One year ago today, I was scrolling on YouTube and I came upon a short of a lady wearing a weighted vest. The purpose of the short was to show that being active doesn't have to be hard and how it could be as simple as walking with weight.
I have always struggled with my weight throughout my life. I am 20 years old, but I was always bigger among my peers. Around this time last year, college let out for the summer, and I set off with a new goal.
I started out with 35 lbs in an old backpack, and I worked my way up to 65 lbs. I did three miles every single day after work, no matter how discouraged I felt. I changed how I ate and began paying attention to nutrition labels.
When the summer ended, I weighed 198 lbs, from 246 lbs. School started and I hoped to continue, but I couldn't consistently keep up with rucking. However, I retained my eating habits and I maintained my weight. I hope to be between 170 lbs to 180 lbs (I'm 5'11) and I hope to reach that this summer.
I feel much lighter on my feet. I can move without feeling winded. I don't feel my heart ramp up from just getting up.
Over the course of the year, I've received many compliments from my family, friends, peers, and coworkers, especially if I haven't seen them in a while. Suddenly, it was easier to talk to people and make friends, which felt disheartening.
Anyway, while I am happy with my progress, I'm not happy with where I'm at yet. This summer, I plan to mix in weight training. I recently purchased a GR 4.0, so I will be rucking for a long time.