Today has been a pretty good day. I took Trevor to his graduation practice. While he was practicing with his friends I hit up the golden arches for some breakfast burritos. It is hard to not get the standard two steak and cheese biscuits. I am doing well with it for the most part.

I have been snacking and eating later in the evening than I have been in the most recent months of my journey. I really think I am eating later in the evening because I am sleeping in and skipping breakfast. By the time the evening rolls around I am hungry and end up eating more than I intended to.

I met with the dietitian today. He was concerned that my uric acid count was high from the last time I had my blood work done. He told me I needed to be drinking more milk. Seriously? Dude, do you not know milk is gross unless it consists of ice cream or cheese. He also suggested that I switch to a LOW CARB diet. The carb heavy foods turn into insulin and cause you to be hungry again quicker than if you had protein and veggies. I am going to do my best to limit the amount of carbs and sugars I consume, especially after lunch.

I went to play basketball tonight. I had a great time. Not only did I get to hang out with some great people but I got to work out. Awesome cardio night tonight. I am getting better each week. I am looking forward to our season this winter. I am in the process of tracking down a gym that we can use to start a summer league. I am hoping to get this league rolling soon.

I am looking forward to the 5K on Saturday. I am going to try and push myself to see if I cannot break the 30 minute mark this time. Hope to see you there.

Glad I got some exercise in today.

SHEP

The Fat Buddy Shuffle

Today's workout was what will be referred to as the Fat Buddy Shuffle from here on out. I warmed up with a brisk 10 minute walk moving into a slow run for five minutes moving into a five minute walk moving (What's that? Oh OK, you understand). I kept the Fat Buddy Shuffle up for 60 minutes. No, you read that right. SIXTY minutes.

I have really grown tired of the pain impeding my progress. I have no real formula or scientific way for figuring out how long I should walk/run. So I figured if I had to mix in the walking with the running, then I should go for as long as I possibly could.

After the second time I ran for five minutes (25 minutes in) I wanted to quit so bad. All I could think of was this verse from Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. I know there is no way I can reach my goals. I need the support of the people around me and the help from my deliverer; Jesus.

I know that come December I will be down to at least my target weight. I can do it. Not because of me, but because of what Philippians 4:13 says. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

I have struggled this week. I have fought the desire to get that frosted honey bun out of the teacher's lounge vending machine. The Coke machine has been whispering to me during the school day. "Just one drink Shep, just one drink and it will be OK." The half dozen gas stations I pass on the way home. Do you know what a pocket of change can do to a Little Debbie display rack????? I am fighting an uphill battle everyday.

An uphill battle, with God's help, I am going to win. Satan is not going to hold me back. I am done standing in the way of my own success. Life is so much more than the next good meal. I have some little girls that need to have me around so I can walk them down the aisle at their weddings and cry like a big Ole' dummy. I have a son who needs his Dad around to teach him how to shave. My wife needs me around to reach things that are too high for her to reach. She may not ever be able to use the hair dryer again if I die.

My knees, chins, calves, ankles, and feet are going to hurt until I get a lot of this fat off of my frame. Can't get the fat off if I am just sitting around waiting for the pain to go away. I will have to take the pain in little doses to make it to my goal. But that is OK with me. The pain will not last forever. And as fat as I am now, neither will I.

Loving my life on this path to the new me.

SHEP