Thank you Mr. Miyagi

Today I woke up at 4:30 a.m and hit snooze on the ole' cell phone Alarm Clock only to have it ring 5 minutes later...Internally, I told myself, you need to get up, you need to do this...Fighting the urge to go back to sleep I ventured out for my 18 mile training run...The running plan called for a 10:23 average pace...I instead averaged 10:09..I think I could have stayed below 10, however the last few miles had some pretty steep hills and my legs were killing me. Overall very happy with the run...and I have to throw some love to Mr. Miyagi...yes that Mr. Miyagi..Danielsan's teacher, coach, mentor...well actually it is not really to him, but it sounds cooler...In the Karate Kid I, when Daniel begins his quest to become the Karate Champion, there is a great song...OK a great 80's song..OK, I think it was a great 80's song..."You're the Best" by Joe "Bean" Esposito.

As Daniel is kicking A#$ and taking names this song is blaring in the background...I loved it, always have...Well I finally found it on Itunes, and for the first time, put it into my playlist for my runs...It did not play once, twice or even three times...yep four times...and everytime I could hear Danielsan yelling " We did it Mr. Miyagi, we did it." Almost choked up...ok maybe not...ok maybe...

Another really cool thing that happened on this mornings run was seeing a Bald Eagle fly up and land about 40 feet in front of me...Tried to get my cell phone out and take a pic...It just was too quick...

In conclusion I have included a few pics...turn away if you do not want to see me without my shirt on...I will understand...Just wanted folks to see the progression of my weight loss..Have also included a pic from 2+ years ago when I started this endeavor...It has been tough and there have been ups and downs...but I am happy to report today that I weighed in at 209....a pound lighter than my Senior Year of HS Football...Have a great week everyone, and for those that are fighting the battle..keep fighting on...as Mr. Esposito say's "You're the Best"

Pushing 300 Pounds...Yikes...

209 Pounds...and feeling great..

One of my 3 biggest fans..."Daddy your belly is going away"