And As We Say Goodbye...

...to 2010, we say hello to 2011.  It's almost new years, and I have been thinking a lot about what I've done this year- what I want to do next year and mostly about what I couldn't have done without my group of guys.  Each day we send each other emails saying if we were compliant or not to our commitment.  Some days it's just "compliant", some days it's "non-compliant".  One of the most profound things that Matt B. has told me this year is it's not about how many times you fall but about how quickly you get up after falling.  The enemy for anyone that has ever struggled with weight is most often Their own self doubt.  since April 1, 2010 I have lost 115lbs. My goal for this year is to be done with this weight loss journey.  I want to be on maintenance (to maintain a healthy weight and not have to lose anymore to have a "normal" BMI)
On April 1, 2011 I want be below 250lbs. I am committing myself to being 185lbs by December 2011- Come hell or high water.

I am going to need a tremendous amount of strength and encouragement to do this- but I know that the people in my camp can help me see it through.  What an incredible year it's been.  What a journey, so far.  The journey continues.  The next time I weigh in it will be 2011- Here's to a fantastic New Year.

-Luke

I'm sorry, so sorry.

Hello blog readers-

It has been a crazy December!!!!!  I can't believe it's already half-way gone.  This has been a great month. 
This past week I lost just over 5 lbs.

During the holidays it is especially hard to be on any kind of diet because of the ENDLESS amount of food that is put in front of you at Parties, Family Gatherings, Work, and of course at Home.  Here's a tip- If you're out, and have options that are less than healthy (eat as little as possible) You don't have to join in and gorge yourself- BE SENSIBLE!

I am encouraged by the progress that all the guys and gals are making on T8WC.  I am down to 292lbs at last weigh in- so by the end of the year...if I hit my goal each week...I'll be down to....280lbs (or very close to it)  The last time I weighed close to that was when I was a Sophomore in high school.  I am going to places I've never been as a grown adult.  I bought my first pair of 42 jeans, and a new jacket that is a size XL! 

This is a picture of the 5XL Coat I wore last Christmas.

Hard to believe.  But I will never need that thing again.  I've sold or donated ALL of my clothes and coats that I am too small for now.  Bags and boxes full.  The thing is- When you're overweight, you really accumulate clothes, because you're always outgrowing them.  No longer. 

I'll probably get in one or two more posts before the end of the year- Definitely one with my T8WC New Year Resolutions.

Take care everybody- Go Win Today!

-Luke

How Did I Ever Get This Way?

I was just looking back at some pictures of me from the beginning of 2010 (before I started working out at all)  I just am shocked to see the state I was in.  I will never go back there again- only forward to a healthier, skinnier Luke.

Check it out for yourself.

Now                         Then

Even after Thanksgiving (which we were allowed to have as a reward day off the diet) I am down 4lbs.  We'll see how I do on Saturday.  Hope to lose a few more by the end of the week. 

-Luke

1st Century

Yes, the rumors are true- I have officially lost 100 lbs!!

WOOOO HOOOO!  I am amazed at the transformation that I've experienced not only on the outside- but on the inside.  God continues to give blessings.

The rest of me is committed to getting to full fitness. 
Thanks for all the encouragement and motivation.

-Luke

Right to the Point

I had a lackluster week before this past one (not losing any weight) so I guess I pushed a little harder and further in the gym than I had previously.  I knocked down 8.4lbs- bringing me 2lbs away from my first Century loss.  I'm now at 303.

We are at it again this week- pushing ourselves to the limit. 

I am trying to prepare for the Thanksgiving day run

- and it's going......okay.  It's been slow- my ankle is my biggest deterrent from running- it starts to hurt, shooting pains, and then I'm done.  So, I'm hoping that getting some running shoes will help me get on the right track.. ONLY 9 Days to go!

Stay strong- Be good :)

-Luke

Muscle Milk is My New Favorite Treat!

"First little thought that came through my brain- I use to love to snack on chocolate and chips and junk like that.  But now, since I've reprogrammed my appetite- I actually crave something good for me (like almonds or a protein shake).  It's pretty cool."

So, 2 weeks ago I came in here with a big disappointing gain. BOO!  This past weekend, after really kicking it hard at the gym- I brought in a 5.8lb LOSS!  Hellllls yeah! 
(sorry, I couldn't help myself) So, I am feeling great about that.  

I now weigh (if you can believe it) 311lbs.  On April 1st I weighed 401lbs....carry the 2...I am now just 10lbs away from 100lbs lost.  This literally makes my head spin (you should see that- it's cool and scary at the same time)  I hope to be down those final 10lbs in 2 weeks.  We'll see how it goes.  Just gotta remember to eat on time (every 2 hours- eat compliant food) and work out intensely for at least 40 minutes a day. 
            In other news....

I signed up for the

(DUN-DUH-DAH!!!) We are doing it as Team T8WC.  It is going to be insane.  If you want to come and support- it's Thanksgiving morning at 9AM out at the Sprint Campus in Overland Park, KS.

It is going to be a time of Celebration for the progress that has been made.  I am excited to be a part of it. 

More information: visit the site to get directions- or to sign up to participate.

Go win this week.  I will be trying my level best to do the same.

-Luke

Cold Can't Keep You Down

I haven't had a week where I went in reverse (gaining instead of losing).  That is, until this past weekend.
After a week of illness- losing 12lbs, then losing another 2 the next week, my body finally returned to normal hydration and this past weekend, the truth teller showed me a 0.6 lb gain.  That might not seem like much, you might be like "LUKE it's LESS THAN A POUND! Quit freakin out!"  But.  I can't get it out of my head that I gained.  I take it as a challenge- This week I have been busting my butt at the gym- just really trying to do what Matt B. talks about- Going till failure.   I have been doing that. 


This morning I had a little encouragement from a stranger.  I was on the elliptical just doing my thing, and this older guy on the elliptical next to me says "Wow! You're really pluggin' away on that, aren't you?"  I smiled and told him "Yep, I'm trying".  He said "you've lost a lot of weight haven't you?  How much have you lost?"
When I told him 85lbs he said "You can really tell, I've seen you up here working out- every day don't you?"
I told him 6 days a week- and he told me it was great to see the progress.


Now, I don't know this guy from Adam.  He's just a stranger- but I know- that God uses people in our circles to give us encouragement, even if we don't know they're watching.




Thanks- 
Luke