Extreme Weight Loss - Singing A New Song

I haven't been able to watch the first couple of episodes of EWL this season because of work - and then there were those pesky NBA finals.  (At least the Spurs won!) I'm glad that EWL was back already tonight...and it couldn't have been a better episode for me to start with.

I have a lot in common with Jayce.  He's a songwriter in Nashville who always wanted to be the artist performing the songs as well, but his weight held him back.  As for me, being a writer who's written songs since I was 15 and also having the same dream, I couldn't help but root for him.

He also couldn't swim, which is something I still need to learn as well.  My fear of the water isn't as bad as his was, since I love to get in the pool and work out.  But I don't actually swim, and really want to learn.

Jayce started his weight loss journey at 417 pounds.  He also quit smoking at the same time, which is very impressive.  It's hard enough to undo one bad habit - let alone two or more.  He had some setbacks, but conquered the smoking. I felt terrible for him dealing with the custody battle for his son.  His ex-wife has made his life hell, not only while they were married, but also afterward.  Jayce's son told him he deserved to be healthy - showing that in spite of the drama his mother causes he's still learned a lot of good things from his dad.  I pray that the whole situation gets resolved soon, considering that his son would be better off living with him.

Through all of these ups and downs, Jayce persisted and kept losing weight, even if he didn't always reach the goat that Chris set for him.  In the end, he lost 188 pounds to weigh in at 229, qualifying him for the skin removal surgery.  He also performed his music on stage at the final reveal. Plus - Chris had Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte help him overcome his fears and learn to swim.  Not bad for a 365 day journey!

I look forward to seeing - and hearing - what Jayce does in the future.  I just might even have some songs published myself...so here's to writing and singing brand new songs!

Working On My Running - Making a Commitment

I think I've finally found a way to commit to a 5K - with no looking back.

My running really never got off the ground before, so to speak.  I still do a lot of walking and spinning, but even though I've wanted to "graduate" to running, I always let other things get in the way.  My weird schedule and lack of time are two of my biggest excuses, and while they do have some merit I know there's a way to work around them. 

There has to be.  I can't let outside stuff get into my head and stop me from moving forward.

So I made a commitment that will force me to follow through in the only way I knew how - publicly.  I'm a local columnist for my town's Sun News, and a lot of people in my community read my words.  When I discovered that North Ridgeville is hosting a new race on November 1st AND the money from it would go back into my community, I decided to jump in feet first. No, that's not quite right - I prayed about it first - THEN added my feet into the mix.  AND I wrote about it.

With so many people reading about my commitment to run, I know I have support.  Friends, neighbors, and coworkers will know about it, which will help keep me accountable to myself and my goal.  The dream is not just in my head...it's out there for the whole world to read!

With the race being at the beginning of November, I've given myself plenty of time to work up to 3.1 miles. I am starting now - not waiting until October to train, but gradually getting stronger day by day for a few months before debuting my stride in front of a crowd.  This is not something you cram for like a big exam, and trying to do it last minute could only cause injury or stress.  Since I am going to do this, I want to do it the right way.

Please check out my column "Running down a dream: North Ridgeville News and Musings" and follow my progress both in the Sun News and this blog.  I will keep you posted on how things are going....and I appreciate your support whether you live in my town or read my words across the miles!