Day 3

I haven't regularly posted since last summer, and since I'm committed to doing this 125 days of exercise in conjunction with 125 posts, I guess there's a chance that people who used to read this will come back and some new people may start.

So, just to get on the same page then - allow me to reintroduce myself:

I started this blog December 14, 2008.

At the time I was 620 lbs.

I've obviously had ups and downs since then (quick history of my weight can be found at the bar on the right.)

I like blogging.

It's been a great place to get my thoughts and feelings out; to energize and inspire me, and to keep me moving.

I enjoy reading other blogs. I have just restarted that in the last few days after months without reading any. I love seeing other people succeed.

I am a recovering alcoholic.

I went to rehab for alcohol and my weight in 2008.

I work doing sales and marketing for a a business who's focus actually is on assisting people in creating change in their lives.

I'm an excellent piano player.

I'm originally from Alaska.

I've hurt my family, friends, and loved-ones for years because of my issues (addictions, self-destruction, and the selfishness and many other failings that go hand-in-hand.)

I'm doing a good job slowly but surely starting to rebuild and repair those relationships.

I love Johnny Cash, the Velvet Underground, Ben Folds, Billy Joel, the Beatles, and the White Stripes.

I've come to believe in God in a powerful and personal way.

I was hit by a car in Rome once.

My hair started going grey at 12 years old.

I work very hard at my job and am damn good at it.

I once had a wild black bear in my bedroom.

---

I was asked recently in the comments how I lost 113 in 4 months (this Jan through April).

Well, let me answer that by saying: I also once lost 116 pounds in 11 weeks (Oct-end of December 2005), and earlier last year I lost 118 pounds in 9 weeks (again, see weight loss numbers at right for details).

I'm grateful for those numbers, and am hoping to produce more of the same moving forward.

That said, there was never any trick or shortcut during any of my greatest weight loss periods. For instance, during the 113 pounds lost earlier this year and during the 118 lost in 9 weeks last year, all I did was eat about 1500-1700 calories every day, consisting largely of lean meats, vegetables, a little cheese, milk and lots of beans. Another dietary thing is that I drank lots of water and lowered my sodium intake to no more than 2000 mg a day.

From an exercise standpoint I walked 3-5 times a week, did 50-150 wall push-ups a week, and eventually in both cases started playing basketball 3-5 times as well.

Also, in all of the above cited weight-loss periods, I started from a weight of no lower than 494 lbs, and as high as 667 lbs, so there's always been plenty of weight dying to come off.

---

I read Tony's blog over the weekend (The Anti-Jared) and he mentioned me:

"Stages of Change, you wrote a great post about how people can change. How I did not believe that was possible. I was wrong, people can change.They just have to want it."

And I just wanted to say thanks to Tony. I really dig that comment. He is right. It's not always easy for any of us to see, but it is the truth. We can change, we "just have to want it". Damn right. Tony's amazing and inspirational multi-pronged transformation proves it. I love it.

His comment reminded me of that old post I wrote, which I liked because it fired me up. If anyone is interested, you can read it here: "Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes"

---

Lastly, yesterday was Day 3:

Did I exercise?

Yes I did.

I walked a one mile loop on a local trail.

So, I received another $1 bill.

"The most important thing to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become." - W. E. B. Du Bois