The Fitness Race - How I lost 140 Pounds Eating At McDonald's

2008-05-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Does something in your life want to make you eat more? I've been thinking alot about what it is that keeps people, who struggle with their weight, heavy.

I struggled with my weight for over 25 years, and I thought getting slim was hopeless. I had tried many diets, yo-yo'd up & down & joined countless gyms. ultimately I gave up (thinking to myself 'I'm not strong enough to lick my weight problem').

So, what was it that finally snapped inside me allowing me to make up my mind to do the effort required to drop 140 pounds of excess weight and keep all that weight off permanently?

That's what I want to discuss on tomorrow night's teleconference of The Fitness Race.

Tuesday May 6:
6:00 PT / 7:00 MT / 8:00 CT / 9:00 ET
Conference line: 712-421-6460
Conference Passcode: 897185*

2007-07-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

We rode 25 miles through downtown Chicago at 2:00 A.M...

were we CRAZY???

I joined Arman Dolikian, an inspiring and svelt fitness race participant, and his wife Victoria, a member of The Fitness Race's Encouragment Team, in riding 25 miles through the streets of downtown Chicago after midnight this morning. We started by Lake Michigan at around 2:00 A.M. and finished at the same spot around 4:30 A.M.

We joined 10,000 bicyclists on Saturday night (really Sunday morning) for McDonald's L.A.T.E. Ride, benefiting Friends of the Parks. We enjoyed a 25-mile ride through Chicago’s neighborhoods and along the lakefront. We cycled past skyscrapers, heard "Opaah!" in Greek Town, cruised through the North Side, waved to onlookers, and watched the sun rise over Lake Michigan.

Here's my e-mail to Arman and Vicki after the ride...

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Arman & Vicki

Congratulations on completing the Late Ride. Many thanks for encouraging me to do this ride on Friday morning Arman; I would not have done it otherwise. What an experience! Many streets blocked, cool neighborhoods with “encouragers” on the sidelines, great views of the city capped-off with a solemn & meditative run by the lake… all with 10,000 new friends.

Although very sleepy, finding the two of you at the end was just a priceless ending to an already rich incomparable morning.

Regards,

Mark

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Arman's e-mail back to me...
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Mark,

We had a great time on the all-night LATE ride downtown last night.

Vicki and I rode 32 miles (half of our metric century goal for next month)riding from about 1:30 AM to 4:30 AM. The weather was perfect and the ride itself was easy... flat terrain, and I barely got beyond "Level 2" exertion.

We averaged 10 miles/hour, slowed down by the crowdand a few bottlenecks in the path. I felt I could have ridden longer,so there was definitely reserve and a smile on our faces at the end.

We ran into you at the end of the ride, and experienced abeautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan.

Very fun time, and great memories.We will definitely do this again.It's now Sunday evening. Although the ride was great, the fatigue, and jetlag-like hangover from being up all night really got to me. We got home around 7:00A.M. Slept till 11:00 A.M., got up, went back to bed till 2:00 PM, and basically vegetated all day, lying around and watchingTV. The fatigue/long recovery time is troublesome.

Will see you all on Thursday at South Barrington Club for the next assessment.

Best regards,

Arman

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McDonald's L.A.T.E. Ride is Chicago’s biggest charity bicycle ride! Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of the Parks, a 32-year-old not-for-profit parks advocacy group whose mission is to protect and improve Chicago’s parks and forest preserves in Cook County. This after-midnight ride has been around since 1989.

2007-06-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

Formerly 313 Pound Financial Advisor...
Now A Grand Canyon Rock Climber

Who would believe this story? But it's true. I just returned from a two-week trip to the Grand Canyon where I participated with a group of 16 friends paddling nearly 200 miles down the Colorado River through the Grandest of Canyons.

The suprise was less that I could paddle & keep up on a trip like this, but rather, it was the side "expeditions" we took. Periodically throughout the trip we would hike down "slot canyons" and much of the time we would hike "up" these canyons. There were many times on these little adventures (sometimes lasting hours), where I would look up at a rock-climb (sometimes as much as 1/2 mile vertical climbing) and think... "I can't do this."

I'm certain that in my brain, I'm still thinking as a 313 pound guy, rather than the 140 pound lighter person I am now at 173 pounds. Step-by-step and lifting up over one rock and then the next, I made it fine through each of these climbs. What a sense of accomplishment and gratitude I feel for being able to do activities like this now.

When your resolve is there... you can accomplish your goal to be lighter & fitter, just as I have. Is there any question that you can do this too?

It rests with your belief.

Mark

2007-05-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Just in... I received this progress report by email from one of the fifteen participants in The Fitness Race. I'm looking for a couple of things in these e-mails from each participant:
1. Determination
2. Postitive attitude about future progress

In this e-mail, despite the fact that more than four pounds has been lost in four weeks, from the tone of this, I'm concerned about discouragement in this individual. The emails are in "reverse order" with my response at the top and the first email in the series at the bottom. Read them all & see what you think? Are you worried for this person?

LM,

Let’s focus on the future… you HAVE made progress. Now, how many pounds per week will you need to lose in order to reach your goal by the target date? That’s what I recommend in order to track your progress benchmarked against your goal.

It’s unlikely that weight training is having a significant impact, competition weight lifters feel lucky to gain one pound per month in muscle. So, the best bet is to focus on nutrition and pray for strength to re-examine what your daily calorie target should be & then contemplate if you have the resolve to stay below that number.

Would you like additional mentoring?

I’m here to help you reach your goals for the reasons that are important to you.

Best,

M
-------------------------
From: L M
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 4:38
To: Mark Little

Subject: Progress

Mark,

Thanks, but I don't feel like I'm making great progress. Maybe I'm expecting too much, but I thought I would have lost more weight by now. The weights I have been using are adding to my weight, I'm sure. I just need the weight scale to go down so that I can feel like I'm really making a difference!

My benchmarking update is attached.

By the way, I really appreciated the quote you added to your email:
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals"

I really needed to see that today!

Thanks,

LM
----- Original Message ----
From: Mark Little

L M,

You're doing great with your efforts to transform yourself, I am particularly impressed with your commitment to sticking with your goals.

Please send me the progress you've made thus far... benchmarked against your goals (using all the benchmarks you are tracking).

Mark

Mark M. Little
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals

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It is an important "next step" for the group to create a customized "Plan for discouragement" so they have a step-by-step process to follow for those inevitable times when things aren't going as well as hoped.

2007-05-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES... COME ON!!!!!!!!!
GREAT PROGRESS REPORT... READ THIS EMAIL FROM ONE PARTICIPANT OF THE FITNESS RACE TO ANOTHER (THIS IS PEER-ACCOUNTABILITY COACHING AT IT'S MOST INSPIRATIONAL).

DO YOU THINK THIS PERSON'S (QQ's) AFFIRMATION WILL ENCOURAGE ZC?

HINT: [YES!!!!!!!!]

-----------------------

From: QQ

Hi ZC,

I just want to congratulate you on the huge progress you made this past week!!!! You accomplished the following:
1. You lost 3 LBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Starting to track your food / calorie intake
3. Starting to track you conditioning
4. You worked out 3 times and plan to work out a 4th time on Saturday to reach your goal
5. You purchased a Heart Rate Monitor to begin to track your conditioning

I encourage you to continue the fantastic progress!! This coming week you have committed to finish writing your goals.

In Him,

QQ

2007-05-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

THIS EMAIL FROM A FITNESS RACE PARTICIPANT POINTS OUT HOW WELL THESE FOLKS ARE MEASURING AND TRACKING. NOW KEEP IN MIND, THESE FOLKS HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THEIR WEIGHT FOR MANY YEARS AND ARE NOT USED TO TRACKING ANYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH EATING OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

THIS PERSON IS TRACKING AND TRAINING JUST LIKE THE WORLD'S TOP ATHLETES DO. IS IT ANY SURPRISE THAT THE ENTIRE GROUP IS SEEING PROGRESS WITH "INTENTIONALITY" LIKE THIS?

Mark,

Attached is a workbook that details my food intake, exercise log, and weight loss tracking.

I averaged slightly less than a 1800 calorie per day intake which is on target.

I met my exercise goals for the week.

I lost 4.2 lbs last week which meets my goal.

I've also signed up for www.sparkpeople.com today.

I. F.

2007-04-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER THING I HAVE ASKED EACH OF THE 15 PARTICIPANTS TO DO IS TO SEND A WEEKLY AFFIRMATION TO AN INDIVIDUAL THEY ARE COMMITTING TO "HOLD ACCOUNTABLE" AS A WAY OF HELPING EACH OTHER TO MAINTAIN THEIR COMMITMENTS TO THEMSELVES.

HERE'S A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A WEEKLY AFFIRMATION I JUST RECEIVED...

Good morning LS,

Congratulations on living up to your agreements to yourself of exercise and water intake.

You lived up to your 2000 calorie diet as well with just one day of going over. And you have an immediate plan and positive attitude to stay below the 2000 calorie diet this week!

I enjoyed talking with you Saturday, you are affirming, insightful and encouraging to me.

I value you as a coaching partner. It was also great to "small talk" a little and begin to get to know each other better.

I am so excited and admire you for the obstacles you will and have overcome to reach your goals in August.

It takes someone with perseverance, motivation, resolve and such a positive attitude to do that, not to mention courage and hard work.

