Wednesday, June 11, 2008

A new beginning...

A few of you might remember that several years ago I injured my back. I weighed 288 at the time (a load when you are only 5' 8") and was stepping out of the tub when something "twanged" in my lower right back. I went to work, didn't survive and came home...after several days I tried again and was worse; finally it turned out to be a fractured ligament.

I ended up on the only sick leave I've ever used, for almost 4 months while I went through therapy. During that process I ended up down in the 240's; when I went back to work we were only working 8's and the gym at work was available 24 hours, so I stuck with it and got all the way down to 188 and a 34" waist. I was lifting weights two hours a day 4 or 5 days a week, and spending an hour on the treadmill afterwards each day. I slowly edged back up to 200, but my waist dropped to 33" and for the first time in my life I had something that resembled a physique. I was off the Celebrex that had replaced my Bextra, and I was off blood pressure medicine as well.

Our hours crept to 9, the time in the gym was shortened; then other things intervened and it became non-existent. My intention had been to return "when I found time". Then our work hours crept to 10...

If you've ever heard of "Newton's 3rd Law" (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction), you know where this is going...

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I had gone to the Dr. to get back on my blood pressure medicine (a good thing, as the headaches have stopped!). The scale broke 300that day, a shock to me as I figured I might be close but didn't expect it to be over. Just barely broke, but still...301!

Dottie found the "missing link" for the treadmill last night; the safety key that had been put away when the box was opened. Filed away for safekeeping, I had never seen it; I was sure it was left out of the box...

So when I got home at 4 this morning, I went downstairs, donned a new pair of Asics and did 20 minutes. Not nearly the speed or incline I was at 20 months ago, but a beginning! (All I wanted of one as well!)

So, knowing I did it once, here I go again...

May the week be kind to each of you!

alan

13 comments:

Anji said...

That's great! We're lucky enough to have beautiful walks to go on here, but have to remember to keep the speed up. My blood pressure was down at the last checkup so I'm hoping that next time...

Happy treadmilling!

Connie in FL said...

Just think of the miles you can put on that thing when you're "retired"!!!

Good for you... you can do it again!

Shinigami Liz said...

I'm glad to hear you are on the track to taking care of yourself. You know that I have my own stuff that I am supposed to be doing and now I feel guilty for negecting myself also. Thanks for the reminder that there are good reasons to keep up our motivation. (And ironicly, even as a nearly constantly angry half-demoness my blood pressure always checks out perfect even on high levels of caffiene and nicotine, go figure.)

Jennifer said...

HI FIVE!!!!

Kranki said...

I know it is so easy to creep up weight wise. I'm in the process myself at the moment. You are an inspiration. Have fun with your new regimen. Hopefully the weather will co-operate here and I can get out for a walk.

ryssee said...

A great start is a great start! Yes there's work to do but you're off to a great start. Nice job!
Wish I could get off my butt. Someday when I can't stand it anymore!

KellyNerd said...

good for you hon! What an inspiring story! We are all behind you! Just give us a shout when you need a little boost!

Green tea said...

Good Luck Alan,
It isn't easy but if your determined
you'll do it again.

Sassy said...

You done it once, you can do it again! This post totally inspired me. Maybe I too will do some walking.

Dr. Deb said...

It is so hard to keep active and eat healthy etc in this day and age. You inspire me to get back on my treadmill and do my twenty! Here's to the journey toward fitness for us all.

robin andrea said...

Keep walking, alan, and you'll walk all the way back to 188! Think of how much walking you'll do in just a few more days. Countdown to good health!

fineartist said...

a body slam, high five, titty touch, and a belly bump...

Well, looks like we showed up just in time, for a workout. We tag teamers need to keep in shape too ya know?

Consider yourself tag team hugged!
You can do it buddy, we're all pulling for ya, Rah! xxoo

Taradharma said...

Don't look back: look ever forward. Go for the gusto, Alan!