Events in Recovery

The past few days have been filled with some significant events that have helped bring light to the journey of recovery I've been on, and have inspired others to start their own.

On Tuesday I was asked by the coordinator for the Men's Conference for the Diocese of Portland, Maine, if I would be the opening speaker for this year's conference. I await final details, but it looks like this October I could be taking the stage alongside the keynote speaker. This is certainly very exciting news!

On Thursday I had a "homecoming" at St Mary's Parish High School in Westfield. I was asked by the staff to deliver my recovery story to the students in an assembly during the last period of the day. Seeing the faces of the teens that had just begun their time at STM when I was in the midst of addiction and weight gain, and seeing them shocked at my new appearance and attentive to the message was so affirming to me. As I told them it was part of my 9th step in the 12 Steps to come and give back my story of recovery, I felt a sense of peace where there had been anxiety. Thank you very much to the staff. I count you all as great friends. 

Also Thursday night I taped the Chalice of Salvation Palm Sunday Mass with members of my parish. My friends at Catholic Communications were welcoming, as always, and helped to navigate what is truly a hectic Liturgy. 

Tonight on Real to Reel, the Pioneer Valley got to see my weight loss journey brought to their television sets, as they chronicled my Guest House time and my training for the Holyoke St Pat's Road Race. Thanks to all for their kind words of encouragement. I am inspired when you are inspired to begin your own journeys and make your own goals. What's next? I can't count out a triathlon or a half marathon in the next year! 

I truly live this journey one day at a time. Amidst all the stresses life throws at us, and during one of the most busy times of the year for priests, I have to constantly turn this recovery over to the care of God. I know that his will is being accomplished when I am turning to him for help. In that knowledge, may the good Lord, who died for our salvation, bring you to the joy of the Resurrection this Holy Week! 

Holyoke St Patrick's Road Race

Yesterday I ran the 40th Holyoke St Patrick's Day Road Race, my first 10k! As you know, I made the decision to run it back in January, and a camera crew from Catholic Communications has been filming from the beginning of training to the Springfield Rescue Mission 5k and my first look at this course. 

I'm glad I ran it on Wednesday with my good friend and head of Catholic Communications, Mark Dupont. We had the wind behind us and I actually finished a minute faster than the race. In hindsight, it's no wonder, since I put over 18 miles on my legs this week. Running a course before the race is a good idea, since you find out that you can indeed do it, and also look for the tough spots. 

(Ready for the race)

Waking up yesterday morning to snow was challenging the idea that we would have a good race. But the sun came out, and four thousand runners ahead of me helped clear the way. It was a great race.

(At finish)

I finished my first official road race 10k in 1:19:07. There are only faster times to come. I'm very happy about the first mile, even though I encountered some slower runners in the way. A definite goal will be to break 10 minute mile by the end of the year. 

I saw friends along the way cheering me on. I was met at the end by my Mom and other racer friends. The post race lunch and beer never tasted so good. 

(Me and Mom at the finish)

(With Deacon John Leary)

(The traditional festivities ensue)

Well, folks...on to a half marathon.....

America Magazine Article: Transformed from within

My story has been published in America Magazine. http://americamagazine.org/issue/transformed-within

I am super excited to see the work come to fruition. I began this article last May or so, and the story has continued to unfold with greater weight loss and continued transformation. I am so grateful for the work that Kerry Weber, managing editor of America, did to bring my story to light. It was my first experience in professional writing, which is a daunting task for many people. The experience of expounding and clarifying, cutting and trusting has been invaluable. 

I also have enjoyed on two occasions my stays at America House, visiting a friend from Guest House, and making new friends. Being able to sit down for morning coffee with the great Jim Martin, SJ, was certainly a highlight. 

Overall, thank you, America Magazine, especially Matt Malone SJ, for the focus on important issues in the Church, issues which really affect the people both in the pews and at the altar. 

One week to go

One more week of training to go until the Holyoke St Pats Road Race, my first 10k. I'm excited to announce that I made my 20lbs weight loss goal for the race yesterday, and today I've crossed into the 240's with an overall weight loss since Oct 2013 of 215lbs!!!

On St Patrick's Day itself, which is also my sister's birthday, I will get the opportunity to run the route for the first time. Training for this race has been less than satisfactory, since we've had so much snow and cold weather. I've been increasing treadmill and spinning training as of late, but I'm not sure I'm at the point where I will be able to jog the whole race. We will see on Tuesday.

An update on the America Magazine article: it is in the March 30th issue! I'm very excited to see my story in print. I'm not sure how much exposure this will bring, but what I can only hope is that those struggling with food addiction will know that it is a condition that hits the priesthood, but a condition that can be treated.  

A reminder that the race is on Saturday March 21st at 1-3pm in Holyoke. If you're around, come cheer me on. Real to Reel will be there filming parts of the race for its upcoming segment on my preparations for it. It should air at the end of the month, as well. 

What I was doing at 3-14-15 9:26:53

Speaking

Tonight I had the pleasure of speaking at a TOPS event at the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Springfield. I spoke for about 40 minutes on my story, showing pictures, and giving my tips on weight loss and motivation. It was wonderful to see a different community of people focused on accountability and the great conundrum which is how to lose weight and keep it off. Of course, what I shared with them is a two fold approach: one is scientific, the other is spiritual/social. 

The science of weight loss is a numbers game. You must find out what's going to be healthy for you, and for that it's good to have a nutritionist or doctor involved. But ultimately weight is a number and the solution involves numbers. It's simply calories in/calories out. So track everything! What was good to hear was this group knew already the starting point for all of this is figuring out your basal metabolic rate, which is the amount of calories you burn in a day without doing a thing. Subtracting just 500 calories a day by diet or exercise, or a combination of both, will equal 1 pound of weight loss a week. 

The spiritual and social side of weight loss is staying connected. This means to God/higher power and to those on the journey. It also means being accountable to others about your food journal and daily struggles. Your stress response begs you to stay connected to others as a means of coping. You don't have to go to food to cope.

I also shared, as part of this spiritual approach, a mental aspect which involves the power of positive thinking. This went over, of course, with a very positive response. I talked about the Beck Diet Solution, and went over bits that I thought were very helpful for daily life. Giving yourself credit, identifying sabotaging thoughts and common thinking errors, as well as eating mindfully and changing your eating environment are all great tools that are part of an wholistic spiritual approach to weight loss.

I am scheduled at the end of this month to speak at St Mary's Parish School in Westfield to the High School about my journey. I look forward to speaking about it in the future, as well as turning this into a ministry. I might have to think about expenses, etc, since I am investing a lot of time and money already into my regimen. If your group would like me to speak, please contact me via email at frryan2011@gmail.com

Spinning

I love spinning. I started spin class last October when I weighed roughly 305lbs. The spin bike said maximum user weight was 300, but I figured I was close enough. I remember the agony of the seat, the extreme tired feeling just trying to make it through a sprint, and the quad pain I would feel for days. 

Months later and I'm still hitting that bike, only 50lbs lighter and with so much improved endurance. I can honesty say, thanks to my instructor Erica and the spin community, I have found something I love to do. 

With that said, it comes at a cost. I made an investment today in some cycle shoes. $100, but worth it. I'm excited about the next class I take. 

Today's class was my best class, by far. My sprints were on point, and I was pumped throughout. All I have to say is if you're looking for a cardio exercise that will take you to the next level in any of your workouts, suffer through the first few sessions of spinning. Chances are you'll find an exercise that minute for minute will be the most rewarding decision you've made.