Running Man #DadFit

Project #DadFit – Week 1: A New Beginning

Starting Weight – 207.2 lbs

A few weeks ago I wrote about how I was going to make some health changes in my life but wasn’t sure if I would be able to stick to it. Some people have argued for and against the fact that it takes 21 days to form a habit, and seeing as how I have now passed that marker, I’m going to go ahead and believe it for my own motivation’s sake.

I wish I could pinpoint what has changed to keep me motivated this time around after many failed attempts, because it certainly hasn’t been easy. I have started going to the gym 2-3 times a week and even started running 5K with the same frequency and have basically wanted to quit since I began. To keep myself motivated I signed up for the Army Run 5K later this month and have found that it has worked during the times that I have wanted to lie on the couch instead of lacing up my running shoes.

For those of you who are on the fence about making some changes in your life, I can honestly tell you that this has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done. There hasn’t been one moment where it has been easy and I have been in pain more than I have felt gain to this point. The weight room is hard, the running is even harder and cutting down on the junk food is the absolute worst.

I realize that this isn’t the best endorsement for creating a better you so far but I promise you there is hope, and it is this. I have never felt so much pride and confidence in myself. When I push through the pain at the gym and put down that last weight, I realize that the pain was only temporary. When I don’t think I can run another foot but leg out an extra kilometer, I beam with pride at what I have accomplished. When people start to notice the difference in your body and attitude, you soak it in. Finally, when you can play with your children for longer than 5 minutes without getting exhausted, it makes the whole thing worthwhile.

I’m no motivational speaker and there is no guarantee that I will succeed this time around but I can honestly tell you that if you are willing to push through the initial instinct to quit, you will be rewarded in the long run. Because I am new to this and learning as I go, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any beginner questions or need encouragement to keep going!

*Note: You may have noticed the #DadFit hashtag. I don’t own it but noticed that it wasn’t being used so I’m borrowing it to chronicle my attempt at living a healthier life. If you feel like joining in and using it, please do. The more, the merrier!*

5 replies
  1. Amanda@MultiTestingMom
    Amanda@MultiTestingMom says:

    What about #MomFit – will have to check it out 😉 I fell off of my commitment (once again) earlier this year and September is marking a new beginning for me. I read something on Instagram (I think) this week that really made a whole lot of sense. If we put the same amount of energy that we do to hating our bodies into making ourselves more healthy, we would succeed with ease…or something to that effect. Good luck, my friend. I’ll be here by your side 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jeff Hay
    Jeff Hay says:

    Hey Chris,

    Congrats man! This might be the push I need — if THAT Canadian Dad can do it, then…
    Will I even recognize you in San Fran??? looking forward to being svelte with you! uh, well, you know what I mean…

    Reply
  3. Charlene
    Charlene says:

    I just started running in March – it helped to have a running group to keep me motivated in the beginning. I also realized that running slower makes it much more enjoyable:) I smile when people pass me now – no more inner critic. My marathon runner friend says – “you’re faster than the people on the couch” lol.

    Reply

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  1. […] the drive and determination evaporate the minute there was any adversity. Remember when I started Project #DadFit and wrote about 5 stories before giving up? How about the one where the surgeon called me […]

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