You exemplify all those things. I believe you can reach your goals and I am proud of your consistency, attitude and willingness to do the work, in the midst of a busy and stressful schedule...

One of the things that stands out to me this week is your resolve to learn to swim well and participate in the immersion swimming group.

I pray that this is a positive experience for you, that they help you well. This is a challenge for you and you are willing to do this for yourself. How exciting to see yourself accomplish this and then swim in the triathlon this August.

Hope your bike ride went well. You have added that on this week and that is exciting to know that you are moving toward your goals.

You have already said you have more energy and feel stronger. What long-term benefits we receive from following this plan.

Hope your dinner went well with your daughter! And hope you are blessed this week with peace and success.

RR

BY THE WAY...
FOR THOSE OF YOU FOLLOWING OUR GROUP'S ASTOUNDING PROGRESS TO TRANSFORM THEIR PHYSICAL HEALTH & FITNESS, WHEN YOU SEE THE PHRASE:

"Congratulations on living up to your agreements to yourself"

ANYWHERE IN ONE OF THESE AFFIRMATION EMAILS...
THAT IS CODE LANGUAGE MEANING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL HAS, INDEED, LIVED-UP TO ALL THEIR COMMITMENTS FROM THE PREVIOUS WEEK.

THAT CODE PHRASE IS FOR MY BENEFIT IN SUPPORTING THE ENTIRE GROUP.

IF I DON'T SEE THAT PHRASE, IT'S AN ALERT TO ME TO GET MORE INVOLVED TO HELP THE INDIVIDUAL SET WEEKLY GOALS THEY ARE COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING.

2007-04-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

EACH WEEK, I ASK EVERY PARTICIPANT TO SEND THEIR WEEKLY GOALS TO AT LEAST ONE OF THEIR PARTICIPANT PEERS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY. SEE HOW WONDERFULLY CLEAR THIS WEEKLY GOAL IS THAT I JUST RECEIVED...

F & I,

Here are my commitments for the week beginning 4/30/07:
- Train 4 times for 40 minutes each,
with a the following taking place
- :17 miles on the stationary bike &
- jog/walk 2 miles in a single session.
- Lose 2.5 pounds
- My caloric intake will be less than 1741 calories.

Z G

P.S. I will schedule a peer group conference call for Sunday, 7:15 PM.

ALSO, I HOLD EACH OF THE 15 PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTABLE TO SCHEDULING A "PEER-COACHING ACCOUNTABILITY CALL" EVERY WEEK WITH TWO OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN "THE FITNESS RACE"

AREN'T THEY DOING A GREAT JOB IMPLEMENTING?

2007-04-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

MORE FABULOUS PROGRESS FROM PARTICIPANTS IN THE FITNESS RACE; READ THIS PROGRESS REPORT I WAS JUST cc'd ON...

Hi SF,

Congratulations on coming up with strategies to meet your agreements to yourself this week.

You had some great progress last week with the 7 lbs weight loss and keeping within your calorie intake goal. Scheduling your swimming, time as you did, will help you to accomplish that training goal this week. I'm looking forward to hear your report on that specific goal. You're doing a great job tracking your activity and progress. Keep it up!

Blessings,

LM

2007-04-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

READ THIS INSPIRING PROGRESS REPORT FROM AN ACTUAL PARTICIPANT IN "THE FITNESS RACE"...

Report on AJ for 4/27/07
Your race goal: Chicago Accenture Triathalon, August 26, 2007, SPRINT Distance
You are on track for attaining your goal
The most positive progress since the last report:
Were able to swim 1 lap without stopping - twice this week!
Last week's commitments:
To resume logging food intake, to run 2 miles - outside - without stopping, to swim 1 lap without stopping, to get your bike out of the basement and to the bike shop for tune up. To continue to work out with weights.
Items you actually completed this week:
Registered for Harbor Lights Tri
Got the bike out of crawlspace
Resumed logging food
Ran/walked 2 miles in 21:25 minutes
Swim twice, 10 laps the first time in 25 minutes, 10 laps the second time in 23.5 minutes (was able to swim at least 1 lap in good form without stopping both times)
Played 18 holes of golf (I walked the whole 18)
Missed your weight training this week because you had to reschedule and couldn't get a new appt at an open time in your calender
Put a plan together for Harbor Lights

Your commitments for the upcoming week are:
10 laps in the pool in 21.5 minutes
Run 2 miles in under 20 minutes
Weigh 239 pounds on 5/3/07
Catch up with Daily Devotional and start doing it every day (Faithfully Fit).
Your most important result for this next week will be:
To swim two laps in the pool without stopping.
Great job AJ!! You're doing it!
See ya at the finish line - with a smile on your face!

I.I.

2007-04-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

HERE'S AN EMAIL I WAS CC'D ON BY TWO MEMBERS OF "THE FITNESS RACE" REMEMBER, BEFORE MAKING THE COMMITMENT TO THEMSELVES AND THIS EFFORT, NOBODY ON THIS TEAM HAD ANY REGULAR PHYSICAL TRAINING ROUTINE. READ THIS INSPIRING EMAIL BETWEEN TWO PEERS...

Hi URV,

...on living up to your agreement to yourself last week.

One more successful week of making smart choices about your health!!

Great news about being part of the Chicago Triathlon. I'm really looking forward to the finish lines and all our smiling faces.

Over the past week you have continued with your running regiman. You covered approximately 11 miles. Way to go!! You were able to add some weight training so as to tone up those muscles. You defininitely have the motivation to achieve your goals. As soon as you meet with your swimming coach there will be nothing between you and the Chicago Tri but a few hours of training. Keep up the great work!!

Your plan for the next week is to run 3.5 miles one of the days and 2 miles every other day. In addition you are going to do some ab exercises and weight training during 3 of the days. No sweets is also your goal for the week. As we learned in day 2 of Faithfully Fit, we can do anything when we ask God for help. I'll keep you in my prayers for a defense against the sweets if you keep me in yours for a defense against snacks. Deal?

Keep up the great work!!!

AJ

2007-04-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE FROM THIS E-MAIL FROM A MEMBER OF OUR FITNESS RACE TEAM HOW SPECIFIC THE GOAL IS FOR THE WEEK. THE SPECIFICITY OF EACH MEMBER'S GOAL IS A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE TO THOSE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR WEIGHT ABOUT WHAT REALLY WORKS.

AS JIM ROHN SAYS... SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES! ARE YOUR GOALS AS SPECIFIC AS THESE...

Dear Mark,

My goals for this week are:
1. Run 1.5 hours
2. Weight training 1.5 hours
3. Swim 1 hour

My most important result for the week is to lose 3 lbs.

LM

2007-04-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's official, we have fifteen people participating in The Fitness Race.

Just for background, I made an offer to mentor between 10 - 20 people to "take charge" of their health & fitness so long as they agreed to make transformational changes in their life.

My deal to the group:
I'll inspire, create accountability & mentor the group until the end of September to help each person acheive their stated transformational health & fitness goals.

Their deal to the group:
Each member agrees to...
- Set a transformational health & fitness goal
- Do what I say I'm going to do
- Show up on time
- Not give up (under any circumstances) before the end of September
- four hours of physical training per week
- one hour of accountability per week

Here's a progress report I just got from one of our actual participants:

Dear ZC,

Congratulations on setting your key event goals and your commitment to complete your strategies to meet your agreements to yourself this coming week.

Attached are the Excel File / methods I have used to track my progress which we went through this morning. You are welcome to use it or any piece which fits what you want to track. Please let me know if you have any questions. I would also be happy to go through this again with you and help in any way you would like.

I think the keys for you as we talked about this morning are:

Set you exercise goals
Get moving physically on a regular bases
4 to 5 times a week
It should not leave you drained
Get to the point of being winded and back off a bit
Start counting the calories you are eating on a daily basis
Start adjusting the foods you eat to support your goals

I am slowly learning that the basics of fitness are pretty simple. It is all a function of getting our heart rates up on a regular basis and burning more calories that we eat. If we start to do this we will become more healthy. If we can achieve 1000 calorie deficit daily through a combination of exercise and nutrition, we will start to lose 2 lbs per week (3500 calories = 1 lbs). Everything that I read indicates that 1 to 2 lbs a week is a healthy goal because it requires that we change our habits over an extended period of time. In my case, I want to lose 50Lbs and I am targeting 2 lbs per week which means it will take me about 26 weeks to get their.

Take care my friend,

QQ

Very inspiring stuff.

I'll include many of these interactions between the fifteen participants.

