Back At It

Three years ago, to the day, I began a weight-loss program that was to change my life -- or at least my stature. I was fed up with the size at which I'd lived virtually my entire life up to that point and was determined to change that reality. The goal was to lose 66 pounds in the next year. I put no specific time requirements on myself other than to lose it by the end of the 2007 calendar year.

I lost 63 in 6 months.

When I got so close to my goal, I relaxed and never tasted the finish line. Noooooot quite. For the better part of two years, I kept it off really well. I went to the gym every day regardless of how tired I was and was able to get all new clothes. Out of the doubles and into the Xs. I was pretty happy about that.

But then I slowly began to put it back on.

I went on a cruise with one of my best friends. I'm not sure if any of you have been on a cruise, but it's basically a boat full of "free" food that's accessible at all hours of the day or night. After a couple of adult beverages, a piece of tasty pizza sounds pretty good at 2:00 in the morning. I was able to do some damage control following that weekend, but I could feel it sliding a bit.

Then I moved out to Chicago, which doesn't have a 24-Hour Fitness, so I was left to run on my own instead of lifting and using the machines. Turns out the machines were good at keeping stress off my knee because after about a month of running 3 miles 3 times a week, my right knee began to ache. So, I stopped. And the gaining started.

I've probably gained 20 since I moved, which is unacceptable for me. I refuse to go back to that size. It cannot happen. That is why, with the help of the sturdy weights at the World Gym, I will be losing the last 40. This time, there is a goal...May 7th, also known as my 28th birthday. It's ambitious, but definitely feasible.

Goal weight by 28.
My new mantra.

I've done it before. I will do it again. And even better this time.