114 Miles in October 2013

Completed 114.23 miles in October 2013. Target for November is 150 miles.

Battle of the Sexes, Pt. 2 - Day 10 - Last Day

Yes, I did It !! Winners NEVER Quit !! As I said in my last post, this challenge has got the best out of me. 100+ Km in 10 days with an average speed of around 4 miles and hour. Specially, these last two days were amazing 43+ Km in 2 days. I never thought of that in my wildest dreams. Thanks to all of you for your support and motivation.

Battle of the Sexes, Pt. 2 - Day 9

Now, this is called challenge. That can take the best out of you. I started with a very hesitant mindset as I could never do 16 min/mi. However, I setup my goal to at least complete 15-20 Km. This has changed during the course of the challenge to 100 Km.

I was doing great and on target for my goal in the beginning and than came a little slag because of personal priorities. And when I looked at my current mileage for the challenge at the end of Day 8; I was at 57.6 Km and that is 42.4 Km short of my goal. And that's when I keep scrolling through all your posts on the challenge page. I was amazed by the efforts put in by each one of you. At the back of my mind I keep counting the numbers and figured out that the remaining balance is just a half Km more than a marathon. Lots of participants here are running Marathons, Ultras, and all sorts of huge miles and I can not do a marathon in splits during the last 2 days. No, that is not true; We will see if I can or can not only after trying. Hence, I started with a goal of doing 13.5 miles (21.6 Km) on Saturday and guess what I did 14.84 miles (23.77 Km). Now, the challenge is to complete remaining 11.65 miles (18.65 Km) to complete my goal.

I will try my best to complete it today and reach my goal. This challenge has brought the best out of me and more importantly all the motivation I get from this amazing group of people.

Battle of the Sexes, Pt. 2 - Day 6

Today, I was determined and the records were meant to be broken.

I have seen so many posts in the running community asking what is the weirdest thing you have seen while running ? And My answer was nothing. However, today I have an answer and a good one.

As soon as I walked out to go to my community gym for a 10K, I saw a meteor. Wow ! a meteor it was like amazing. I remember the days when we were kids and used to wake up at 4 AM to watch meteor shower in India once in so many years.

It was an indication from God that go break all the records. And here I am with fastest 1K (8 min 2 secs), fastest 1 Mile (13 min 9 secs), fastest 5K (42 min 18 secs) , and fastest 10K (1 hour 28 min 18 secs).

Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement.

Battle of the Sexes, Pt. 2 - Day 4,5

Here is the snapshot from Day 4 and 5. I did only 1.29 miles on Day 4 and 4.03 miles on Day 5. I am all set for a long run tonight. Thanks for your support.

Battle of the Sexes, Pt. 2 - Day 3

Sunday is always a great day for exercise. And all the motivation I am getting from the team members and opponents is amazing. I would like to THANK ALL of you for all these amazing run stats. These make me go that extra step to help the team.

A BIG THANK YOU !!

Battle of the Sexes, Pt. 2 - Day 2

Alright, the battle is up and I have to do my part. Right ? Took full benefit of a Saturday and squeezed in 3 runs at different times.
2.04 miles in the morning before taking my son to swim lessons.
1.4 miles in the afternoon.
3.49 miles on the treadmill in the evening.

Thanks a lot friends for all your support.

Battle of the Sexes, Pt. 2 - Day 1

First of all, I would like to THANK YOU ALL for your support and inspiration. This was not at all possible without your support.

Today, the records really fell. I keep planning for this run all day long. I am not a runner like you guys. I started walking in April 2013 when one of my colleague asked me if I would like to go for a walk before lunch. And I said Yes, Day 1 of my walk was 0.93 miles where I told my colleague to turn back at 0.46 miles mark. She was very disappointed when I said that it is not possible for me to walk further. Fast forward to Yesterday, when I was still thinking that can I make up to 16 min/mile. My best so far was around 17.5 min/mile. However, I decided even if I will go only one mile. I will make sure that I contribute to this battle not to compete with anyone but to show my support if I have accepted the challenge. Then came the D-Day today, when I keep planning for it all day and finally went out at 5:24 PM.