2007-03-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ever had that feeling you are on a roll? Since our last group (telephone) meeting on March 15th, I have been getting e-mails daily from many of you who are already making inspiring and significant progress.
In this posting (below) you will find:

1. Reframe your blame
2. Action steps with your nutrition
3. Important steps regarding your fitness 5. How to Invite others, without nagging, to join us

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1. MAKING UP YOUR MIND: REFRAME YOUR BLAME
In accounting we have two very interesting terms; Let’s together consider "sunk cost" and "opportunity cost."
In essence, sunk cost is a cost that has been incurred and cannot be reversed. Think about this for a minute, a cost that will never be recovered... never! So does this sound like an item where much energy should be spent worrying? For example, when I was just beginning my successful journey to lose my 140 pounds of excess weight in less than nine months, do you think it would have served me well to contemplate the countless other "diets," "exercise programs," or "broken New Year's resolutions" over the past twenty five years where my resolve was not sufficient to finish what I started? Do you think pondering on my weaknesses and self-doubts would be a productive use of my mental energies given the fact that, currently, there was not a single thing I could do about any of that? Sunk cost is something that will serve you well only if you take the healthy, forward focusing view that "no matter how I got here... I'm here! Now, what can I do, today and going forward, to get me from where I am now to where I want to be."
Now, opportunity cost is the cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, the benefits you could have received by taking an alternative action. So, August 26th is 155 days from today. That day is going to occur whether or not you do anything to move closer to your positive vision of your ideal physically fit future. So, the opportunity cost is that there is at least one person walking this planet (me) who believes that in the next 155 days you can transform your health, fitness and gain an unstoppable lifetime momentum in permanently maintaining your health & fitness goals for a longer happier quality of life.
So, whether you join us in The Fitness Race or not, it is my call to action to you to sit down and write a page or two focusing on your ideal vision of yourself focusing only on things you can control and describing yourself in vivid detail. Jump out to this time next year and describe what you look like, what you feel like, what your clothes size is, what others' comments are about your achievement, what other balance in your life now exists due to the momentum created by this wonderful accomplishment in your physical health. If there are others in your life you care about who are struggling with their weight, describe the positive impact and progress they have made as a result of their inspiration in what they have seen you achieve.
Do yourself a favor, sit down in within the next 24 hours and write-out your positive vision of your ideal future... then forget the past, focus on the future and those things within your control.
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2. ACTION STEPS WITH YOUR NUTRITION
- Consider eating less calories per sitting (less than 400 calories whenever you eat)
- Don't go more than four hours without eating at least 100 calories
- Don't eat an hour before bed time (two hours will serve you best)
- Drink ten glasses of water per day
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3. IMPORTANT STEPS REGARDING YOUR FITNESS
Schedule a call with your doctor to evaluate whether, in their opinion, there are any obstacles to increasing your physical activity.
Then, get your calendar out immediately and block at least four hours of training over the next seven days. Example, block off a minimum of 48 minutes of continuous physical activity (where your heart rate is raised to the point that you feel the effort and that healthy glisten & glow on your face).
Every day you do train, make it your goal to email me at rapidresponse@thefitnessrace.com with the amount of time you trained, what you did, and how you felt the effort.
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5. HOW TO INVITE OTHERS WITHOUT NAGGING:
TALKING POINTS FOR YOU TO USE TO INVITE OTHERS TO OUR MEETINGS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR WEIGHT:
The Fitness Race meetings are about; learning why diets don't work... and what to do about it and to create a realistic and implement-able plan of action regarding improving your health and fitness.
Here's why:
The meetings are led by someone who's done it.
Mark Little was a 313 pound diabetic, who frequently took wheelchair assistance at the airport... and is now doing four triathlons a year. You'll be surprised how simple and compelling his story is of struggling for more than 25 years, then making up his mind and resolving to create a process to "take charge of his health and fitness." Mark will show you exactly what he did, and believes you can do it to.
Mark believes others can and will do what he has done because…
THREE REASONS TO BELIEVE:
Reason one: Mark went from class III morbidly obese (the highest rating) to normal weight... in less than nine months
Reason two: He went from barely being able to walk across the street... and is now doing four triathlons per year
Reason three: After 25 years of failed attempts at dieting and losing weight... Mark figured out a simple four-step process that anyone can follow
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Here's to your success,
The Fitness Race Team
P.S. Everyone "struggling with their weight" is encouraged to join the teleconference (even if you're not ready to make any commitments). You'll enjoy an inspiring story of a person who succeeded after many failed attempts.
P.P.S. Invite someone onto the call who might benefit from one-on-one mentoring by an individual who has actually lost 140 pounds and kept it off.
P.P.P.S. If you've never struggled with your weight, but care about someone who has... come learn some steps to help without nagging.
P.P.P.P.S. Belief in "what's possible" might take-over within you!

2007-03-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite compelling and motivating speakers is Jim Rohn. His message in a talk called "The Challenge To Succeed" was very inspirational to me as I gathered my resolve to lose 140 pounds of excess weight that I had accumulated over 25 years. His logic was inescable to me and was one of the many factors which led, finally, to my resolve to lose all that weight... and keep it off.

I notice that "Challenge To Succeed" is now available in mp3 format (to listen to on a little mp3 player while you're training). Jim Rohn is available as well as John Maxwell, Bob Proctor, and many other great motivators who's messages will help you maintain your resolve as you "take charge" of your health & fitness. There may be a few places to get these great messages in an electronic form that you can download easily & listen to while you're training, but here's the websiteI like best to download some great motivating messages...

2007-03-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings from gorgeous Alta, Utah

My new body never ceases to amaze me. I've always loved to snow ski, but it was tough when I weighed 313 pounds. Being so top-heavy was rough on skis. For some reason, the altitude affected me when I was heavy, too. I frequently felt flu-like symptoms at higher altitudes.

Well, now is different! At 173 pounds I went on our annual ski trip to Alta, Utah this past week and ski'd every day. The amazing thing is that in the old days, if I went skiing for a day, I had to take the next day off to ice my sore muscles and then soak in a hot bath to be able to walk and move around again. This year, after all my athletic training four or so hours per week, I ski'd every day this week and not only didn't take a day off in between, but never even felt sore. I can't believe how adaptable the body is. Once you begin simple improvements in health & fitness, the body rewards you with noticible improvements in performance.

As a result, my friends Bill Bachrach, author of the best-selling book Values-Based Financial Planning, and Steve Moeller (pictured above with me), author of the best-seller Effortless Marketing, both expert skiers, gave me some excellent coaching down the most aggressive slopes I have ever ski'd.

My new body is allowing me to go places and do fun things that will help ensure a lifetime of health & fitness.

2007-03-04T17:24:00.001-08:00

Countdown To The Fitness Race
TheFitnessRace.com Meeting Notice

Are you ready for the "next step" with The Fitness Race?
Here we go…
In this e-mail (below) you will find:
1. Our next two meeting notices
2. Your next step with your resolve
3. Action steps with your nutrition
4. Important steps regarding your fitness
5. How to Invite others, without nagging, to join us
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1. NEXT MEETINGS:
THE FITNESS RACE TELECONFERENCE
Thursday March 15th at 7:00 P.M.
This teleconference is for anyone considering participating in some way with The Fitness Race in 2007. New folks are welcome to join the call.
On this teleconference we will cover:
- Brief background of the objective of The Fitness Race
- What participants should to be doing right now.
- What those who are "undecided" about participation should be contemplating at this stage
- How to prepare for our March 29th group meeting (7:00 P.M.)
- Tips on how to make a decision about your desired level of participation
- Open discussion & Q&A to address questions from those on the call.

TELECONFERENCE DATE:
Thursday March 15th at 7:00 P.M.
(SPACE IS LIMITED: We only have 40 available slots on the conference line, so please E-mail me your desire to be on the call and I’ll send you the teleconference phone number and Conference Access code.)
================

