and so it begins...

On March 22nd I did what I'll call my first "official" weigh in.  I'm 5' 7" tall & weigh 275 lbs.  In the doctors books, I'm grossly overweight.  Obese.


It's really not bothered me until recently.  I used to look into the mirror and still see my old self back when I was under 200 lbs.  Recently, not so much.  Now I look into the mirror and I see myself as I look now.  How I feel now.  Remember the Austin Powers movies?  If not, go look them up.  I'm kinda feeling like Fat Bastard.

So, I'm finally doing something about it.  I've heard good things about the C25K program, or Couch to 5K, that even those like myself can fairly easily complete this and hopefully continue on to a more fit lifestyle.
 
I started C25K on March 20th.  I've got this little app on my iPhone that helps along with my walk/jog 3 days a week.  I've now gotten Week 1 done, but I am going to repeat it again due to how difficult it was for me to follow the workout fully.

On March 22nd, I had my usual weekly call with my Dad and we both agreed that we both really needed to actually follow this weight loss goal through.  Our contests is to see who the "Biggest Looser" is by the time I go for a visit with him during Labor day week.  We're going to bet something, but that has yet to be decided.  So, Motivator # 1, beat Dad in the weight loss contest.

I've decided upon my own goals.  For every 10 pounds that I loose, I'm going to donate $25.00 to the Give Kids the World organization,  For those that know me, I'm a big (literally) fan of Walt Disney World/Disneyland, ect.  I'll give you their Mission Statements:

"Give Kids The World is a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, and to enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village for as long as there is a need.

100,000 children have had their dream come true at Give Kids The World. No child in need has ever been turned away – and no child ever will. Give Kids The World is a place where families find joy, laughter, serenity, and a lifetime of memories. Through the tireless support of our volunteers, employees and generous partners, we dedicate each and every day to these special families."

Motivator #2, the more I loose, the more I'll donate to an organization that I believe in.

Then to tie this all together... and this is the part that I've not gotten myself convinced I can do.  I'd like to keep going beyond the C25K program.  Follow it up with the 10K and then finally training for a Half Marathon.  Yes... I'd like to sign up for the 2012 Walt Disney World Half Marathon.  This is an annual Marathon event at Walt Disney World, every January.  For 2012, it runs January 5th through the 9th.  I have until the middle of April before the cost of entry goes up.

I think my biggest fear is in signing up for this thing thinking that "I'm alone" in this.  I know that there are others in the Disney community that I'll recognize that do this all the time.  It's a big leap.  I also think that if I pre-pay for this event, that it could become Motivator #3, because I'd hate to pay for something and not follow through with it.

Thanks for reading!

Laters all.