Solution
or Satisfied with the Status Quo
Standing there, looking at the mirror, I saw a five foot nine inch male over the
age of forty who weighted 205 pounds. During this time at 205 pounds, I was not
happy with the heavy feeling I had all the time, I was a work-a-holic who was
tired from the moment my head rose from the bed to the moment the head touched
the bed later on that day. I liked my empty calorie sweets, soda’s and eating
fast food. For some unknown reason, I was caught in a rut and decided that I was
supposed to be at this weight, have this appearance, feel this way and just go
with the flow.
I can only tremble to think of what my beautiful wife thought of my weight gain,
appearance, lack of energy and my being okay with it all.
When we met, I was a five foot nine inch male below the age of thirty who
weighed in at 128 pounds when I was in my best shape, 132 pounds most of the
time. I was still a work-a-holic, but I had seemingly endless energy, had a
sweet tooth, but ate wholesome food and I took good care of myself. I had a high
quality of life.
November
2004 was the month I was no longer satisfied with the way I looked or felt.
I started an exercise regimen that worked on the entire body to condition
and improve myself. Started slow with walks and slow runs, sit-ups, weight
lifting, rowing machine and watching the types of foods I consumed. I felt I had
more energy during the day almost immediately. My resting pulse rate proceeded
to get lower every couple of days. My disposition changed from a grump to a few
steps above a grump. Though the scales did not show much weight loss, there was
an appearance change that was appealing to my beautiful wife and the kids
noticed too.
At this time, I am in my mid-forties, weight in at 140 pounds, have boundless
energy and enjoy life each day and have not been sick one day with my new found
activity level.
I share this to demonstrate that everyone can get to a point when you are
satisfied with the status quo. I was satisfied and decided I was supposed to
feel and look the way I did – I was supposed to be satisfied with not liking
my appearance and how I felt each day. Balderdash! I was fed up with being fed
up with being tired and unhappy – a solution had to be available. I knew what
the solution was in general and I then had to make the commitment to be a part
of the solution. The hardest step was the first one – after that it has been
easier and easier. There are days that I can not get all the
workout I want, however I am able to get back to the routine and feel good. The
actions are habit forming and positive.
There is nothing special about me. I have the some strengths
and weaknesses, just like you. I have some activities that peak my interest
while others bore me to death. I like watching some TV and also like working in
the yard. I happen to really enjoy running as an activity, you may like ballroom
dancing. The point is that if I can make the change in my life, there is nothing
that is stopping you from the same type of change…except you. Once you make
the decision, take that first step – have the commitment and desire to make
sure nothing stays in your way. Find out what it takes, use the resources around
you to make an informed decision – then stick to it. These are the simple
steps I and many others have taken to get where we are today.
Are you ready to be part of the solution, or are you satisfied with the status
quo?
On August 23rd, from 4 to 7 PM, all interested citizens are invited
to attend a public information open house, particularly those who may currently
walk or ride a bike to work, church, school, or recreational activities.
Comments may also be forwarded to Dan McGee, MPO Planner via email: dmcgee@sgrdc.com,
phone: 229.333.5277, fax: 229.333.5312, or in person at the South Georgia
Regional Development Center located at 327 W. Savannah Avenue.
VSU Centennial 5K was presented for its 2nd year yesterday. Results
are available at the VSU Recreation Department web site, Get Active’s web site
and GetActiveSouthGeorgia email list, along with a few other locations. .
Kevin’s Race to End Cancer is a new event to raise awareness and money for the
American Cancer Society and their event will be held on August 25th
in Valdosta. The event includes a 5K, 2 mile and 1mile. People are entering at a
good clip for this worth while event – be a part of the solution.
Wernersville Triathlon will be held on 09/08/07 and starts at 7:30 AM. Flyers
are available now. The distances include 0.25 mile swim, 14 mile bike and 3.6
mile run. Many are in training for this local Valdosta event; you too can be a
part. If you are not comfortable with all three events, there is a relay offered
as well. The YMCA Valdosta is offering help on the swimming preparation –
check with them on what they are offering. Get your family or friends together
and each takes a leg of the event. Keep listening to NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA on
Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM, to get updates and training
suggestions/opportunities. On August 29th, one of the organizers will
be the guest and the topic will only be about the triathlon. The show starts at
6PM every Wednesday evening on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA.
Wendy’s and Wild Adventures are teaming up to present the Wendy’s 5K Wild
Adventures Run for Adoption to be held at Wild Adventures Theme Park. September
29th needs to be set aside for you and the family to be involved with
this event. Applications are now available at the store or we will email you a
copy. Go to www.getactivevaldosta.com
and request an application and one will be sent quickly.
Monday,
September 10th there will be a Fitness 101 class offered for people
interested in finding out how to start or improve their walking or running
programs. Class starts at 7PM at Get Active – Running and more store
on North Ashley Street – use www.getactivevaldosta.com
to get the directions.
There are weekly, FREE activities for the runners and cyclists in the area.
Runners can show up at Get Active on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7AM for runs
from 1.5 to 8 plus mile runs. Thursday morning is a women’s
ONLY run, and the other runs are all-comers. Cyclists can meet for rides on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check out
the web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com.
Do you have results you want to share about yourself, a loved one or friend?
Send, email or call the information in to me at Get Active – Running and more.
If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an
email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com
to get connected. Listen to the Get Active South Georgia radio show on Wednesday
evenings from 6 to 7PM on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA to receive additional
information or to ask questions.
Thank
you,
Todd
& Alice Smoot
GET
ACTIVE
Running
and more
GET
ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA
as
heard on
NewsTalk
105.9 FM WVGA
Wednesdays
6
to 7 PM - call into the show at 229-241-1059
GET
ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA
as read weekly in the Sunday VDT - look for us
www.getactivevaldosta.com
3200-C
North Ashley Street
Valdosta,
GA 31602
229-219-0010
229-219-0012
(F)
In
the long run, one must have goals to succeed.
"To
give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" Steve
Prefontaine