Fit-to-Fat-to-Fit Blog: The Final Exam

The spot where we had the boating accident. See the tree? That’s what flipped our boat (during higher water.)

It’s over. The twelve weeks of Paul Lacoste Sports Fit4Change is now done. First of all, let me say how proud I am of everyone who went through the program and finished. Your stories inspired me and kept me going on my bad days. So before I get started, let me say, thank you. And keep it up. You’ve made a lifestyle change. Stick with it.

As you can see by the numbers from the past two days, I made improvement. Last year, it was about losing the weight — I lost 45 pounds. This year, it was about what made up the weight.  I stayed about the same weight, but put on muscle. Lots of muscle in my upper body.  If I was a statue, last year would have been about carving out the block. This year it was chiseling off the excess stone.  I’m in great shape. I’m faster. And other than a balky knee, I’m in healthy. (last year I had shin splints).

Last night was the Paul Lacoste Fit4Change 5K. We ran from the State Capitol around downtown and back to the Capitol steps.  My goal was 25 minutes.  I ran it in 26:59.  Even though I didn’t make my goal, that’s a PR for me.  I battled pollen-induced asthma and an untied shoe.  But what I was really proud of was that my sons ran the race in 28 and 31 minutes. See, that’s what it is all about…having the energy to spend more time with the family.

This morning, we had the final exam. Believe me, when the alarm clock went off at 4 a.m., I wanted to sleep in. I knew Clark wouldn’t be taking attendance.  I knew that no one would probably miss me.  I got out of bed and went anyway.  Why?  That’s how success happens. It’s when you do what you don’t want to do and you do it well.

It was a greatest hits of workouts.  It was at Madison Central High School today — and a combination of the five and six o’clock classes.  We had eight lines and the exercises put us through our paces. It was high intensity and, to be honest, hard. I couldn’t have done it 12 weeks ago.  Today, though, it was fun.

I’m tired.  I’m glad it is Easter weekend.  I’m going for a run tomorrow morning and then a long, long run very early Easter morning.  I’m going to catch the sunrise — and think about the deeper meaning of things.

Last Good Friday, I got into a boating accident. A drag chain wrapped around my leg and I nearly drowned. But because I had done Fit4Change, my core was strong. I was able to sit up out of the current and breathe until I untangled myself out of the chain.

I believe I would have drowned if I had not had that strength.

Today, I passed my  Fit4Change final exam. And I know from last year’s accident, that means that that I can handle the bigger tests life throws at me.

Next Level on three.