Jump Around

This is when I know I have made positive changes in my life... Last night Ang and I took the kids to Sky Zone a trampoline park. We have been there before and the kids loved it!

Last time was pre Seattle Sutton and it was super difficult for me. I was constantly winded and had to sit in the corner and watch as my family enjoyed themselves. 

Totally different story last night. I was able to jump the entire time and play with my family in an active environment! The best part is that I LOVED every minute of it! I'm doing the things I WANT to do with my family, building memories and having fun. 

This is why YOU should make the change. It's not about perfection it's about progress getting 1% better every day and the days that you suck... jumping back in the next day to be even better!! #ProjectReal #jumpyjumpy #FAMILY

Hey Big Guy...

Angela did a great job of saying we're near the end of our journey etc... So I won't do that!

I will share a story though...

As long as I can remember I've been called "big guy." I always hated that. Being self conscious about my size is nothing new, but whenever "big guy," or "big boy" or any other nick name regarding my weight came up I immediately had to act, either laugh it off or come up with a snarky comment of some sort. It was a reflex and defensive mechanism. Most people were not malicious with the nick name, it was just a common name no different than little boy or little girl. Most probably thought they were even being nice!  But it bugged me to no end and made me upset and frustrated, sad, and even more self conscious. That name sucked for me for as long as I can remember. Fast forward to this morning...

I was walking out of the gym this morning and one of the employees said "Did you get after it today big guy?" I had a choice. I could go back to what I know and shrink away, but that's to my mindset any more. I turned to him and said "You're damn right I did!" That may sound super small, but that was a huge shift in mindset for me and helps me understand how far Angela & I have come since June.

One of the many things I've learned on this journey is ownership. I own the crap I put into my body that got me to an unhealthy point. That's on me. No one else, but me. I also own the last 6 months of hard work, healthy changes, frustration, joy, accomplishment and everything else that has come my way since then, AND whatever comes up in the future.

Damn right I'm a big guy. I'm strong, I'm healthy, I can push myself further than I thought possible. I'm also not perfect. I'm a work in progress and I own that too!

Down almost 70lbs and yep I promise that's me! 

 

sometimes you just have to do it

I was working out with a group last Wednesday morning and I was asked to strap my feet into some sort of crazy back extension or crunch machine that brings you parallel with the ground. 

I got in and froze. I couldn't move or balance... frustrated I got off and moved on asking coach T what can I do to get better at that. He told me you just have to do it. Yep, rocket science here folks!

I finished my workout and went back to the machine, stopped thinking about it and did the exercise. It truly was all mental. 

I think that's what has surprised me the most and honestly maybe  is my biggest issue... I think too damn much about not doing the excerise right or not running fast enough, or not lifting enough weight etc... It's almost crippling...

But I've slowly realized that I'm not doing this for anyone else but me and in turn my family so who cares how I do it as long as I'm pushing myself! 

Turn your mind off and let your body sing!

Thanks coach!

I got this! Lessons from my 5 year old

My son taught himself to ride his bike sans training wheels this last week. Before he started he said "I got this" to himself. 

Andy conquered his fear with confidence and again showed me I can do the same. 

The weight loss has slowed down which is expected (I think) but what continues to move is my BMI. I'm not to where I want to be yet but I've made the changes in my lifestyle where I can continue to eat clean and change my body being healthy for myself and my family. I got this... Thanks Andy!

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I'll get better with practice

I was watching my 5 year old playing a dune buggy raveling game on my iPhone yesterday. He was singing quietly to himself while racing but very focused. A minute passed and I watched him come in 4th place... I was ready for tears and frustration from that tiny human, but he shrugged it off and started again.

I asked him if he was upset that he didn't finish first, he looked me square in the eye and said "No daddy but I'll get better with practice!" Something Angela and I have probably said to him dozens of times... so first... parenting win! My kid does listen to me! 

Secondly though he's right. All things get better with practice as long as you shrug it off and move forward. This totally ties back to our journey, practice, practice practice it's not about finishing first (at least right now) it's about practice, learning from our 4th place finishes, shrugging them off and getting back at it. 

Thank you Andy, who knew I would be learning life lessons from my 5 year old! 

I'm Not a Celebrity... But I May Be a Role Model

Much to my chagrin, our video shoots have now been turned into TV commercials... AND people are starting to notice and recognize me [Sigh]. So much for anonymity. I got a few emails and texts asking for my autograph (from very well meaning friends), and asking how I'm dealing with my new "celebrity" status... Well... A celebrity I am not. But... I am a role model... for my kids, and if someone else can get something postie then that's OK with me.

I've lost 50 lbs... that's hard to believe. I've lost the equivalent of my 5 year old. That's crazy. But I still have progress to make... 10 weeks to go... time to refocus on what's important... my health, family & friends... celebrity or not... here I come!

Stay Focused, Stay Humble, Kick Butt

Yesterday, I worked out with my awesome trainer (Coach Troy Eichers) and I learned many things and remembered may more...

I walked in with a little swagger, if you can call it that. I've lost close to 50lbs, I'm excercising more, I'm feeling better, I've cut most of the crap out of my diet, I'm awesome. Then the workout started...and it was HARD. I made the mistake of only really focusing on my cardio endurance. Yes, I lifted weights, but not a lot, and even when I did I just did the things I knew I was good at. Troy pushed me and motivated me to push harder than I thought I could.

I remembered the awesome feeling after a truly grueling workout... I remember the pain that comes the next morning. I remember the migraine that comes when you forget to drink water!

My workout wasn't perfect, and I needed to stop and catch my breath a few times, the thing that stuck out was what coach said throughout the training. Remember this day. Remember how hard it was to start (again) and don't stop. Continue to challenge your body 24/7/365. I went home with a migraine after that session... I was humbled, (and hurting a bit) but refocused and ready to go. 12 weeks left... let's go!

Thank you Angela for pushing me to work with Troy, and thank you Coach for knowing the right buttons to push. I needed that!