Chasin' Mason

At 4:30 a.m. this morning, my alarm sounded.  Unlike most days when it is time to get up, I did not fight it. It was like the first day of school.  I had my clothes out and ready for wearing and the excitement was almost too much. I showered, dressed and kissed my wife goodbye and I was off to the Turtle Krawl 5k Run/Walk . I picked up one of my running mates and we headed to the race location, chatting about movies, music and life. When we arrived, we walked to the starting line.  It was there that I made a very embarrassing discovery. I was complaining a bit about the fact that I didn't wear gym shorts with pockets on the outside.  I was under the impression, at that point, I was going to have to run this 5k with my phone in hand.  I told my friend I was sure I chose a pair of shorts with the pockets on the outside. Indeed I did.  I had put my shorts on inside out.  This was going to be great race day. And it was.  But it was also ...

So, the day is here. Well, technically the day is here tomorrow (Saturday, September 13, 2014). I'm talking about the day I participate in my first 5k. Quick recap for the readers keeping track at home, a few months ago I signed up for my first 5k:  The Turtle Krawl 5k Run/Walk .  Nervousness and concern took over and suddenly I was a bit worried about my decision.  I downloaded the Couch-to-5k app for my iPhone in an attempt to train and prepare. That should bring you up-to-date. For the last eight weeks, I've continued to follow the app's directions concerning the workouts.  Each week, those workouts increased in intensity.  Sometimes, they increased daily. I won't lie.  There are days I considered quitting.  Not because the workout was difficult necessarily, but because of my own personal feelings about the situation... my own personal shortcomings. Back in the day... when I was 400 pounds... I couldn't understand why people chose to ...

When I first started this journey, I never really considered where it might take me.  That was only one of several unknowns. I assumed that if I were to have any success, I would lose some weight and that might be where things ended.  What I didn't consider are the things I might accomplish. At this point, as you well know dear reader, I've lost nearly 120 pounds.  I've walked, jogged, ran and biked all over the place.  But at the same time, I really wasn't going anywhere.  Sure, my location changed, but outside of losing weight and getting healthy, I had no other goals. Then, I "fell off the wagon" as it were.  I needed some way to jump back on board. First, as previously mentioned, I have to recommit myself. Check. Get back into a routine. Check. Then I needed a new goal in addition to others already stated.  Something to strive toward.  What to do? A 5k. So my search began.  It didn't take long for me to find the Turtle...

Well dear reader... where do I begin? A common question for anyone telling a story I guess.  It's one that I ask myself multiple times an hour for eight hours every day.  Most every time... I have an answer.  And I usually change it a couple of times. Speaking of questions and answers, it seems appropriate to answer one I am sure you've had at least once in recent months. "Where is Mason and why hasn't he updated his blog?" The answer is, quite simply, busy. Well, that's partially true.  While I've been busy, I've also managed to fall off the scale if you will.  And because of it, I've been rather ashamed wishing more than ever to stay away from this blog and admit my lapse in judgement. But, I'm an honest chap and can admit when I'm wrong. I've encountered some bumps along my weight loss journey. Now to you, those bumps are small.  To me, they're craters of epic proportions mentally speaking. Here are the factors....