It is over...this is the 107 blog of my journey and it will be my last one. Today at exactly 1:26 pm concluded the 100 Pound Challenge to raise money for the Northumberland Hills Hospital. The journey ended after crashing through a life size poster of my old self while the music "I'm too Sexy for this shirt" was playing. I went out on stage, did a few poses and the crowd was very generous with the applause. The Mayor was asked to perform the final duties of announcing my weight....I lost 107.2 pounds over the last year. I now weigh in at 228.8 pounds. That's a world away from 336 pounds believe me; that was a whole different person. Again the kind folks applauded; Andrea was able to say a few words about what she encountered when she first met me and what challenges I presented to her as a client. I was then able to say a few words to thank my family, friends and the community for all their support and encouragement over the last year and of course their generosity! Rhonda announced that we raised $18,000! Incredible...just $2000 shy of buying a crash cart which was rated the highest priority by the hospital to replace. If the additional funds can't be raised by the end of next week when the donations are to be concluded, then the NHH will proceed with purchasing two new ECG machines! This adventure was a win win...no one lost in my opinion.



It's been quite the ride this past year, but a very rewarding one for sure. I recognized that I needed to make some dramatic changes in my life...here are some of the clues that led me to that belief; attending a search warrant at a residence and someone yelling to take cover...all ten officers were able to hide behind me...comfortably! Clue #2, enjoying the beach and wading out in to the water...I look up, I'm surrounded by naturalists splashing me with water trying to keep me alive until i can be towed of the sandbar and join my pod! Clue # 3, when asked what straw broke the camels back to get started on this life style change...it was when i sat on the camel that broke its back! It had nothing to do with straw!

I'm not even sure if anything is going to make sense and i know I'm going to ramble as I have a lot of things going through my head right now...like sooooo many people to thank.

Thanks yous:

to my wife and kids, their support and understanding throughout this adventure and the change of eating habits that most 20 years olds would find foreign! But they stuck it out! The cost of clothes and equipment like shoes was non stop! The cost of the gym membership and training sessions, the cost of laser treatment on my feet, which is still ongoing! I could have bought an ECG machine after all that, mind you I would still be fat.



to my brother Jim and his family Wanda, Bryan and Steven. Always supportive and even joined me in the Hike for Health Event...it was a lot of fun.



to all my other family members, Jim, Nancy, Katie, Sandy, Scott, Ian, Jen, Chris, Liz, Matt, Kristina, Garth, Brianna, Mike and Eliz, Mike, Cathy and TJ for all their support and words of encouragement throughout the year and donations to the cause.



to new friends I met along the way...Robert and Doris Biron, Cindy Adams, Tanya Earle, Linda and Kate Hunter, Kathy and Eric Bernard Thompson, Tracey Llwellyn, Sandra Stothart, Trish Reid, Angel Targon, Wendy Jibb, Andre Arff, Chris Littlechild and Melissa Lewis, Fran, Dave Hughes, JR, Kristen Marshman and Dave Long...this list just goes on. Most of these folks I met while at the gym and they have been very supportive of my adventure. This list wasn't meant to be exhaustive but just a sprinkling of the new friends I've found.

To old friends like Sandra Legacy who has heckled me from as far away as Michigan. She still can't get over the fact I best her in a foot race over twenty years ago...suck it up princess. to Greg Kay always willing to share a breakfast protein shake and words of advise! To the whole DeMattos Family for always sharing their humour and gift of life! The Scowcrofts...wondering when I'm going to come out of hiding....I'M BACK!

To all my coworkers and Board members at the police station, again very supportive and were generous in their donations!

Thanks John Russell who was always there when something needed to get done especially during the Hike for Health Event...he was the glue to that whole committee and did a fantastic job!
Thanks to Rhonda Cunningham...she's a go getter! The word "no" is not in her vocabulary...its just do. She was a workaholic in bringing these different events and lining up the media to generate the public attention. Always a good listener and provides sound advice.

Thanks to the media who have a large role in getting the information out to the public...where would any fund raising event be without their help!? thank you to Pete Fisher, Joel Scott, Yorke Bell-Smith, Peggy McArthur, Susan Amos, Ted Amsden, Tood Purvis, Heather Goode, Mike Cutting, Joe Snider, Mark Rockburn, Ben Burd, The Breeze Radio, The Star Radio, CHEX TV, COGECO TV, Northumberland Today, Northumberlnad News, CBC radio, The Burd Report, SNAP, Northumberland Views...I sincerely hope I didn't miss anyone, if I did I apologize!

Special thanks to Andrea...the Sarge! My trainer, my friend, my supporter and my tormentor! There is no doubt in my mind that I would not have been able to do this without her guidance and support! The training sessions were filled with knowledge and yet a lot of humour was shared along the way. I also believe mutual respect was an important factor in us working so well as a team. It would appear that we have several other training adventures along the way such as preparing for the half marathon in October. The book on my fitness journey is still being written, only this chapter has been closed. Bodilogix rocks!

