, yay you! I hope your cholesterol results come back in good territory.
Me too, Amanda, thank you!
First off. CONGRATS and WOW!!! Truly amazing my friend. You look incredible. If I weren’t a dude and you weren’t married… :0
I noticed at the Spectrum event how much outgoing you were. I was sooooo happy for you. In the past I always felt I had to be the ice breaker when we attend con’s but this time it was different. You were totally comfortable with others. I could tell. It was very cool. I’m sure it was a product of all this hard work you had put in your health paying off in another way.
I too need to make the changes you have made. I have made some changes here or there but no real commitment. I’m going to find a way to make some changes even with my crazy work schedule. My 12 hour shifts right now are just a killer. I know though that eating healthier would help a lot just too start with. I ordered some Men’s Health books from the library online tonight after reading this post. I’m going to find ways to change my lifestyle too so we can hang out for many, many years too come. 🙂
( Is it wrong that part of me loves the drunken Gimili picture? )
Thanks buddy, I appreciate it. I think.
I’m sure that helped a lot at Spectrum. I had much more of a “go for it” mentality. Also helped that we had such a positive pre-show interaction with John Picacio.
I’m all over wanting to help and to be encouraging, so please let me know what I can do to help out. Would love to see you get healthier too. I know we both want to be around as long as we can for our wives, our kids, and to try to get all these freakin’ books read!!!
The good parts of the ol’ drunken Gimli are still in there alive and well. 🙂
I’m sure I’ll be asking more questions in the future once I get some research done myself. I appreciate you being willing to help and always there to talk too. I really do… 🙂
You know I love helping out, especially with things I am passionate about. Anytime.
Congratulations!
Thanks Mervi!
I’m very late to the game here, but congratulations. This is great. You’re an inspiration.
Not at all cbjames, and thank you so much!
Congratulations! From Gimli to Aragorn, lol! This was an inspiring post. I’ve lost a good chunk of weight, but have been at a standstill for about six months. I’m excited that it’s pretty easy for me to maintain and not gain the weight back but I need something to kick me in the rear and lose what’s left. I’m not sure if I’ll ever like buying clothes though. This is a girl who hates shopping!
Ha, that cracks me up Shelley. More like Gimli to Gimli’s slightly slimmer brother. Since I’ve done this post I’ve dropped some more and am now down to what seems like it will be my steady weight given that I’ve weighed it for a month: 140 pounds. I didn’t actually plan to get down to that but it actually fits my body type/size better and is what I am maintaining with eating good and exercising regularly. Hopefully this post will have helped give you a little kick! 🙂
So much of this post sounded like it was coming straight out of my own head. I’ve been making changes, too, and refuse, for the same reason, to call what I’m doing a “diet.” My biggest challenge is exercise, but I have a lot of deep-seeded insecurities where exercise is concerned so that’s not a huge surprise. I’m working on it, though. My eating habits are improving, too, and I’m thrilled summer is here because of all the fantastic produce that comes along with it.
Anyway, I’m really proud of you, Carl! You rock 🙂
Oh yea, I just despise the word “diet”, because all it does is conjure up all sorts of ‘get thin quick’ schemes that are not healthy in the long run and don’t teach people how to make the true lifestyle changes they need to make. I’m glad to hear you are working on things. My encouragement regarding exercise would be to simply find something you like doing and then enjoy doing it. Exercise shouldn’t be about pressure to perform.
Carl, reading your story about your lightbulb moment reminds me a LOT of where I am now. After my daughter’s college graduation I looked at some of the pictures and was shocked at my appearance: bloated more than I ever imagined I was, dumpy and flabby. That turned the switch for me. I started exercising and eating differently at that moment. I am now eating mostly Paleo: lots of fruits, veggies, chicken, some beef and lots of fish like salmon, swai, tuna as well as supplementing with zero carb high protein shakes once or twice a day. I’ve lost 20 pounds since that day, mostly from my belly and rear. Hubby is calling me “skinny” a LOT now. I am retaining muscle mass and my resting heart rate has dropped to about 50 and my BP 110/70 (from 148/92). I feel much better, happier, sleeping better. SO glad I saw the truth in those pictures :)Look forward to following your journey as well.
Hey, congratulations!!! Yes, pictures can be quite the motivator, especially when we are disappointed with the way we look in them. Whatever lights the fire is a good thing, in my opinion, because in the end the maintaining of the habits will grow out of small successes and it will eventually become less about “look” and more about how good it makes us “feel”. I’m proud of you, that is awesome.
By the way, I’m planning on volunteering for the Mud and Muck event. I was going to run it but I’m doing training for the Pilgrim Pacer and doing the run, plus the money, just wasn’t going to work out. Hope to see you at one of these events again soon.