A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words

In 2000, after my Boy’s Basketball Banquet, I got a picture of myself from a parent. Now when they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I then knew what they meant.

What I saw, I was not prepared for. I looked like I had stored nuts in my cheeks and packed on extra fat to keep me warm for the remainder of the winter. I was under the assumption that I could eat, drink and do nothing for months because I was once a college athlete.

Boy was I wrong.

For those who think that me being overweight is impossible, I beg to differ. I HATED to run, hadn’t rode a bike since elementary school and swimming consisted of friends pushing back in the water because they thought I was a whale trying to beach myself. My cardio consisted of playing hoops once or twice a week. I enjoyed lifting weights, which only added to my unwanted beefiness.

That same year, I bought Tammy a bike for her birthday. A few weeks later, she had tricked me into buying a bike for myself. I think this was her way to kick my ass without me knowing it. With my chest ready to explode, my ears leaking blood and pupils bulging out of their sockets, I decided trying to keep up with Tammy was not for me. Yippee, this bike riding stuff is fun.

At this point, I also stopped playing men’s league basketball. I had lost my desire to go play hoops against high school “heroes” that needed to prove to me how good they thought they were. Therefore, all of my “cardio” was out the window. No hoops, hate to run, can’t ride to save my life, and swimming was once every few weeks.

What’s a chubby hubby supposed to do? I got it, a triathlon.

Here comes the Timberman. Not only can’t I swim, bike or run, I refuse to wear spandex. Sleeveless t’s to show off the guns and bike shorts, that’s what real men wear. No bike shorts, tight tri tops for this guy. Plus, I didn’t want anyone to see my “muffin top” on the bike or run. (For those who do not know what a ‘muffin top’ is, google it)

I started to run, a little. I started to like riding the bike and rode by myself as much as possible. I swam at the local lake, if that is what you want to call it. With a few months to my first race, I was on track to becoming a triathlete, sort of.

Long story short….I finished the Timberman Sprint and was completely addicted.

At some point, we all have issues with the way we look and/or feel. What we do about it makes us unique. You can choose to find time and get involved in something that will make you healthy and happy. Or, you can choose not to. Speaking from experience, there is so much support and people who want to help you, all you have to do is ask.

Its up to you. You decide. I did.