With change comes pain

The last, big life challenge I set for myself revolved around getting a second degree. It took me a little longer than I expected and the long term value of the achievement is still in question, but I have been really pleased that I was able to meet a personal goal that I set for myself. Now that the whole academic thing is over, it is time to turn my attention to the big elephant in the room, my health.

I have a goal weight of 190 lbs. While this may not exactly be considered trim, I have not personally seen that side of 200 since maybe high school so it would be a major accomplishment for me. I need to drop somwhere under 100 lbs. to get to that goal so I think it is doable with a better diet and exercise. The exercise part is what I am working on now. Just getting under 200 would make a difference in my life that I can't even begin to comprehend. Anything after that would be a bonus.

In order to facilitate reaching that goal, I took the plunge and joined the local YMCA. Yes, I know the irony (am I using that word right?) in this situation. It was not exactly an easy choice to make given my lack of faith in the supernatural, but I looked at my options and this was the best solution to multiple problems. As a family we get access to a pool and discounted children's activities and as individuals my wife and I have access to all of the fitness equipment and programs all at an affordable price. I had to compromise my principles just a little bit, but it is not like I joined the Nazi Family Gym. Things have really worked out and I the cost/benefit ratio has been adequate.

Since I began using the facilities I have been able to increase my endurance twofold. My first night I could hardly jog at 4mph for a minute without stopping. Last night I had an average pace of 4.4 mph for 30 minutes. Again, nothing to brag about when compared to people who are already in shape, but for me it is a great improvement. Never in my life, even when I was an "athlete" have I been able to run a full mile but today a 10 minute mile or better seems possible. For someone who has struggled with breathing problems all his life such a run would be cause for celebration.

This lifestyle change has not come without a downside. My legs are taking the brunt of the weight right now and I can't seem to overcome the painful soreness that comes after a run. Today it is my Achilles tendon that is screaming in anguish. Last night I tried some faster section in my run topping out at about 7.5 mph in some parts. I think that was pushing it a little too much and I overextended the tendon. The good news is that I seem to be recovering quicker the more I run. Hopefully in another week or so my body will adjust and I won't have so much pain each morning. Dropping weight should help this problem as well. Let's just hope it doesn't take 4 years like the last big challenge I took on.