3 big reasons why I'm on this journey

Pretty easy to see why I've made the change I have. I plan on being around for a while.

Luke Gregory Lane born 7/24/08
Lauren Grace Lane born 3/24/11
And of course my beautiful wife, Jessica.

My first St. Patrick's Day Road Race

Today I ran in the 33rd Annual St. Patrick's Day 2-Mile and 10K Road Race in Manhattan. This year was my first as a participant as I had attended several in the past. My brothers ran a few times when we were younger. It's a really well known event in the area.

I ran the 2-mile race and kicked some butt. I really didn't know what to expect going into it. I knew that I ran 21:35 in my last 2-mile race back in October of last year in Wamego and since I hadn't been running as much, I figured that I would be lucky to beat that. Not only did I beat that but I finished in just under 20 minutes. My time was 19:59.7 officially. Being 75 pounds lighter certainly helps.

I felt really good during the race and I really picked up the pace in the last tenth of a mile. Had I been more familiar with the course and where I was for the last quarter mile, I really think my time could have been even better because I had enough energy left in me. I can't wait to run it again next year.

I'm also really looking forward to my next race on April 16th.

Under 260 pounds

I officially weigh less than 260 pounds. I'm under 260 by almost 2 full pounds. I'm that much closer to my high school weight. I never ever thought I would lose that much.

The scale read 258.1 this morning. That's 77 pounds lost since September 23rd of last year.

My wife bought me a new bathroom scale as an early birthday gift that's more precise rather than whole and half pounds like the old one. Normally, I'd be offended but I thought it was a great gift. My how things have changed.

I'm still planning on running in the St. Patrick's Day Race next Saturday in Manhattan unless something major occurs like the birth of our 2nd child.

It's a great feeling knowing that I've prolonged my life by losing all this weight so I can play an active part in the lives of my children and family. I've written about a few of the reasons why I'm making this change and after doing it for myself, my family is at the top of that list.

I'm really looking forward to going to the swimming pool this summer. Years past, I was embarrassed to be seen there because I felt so fat but now I can't wait to go and be with Luke in the water. I'll still won't look that great with no shirt on but it'll be a heck of a lot better than before.

Shaved the goatee

I shaved my goatee this morning. What do you think?



Compare that picture on the right from this morning to when I last shaved it back in July of last year.



The goatee will be coming back soon as my biggest fan prefers that.