Week 25: The Final Week comes to an end...

25 weeks - That is a long time to stay committed to anything - especially a diet plan. I am very proud to say though that not only was I able to make it through, but I exceeded every goal and expectation I set for myself. As you might recall from last week I was at just over 185 pounds and wanted to see how close I actually might get to my overall goal (which I wanted to do by January) of a 100 pounds. It was Thanksgiving week, I was traveling and well.....

At the conclusion on Sunday I weighed in at 179.2 pounds! That's right - over Thanksgiving week of all times - I lost an additional 6 full pounds. That also means that over the course of 25 weeks I have lost a total of exactly 101 pounds!! WOW - I just can't believe it!

Please check back later this week as I am working on a little article to summarize my journey and some tips and tricks that I learned along the way. Until then - thank-you to all of you for your support - it was felt and appreciated.

A Day to Give Thanks...

As I prepare to enjoy this day in the presence of family and friends I felt it appropriate to give thanks for the things I have been blessed with:

I am thankful for...

*My loving wife, who has stood by my side providing the comfort and support that only she can. For more than 12 years she has continued to be the light that guides me through all the dark moments. Over the recent 25 weeks she has been there next to me with her unending love, care & support throughout my journey to regain a healthy lifestyle. Although I could never express in words how truly deep my feelings for her continue to grow, I am certainly thankful above all else that she is with me.

*My father, who provides the knowledge and wisdom to help me through the trying times and the support and love only a father can provide. He is my rock and will always be my best friend through it all.

*My mother, although we have not always been close she still shows her love and concern in the most trying of times. I wish her my deepest blessings of support, love and care as she continues to make the best of her difficult times.

*My family, who has always supported and blessed the things that I have accomplished. With the new-born additions to our family they breathe fresh life into our relationships and offer a glimpse of the innocence that we all have lost along the way.

*My friends, who without them life would be very dull indeed and who make my days feel like they are lived with a sense of meaning and accomplishment.

*My health, it has been front and center for the past 25 weeks and I am thankful for the continued strength to do what is right and to be able to continue my journey to make amends for all the turmoil I have put my body through over the past several years. I am also thankful to be able to continue to move forward with the strength to succeed and accomplish all the goals I have put forth for next year and beyond.

*My job, through the many hardships that are felt around this time of economic crisis I am thankful for the continued support of a company that is sound and true.

I wish all of you & yours a very blessed and safe holiday season.

Week 24: Just 1 more week to go - What a journey!

Here I am at the end of week 24. My current weight is 185.2 I was able to loose another 3.6 pounds this week and have now lost a combined total of 95 pounds in 24 weeks!!

This week will be the culmination of a very long, and hard process that was very overdue in my life. What a week to end it on too. I am so close to my overall goal of 100 pounds that I am going to push this week like never before. I originally was looking at my birthday in January as a possible end date for my 100 pound goal but I am so very close I am going to see just how close I can get. Of course no challenge would be complete without its obstacles and we have Thanksgiving week of all weeks so that I am now setup to face a very daunting task.

Please keep checking back because I intend to put a nice, detailed article together outlining my journey over the past 25 weeks. I have had so many friends and family ask how I accomplished it and what I did that I felt I should share my story with everyone. I will include the path that I took on this healthy journey, some obstacles I overcome and of course a lot of before and after pictures!!

So see you soon...

2009 GOAL Phase 1 of 2: I am Running in theIndy Mini-Marathon on May 2nd, 2009

That's right! I have officially registered in the Indianapolis Mini Marathon on May 2nd, 2009. With all of the success I have had with my recent weight loss and the exercise that I have been consistent with during the past weeks, I wanted to set a goal so that I will continue to work toward maintaining my healthy lifestyle. This Mini-Marathon will be Phase 1 of my 2 part goal.

http://www.500festival.com/marathon

You will find all the details about the race at the link above. It is 13.1 miles long. I have already started my training and have set some lofty goals. My goal is to turn in a time of 2 hr / 45min or better. This would be an average of 4.76mph or 12:36 / mile. With the mini you must keep a minimum pace of 18min / mile.

And if all goes well I have intentions and plans for Phase 2 to take place in October of 2009 but more on that later....

Happy Birthday Juliana!!

My Uncle Mark's daughter had her Birthday party today and they rented out a place that had all kinds of large blow-up tents, slides and activities. Juliana was "Princess for a Day" and even the adults had a bunch of fun. Here are few pics of my Aunt and Uncle duking it out with the over sized gloves. Ouch - watch that right hook Cheryl!!

Week 23: Crazy Week - Lots Turned Upside Down

This week was very chaotic. Several things to deal with on a personal side and not much time to make sure I fully committed myself this week. Still I am very proud to post my 23rd consecutive weight loss week: 1.2 pounds lost. Total weight is now 189.6

2 Weeks to Go!!

Rocky has a boo-boo

Our dog Rocky had a blister on the very tip of his nose this week. Poor thing. He kept scratching at it and opening it up so to help prevent him from doing so we had to use a plastic head cone that we got from the vet.

He has to stay in it for about 12 days while we give him medication for it. He is NOT a happy dog right now.

Week 22 - Progress Report

As I mentioned last week, Joe has conceded victory but I am going to continue on for the full 25 weeks. I am happy to report that I have lost an additional 3 pounds this week and now weigh in at 190.8! 90 POUNDS LOST!!

3 more weeks to go!!

New Addition to the Tayon Family!!

I am proud to announce the arrival of my brother's new daughter. His girlfriend Christina and him welcomed in Makala to the world on 11/5/08 @ 1:50 am. She weighed 8lbs 7oz and was 20" long.

Rocky gets dressed for Halloween

Rocky decided he was going to get in on the fun this Halloween and decided to take his friend for a ride.