11 months ago ...

Jun 04, 2011

 Wow! How times flies! 11 months ago today was the eve of my surgery. I wasn't sure I really wanted to go through with it. I kept believing that I could lose the weight by myself and shouldn't have to depend upon a rerouting of my digestive system in order to be successful. But reality is that I have tried many times on my own and only ended up gaining more than I lost every time I went on a diet. This is the first time I have been successful in my weight loss journey. Surgery is just a tool ... it is up to me to use that tool to be "all that I can be."

Speaking of which, I did something yesterday that I could never have done without losing the 95 pounds that I lost over these past 11 months. That's right ... 95 pounds. I participated in my first triathlon sprint. I went in with the mentality that I only wanted to finish. But deep down it was more than that. 1) I didn't want to be last. 2) I wanted to finish in under 2 hours. 3) I really wanted to finish in under 1:50. 4) I wanted to finish the swim in under 10 minutes. 5) I wanted to finish the bike in under 50 minutes. 6) I wanted to finish the "run" in under 50 minutes as well. 7) I wanted to cross the finish line actually running! Not jogging, but running across the finish line. 

Well, the times were released last night: 1) I came in 61 out of 65 women ... goal met! 2) I finished in 1:45:39 ... goals 2 & 3 met! 4) My swim time was 7:57 ... goal 4 met! 5) My bike time was 47:56 ... goal 5 met! 6) My "run" time was 44:43 ... goal 6 met! 7) I did indeed come running across the finish line! I was crying when I crossed the line ... I couldn't believe I had actually completed a triathlon. A year ago it could not have been possible. I was a 258 pound couch potato who didn't do anything physical. "To God be the glory, great things He hath done!"

Did I come home, wrap myself up in ice packs and do nothing for the rest of the day? No! I went swimming in the pool and then I went to the movies and saw "Water for Elephants". I came home, ate dinner and went back in the pool. I didn't go to bed until my normal bedtime. This morning when I got up? Not even a little bit sore. Now I can't wait to sign up for my next triathlon. I want to do one at the Outer Banks in September. It's another sprint, but it is a longer swim (750 m). Anne said she would do it with me if I would start swimmning 1000m at the pool and start doing some open water swims with her. So, that's my next goal ... another triathlon sprint. 

Looking back over the past 11 months, it's only been positive. I have had some "woe is me" moments, when I ask myself, "Why did I do this to myself? Couldn't I have had enough self-discipline to lose the weight on my own?" The answer is "NO", I could not have done this on my own. The amount to lose was too overwhelming and the depravation too extreme. Now I don't feel deprived at all. I eat most anything I want, but smaller portions. I don't crave the sweets and I've learned to choose my food options better. I don't need a huge pile of mashed potatoes on my plate. One bite is sufficient for my needs. Eat the protein. Eat the vegetables. Eat the fruit. A little bit of carbs are okay .. just don't overdo it. And don't forget the nightly SF popsicle for dessert!

Would I do it again knowing now what I know? Most definitely. God is good. His mercy endureth forever. 

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