Don’t panic! I have not lost my pregnant mind, I am not embarking on some sort of crazy weight loss regime for the last few weeks of growing this baby. Instead, I have a very personal guest post to share with you guys today and I hope you’ll give the writer lots of support and encouragement as he posts once a week about his mission to lose 10 pounds in 6 weeks. Doctor’s orders.
The writer is my husband, Fran. He hasn’t been happy with his weight for a long time now and while he’s tried several times to change his lifestyle, it’s been difficult and I get it. It really can’t help that his wife is a personal trainer – I’ve tried training him before and we both quickly realized it was a recipe for imminent divorce. After an eye-opening doctor’s appointment for him last week, Fran realized he had to get serious about his health. I am so proud of him for not only making a decision to take control of the situation, but for putting it out there publicly on this blog: He needs some accountability and not just at home. You can support him with comments, tweeting him and cheering him on via Instagram.
The Quest to Lose 10 Pounds in 6 Weeks
So, here I am on my wife’s blog. A contributing writer, if you will. This is a place I never expected to be and I will explain why. My wife is the love of my life but we are very, very different ESPECIALLY when it comes to diet and exercise. My wife craves kale and likes to make smoothies, while I walked out of Supersize Me wanting nothing more than a Big Mac. No doubt, my wife has had a positive influence on my lifestyle. And I have, in my life both past and present, embraced diet and exercise. BUT, we live in New York City and we have a 3 year-old and a new baby on the way. What difference does that make? Well, when you are short on money, sleep and time, the idea of a run on a treadmill or out in the cold is about as enticing as a trip to the DMV.
I have had my struggles with my weight. I’d say many of them began when I moved to New York 16 years ago. NYC is home to a million bars, restaurants and other opportunities for bad decisions. Then I got married and, as a friend of mine said when I told him I was going to the gym…
“The gym?!! Dude, why keep running when you already caught the bus?”
At first, I laughed off his comment, but eventually, between married life and my career, diet and exercise took a back seat. The fact that the gym was about $100/month didn’t help. My weight fluctuated for years and I was on the heavier side at the end of 2010 when a mysterious illness landed me in the ICU for about a month. My wife was told I would die and I spent two weeks in a medically induced coma. I lost about 40 pounds in that time. That said, I don’t recommend “The Coma Diet” to anyone.
And when I emerged my wife brought me back physically and I got my strength back. I was probably the most driven I have ever been. I felt I had cheated death and I really embraced the idea that my life was a gift. A gift I did not want to waste. I was determined to get stronger and though a half marathon seemed way out of the realm of possibility for me, I was going to do it. My wife was an incredible inspiration to me. She was making me stronger with the exercises she prescribed for me and she was an endless source of positivity for me. There was never an “if” scenario. It was amazing. Training for that half marathon and crossing the finish line was probably one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. BUT, I ended up with an injury and the news that our son would arrive about 7 months later. So, exercise went out the window again and my eating habits suffered (when I was out from under my wife’s watchful eye that is).
And now it seems I am at a similar crossroads. I don’t want to take the gift of life for granted.
And yes, the last three years since my son Roman was born have been magic. But as I alluded to earlier, my wife and I are very different. Her quest for a PR in a marathon is my quest to force myself to go to the gym. I have made some progress in the last few months since joining an inexpensive gym near work. But becoming a parent definitely cut into some of the pre-parenthood luxuries. Since movies, concerts, dinners and date nights were on the downslope, I took comfort in food and alcohol. It was actually after a healthy gulp of wine in front of my mom that she asked me, “When was your last physical, Fran?”
Hmmm. Not something you want to hear.
That, plus an increase in my snoring that was moving into apnea territory and my wife making note of my newfound high blood pressure, meant I needed to go to the doctor.
This past Thursday, I finally went for a physical. It was not fun. Since my health scare, I have a healthy anxiety level at the doctor’s office. I don’t have the results from my blood tests yet so, as far as I know, I am not dying. But the appointment was no picnic. I weighed in at 220. 220?! How did that happen? I remember being a healthy 175. How did I get here? Then an EKG, a reference to a sleep center, and a very scary conversation with my doctor. He mentioned obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. I don’t HAVE all of these things but I am now at risk.
Then my doctor started talking about my wife and my kids. This is when I began to fight off tears. My dad died from lung cancer when I was 15. And I couldn’t help but think that if he had made some changes, maybe he would have been around a lot longer. I can’t do that to my family. I need to make a change.
