Think you can't do it? Think again!!

Colo Alex · 09-21-2007, 03:30 PM

Here is my testimonial.

A few years ago I weighed 297 pounds. I could not tie my shoes without getting out of breath. I didn’t exercise and I ate bad food. I had no energy and was not fun to be around. When I looked into the mirror I did not like who was looking back at me. Sound familiar? I have done some yo-yoing over the last three years, but I have learned a lot about myself. The biggest lesson that I have learned is to not give up on myself.

Today is my 43rd birthday. Two days ago I climbed my first 14er. Mount Sherman in Colorado at 14,035 feet.

If you think you cannot do this, you are wrong. I am living proof. If you are frustrated because you are losing too slowly, or you just can’t keep the momentum going, don’t quit. Believe in yourself. Give yourself a break! Be patient.

Try to view weight loss as a side effect of eating healthy and exercising. If your main goal is just to eat right and to exercise then the weight will come off. I know that sounds very simplistic, but since I adopted that mantra, I have been very successful.

I am by no means finished, but I am closer than I have ever been, and I am happier than I ever could have imagined.

Here are some pictures of my climb.

THIS IS AT 11,900 FEET. MT SHERMAN IS JUST AHEAD COVERED IN SNOW.

This is at 12,500 feet. An abandoned mine can be seen up and to the left.

Now at 13,000 feet. We are above the mine and looking up at the ridge.

This is a view from the ridge. Below is Leadville and in the distance is Mt. Massive.

Going up the ridge. Now around 13,600 feet.

Here I am on part of the ridge.

Almost to the summit

SUMMIT!! 14,035 FEET!!

From the summit. Mt Elbert is on the left and Mt Massive is on the right.

My GPS unit. (the elevation is off a little)

Coming back down the ridge.

Me back at the Trailhead feeling totally excited and exhausted.

There is no doubt in my mind that ANYONE can do this. If you are struggling, its OK, don’t quit. If you have doubts, it’s OK, don’t quit. Everyone will experience ups and downs. Learn from both. Some of the toughest hurdles we have in life are the ones we put up in front of ourselves. Don’t be afraid to knock down your own hurdles. You can do it! I KNOW you can!

When I look in the mirror now, I like who is looking back at me!

JoSkids · 09-21-2007, 03:34 PM

What a great inspirational you are.

Locations like that almost make me want to excercise!

ptcenter · 09-21-2007, 04:00 PM

Outstanding!! Congratulations on your accomplishments.

ReneeD70 · 09-21-2007, 04:07 PM

Wow, thanks for sharing your story, and thanks for the inspiration! Congrats!

northandcold23 · 09-21-2007, 04:12 PM

The thought of snow ugghhh!!!

BUT congrats to you what a great story!!!

BitsyMay · 09-21-2007, 04:14 PM

Alex, you are the bomb!!

telemetrynurse · 09-21-2007, 04:21 PM

What a FANTASTIC gift you've given yourself!

Thanks for sharing your inspirational journey (literally & figuratively)

smoky · 09-21-2007, 04:26 PM

You are an inspiration to us all way to go

sugarless4life · 09-21-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northandcold23

The thought of snow ugghhh!!!

BUT congrats to you what a great story!!!

I AGREE! Snow sucks, but WOW to you and your incredible accomplishment!!!

Betty

mmam5 · 09-21-2007, 04:36 PM

Alex!!!! I'm so proud of you!!! Wish I could go on a hike up those mtn - Call me next time

Toey2 · 09-21-2007, 04:59 PM

Wow. That was a truly inspring post. Kind of gave me chills.

Congrats....and those are awesome pics!!

LizBeth · 09-21-2007, 05:01 PM

very inspiring. WTG!

CindyLouWho · 09-21-2007, 05:06 PM

This is one of the best posts ever. Congratulations!!!

Goldenrod · 09-21-2007, 05:08 PM

You.

Are.

AWESOME!!!

What you said about hurdles is so true -- some of the toughest ones are the ones we create for ourselves, and they DON'T have to be there! Slowly but surely, I'm realizing that I've got to stop making excuses for myself. I have dreams I want to make into reality, and there's no one stopping me but ME. (And I'm not even talking about weight loss here. I've actually been doing pretty well with that lately. I'm talking about other things I dream about, namely, writing a novel.)

Thanks for the inspiration. It means more than I can tell you.

hockeyrules · 09-21-2007, 05:49 PM

Wow.

