Sometimes, I get discouraged. My body doesn’t work like it used to. I don’t recover from injuries as quickly as I once did. After forty-six years, Time has left its marks on me.
It used to be easier. I could set a goal, put on some walking shoes, and start working toward it.
If my body rebelled, I could push harder.
I was healthy.
I was young.
If I got injured, a few days or weeks of rest and I would be back at it again.
1987
Way back when, I worked at a company where we started a pool to see who could lose 8 percent of their body weight in ten weeks. I started walking a five mile route around my neighborhood every night after work. I even walked in the Project Bread Walk for Hunger. After ten weeks, I had shed the 8 percent, and I split the pool with a co-worker.
I felt so strong; I decided I could be a soldier.
I joined the army and learn how to push myself harder than I ever had.
2009
Three years ago, when a coworker was diagnosed with breast cancer, I strapped on my trainers again and started walking every day to get in shape for the Susan G. Komen Three Day.
I lost about 24 pounds over the next six months or so.
Then I gained it all back with eight more pounds added for good measure. Worse than that, I have this nagging injury in my foot and an ingrown toenail that preclude the old “walk away the pounds” solution that has worked so well in the past.
What If It’s Too Late?
I was thinking the other day that maybe I’m crazy to think I can make myself over at my age. Maybe I’m just too far gone. Maybe I’ll never break this cycle where I lose and gain the same weight time and again.
Then I saw a link to an incredible video in @JasonEscape’s Twitter stream.
Please take four minutes and watch this. You’ll understand why all my excuses are gone. Maybe it will blast away a few of your own doubts.
This video left me with a burning desire to see myself through to the attainment of my goal.
Today is day 95. I have lost 20 pounds and 3 ½ inches around my waist, and I am committed to going the distance.
How about you?
