Short(ish) and Sweet

[shredisdead]

Hey folks.

 

I've lurked here for quite a while before deciding to jump in and post.  I'll keep this as short as possible but detailed enough to hopefully end up with some more ideas!

 

My background: 30 year old Batman/Tolkien/heavy metal nerd that spent WAY too many years sitting on my butt learning to play guitar really fast.  I followed that up with a sedentary office job selling advertising.  Before I knew it, BAM 300 lbs (at 6').  On the plus side, I succeeded at being able to play guitar fast, and my company is perfectly OK with my Elvish tattoos. 

 

 My current status: I make a significant amount of money but hate my job, and the industry in which I work.  I decided a couple of years ago that I wanted to follow in the steps of my grandfather and become a NYC firefighter.  I took the written test, and did very well.  I spent the next year not changing a single thing about my diet or lifestyle, and subsequently forgot about my goal to honor the memory of my grandfather.   

 

Then, I got the email saying that the FDNY hiring process was about to begin. 

 

I panicked a bit, but ultimately decided that I was going to give this thing my absolute best shot.  I completely revamped my lifestyle, hitting the gym and using bodyweight workout routines to undo 30 years of lazy and video games.  At some point in there I discovered Nerd Fitness (probably when I was Googling Batman workout).  I used the principle of One Thing at a Time to finally wrangle in my diet, and now, 6 weeks before the CPAT (the physical portion of the FDNY test), I am down to ~220 lbs. and am on track to pass this thing.  

 

Why I decided to open my mouth finally: I owe a lot to Nerd Fitness, and I want you all to share in my success when I pass this test.  And if I don't pass this test, I want Nerd Fitness to share in my success when I continue my healthy lifestyle and pursue whatever other adventures await me out there (not involving ad sales).  

 

Where I need help: NUTRITION!  I find it incredibly difficult to go full Paleo, and I'm sure if I were to do that (or at least eliminate some more pastas/breads from my life), I would be able to drop an extra few lbs. before the test and make my life that much easier.  

 

So thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for whatever advice I end up pulling from these boards and the conversations I have.  If you're interested in the CPAT and what I have ahead of me, here's a detailed look at the test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqeVJPclOy0

 

I have an uphill climb ahead of me (an upSTAIRS climb?), but I will get this done.  Looking forward to bringing you all with me!

 

[Minty Keen]

That's a really neat goal! Firefighters are badass and deserve much more appreciation than they get.

 

I share your hate for current job industry. I'm working towards a similar goal (I work retail, but want to get my ass into trades/construction). Perhaps we can stay in touch on the forums and team up when another challenge rolls along!

 

Oh, and welcome to The Rebellion.

[shredisdead]

Sounds like a plan.  The challenges look like a blast, so I'm definitely looking forward to the next one, and having a partner.