Let's look at some of the things that came to pass in the first year of The Drive to 195. The most obvious point is that the year one helped me shed 91 lbs. of that 168.4. Honestly, I thought I might be a little further along at this point and probably would if I had been more vigilant over the holidays. That being said, I am perfectly happy with my slow progress. Slow means lasting in my book. I strive for a forever weight loss, not just hitting a number.
In the last year, I have dropped about 9-10 inches around my waist, my shirts have gone from 4X or 5X down to 2x or 3X. I can now buy off the rack at stores like Walmart or Target. That's a big deal to someone that knows he will be growing....errrrr....shrinking out them in short order. Here is an odd factoid. The behind-the-head earmuffs which I wore last year didn't fit all that well. I assumed they were not well made. They were just too small for my head. This year they fit just fine. I guess I must have looked like the Kool-Aid guy before all of this. I have even slimmed down my noggin. Who knew?
I have discovered an affinity, and perhaps a talent, for writing. I will leave the ultimate judgment of my literary prowess to my readers, but in my humble opinion, I can provide an enjoyable and informative experience for the reader. With any luck, this will all culminate in a book of insight, advice, and recipes to be released in the 2014 Christmas time frame.
I can now walk about 3 miles without the need for a break and with little or no back pain. That was previously an impossibility. I can drive my car without the steering wheel rubbing my stomach. The same holds true for golf carts, which ruined a number of expensive shirts in the past, leaving black streaks where the cart made a wish on my Buddha belly. Restaurant booths are no longer an issue and I slide into spots that even I have to look twice at and wonder if embarrassment is looming. There is a great amount of pride in answering the question "Table or booth?" with a resounding "Booth, please!"
This past year I was able to fly without aid of a seat belt extension for the first time in my memory. If you want some insight into the life of a fat traveler and a good chuckle, read How Did I Get Here: Part 13. Even something like getting from one gate to another or walking down the aisle of a jet without having my ass greet those already seated ahead of me has given me back mass amounts of self-esteem.
As for the blog, I usually post milestone tidbits about the statistics. I probably find them more interesting than most, but just in case, here 'ya go. In 365 days, I posted 266 times. Those posts were viewed 14,638 times by readers in over a dozen countries. While "My Wife Tried to Kill Me On Oct 10, 2008" is still the most read post, my food blog from July 19th of 2012 has taken over the number two spot. I guess people want to know why soda is so bad for them.
What does 2013 hold in store for me and those who follow my journey? Here is what I expect. There will be at least 77.4 more pounds shed. Some of that will likely be in the form of very radical plastic surgery. I am guessing about 20-25 lbs. worth. I have a great deal of extra skin that will need to be removed so I can lead a more normal life. While I dread the prospect of undergoing the knife, I am thrilled to think of what is on the other side. Let me rephrase that. I don't plan on crossing over to the other side. Well, you get the idea.
Last night while having dinner with two lovelies, my wife and my sister from another mister, Alex, I committed to my first 5K event to be held on June 22nd of this year. So I guess that means that I am in training for my first 5K, but not any normal 5K. Foam Fest more resembles a cross of a 5K event, a Tough Mudder, and the TV show Wipeout! To learn more of what is in store for me on this 3.1-mile obstacle course, go to www.5kfoamfest.com.
This year I plan to walk 18 holes of golf, get into XL shirts and knock off quite a number of other events on my Dream Bigger list. I plan to keep tinkering in the kitchen to bring good tasting, healthy fare to your kitchen and mine. Perhaps I'll even grow more of my own vegetables in a garden trough on the patio.
This blog has been the catalyst for rekindling many old friendships and starting quite a few new ones. As always, I thank you all. You are the most important part of why this process has worked and my successes are yours as well. Stay with me, folks. This ride is only going to get more exciting in the upcoming months.
Cya next time,
M
What I ate today and how I exercised:
Breakfast ~ 1 grapefruit and 2 pieces of multi-grain toast with Earth Balance spread.
Lunch ~ Grilled chicken with roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic on a roll.
Afternoon ~ One banana
Dinner ~ I wanted something comforting and hot on a cold night, so I made a simple stew of 98% lean pork, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, pearl onions and celery. I enjoyed it.
Exercise ~ None. I better get my ass in gear if I want to do that 5K.
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