The idea I had was to go for 1st mile and keep it under 16 minutes and that did not happen but I was close 16 minutes 14 seconds for the first mile. I was confident that I can make up for that in second mile and will submit 2 miles. 2nd mile was much better 14 minutes 38 seconds. And than came a time when I was completely in to the challenge and decided to go as far as I can. And guess what I completed 7.11 miles (that's an amazing 11.44 Km) in 1 Hour 50 Minutes and 29 seconds. Awesome, Is not it ? I could do more than 7 miles with an average for 15 minutes 29 seconds per mile. I am loving. And again it was not at all possible for me to do it without all your support. Please continue supporting me and this 254 pounds (274 pounds when started back in April 2013) giant mammal will be a handsome man. Amen !!

There are no born heroes or winners

"There are no born heroes or winners......

It takes a hammer, a chisel, a vision

and a will to suffer the blows and 

be carved into one."

Transformation Thursdays !!

I have a long way to go, however would like to share my progress on Transformation Thursdays !!

RUN BEYOND YOURSELF - 10K

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to Thank my friend Dinesh Navsupe for inviting me to this event on Facebook.

As promised, since I am in US; I have done my race virtually from here. All the underprivileged patients of Neonatal ICU in KEM Hospital,Pune were in my thoughts when I was doing this 10K today morning.

I was very excited to hear that this was the LARGEST CHARITY running event in India. I wish all the very best for all these type of events in India and worldwide. We all have to come together to make the world a better place to live.

Personally also, I broke quite a few records on this run. My fastest 5K (44 minutes 29 seconds) so far and beat my last PR by 1 minute 46 seconds. My fastest 10K (1 hour 36 minutes 49 seconds) so far and beat my last PR by 5 minutes and 26 seconds.

Thanks for reading and supporting friends.

One Big FAT Run in September #onebigfatrun

What an accomplishment !! I headed out this morning to do my virtual 5K that I signed up for and was 2 to 3 Km in to the run and my body & mind both started thinking about why not do 5K one-way and come back from the finish line to make it a 10K.

And half an hour in to my run and I took decision to convert this in to a 10K. Touched the 5K point, clicked the finish line picture and guess what registered my fastest 5K (46 minutes, 15 seconds). Now, can I hit another PR today for my fastest 10K. Yes, was the answer from my mind and No was the answer from my body.

In this victory of mind over body, I registered my fastest 10K in 1 hour 42 minutes and 11 seconds. Is not that amazing ?? Clicked another finish line picture at 10K and I am at home.

Thanks a lot to "One Big FAT Run in September" #onebigfatrun group in Facebook, I crushed my goals this month and looking forward to next month's run to create new PR.

Thanks for reading and inspiring me in my weight loss journey.

20 Pounds Gone !! Yahoo !!

OMG ! I have waited for this day for last 5 months now. I know its a long way to go for my final goal however, I would like to celebrate each small milestone along the way. Thanks to all of you for motivation and helping me in my weight loss journey.

Milestone: One Third of Adventure - Kashmir to Kanyakumari Done !!

Friends,

For those of you following me on my weight loss journey and my adventure to Walk, Jog, Run, Bike Ride (for my friends in India Bike Ride means our own bicycle riding not motorcycle), Treadmill, or any other means of walking related exercise to virtually cover the distance from Kashmir (northern most city) to Kanyakumari (southern most city) in India; I would like to share a great news. Today, I have completed One Third of this adventure and have already walked 787.7 Miles (1267.6 Km) and that too in 5 months and 1 day. This also means that I am well within my target of under 500 days.

Thanks for all your encouragement and support. Thanks !

9.11 Miles Run - Honoring those we lost on this dark day in USA's history !

9-11 Memorial Virtual Run/Walk - 9.11 Miles

Let us take time to participate in a virtual run/walk/jog tomorrow for 9.11 Miles for the victims of 9/11. The goal is to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11^th. Join me to honor the fallen.

You can do 9.11 Miles (14.66 Km) or 9.11 Km (5.66 Miles) whichever works for you from wherever you are.

Let us pray to God for peace and harmony in the world.

Motivation & Habit !

