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My final blog post of the 2014 Genghis Grill Health Kwest contest. 26 lbs lost (8.3% of my starting weight of the contest)!!

Today is the 61st day of the 2014 Genghis Grill Health Kwest. The final day. The last day. The end. The end? It seems like I just stepped on the scale at EMSI and posted my first weigh-in post in this blog on February 8, 2014. This morning, I stepped on the scale at EMSI for the 3rd and last...

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DAY 60 (+1) - The End?

Today is the 61st day of the 2014 Genghis Grill Health Kwest.  The final day.  The last day.  The end.  The end?  It seems like I just stepped on the scale at EMSI and posted my first weigh-in post in this blog on February 8, 2014. This morning, I stepped on the scale at EMSI for the 3rd and last time as a contestant in the Health Kwest.  The results?

STARTING WEIGHT (photo on the left):  313 lbs.

MID-POINT WEIGHT (middle photo): 296 lbs. (-17lbs., 5.43% of start)

FINAL WEIGHT (photo on the right): 287 lbs. (-26lbs., 8.30% of start)

There it is.  The official results of the contest — but NOT “The End!”  I had started my personal journey on January 6th.  Since then, I have lost a total of -39 lbs, 11.96% of my starting weight of 326 lbs.  My goal is to lose 136 lbs. by December 27, 2014 and reach my fighting weight of 190 lbs.  Therefore, this journey does not end with the completion of the Genghis Grill contest.  

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED THE PAST 60 DAYS

The past 60 days helped to solidify my goal.  I have learned to love exercise, in particular, RUNNING!  That is crazy.  I dreaded running before this contest.  Now, I run a minimum of 3 times per week.  I have learned that I enjoy the flavor of foods without having to eat excessive amounts in one sitting.  I have learned that community is a HUGE part of achieving one’s goals!  No man is an island.  The support and love of my family and friends has been an immeasurably large part of my current progress.  In particular, I am grateful for my wife of 30 years, Renee.  She has been an incredible support throughout our marriage.  She joins me in healthy lifestyle of eating and exercise.  Without her support, this journey would be an uphill struggle, instead, it is significantly easier!

Thanks to all of you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and followers of this blog for your encouraging messages and even joining me at Genghis for bowls and, some of you, at the gym.

Thanks to the staff of the 1604 & 281 location in San Antonio who have been incredibly supportive and genuinely encouraging!

This is not the end…not by a long shot!  This is the beginning of living!

Love, health and LIFE!

Emmet

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DAY 58-Working Out toward the Home Stretch!

The 2014 #HealthKwest comes to an end this Friday and one of the surprisingly enjoyable parts of my journey is my new-found love of #exercise!  This morning's run was a short one (1.3 miles), but I had participated in 60 minutes of intense Body Pump the night before.

On the bright side, for the second time in a week I have reduced my average pace time to 12:20 min/mi!!

Running has become an exercise that I look forward to.  Since February 25, I have been logging all of my runs.  I am incredibly satisfied with my progress.

I am ready for the FAULK FAMILY 5K AND WINGING CELEBRATION on April 26th in Pensacola.  Our son, Andrew will be "winged" as a Navy Pilot (helicopters) that weekend.  It interrupted a 5K that Renee and I had registered for.  Instead, we're running as a family!!!  We even got t-shirts printed!

Love, health and EXERCISE, y'all!

Emmet

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The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. #inspire #healthkwest #genghisgrill #shillforthegrill

Nelson Mandela (via efaulkjr)

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The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. #inspire #healthkwest #genghisgrill #shillforthegrill

Nelson Mandela

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Trying the new Khan Pao Chicken #ChefMadeBowl @genghisgrill. YUM! #healthkwest #shillforthegrill (at Genghis Grill)

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Enjoying my #hearthealthy Chili Garlic Steak bowl @genghisgrill in the homestretch of the #healthkwest! Only 7 bowls remain! #shillforthegrill (at Genghis Grill)

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DAY 53 - Khansidering Sake

Our DAY 53 task is to attempt to share the potential health benefits of sake (an alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin that is made from fermented rice. Sake is sometimes called "rice wine" but the brewing process is more akin to beer, converting starch to sugar for the fermentation process, by using Aspergillus oryzae.).  Honestly, I am not a big sake fan.  Besides, the fact that it is a brewed beverage that converts starch to sugar mean unwanted calories.

