October 27 2007,

  I did another 5k (3.1 miles) run today. Years ago when I was young and a "jock" I didn't enjoy cross country running. I STILL DON"T! But at my age I find only competing with myself is best. Signing up for races like this 5 k and the Sprint-Triathlon I did back in August help me with my daily exercise routine. I can track my progress and challenge myself to work harder and shoot for improved times. It also makes me workout harder and improve my conditioning ,and increases caloric burn. 

 My goal in this run was to improve my time, since I was familiar with the course and had previously completed my first 5k a year ago and the Sprint-Tri in August.

 I always tell myself to focus on being happy about just being in the game, and make sure I can complete any event I start. I always want to do better. I was able to complete the run and also fortunate enough to do it over 5 minutes faster than I had previously. 

 I don't want to make it sound like I'm becoming a world class runner. I"M NOT! It is just that the first few times out my times were relatively slow, but I was happy with them. I keep pushing to do better, and there is still room for improvement. By focusing on staying in the game I find I benifit every day.  No-one else cares how fast I go. It's just my nature to continue my never ending quest for self improvement in all that I do and am. IT TAKES WORK, and I don't think I'll ever run out of room to improve in many areas of my life. I just feel fortunate that I have the opportunity to do so. None of us are promised tomorrow, but for me working towards a goal always me helps push myself. 

The further post-op I get the more I find the need to mix up the goals and work harder to maintain my weight loss.

Good Luck to all of you in your own never ending quests to improve the things in your lifes you choose to focus on. 

If I can help anyone with questions as they relate to WLS and my experiences feel free to email me. I'll share openly, honestly, and only MY experiences.

August 12th 2007 Monday the 6th was my 4 year anniversary date or surgery, and yesterday I was able to complete my first Sprint Triathlon. 1/2 mile swim, then a 16 mile bike ride , ending with a 3.1 miles run. My first goal was to be sure I could finish the race...I was able to do it. My very optimistic and somewhat unrealistic goal was to possibly do it in 2 hours...and being a bit more realistic I was figuring I'd be happy if I did it in 2 1/2 hours.....Official time...was 2 hours and 15 minutes....As many foks in our world well know I'm not proud that I weighed 484 pounds at one point, but I sure do feel fortunate that four years later and at age 53 I was even able to consider doing this event. I know how fortunate I feel today and also appreciate all of the support I had from family and friends along the way. I even finished 3rd in my age group.....If I can do things like this, then many others can hopefully have the realization that there is always hope. ....Now what do i shoot for next...lol...always has to be something for me to aim for in my "never ending quest for self improvement".  God Bless You!

As much as things change they also stay the same.....no real profound words from me at this 4 year post-op stage....I HAVE been very fortunate in keeping my weight loss pretty well in check...I've regained and lost the same 15 to 20 pounds several times.....I've also been very diligent with my exercise....and not so diligent with my food choices...exercise helps me keep things in check...Next Saturday Aug.11th 2007 I'll attempt to complete my FIRST Mini Triathlon.....1/2 mile swim..16 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run..or in my case most likely a shuffle..I have trained hard and although I have, I still have the fear of not being able to complete it....Good Lord willing..I will....when I look back to where I was 4 years ago at my highest weight of 484 pounds and 470 on my surgery date, I cannot help but feel so fortunate to even consider particpating in the race as well as being able to participate in LIFE, and all the things it brings our way.....Life as a post-op has brought me many new and good things....I look forward this week to setting my best time ever in my first MIni-Tri....of course it will be my best time...as it's my only time....Best to You all, and if I can ever help answer any questions as they relate to my experiences with WLS feel free to email me....my "vital" stats....male, age 53, 6'5" 265#'s...nope I'll never be small....:-))....Thanks to EVERYONE that has contributed to my success over the past four plus years and I explored and went through with the surgery...and there are many!!!! God Bless!!