In the days following the Boston Marathon tragedy, many people committed to running next year, not letting an evil act deter from the event going forward. One of my friends decided to start training for the marathon a few days later. When he posted that on Facebook – I told him that I would be there at the finish line to cheer him on in achieving his goal.
And then I started to think that I should do something to “earn” my right to be at the finish line of the marathon as well. Most of you reading this know that I have NO interest in running a marathon! It’s not on my “bucket list” and never has been. Someone once asked me, “Have you ever seen a runner that looks like they are having a good time!” The answer is NO!
Instead, my “Marathon Training” for the 2014 race will be a “Marathon Weight Loss.” I am committing to loosing 78.6 pounds (that’s three pounds for every mile of the marathon)!
There are so many metaphors and themes that fit so nicely with this – that I thought it would be a good way for me to approach the one that thing I have never been able to conquer – loosing weight! You all know that I love themes.
I chose to start this on Independence Day! My journey will be from Independence Day to Patriots Day! My love of history makes this appropriate.
So, just as those American Patriots declared their Independence on July 4th, 1776, today, I declare:
“I hold these truths to be self-evident: that I can accomplish this goal if I put my mind to it, that I am blessed by loving family and friends who will support me in this journey, that this will not be easy, and like training and running a marathon, there will be highs and lows and I need to take it one day/step at a time, that behavior modification is a must, that I must exercise as part of this journey, that this is just the beginning of a new way of life for me, and that ultimately my life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will be better for having made this journey!”
I will document my marathon journey here. I will post tips and tricks, photos, recipes, and random thoughts.
Take your mark…and I’m off from Hopkington to Copley Square!
Boston Strong!
Geoff's Big Journey 
Count me as one of those behind you on your journey! Go Geoff!
You can count on me to count along as you lose the pounds (kilos)
Remember you never feel smug after eating a pizza but you always do when you don’t….
Good luck –
Sally x
Congrats no starting your Marathon journey, Geoff. I am glad to help with any thing along the way.
So exciting Geoff! What a great tribute to those that were harmed and killed. It is a great tribute to yourself as well! It is a journey of ups and downs! You got this!
So proud of you Geoff. Wishing you much success. Remember don’t let the scale run your journey. It is all the small goals you attain on the journey that mark your success. The strength you gain the endurance you build, the confidence you gain the waist size you decrease. They make up your success. So remember to gain your independence from the scale also case she is a BITCH .
I am PROUD of you my friend and I know you WILL do this – stay Boston Strong!
Very brave of you to take this journey publicly on a blog. Looking forward to your perspective! Stay strong!!
Geoff: What a great theme! And, I am so proud of you. Count me in on the walks at our complex either morning or night – maybe both wearing my Boston Strong T-shirt! I know you will be successful!
I love it! So real. I’ll be supportive in any way I can! Can we still stand on the side of the road and throw cups of water at you?
Yes – David – you will have to stand next to me to throw the water at me – but you can!
What a wonderful inspiration for your “marathon”. You will do it, I am proud of you. xxx nathalie
Lucky me. I get to see the daily progress. We are all so proud of you Geoff, and I am looking forward to the marathon party!
This is awesome. I hadn’t see it until just now. It’s been a long summer running almost everyday and sharing the experience makes it that much easier. I’ll be thinking about you when I run this afternoon. Let’s get there!
You were my inspiration – so – we will do it together – support each other across the miles and meet at the finish line!!!!
I am so proud of you and will be there to support you every step of the way! Xoxo
GO GEOFF! So proud of you and your journey. We’re all here to support you. Can’t wait to hear and see your updates in the coming months. You got this!
Love the blog and we know you’ll be successful, we’re available for waterfront walks anytime you want!
Soooooo-proud great theme -the time is now – be strong the whole clan is rooting for you – know you can do it
Precious,
Your friendship means the world to me. Thus, I will support you in any way necessary during your journey. I am looking forward to more time together by the water. XO