It’s About Being Healthy

So I've been debating whether to write this or not but in the hope that it will encourage someone, I've decided to share.

Last year I was very disappointed with myself…physically speaking.  I can't do anything about my height, hair and a host of other things, but the things I can control I failed to.  Late last Spring or early summer, Brian started working out at a nearby gym and I decided to join in.  At first I just wanted to be able to run a little without being winded a quarter mile in.  As I continued to workout on a somewhat consistent basis, I decided to start trying to get healthier.  

I'm turning thirty-two this year and I have three young children.  By the time my son in ten and I'm forty-two I want to be able to play sports with him and even challenge him in his teenage years.  That means I've got to be in good shape and stay there.  It's about being healthy.  

So almost one year later, I'm very happy with my progress.  I'm measuring it in several ways.  Physical appearance, weight, strength and stamina.  I'm not sure what the average is in these categories but my status has improved in each.  I'm twenty pounds lighter than I was a year ago; I'm doing sixty-five pushups and twenty pull-ups in a row; I can run two miles at a decent pace; and I'm happier with the way I look in a bathing suit.  (as an encouragement to myself I made a before and after picture comparison. If you want to see that…well, I'm not sure if I'll let you but it's a huge difference.)

I didn't have a huge difference in my diet.  I cut back on sweets, soda and portion size.  If I wanted to indulge, I would but sparingly.  I started working out at least three times a week.  Mostly upper body weight lifting and elliptical or treadmill.  My hope is to continue to eat better, live healthier and enjoy this life I've been blessed with.  After all, my body is a temple and I need to be a good steward of it.  

So SG, Ry and Mac…watch out because Dad is gonna be around for a while!