The future...my current weight now stands at 228 pounds. My goal is to get down to 185 to 190. I hope to break the 200 pound mark before this Christmas...I know I'll do it. Anybody want to wager? All winnings get donated to the NHH. I have the half marathon in October, possibly doing a duothalon in August (bike and run) in Cobourg. A group of 22, mostly from the gym are parachuting on September 18 in Ginseng...yee haw! Sometime in February 2011 a group of us will try the Olympic bob sleigh track at Lake Placid...that should be a good adventure. Also trying to line up a group to go on a hot air balloon excursion, rock climbing and then climbing Mount Kilimanjaro...hopefully! All these adventures are actually structured to keep a healthy and active life...no more sitting on the couch!

Well friends its been a wonderful crazy year and I wouldn't have changed anything...including the 100 kilometer hike! I'm still waiting for the toe nails to drop! I've met so many good people along the way...finally a good news story to share with people. I'm signing off with a mixture of sadness that its done but also happy that I'm a free man so to speak...no longer having the pressure to lose the weight by a certain period of time. My journey still continues for seeking better health and level of fitness but I know am better prepared to go the rest of the away and also maintain what I've done as well.

I leave with you no quotes ...just remember we are all on our own journey and it doesn't hurt to ask for help along the way to get back on track.

Slimmer Dave out!!

Still recovering from the hike...it looks like I'm going to lose six toe nails now! Oh well, they'll grow back. Actually I wonder how much a toe nail weighs? I might need that for July 01st! It's hard to believe that it's almost over...the 100 pound challenge. I'll be a free man at exactly 1:26 pm on Thursday July 01st.
After the final weigh-in I'll have more to say in my blog. I'll take some time to try and express the changes that I've made and how I'm feeling. Of course I have a lot of people that I need to thank as well! I've had so many people that have been supportive throughout the past year; it's been an amazing experience.

I've been receiving laser treatment on the feet still and taking Epsom salt soaks...it'll be nice to have normal feet again! I haven't had normal feet in about five months! Having said that, I have set out another training goal, which i think is very important to do, running the half marathon in October. There appears to be about ten of us from the Bodilogix that are willing to take on this challenge and for most of them it will be their first marathon of any kind. Having this new goal flows into what I eventually want to achieve and that's to lose another 40 to 50 pounds by this time next year. Giving myself another year seems a very reasonable timetable to reach my final target.

Well...hopefully I'll see everybody for the big finale and we'll get to share in the Canada Cake afterwards!
Big Dave out

It's done...we actually finished the 100 kilometers and I'm very happy it's over! My feet were killing me and i had severe pain in both my quad muscles at the end of the first day. We walked the first 72 kilometers in approximately 14.5 hours.

The walkers were as follows; JR Eromine, Rhonda Cunningham, Chris Littlechild, Andrea Johnson and myself. We were very fortunate to have my son Rick and his friend Bryan Turpin drive a supply vehicle through most of the night...thanks guys! You guys made the trip so much easier instead of having to lug all our stuff. Like I said Rick and Bryan stayed through most of the night, we had to cart our stuff for about one hour and then we were met up with our day supply vehicle which was driven by Brian Scott...another thank you to Brian who stayed with us until we were finished that day.

Also, we were joined on our hike by Jean Hill and her husband Don...they looked after all of our first aid and foot treatment ! Believe me we needed it! Jean and Don were with us from about 9am till we finished on the first day and then were up bright and early on Saturday to help us get through the second day of the challenge.

We had a great crew and we couldn't have done it without them!

The journey started for us at midnight, we all met at Bodilogix to get ourselves prepared for the hike ahead. Each of us was equipped with head lamps, reflective clothing, some larger flash lights and two small air horns to scare away the night critters...had to keep Rhonda happy on that one. The only time the horns had to be used was actually in the gym itself...yup they worked!

We left the gym at about 12:30am...and the fun began! Actually it was a beautiful night for hiking; the weather was great, the stars were out and a slight breeze. The night walk went without any problems in fact it was very enjoyable! We had only one encounter with wildlife; hearing some coyote's in the distance. This of course got Rhonda a little on edge...she had an air horn at the ready and the big flash light swinging all over the place like it was a movie premiere! After a while the howling stopped. I asked her if she knew what that meant? She replied no. I said they were now in stalking mode and were probably parallel to us right now....wondering if we were pray. Then about five minutes later, she was still on high alert, I jumped back! Oh boy...I wish I had a camera...she must have jumped five feet back! Rhonda claims that's when her first blister happened...wimp.

