The weather here in Indiana took a dive into the lower 20s overnight. Running always turns me into a weather bug, but this one took me by surprise. I started by walking like yesterday, and then discovered it was too cold not to run. Halfway around the block my walk turned into a jog. Everything turned out fine and I finished my two miles with only a little discomfort.

The human body can adapt to exercise quickly. I am already beginning to feel much stronger. My two-mile loop seems to get shorter each morning. Even the early alarm clock was a little easier this morning. My weight has already dropped a couple of pounds, but this may just be normal fluctuation.

I really need to focus more on what I eat. Yesterday was a disaster for my diet: Two donuts at the office, fried fish for lunch and a homemade pizza for dinner. I knew I was in trouble when I had heartburn at bedtime. This was the first real lapse I have had since Thanksgiving. So, today I am going to look out for veggies and keep my portions small.

This morning was hard. I stayed up too late last night and the 5 AM alarm sounded like an air raid siren. The weather was ok except for a chilly wind that seemed to cut through my normally solid jacket. Regardless, I got moving and walked the first half-mile. After that, I jogged the final 1.5 miles of my course.

I am a little worried to be losing motivation so early into my renewed attempts to become a runner. This is only day two, but there was almost nothing I wanted more this morning than to crawl back into my warm bed. I began to make a list in my mind of all the reasons why I am doing this. Here are a few:

• I want to live a long and healthy life. While exercise and fitness are not a guarantee, I can already feel my extra weight sapping me of energy and enjoyment. I want to feel better.
• I do not want to look so fat. It really does bother me that kids think I look like Santa Claus. Over the last year my second chin has become more pronounced. I want to look better.
• I am speaking at a professional conference in the spring. This will be an important introduction for me to some leaders in my industry. A good impression could go a long way, and no one can dispute that looking healthy makes a better impression than looking fat.

There is more that I could write, but the important thing is that I started. I would love to hear your feedback and what motivates you for running and weight loss. Just leave a comment on the form below.

I am starting a long and uncertain journey. My alarm sounded at 5 AM today and something inside me said, “Yes, today is the day.” I did not run long or very fast, just around my neighborhood loop twice. There is something about taking action, really starting something, which makes me feel stronger and gives me a little taste of hope.

I have a long way to go. Depending on the difference weight charts, I am 45 - 65 pounds overweight. I can jog and walk without pain, but I know it will take more than casual exercise to change my life. Last week I turned thirty and I am fatter than I have ever been. I have enjoyed an unhealthy relationship with food my whole life. Graduating high school, I weighted 180 pounds. When I was married, it was 205. When my first son was born, it was 225. Last spring, it was 235. Today I weight 246 pounds. When I see my picture I think, “Who is that guy, he really needs to lose some weight.”

So, today I am starting to do something about it. My plan is still in the initial stages but one thing is certain: I need to change. Here is my initial plan for exercise and weight loss.

• Run (or walk) three miles every day – no exceptions.
• Weight myself every morning
• Portion control and find ways to eat better (this one needs some work)