***CLICK HERE to see a video of what running a marathon is like!***
Running has done so much for me. I needed to give back to the sport that has changed my life for the better. This is why I become a RRCA-Certified Coach. One of my main goals as a coach is to show my clients that running can be a fun and empowering experience. The skills you learn when preparing for a race or personal goal, will teach you many of the lessons necessary to be successful in life. I believe most successful runners are successful people! For more information about coaching please contact me @ skinny-vinny@comcast.net
Movies
This page designed and edited with help from my very talented wife, Danielle! Please support her by checking out her online craft and art store. Here's a preview of some things she makes. Click on "CreationsByDanielle" at the bottom to see her whole shop:
This video by Blind Melon "No Rain" pretty much sums up how I felt as a kid, and overweight person. I like how it has a happy ending though. That's how I felt when I finally met up with my fellow Weight Watchers 'bees'.
Books
This inspiring poem is for anyone who feels down and out...
Don't Quit - Weight Watcher Version
When you've eaten too much and you can't write it down
and you feel like the biggest failure in town;
When you want to give up just because you gave in
and forget all about being healthy and thin;
So what, you went over your points a bit;
It's your next move that counts...So don't you quit!
It's a moment of truth, It's an attitude change;
It's learning the skills to get back in your range;
It's telling yourself "You've done great up till now;
You can take on this challenge and beat it somehow."
It's part of your journey toward reaching your goal;
You're still going to make it, just stay in control.
To stumble and fall is not a disgrace,
If you summon the will to get back in the race;
But often the strugglers, when losing their grip,
just throw in the towel and continue to slip
And learn too late when the damage is done
That the race wasn't over and they still could have won.
Lifestyle change can be awkward and slow
But facing each challenge will help you to grow;
Success is failure turned inside out…
The silver tint in the cloud of doubt.
When you're pushed to the brink, just refuse to submit; If you bite it you write it... But don’t you quit!
~~~Author Unknown - Adapted by R.W. Brown
Heroes
Anyone who puts others first and inspires others to be their best!
About me: click here to learn more about Team For Kids and to see video with me crossing the finish line click here for my success story on the Weight Watchers Web site
-
More motivational stuff at the men's Round-table Discussion on the WW web site
MAKING THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE
Over the last 2 1/2 years I have done just that! From losing over 150 pounds on the Weight Watchers program to running my 1st New York City Marathon, I have most importantly become a better husband, son, brother, friend, Weight Watchers leader and person.
I pinch myself sometimes because I never thought I would be able to wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and like the person I saw. I was an angry young man for much of my life — mainly because I was ashamed of what I had become. The REAL ME was hidden underneath all of those extra pounds. So how did I make the IMPOSSIBLE possible?
My Weight Watchers leader, Sharon, did something for me that I will be forever grateful. She empowered me to BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I will never forget when I was asked the question, "What is your winning outcome? What do you want?" I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin. I never felt that feeling until I reached my goal weight.
My job is to empower my members and others to believe in themselves. They have all the tools necessary to achieve their goals, they just have to be shown how to use them. Just like my leader did for me.
Give a person a fish, and they will eat for a day. TEACH a person to fish, and they will eat for a lifetime(on program!)
***click here for my WW Magazine article!***
.
.
SKINNY VINNY:
In June of 2005 I joined Weight Watchers and it changed my life. I was 305 lbs., and more importantly, just very unhappy with the way I looked and felt about myself. I was a heavy person most of my childhood and adult life, so I started to accept that I was just a big guy and there was nothing I could do to change it.
As of August 2006, I reached my goal weight of 155lbs. A year and two months later I lost an incredible 150lbs! That's HALF of my total body weight!! I work for Weight Watchers as a leader now and I love every minute of it. It truly makes me feel good inside to empower my members to achieve their weight loss goals.
Everyone asks me what was the secret to my weight loss and all I can say is that I believe in this healthier lifestyle with all my heart and there's no going back to the old Vinny. It is not a diet, it's my new way of life. Sure, sometimes I fall of the wagon, but the next day I pick myself up again and go back to the program. I identified what my bad habits were and changed them one at a time .
I could have never reached this goal without the love and support of my wife Danielle. Honey, I love you with all my heart and soul, I did it for you.
_______________
Who I'd like to meet: I'd like to meet:
Long-lost friends and those I haven't met yet... Inspirational people, those who've overcome obstacles, those who have weight to lose, those who have lost weight, fellow Weight Watchers leaders, staff and members, fellow runners....
Hey Vinnie! I just watched your TFK video- that was AMAZING! It definately inspired me to want to run with a group like that! The team spirit was so strong! I bet it was a blast! I have a half marathon on Sunday, I will have to watch your video Saturday night to get pumped up! haha
Yea it's such a fine line - I agree with you that ultimately you've got to be happy with yourself.. because if it's not a fat joke it'll be something else, but as a kid it's hard to have that perspective. Thanks for all your insight! -faintstarlite
It's true that it's all about being comfy with yourself.. and that's the hardest thing for me about being overweight - I just felt ashamed of my body & wanted to hide it. Hope you're having a great week! =) -faintstarlite
omg ur my inspiration, tell me evrything u did. how much it took you? i been for 5 weeks in weight watchers and the first week i lost 4 pounds, the sencond i gained 3, the 3rd i lost 3, and the 4 week i think i gained so i gave my no weight in pass. my energy goes up and down. tell me ur story,.
It's amazing how much weight loss has boosted my confidence in my ability to achieve what I put my mind to as well! Thanks for the great words =) -faintstarlite
Yeah, I usually feel like I need the meeting even more on the bad weeks.. just to get me to re-focus on what's important! Thanks for all your great words of wisdom =) -faintstarlite
Spoke to your mom today. Wanted to send my love to everyone. Heard it was Bobby's bday yesterday. Keep in touch...miss you and the fam. Love your pictures. BIG KISSES!
Hi Vinny. Hope you had a great week. I just wanted to let you know that my Mom and I will not be at the meeting tomorrow night, we have previous plans with a friend from out of town. We will get weighed in sometime on Thursday. I hope you have a great week and we will see you next Wednesday.
i know this is a little late cus but here it goes..happy birthday to you..happy birthday to you..happy birthday dear vinny..happy birthday to you..we love you cuz<333..
what an amazing race! i thought "becomee a runner" was on my list of "things i want to do b4 i die" but it wasn't. i am putting it in at slot # 14. I hope to not be a just a jogger by next year. peace out.