So, this is your invitation. I am not going to use the word “journey” like they do on reality weight loss programs and infomercials. I have six weeks to lose ten pounds before I go back to my doctor. It is no longer losing weight to look better at the beach. I don’t need six-pack abs. I need to be healthier and live longer. (Although, don’t get me wrong, if I end up with some abs I am cool with that). So, I hope you will read my posts for the next few weeks. After all, every male athlete needs a good supporter. Yes, that is a jock strap joke. But really, I could use the help and who knows, maybe somebody will actually be inspired by what I am doing.
Thanks for reading. I am off to the gym. True story.
Hang in there Fran! We’re with you! Don’t get overwhelmed. There are lots of small changes that one can make to achieve important lifestyle changes as well as the big ones. Walking up stairs at work, etc. It all helps. Peace.
Thanks Judy!! I appreciate the support. I really do. Cheers.
You’re doing this for all the RIGHT reasons, so how can you fail? I am cheering you on and know that you’ll get there!
misszippy recently posted…Napa Valley Marathon
Thank you so much. The support has been amazing. I am so grateful. Cheers.
I love this! Good luck Fran – we are all cheering for you!!!!
Susan recently posted…When your big race is canceled
Thank you!! I am digging my cheering section. Big time. Cheers.
Good for you! I lost my mom at 16 so I know very well the anxiety that forces you to exercise (I also have chronic health problems and would TOTALLY rather be on the couch). I do boot camp about 3x a week and I still have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I really need to lose that last 5 lbs too so I’m going to work on this alongside you! Thanks for the inspiration and know that your kids will thank you for it every day they have you!
Emily, 3X a week in Boot Camp. Sister, I got sweaty just reading that. Right on. Thank YOU for the inspiration. Cheers.
Thank you Fran for sharing your story here! It is incredibly brave and you are doing such an amazing thing! You will inspire many (including myself!) you have SO got this!!
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…Weekly Wednesday Workout: Superhero Arm Exercise
Brave in the face of cheese and beer. 🙂 Thank you so much. I really appreciate the support. Cheers.
What a story! I am so inspired. I greatly appreciate that husband took the time to write his story. He has overcome some serious struggles, so there is no doubt in my mind that Fran will conquer this as well.
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted…Comment on 10 Tips for More Sound Sleep @Kohls #MakeYourMove by GiGi Eats
Thanks Lisa. I appreciate the support and your confidence in me. It means so much. Cheers.
What a wonderful and inspirational story! I am so behind you on this Fran! I know you can do it!!!
Britt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…Problem Solving and Yoga
Thank you! Glad to have you behind me as I may need a push toward the gym or away from the buffet. I appreciate the support. I really do. Cheers.
Dude, you got this. No greater motivator than family. I hope you know you can do it without the kale. Love ya Man.
Jeff, You are a brother. Thanks for having my back. I won’t let you down. Cheers, man.
Go Franny!! I am so proud of you. Plus you shaved the ‘stache, so you got that going for you, which is nice.
That stache weighed 8 pounds. I had to shave it. Thanks Al. 🙂
This is so fantastic. Just the fact that you’re taking this seriously is putting you on the right track. When you’re working out and eating better for your family, how can you fail? I lost my mom to cancer when I was 17 so I take my health and fitness very seriously. You are not your dad and you’re making good decisions starting now!!
I will absolutely be cheering you on!
Allie recently posted…My Place In The Pace: Meet the Elite
Your post is pure awesome. I am grateful to have you in my corner. For real. Thank you so much. Cheers.
Loved your writing style and your honesty!!! You will do it. Kids change everything, and knowing you need to do something to stick around for them will be a huge motivator for you!!!
Kristin Miller recently posted…Going Beyond the Naysayers
Honesty is the best policy, right? Thanks so much, Kristin. The kids are a game-changer for sure. I just hope they don’t taunt me with their speedy metabolism. Thanks so much. Cheers.
I’m with you on this one, Fran. Unfortunately I need to lose a lot more than you. I commend you for putting your family first and pushing through the roadblocks that we all create for ourselves.
I’ll be watching and trying my best to keep up.
Good luck!!
Howard, Thanks so much, man. And don’t feel bad. The 10 pounds is only the beginning for me. Many more pounds to shed after this six week check up. Giddyup, brother. Let’s do this thing together.
Way to go Fran! You can do it. I agree, I appreciate your humor and honesty.
Thanks Jenn! There is not enough space to list everything I appreciate about you. I am glad to have you in my corner. Cheers.
I have to agree with others – you truly have a knack for writing! I think doing this for reasons other than the number on the scale and vanity will help you immensely and I give you so much credit for putting your story out there for all of us to read. Wishing you luck and cheering you on!
