At the first alumni band performance at my high school I had the option to drive to the stadium or march with the band to the stadium. I used to march all the time six years previously to then. Hell, not only would I march, I'd twirl, twist, hop, and jog with my sousaphone on while we were clowning around. At this time I was tipping the scales at my worst weight ever of 425. And I was shocked that after a quarter mile I couldn't play my instrument because I was so winded. Then I started slowing down. The sousaphones marched in the middle of the parade formation. Pacing wise I slipped till I was with the woodwinds. Then the percussion section. Then the flags. By the time the flags passed me I was wheezing and puffing. I wasn't marching in pace at all. I was just staggering in hopes of not collapsing in the road by myself. I was humiliated. I had no plans on sharing this when I sat down to write but I think this ties in well with what I'm saying. I'm also going to add redemption to the Frankbox Achievements page. I will march again with the alumni band and I will keep pace and play well while doing so!
This is where the power of pictures comes to play. I need to remember to take more picture of myself as I continue down this path. That's the key to salvation. When I compare the picture above to the first one I took to start this blog, I can see some differences. If I compare it to the pictures from last year leading up to now I can definitely see a difference. This blog works so well for me and my cause because it allows easy access to compare and contrast. I can jog 7 miles per hour. I can sit at booths at restaurants without feeling like the biggest guy in the world. I can button up my shirts and still wear them as I sit down. I need a belt for everything. There's a lot of power in these things. Plus I get so much love from everyone who's joining me on this journey. Using these sources I'm going to create a strong positive reinforcement chart or page or something that I can look at whenever I get the feeling of spinning wheels.
Finally, I came across this clip below and I loved it for many reasons. Mostly because I feel like Eddie Murphy at the gym. Energetic and happy. Not so much on the womanizing... When I feel like I lost weight I get excited and I prance around and sing and dance. I feel like one day I'll wake up and have my moment of revelation that I am thin. As I progress I look at the numbers in shock. I've already had moments like in the clip and I just feel like I will be that guy in spandex jogging around everywhere!