“You’re clinically obese.”
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. Not me! I’ve always been an athletic guy who played sports and hiked all through high school and college. Obese?!?
Two years ago, I was having sleep apnea issues (I’m a snorer and never felt fully rested) so I went and did a sleep study. The sleep study didn’t tell me much, but the doctor recommended I lose weight because apparently, 38 years old, 5’11”, and 215 lbs is technically “obese”.
(“Obese” me and my sister right before the aforementioned doctor’s appointment)
I knew I’d put on some extra pounds over the years (especially once I had kids and was traveling a lot for work — they don’t it comfort food for no reason), but I never viewed myself as obese. It was then (September 2, 2019) that I became obsessed with losing weight and becoming healthy again.
For my kids, for my health, for my general well-being.
I’ll write some more posts about specifically *how* I got in shape, but over the past two years, I’ve lost 50 pounds, run two marathons (and over 25 half marathons), and am currently working on cracking 2,000 miles running this year (only 400 to go!). At one point last summer, I weighed 155 lbs (that was TOO skinny) and am currently at 165 lbs and am in the best shape of my life at 40 years old. My snoring problem is more or less gone, I feel rested when I wake up, and my mental health has never been better.
Happy (and in-shape) me with my little dudes
I don’t say any of that as a flex (though I am proud of myself). I say it as an inspiration. If I can do it — so can you! And I’m here to help. Sometimes it takes a kick in the ass to get into a good workout routine, and it always helps to have a friend or two to hold you accountable.
So what’s The September Project? It’s pretty simple, really.
Let’s commit to doing at least 30 minutes of activity at least five days a week until the end of September and see where it gets us. Walking, running (I don’t care how fast or how slow), biking, situps/push-ups, hiking, swimming, lifting weights, yoga, handball, water polo, jai alai…I don’t really care — let’s just get off our ass 30 minutes five times a week and see where it gets us. And let’s hold each other accountable and push/encourage each other.
And to that end, I’ve set up this Challenge Hound page to help hold us all accountable. You can connect it to Strava (it’s a free fitness app that tracks all types of different workouts) or enter your activity manually (no cheating! You’re only cheating yourself!).
I’ll write some more posts with tips on how to get (and stay) in shape, but for now — let’s start today. Sign up for The September Project and log some activity today (even if it’s just a 30-minute walk). I promise you spend 30 minutes a day doing dumber and less productive things. And if you can’t spend 30 minutes five days a week on yourself — what are you really doing anyway?
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