The Committed Skipper

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago I stayed pretty active. My parents forced us to play outside when the weather was nice and play inside when the weather was not. Rarely were we ever just sitting around gathering dust. While I did remain quite active, the thought of exerting myself during gym class was repulsive. I wouldn’t be caught dead running, lifting weights, or playing the sport of the month.

This position changed subtly during my college career. A touch of vanity took over and the idea of having a body worth uncovering for all to see was attractive. At 6’2″, my 140 pound frame was awkward and gangly. I would attempt to lift weights to make some gains, but my efforts were often thwarted by lack of experience and a raging metabolism. In the end, my lack of progress and stubborn Taurus traits got the better of me and my trips to the gym grew few and far between. This remained my pattern well into adulthood.

As I’m nearing the second half of my fourth decade on this planet, my slim frame has been supplemented with a 50 pound spare tire around my midsection. Several attempts were made to change to my diet, exercise routine, and other life habits in an attempt to get rid of the old Michelin Man. But, like the gym in college, my attempts to get smaller have been less than successful. Having long been single, I seem to have convinced myself that not having anyone to look good for keeps me from putting in the work (the opposite of common thinking, I know). Something always seems to get in the way or the occasional “cheat day” turned into a regular occurrence.

My Spring Resolution for 2014 (New Year’s Resolutions are too easy to break) included a commitment to make changes:

• Before my 35th birthday, I will complete a 5k race.

• I will lose 15-25 pounds before July

• This summers wardrobe will include tank tops

Having been allergic to running as a child, I figured the path to entry would have been a lot harder than it was. I started training only a month before my first 5k race, which I’m happy to say, I completed with no issues just a few days before my 35th birthday. The secret sauce for me was having help. A friend joined me on the race and kept me in it to win it. Had I been alone, I likely would have walked the whole course, or simply ditched out entirely.

I’m 10-15 pounds into my weight loss. While the spare tire hasn’t seemed to deflate yet, I feel much better about my decreasing double chin. This slimming has come entirely from discipline in food choices. No thanks to my roommate and his consistent efforts to thwart me with starches, grains, and sugar at seeming every turn. It would be easier if he was with me, but staying committed to my plan and its deadline will surely allow me to feel comfortable with the final goal of sporting a semi-revealing summer wardrobe.

As the goal of running a 5k race before my 35th birthday was a success, I feel must make a similar commitment for my goal (dream) of boat ownership. Long have my goals been ordered, but lacking dates of commitment. If I’m to be truly successful and become the Urban Skipper, a date must be set! Let it be known, come hell or high water, my 40th birthday present will be a proper boat and title of Urban Skipper with all the rights and privileges thereto. Should a first mate enter my life between now and then, I’m hopeful the process will be that much easier.