When is 2/3 of a man a whole man?

This is very personal, some of you are I am sure disgusted at this, but I feel that I must log my progress to help in my personal accountability, so here we are...

As most of you are aware, I have struggled with my weight since I have been married. In the last year I have gained more, I thought I had topped out at about 267 about a month ago, but two weeks ago I stepped on the scale and tipped it at 275.

I can blame all sorts of things, my career mostly involves sitting at a desk typing away at the keyboard, my wife is a great cook, I just don't have time to worry about eating healthy, etc, etc... But ultimately like all of the other decisions in my life my weight and in turn my health are my responsibility. I take responsibility for my children and my career, but I have done this without watching out for my own long term welfare.

For some reason the Lord has seen fit to keep me "healthy" even at my high weight, I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes or anything like that. I have been able to keep up with my kids thus far. But alas the clock is ticking, I am 30, still young by most measures, I work with a guy who is 10 years my senior, is on 3 different medications, 1 for diabetes, 2 for heart and cholesterol problems. He has just now made the decision to loose weight. I never want to be in that position.

A good friend of mine, all of the "Brazil Youth" know him, Jon Jones, came to much the same realization that I have, but he did about 10 months ago, he tipped the scales at just over 300 lbs, he has since lost 100 lbs and is now involved in tri-athalons and various athletic activities. Well those of you who know Jon probably would never believe it, but it is true. My thought is, if he can do it, so can I!

So here goes, I will make an effort to log my progress at least once a week.

Week 1 - 6/1/08
My starting weight 275, the first night I used the treadmill for 30 minutes, my legs burned furiously after about 5, but I pushed through. I spoke to two folks who are familiar with fitness, they told me to stretch before exercising (I should have known) and that the burn would eventually subside. (I sure hope so.) I then took my time learning some of the resistance equipment, basically focusing on my abdominal muscles, chest and arms. Nights 2 and 3 were basically the same, except I switched to the elliptical machine and added a 10 minute bike ride at the end.

Week 2 - 6/8 /07
My weight 273 - I met some personal goals tonight, the burn is gone, I was able to work harder on the elliptical machine, and I broke 500 calories in 35 minutes of workout. This was a good night for me. I continued the rest of the routine without much change, still focusing on my abdominal's and upper body.

Now that I am actually "fit enough" to workout, I am working on making adjustments to my diet, more water, fiber, no raw sugar or "whites" that is rice, potatoes, white bread, etc... As I make adjustments I will log my progress, please comment, I am always looking for tips and advice.

One last note, my goal is to drop about 90 total lbs by Christmas, I am not sure I can do it, but I think I can and will work towards that goal.