But will it melt the lard off my waist?

Even though weight and waist size don’t translate directly into ability to run, I know that a possible consequence of training to run is to lose weight and reduce waist size.  I REALLY WANT TO DO THAT.  Come on.  I already told you that VANITY IS A GOOD THING! 

Currently I weigh 169 pounds.   I’d be extremely happy at 155-160 pounds, with a little more muscle, and a lot more shapelyness.    My body fat composition is currently 34.5%  When I competed in the Olympic Games my body fat was 17% and we worked full time to get there!  In my normal adult life my body fat % was around 23%…..excellent!  After the car accident 1989 my muscles turned to jello and my body fat sky rocketed to 38%.  Now, 20 years later, I would be extremely happy to have my body fat make it to 29%.   (Damn you aging and menopause!!!)

MY CURRENT WAIST MEASURMENT IS   g..a..s..p…..  37 inches!!!    My normal healthy waist size is 31-32 inches.  37 inches is horrible and should be a concern. 

Medical researchers agree that of all indicators of health, waist size is key!

Quoting from The Heart & Stroke Foundation:  ”Waist circumference indicates health risk associated with fat stored around the belly.  If your waist measures 40 inches or more for men, or 35 inches or more for women, you are at increased risk of developing health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.”

Not only that, a fat waist does not look fashionable on me.  Again VANITY IS POWERFUL.  Waist rolls hanging over my waist band really kills my confidence too.  Call me crazy… 

Anyway, I know that getting fit to run non-stop 1 kilometer on Oct 30, 2009, will also be good for my waist.  My eating habits are excellent, so I am just adding the exercise part of the equation.  It will be very interesting to observe!

I DON’T NEED TO MEASURE ANYTHING ELSE…  if my waist is good…….EVERYTHING IS GOOD!