Biggest Loser

For the past two quarters I've been involved in a biggest loser weight loss program here at school. Last quarter I didn't lose an ounce. But this quarter I've lost around 23 pounds (mostly due to the fact that I've drastically changed my eating habits and portions. That combined with my running schedule have really worked). The first week I dropped five pounds and took home first place. The second week I again dropped five pounds but lost out by .01% (they note how much you lose and then analyze how much of a percent you've lost to determine the biggest loser each week). The third week I dropped another five pounds and took first again. Today, though, I took second by .4%. My weight loss is starting to tale off. I only dropped 2.5 pounds this week.

Last night was the first time I've run outside this year. I ran two miles right away on our treadmill when I got home from work. I was going to do a third mile, but Kristie came home and we had to get ready for her end of the season basketball banquet. Unfortunately, I indulged myself with three pieces of pizza at the banquet. So feeling quite guilty, I ran another two miles last night when we got back.

It's much better running outside, especially at night. Years ago when I was in tip top shape, I was an obsessive runner. At least five days a week, I would get in a 6-8 mile run. I loved it. There is something about letting your body find that rhythm and let your mind fall in step with your feet that is indescribable. It's been called the runner's high (if you've ever read the novel "A Separate Peace" there's a great description of the runner's high in there when the main character, Gene, is being pushed to excel And it's great. I didn't quite get that last night, but it was close.

But the exercise has paid off. I'm skinnier than I've been in a few years. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.