If you're being honest with yourself this isn't actually news to you. It is not news to me neither, nor is it news to anyone in Tokyo. People here are small, very small. Most of the time I feel like the only time I see someone larger than myself is when I see a sumo wrestler, seriously, this country is small.
Just to give you further context my supervisor is a 46 year old man who is pretty darn cut. He runs at least 5k everyday (sometimes up to 13k I think) and he's basically got very little fat on him. When we got our staff physicals back he was told that he was too big (.5 centimeters to be exact), but I'm thinking if a guy who works his butt off is too big then I don't have a chance.
It's not that I was caught off guard by the report but it still hurts a little when I read the message that says a change in life style is in order. I'm pretty darn happy with my life style thank you very much....well for the most part. I know I'm fat and I'm not ok with that. I can't tell you how inhibited I've felt because of it over the years. I can joke about it with people which makes it a little better, but it is something that really does bother me. Also, I don't want to sound too critical here, but most of you all aren't any help. Many friends do the friendly thing and say, "Gabe, you're not fat" and while I admit I wear it relatively well, you and I both know, I'm fat.
Losing weight has always been a struggle for me, especially sense I don't particuarly enjoy running or other workout activities when I could be, watching tv or play FIFA. Plus you have the issue of when to take the shower. Right now the only time I have to work out is in the afternoons because I'm a rational person who likes to sleep so no mornings. But the afternoons have to be the worst time to work out because it's soooo hot right now that you just keep on sweating even after a 10 minute cool shower. It's just annoying. And I've been showering at night because, well most afternoons I'm busy anyways and don't have time to workout and shower (and then shower again later).
I also don't have any running shoes. The one pair of shoes I have that could be used as such are wearing thin and are used everyday for work, so I need ot make them last. So instead I'm stuck waiting for a new pair of shoes before I can convince myself that I need to go running.
So what's the point of all this? Months ago I committed to running in a 10k in November (it could have been October, but I'm hoping for November) and I'd still like to keep that commitment. I haven't been running on a regular basis, but I'm hoping me recommitting to it in such a public fashion is the inspiration I need.
For what it's worth, my end goal isn't the 10k it's to be able to shop in a Japanese store. And if I can, by the grace of God, get there I'm also willing to bet most of you won't recognize me. (Unless you know my brother Quincy, because I'm thinking I'll probably just look like Quincy with out the hair)
Peace out!
Gabe
Just to give you further context my supervisor is a 46 year old man who is pretty darn cut. He runs at least 5k everyday (sometimes up to 13k I think) and he's basically got very little fat on him. When we got our staff physicals back he was told that he was too big (.5 centimeters to be exact), but I'm thinking if a guy who works his butt off is too big then I don't have a chance.
It's not that I was caught off guard by the report but it still hurts a little when I read the message that says a change in life style is in order. I'm pretty darn happy with my life style thank you very much....well for the most part. I know I'm fat and I'm not ok with that. I can't tell you how inhibited I've felt because of it over the years. I can joke about it with people which makes it a little better, but it is something that really does bother me. Also, I don't want to sound too critical here, but most of you all aren't any help. Many friends do the friendly thing and say, "Gabe, you're not fat" and while I admit I wear it relatively well, you and I both know, I'm fat.
Losing weight has always been a struggle for me, especially sense I don't particuarly enjoy running or other workout activities when I could be, watching tv or play FIFA. Plus you have the issue of when to take the shower. Right now the only time I have to work out is in the afternoons because I'm a rational person who likes to sleep so no mornings. But the afternoons have to be the worst time to work out because it's soooo hot right now that you just keep on sweating even after a 10 minute cool shower. It's just annoying. And I've been showering at night because, well most afternoons I'm busy anyways and don't have time to workout and shower (and then shower again later).
I also don't have any running shoes. The one pair of shoes I have that could be used as such are wearing thin and are used everyday for work, so I need ot make them last. So instead I'm stuck waiting for a new pair of shoes before I can convince myself that I need to go running.
So what's the point of all this? Months ago I committed to running in a 10k in November (it could have been October, but I'm hoping for November) and I'd still like to keep that commitment. I haven't been running on a regular basis, but I'm hoping me recommitting to it in such a public fashion is the inspiration I need.
For what it's worth, my end goal isn't the 10k it's to be able to shop in a Japanese store. And if I can, by the grace of God, get there I'm also willing to bet most of you won't recognize me. (Unless you know my brother Quincy, because I'm thinking I'll probably just look like Quincy with out the hair)
Peace out!
Gabe
Dude, I make myself run in the mornings - it ain't pretty, and it takes a herculean effort to get out of bed (well, that's always true) and do it, but once it's over I'm glad I did it. And, just shower after you exercise. That means I end up showering about 4 times a week (Sunday gets a special shower), and unless I'm mistaken, I'm not killing anybody with BO. Do tell if you read this and I'm mistaken though...
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about being bigger than everyone else, cause all my friends are tiny, short, skinny asian girls. Plus, gaining 15 pounds after graduation sucks....so I joined a gym (and pay an exorbitant amount for it..) needless to say, I only go about twice a month. ~sigh~
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you have a goal to shoot for in November. You should post pictures so we can recognize you post-marathon!!
I vote you come to India and play basketball with me. You, of all people, know I've lost 90+ pounds playing hoops.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I hate doing things like that that I dread, and it rarely feels helpful. I vote that you find something that you actually find physically refreshing and do it consistently (like soccer). When I play basketball it doesn't feel like I'm running for 3 hours, but I do.
Just mess around with a bunch of different activities until you find one that grabs you.