Last Sunday my friend, Stan, and I were running in the DNR land/forest and we became lost (see prior posting).  Running up and down both roads and trails, plus climbing through numerous down and fallen trees I became really aware of my weight problem, and how my weight of 228 lbs, was really impacting - not just my running - but my entire life.

Over the years as I and my weight grew, I just rationalized to myself that since I was running so much my weight was really not that big of a deal.  I mean I am the fastest over 200 lb runner on the island who also happens to be 52 years old.  Deep inside I knew that my weight was a big deal to ME.

Over this past year, with little or no running, my weight grew by 35 lbs.  It seems to me that I gain weight just walking down the cookie isle at the market.  I became very frustrated by this weight gain and now as I am running on a much more regular basis my frustration grows as my weight stays the same and I am not even running by the market.

I do  believe that weight gain or weight loss is a very simple principle.  If one consumes more calories that one expends one will gain weight and to lose weight one needs to expend more calories in activity than what one consumes.  Simple principle, but hard to put into action.

Based on this belief that all I need to do is ensure that I eat less than I burn I feel I can set a realistic goal and accomplish it.  And give up candy, and bring peace to the Middle East.  My goal is to weigh under 180 lbs.  I will run better, improve my overall health and feel better at this weight range.  How do I know this?  Been there and felt good.

My commitment is to follow this simple belief of eating less and exercising more.  How soon could I weigh under 180 lbs?  Simple, by the end of next week.  Just teasing.  If I lose the healthy 2 lbs per week I would need at least 25 weeks to lose this 50 lbs or about two of my dog Skye.  I figure this should take me to August 1, with a tad of flexibility built in.  This is my goal.

Over the next few days I will write/post my Plan Of Action (POA).