The rest of the night was pretty uneventful...listening to the Bull frogs croaking at us as we walked by. Everybody was in good spirits...probably because they knew I was the slowest runner and would end up being the dinner for bear or canine.

Going up Big Bertha seemed easier at night...probably because we couldn't see the top as we were climbing.

The sun came up as we were walking north 0n Harwood Road...it was pretty for about for about sixty seconds and then realization of all the pavement that still needed to be marched upon put things into a different perspective...and the heat that the sun will soon be bringing!

We made it into the village of Harwood safe and sound...then we were attacked by swarm of deer flies! They stayed with us for about thirty minutes or so... air horns don't work on those things!

It was a hot walk for the rest of the day...lots of water was drank along the way with fruits being consumed by the bushel. A few stops were required to have our feet looked at and repaired.

During our breaks for foot repairs I noticed that the group was still in pretty good spirits which was very important as this hike was as much about mental as it was a physical test. There were moments that you had to just put your mind in neutral....some people would claim I have a talent for that!

I think it was about the 60 k mark that I was actually going to get ill...fortunately the feeling passed and some vegetation was saved. That would have been a little embarrassing.

We finally made it back to Bodilogix...I've never been so happy to see that place in all my life! A few folks were there to greet us and cheer us on...also cold water to soak our feet in! That was wonderful! Jean did her magic on our feet before being released to go home and rest up for the final 28 kilometers. By the time I got home everything had seized up and I was in pain! The only thing that didn't hurt was my nose! My quads hurt so much I had I had to crawl up my stairs to get to the bedroom! I was really wondering how I was going to be able to walk the next day.
I proceeded to try and do as much maintenance as possible...Advil along with hot baths with Epsom salt and then I would have a cold bath...repeated this twice before calling it a night.

The next morning was a killer...I could hardly stand up! Pain was shooting in both quads...I thought that was the end of the road for me. Fortunately once I started moving a little the pain lessened and I was able to get to the Boy Scout Camp for the start of day two. Joining me on the second day was my brother Jim and my two nephews Bryan and Steven. My son Rick also walked on the second day. Rosie and my sister-in-law Wanda helped out at base camp. My daughter Carlie-Ann was there in spirit as she had to work.

I found it tough going at the beginning...still sore. The first 14 k loop was pretty slow, there was no doubt about that. The second loop seemed a lot easier and faster. Even though this wasn't a race I have to mention that Jim came in first out of the family to complete the 28 k's...I was last. I would never hear the end of it if I didn't mention it!

Chris Littlechild was the first to cross the finish line out of the 100 kilometer group...great job Chris! The rest of us hobbled in together about an hour behind him...greeted by a bagpiper! We were marched across the finish line to the sound of the pipes! The piper was Gord Hunter...thanks Gord! No...I did not do the Fling.

Man, what a feeling it was to cross that finish line! Hard to describe really....I was also looking for the cake I was promised! The whole team did a great job...the organizing committee, the support people, the many generous sponsors and of course my fellow hikers! I believe we had 102 hikers on the Saturday! Not bad...

I'm still trying to heal from the hike....laser treatment has started again on the blisters and bruises located on the bottom of both my feet...their more like stumps now. It would appear that I'll lose three toe nails...who needs them. According to Doris Biron that just means I've officially joined the ranks of the long distance athlete. I guess losing toe nails is pretty common!

I believe I will now retire from being a long distance athlete...the next time I want to go 100 kilometers it will be by car!

Big Dave out

I don't believe it! There must be a mistake...something is out of alignment in the Universe! I'll be right back, I have to double check on something. I can't believe my eyes but its true...the Sarge has posted a blog! Well...I'm looking up into the sky and I don't see any pigs flying and I think Hell is as hot as it ever was! It just must be a miracle... I guess I shouldn't questions the whys and the ways of the Universe.

"I tried to know absolutely nothing about a great many things, and I have succeeded fairly well"...Robert Benchley...it's also worked quite well for me!

In approximately 12 hours we'll be on the Hike from Hell....oops I mean the Hike for Health event. Four of us will try for a 100 k's, that being Andrea, JR , Chris and myself. Rhonda will be trying the first 72 k's and i know some other people hope to join us along the way at various points.

The last two days I haven't been at the gym, just trying to conserve some energy for the hike. Hopefully that plan pays off.

Had a protein shake breakfast with my buddy Greg Kay, Lawyer et. al, this morning. He came bearing paperwork...I thought he wanted to update my Will before the hike!! Nope, just a training schedule for the half marathon in October...a gentle reminder that I'm not done on this health journey.
Well, I'll see you guys on the other side of the 100 k hike!
Big Dave out.