150+ Miles in August 2013

I am very happy with my performance in August. Completed 150.53 miles in 31 days, the best part was that I have not missed a single day. And on last day, I need 11+ miles to reach 150 miles mark and I was able to do that. I am targeting 180 miles in September.

Proudest Moment of My Life !

Yesterday, It was the proudest moment of my life. And I would like to take this opportunity to Thank All of You to provide inspiration and motivation to improve my health. My special thanks to Kathy Ford and Sunaina Gagneja.

Last night, After work I had to go to Costco to pick-up my medicine and other stuff so got late to reach home. After resting for a while my son asked me if we can go to the park. I replied, yes for sure.

We went to the park and as it was quite late there was no one in the park for him to play with. He asked my wife if she would like to play tag with him. He never asks me as he knows my answer will be "No". I always thought that it is impossible for me to play tag being 270+ pounds. However, yesterday I tagged him and said "You are It !" and started running. That Big Smile on his face was amazing. And we played tag for around 20 minutes or so.

This Walking/Running/Jogging has changed my life in last 128 days. Not just I lost 18 pounds, I have gained my life back. I did something that I always thought is impossible for me.

Feeling very proud and blessed. Thanks again for all your inspirations and reading.

My First 1000 KM

Here is my first star, I completed 1000 KM today morning, 2800 KM more to go to complete my journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Awesome !

July 2013 - Distance in Miles

One step at a time made it to 187.76 miles in the month. There is no stopping me now.........

Weight Loss Journey of My Biggest Inspiration: Kathy Ford

My biggest inspiration in my weight loss journey is my colleague Kathy Ford. So, when she shared her weight loss journey on a social media site, I could not control myself and asked her if I can share it on my blog too. And she said, "Yes, for sure !"

Dear Kathy,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your kind support and mentoring. You make me believe everyday that "IT IS POSSIBLE !".

I sincerely appreciate the time you take out for guiding me in the right direction to achieve success in my health goals.

Thanks,

Anshul

Here is her weight loss journey in her own words for you guys,

"Well, this is my journey. The most I had weighed was 172. That was probably some time before picture 1. I yo-yoed for some time after that getting down to around 130 for two of my kids' weddings. The final picture was taken at the National Senior Games two weeks ago, four years after discovering running. At 55 (for a couple of more months, anyway!) I am down to 114 and probably in the best shape of my life! I've run several 5ks, a 10k, a 20k, one half marathon and one marathon. I hope do do a lot more! I am not fast...but I am persistent!! "

Thank you guys for reading my post.

Why NOT signed up for 401K

I had to share this......I could not control myself.

187+ Miles in July 2013

My goal was to walk/run/jog for 186 miles (6 miles a day) in July and I completed 187.76 miles yesterday. It is great to achieve your goals. So, it brings up the question of How many miles is the target for August ? My mind is juggling between 190 and 200 miles. I would say 190 miles for now, as it is better to under promise and over deliver. Thanks to all of your for your support and encouragement, without your support it was impossible.

My First 5K ! Color In Motion 5K ! DONE !

I am very happy to inform you all that I was able to complete my first 5K on July, 26th 2013 in 54 minutes 30 seconds. Here are some photos that I would like to share with you all.

Thanks for reading my post.

Completed 500 Miles !!

I have no words to explain how I feel today. I have completed 500 Miles ! Is not that amazing for a person who could not walk 1.5 miles around 14 weeks ago has completed 500 Miles. It took me 97 days to complete 500 miles. That means it will take me 458 days (my target is < 500 days) to complete my adventure of walking the distance of 2361 miles (equals Kashmir to Kanyakumari  in India).

I am loving it. This is going to be a life changing experience for me. When I will finish my adventure of walking 2361 miles, I am very sure I will be looking for ideas to cover some other distance.

Thanks a lot guys for your support and for reading my posts.

My First 5K ! Color In Motion 5K ! Colorado Springs, CO

I will be running/walking my first official 5K (Color In Motion 5K, Colorado Springs http://colorinmotion5k.com/CO_Springs).....I am nervous and need your wishes.......

Thanks !

Patience

Completed 400 Miles !!

What an achievement !!! Amazing ! Amazing ! Amazing !

