The beginning

OK so....where to start? Several months ago I found myself overweight, out of shape and living in a rut. Same thing day in day out. One morning in August I tried to tie my shoes and realized i had to hold my breath to get my foot up on my leg.... What the heck happened to me? Sure I held my breath to tie my shoe but then it took forever to get my breath back.

I started thinking on the way to work, what is going to become of me if I continue the same path? I am always sick, my body is forever in pain...What to do, what to do? Then I see the above pic, wow, I need to do something, what is that hanging over my belt??????

I have 3 awesome sons, I need to be around to watch them get old. My middle son is starting to become overweight, too many snacks and way too many video games. I need to be the example...

So where did I start?

First off was quit the 6 pack a night habit.... nothing but empty calories. Talk about hard, for someone that receives both Draft and Beer magazines and has a bar in their basement it was difficult, but definitely got much easier. Then it was the visit to the local gyms around Warrenton. I had to feel comfortable and not be judged. I had'nt been in a gym in 3 years, but even back then, I wasn't 100% committed to a lifestyle change.

I found my gym...Old Town Athletic Club (http://www.otacfitness.com/). It is gym that has been around Warrenton, but was now in their brand new building, gorgeous, had everything I needed and could ever ask for in a gym. I felt right at home right from day one, never judged at all.

Ok, so now, I quit my drinking, I only drink water now, and of course a nice shake occasionally. I joined a gym and was showing up, whats next?????

I bought a GOOD pair of Nike's, and my job allows for a 1 hour lunch, I take this time to start running. I have a couple guys I used to run with, but once it got cold, they would spend thieir lunch at the gym next door. So here I am running alone with my iPhone. 3 times a week I am hitting the pavement. Trying to increase my distance, trying to decrease my time. My body easily adjusts to the pain, it is the breathing that causes me issues. You see, I smoked for almost 26 years. I had my first smoke at 10yrs old, and just kept right on going. I could only imagine what my lungs look like!!!!

Ok so I'm drinking water, going to the gym, and running. I am starting to feel a lil better. Now the food!!!!!

I was always quick to get something fast and easy to eat for all my meals. Sandwich for breakfast, bacon, eggs and cheese. Whatever i felt like that day. Lunch was pizza or McDonalds or something else fast. Dinner was usually out somewhere. Throwing steaks and potatoes down my throat. I needed to research and re-evaluate my nutrition.

Exercising and eating trash is like changing the oil in your car and leaving the old filter in there.

So I get myself on a pretty good diet (I'll explain my diet in another post) and stay religious to my exercising. The pounds are starting to come off...wow, amazing. I am getting addicted and its awesome even though its now October and its only been 2 months. Step one to lifestyle change is falling into place.