Denied: The day it all started

Our story begins back in 2010.  After many years of wishing and hoping to ride El Toro, considered by many to be one of the best wooden coasters on the planet I made the trek to New Jersey.

My good friend Leo and I, who I had the pleasure of hosting at the Westate on two occasions and showing around Carowinds, was my host for the day.

The day started well, I got in rides on Superman: Ultimate Flight and Kingda Ka without any problems.  Then came El Toro.  First I tried the test seat, no go.  Leo tried with all his might to get a green light on the test seat, but it just wasn't happening.

I figured though, since I had driven all this way for this beast I would at least try it in the station.  So we waited about 10 minutes (a short wait for El Toro too) and I got in the seat.  Well, I got the seatbelt on all by myself, with a little struggle but I got it on.  Then I pulled down the lap bar, it was locked.  However, I saw her coming.  The ride attendant had gotten the signal from the "driver" of the coaster that my restraint wasn't down far enough.

So, the ride attendant doesn't even do more than a gentle push on the restraint and tells me I don't fit, and I won't be able to ride.  I knew this was a possibility, but I was more upset that the park wouldn't even allow their employees to TRY and assist guests on the ride.  I was disappointed to say the least, but I knew even before leaving home that I may not fit on the coaster, and I didn't.

I say all that to say this, that was a day that has stuck in my mind ever since.  I knew at that point I had to do something about my weight, I didn't know what but I had to get my weight back under control.  I guess at that point I was in denial, considering I had only been denied about 5 coasters in my life, 2 or 3 of them on that very trip.  To give you the complete story on my trip to Six Flags Great Adventure, I did fit on all the other coasters in the park, some though were very tight fits.

So for many months, I prayed for God to give me direction, I didn't want to be this weight for the rest of my life.  And along came Rhymer Fitness.

About 2 years ago I started working out with Jason Rhymer at Mt. Harmony Baptist's boot camp workout.  This was going to be a long slow road to where I wanted to be, but God knew what He was doing.

The first 2 years, for me, was about building endurance.  And boy did I need it.  Not only was I out of shape just being overweight, but I had no strength at all.  No strength left in my arms, legs or more important my core.

The first workout at Jason's boot camp was beyond what I'd ever done in a gym or own my own at home, when I was in shape.  I sweated like I was about to die, when in fact I was on the road to life again!

I've started this blog to share some of my victories and struggles along the way and hope it will encourage some to get on the road with me.  Don't think about that 20, 40 or 60 lbs you have to lose, just get on the road with me and see where God takes you!  All you have to lose is some weight!

Until next time, enjoy the ride of life and please sit on your sandals! (I'll tell you about that story later)