Emilie recently posted…Looking Forward
Thanks Emilie. I appreciate the kind words about my writing. The hardest part is not cursing. 🙂 Thanks for your support and for acknowledging the vanity!! Even at 220 I can’t get away from it. I’m serious. 🙂 Thank you so much for being in my corner. Cheers.
YO FRAN!!
Don’t forget your Wolverine! U laughed at death…a few pounds is nothing!!
Last yr when I found out I was gonna be a dad… I got the best Personal trainer, someone who was encouraging, supportive and someone who kinda scared me… maybe u know her…Carly Pizzani.
Anyhoo… parenting, work, and a ton of reallly good excuses took the place of excercise.
But u have inspired me…your not the only old due who is a new dad…not the only one who has had scary doctor apps and not the only one who lost a parent at 15….I’m right there with ya!!!
So…ur efforts are inspiring me to get back into as well.
I just hope my personal trainer is still speaking to me…. hmm mm maybe put in a good word.
You Got This!!!
~Mike D!
WOLVERINE!! Thanks, Mike D. You are a brother, man. I really appreciate your support and the kind words. And I can assure you, you are in good standing with your trainer, man. No worries. Thanks again. Cheers.
GO FRAN!!! I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!
PAM!! Thanks for being in my corner. Love you cuz!!! 🙂 xo
FRAN!! You can do it!!
Hugs and kisses,
Bunny
Poor Bunny. I love you. Thanks for the support. means a lot. Cheers.
Fran, you’ve totally got this!!! We are all cheering you on and you live with a top notch personal trainer!!! I know that you are going to do whatever it takes to get and stay healthy for your sweet family!!
Kim recently posted…One Size Does NOT Fit All!!
Kim, is that a picture of you doing push ups on top of balls? Again, I wish I could curse because that is amazing. Very cool to have you in my corner. I appreciate the kind words and support. Cheers.
Excellent first post! Loved reading it. Looking forward to the rest.
You’ve got this, Fran. It all comes down to attitude, and yours is good. You’ll do what you need to do for yourself and your family because you know you must.
I’ve recently made the same decision after having the same talks as you did with my doctors. I’ve lost 60 pounds since Thanksgiving and need to lose 75 more to get to my target weight of 200lbs. It hasn’t been easy or fun, but my sleep apnea is gone and I feel better than I’ve felt since high school. My comfort food is now a protein shake. Sometimes I feel like I would flay a puppy for a slice of pizza, but it passes. Yes, the gym sucks. But it’s a means to an end and I try to find creative ways to get some exercise during the day so that I don’t have to spend so long among the workout machines and judgy, judgy people.
You’ve got an in-house personal trainer with a personal interest in your success. Can’t go wrong with that!
So I repeat, Fran, You’ve got this!
Eli,
Damn, man!! That is amazing. I appreciate the kind words, brother. I understand your desire for pizza. between you and me, there are a lot of puppies that have no idea how lucky they are. Thanks again, man. Keep killing it. Cheers.
Fran, I’ve been on my own quest for better health so I totally get this. Wishing you well!
John, Let’s quest together, broham!! I wish you well too. Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the support.
Go Fran Go! Eating clean and staying active helped me shed 10 pounds last January 2014. It was the nutrition part that shocked me the most! I posted daily and had no intention of inspiring others but I did! Now you inspire me to get back at it! We have alot to live for! Looking forward to your weekly posts buddy!
Right on, Heatherly!! Glad to have you in my corner. Let’s keep the inspiration flowing. Thanks so much. I mean that. Cheers.
Good for you! Once it finally gets warm you can enjoy outdoor workouts which are much more fun as well…especially in nyc. So many great parks and trails along the water. Get a good music mix, always helps to keep me going at the gym..and congrats on baby #2 on the way!
Thanks Trish! Yes, I am looking forward to the weather getting warmer although after today’s commute, I am starting to think that spring will never come. Wait, I need to think positive. Right there with you on the tunes. I have lots of Rollins Band cued up for inspiration. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers.
You totally have this, Fran!! xo
Love you, RB. Thanks for having my back. You will always have a page in my cool book. Thanks again. Cheers.
You’re the man, Fran. Good on ya for taking this public. Got a little lazy myself and forced myself into signing up for 4 road races this Spring & Summer to maintain a level of accountability and find that groove again. Will only allow for extra energy and going extra batsh*t crazy at the next Hives show.
You’ve so got this, Fran! You’ve got so much support behind you and I don’t have to tell you how empowering it is to take control of your health. Doing it for yourself and your family are the best reasons.
Marcia recently posted…Changes to the Race Schedule
Hi Fran,
Do you have any details about what diet/exercise program you are following? Im happy to join you from Australia step by step 🙂
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