Different?

A lot of folks have commented that I look different. They say things like "I didn't recognize you at first" or "you look so different." It's nice to hear that. I can see the differences too, but I'm noticing additional differences as well.

For example, Michael and I ran this morning. For me, it was a personal best in distance ... 9 full miles. I did it in 1:29:50, which equals a 9:59/mile pace. The seventh and eighth miles were pretty rough, and the fact that I can say that blows me away. The very idea of running for eight miles and then picking up the pace for another mile after that ... who is that guy? I don't recognize myself any more.

Fat Frank from four months ago would have never even thought of trying such a thing. Slimming Down Frank pushed himself to run. I like Slimming Down Frank a whole lot better than Fat Frank, and not just because I'm thinner, but because I'm more willing to challenge myself and push my limits. I may look different (and thanks for noticing) but that's just the "skin deep" kind of looking different. It's the other ways that I'm different ... ways that aren't as obvious to others ... that really mean a lot to me.