Froggyjean · 09-21-2007, 06:25 PM

awesome post! thank you!

Hot Tamale · 09-21-2007, 06:28 PM

Looking at those pics and reading what you said brought tears to my eyes. I realize that I really can climb a mountain, too, if I want to. A few months ago I was in really bad shape in every way a person can be. I'm doing a lot better now and will keep on going until I also climb a mountain like that. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us!!
Happy Birthday!

AsmallerME · 09-21-2007, 06:33 PM

Simply amazing!! You are an inspiration and those pictures are fantastic!! Way to go!

Charski · 09-21-2007, 07:16 PM

Reading your post and looking at those pics - two words came to my mind - first, BRRRRR! and second - WOW!! followed closely by, FANTASTIC.

And last but not least - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You have given yourself a gift no one else could ever bestow upon you - the gift of good health and good self esteem. GREAT JOB!

KrystaLyn · 09-21-2007, 07:21 PM

WOW! What an inspiration! YOu are a true example of a life changed!

I love Colorado! Just looking at the pics made this Western Girl HOMESICK! Thanks for sharing!!

wanttobeskinny · 09-21-2007, 09:47 PM

awesome man!!! Thanks for the post!

mmorris · 09-22-2007, 04:44 AM

GAPeach0512 · 09-22-2007, 05:06 AM

Congratulations! What a great birthday present to yourself. I love all the encouragement and inspiration that is given here. Great story.

Buff-N-Tuff · 09-22-2007, 05:14 AM

WOW WOW WOW!!!!

And congrats!
Great pix by the way

cidelsia · 09-22-2007, 05:18 AM

That is amazing! Beautiful pics too! Thanks for sharing!

Hot Tamale · 09-22-2007, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrystaLyn

WOW! What an inspiration! YOu are a true example of a life changed!

I love Colorado! Just looking at the pics made this Western Girl HOMESICK! Thanks for sharing!!

I absolutely miss the West seeing these pics! They are beautiful!

Lillianna · 09-22-2007, 07:20 AM

Wow, that's quite an accomplishment!! I love your way of thinking; that weight loss is a side effect of eating healthy and exercising... I'm going to remember that......

2f2f · 09-22-2007, 09:15 AM

Congratulation! Thank you for your post, it is very inspiring - it is so easy to want to just give up - thank you, thank you, thank you!

stews · 09-22-2007, 10:18 AM

AWESOME post. you are an inspiration!

thanks for sharing

09-21-2007, 03:30 PM	#1
Colo Alex MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 1,143 Gallery: Colo Alex Stats: 297/217/185 WOE: Eat Right and Exercise!! Start Date: August 2003 - Several Re-starts since!	Think you can't do it? Think again!! Here is my testimonial. A few years ago I weighed 297 pounds. I could not tie my shoes without getting out of breath. I didn’t exercise and I ate bad food. I had no energy and was not fun to be around. When I looked into the mirror I did not like who was looking back at me. Sound familiar? I have done some yo-yoing over the last three years, but I have learned a lot about myself. The biggest lesson that I have learned is to not give up on myself. Today is my 43rd birthday. Two days ago I climbed my first 14er. Mount Sherman in Colorado at 14,035 feet. If you think you cannot do this, you are wrong. I am living proof. If you are frustrated because you are losing too slowly, or you just can’t keep the momentum going, don’t quit. Believe in yourself. Give yourself a break! Be patient. Try to view weight loss as a side effect of eating healthy and exercising. If your main goal is just to eat right and to exercise then the weight will come off. I know that sounds very simplistic, but since I adopted that mantra, I have been very successful. I am by no means finished, but I am closer than I have ever been, and I am happier than I ever could have imagined. Here are some pictures of my climb. THIS IS AT 11,900 FEET. MT SHERMAN IS JUST AHEAD COVERED IN SNOW. This is at 12,500 feet. An abandoned mine can be seen up and to the left. Now at 13,000 feet. We are above the mine and looking up at the ridge. This is a view from the ridge. Below is Leadville and in the distance is Mt. Massive. Going up the ridge. Now around 13,600 feet. Here I am on part of the ridge. Almost to the summit SUMMIT!! 14,035 FEET!! From the summit. Mt Elbert is on the left and Mt Massive is on the right. My GPS unit. (the elevation is off a little) Coming back down the ridge. Me back at the Trailhead feeling totally excited and exhausted. There is no doubt in my mind that ANYONE can do this. If you are struggling, its OK, don’t quit. If you have doubts, it’s OK, don’t quit. Everyone will experience ups and downs. Learn from both. Some of the toughest hurdles we have in life are the ones we put up in front of ourselves. Don’t be afraid to knock down your own hurdles. You can do it! I KNOW you can! When I look in the mirror now, I like who is looking back at me! __________________ Alex - Height 6' 0" Age 43 "Never give up, never surrender!" - Galaxy Quest "To lengthen thy Life, lessen thy meals." - Benjamin Franklin My Journey Member of Boot Camp Charlie

