Off To The Races

I finished my first triathlon today!  I’ll give a full race recap here on my blog later this week.  First, however, I feel I need to tell a story.

Almost 2 years ago I started on this crazy adventure to lose weight and take back control of my fitness.  Honestly, at the time, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stick with my goal.  I had started to get healthy at least 5 times previous and each time I found an excuse and a way to allow myself to quit.  I was sad, depressed, ashamed and generally miserable in my life.  The one thing, or more appropriately, the one person who made this new attempt at fitness a success was my, soon to become best friend, Jen!  I knew I’d never be able to stick with a training plan by myself; I’d failed too many times before.  I decided the buddy system was where I’d find my success.  Jen took a chance on me by becoming my training partner and we were off to the races (though I don’t think either one of us knew just how literal that last statement would become.)

Fast forward almost two years later and I’ve finished a 5K race, a 10K race, a half-marathon and now a triathlon!  I’ve lost about 60lbs from the time I started this journey.  Most importantly I’m healthier.  I eat healthier, I live healthier and I feel healthier.  No one can understand how good you can feel just by deciding to be healthy. 

While I could go on about myself (I’ve become my own favorite subject again – for better or worse. Jen just gave herself a headache with the force of the face palm she just instinctively maneuvered reading this sentence) I do have a point and I don’t want to just brag about my accomplishments.  The point is anyone can make this decision and do exactly what I’ve accomplished!  I’m honestly no super hero, I’m nothing more than a dude who got fed up being fat, got fed up with feeling like shit and I decided to do something to change.  Still to this day I struggle (trust me, Jen could tell you stories) but even when I struggle, even when I have a nuclear mental meltdown causing me to fall flat on my face on Tuesday, I drag myself to my feet on Wednesday, brush off the dust and get in the pool, on the bike or lace up my running shoes.  Don’t be fooled, this is NOT easy.  But you can do it!  Anyone can do it!  You would be amazed by what you can accomplish if you just make up your mind to start.  Don’t just start, commit to yourself, stick to a plan and be honest with your effort.  At first it will seem impossible but as the momentum builds the whole process will get easier.  Trust the process, give your all and if you fall stand back up. 

I truly want everyone and anyone who reads this to know you can do anything you put your mind too.  There is no secret.  There is no pill, no potion and no easy formula for success but you can do it.  You will be amazed with what you can do if you start, stop making excuses and commit to something today.  In two years you will be amazed with how far you’ve gone.  If you need proof, just look at me!  If I can do what I’ve done you can do anything!!!  Go. Do something!  Trust me!!! Stop making excuses and do something amazing, you will be happy like you never thought possible when you start achieving success!  If you need help, find a buddy and do it together.  You’re amazing, you’re awesome and you’re full of potential, you just need to start today!