I have completed 400 miles.......Awesome ! And that marks 16.9 % of my adventure for Kashmir to Kanyakumari is complete and it took me 81 days to reach 16.9 % of the total that means it will take me 478 days to complete my adventure. That is well within my target to complete it in less than 500 days. Can I do it ? Yes for sure......

 
Thanks for reading my post.

After 10 LB Weight Loss !!

Not a lot of difference in loosing 10 pounds but it is visible and motivational......So, here is the change and more change coming in upcoming months. Also, healthy weight loss 1 pound per week. Completed 10 weeks of exercising yesterday and 10 pounds weight loss so far.

Thanks for reading guys. I hope this will motivate some of you. Thanks !

Workout Summary for June 2013

Here are my monthly stats for June.....Good achievement for the month. Achieved what I had my target for 180 miles in a month. It is helping me getting closer to my goals....
1. Lose 110 pounds
2. Walk from Kashmir to Kanyakumari

180.28 Miles Walk
59.48 Total Hours
31,051 Total Calories
70 Workouts
4.4 lbs weight loss 

Completed 300 Miles !!

I know that I am not able to post my updates. I am very busy these days but that does not mean I am not walking. I am just not posting my results. However, today I could not stop myself to take out couple of minutes for this post.

What an achievement !!! Amazing ! Amazing ! Amazing !

I have completed 300 miles.......Awesome ! And that marks 12.9 % of my adventure for Kashmir to Kanyakumari is complete and it took me 65 days to reach 12.9 % of the total that means it will take me 505 days to complete my adventure. But, my target is to complete it in less than 500 days. Can I do it ? Yes for sure, remember first few days of the journey were couple of miles a day. So, the average is little less as of now. I will improve it real soon......

Wish me luck guys ! Thanks for reading my post.

Completed 200 Miles !!!

What an achievement !!! It was feeling like that I won't be able to do 100 Miles and now I have completed 200 Miles !! Awesome !

And so that you all know, my brain is following all the right signals !! From not possible to very difficult to now its hard but possible. And it is getting easier day by day !! I am loosing more than 1 pound a week and that is a great motivation too.

Current Numbers are Impressive, here you go,

Thanks for reading guys !! I can do it ! Consider it done !

Week 1 of Color In Motion 5K Training Complete

I was successfully able to complete 1st week of couch to 5K training for my first 5K in July. It went really well actually. I followed the interval training as per the guidance. Now, time for Week 2 training starting from Monday. Same interval training with increased time for running.

"Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 90 seconds of jogging and two minutes of walking for a total of 20 minutes."

Goal Setting Time for June 2013

Good News ! Day 1 of Training for Color In Motion 5K went really well. I could only do 14 minutes of interval training instead of 20 minutes. However, I did complete my 5.25 miles non-stop walk. Tomorrow will be the Day 2 for the training and I will try my best to complete 20 minutes this time.

Also, it is time to set some goals for June 2013. So, I did complete151 miles walk in the month of May 2013 which as per few of my friends is insane. However, I never felt it that way. So, what's the challenge for this month. I am planning to continue my 45 miles a week trend from last 2 weeks and complete 180 miles in the month of June 2013. Because I also have to look for the big goal of walking for 2400 miles from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in 500 days.

So, here is the deal 180 miles this month will take my total to 340 miles which is around 14% of the total distance. Isn't that amazing ? So, where am I as of today ? I have covered 180 miles so far which is 7.5% of total distance. Not at all bad for first 6 weeks of the journey.

Alright guys, thanks for reading my blog and I will keep you posted on my progress. BTW, that reminds me that you might want to check the ticker at the top. I am another pound down. Yahoo ! So, 6 pounds gone in 6 weeks. It is still the same trend of one pound a week.

Training for Color In Motion 5K - Week 1 !!

As you all know, I have signed up for my first 5K on July 26th 2013. Yahoo !! Color In Motion 5K !!

So, I have to start training my body for it. I have almost 8 weeks to get my body in to the jogging/running mode for my first 5K.The training plan for the first week is to start from tomorrow. Three days a week (Sunday, Wednesday, Friday) follow the program below after stretches.

"Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes. "

Let's do it !

