My Story

I decided to start this blog because my wife thought it would be a good idea to share my ideas and what I am learning while on this new path. I know she supports me through everything but I can tell she wonders if I will really stick to this. At times, I do too. I have not been very consistent with anything over the last few years, and inconsistency breeds doubt.

I have always been a big guy. Back in High School I weighed 287 pounds my senior year. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't just a blob. I played football and wrestled, so I was generally active, though I was still very much overweight. After High School I had the opportunity to serve my church for two years in Brazil where I walked who knows how many miles a day in the insane heat. I came home 190 pounds.

This change was something I had never had. I was skinny, I was in shape, and I felt great. Since I've been home (since 2007), I have tried to maintain what I was when I left my service mission. Unfortunately, I don't have hours of the day to devote to non stop walking and no, it is not as hot here as it was in Brazil! Also, the delicious candy and fattening food have shown their ugly heads and I am weak to resist at times. Because of this, I have slowly gained weight back, 40 pounds actually. I don't feel like I am in terrible shape, but I know that I am not as healthy or active as I could be.

I have always had good examples in my life. My mom is a runner and my dad consistently visits the gym, and my wife is always looking for something healthy to eat. My wife, the angel that she is, has always trusted that I could do anything. She has seen my athleticism and always pushed me to do more. I have tried often, but it always seems so temporary because of random events in life or because of a busy schedule. Still, she pushes me to do more. Because of her, and because of the desire to be more, I have decided to turn this fat boy into a runner.

I have never liked running honestly, but recently I have had the opportunity to read a few books about running and now I feel as if running always should have been in my life. I have gained a new perspective and a new understanding about who I am and what I am REALLY capable of. "What would that be?" You might ask. ANYTHING. I can do ANYTHING because I believe I can.

This is my story that I wish to share with you as I begin a new change in my life. Not one to just start and stop, not a fad, but a change that I will live for the remainder of my life. Though I am not perfect, and yes my path is long, I believe that I can change myself for the better and live a healthy, and much happier, life. I hope my story in some way helps you to achieve that which you want. Because if I can do it, SO CAN YOU!