Well, only five days away from the 100 k hike...yippee! Can't wait! Actually I'm anxious about it...I'm just hoping I get the whole 100 K's in. I've certainly trained enough for it over the last few months and my feet are ready to go thanks to Melissa at the Pain Relief Clinic and all the helpful advise I got from other folks. I don't have any blisters and the bruise on the ball of my right foot seems healed. I also went back to the "Running Room" and explained what I was doing and what I was experiencing. They checked my gait and recommended what I should be wearing and I also learned that I was wearing a size too small! Heck I couldn't even get that right but that's all been remedied now.

So...I've got new feet and new shoes...all systems are go!

"Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time" ...Steven Wright.

The plan is to leave Bodilogix at 3am Friday morning and to trek for 72 k's...a stroll in the park really. That should take us between 15 to 18 hours of walking...that's a lot of walking! Then on Saturday, 6am, we hike 28 k's in the woods as part of the family day for the Hike for Health Event. My brother Jim and my nephews Bryan and Steven will be joining me on the second day, which is great...they can help carry me!!

I just celebrated a birthday on Saturday...as a friend stated it was another successful trip around the sun. I think this also holds true...."Older people shouldn't eat health foods, they need all the preservatives they can get"...Robert Orben

Big Dave out.

The weekend was uplifting and also tragic. I was able to join the Relay for Life event Friday night which spills over into 7am Saturday morning. I was on a terrific team with terrific friends. It was great being able to share in such an event and help support the fight to find a cure for cancer. Thanks Trevor for allowing me to walk the Survivors lap with you...

Tragedy ...during the Relay for Life I was told the news that a friend of mine, Dave Stothart, had lost his wife, Marie, just the night before to cancer. Marie, with the support of her family (Dave, Karly and Jamie) fought a courageous battle, but finally succumbed to that horrible disease. Marie was only 52 years of age...way too young...

Amazing, who should I see at the Relay for Life Event later that night...you guessed it Dave and his daughter Karly. This family are fighters and they showed up to keep the battle going for a cure!

Another dear friend of mine was dealing with the one year anniversary of her sisters death to cancer...again someone far too young to die. She was going to join us at the Relay For Life but understandably it was too difficult.

Everyone knows someone that's been affected by this disease.

After seeing the dedication and fighting spirit from the DeMattos Family, Stothart Family, and the rest of the teams that night...I am confident that a cure will be found.

I believe these events and these stories should be a reminder or even a wake up call for us to support the ongoing research and related institutions such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Northumberland Hills Hospital. If money is in short supply then donate your time...we all benefit.

I'll leave you with a quote from Gilda Radner which I think is very appropriate for the theme of this blog, "I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity."

Big Dave out

On Monday night I was invited to the Port Hope Rotary Dinner by Jan Boycott who is a big supporter of Northumberland Hills Hospital. The ever popular Rhonda Cunningham joined me...she knows everybody! It was a great dinner and I was able to briefly speak about the Hike for Health event and my 100 pound challenge. Thanks Jan for setting this up. By the way I avoided dessert...too many witnesses. A very pleasant surprise was meeting one of my former teachers from CDCI East...Ted Rafuse. It was fun catching up with him...he spent 18 years at the East...we were there for the same length of time then!

"If you don't know where your going, you will wind up somewhere else." Yogi Berra
Thank God for GPS...

The Sarge has spoken to Denise Cameron from the Pain Clinic in regards to my blister/feet problem....trying to line up some laser treatment for them. I'm now going hi-tech...can't I just ask Scotty to beam up?!

Tuesday afternoon Rhonda and I did separate interviews for COGECO Cable...thanks Mark! I went first and Mark wanted to know what he should ask me...I said, ask whatever you want, we'll just go with the flow...ease on down the road....no problems. Rhonda's turn...I'm surprised she doesn't have her own Press Secretary! She knew exactly what she wanted, the phraseology, everything. Mark was so intimidated that he even wiped down the seat before she sat on it! Heck with me, Mark just pointed and I sat! Geez, that sounds like I should be entertaining the kids at Sea World balancing a ball off my nose! But don't feed me herring...much prefer pizza for a job well done!

I did break Rhonda's professional demeanor during her interview...she broke up laughing, accusing moi of making faces at her! Unfortunately this is the only face I've got!


The Hike for Health Organizing Committee had a meeting yesterday afternoon. Very proud of this team and the effort they have put forward to try and make this first hike a success. The team consists of....Andrea Johnson, Rhonda Cunningham, John Russell, Doris Biron, Karen Stinson and Chris Littlechild. Also, unofficial members are Mia Frankl from Northumberland County and the Northumberland ATV Club.

Because of the condition of my feet we discussed that I might try and do the 100 K all at once. I'm afraid that once I stop I might not be able to get going again. The Sarge is willing to do what I want...for once!! The decision to keep going will be made on the go...depends on what feels right.

I was hitchhiking the other day and a hearse stopped. I said, "No thanks -- I'm not going that far." Steven Wright.
Big Dave out!