OUR NEXT GROUP MEETING:
THE PARTICIPANTS & SPECTATORS WORKSHOP
Thursday March 29th at 7:00 P.M.
This workshop is experiential, not a lecture. Plan to roll-up your sleeves and experience exercises designed to help you make the connection between your health and fitness desires, your values and those things that matter most to you. The Participants & Spectators Workshop is for anyone considering participating in some way with The Fitness Race in 2007. New folks are welcome to attend.
This workshop will be up-beat and fun (no beating yourself up about the past, you’ll Focus on The Future… FTF)
At this workshop you will:
- Participate in an exercise to detail your most important values
- Establish specific health & fitness goals that motivate & excite you
- Benchmark your current situation (simply in order to measure your dramatic progress)
- Establish immediate action steps for the following two weeks (until our next get-together)
THE PARTICIPANTS & SPECTATORS WORKSHOP
Thursday March 29th at 7:00 P.M.
Amerisuites
Main Floor meeting room
(steps from the front desk)
2750 Greenspoint Parkway
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(Near the Corner of Higgins Rd. & Barrington Road)
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JOIN US FOR THE FITNESS RACE TELECONFERENCE
DATE: Thursday March 15th at 7:00 P.M.
(SPACE IS LIMITED: We only have 40 available slots on the conference line, so please E-mail me your desire to be on the call and I’ll send you the teleconference phone number and Conference Access code.)
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PLEASE CUT, PASTE & E-MAIL THIS TO ANYONE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR WEIGHT.
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2. MAKING UP YOUR MIND: YOUR NEXT STEP WITH YOUR RESOLVE
This is ENTIRELY in your world; you OWN this one completely. You control your resolve. Only you can make up your mind to do something. Taking charge of your health and fitness is a significant decision since it will require determination and a change in behavior (which is always uncomfortable).
My best advice for you:
Schedule time on your calendar to "get very quiet" and meditate upon the gap between where you are now and where you want to be with your health & fitness. Make notes of what you discern.
Ask for help; seek Higher Power assistance.
Contemplate that there is at least one other human being around you (Me) who believes that you can make dramatic progress improving your health and fitness, and… who, if you’re serious, is willing to mentor you in achieving your fitness goals for your own reasons.
Consider whether the effort required of your goal is worth it to you. After you achieve your goals I predict that, like me, you’ll look back and feel that out of 168 hours in a week that the six hours effort per week (5 hours of training & 1 hour of encouragement & accountability), was a "piece of cake" (I couldn’t resist).
Coming from someone who has lost 140 pounds, I can tell you that, as with all significant life change which leads to improvements, discomfort is generally a positive leading indicator of success. The fact that you’re willing to implant changes in behavior is evidence that you are serious about being healthier and fitter.
==================
3. ACTION STEPS WITH YOUR NUTRITION
- Good: Make a list of the things you enjoy most which are low-fat, low-calorie and healthy. Then create a plan to eat ONLY from that list for three consecutive days (at the very least)
- Better: Do the above AND resolve to eat that way until the next time you and I see each other.
- Best: Do all of the above AND email me your commitment to do this for accountability and encouragement (rapidresponse@thefreedomexperience.com).
================
4. IMPORTANT STEPS REGARDING YOUR FITNESS
List three things that you will do during the next week to increase your physical activity in ways you are certain will not injure yourself. Then, E-mail me your commitment to do these three things… for accountability and encouragement (rapidresponse@thefreedomexperience.com).
Take the physical activity self-assessment to appraise whether, in your opinion, there are any obstacles to increasing your physical activity in support of getting healthy & fit.
Schedule a call with your doctor to evaluate whether, in their opinion, there are any obstacles to increasing your physical activity.
================
5. HOW TO INVITE OTHERS WITHOUT NAGGING:
TALKING POINTS FOR YOU TO USE TO INVITE OTHERS TO OUR MEETINGS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR WEIGHT:
The Fitness Race meetings are about; learning why diets don't work... and what to do about it and to create a realistic and implement-able plan of action regarding improving your health and fitness.
Here's why:
The meetings are led by someone who's done it.
Mark Little was a 313 pound diabetic, who frequently took wheelchair assistance at the airport... and is now doing four triathlons a year. You'll be surprised how simple and compelling his story is of struggling for more than 25 years, then making up his mind and resolving to create a process to "take charge of his health and fitness." Mark will show you exactly what he did, and believes you can do it to.
Mark believes others can and will do what he has done because…
THREE REASONS TO BELIEVE:
Reason one: Mark went from class III morbidly obese (the highest rating) to normal weight... in less than nine months
Reason two: He went from barely being able to walk across the street... and is now doing four triathlons per year
Reason three: After 25 years of failed attempts at dieting and losing weight... Mark figured out a simple four-step process that anyone can follow
==================
JOIN US FOR THE FITNESS RACE TELECONFERENCE
DATE: Thursday March 15th at 7:00 P.M.
(SPACE IS LIMITED: We only have 40 available slots on the conference line, so please E-mail me your desire to be on the call and I’ll send you the teleconference phone number and Conference Access code.)
================
These meetings are no-nonsense, but never beat-up on anyone. There’s no nagging or criticism… simply advice & guidance from someone who took charge of his weight issue without drugs or surgery. His goal is to pay-it-forward by sharing what worked well for him.
- No dieting
Mark's describes his simple plan to "not exceed the speed limit" with your eating
- Ditch the term weight-loss
Mark encourages us to think in terms of getting lighter and healthier... "when I’m training on my bicycle, for example, I care less about my weight, and more about how light I can be on my bike so I can go faster with less effort," says Mark.
- Ditch the term exercise
Learn how to have fun... be playful (like when you were a kid). Think in terms of "training" not workouts
- The plan for encouragement
Accountability has a negative connotation... Mark will show you how, done properly, accountability is really nothing more than no-nonsense encouragement (from someone who really cares about you)
- The plan for discouragement
Learn this key strategy...having a plan in place for those times when you're weak or vulnerable or not making the progress you want
- "Rock solid" belief and confidence
Learn the amazing things humans can do. Learn how you can take charge of your fitness... and how to gain the belief and confidence necessary to do the work required of your goal
- "Tire kicker" training plan
Learn how it's okay just to come and listen to Mark's story for inspiration... it took him 25 years of positive reinforcement before The Sprit moved him to action. So come just soak-in the story
- Advocate Training
Learn practical tips on how to help someone in your life, who you love or care about, who is struggling with their weight
- Learn Mark's four step process to "take charge of your fitness"
(This process works with any huge goal in life)
- The sheer simplicity of what really works will strike you. When you hear how practical and implement-able you may just be tempted to "go for it!"
Let me explain. The keys are:
- No dieting... but eating better
- No exercise... but picking up your physical activity, having fun or training for something. You'll enjoy
- Inspiration based... guilt, nagging nor regrets work when it comes to getting healthier and fitter. You'll learn how to set a goal and accomplish it for your own reasons.
- No Failure... learn how nearly everyone can improve their health and fitness in some way. Discover how to celebrate progress (rather than beat yourself up for not being "perfect")
==================
JOIN US FOR THE FITNESS RACE TELECONFERENCE
DATE: Thursday March 15th at 7:00 P.M.
(SPACE IS LIMITED: We only have 40 available slots on the conference line, so please E-mail me your desire to be on the call and I’ll send you the teleconference phone number and Conference Access code.)
After the teleconference, for those wanting to start the journey towards greater health & fitness, Mark will agree to "stick with you" this year and help you accomplish your 2007 health & fitness goal. He'll mentor you through the same process he used to lose 140 pounds of excess weight.
==================
IMPORTANT:
If you can't attend, but are interested in learning more:
e-mail rapidresponse@thefreedomexperience.com
==================
Here's to your success,
The Fitness Race Team
P.S. Everyone "struggling with their weight" is encouraged to join the teleconference (even if you're not ready to make any commitments). You'll enjoy an inspiring story of a person who succeeded after many failed attempts.
P.P.S. Invite someone onto the call who might benefit from one-on-one mentoring by an individual who has actually lost 140 pounds and kept it off.
P.P.P.S. If you've never struggled with your weight, but care about someone who has... come learn some steps to help without nagging.
P.P.P.P.S. Belief in "what's possible" might take-over within you!
P.P.P.P.P.S. FTF

2007-03-02T20:54:00.000-08:00

Encouragement from Mark Victor Hansen

Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the Chicken Soup For The Soul books, offered encouragement to The Fitness Race today. I bumped into him at a luncheon today, we have never met, but we got to talking and I mentioned how I had lost 140 pounds strictly through improved eating choices and increased physical activity. With that he opened his sport coat and declared that he had recently lost 30 pounds and was focused on his health & fitness. Good for him!

He sends his best to all those "taking charge" of their health & fitness by participating in The Fitness Race. He signed my Chicken Soup book with the following inscription:

"Mark,

I'm so proud of your thinness.

Cogratulations,

Mark Victor Hansen"

2007-02-22T23:43:00.000-08:00

Had a fabulous meeting with nearly 30 people attending.

My hope is that twelve people will "step up" and accept mentoring from the group to

Establish a deadline for a personal fitness race that they establish and... involves a DRAMATIC fitness improvement.
Each signs a covenant to 1. Show up on time, 2. Do what they say they're going to do, and 3. Commit to finishing their race on or before August 26th!
Accept the help that we're willing to give
Agree to encourage the other participants

2007-02-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

THE FITNESS RACE INQUIRY MEETING:
If you struggle with your weight, come to an information meeting about "taking charge" of your fitness. Hear one story of losing 139 pounds after 25 years of failed attempts.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday Feb 22

Thursday February 22nd
Amerisuites
Main Floor meeting room (steps from the front desk)
2750 Greenspoint Parkway
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(Near the Corner of Higgins Rd. & Barrington Road)
=====================

PURPOSE OF THE FITNESS RACE INQUIRY MEETING:

If you'd like to increase your belief in yourself, learn why diets don't work... and what to do about it and create a realistic and implementable plan of action regarding improving your health and fitness, then this meeting might be meaningful to you.

Here's why:

Learn from someone who's done it.

Mark Little was a 313 pound diabetic, who frequently took wheelchair assistance at the airport... and is now doing four triathlons a year. You'll be surprised how simple and compelling his story is of struggling for more than 25 years, then making up his mind and resolving to create a process to "take charge of his health and fitness." Mark will show you exactly what he did, and believes you can do it to.

==================
JOIN US AT
The Fitness Race Inquiry Meeting
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday Feb 22

Amerisuites
Main Floor meeting room (steps from the front desk)
2750 Greenspoint Parkway
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(Near the Corner of Higgins Rd. & Barrington Road)
==================

Now, you may be skeptical you can do this. That's normal and healthy. Let me give you three good reasons why Mark Little believes you can do what he did:

THREE REASONS TO BELIEVE:

Reason one: Mark went from class III morbidly obese (the highest rating) to normal weight... in less than nine months

Reason two: He went from barely being able to walk across the street... and is now doing four triathlons per year

Reason three: After 25 years of failed attempts at dieting and losing weight... Mark figured out a simple four-step process that anyone can follow

Here is a summary of what Mark will cover at The Fitness Race Inquiry Meeting on Thursday February 22nd at Willow Creek Community Church (corner of South Barrington Road & Algonquin Road) in room 360:

- No dieting
You'll hear Mark's simple plan to "not exceed the speed limit" with your eating

- Ditch the term weight-loss
Think in terms of getting lighter and healthier... "as a triathlete I care less about my weight, and more about how light I can be on my bicycle," says Mark.

