Wrapping up the Weight Loss Adventure

For those of you who followed my weight loss adventures this year, I believe I owe you one last post. The 101 pounds in a year goal...not happening. That said, I feel like this goal-setting and blogging season has been 100% successful. He who shoots for the stars does not end up with mud between his fingers.

I'm maintaining now. My doctor encouraged that. I've gained a few pounds from my low point, but I'm still right there, still counting points, still exercising routinely.

What about the commitment to returning to being an athlete? Yes, that's still happening and feels great. My best 3-mile time for the summer/fall was 24:11 before the weather turned. I can still run through the winter, but not at that pace. So here's the plan:

1. We have a family YMCA membership for the winter months. Colleen and I have been swimming with Jason about 5 nights a week for the last 3 weeks. It's nothing formal, but I've been doing a pile of laps every night in between dodge ball and goofing around. Jason is swimming in the deep end, jumping off the diving board, and even doing dunk fights with me in the deep end. His fitness is very important to me too.
2. I've got to continue the mentality that I alone can control what my body takes in. Yes, I've had a bit of pizza and a few sweets, but everything is still counted and I tie my strictness to my weigh-in results.
3. I'm continuing to stock the groceries that I need to maintain my new weight level. Sometimes I eat with the family; other times I fend for myself.
4. I've also enjoyed working out on the basketball court at the Y. Jason has been somewhat into it with me, but that may be more of a solo thing for now. 
5. I have running maps routed out through the city, but my running will be more for maintenance through the winter months. A nice change of pace for the warmer days.
6. In the spring I plan to hit the track again and work towards potentially a sub-20:00 time for my 3-mile. That would be a huge victory! I want to also enter a handful of 5k (about 3 mile) fun runs. That'll give me something to shoot for.

The weight loss? I guess I would like to lose some more, but I have other goals that are more pressing right now. I'm pressing ahead with my writing and speaking and with a hundred life projects. Believe me, you'll hear all about it if you continue to drop by.

The blogging? I've got to tell you, the blogging has changed everything. The convenient connection to hundreds of friends on a meaningful level has helped me to stay focused and committed. I suppose I'll include some health-type posts here and there, but there's so much more to my life. I'm not interested in being completely focused on weight loss.

So that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Keep in touch and let's continue to become all we were created to be!