While there's something a little pathetic and cliche to living your life by movie quotes, it's something I do think about from time to time.
So yesterday, when I logged my 80th pound lost, I remained more determined than ever to finish the job. Old John would have been trying to figure out the best meal to consume to properly celebrate another milestone. New John knew he was going to walk his ass off. And that's exactly what I did.
I completed my first 5k last night. It wasn't an actual event. There were no electronic timers or speakers blaring music or people cheering from the sides of the road. There was just a 1/8 mile paved track covered with rocks in some spots. There was my supportive wife, a determined friend, and a loving son that seemed to issue a high-five at just the right moments. By the end of the night, I had walked 3.2 miles.
Food has ruled my life since I was a child. As an adolescent I would constantly think about the next meal while consuming the one in front of me. I would look forward to major events just because of the food associated with them. Thanksgiving and Christmas meant a plate full of mom's dressing and a huge slice of her wonderful chocolate pie. July meant a family reunion with all the homemade food you could ever ask for. Birthdays were always celebrated with burgers, wings, steaks, or barbecue.
These days, exercise rules my life. Food isn't necessarily an afterthought, but I now consider it not much more than fuel. I find myself eagerly watching the weather report to determine whether I need to plan around rain. And although I creak and crack when I awake in the mornings, I anticipate the night's walk each day.
I love my new life.
I love being able to put my socks on without struggling.
I love how the seat belt is easier to fasten.
I love putting on a smaller shirt and knowing I look better.
I love drilling new notches in my belt.
I love throwing away baggy shirts, knowing I'll never wear them again.
I love sharing entrees with my wife.
I love people noticing.
I love the pride associated with making the right choices.
I love the high I get from knowing I exhausted the tank on the track.
I love Nike.
I love how I feel guilty when I stray off the path.
I love a loose ring.
I love seeing others making better choices.
I love ordering from the children's menu.
I love being nicer to people.
I love being able to play more with my kids.
I love not hurting.
I love not being satisfied and always looking for a new number.
I love my new life.
There has been so much support expressed from friends and family. I've heard from so many college, high school and middle school classmates that I'd lost touch with. It's always a pleasant surprise to hear from old friends. My family has been so supportive. My mom and dad have been my rock. They have been so awesome about celebrating my feats and sympathetically listening to my trials. My dad has become my walking buddy, and I look forward to our time on the track every night.
And of course, there is my wife. The one person in the world who was on standby to wipe my butt after the surgery. Fortunate enough for both of us, her services were never needed. But she has been by my side for every step. Literally. I've walked over 60 miles since I started and she has taken every step with me. She's shopped endlessly for ridiculous grocery store requests, and has prepared meals while balancing her job and grad school responsibilities. To say I couldn't have done this without her is an incredible understatement.
I've lost 80 pounds since April 26, 2011. But it's not even half of the weight I hope to lose. And that is what drives me every day to eat the right things, push my physical limits on the track, and maintain the focus needed to excel.
"Never stop fighting until the fight is done. Here endeth the lesson."
Weight this morning: 361.8 (-80lbs)
Regards,
The Vanishing Taylor
ps: I'll have so new photos up this weekend.
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