Step One Complete

I've been engaged in a continuous debate in my head about this post. Not that I wasn't going to write it. I always was. It was whether or not to include pictures.

Because it's not about vanity.

Maybe a little. Fifteen percent. Tops.

But it didn't start out that way.

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Ninety days ago, I decided, with little-to-no idea of what I was getting myself into, that I'd had enough of being unhealthy. Not out of shape, but unhealthy. So, on Monday, April 7th, I quit smoking. And drinking.

After three days of detox, I began a 90-day workout program on April 10th. I also incorporated a strict nutritional diet.

I looked like this:




Now sure, those pics are shitty. Sorry, 'bout that. Perhaps I did it (and by "it," I mean not figuring out how to work the timer on my camera, so I didn't have to shoot into a mirror while holding the damn thing) on purpose because, truth be told, I was chagrined by the state of my body. Two years of not playing soccer, of drinking too much and sitting on the couch playing poker...well...that's what you get: a concave chest, a beer gut, whatever the hell it is that you call that fat above the stomach and below the sternum, flabby arms, a total lack of definition and saggy boxer shorts.

So, why am I including pics? Because if there's one person out there who is looking to become healthier, who is results-oriented, then I want them to believe. And I say this with the utmost sincerity:

If I can do it, anyone can.

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Now, I don't want to give the impression that I've adhered to the program with a boot camp-style mentality. Yes, I did at the start. It was no less a matter of life and death to me. For five weeks. In that time, I did not smoke, drink or go off a strict, low-carb, low-fat high-protein diet. Since then, I've partied a few times. I've socially smoked. I've eaten burritos. I've missed workouts (though, only four).

How did I feel about that? Fine. Absolutely fucking fine. Which might be the biggest change, in that I didn't beat myself silly for "slipping." What I did was get right back on the Non-Smoking, Broccoli-Infused Horse.

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I finished Day 90 of the program earlier this evening. I start Day 1 of a new, more intense, pysical program on Monday. From now until then, I'm gonna celebrate. Not because I lost 11 pounds. Not because I lost two inches in my waist and gained nearly two on my arms. Not because I feel better than I have in 10 years.

No, I'm going to celebrate because I showed a discipline with the program that had been lacking in my life, one that has already bled into other aspects. Because I've re-discovered that motivation and energy I had in my life many years ago. Before X, before I allowed my life to become something I thought it should be instead of something to be attacked with vigor and optimism.





I'm no Adonis. I will never be. Again, not what it's about. But I'm proud and thankful to the many of you all for your words of encouragement.

If anyone wants information on how I got here, I'm happy to share via e-mail. I don't want to shill for the program. I will say it takes less than an hour a day, incorporates a gradual progression that guards against soreness and injury, comes with complete nutritional guidelines and recipes, and an online support system that is, at turns, invaluable and hilarious. Get in touch and I'll point you in the right direction.

Next pics in 90...er...94 days. Until Monday, I'm gonna forget about all of this. If you need me, I'll be at the bar.