- Ditch the term exercise
Learn how to have fun... be playful (like when you were a kid). Think in terms of "training" not workouts

- The plan for encouragement
Accountability has a negative connotation... Mark will show you how, done properly, accountability is really nothing more than no-nonsense encouragement (from someone who really cares about you)

- The plan for discouragement
Learn this key strategy...having a plan in place for those times when you're weak or vulnerable or not making the progress you want

- "Rock solid" belief and confidence
Learn the amazing things humans can do. Learn how you can take charge of your fitness... and how to gain the belief and confidence necessary to do the work required of your goal

- "Tire kicker" training plan
Learn how it's okay just to come and listen to Mark's story for inspiration... it took him 25 years of positive reinforcement before The Sprit moved him to action. So come just soak-in the story

- Advocate Training
Learn practical tips on how to help someone in your life, who you love or care about, who is struggling with their weight

- Learn Mark's four step process to "take charge of your fitness"
(This process works with any huge goal in life)

- The sheer simplicity of what really works will strike you. When you hear how practical and implementable you may just be tempted to " go for it!"

Let me explain.
The keys are:

- No dieting... but eating better

- No exercise... but picking up your physical activity, having fun or training for something. You'll enjoy

- Inspiration based... guilt, nagging nor regrets work when it comes to getting healthier and fitter. You'll learn how to set a goal and accomplish it for your own reasons.

- No Failure... learn how nearly everyone can improve their health and fitness in some way. Discover how to celebrate progress (rather than beat yourself up for not being "perfect")

After attending the meeting on February 22, for those wanting to start the journey towards greater health & fitness, Mark will agree to "stick with you" this year and help you accomplish your 2007 health & fitness goal. He'll mentor you through the same process he used to lose 139 pounds of excess weight.

==================
Please give this invitation to
ANYONE struggling with their weight:

The Fitness Race Inquiry Meeting
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Thursday Feb 22

Amerisuites
Main Floor meeting room (steps from the front desk)
2750 Greenspoint Parkway
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 (
Near the Corner of Higgins Rd. & Barrington Road)

Or if you can't attend, but are interested in learning more:
e-mail rapidresponse@thefreedomexperience.com
==================

Here's to your success,

The Fitness Race Team

P.S. Everyone "struggling with their weight" is encouraged to attend (even if you're not ready to make any commitments). You'll enjoy an inspiring story of a person who succeeded after many failed attempts.

P.P.S. Invite someone who might benefit from one-on-one mentoring by an indivdual who has actually lost 139 pounds and kept it off.

P.P.P.S. If you've never struggled with your weight, but care about someone who has... come learn some steps to help without nagging.

P.P.P.P.S. Belief in "what's possible" might take-over within you!

2007-02-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

In 2004 at 313 pounds, after 25 years of failed attempts, I made up my mind to get healthier... through diet and exercise. In 8 months & 8 days I went from Class III obese to NORMAL weight. I now weigh 173 pounds and am actively doing triathlons in the summer.

I did all of this by following the same formula I advise my affluent clients (I'm a life coach that specializes in money)... 1. Pick a sensible method. 2. Seek the best advice and guidance. 3. Relentlessly implement (& have a plan for times of discouragement) 4. Seek accountability. This is how I have sucessfully helped people accomplish their financial goals and now it has transformed my personal health and fitness

I’m a Partner with Summit Wealth Management serving clients since 1989, Past Chairman of the Board of The N. San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, past board member Ronald McDonald House - San Antonio, Delegate to the 1995 White House Conf. on Sm. Business, from S. Texas, Co-Chair 1996 TX Governor's Conf on Sm Business for TX Governor George W. Bush, Graduated Texas Christian University in 1980, I attend Willow Creek Community Church in S. Barrington, IL and my 10-year-old daughter McKenna is the joy of my life

2007-02-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

I'm Lazy!

Believe it or not... I hire a physical trainer because if I don't the odds that I'll go train and get the increased physical activity I need to stay in shape would likely NOT occur. You see, working out four hours per week is easy to do, but... the real issue for me is that it's easier NOT to do. You see, the reality is that I'm lazy.

So today when I learned my trainer was sick & had to cancel... the odds were low that I'd work out today. EXECPT... as I was talking to him about his need to cancel I thought fast and committed to him that I WOULD go into the gym & train without him. You see, I need (enjoy) accountability like this. The moment I committed to this, I knew he would check the computer and talk to other trainers to see if I, indeed, came in. I also happen to be the type that would feel unbearably guilty if I told him I was going to train & didn't. So there I was, on my own, doing 5K on the treadmill. Not much, but at least I went in.

So remember this... Accountability is one of the "secrets" of success with getting lighter, fitter & healthier. To some, accountability has a slightly negative connotation, but not to me. I think of it this way... accountability is really encouragement with no nonsense. It's somebody who really cares enough to encourage you by telling you what you need to hear (not just what you want to hear). It's a valuable authentic relationship. I select all of my trainers with this in mind.

Today was also a big day in trying to recruit 20 people "struggling with their weight" to do a triathlon with me on July 22nd. I booked a meeting at my church (Willow Creek):

2007 Race To Fitness
If you struggle with your weight, come to an information meeting about "taking charge" of your fitness. Hear one Creeker's story of losing 139 pounds after 25 years of failed attempts.
Thursday Feb 22 in room 360
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Willow Creek Community Church
Barrington Rd at Algonquin Rd
South Barrington, IL

This information meeting is open to EVERYONE. Anyone "struggling with their weight" is encouraged to attend.

I'm going to recommend that everyone attending to get these two books:

2007-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

BIG DAY! I sponsored three guys (two from Willow Creek and Denis my Lead Trainer) for swim training today.

When I made up my mind to seek 10 - 20 people needing to lose at least 40 pounds to run a triathlon with me in July of '07 (6 months from now), my initial concern was "the swim"

From all I had read... the primary intimidation of a triathlon for most folks is the swimming portion. The run only concerned people with bad knees or disabilities and the cycling only concerned people with no bike (or disabilities).

So... I treated my three friends today to "state of the art" swim training. The same training I took (at the recommendation of Bill Bachrach... my "Ironman" friend). The idea of this special training is to "swim like a fish" as effortlessly as possible. It works! After nearly 25 years of not swimming, I was able to swim a kilometer after only one day's training.

My three friends today (two of whom will run the tri with us in July), were amazed at the improvement in their swimming today.

2007-01-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

SUPERSIZE ME detractors coming out of the woodwork

After 90 days eating only at McDonald's but limiting herself to no more than 1400 calories per day, a North Carolina construction worker named Merab Morgan lost more than 30 pounds.

Following a similar routine... except eating a much higher 2500 calories a day but sticking to diet drinks, USAF sergeant Deshan Woods, a fellow Texan, lost around 12 pounds in 90 days.

There will be no end to the stories of making smart food selections while eating out resulting in weight loss.

I'm curious if any of these folks increased their physical activity to 2-3 hours per week like I did. I think the combination was the magic formula for me.

2007-01-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

I believe there is also a 2005 film called something like Me and Mickey D which follows New Hampshire woman Soso Whaley around as she spends 90-days eating 2000 calories a day at McDonald's. She lost a total of around 32 pounds.

More evidence that good choices matter

2007-01-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

HEART WARMING INSPIRATION TO CONTINUE TO "PAY IT FORWARD"

I was so excited today as Jeff MacInnis accepted my invitation to speak before a group of nearly 60 financial advisors who had flown into San Diego from all over the U.S., Canada & Europe to hear me give a talk about better organizing their businesses.

Now, just to remind you... Jeff MacInnis was instrumental in my journey into health & fitness. You see in the fall of 2004 when I had that important dinner where I debated internally whether to "make up my mind" once & for all to take charge of my health & fitness.... I was so cautious to say anything outloud because I knew my two friends present would hold me accountable.

One was my close friend Bill Bachrach, who had been gently encouraging me with compassion for more than five years to focus on my health (and NEVER gave up on me... even as I hit 313 pounds). The other person at that dinner was my Olympic athlete buddy Jeff MacInnis. When I finally shared my commitment with these two dear friends... they gave me encouragement, hope and their willingness to support me. NOTE: Who in your life loves you enough to consistently tell you what you need to hear... not just what you want to hear? They'll tell you when your fly is down, you have spinach stuck in your teeth and, when asked,... "I care about you enough that I want you to live a long high quality of life and 'Mark, right now you need to refocus your attention on your health & fitness'"

Then Jeff took the lead and led me to his team of physical trainers, registered dieticians, physio-therapists and others on his team of experts. Jeff set me up to train exactly like an Olympic athlete.

So..... today Jeff stood before my group and told the story from his perspective. He told the group that I made the commitment, followed the process and was willing to take the advice of experts all along the way. He told them that I measured and tracked closer than any athlete he's known other than Lance Armstrong. Lance Armstrong! He actually compared my training to Lance's. Jeff not only inspired many people today by challenging them with "So, What's your Race?"

But the most amazing thing is this. After his talk, four people approached the stage to share with him that they had seen me talk more than a year ago.... and it inspired them to get lighter, healthier & fitter. Jeff scurried to his bag, extracted a video cam and interviewed these folks' inspiring stories of "taking charge of their health." I'll always remember the image of one fellow pulling out a photo of himself last year and sharing his story of losing more than 40 pounds. AMAZING!

