July 16, 2009: The Day That Changed My Life

You know how when it seems like something happened just yesterday, yet, it seems like it was 100 years ago at the same time? That's the way I feel today. It is July 16, 2012. That date may not mean much to you but for those of you who know my story, you know this date as "the day that changed my life." It was July 16, 2009, three years ago that I experienced the day that changed my life. This is the anniversary of the day I decided I was not going to be fat again. I had "had it." It seems like just yesterday, yet, it really does seem like 100 years ago.

I live two weird emotions. When I look at pictures of myself from the old days, I cannot believe I was ever that big. I don't understand how I allowed myself to be unhealthy through all of those years raising children. What in the world was I thinking? I wasn't thinking. The other emotion that I experience is just the opposite. Sometimes, I feel like I am still over 300 pounds. I forget until I look in the mirror. Why is that? Maybe I am old and that is the answer but I do experience both feelings all the time.

I have maintained my weight for 2 years. I told you that I will not gain the weight back because I am a changed man. I am not the old Eddie Robbins. I am totally obsessed with being fit and healthy. Of course, life sometimes deals us a bad hand and we have to deal with that. Charles Conn, my father-in-law, used to tell us that "time and chance happens to everyone." I realize there are people with physical issues. That does not meant that they are not trying and I in NO way would want to come across as being insensitive to them. Time and chance happens to us all. In fact, Jesus told us that we would have  trouble in this life. It happens. I have been fortunate over the last 3 years. I have had my share of injuries but it pales in comparison to some of my friends battling cancer and other illnesses.

Today, I celebrate 3 years of a decision made and kept. Why am I writing about this? To be honest, I have had all the accolades that I need for the accomplishment that I made with losing weight and becoming a runner. The reason I write is for you. What about you? Some of you are where I was 3 years ago. You are sick and tired of being overweight but you have given up. I understand that. I had that feeling a few years ago. I pretty much gave up. But 3 years ago, that all changed. I decided that I would do something about it come hell or high water. I wanted to know what it would be like to be at a normal weight. Most of you know my story and saw me do it. In fact, you helped me through it. So, what about you? Why not let today, not tomorrow, be the day that changes your life? I have a Facebook group with some folks who will help you through your journey. If you want to join, send me a message and I will add you to the group. Or, you can find it on Facebook. It is the same name as my book: "All My Strength." I am still on the journey. I have goals. I want to help you with your goals. Join the group and get started. Today. Not tomorrow.

Injuries Are Part Of The Deal

I am in the midst of dealing with my second hamstring injury. Earlier this year, it was the right leg. I nursed it back in time to run a 10k in Portland, Oregon in May. Oregon was my 11th state to run a race. Over the last month, I have been nursing a hamstring strain in my left leg. It caused me to miss my third Peachtree Road Race, which was really disappointing. As I write, I am very close to running again. I was close a couple of weeks ago and tweaked it again, extending the healing time. I am being very careful not to run too quickly now. My next race is in Milwaukee, WI on August 11. I am hopeful to be back in full swing by then.

Injuries don't just happen to old guys trying to run. They happen to seasoned athletes all the time. Injuries are just a part of the deal. The worst part of an injury, besides causing you to miss an event, is the mental part. Running is a mental sport to begin with. It is very therapeutic. If I am feeling down, I always feel better after a good, long run. I think it is a gift from God that some are not aware. So, when I am going through an injury and not running, it is easy to get down mentally. I have to keep reminding myself that great athletes get injured and recover and I will too. Injuries are part of the deal.

Looking at the positive side, it is extremely hot right now in North Georgia. If I had to choose a time to be away from the sport, it is now. I am looking forward to the fall when the running season really picks up. I have scheduled one race in the fall so far and look to add 3 more states giving me 15 states, Lord willing. I have lots to look forward to in my new life, running for freedom. Freedom from an unhealthy life! Yes, even with injuries, it is worth it. After all, injuries are part of the deal.

Welcome to my new blog page

I don't know why I started a new blog page but wanted to do something that I consider the next step after "All My Strength." Most of of you know that I wrote a book about my life transformation. People ask me all the time "how are the book sales going?" I don't know how to answer that question. I have sold almost 200 books. Is that good, bad or just blah? The main thing is it has helped to motivate other folks and that was the goal. So, I guess the sales are good.  I move on from here. The book is not going to self destruct. It will always be available and I am always ready to tell my weight loss experience. It's time for the next step.

I have been told by some that I need to be working on the next book. I guess that is what I'm doing. I am moving on. I don't know if the next phase in my life is worthy of a book or not, but I am moving on anyway. One can move along without disposing of the past. My story will always be my story and I am always ready to tell it because some people need to hear it. So, I am not abandoning anything other than unhealthy living.

Let's begin with the title of this blog. I own the domain name "www.irunforfreedom.com." I have it pointed to this blog. Perhaps one day I will create a webpage but for now this blog will do. Why the name "I Run For Freedom?" First, I was surprised that it was available. It was and I secured it a couple of months ago, anticipating a good use for it. I am not so sure that a blog is a good use but maybe something will happen later that is worthy of the name.

"Freedom" is a word that is not taken lightly, especially for those who have experienced bondage. It is hard for us to fully grasp the meaning of the word as it pertains to the United States unless we came from a country that was not free. I have known a few people in that situation and they seem to appreciate living in freedom more than me. Being raised in freedom spoiled me.  There are, however, other ways to be bound. We see it every day in all sorts of ways. I was in bondage living an unhealthy, unfit lifestyle. 3 years ago this month, I made the decision to be free from that bondage by losing 110 pounds and becoming a runner. Now, I Run For Freedom.

Welcome to my new blog!