Usually, I plan to write about something professionally meaningful. Today, I think that needs to change.
Lately, I’ve been feeling more than a little frumpy. When I was in my prime in High School and College, I weighed a whopping 135 pounds soaking wet. I was a swimmer, and was in great shape – except for smoking. A lot. I thought, despite knowing much better, that it was “cool” and that I enjoyed it – and I kept thinking that for almost 20 years.
Last year – on August 8th – I quit. Pretty much cold turkey (Those electronic cigarettes? They actually work). I have been tobacco free since then.
It’s also given me the worst complication imaginable: I enjoy my food much more, because I can taste it again…
The Battle of the Bulge
For those of you who knew me when I was a strapping beanpole – I now am a healthy 5′ 10″ – and an unhealthy 213 pounds. That’s right – nearly 100 Kg. More than 15 stone! I am roughly 38 pounds overweight. It’s been growing on my mind as rapidly as on my waistline. Turning 36 this year, I have only just started to appreciate the side effects of 20 years of smoking followed by 30 pounds of weight gain – and what that means when I hit 40 or 50 if I do nothing.
My heels hurt when I wake up – lovely Plantar Fasciitis. I snore as badly as ever (quitting smoking made it better, until the weight took over). I get heartburn more often, and sometimes pretty quickly. I get tired and stay tired. Even the spot where the hernia I had repaired 2 years ago bothers me occassionally…
On the upside – my blood pressure is still very good. Heart rate is decent too – could be better, but it’s still healthier than when I smoked.
On the downside – if I don’t do something, I can get used to complaining.
So What Am I Gonna Do About It?
Well, I’m going to try blogging my way to health. Seriously. I’m jumping on the Couch to 5k bandwagon, I’m not giving Robin a heads-up, or telling my kids I’m doing it. I’ll let them find out on their own. I’m doing this without permission! I am officially going OFF the reservation!
I’m going to blog and tweet every day, how it’s going… OK every other day or so – just to start. I’m going to be following this plan: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I”m getting the app. I’m getting my shoes on. I’m going to get started. Today. In fact, in just a few minutes.
(I need to pick up the little one from the bus stop, so what’s wrong with leaving 20 minutes early to walk for a half hour first?).
It’s time to get going. I’ve found my motivation.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.