A very good start for June 2013

5.2 Miles walk today morning with burning 931 calories in 1 hour 53 minutes. That is just awesome ! My pace was little slow this morning. I am not sure why but just wanted to complete 5 miles and I did it !

Thank you God for helping me today. It looked like impossible this morning. Again not sure why I was so low on energy this morning. I did complete two 5 mile walks last week, no idea what was wrong this morning. Again if my God is with me I can do anything.

Thanks guys for reading this and all your good wishes in my journey.

Workout Summary for May 2013

Here are my monthly stats for May.....Good achievement for the first month of exercise. It is helping me getting closer to my goals....
1. Lose 110 pounds
2. Walk from Kashmir to Kanyakumari

151.01 Miles Walk
50.07 Total Hours
27,051 Total Calories
95 Workouts
5.4 lbs weight loss

 

Signed Up for my First 5K !

Just signed up for the Color In Motion 5K Run in Colorado Springs for July 26th!!! C'mon and join me. This is, hands down, going to be the BEST one!

http://colorinmotion5k.com/CO_Springs

 Training starts tomorrow....

 Wish me Luck Guys !!

 God, please give me strength to achieve my Goals ! Amen !

Two 5K Walks in ONE Day AGAIN !!

I guess I am getting hooked to it now. Another day with 2 5K's of walks in a day yesterday. That's Amazing......If I do 6 miles of walking today, it will be 150+ miles of walking in the month of May 2013. Isn't that awesome ?

Thanks guys for your wishes......I am on track with my fitness goals.....Hopefully tonight I will be signing up for my first 5K run. Color in Motion 5K in Colorado Springs on July 26th 2013.

http://colorinmotion5k.com/CO_Springs

So, How long its going to take ?

I keep asking myself that how long it is going to take for me to lose weight......here is the answer I found yesterday. And it is true, I am in to my 6th week of weight loss journey and it is happening.....

"It takes 4 Weeks for your to see your body changing,

It take 8 Weeks for your Friends and Family,

It takes 12 Weeks for the rest of the World,

KEEP GOING !!"

So, next time your brain asks you how long its going to take ? You have the answer......The brain can only give excuses till you answer all the questions.....

Go Anshul Go !

Two 5K's Walk in ONE DAY !!

For a person who could not walk for 2K non-stop 5 weeks ago, Yesterday's achievement was amazing !! I completed 2 more than 5K Walks in a day.....Yahoo !!! Hip Hip Hurray !!!

First one was before lunch for 3.52 Miles (5.6K) and the second one was before dinner for 3.12 Miles (5K). Total calories burned were 1183 kcal.......Amazing......

I hope that I will be able to complete 150 Miles walk in the Month of May 2013. Already completed 132.84 miles walk this month, another 17.16 miles to go.......

God, please give me strength to succeed in my goals......Amen !

Determination

Here is to my 2361 miles virtual walk from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.....

My Progress in 5 Weeks !

Lost 5lb in 5 Weeks

Another 5 MI Walk Today !

What a wonderful use of the long weekend......another 5 MI (8K) walk today morning. Is my body getting use to it ? Awesome !

God, please continue giving me strength and courage to keep improving my health. Amen !

Next steps for me are to increase my pace and interval training.

Yesterday's walk for 5.03 was completed in 1 Hour 34 Minutes and 39 Seconds with an average pace of 18 minutes 49 seconds per mile. Today's walk for 5 miles looked like a copy cat for yesterday's walk. Walked for 5.05 miles in 1 Hour 35 Minutes and 17 Seconds with and average pace of 18 minutes 52 seconds per mile. And the number of calories burned were exactly same 864kcal.

Moving on to the work week starting tomorrow, it will be smaller walks. However, I will do my best to walk for 6+ miles a day. I needs your good wishes guys !

Exciting weekend so far, hoping for another couple of miles tonight. Thanks for reading !

Another Achievement - Wow ! My first 5 MI Walk !!

Another amazing achievement this morning. My first 5 miles walk non-stop today morning. It feels so much great as I get closer to my goal.

