Derrick
New member
I posted in this section back in January when I first joined this forum. I had already lost quite a bit of weight but have since lost some more. I wanted to post my results after one year of dedication to exercise and eating much healthier. I applaud the ones who are able to reach their goals much faster than one year but for many of us it takes every bit of one year and for others it can take several years.
My journey started after returning from vacation last year and looking at the photos. I was right around 249 before leaving for vacation and 251 upon returning from vacation.
I had not even tried to lose weight since 2000. This time around I vowed to do things differently and make exercising fun. I stopped worrying about how much stronger and fitter the guy next to me was and just focused on improving myself.
So around June 1st, 2008 I started eating smaller, healthier portions and going to my local Gold's Gym again. At first I exercised light to moderate for maybe 3 to 5 hours per week. Over the months I built up intensity, duration and variety.
By November of 2008 I was regularly lifting, swimming, kickboxing, walking, biking (stationary) and taking a yoga/pilates type class called Body Flow. On a good week I was getting in maybe 12 hours of exercise and on a bad week maybe 5. I loved all of it and still do to this day.
After a short lull and gaining a few pounds in December, I once again increased my intensity and dedication at the start of 2009. I found this site and I also joined the Gold's Gym 12 week challenge to help motivate me to keep going.
At some point in January or February I decided I was going to do a sprint triathlon around Spring time of this year as a reward for losing weight and getting fit again. It just so happened there was one being held at my alma mater just a few days before we normally go on vacation in May. I was nearly unable to compete due to a minor 4-wheeler accident just a week prior but on May 3rd, injured neck and all, I participated in and finished my first triathlon. I almost had a perfect race save for a crippling side stitch that stopped me in my tracks for nearly 3 minutes. Despite the mid run set back I did even better than I thought possible for my current level of fitness and experience with biking and running.
Finally, just 3 days later I left for a week of vacation with my wife and daughter. In a way it was the best vacation I had ever had because for the first time in over a decade I actually felt comfortable walking around in a swimsuit. More than anything though, I knew what I had accomplished over the past year and I was able to celebrate it with the two people who matter most in my life.
May 17, 2008
250 pounds
32% body fat
48" belly
Size 44 jeans
May 12, 2009
197 pounds
14% body fat
38" belly
Size 34 jeans
I was down to 194 about a month ago, gained some weight before the triathlon and then shed a few right after. I still have an overall goal of 10% body fat and have no doubt I will achieve that goal this year. I am also hooked on the triathlon now and I am already thinking about the next one later this summer.
My journey started after returning from vacation last year and looking at the photos. I was right around 249 before leaving for vacation and 251 upon returning from vacation.
I had not even tried to lose weight since 2000. This time around I vowed to do things differently and make exercising fun. I stopped worrying about how much stronger and fitter the guy next to me was and just focused on improving myself.
So around June 1st, 2008 I started eating smaller, healthier portions and going to my local Gold's Gym again. At first I exercised light to moderate for maybe 3 to 5 hours per week. Over the months I built up intensity, duration and variety.
By November of 2008 I was regularly lifting, swimming, kickboxing, walking, biking (stationary) and taking a yoga/pilates type class called Body Flow. On a good week I was getting in maybe 12 hours of exercise and on a bad week maybe 5. I loved all of it and still do to this day.
After a short lull and gaining a few pounds in December, I once again increased my intensity and dedication at the start of 2009. I found this site and I also joined the Gold's Gym 12 week challenge to help motivate me to keep going.
At some point in January or February I decided I was going to do a sprint triathlon around Spring time of this year as a reward for losing weight and getting fit again. It just so happened there was one being held at my alma mater just a few days before we normally go on vacation in May. I was nearly unable to compete due to a minor 4-wheeler accident just a week prior but on May 3rd, injured neck and all, I participated in and finished my first triathlon. I almost had a perfect race save for a crippling side stitch that stopped me in my tracks for nearly 3 minutes. Despite the mid run set back I did even better than I thought possible for my current level of fitness and experience with biking and running.
Finally, just 3 days later I left for a week of vacation with my wife and daughter. In a way it was the best vacation I had ever had because for the first time in over a decade I actually felt comfortable walking around in a swimsuit. More than anything though, I knew what I had accomplished over the past year and I was able to celebrate it with the two people who matter most in my life.
May 17, 2008
250 pounds
32% body fat
48" belly
Size 44 jeans
May 12, 2009
197 pounds
14% body fat
38" belly
Size 34 jeans
I was down to 194 about a month ago, gained some weight before the triathlon and then shed a few right after. I still have an overall goal of 10% body fat and have no doubt I will achieve that goal this year. I am also hooked on the triathlon now and I am already thinking about the next one later this summer.
Well done on your transformation! You sound like you are really enjoying the new healthy you!!!!
I often find myself having friendly, positive conversations with complete strangers. That probably never would have happened just a year ago. Whenever possible I try to help other people embarking on their own weight loss journey by simply sharing my story with them and trying to convince them they really can do whatever they put their minds to. Most of the staff at my local gym have seen more dramatic transformations but even they have taken notice. They have been a huge source of support throughout my journey thus far. There are many other weaknesses I have conquered in the last one to two years, including 15 years of depression, 12 years of smoking and several forms of adolescent fears and behaviors but perhaps I'll save those details for a future entry in my diary/journal. 