I'm so grateful and humbled to be able to help people plant a stake in the ground like that for themselves. Thank you Jeff! I will always be grateful and pledge to continuing to "pay it forward."

2007-01-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

MORE SUPERSIZE ME MALARKY:

I also found that in 2004, US documentary film-maker Scott Caswell lost around 17 pounds after eating only at McDonald's for a month. His progress is followed in a movie called Bowling for Morgan, however there are no details about the items he ate (apparently he did say "NO" to supersize meals and drank only water or diet soda).

More evidence that there may be some wisdom in making better choices of what we decide to order. Again... no surprises here.

2007-01-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

SUPERSIZE ME IS IN TROUBLE... I just found out that in 2004, Dutch journalist Wim Meij spent 30 days eating solely at McDonald's, but choosing mostly salads. He lost around 13
pounds.

See... I've been saying that people can make good choices, as well as bad ones, when they eat fast food. This story is no surprise to me, is it to you?

2007-01-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

I let the word get around at Willow Creek that I'd like to do a triathlon on July 22 in Waukegan with a group from the church. What I'm really looking to do is identify 10 to 20 people who have at least 40 pounds of excess weight to lose. We'll train together and do the triathlon on July 22 as a group. I'll encourage them along the way, hold them accountable and show them that it's possible for them (even if they have more than 100 pounds of weight to lose between now and then)

It would be great to find 10 to 20 people who are absolutely convinced that they cannot do a triathlon (you know, people who feel like I felt when I weighed 313 pounds... I would have never believed that I could do four triathlons in one year... like I did last year)?

Their job is to make up their mind to do the work. My job is to convince them they can do it... just like I did.

The good news I have to report is that one person has already committed to doing this. He has more than 40 pounds to lose... is very fired up... and we met today to go over his nutrition and training plan. He's already tracking his food every day, just like I did and is fully committed to do physical training a minimum of three hours per week just as I did.

He's going to do great, and on July 22 he's going to be a triathlete.

2007-01-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

Big decision to makeI have an opportunity to move to San Diego.... which I've always wanted to do (it's on my goal sheet to live in San Diego someday).

My problem is I still have work to do here in Chicago. I've established quite a momentum here, but the opportunity in San Diego is actually greater.

One thing that appeals to me is the weather. I just think how much more training I could get done if it wasn't so cold and snowy outside. Imagine running on the beach every day.

I'm glad I have to pray about this one... I wonder what the big guy wants me to do?

2007-01-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

I found a great personal trainer working at the South Barrington Club. His name is Humberto Medina, he's a very talented experienced highly educated and motivating person. He is pushing me to my limits which is all I can ask for.

He's come up with an idea to do mini triathlons once per week. A perfect plan for winter training... there's snow on the ground and I'm still going to be doing triathlons indoors.

The way it will work is this... he envisions doing the triathlons in reverse order:

run on the treadmill for 20 minutes
ride on the stationary bike for 20 minutes
swim for 20 minutes

great plan

I can't wait to get going

2006-12-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

I'm tired on this rainy Christmas Eve eve.
Here's the whining E-mail to my lead trainer after a busy day "doing battle" at the mall Christmas shopping for my ten year old daughter:
====================

Denis,

It is now 10 minutes BEFORE midnight on the 23rd and I got my treadmill workout in tonight.Excuses had mounted and it was not a certainty that I would actually do it. And then... I thought about our accountability discussion earlier in the day. I particularly recalled your comment at the end. Something like this "yeah, yeah but run that part by me again about missing the spin class?" I heard what I told you, but it sounded like a bunch of babbling bullcrap excuses to me too. So, I jumped on the treadmill tonight with great appreciation for the value of our weekly accountability calls.Very important in my case.

Merry Christmas to your entire family (especially your Mom),

Mark

2006-10-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

I joined the South Barrington Club (just a few blocks from Willow Creek)... it's perfect!

It has a full gym... stationary bikes, treadmills and a 50 m heated indoor swimming pool.

If I find a personal trainer who meets my lead trainers' criteria as far as education and experience and certification, then I'll be in business.

2006-10-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a HUGE milestone in my life!

I finished a triathlon in San Diego (Mission Bay) with four other friends... one of whom was Bill Bachrach (pictured on the far left next to me). Bill was the friend and mentor who supported, motivated & challenged me for several years leading up to my decision in November 2004 to "make up my mind" and take charge of my weight and health problems (see the very first entry to this blog: October 2004). He was the catalyst for the many health and fitness improvements I now enjoy and here we are swimming, cycling and running in the same wave of a triathlon in San Diego just twenty three months after I weighed 313 pounds (I'm now 176 pounds). I'm very grateful to Bill and his wife Anne (who is my weekly Accountability Coach).

On my other side (red & black jersey) is my good friend Les Lyons who lives in San Diego (and who also happens to be an associate of Bill Bachrach's). This particular triathlon started with Les sending me this email on August 14:

"Hey Mark - come do this with me - what do you say???? Congratulations on your triathlon!!!. - Les"

Les had never done a triathlon before, so remembering how exciting it is to experience your first "tri"... it sounded like fun so we both signed up.

OK, confession time (this is my story and I'm sticking to it). My understanding was that Lynda Carpenter (pictured on the far right.. a friend and another associate of Bill & Les') was doing this Mission Bay triathlon with us. Lynda had run a marathon and I thought I'd seen an e-mail where she had agreed to do the triathlon with us. I say all of this because I was up on the platform giving a talk to a large group of financial advisors about how to better serve their most affluent clients when I spotted Lynda & Les in the back of the room. I then launched into a story about how big goals are nothing more than small goals linked together culminating in a large accomplishment... like the triathlon Les, Lynda and I were about to do in a few weeks. Well... I get off the stage & Lynda gives me a funny sideways look. I smiled and asked, "You are planning to run the triathlon with Les and me... aren't you?" She now smiled and said, "Well I guess I am now. Nothing like being held accountable by well over a hundred witnesses." Lynda proceeded to volunteer her husband Eric (pictured next to Lynda), to further prove that life's not always fair.

We all had fun, Bill tells me my performance was strong and that my run was at an "8 minute mile" pace. We enjoyed the beautiful San Diego day with each other and I count this as a significant milestone in my journey. I finished a sprint triathlon with my Ironman buddy Bill Bachrach. Get out!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

In my search for ways to give-back to McDonald's for the great contribution they made (through their select healthy menu choices) to my weight loss efforts... I had a meeting with two very interesting people today.

The lunch was with the head of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and the President of their board. This organization is a thriving and growing group making a significant impact with children in the greater Chicago area.

We discussed their vision of the future for the organization and how I might be able to make a difference. Many possiblities emerged and I promised to ponder the issues and get back to them. I now have an idea of how to make significant impact through serving them. Stay tuned; I will lay-out the plan for them in the near future and then post it here for you.

Think I'll have a fruit and yogurt parfait and then head home... I want to run 5k before bedtime since I'm doing another sprint triathlon this Sunday in San Diego. Wish me luck (I'm praying for no injuries since my shoulder has been sore lately).

2006-09-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today my story made a difference in three individuals' lives.

As a way to give back to my industry (financial services), several times a year I'm invited to deliver a full-day of training to creme de la creme financial advisors (wealth managers) who travel from all over the world to hear me share how to to effectively build a firm similar to the one I have built.

The reason I'm sharing this here is that during the course of my more than ten-hour talk (whew!) I now frequently tell my story of taking charge of my health and fitness; of being 313 pounds, out-of-shape, unhealthy and miserable. The object of this is to illustrate two things... first, how I personally implemented the same success principles that I utilize with my affluent clients in coaching them to accomplish their goals (establish a clear objective, make up you mind to do it, establish a realistic plan, hire experts and then be willing to be held accountable by them).

But the other purpose in telling my story was to inspire those in the audience struggling with their weight to belive they can do what I've done thereby improving their quality of life.

At the lunch break I had three individuals approach me with inspiring stories.

- One veteran financial advisor told me that she heard me speak last year and was so inspired that she lost 41 pounds in five months and had kept the weight off for more than six months.

- A CPA also sought me out to share with me that he came to hear me talk in April (five months ago), after which he resolved to lose eighty pounds of which he has lost 38 of that excess weight and would keep me informed.

- Finally, A gentleman weighing nearly 400 pounds came up to me to describe how after hearing my story, and after many failed attempts over the years, he now believes he can take charge of his weight (I hope he will keep me informed of his progress). In tears he told me how, at that moment, he had resolved to do "whatever it takes."

I can't tell you how grateful I am for being able to make a difference. Very grateful!

2006-09-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

HIGH WINDS
HEAVY RAIN
CHILLY WEATHER
... AND STILL COMPLETED THE SPRINT TRIATHLON!

For a formerly morbidly (Class IV) obese guy... even I have a hard time believing that I'm running these triathlons.

I stopped at McDonald's about 3 1/2 hours before the race for some "fuel" (a fruit & yogurt parfait and apple dippers). Conditions were very trying today. Dark clouds loomed large as I droveto the resort area that would host today's triathlon. Just as I pulled into the parking lot, the rain got heavier... right on cue. But today was not going to be ruined because I was accompanied by Denis Collier. You might remember that Denis is my lead trainer. he's my Registered Dietitian and a highly skilled health and fitness professional. Of all the people on my team Denis has worked with me the closest.