And the good news is the scale showed that I have lost 5 pounds. That is so cool !! I am 269 pounds now. Lost 5 pounds in 5 Weeks by just walking for 35 days that's 1 pound a week.......Awesome Awesome !! Getting closer to my goal !!

Also, I have heard that 1 to 2 pounds a week is a safe way to lose weight. There are multiple theories out there on safe weight loss. But, the one I believe is 1% of your total weight is safe. Again that is what I think can be safe.....but I am not sure if that is correct. I am no doctor or physical trainer or dietician, I am a fatty guy who picked up a journey to lose weight.

5 Pounds gone !! Amazing Amazing !! Congrats Anshul !! Way to Go !!

What's the Adventure ? Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India

Alright guys ! So, what's the adventure ? I keep calling my weight loss journey an adventure but not sharing what is it. I was very hesitant putting this up as I was still thinking Can I do it ? Am I promising too much ? But, you know what; No I am not promising too much. I am not over estimating myself. If I have to achieve my goals I have to do something like this.

Are you guys ready to explore my adventure ?

The plan is to Walk, Jog, Run, Bike Ride (for my friends in India Bike Ride means our own bicycle riding not motorcycle), Treadmill, or any other means of walking related exercise to virtually cover the distance from Kashmir (northern most city) to Kanyakumari (southern most city) in India. I know this is not as adventurous as walking coast to coast here in US living in the tent, camp, motel and walk your way but still as I said earlier for a person like me who is obese, have a family to support this is a good adventure. I know that I am doing it in the comfort of my home.

So, how much exactly is the distance. As per Google Maps, the walking distance from Kashmir to Kanyakumari is 3,778 km (2,361.25 miles). Here is a quick snapshot for your reference,

The timeline to cover this distance of around 2,400 miles is less than 500 days that is approximately 4 to 5 miles a day on an average.

And believe me, I am still doubtful if I can do it. I need a lot of wishes from all of you my friends and blessings of my GOD to help me achieve my goal.

Please keep sending your good wishes and prayers my way.

God, please provide me the courage and strength to achieve the positive results in my weight loss journey. Amen !

My first 100 Miles !!

It is amazing how your brain controls everything. Till 30th day of my weight loss journey my brain keep telling me it is impossible to do and the very next day on Day 31 as soon as I have completed my first 100 miles. My brain started sending the signals to my body that "It is very hard but possible."

So, that's a big achievement on first month anniversary of my weight loss journey that I accomplished 100 miles on Day 31.

I can do it ! Consider it done !

Transition from Obese Type III to Obese Type II

Biggest early achievement in my weight loss journey came on Day 22 when I transitioned from Obese Class III to Obese Class II. It was amazing to see that scale moving. My Goal is to transition from Obese Class III to Obese Class II to Obese Class I to Overweight to finally Normal Weight range. And this achievement was a very big step in that process.

Now, I felt like Yes I can do it ! I know it is still very far but what is a journey without distance.

Way to Go Anshul !

My First 5K !! Walk Not Run !!

Wow !! What a sense of Accomplishment !! It was Day 24 of my weight loss journey and I did it !! I walked for 3.34 miles (5.3 kilometers) non-stop !! You will not believe how much happy I was on that day. Here is a snapshot of my achievement,

Day 1: Walk for 1.02 miles ! OMG It is Hard !

Oh My God ! It is Hard ! That's exactly what I said after my walk for 1.02 miles on Day 1.

Out of breath but with a sense of accomplishment. It is the start of my Journey ! Adventure ! Healthy Life !

My Support Group !!

For any adventure (Adventure, Really ?? For someone like me who is looking to lose 110 pounds in 18 months or less it is actually an adventure), you need a group of people to support you !

Here is my support groups which is increasing every day,

1. Sunaina Gagneja, My Wife, who is pushing me to stay on track every day if not hours or minutes :) Thank You Sue ! I Love You !
2. Gity Rugg, My colleague, she was the one who asked me to start the walking routine before lunch in April. And we go out almost every workday for 20 to 30 minutes before Lunch. Thanks Gity !! You are Excellent !
3. Julia DeLong-Nemer, another colleague, who will not let me go off the hook. She joined us 3 weeks ago and one day it was snowing outside (Yes, snow in May ridiculous isn't it ?) but we did indoor walking for 1.4 miles. Thank You Julia ! You are awesome !
4. Charlotte Hill-Ridge, joined us a couple of weeks ago for walks before lunch and amazing personality to walk with. Thanks Charlotte !
5. Charan Raj, Got him in to walk before lunch group last week. He is very motivating and can walk with you as long as you want. Thanks Raj !

