I think I am going to deviate a bit from my usual topics of writing and talk about exercise. I have to say I have a few people who have got me thinking about my own health and exercise. A post by Michael McDuffee (here) got me thinking about my own health issues, weight issues, and how to change it.
Watching my kids play their first season of soccer these past few months reminds of the time when I used to be in shape. For those that don’t know, soccer is played in two 45 minute halves. I used to play a game and referee three or four in a day. That is a lot of running. Of course, now I would be lucky to run to my fridge and back without getting winded.
Of course, that didn’t last. It didn’t last for two reasons: Diet and Exercise. I kept eating fast food. I love that crap and I keep eating it. It was fine as a young man because I exercised more than enough for the calories I was taking in. But, when I got out of High School, I stopped Soccer. So, I also stopped exercise. I had a job where I spent my days walking. But I slowly was promoted to a job that required I spend more time behind a desk.
Fast forward to June 2009, I was 275 pounds and gaining. I was also getting sick to my stomach all the time, to the point of being to sick to work. It was a job I loved so I didn’t like missing the work. But also, I hated getting sick. The Doctors still have no answer for it, other than my weight. And while it is now a manageable issue, I still have this issue.
My response in 2009 was to cut out a lot of things from my diet. I gave up fast food. I stopped drinking Coke (my favorite, and I still miss it now). I was drinking almost exclusively water. I also participated in yearly walk for education. And it was working. Within around six months I was down to 255 pounds, and a few months after that I was down to 245. It was great.
Well, that was June 2010. For some reason, I tried to eat fast food again. Big mistake, because it didn’t make me sick. So guess what I started eating. Well here we are now, December 2011, and I am 272 (as of this morning). And, guess what is getting worse. My health. Like back in 2009, I am feeling yucky way more often.
I have a gym membership, but I haven’t been in nearly three months. I get very upset with my lack of motivation on this topic. I want nothing more than to lose the weight and feel healthy. But, I just can’t get my but in the gym. I just can’t seem to give up the foods I love (though I still haven’t had a Coke since June ’09). People tell me the trick is not to give it up, but to use moderation. But, I am not sure I know the meaning of that word.
I have a friend, Jeanne, who talks of going on runs and hikes. I’d love to be able to go hiking but I could never keep up with most of my hiking friends (including Jeanne) because they are at another level. The running life style is something that always has intrigued me. I’d love to be a part of it. But for some reason I lack to the motivation.
I have always preferred exercise with friends. I like the company, and I also like the knowledge that someone else is depending on me to be there. It makes “canceling” had for me. I don’t like to miss out on anything. Another friend of mine, Allen, is a gym fanatic. But again, he is far above my level.
These are all just excuses. I know this. I just have to go to the gym. I need to eat better. I know it. After all, what am I paying for? I suppose the real purpose for this blog was to motivate me in a way I know how. Writing about it.
It is that time of year for New Years resolutions. So, my resolution is to change my diet and hit the gym. Fingers crossed that this time next month, I will have already be down the right path. I’ll update you all then!
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