The start of a new adventure

I’m putting this out into the public ether because I need your help.

The time is now. It is time for a change. It is time to get back to being more myself. I turn 30 this year, and it is time to reclaim my life. It’s time to change my life.

The journey

All my life I have been the “big kid.” It is my identity, both online and off. I’ve never been able to wear the cool style of clothes (I missed the whole “ironic T-shirt” trend. Not sure if that’s good or bad.), I always finished last in PE runs, I had to wear different shoes than my groomsmen at my wedding and I even almost got thrown off a recent flight. But I’ve embraced my size and have learned how to buy size 18 shoes and where to buy camo clothes for hunting.

But it’s always been an adjustment. There’s so much I can’t do in my life because of my size.

A new path

This was me back in 2000. It was my first year of college and right before I moved to Seattle.

Eric on a Hawaiian beach near Waikiki

Yeah, that's me on the beach in Hawaii. I was a freshman in college and got to go to class and workout/go to the beach. Glory days indeed.

I was 295 lbs then and was in the best shape of my life. That was 150 lbs ago. The path to get back to that place isn’t really clear. I do a lot that is unhealthy and the first step is cutting that out. That means no more daily trips to the drive through. No more sneaking cookies when I go grocery shopping. No more sugary coffee creamer. No more seconds.

It means more exercise and a 30-day sobriety kick.

From there it will be a lot of hiking, working in the yard and generally not being a lazy slob. It’s a new path for me. There’s tons of reasons why this is a good idea, starting with the reason behind this domain name.

The goal

The goal of all this? Well, in six months I turn 30. Six months to bust my ass and get in shape. So if I put a goal of 30 pounds out there, that seems reasonable. Five measly pounds per month. Maybe it’s not enough. I don’t know. I just know I want to hike a deer out of the woods next fall. Or, you know, climb my stairs without getting winded.

Offers to be my personal chef will be taken in the order they are submitted. And thank you for your support, expressed or implied.

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  • http://twitter.com/SamHowat Sam Howat

    Best of luck Eric. If you can hit the gym or form some type of exercise habit for 30 days, you will do make it! I’d be happy to be in your support group.

    I don’t have as much weight to lose, but I’m looking to trim down again this year.

  • http://twitter.com/lazybeard Colby

    Putting it down on paper is possibly one of the toughest steps I think. By putting it out there, you can feel all the more motivated, I think.

    Last week I saw you tweet about Warrior Dash, are you looking to do it? A friend did it in Oregon last year and had an absolute blast, and I’m looking to do it this year.

  • Adambreannejones

    If you’re ever near Ventura let me know. I can give you a bunch of things to do in the gym. I am head trainer at Mavericks gym and train pro athletes as wells as couch potatoes. If you have any questions about training send them my way.

  • http://www.ariannaodell.com Arianna

    Hey Eric!

    Best of luck with the resolution! Losing weight is hard at any weight. Once you get past a week it gets easier from there on out. This past week I’ve cut out alcohol, meat, soda, and candy. The first day/week SUCKS, but after you get to about a week you can stick it out forever. Just a matter of changing routine / not having temptations in your house! You’ll make some slip ups in the next few months ( like anyone on a diet ) – but don’t give up if that happens!

    I’m rooting for ya! :)

    Arianna

  • http://twitter.com/LianaWS No Longer hiding…

    Best of luck Eric. Msg me in whichever way you like if you want to get together and run. Or at least start walking. or at least talk about it. :) I applaud you in your efforts to get your life in shape.

  • http://topsy.com/www.babyberto.com/2011/01/the-start-of-a-new-adventure/?utm_source=pingback&utm_campaign=L2 Tweets that mention The start of a new adventure | Baby Berto — Topsy.com

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Eric Berto, Eric Berto. Eric Berto said: A bit of a personal post. I guess we'll call it a new life resolution ;) http://bit.ly/gykIA7 [...]

  • Debbie Berto

    I’ve walked in your shoes, although I gave myself 2 1/2 years to get healthy and “hot” by 60. The goal is really about getting healthy, and that is a life commitment, not a 6-monther. I’m not done, but have enjoyed much success with a hell of a lot of sweat! I did it for me, but also for my family. I only regret I didn’t do it years earlier, saving them the embarrassment of an overweight wife, mother and grandma – and your aunt. Bertos are not petite people, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace our size and walk tall — with the glow of good health.
    Choose foods you like that are low fat, and in much reduced quantity. It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change that will only be setting a great example for sweet baby Kylah.
    I’ve always been one of your biggest fans, and your new goal is just one more reason why.