"I'm no Forrest Gump, but I'm trying..."

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 Krawl 5k Run/Walk.

It meets all of the things I was looking for in a race.  It's not terribly competitive.  It's far enough way on the calendar for me to train.  And it was within driving distance of my home.

But was I ready for a 5k?  It's a big race.  30 minutes on the treadmill is one thing.  Jogging with other people, outside, is something totally different.

I almost decided to pass... but then my friends/co-workers got involved.

While at work, we started talking about the 5k.  I mentioned that I was considering registering, but that I was concerned about a couple of issues.

Firstly, was I ready?  Secondly, I've lost enough weight so far that running in public is uncomfortable. Not so much physically.  I can do it.  It's how I look doing it.

That's when my friends saved me from myself.  One said that if I decided to participate, she would participate with me.  Then two agreed to participate.  Then three and even a fourth.  Another promised to cheer me on.

I registered a few days later.

In doing so, I knew I would need to prepare myself for the 5k.  My wife mentioned a great smartphone app designed to do just that:  Couch-to-5k.  Three times a week for thirty minutes at a time, it designs a workout our for you meant to get you ready to participate in a 5k.  Each week, the workouts get more difficult.

NOTE:  To see the workouts, click here or the link above.

So far, it's going pretty well.

I bought my first pair of real running shoes.

I've moved my workout from the treadmill to outside.  I've found a temporary solution to my physical unattractiveness when jogging.  I've even convinced a friend to exercise with me.

Now I have to say, I've been a bit sore.  Jogging outside is a very different when compared to jogging on a treadmill.  That said, it's a good thing.

And while I'm no Forrest Gump, and in no way am I comparing my journey to his, I do have a much deeper appreciation for at least one scene from the movie.

UPDATE:

So where am I at right now?

Before I'd recommitted myself, I had gained a few pounds.  Up to 280.8.

That was two weeks ago.

Behold!

Four pounds down!  It's not much... but I'll take it.

Starting Weight:  394 pounds.

Current Weight:  276.8

Total Loss So Far:  117.2

Until next time dear reader.  Be infinite.