I'm Fat

I’ve finally decided to really put some effort into getting back into shape. I’ve been living with the delusion that I could lose weight anytime I want to… "It’s EASY” is what I’ve told myself. Fifteen years and about 80 pounds ago it was easy. I ran 5 miles a day and lifted weights. I actually had people tell me that I was too skinny (gotta love Grandma). But then life seemed to happen. I got a real job and got married. My weight gain is probably Vicki’s fault, because I didn’t really start gaining weight until after we got married. (Insert laugh here)

It’s really more that my priorities changed. My job was new and exciting and I worked a lot trying to build a career. I preferred to spend my free time with Vicki rather than working out. Then the kids came and any thought of free time ceased to exist. Later, I went back to school and filled my leisure time with studying.

All along the way, I tried to lose weight or get back into shape, and each time I started, it ended up in failure. I liked to exercise, but it just didn't fit into my schedule.

BUT NOT THIS TIME!

It’s been gnawing at me for awhile now. I want to be healthier. I want to be able to spend a day working around my ranch without being sore for 3 days afterwards. I want to be able to take the kids hiking and fishing and play sports without them worrying if I feel alright. I want to see my kids graduate, and get married, and have kids. I want to play with my grandchildren. The scary thing is that if I keep going the way I am, I might not be able to do any of those things.

So I’m making a change. Do I have the time? Of course not. But I’m kind of looking at it like folding clothes or cleaning the house…there are certainly other things I’d rather be doing, but it's just one of the responsibilities of life.

So I got personal trainer!! Actually Genentech had a Health fair a couple of weeks ago and Millenium Sports Club was offering 5 free sessions with a personal trainer. I really wasn’t interested, but they were also giving out baseball caps, and I really wanted one of the caps. What a dilemma! So I signed up for the training sessions and took off with my cap, fully intending to blow them off when they called to schedule the training sessions. But something convicted me that I needed to do this, so I did. I had my second meeting with the trainer today.

My trainer is an ex-Marine named Nate, and after my first workout today, I’m mulling over calling him Drill Sergeant. I’ve got a few other choice names that may come into play depending how things go over the next couple of weeks. He worked me hard this morning, and I, being the macho guy I am didn’t ask for breaks, or water. After 55 minutes of strength conditioning with only five minutes to go, I had to pause and say, “I’m feeling a little light headed”. I wasn’t worried about fainting (I’m not a girl), but thought it prudent to sit down. After sitting down for about 10 seconds or so, I looked at Nate, and said, “I think I’m going to throw up”, and proceeded to head to the bathroom and dry heave for the remaining five minutes of my workout. I worked out so hard, I barfed! How cool is that?!! Lessons learned: 1.)when the trainer asks if you need a break…say yes. 2.)drink water 3.) eat a little something in the morning before working out.

I’m going to stick with it this time. I can’t really afford to keep the trainer much past the end of the year, but I figure he’ll get me started on the right track and then it will be up to me keep up the work. I pray that I will be writing a blog this time next year saying that I’ve stuck with this lifestyle change. Do I hope to have rippling pectorals and a washboard stomach? Of course! But realistically, I just hope to be healthier and taking better care of this temple that I have been entrusted with.