Biggest Loser, bring it on! We’re having a contest at work and I’m going all-in! For those of you who know me, you’re probably wondering why I would get into a competition like this. For those of you who don’t, let’s just say that I exercise a lot — I’ve run 100 marathons in the past six years and I workout and train, on average, about six days a week. Out-of-shape is not something people have called me any time recently.
However, I do have a few pounds I can lose. I like to eat ice cream, I like to eat cheeseburgers … I just like to eat. And to be in pretty good shape at 37, I just don’t care if I’m not in perfect condition. But really, I just don’t care if I’m carrying an extra 10 pounds.
Ever since I’ve been back in shape, I’ve always known that I definitely have a little bit of weight to lose. I know that doing so would make me faster. Plus, I’d be a little more toned and Tiff would find me even more attractive than I already am.** But like I said, I just don’t care. For being 37, I’m totally content with my health and fitness. However, I’m competitive and there’s nothing like a competition.
** Not sure which of these two benefits matter more. Actually, I am sure, but this is a family show.
So, it’s on. My co-workers aren’t tremendously overweight, but they’ll probably have an easier time dropping pounds than me. I have a little bit more of a challenge facing me, because to crank up my active and healthy lifestyle at this time is going to be tough, but it’s on! Sometimes at work we work long hours for a major project deadline and our company has the tendency to reward us with gift cards. The next time, the Biggest Loser winner wins the gift cards for everybody who’s participating.
I want to win just to win. But Tiff is eyeing those gift cards. So she’s gonna crack the whip and I’m gonna try to do what I haven’t been able to do even while running 100-plus mile weeks: Lose weight!
I’ve hovered between 198 and 203 ever since my first marathon six years ago. Can I get to 185 with some hard work and determination? No clue, but I’ll sure try. As I’ve taught myself over the past several years, I do well pushing myself towards a tough goal. So, we’ll see what happens. It’ll sure be fun trying. Well, not necessarily fun at first — I’ll be pretty focused on what I eat (so long, ice cream) and I imagine Tiff will let me work out a little more.**
** After work about twice a week, I call her up and ask if it’s OK if I stop at the gym on my way home. Now, I’m going to have ask her if I can come home without going to the gym.
So we’ll see. I’m going to try my best. And in the past, that’s usually been good enough.
I Also Do Charity Work
So, if you’ve never been here before, my whole reason for being here is that I have a foundation in honor of my son Jack. Long story short, he’s severely autistic, I want him to have an impact, so I push on. I ran 61 marathons in 2010 to raise money and awareness for Train 4 Autism and I continue to fight on, trying to figure out ways to make the world a better place.
Anyways, we now have an annual marathon, the Operation Jack Marathon. We also have satellite runs, a great option if you’re not near Southern California for the main even. You get shirts and medals (the same as the ones we use at the main race) and maybe even Starbucks gift cards. There are a few different way these work:
1. There are satellite races — marathons and half-marathons — in various cities across the country. I help people put them on (if you have any interest, email me at sam@operationjack.org and I’ll give you the details and I’ll let you know what you’d be getting into — it’s not as bad as you might think and I provide you with everything you need). So far, we have a race in Portland, Oregon, on December 22, and a race on December 29 in Houston. I’ve also got people working on locations in Cleveland and Louisville, Kentucky and I’m talking with people in Buffalo and San Antonio — we’ll see how that goes. Let me know if you want to see your city added to that list — it’s not as bad as you think and you’d be supporting a great cause!
2. You can set up a group run (recommended six miles). Registration fee is $35 and you get the same shirt and medal that folks get at the main race. You’re also supporting great causes — click on the link to my foundation in the first paragraph of of this section to see where the money goes. You get a nice shirt (we’re looking at tech shirts this year), plus one of the best medals you’ll ever get. Here’s a pic of last year’s medal, taken next to a medal from the Boston Marathon for size comparison:
Also, for every five people you have registered at least a week in advance, I’ll send you a $25 Starbucks gift card for post-race refreshments. So, it boils down to a nice shirt and medal, supporting great causes with a moderate donation and having a nice time on a Saturday morning late in the holiday season. There are much worse ways to start a December weekend!
3. You can also run solo to support the cause. The best we did for total states was 45 or 46 I think in 2010. I’m aiming for all 50. We’ll have your shirt and medal out to you in advance, so send back pictures and we’ll get them posted.
Of course, I’d love to have you out at the race in California (Jeri!) if you can make it. It gets bigger and better every year and I have a lot more help this year than I ever have before. It should be a great event … did I post a link?
OK, that’s enough rambling for today. I have work to do. Have a great Tuesday!
Rachel says
Good luck with the weight loss. You can do it!
Jake says
That’s enough rambling for this week.
😉