I can do this!  Starting off with twenty minutes on the elliptical, 45 minutes training with Drake, and then twenty minutes on the treadmill.  I am turning into a fat-burning machine before my own eyes.

Finding out I had muscles where I didn't think they existed was a surprise.  Drake worked me hard doing core exercises with weights and a eight pound medicine ball...something new to me. I did floor work as well. He pushed me and I complied.  You should have seen me doing all the fancy leg work, I felt like a superstar!  Other members working out actually cheered me for making it thought the session and that really boosted my confidence to even try harder.

Needless to say I slept like a baby last night!

My next training session is this Friday.
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Mortal wounds give no pain.

I know now I am not alone anymore into my journey to become well and whole again. Myself and many others met today at Slim and Fit for the introduction into The News Herald's 2012 Lighten Up contest. We were interviewed, photographed, weighed and measured.  I currently work out at Snap Fitness in Mentor-on-the-Lake with trainer Drake Delande who has faith in me and will assist me to reach my personal goals.   I have started doing nearly an hour of cardio on a daily basis. I am using the Octane elliptical and Matrix treadmill. Tomorrow I am meeting with Drake for my first training session. 

A bonus of this contest is the participation from Slim and Fit in Concord and Pulse Group Fitness Studio Center in Painesville Twp which have offered a series of classes gratis.  The Lake County General health District is also participating with nutritional support.

I will continue to work with my endocrinologist and the nutrition department of the Cleveland Clinic to manage my health issues.

Today I weighed 185. My goal is in the 140s.  I have a long way to go. Wish me luck!