09-21-2007, 05:08 PM	#14
Goldenrod Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 931 Gallery: Goldenrod Stats: 152/135/130 5'2" WOE: LC in general Start Date: Nov 1, 2006	You. Are. AWESOME!!! What you said about hurdles is so true -- some of the toughest ones are the ones we create for ourselves, and they DON'T have to be there! Slowly but surely, I'm realizing that I've got to stop making excuses for myself. I have dreams I want to make into reality, and there's no one stopping me but ME. (And I'm not even talking about weight loss here. I've actually been doing pretty well with that lately. I'm talking about other things I dream about, namely, writing a novel.) Thanks for the inspiration. It means more than I can tell you. __________________ "Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there." ~Will Rogers "You learn you can do your best even when it's hard, even when you're tired and maybe hurting a little bit. It feels good to show some courage." ~Joe Montana Do not hug the shore; do not fear high places. Think high and wide and deep and far. God is with those who persevere.

09-21-2007, 03:34 PM	#2
JoSkids Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 3,820 Gallery: JoSkids	What a great inspirational you are. Locations like that almost make me want to excercise!

09-21-2007, 04:00 PM	#3
ptcenter Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 37 Gallery: ptcenter Stats: Trying to get back 138!! WOE: Atkins Start Date: As a lifetime WOE 10/2002	Outstanding!! Congratulations on your accomplishments.

09-21-2007, 04:07 PM	#4
ReneeD70 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Central Ohio Posts: 681 Gallery: ReneeD70 Stats: nunya :D WOE: low carb Start Date: 9-10-07	Wow, thanks for sharing your story, and thanks for the inspiration! Congrats!

09-21-2007, 04:12 PM	#5
northandcold23 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 250 Gallery: northandcold23 Stats: 127/118/110-115	The thought of snow ugghhh!!! BUT congrats to you what a great story!!!

09-21-2007, 04:14 PM	#6
BitsyMay Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 747 Gallery: BitsyMay	Alex, you are the bomb!!

09-21-2007, 04:21 PM	#7
telemetrynurse MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,569 Blog Entries: 8 Gallery: telemetrynurse Stats: 233/158/140 WOE: atkin's induction (72 version)	What a FANTASTIC gift you've given yourself! Thanks for sharing your inspirational journey (literally & figuratively)

09-21-2007, 04:26 PM	#8
smoky Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sask. Canada Posts: 498 Gallery: smoky Stats: Start weight 272 lb now am at 230 WOE: Eat Fat Get Thin Start Date: May 2006	You are an inspiration to us all way to go

09-21-2007, 04:36 PM	#10
mmam5 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NE Wisconsin Posts: 3,693 Gallery: mmam5 Stats: 150/125 Healthy, 5'4" 45 My REALage=35.6! WOE: whole foods	Alex!!!! I'm so proud of you!!! Wish I could go on a hike up those mtn - Call me next time

09-21-2007, 04:59 PM	#11
Toey2 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Soaking up the Saudi Arabian sun! Posts: 239 Gallery: Toey2 Stats: I'm on a scale strike. WOE: With a really big fork Start Date: Every day is a new dawning...	Wow. That was a truly inspring post. Kind of gave me chills. Congrats....and those are awesome pics!!

09-21-2007, 05:01 PM	#12
LizBeth MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 1,136 Gallery: LizBeth Stats: 16/12-14/6 WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: restarted Aug 2006	very inspiring. WTG!

09-21-2007, 05:06 PM	#13
CindyLouWho MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: OHIO Posts: 1,001 Gallery: CindyLouWho Stats: 173/142 (5'8" tall) WOE: What day is it?	This is one of the best posts ever. Congratulations!!!

