My wife told me something the other day that has made me realize that I have won.
If I never lose another pound, I have won.
If I never win another race, I have still won (ok ok I haven’t actually won any races, but you get the point.)
If I never inspire another person to lose weight, get fit, eat right, or be awesome…
I have still won.
My wife told me the other day that my children do not remember, nor will they ever know, the old me. The unfit me. The me that didn’t fit on the rides at Disney. The me that used to eat 5000 calories a day or more. The me who got winded at the THOUGHT of exercise.
The me that weighed 360 pounds.
My kids know me as the dad that gets out and plays with them. They know me as the dad that exercises daily. They know me as the dad that eats healthy most of the time but that doesn’t obsess over food. They know me as the dad that does triathlons. They know me as the dad that encourages them to be active and eat healthy. They know me as the dad that wants them to run with me.
My kids will never know me as unhealthy dad.
I started this weight loss journey for many, many reasons. And the benefits to my health, attitude and life have been innumerable. But they ALL fail in comparison to the benefit that my kids are getting from this. They are getting a healthy father who is demonstrating a healthy lifestyle to them. And that is how kids learn. By watching what we do as parents.
I am a winner folks. There is no finisher’s medal for this. There is no podium or prestige. But who needs it?
Be an example folks. The prize package is more valuable than gold.
Now that is one of the most wonderful, amazing reasons ever to get in shape.
🙂
Twitter: chrisamcculley
You’re definitely tugging at my heart strings with this post. I have completely fallen off the proverbial wagon after doing so good. And all I want to do is be able to walk around with my little Ellie without getting all sweaty and stuff. I’ve been stuck in this deatryctive loop for the past year or so and I’ve got to get back to learning how to be healthy. Thanks for this post man!
Your an inspirational beast!
Thanks man. I actually remember that I totally fell off the wagon after my first was born. But that wagon is there and waiting for you man! Time to jump back on! 🙂
I love you, I’m so proud of you, and your wife looks awesome for just having a baby! Like she probably just restarted Couch Potato to 5K! 😉
🙂 Mwah!
thanks for the inspiration – kids and all.
You got it. 🙂
I love this. You will always be an inspiration to me.
🙂 Thanks!
Love it! And I love that family picture….as I’ve told Deetz, it captures all of you so well – and I think it’s the best photo I’ve ever seen of you.
Thanks Nita!
Twitter: Thinfluenced
Best post EVER written on ANY blog! Proud of you!
Sarah
http://www.thinfluenced.com
Wow! Thanks!
Twitter: katie_lf
Nice work!! I was at a “celebrating women” event last night that talked about the indicators of a child exercising…it is how often the parents exercise. You are doing such a great service to you and your family. congratulations!
Thanks Katie!
Extremely proud of you Hank! You have become a fantastic role model for your kids…not only will they follow your lead, they will love how their dad participates with them and will be around for a long long time! Good for you! Excellent “win”!!
Thanks Mer!
Such an amazing post! Wonderfully inspiring.
Thanks Emily!