And All of you who are joining me in this journey by reading my blog ! You guys are my biggest support and let me tell you why ? I was reading on the internet that the more number of people you tell about your goals the more accountable you become. Guess what ? If one of you asks me where I am on my journey, I don't want to give any excuses rather I want to show you my progress ! So, A Very Big Thank You to All of You !

What's the Plan ??

Alright, so you guys will say is this just the talk or there is any defined strategy to follow. And the answer is Yes ! there is a plan that I have worked on. So, whats the plan ?

The plan is very simple to start with an exercise that is easy on my body and less prone to injuries. And we all know the answer "Walking !!". Studies have shown that walking is the most easy form of exercise and almost injury free. Just wear your sneakers and head out the door putting one step in front of other.

You just need a good pair of running shoes (I know, I said Walking but asking for running shoes here). My personal experience tells me that running shoes have better cushioning than the walking shoes and that helps a lot.

But, really can just walking help. Answer is I don't know yet if only walking can help but as I said to continue my exercise program for 18 months I need to go easy on my body. Secondly, Walking is something that I can do anytime, anywhere, without the need to go to the Gym or any special equipments. And the good news is I don't need special training for walking. My father taught me how to walk when I was 1 year old and I am already doing it all my life. The only thing that needs to change is the Focus, now I have to pick up a time to walk few extra miles everyday (and please note I mean 365 days a year, no weekends, no excuses, no rest days because do we really need rest day from Walking ??? ).

Walk Anshul Walk !!

My Weight Loss Goals !!

Start Weight: 274 lb
Target Weight: 164 lb

Start BMI: 40.5
Target BMI: 24.2

Start State: Obese Type III
Target State: Normal Weight

Start Date: 22nd April 2013
Target Date: 21st October 2014

I have to lose 110 pounds and it is very important to set realistic goals. I have tried many many times to lose weight and I failed because I was not realistic in setting up my goals.

So, this time after a lot of research and study. The goal is very realistic, definitive, achievable, and bound by a proper timeline. And I will be tracking my performance right here with all of you.

Goal Statement:

"Lose 110 pounds of weight in 18 months to bring my body in Normal Weight range for my height."

Go Anshul Go !

Before Weight Loss !!

They always say that you have to upload "Before" picture to appreciate your efforts, so here I am not looking very good at 274 lb. But this picture will be reminder for me to achieve my goal and keep it off once achieved......

My starting point ! Weight: 274 lb BMI: 40.5

Surprise Surprise !!! I have crossed all limits for an Obese person. My BMI is at 40.5 that is the worst most category for an obese (Obese Type III) as of 4/22/2013.

Obesity is in itself an illness, and cause for many other illnesses Cardiovascular diseases, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure. I am currently on a daily dose of 2 baby aspirins, 20 mg medicine for High BP, and 10mg medicine for High Cholesterol.

Come on Anshul !!! What have you done to yourself ?? Open your eyes now.................

My Biggest Inspiration !!

I am inspired and touched by the efforts Kathy Ford (one of colleague who is 55 years old) is taking to raise awareness about cancer. She is going on a new adventure - the Million Dollar Marathon, a coast-to-coast run across America benefiting Above + Beyond Cancer.

Please visit: http://coasttocoastforcancer/kathyf

I thought this is amazing a 55 year old lady is doing so much for the community and going to run a full marathon.

And looking at me I am 33 years old and can not run for 1 mile. This has opened my eyes big time, and I have convinced myself to get in shape at least to support my family.

I wish all the very best to Kathy Ford and she is in training right now. Running at least 4 to 5 miles everyday and I make sure that I like her Run everyday on facebook. Her activities can be tracked at,

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Run-Kathy-Run-Million-Dollar-Marathon/619181584774560

Run Kathy Run ! All the Best Kathy !