09-21-2007, 05:49 PM	#15
hockeyrules MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,793 Gallery: hockeyrules Stats: 2002-2004: 195/164/130 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 7/18/07: 206/186/150	Wow.

09-21-2007, 06:25 PM	#16
Froggyjean Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: TX Posts: 418 Gallery: Froggyjean Stats: 199.6/161/150 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: April 9, 2007	awesome post! thank you!

09-21-2007, 06:28 PM	#17
Hot Tamale Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,281 Gallery: Hot Tamale Stats: 375/317.9/175 WOE: LowCarb Start Date: 1st: 1-1-07 Last: 7-14-08	Looking at those pics and reading what you said brought tears to my eyes. I realize that I really can climb a mountain, too, if I want to. A few months ago I was in really bad shape in every way a person can be. I'm doing a lot better now and will keep on going until I also climb a mountain like that. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us!! Happy Birthday!

09-21-2007, 06:33 PM	#18
AsmallerME MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,210 Gallery: AsmallerME Stats: 286/240/170 WOE: JC Start Date: too many times	Simply amazing!! You are an inspiration and those pictures are fantastic!! Way to go!

09-21-2007, 07:16 PM	#19
Charski Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central Coastal CA Posts: 9,087 Gallery: Charski Stats: 174 (WW)/130/150 goal 5'5" 54 years young WOE: ATKINS! now and always.... Start Date: 5/03	Reading your post and looking at those pics - two words came to my mind - first, BRRRRR! and second - WOW!! followed closely by, FANTASTIC. And last but not least - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You have given yourself a gift no one else could ever bestow upon you - the gift of good health and good self esteem. GREAT JOB!

09-21-2007, 07:21 PM	#20
KrystaLyn MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina Posts: 1,926 Gallery: KrystaLyn Stats: 158/PREGGO/125, 5'2 and claiming every inch! WOE: Trying to be healthy for the babies Start Date: Second Time Around started Jan 01.07	WOW! What an inspiration! YOu are a true example of a life changed! I love Colorado! Just looking at the pics made this Western Girl HOMESICK! Thanks for sharing!!

09-21-2007, 09:47 PM	#21
wanttobeskinny Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: central texas Posts: 87 Gallery: wanttobeskinny Stats: 239/197/175 WOE: atkins Start Date: 05-09-2007	awesome man!!! Thanks for the post!

09-22-2007, 04:44 AM	#22
mmorris Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Concord NH Posts: 4,346 Gallery: mmorris Stats: 266/161/150 -(105)- WOE: Atkins, now CAD Start Date: August 2002

09-22-2007, 05:06 AM	#23
GAPeach0512 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 281 Gallery: GAPeach0512 Stats: 229/154/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 4/28/06 restart 3/13/07	Congratulations! What a great birthday present to yourself. I love all the encouragement and inspiration that is given here. Great story.

09-22-2007, 05:14 AM	#24
Buff-N-Tuff Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Land Of 10,000 Lakes! Posts: 6,367 Gallery: Buff-N-Tuff Stats: 220/199/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 9/4/07	WOW WOW WOW!!!! And congrats! Great pix by the way

09-22-2007, 05:18 AM	#25
cidelsia Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NYS Posts: 944 Gallery: cidelsia Stats: 239.5/239.5/140 WOE: LC 20 carbs or less! Start Date: 07/21/08	That is amazing! Beautiful pics too! Thanks for sharing!

09-22-2007, 07:20 AM	#27
Lillianna Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New England Posts: 622 Gallery: Lillianna Stats: 240/200.5/150 5'6" WOE: Low Carb Start Date: 12/27/06	Wow, that's quite an accomplishment!! I love your way of thinking; that weight loss is a side effect of eating healthy and exercising... I'm going to remember that......

09-22-2007, 09:15 AM	#28
2f2f Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Tempe, Arizona Posts: 221 Gallery: 2f2f Stats: 5'8 263/251/170 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Restarted - August 13, 2007	Congratulation! Thank you for your post, it is very inspiring - it is so easy to want to just give up - thank you, thank you, thank you!

09-22-2007, 10:18 AM	#29
stews Random WIT Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: in the state of desperation Posts: 48,308 Gallery: stews Stats: 235/???/135 OR size 20-22/8-10/4-6 WOE: Learning2Lose with Jackie Brown Start Date: 2/7/00, restarted 4/11/05	AWESOME post. you are an inspiration! thanks for sharing