Happy Anniversary
One year ago this week, I started this blog. I wanted to change my exercise routine. I wanted to run a marathon eventually (still working on that), and along the way I’ve had a really interesting time. Some triumphs, some pain, but overall I’m ahead of where I was. Far ahead I think.
And looking back at where I was four years ago, 40 pounds heavier and gaining fast, I think I’m much better off. I had just come back from seeing my Dad in the hospital after his stroke (he did recover and is 99% back). Two days after his stroke, my Dad could still tell you how to vacuum deposit 5000 angstoms of isopropaltitanate onto a silicon wafer, but he couldn’t read a clock. It was tough seeing someone so smart, go through that. At home, I had pulled out pictures and saw one of he and I sitting on the sofa together about 6 months before. It was like mirror images. Heavy. I knew I was going down the same path. So, I signed up for a gym membership (again!) and started peddling.
40 pounds down in about a year. Slow, but I got there.
I’ve met some very cool people on the web. Check out the list of links on the right and you’ll see what I mean. Cool folk to be certain. The thing that really hit me when I looked at the running blogs out there, was that there were people out there just like me who were worried about the same things I was: what they should eat before a run, why do their shins hurt, can they finish the 6 mile long run, and boy are they excited about the upcoming race. Sound familiar? :)
I want to give a special thanks to Mark for putting together the RBF, and for hosting my blog on his site. Thanks, Mark!
Lastly, just want to mention that my first comment about my blog came in the form of an email from “Kris” who was in high school and had some great suggestions about training. It was encouraging to know that someone out there was reading what I was doing. Whereever you are, Kris, I hope things are going well.
Ok, don’t want to get too mushy or sounds like Casey Casum or something (not good for my tough guy image :) ). I hope everyone in the RBF and elsewhere is having a great weekend. Here’s to another great year ahead!
December 26th, 2004 11:49
Happy Anniversary, Jon! A year of blogging!
It’s cool to hear a little of your backstory–losing 40# in a year, and keeping it off, is really impressive. Seeing your father have a stroke is really heartbreaking, isn’t it? But, I’m so glad that he has recovered.
Jon, I love your blog and I am so glad you are here!
December 26th, 2004 12:01
Awesome progress! Happy Holidays to you, and I really love all the chocolate advice. Besides the truffles, I also made chocolate chip cheesecake and french silk pie for Christmas desserts, and I thought of you each time! You’re like a chocolate ‘mentor’. :)
December 26th, 2004 15:41
I’m with vj. Your blog keeps me motivated (and entertained) everyday! You should be so proud of how far you’ve come. Being fit is the best gift you can give yourself and your family.
December 27th, 2004 00:03
Happy anniversary too.
By the way, when I was in high school I used to listen to “American Top 40″ with Casey Kasem, and that was just about all the English practice I had for many years. You could say Casey Kasem taught me English. That’s why I sound so “mushy” :)
December 27th, 2004 06:50
Happy Anniversary! What a difference a year can make, huh?
Thanks for sharing your blog with us, and thanks for all the great support and motivation you spread around to other blogs.
December 27th, 2004 10:02
Congratulations. Its funny, losing well under a pound a week doesn’t sound fast, but somehow shedding 40 pounds in a year is quite amazing. Just like your accomplishments - amazing because its not the act of starting that counts, but the simple task of following through, day after day, just as you’ve done.
Now let’s get out there and run!
December 27th, 2004 13:25
Congratulations! Thats a milestone on a couple of different levels. Be proud.
December 27th, 2004 14:02
Happy anniversary, and congratulations on the weight loss! You are going down, I am going up! (Ha ha!). If I don’t start going down we are going to pass each other.
Congratulations again–hope you have another great year.
December 27th, 2004 16:19
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 27th, 2004 17:26
Wow, I had no idea you’d lost so much weight! Congratulations on that. And I would definitely recommend doing a marathon, and doing it with Team In Training if you’re looking for both coaching and inspiration in helping others at the same time as you’re doing something for yourself.
I love the combined chocolate and running focus of your blog; keep up the excellent work!
December 27th, 2004 17:44
Congrats…hope I can say the same a year from now.