Several months ago when I was just considering doing these triathlons, he said that if I decided to move forward with the idea he would do one with me. Denis thought the idea of a guy who used to weigh 313 pounds, completing a triathlon was too good of a story to miss. He wanted to be a part of it.

So as we drove in, we wondered how on earth we would set up our transition area. You see, ordinarily there is an area (called a transition area) to rack-up your bicycle, set out your shoes, and prepare to transition from the swim to the bicycle ride and to the final run. The rain created quite a challenge for us, however. Having, of course, never done a triathlon during heavy rains and wind, I was unsure how to set up my gear. Out of frustration I just left everything in a trash bag, quietly saying a prayer that my equipment (especially my running shoes) would stay dry.

This triathlon was twice the distance of the last one that I ran. It started out with a 750 m swim, then in 19 kilometer bicycle ride, and finishing up with a 5 km run.

Another surprise, which added positively to the experience today, was the presence of Mike Jury, another member of my team. Mike is a conditioning specialist, Massage Therapist and an outstanding triathlete himself. It was Mike who first put the idea of doing a triathlon in my mind. It was his encouragement, insights and advice which convinced me that I was ready and able to train to do this event today. As an aside, seeking out strong coaches who are able to assess your capabilities and inspire you to do things a bit bigger than you think you can do, is an important element to the successful accomplishment important goals, like I've accomplished with my weight loss & fitness improvements. I encourage you to seek out good coaching to help you break your big goals down into more manageable pieces.

The horn sounded... all the athletes (about 300 in all), ran from the beach into the water to begin the 750 m swim. Even though the high winds created a challenging current made even more challenging by the rough waves... the swim was my most enjoyable event of the day.

By the end of the race, the rain even died-down a bit so that the five kilometer run was not only enjoyable... but I beat my best training time by two minutes. I was pleased.

No, it was the bicycle ride that was the greatest challenge of the day for me. The wind and the rain and the chilly weather conspired to reduce me to one shivering and miserable amateur athlete. On at least four occasions I considered quitting the race. Under these uncomfortable conditions, people would have understood... some others did give up. It would have been so much easier to pack-it-in and try again some other day.

Nonetheless, both Denis and I finished the race. We didn't break any land speed records, but that wasn't the point. Just completing the race was my own personal victory. Remember, I was that kid in gym class that nobody wanted and got picked last when we teamed-up for things like basketball. In grade school I would have been voted least likely to ever enter a Sprint triathlon (much less complete one). Yet, here I was... crossing the finish line.

As I observed that I didn't beat very many people across the finish line... Denis made a great comment. He said that I beat everyone who chose not to do a triathlon today. What a great thought!

I feel very blessed and grateful; 20 months ago I could not have even run across the street. Today, I can swim, bicycle, and run for nearly 2 hours and genuinely feel as though I could do the whole thing over again. UNBELIEVABLE!

2006-08-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

My official weight (on the official scale I've used since I started this journey to improve my health and fitness) is now 176 pounds.

I'm losing weight slightly due to my increased activity training for the Sprint Triathlon on September 2nd (Labor Day weekend). It will be a 750 meter swim followed by a 19 km bike race and a 5 km run... my goal is to finish in under two hours.

I have increased my calories a bit (feels wierd for a formerly obese guy to conciously eat more), but the BMI tables say that even if I weighed 140 pounds I'd still be normal weight for my 6'1" frame.

176 pounds seems fine for me, though. No plans to lose more. I'm not trying to gain or lose weight, prior to this week I contemplated "not gaining weight" periodically. This week I'm contemplating "eating slightly more," to compensate for my triathlon training.

2006-08-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not sports fans... this formerly 313 pound man is now a triathlon finisher. Yes, yesterday was my first experience at a triathlon. SWIMMING, BICYCLING & RUNNING!... ALL IN ONE EVENT! It was quite remarkable. After finishing dead last on the first leg, the swim (apparently, because the water was only 3 1/2 feet deep, most participants ran through the water instead of actually swimming the distance), I was then able to pass four people on the bike ride. The last leg of the run was a moderate incline, and I thought to myself, "these legs used to carry 313 pounds, they can handle this." So I "hit the nitros" and sprinted up the hill, passing four more runners, and then coasted down to the finish line. It was awesome. I thought I would include the picture as a kind of "I did it!" to the whole weightloss story.

2006-08-10T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't had as much time as I had hoped to finalize my transitions for the short-triathlon this weekend, but since I am not doing this to shatter any records, it will probably be okay. I am driving today to get to the Detroit area. It is a long drive, but I am glad I chose to drive instead of buy an airplane ticket. I would have had a terrible time at the airport after what happened in Britain early this morning. That was just providence.

2006-07-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have no idea if this formerly morbidly obese body can cross the finish line, but I have decided that I am going to do a short-triathlon. I don't kow if I will ever, or even want to do a long triathlon, but I thought this would be a fun way to get into it. There is one in near Detroit on August 13th. I am going to go to a one day swimming clinic tomorrow to help me with my form. I haven't done any serious swimming in nearly 25 YEARS!!!

2006-05-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

I went to the Annual McDonald's shareholders meeting this morning. I was so fed up with people who got up during the Q&A, that I got up and told them how thankful I was for McDonald's role in my weightloss and asked what they had planned for even more healthy choices on their menu. You can go to this website to see the meeting: http://www.mcdonalds.com/corp/invest/multimedia/2006AMWebcast.html. I met a lot of people that were important in the building up of McDonald's over the years. I also learned that McDonald's is the country's largest purchaser of apples.....so if the old addage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is true....wouldn't that mean that McDonald's is America's greatest health promoter?!?!
I am surprised they aren't the nation's largest supplier of vanilla yogurt. I think I ate a few tons of that stuff over the last year and a half. I still love it.

2006-05-03T21:44:00.001-07:00

I just read the book Fast Food Nation. What a hatchet job on McDonald's. This book has an agenda and the author (Robert Redford's son-in-law) doesn't seem at all troubled by the facts. The whole premise of the movie is that McDonald's is a place where unhealthy people go to eat unhealthy food. He never interviewed me! What am I to believe this guy's convoluted conspiricy theory or my simple story of making sensisible choices eating what my registered dietician describes as "exceptionally nutritous" food at McDonald's the result being a 134 pound weight loss and maintaining that loss for more than a year while watching my cholesterol do a dive bomb down to what my cardiologist describes as "healthy low levels" while eating an average of more than 60 times per month at McDonald's???????

2005-10-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

We have not only achieved the goal, we have surpassed it.
Today, I went in to get weighed, and I am now at 187 pounds (my goal was 196 pounds). I have lost a total of 126.5 pounds in less than one year. This is so exciting. I only have the picture from last month. I wish I had recorded the weight on the day we took the picture but I was so busy and I put off writing the blog for so long that I can't find the information...just the picture. Better than nothing.
Oh yeah, I had to get a new workout shirt, because the other one was just TOO BIG. I could have fit two of me in there.

2005-08-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

I thought I would include this picture of the before and after. Amazing what happens when you put your mind to something and do it.

2005-07-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

GOAL OBTAINED!!!

We did it. I am now at the goal weight of 195.5 pounds. We are nearly four months earlier than we intitially were shooting for.

2005-06-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

There was a final article about the weightloss story, or so they said, in The Toronto Times a number of days ago. Sender was right when he said I have a "new confidence." I just feel better about myself. This certainly wasn't easy, but the hard work paid off in the end. The article can be found at http://www.shapetoronto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid=184.

2005-06-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Thank Heavens for McDonald's.
After reviewing my intake of food for May, I realized just how much I have come to depend on eating healthy things at McDonald's. I am so busy, and often out of town, that the convenience of getting something at McDonald's has been a god send. I just counted it up and I ate there 51 times last month. A lot of that was the yogurt parfaits....and my new friend the Fruit and Walnut Salad.

2005-05-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Almost there. I am at 89% of my weightloss goal (which is 118 pounds). I have now lost 105.5 pounds and nearly 15 inches around my waist and 1.5 inches around my neck. I have average a daily intake of 1638 calories for the last two months. I just discovered McDonald's NEW Fruit and Walnut Salad. It is great. It has crisp apple slices, grapes, some of their great vanilla yogurt and walnuts for Omega-3 fatty acids. This thing has become my new best friend.

2005-05-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Phew!!!! I finally was able to make it to Shape and get on an official scale. With all of the worry we had over the last two months concerning the cruise, being disconnected from my coaches, not having predictable meal schedules, and even not knowing what I would be fed (on the cruise), I am thrilled to report that I have lost 18 pounds since I last was weighed in March.
I am glad the cruise didn't throw me "off course" to my goal.

2005-04-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

I just returned home from a 9 day/8 night cruise where I was a speaker at one of the forums. What an experience. I was very worried, as you may have been able to tell in the last entry, about "falling off the wagon" while on the ship. Since I have been able to become accustomed to knowing what I am eating and how many calories my intake had been, this cruise was a bit perplexing. I was fed items that I have never eaten before. Things like conch stew, and star fruit, and papaya, and a whole myriad of other foods. Since I had no web access, I couldn't just go online and determine what a healthy portion of conch was. So I am feeling a little trepidation about going in to get weighed at Shape. I did find a couple scales on the cruise ship in their weight rooms, but after stepping up on a number of them, determining my weight was near impossible. I am not sure if it was the ocean waves or that the scales were off keel, but I just couldn't get a consistent reading from any of them.

