Goal Weight: 195
Current Weight: 225
I only lost a pound this week. But I’m still losing inches. Tomorrow (weather permitting), the boys and I are going to run a 5K. Could I have done that a month ago? Heck no.
Four weeks into the program and I’m starting to get my life back. I have energy again. I’m not depressed. I have hope. I know I’m a better husband and father — I have to be. My life is being changed for the better one day at a time.
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Michael Guarino is an inspirational man. I’ve been in his group for a couple of weeks and I can tell you, he isn’t a gung-ho, rah rah kind of guy. No, he inspires in a more quiet way. He works hard and give it his all. And today, he made it to the 8th step I was talking about yesterday. Today he reached SUCCESS. Michael has lost over 100 pounds working out with Paul LaCoste. Last session he lost 62 pounds. He lost several more pounds in between sessions and today, he weighed in at a total loss of 101 pounds. So did he get a cake? Ice cream? No, he had to wear a 65-pound vest and carry a 35-pound weight during the workout. It was just a not-so subtle reminder of the weight that he used to carry every single day. At the end of the session, his wife and son came and the 5:00 and 6:00 classes cheered him on. It was like the end of Rocky. I kept watching his son thinking what an inspiration Michael is to him. And I couldn’t help but think how his family been permanently changed for the good.
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And finally, today is my brother-in-law Adam’s birthday. He’s 45 and the best brother-in-law a brother could ask for (he loves my sister). As I was out there, huffing and puffing in pain, I thought of Adam. Adam has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS (Lou Gerhig’s Disease). He’s losing the use of his body while his mind remains sharp as ever. I can tell you this: He has faced this challenge with more courage than I can even imagine. Adam is a role model to my sons. To them (and to me), Uncle Adam means courage. And today, I busted my butt in his honor because I knew he couldn’t. Please don’t take for granted your health. Please. I beg you.
And Adam, happy birthday. I love you.