I’ve been blogging for a couple of months and decided to announce it on my Facebook for more of my friends to follow.  So I thought I should write something to explain this blog thing.

So why a blog?
I’ve never thought of myself as the “blogging” type.  But back in September, Brook sent me an e-mail that said, “You have to watch this, it’s awesome!”  So I clicked the link that took me to a YouTube video made by Ben Davis, a guy in Arkansas, in which he shared his story of losing 120 pounds and running 5Ks and marathons, and even completing an Ironman.  You have to watch the video to really get it.  I identified with Ben’s story, so I started following his blog - BenDoesLife.com - where he shares stories of training and what he calls “doing life.”  A couple of weeks later, I started my own blog - JonathanDoesLife - not really sure what I’d do with it.

Since beginning to follow Ben’s story, he’s been featured on the Today Show, become sponsored by Active.com, and invited to be on the cover of Runner’s World magazine.  And his YouTube video is up to almost a million hits.  Pretty cool stuff.  I think “Do Life” is the next “Life is Good,” only better - but that’s just me.

What will you find on my blog?
My blog is mostly about exercising and eating a little better.  I blog about whatever event I’m currently training for, running in general, losing weight, and helping others meet their goals.  I also throw in random life stuff - work, school, etc.

My current focus is on losing weight, so you may see the occasional shirtless progress pic.  Sorry about this - it hurts me as much as it hurts you, but I’ve decided to go at this whole get in shape thing 100%, with the goal of getting to my goal weight by my 30th birthday on April 11, 2011.

So why announce my blog?
That’s where you come in.  At first I had my blog automatically forwarded to my Facebook, but didn’t really like everything I blogged being posted to Facebook automatically, so I turned that off.  So it’s not that I’ve kept the blog a secret, I just haven’t actively promoted it.  I think a few real life friends follow it, but I’m not really sure who does.  I’ve decided to share it now more publicly to follow my own advice.  When others ask me for advice about running, I tell them to announce what they’re doing to others.  I really believe you’re much more likely to be successful and stick with it if others know your goals.  So here we go.  Check it out if you’d like.  Lurk.  Follow.  Comment.  Harrass.  It’s all good.