I'm skeptical.

Then I read the label of the TyKu Citrus bottle:

What?!  The bottle illuminates?  Cool!

Oh, I mean, Only 65 calories per shot?!  Even cooler!  The average calories of a shot any hard liquor (gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, or scotch)  is twice that!  I have sworn off of the stuff during my weight-loss process.  I guess I could include TyKu (http://trytyku.com) instead!

ONLY 8 MORE BOWLS!

Love, health & LO-CAL LIQUEUR!

Emmet

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DAY 51-We’re getting the band back together. This is our album cover. APRIL FOOLS! #genghisgrill #healthkwest #aprilfool #shillforthegrill (at Genghis Grill)

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With only 11 days left in the contest, I suppose it's time to reveal some numbers, charts and graphs.

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Peach Skinny Drink time! A Skinny Palmer. I guess that makes me a #healthkwest #skinnydrink warrior. #shillforthegrill (at Genghis Grill)

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It's day 48 of the #genghisgrill 2014 #healthkwest and I am officially in the XL (g'bye 2XL) version of the t-shirt!!

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The key to life @GenghisGrill. Clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth! #healthkwest

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Today's mission complete on the Genghis Grill Community #fancorps! #Ad http://fcrps.me/efaulkjr

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DAY 45 - My Dream Outfit: No Pleats, PLEASE!

I've been in the 300 club for so long (approximately 14 years), I don't have a "dream outfit" in my possession.  The closest thing I have is a pair of 38" waist Old Navy parachute/cargo pants.  I've been so big for so long that my "skinny clothes have gone out-of-style.

For the past 44 days, I drive up to my Genghis Grill location at Loop 1604 & HWY 281 and park my truck with a view of the Men's Wearhouse next door.

I love the clothes in that store.  The last time I bought clothes there, I was so embarrassed when they put the tape measure to me. 54" waist!  OUCH!!  Also, I have that dreaded "below-the-belt" pooch. MORTIFYING!  This causes me to wear pleated pants.  

Well, things are changing.  Currently I have a 48" waist!  My clothes fit way too loosely on me (which is not actually flattering considering the change in my frame).  I refuse to buy new clothes until I am 60 lbs. lighter (only 24 lbs. to go)!

My dream outfit is really dream pants...I WANT TO WEAR PANTS WITHOUT PLEATS! 30 more pounds, and I am getting a pair at the Men's Wearhouse!

Yesterday, I boldly walked into the Men's Wearhouse, introduced myself, and informed the sales person that I will be back in the next 5 weeks to purchase a pair of flat-front pants!  He was both amused and enthusiastic.  I asked him to take a picture of me in front of a mannequin with flat-front pants.  Voila!  I will be back!

Love, health and NO PLEATS, y'all!

Emmet

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Just keep shilling, just keep shilling...Genghis Grill style! #fancorps! #Ad http://fcrps.me/efaulkjr

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DAY 43 - How do I feel? Like REJOICING!

73 days since I started my personal journey to health and wellness and the last 43 days of them have been as a contestant in the #GenghisGrill #HealthKwest.  Today's social media task is to blog about how I feel about my progress.  Well I have one word...

REJOICE!

In my office, there is a sign on the wall that says it all!  REJOICE!

The picture above does not do my progress justice because my clothes are too big!  I refuse to buy new close until I lose a total of 60 lbs - only 24 lbs. to go, in case you were wondering!  I love that my shirts and pants are baggy and that I am on the LAST notch on my fat belt!

My energy has increased exponentially.  In fact, my wife is amazed by the increased contribution of kitchen duty and yard work. :)  My stamina during my rigorous exercise regimen is also increasing.  I surprised myself this week by actually RUNNING 90% of 3.3 miles (don't worry, I will get there before our scheduled 5K in late April).

I feel like a new person...and it is only the beginning!

Thanks for your continued love and support!

Love, health and REJOICE!

Emmet