At my starting weight, and for some time before, I had difficulty with everything from fitting in a seat on airplanes to fitting in a seat in an office and everything in between. My “social life” as it was consisted largely of avoiding contact with people when possible.

This morning I ran more than 10K without resting for the first time. I was out an hour before the sun came up on a Sunday but I don’t know if I’ve been happier in my life than being halfway through the run and watching the sun rise over the cypress trees.

I am alive today in a way which I could not comprehend before. There are so many little things which are better that its hard to list them… just a few examples:

I seek out random errands to run because I love the way smaller clothes fit me and I want to go out in them. I nearly bounce when I’m sitting in airplane seats because every seat feels bigger than first class. I just finished training for my 10K race, and next week will begin training for my first half marathon and will be bringing my old bike to get fixed to start cycling. I seek out opportunities to meet up with friends I haven’t seen in years and go running or do other activities with them.

The best reaction I received was from a young cousin who stood behind his grandfather and asked who I was after I’d walked into their house and said hello (I have known him since he was born). The reaction has been amazingly positive. Everyone’s eyes tend to get somewhat large and they want to know how I did it. It is always a treat when I know I’m going to get to see people who I haven’t seen in some time to see their reaction.

I was on blood pressure medication when I began the program, but have now been off of that for some months. I just recently discontinued use of my CPAP machine and can sleep normally. I had constant acid reflex before but have not experienced it in at least six months now.

I am happy. Simply weighing less in and of itself didn’t make me happy, but getting healthy has allowed me to start becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be. I have the energy to run, to lift weights, but also to pursue a range of interests from classic literature to calculus. I am optimistic and hopeful for the future. I have a spring in my step and a smile on my face. Life is good.