I lost 17 pounds to become a XXL

As Beth mentioned on her blog, we are both getting serious about getting in shape.  This morning at the gym, I found out that I stand on the precipice of a new milestone: the 200lb mark.  Once I lost 1 more pound (or technically half a pound), I will officially be sub-200lbs!  This will be big for me as it's been several years since I've been on that side of the scale.

Last Saturday also marked a big achievement for me: I ran 40min OUTSIDE.  And at a 10:04 minute mile no less (or so reports my Nike+ Ipod sensor, I hope it's right).  Due to the harsh HK summer and general lack of good running routes close enough to our home, I've been primarily running at the gym on the treadmill.  I had ventured outdoors for a run on two other occasions, managing to eek out 7 minutes the first time and 25 the next.  Any peception that running on a treadmill and outdoors were of equal effort were shattered when we attempted to run an 8k during our trip back to Seattle.  I had run almost that distance on the treadmill, so thought I could eek out the entire 8k no problem.  I probably only ran 3 miles, tops.  And that was in bits and pieces as it was.  So, to manage the same distance outdoors as I am now running on the treadmill was a big achievement for me.  I'm sure it helped that the weather is darn near perfect right now.

So, on my lunch break I decide I need a new running shirt.  I wanted something a bit more stylish as well as light and breathable.  I find a cool looking orange and grey tank-top at Nike.  I assume an XL will fit me just fine.  I try it on and it fits fine...mostly.  It's a little short, though, so I opt for the XXL.  I just had to laugh as this is probably the biggest "size" clothing I've ever owned, purchased at my smallest size in years.  I'm telling myself it's due to my bulging pecs and ripped abs.