Reclaiming my health

I would like to share my journey to better health. It is still in progress, but I am far enough along to know I can and will succeed. Knowing that others have succeeded in similar journeys has helped me succeed. It is possible.

My Journey began three years ago

I used to weigh half again as much as I do now. Then I learned about cancer risk greater for overweight in addition to all circulatory things we all know about.

One day I went to my dentist with obvious uncontrolled diabetes. (He has since retired because of the diabetes.) The dentist sent me to an oral surgeon that same day. The oral surgeon said get your blood pressure down!! He was so serious about it that I realized my weight and related high blood pressure were in fact killing me.

My motivation for getting rid of pounds is my Health. I want to be healthier so I can have an active retirement career & live to see my children make their contributions the world.

How I began
Drastic diet, loosing about a pound a week at first June three years ago. I started walking, something I always have enjoyed ... even if it was only 5 minutes each day. Then I realized Ineeded more upper body strength & started coming to the gym that fall for the first time in my live.

Progress
My weight loss slowed down when got to about 200 pounds.
But I really enjoy being able to wear more attractive clothing, so this is even more motivation. Tracking food was a great help. Especially becoming aware of problem times and learning foods what foods are the most filling for the amount of calories consumed. I have learned what foods I need to keep out of sight, or even out of the house.

I did finally get my BMI down to 25. I have continued exercising more. I started tracking my walking at walkertracker.com and have found very supportive online community there.

In 2007, my new year's resolution to participate in at least one 5K. Not only did I keep the resolution, but I went overboard.
First 5K completely walked the entire distance.
At the second one I was a part of friendly group to walk with as lots of people at my level.
Third race, call people's names out as they cross finish line & got a medal for my age/gender; so I was hooked.

Have continued to participate in races, 5K, 10K, 4 mile, 1/2 marathon last November. The races keep me motivated to get out and walk or run daily.

Present:
I struggle with diet terminology: I am reclaiming health, not loosing anything I need.
I have learned to make choices with long term goal in mind ... not immediate rewards.
I am learning to eat when hungry, quit eating when full. Learn to leave food on my plate.
I changed my work schedule so that I could walk 5 miles each morning.
I have had plateaus and broken through them as I continue toward my on-going goal.
Physical therapy has helped me with some minor injuries.
Better balance is one of my goals for this year.
I have improved my running time dramatically and able to run longer at a time on my run/walks.
These changes have improved my self-confidence and body image.
As a fringe benefit, it sas made life easier for me in many ways, including playing my French horn better.

Goal:
Continue to reclaim health & drop another dress size; the last 15 or so pounds.
Continue being active physically & learning to make healthy eating choices.

Addendum May 2009
My fitness goal is to stay healthy and finish a full marathon in December.