In 2013, I weighed 604 pounds, wore a size 70 jeans, and had to special order my shirts in size 8xl.
I have struggled with my weight since my mid 20’s. I tried every diet in the world and failed. But my health was going downhill fast. I was in and out of the hospital several times a year with blood infections in my legs or pneumonia. Weight loss surgery was my last resort, but it was a second chance.
I was scheduled for surgery on April 29, 2013 but on April 28 of that year I went septic and almost died. After 6 days in the ICU and 11 days in the hospital I was finally allowed to go home. My surgery was rescheduled for July 17 2013. That was the day my life changed forever.
Fast forward to March 2016, when I first heard about Tough Mudder. Three of my co-workers were talking about doing the Tough Mudder Carolinas in October. I told my buddies I had to do it with them. I needed to prove to myself that I could do it. I needed to do it for my beautiful wife and soulmate, and my two beautiful grandchildren. I needed to do it to be the best husband and grandpa I could be. So my my coworkers and I started training 5 days a week to prepare for the Tough Mudder event.
4 years ago I could not get the mail, so to complete 10 miles and 20 obstacles year was a great victory for me… and I knew I had to do it again.
I currently weigh 187 pounds, and wear a size 30 jeans and medium shirt. Now I can earn as many headbands as I want to. I go to Planet Fitness 5 days a week to stay in shape and continue to train for my next Tough Mudder. Every day, my trainer, co-worker, and Tough Mudder teammate Chris Gore helps me push myself to the next level. He and I completed Tough Mudder Virginia in June 2017, and it was just as amazing as the first time.
I tell everyone I meet at weight loss conferences and on Facebook about my Tough Mudder experience, and I challenge my followers to find more in the mud with me. I had several first-timers joining me in Nashville and North Carolina.
Tough Mudder has changed my life in so many ways. It helps me to push myself and to believe in myself even if it seems nobody else does. It helps me see that I can accomplish anything. It helps me realize that there are always Mudders by my side to help me make it to the finish line. In April I even got the Tough Mudder pledge tattoo on my back.
Now that I can give my grandchildren piggy-back rides and play on the floor with them, I’m looking forward to more obstacles that will push me even more. But I love the new obstacles this year. My favorite is Kong because it really tested my upper-body strength.
Tough Mudder has changed my life forever.
Are you ready to start your fitness journey? Check out our Tough Mudder Training page.