2005-04-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready for this cruise at the end of the week. I am little concerned about having no internet connection. This is my link with my Shape coaches. So here I am, going on a trip, completely seperated from my accountability coaches, surrounded by decadent foods, with nothing to do but lounge around and eat or drink.....and get some sun. This will probably be the biggest test I have faced since starting this journey. Wish me luck!

2005-04-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

I binged all week and finally stepped on a scale today. I gained back nearly 30 pounds. Once I got started I just couldn't stop bringing my hand to my mouth. I think this will set me back a little.....or a lot.

APRIL FOOLS!!!!

No, actually, things are going well. I am just as determined as ever. Again. It has been the healthy choices that I have been making that have led me to where I am today. The combination of healthy foods (more fruit, McD's yogurt parfait, smaller portions) with regular exercise (treadmill, weight lifting, stationary bike) and the accountability (Shape Team, my friends, and my own conscience) this is working better than anyone could have imagined when we started.
I haven't been able to track my weight properly for nearly a month since I have been away on business, so I hope the weight is still coming off.

2005-03-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Again, good progress towards my goal. Sorry, there are not pictures to show this time. I have now lost a total of 80.5 pounds since I began (15 pounds over the last month). I lost another 3 inches bringing my total to about 12 inches. Things are going well. I really have to hand it to the team. They have kept me accountable during this whole process. I travel so much that it could have been easy to get lazy while I am on the road. Eating on the road can be a challenge too. Luckily, I can always count on finding a McD's in the neighborhood, and will be able to find something that is not only healthy, but delicious.

2005-02-20T23:07:00.000-08:00

Still doing well at keeping my caloric intake down. I think this will help with the overall weight loss. The average has been 1340 calories per day since the last blog. I am pleased with the progress.

2005-02-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, there has been more improvement. I have done much better with the calorie intake averaging only 1018 calories each day for the last two weeks. I have now lost a total of 65.5 pounds (18 pounds over the last month). A total of almost nine inches lost around the waist (four inches over the last month).

I feel healthier. I used to have a number of food allergies, but now that I have lost this weight, my body is not reacting negatively to these foods. I still exercising, but the feeling after the exercise is what keeps me going. I just feel relaxed, rested, and happier.

2005-01-23T22:47:00.000-08:00

I have recommitted myself to really limiting the caloric intake since I have been a bit more liberal on what I have been eating for the last few weeks. Hence the reason for less body mass loss. Sender Deutsch is supportive of my actions. He seems pleased with my progress, but his accountability has "kicked me in the arse" to improve this area of my program.

2005-01-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

There was a follow-up article in the Toronto Sun a few days ago. They called me "morbidly obese" at one point. While it is true, I certainly that phrase. That just motivated me a little bit more to make this work. The article can be found at http://www.shapetoronto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid=184.

2005-01-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been two months. I have now lost a total of 47.5 pounds. (14 pounds since last month) I haven't lost much around the waist this month though. Only about an inch. The average calorie intake has been about 1648 per day over the last two months. I just counted it up, and I ate at McDonold's 41 times over the last two months.

2004-12-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. It was good to spend time with family. I did splurge a bit yesterday...by eating half of a small dinner roll. McDonald's was even open on Christmas. I had two yogurt parfaits. God bless them.

2004-12-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

There was an article about me in The Toronto Sun today. Mostly just about my story. This was a good shot in the arm to keep me on track over the Christmas Holiday. The article can be found at http://www.shapetoronto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid=184.

2004-12-08T23:02:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for McDonald's. I ate there six or seven times in the last week. I love their yogurt parfaits. I just had my picture taken a few days ago. There is definately progress happening. I seem to have averaged about 1200-1300 calories per day. I have lost 33.5 pounds so far and almost five inches around my waist.

2004-11-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was not as hard as I thought it would be. I did eat the traditional ham with pineapple glaze, and a fruit plate. The trick was not eating until I was full, but only eating what I had put on the plate. I did not give in to the homemade whip cream.

2004-11-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

This has been a hard week. I ate a total of 8802 calories this week. i have discovered the McDonald's grilled chicken sandwich. Very good flavor. Just don't get the mayo.
On another note, I am not looking forward to the coming Thanksgiving holiday. This will be my first real test to see if I am committed to this new diet. I certainly will miss the pumpkin pie with homemade whip cream. I love homemade whip cream. I will have Sender on speed dial for support....just in case.

2004-11-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

Things are going well. I am noticing a little bit of change....my stomach grumbles a lot more. Anyhow, I ate 11,212 calories this week. Average 1602 calories per day. I really don't like the exercise, but I do like how I feel afterwards.

2004-11-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a week. I have recorded EVERYTHING I have eaten this week. It was kind of fun to do. I must say that I have discovered something wonderful at McDonald's.....the fat free yogurts. They are the best vanilla flavored yogurts I have tasted. I had a couple of them this week. The total calories eaten this week was 8976 total, or 1283 calories per day.

2004-11-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

The meeting went well yesterday. I met with Dr. Sender Deutsch. I was impressed with the program that they have, especially the accountability process that they have to keep me on track. I have already committed to the following:

1) Nutritional Counselling once per week
2) Physical Training 2-3 times per week
3) ITT (Integrated Therapy and Training) once every 4 weeks
4) Track all food intake sizes and calories

I am starting today. I am excited about the future.

By the way the picture was taken this morning after my first workout.

2004-11-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

This will be one crazy ride. I am going in to interview a weightloss center, called SHAPE Health and Wellness Centre, that was recommended to me by my Olympic athlete friend, Jeff MacInnis. I am supposed to meet with Dr. Sender Deutsch, the Clinic Director. We will see what happens.

2004-10-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

I had a conversation that should change my life.

I met with two friends while traveling. Long-time friend and mentor Bill Bachrach (who is responsible for the complete redesign of my business model to give my clients and me more life) joined our snow skiing buddy Jeff MacInnis (former member of the Canadian National Olympic Ski Team and now a highly sought-after motivational speaker) for dinner with two of their friends.

Just as background, I weigh well-over 300 pounds. I have diabetes, triglycerides (whatever those are) that routinely run at over 1000. I'm told this is very baaaad since it prevents the lab from being able to calculate my LDL or HDL ... therefore only my total cholesterol can be counted, which is very very high. I've experienced vision problems (blindness) and neuropathies in my feet, as well as gout and other arthritis symptoms. I suffer serious food allergies (for which my weight has been mentioned as a culprit). And if that weren't enough... no male in my family (that we can find) has achieved age 55 without having had a heart attack or bypass surgery.

Of all my friends, Bill Bachrach has stepped forward to help lead my thinking to "the truth" about my condition. He's very subtle though... last March (while we were skiing with Jeff MacInnis), Bill commented that "People like you seldom die gracefully Mark, they just drop dead one day." It is not Bill's style to give me unsolicited advice (usually), no he waited for moments like when I asked his advice about which business opportunities he thought I should pursue to which he responded "You're kidding, right? I think you should focus on improving your health."

Back to the story of dinner, as we enjoyed the evening together, Bill shot a disapproving eye to the well-marbled rib eye I was consuming (he was enjoying grilled salmon). Something about that look sent me off into another world wondering woefully why I couldn't just "take charge" of my health & fitness and decide to lose all this excess weight I had accumulated over the past twenty five years sitting at my desk (forgetting to exercise).

I have no idea what the rest of them were talking about over dinner, but I was having a very active conversation with myself about "Why?!" I had tried over and over to lose weight. I had attempted endless diets, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Adkins as well as countless "New Year's Resolutions" to join a fitness center and lose the weight. Well, I joined the fitness center, but the pattern was to "forget to go."

Several times during dinner I resolved to tell Bill and Jeff, "That's it!" and that I had made up my mind once-and-for-all to do whatever it takes to lose weight... only to bail-out at the last minute realizing that "I better be serious" because these two would never let me forget my commitment to myself. They would hold me accountable to whatever I committed to. "Better be careful here," I told myself. Back and forth I went mentally like this throughout the meal.

"This is silly" I thought, "It's actually very simple... all I have to do is really, really, really, really make up my mind to take action... and then just do it" With that I spoke up right-away and said both aloud and loudly "That's it... I've made up my mind."

Not realizing I had cut Jeff off mid-sentence, everyone stopped chewing and shifted their eyes to me. You could hear a pin drop when Bill asked, "What have you made up your mind about?" I told them my big decision and asked if any of them knew of any coaches or registered dieticians or wellness centers that could work with me to create a plan with accountability as a key component.

Bill looked very pleased as Jeff MacInnis agreed to refer me to one of the many high-performance training center directors he knew. (NOTE: See an interview of Jeff MacInnis' exploits as the first in history to sail the Northwest Passage... and survive to tell the story: http://archives.cbc.ca/IDCC-1-73-2349-13671/politics_economy/northwest_passage/)

We ended the evening feeling very satisfied. They all had wonderful conversations with each other over dinner. I, on the other hand, have made a commitment to myself that could possibly save my life. It's all up to me now. What I actually do next (actions) will determine the future of my health and fitness.