From a tub of GOO, to Marathon FINISHER! In just 1 year! - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Laureate · 10-13-2009, 05:46 AM

Mike, I don't know who to be prouder of, you or your sister!

I'm sorry your wife left you when you needed her most, but it looks like the universe had other plans for you. Thanks, not just for your story, but for your incredible photos. I especially liked the mountain climbing ones. (One of my big goals is to hike -- uphill!)

Anyway, you make this process look so much fun. But we both know your sis worked your butt off!

What an amazing family.

mistymee · 10-13-2009, 06:52 AM

Mike, reading your posts brought tears to my eyes- how amazing your transformation has been! You have accomplished so much over the last year, you should be *so* incredibly proud of yourself. What a great gift you've given not only yourself but your son as well.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

mermiesmom · 10-13-2009, 07:06 AM

Mike,

Your story is incredible and I love the way you laid it all out with pictures and everything! You have been on an amazing journey and I am so glad that you shared this with us. I also started running after my WLS, but only about 6 months ago. I am really comfortable with the 5k now (I've done (5) 5k races and (1) 8k race so far), but I can tell that I need to start pushing myself out of that comfort zone and work on more 8ks and 10ks. I would love to eventually do a 1/2 and full marathon. We have a group here on TT call the TT Road Runners...I'd love for you to join us! We keep track of our daily runs and post our mileage and times in the monthly running/walking goals thread.

Thanks again for sharing with us and congratulations on all of your success....

Oh, btw, you do look awesome!!

Take Care,

Beth in Texas · 10-13-2009, 07:58 AM

Goodness! Thank you so much for sharing, Mike. Truly inspirational, and I can't EVEN imagine myself doing what you have. Like Josephine said, I hope to have half of the ability you do! Congratulations on your new life. And yes, I do believe everything happens for a reason!

Highlandlass · 10-13-2009, 08:06 AM

Hi Mike, As I was reading through your wonderful entries, I was feeling a bit lazy....you are a true inspiration, not just to us here at T.T., or even your circle of friends, but to your son as well. He must be very proud of his dad for the huge change in mindset that took you through this phase of your journey. Well done, indeed and may your future be even brighter! Cheers!!!!

Geebs · 10-13-2009, 11:20 AM

Yowzas! You rock!
I kept refreshing last night to see each additional post and had to work hard to restrain myself from posting in the middle of your story. But OMG...YOU and what you've done with your body, mind & spirit are what makes me want to move forward with surgery.
THANK YOU!
Keep running (and biking and swimming) after your dreams.

-Gina

Kymel · 10-13-2009, 05:25 PM

Hey there Mike!!

I was gonna say 'welcome' but I see that you signed up some time ago...so maybe WELCOME BACK!

I have to admit, I feel kinda lazy reading through your story. You've accomplished so much over the past year! As others have said -truely an inspiration!

I'm a fellow Northwesterner too...there's a few of us here, but not many.

If you're interested, there is a local triathalon in the Gorge every year the Aluminum Man - many use it to train going into the Ironman. I'm not sure if they have a website...but I'm sure there probably is one out there. I believe much of it is based in the Hood River area. It's been awhile since I followed anything on it.

Congrats on your success!

Mike&HisMotorcycle · 10-13-2009, 09:37 PM

Thank you everyone for your comments and claiming that my story is an inspiration. We all need to find something to be inspired in, I believe. At least something that gives us that extra drive to get off the couch, change one thing (even if it is a small thing) about our negative lifestyles and get moving.

Today, for instance, I had to go to court to finalize my divorce. A very stressful day and more drama to deal with. Afterwards I was very stressed. In the old days, I would find my way to a drive thru and console my feelings with something fried and super-sized. But today, I couldn't wait to get to the gym. I ran on an indoor track and then saw the stairmaster calling me, beckoning me. You know, the really intimidating one with the stairs that are on a roller and you actually go up stairs? I put that puppy on level 15 which is 5 levels higher than I was on last time (8 months ago) and went to town. Sweat was just pouring off of me and so was the stress. I finished with some ab work then hopped in the pool. Swam about 300 yards then into the hot tub and I was feeling all better.

We can all find a way to make some better choices and do something that deep down will make us feel much better.

Stay tuned folks!

Highlandlass · 10-14-2009, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike&HisMotorcycle

Thank you everyone for your comments and claiming that my story is an inspiration. We all need to find something to be inspired in, I believe. At least something that gives us that extra drive to get off the couch, change one thing (even if it is a small thing) about our negative lifestyles and get moving.

Today, for instance, I had to go to court to finalize my divorce. A very stressful day and more drama to deal with. Afterwards I was very stressed. In the old days, I would find my way to a drive thru and console my feelings with something fried and super-sized. But today, I couldn't wait to get to the gym. I ran on an indoor track and then saw the stairmaster calling me, beckoning me. You know, the really intimidating one with the stairs that are on a roller and you actually go up stairs? I put that puppy on level 15 which is 5 levels higher than I was on last time (8 months ago) and went to town. Sweat was just pouring off of me and so was the stress. I finished with some ab work then hopped in the pool. Swam about 300 yards then into the hot tub and I was feeling all better.

We can all find a way to make some better choices and do something that deep down will make us feel much better.

Stay tuned folks!

You have really learned how to handle stress. That is so wonderful for you and the fact that you shared the experience with us gives us another choice when we are stressed. I'll be tuned in for the next chapter, that's a promise.

milwmarc · 10-14-2009, 10:12 AM

From one Gym Rat to another (no where near the dedication YOU have) Thank you for your story! I was getting a bit bored with my workout routine. I see that I should keep posting my pictures for myself in my "messigner Diary" so I can see my progress like I can see in all your amazing pictures!

You Friggin rock!