From Super Stud Marine to bleh....

[rhyno1979]

In 1997 I was 18 years old, 6'3 and 187 lbs. and I was on top of the world!!! I was on my way to Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego. I was full of energy and life. Ready to start my journey as a Tactical Network Specialist (Marine Computer Nerd as I would come to find we were really called). Life was great!

 

Fast forward 2 years... I am engaged to a wonderful woman and have no doubt in my mind that a 20 year career in the Marine Corps was in store for me. Life is even better than I thought. I didn't see how life could get any better.

 

Fast forward 5 more years. I am 7 years into my enlistment and I have screwed my knee up pretty good. I am informed that I am not medically qualified to re-enlist and will be put on light duty until the end of my current enlistment term.... heart stops.... world shattered.... life plans down the toilet....

 

Fast forward 9 months later, Wife says we have grown apart and she has met someone that is in line with her goals and she wants a divorce.... heart broken.... every single "give a damn" gone....

 

It is now Sept 2005, and I am a civilian. I don't have a job, or a wife, or self esteem or the ability to even care about myself. I have to eat so I go out and continue to do the only other thing I know how to do aside from being a Marine and that being a computer nerd. So begins my career as a Network Engineer.

Life quickly takes its tole and through laziness, low self esteem, "eating" my feelings and time I sky rocket to 300 lbs.

 

Fast forward to 2013, I am truly happy with my career. I am a Network Engineer for AT&T. I have found my spirituality through my walk with Christ which brings more happiness. I met the most wonderful woman at church whom I have everything in common with and who loves me whole heartedly just the way I am. We are engaged and life is grand with one exception.... I still weigh 300 lbs.

 

She doesn't care that I weigh that much. Again, I am 6'3 so I actually carry it quite well. But I have pictures of my young Marine self when I was under 200 lbs. I miss him. I miss knowing what it feels like to go throw 10 miles under my shoes. I know if I want a long happy life with this woman I have to change.

 

So as a man that loves LotR, Star Wars, Dr. Who, Star Trek, BBT and has World of Warcraft figurines lined up on a shelf in his office this seemed like the best place to help me on that journey.

[Laureleye]

My husband is a retired Marine (in the comm field, which no longer even exists!), and I spent 15 years working for the USMC.  It will be a little harder than when you were 18, but you can do this.  Glad you joined us here at NF.  Where are you going to start you journey back to you?  If there's anything I can do to help, send me a message. 

[Daithi]

I'm just going to say.

 

You're brilliant for bouncing back man, I've met quite a few Ex-Forces in the UK who never managed to cope in Civ life.

[rhyno1979]

Well I have bought the Rebel Fitness Guide. Going through everything now to prep out my diet and starting with the rookie workout plan.

[marionette]

You'll do well. Keep us posted! Join the next 6 week challenge and I'm sure you will destroy it