One of the things that I did to help me in my first weight loss journey a few years back is that I set a personal goal for myself. Not just a goal weight that I wanted to get to, but an actual goal that I wanted to take part in. Back then it was an annual event held all over the country called The Warrior Dash. It is basically a 5K run (or walk) with 12 “extreme” obstacles mixed in. You run through tires, climb walls, race up the side of a mountain, tackle cargo nets, skid across a mud slide, jump over fire…all that fun kinda stuff. A few of the girls in my office were signed up and it sounded like a great thing to train for. It was about 7 months away from when I started…and even though an unexpected hospital stay kept me from the Dash…my training was a success. I hit my goal weight (for that time) and came through a dangerous emergency surgery with flying colors.
I also felt great (despite the surgery and my delirious hospital roomie – no joke – he was seriously unhinged - lol). I have done two Warrior Dashes since then, as well as THREE 5k runs at Yankee Stadium. I will be doing both of those again this coming summer as well. But anyway, I think setting goals is really important…and this time around seven months might be too long to strive for with nothing in between. So instead of one BIG goal, I think I am going to set a few little ones along the road for me to focus on. The first one I am going to do is actually one I competed in last spring too. It is a 5K fundraiser that takes you through the Bronx Zoo. Last year it was to benefit the tigers…this year it is for elephants. Fine with me. I like a good elephant as much as the next person. For anyone who might be interested, it will be held bright and early on Saturday, April 27th.
I am sure you can find information on the zoo’s website. So between now and April 27th we have roughly 8 more weigh-ins. At two pounds a week for 8 weeks, that would be 16 pounds. But because I like to go that extra mile….I am going to challenge myself to lose 20 pounds between now and then. My last weigh-in before the 5K at the zoo will be Monday, April 22nd…and if all works out I will check in that day at 247 pounds. Losing that much will certainly make the 5K a lot easier to do. And one important difference between this year and last year’s event is that this year I won’t be running it, I will only be walking. HOWEVER, I am absolutely THRILLED to report that I won’t be alone. I will be walking the 3.2 miles through the zoo with my 9 year-old daughter Meghan. We are both going to spend the next 8-9 weeks getting ready for it. I personally can’t wait. Nothing like leading by example!
Little steps lead to big changes…
Starting Weight – 271 lbs
Current Weight – 267 lbs
Total Weight Loss So Far – 4 pounds
Goal Weight - 199 lbs
A Life Worth Weighting For - Day Ten by Donald McDermott
February 27th, 2013
Before
