I'm a bad blogger...

Wow...been awhile.

End of May into early June was crazy. Kids wrapping up school year. Then the mad rush of massive house cleaning before heading on vacation.

Over a month without a post. To my less than five readers (or maybe less than one) - sorry.

The next week has the potential to be awesome. In two days I run my first 5k. I should really say "organized" 5k because I've done several runs that have covered the distance already.

Still, running in a huge pack, with a number pinned to my shirt will be a brand new experience. When I cross that finish line.........I'll probably be in tears.

Next week. I have an interview. It's been well over a year since my last one and I'm really pumped. I've told myself this before, but I think it would be a fantastic fit for me. I will have some homework and prep to do over the weekend but that's okay. I really want to nail this one.

Lots of progress on the spirtuality front. My prayers aren't the best, but they are helping. I've have some ideas and plans to dive in deeper.

Many more things floating around in my head. I promise to post more. (Yes, I've said that before too.)

I (think) I feel like a winner

Tuesday was my Doctor appointment to find out test results. I was nervous. I kept thinking that maybe I haven't worked hard enough, or been eating enough of the right things....maybe I'll still have to go on medication.



Thankfully - I was wrong !!!



The bad cholesterol has dropped (just barely) into the desirable range. He was happy with the weight loss so far. The good cholesterol is rising. He said that it can take six months of exercise to really move the number.

Part of me thought that the 5k on July 3rd was going to be the end of the running - now I'm looking onto bigger and better things. I can't beleive I'm thinking it - but there is a 5 miler in September that might be in my future.

I need to get back into a steady routine for lifting. Plus I need to get started on another class - Zumba, yoga, pilates, something that I can schedule each week.

In three weeks we go on vacation, a very tempting time to fall off the wagon. I can't let it happen. I want to lose another 20 pounds, so I'm working on altering some of the traditional vacation menus. The kids will eat turkey burgers. As long as I promise them Smore's later that night.

Plus vacation is the time when I read some good fiction. Got some Grisham, Baldacci, and hope to pick up one or two more beforehand.

More to share soon. Want to get this one posted.

Remember, we don't celebrate Memorial Day - we observe it. Thank you Veterans.

Finals and Tests....

Been a couple weeks since I've posted - sorry. Spring semester is finished and I'm happy to report a 4.0 GPA for the semester. That might be a first for me.

Even though classes are done, today I took a test that has huge implications. I had blood drawn to check my cholesterol. Not sure which was harder, the 12 hours fasting before the bloodwork, or waiting until next Tuesday to see the Doc and get my results. I REALLY hope the numbers have improved. I'm eating much better - should still add in some more fish - and I've been exercising plenty.

I made my appointment for next Tuesday (day 65) for a somewhat corny reason. That night is the season finale of Biggest Loser. I've been watching the show for awhile (I must confess, sometimes while eating ice cream) and since I actually did something about it myself, I thought that Tuesday made some sort of logical date for a check-up. Next Tuesday is one of those little "finish lines" to me.

The "100 (plus 4) Day Challenge" is continuing. I'm really focused on the Couch to 5k, and trying hard to get back to lifting at least two times a week. Last Friday I ran for 20 minutes - all in a row, without stopping. That was huge. I don't think I've ever done that before in my life. This Friday I go for 25 minutes. My pace is still slow, but I know that I'll have a couple weeks from completing the C25k program to my "actual" 5k on July 3rd (Day 104) to go for distance over time.

The spirituality quest is continuing. Reading the "Purpose Driven Life" is still going, although now I found out it is contrary to some Catholic teaching. "The Me I Want To Be" audio book by John Ortberg is nice mix of humor and religion. I've even started some praying again. But I still haven't been to confession. There is more out there - I'm just not sure what "it" is.

Next post will be on Tuesday (or early Wednesday) hope I have some good stuff to report.

Approaching halfway

Today is day 45 of my "100 (plus 4) Day Challenge" in one week I'll be at the halfway mark and some things are changing.

The Minutes in Motion program is done, but I'm going to stick with it - at least 30 mins of activity a day. Sometimes it means more one day and less the next, but the 210 minutes a week will remain my objective. Maybe I'll even get lucky and win something next week at the wrap up event.

Last night was the end of Zumba at Viterbo. Even though I've been going since January, I still feel un-coordinated at times. Not sure what the college girls thought about the old fat guy in the room, but I gave it a whirl. Not sure if I want to keep Zumbaing (I doubt that is a word) but I need to find some sort of class. The advantage at Viterbo was that I didn't have to pay for it since I'm a student. I'm thinking of trying Yoga. It is supposed to be quite a workout, and I know my flexability could be improved. I might ask my wife and see if it is something we can do together. Our schedules are crazy, but maybe we can carve out an hour to do it together.

On Week 4 of the Couch to 5k program and I'm trotting along. I made the mistake of looking ahead to next week and the 20 minute run has me a little freaked out. Found out a couple of my cousins (that are in shape) want to join me for the Chileda run on July 3rd. I warned them, I'll be the slow one in the back, so go ahead without me.

Losing some of the structure in my exercise program will present a challenge, but I know I'll stick with it and try some different things. This might be a sign that it's time to get the bike out and start riding again.

One class is done, the other one finishes on Tuesday. It will be nice to have the summer free of school, even though I'm going to work on my portfolio. There is so much work in the house and yard that needs to be done. Getting some of that taken care of will be a huge accomplishment and clear out a lot of "mind clutter."

Spirituality has been on my mind lately, maybe reading the Purpose Driven Life is taking hold. I want to find more in my life, just not sure how to get there. I picked up the audio book "The Me I Want To Be" I loved the title and the book is refreshingly good. A couple minor "a-ha's" so far, maybe there will be a major one farther in. I have some more windshield time coming it, it's nice to have something new to listen to.

Day 34 is here

So I am (just about) a third of the way through my "100 (plus 4) Day Challenge" and things are going fairly well. Yesterday I finished week two of the Couch to 5k program. I've been getting up at 5 AM to do the runs and seems to go pretty well. I don't seem to sleep that good those nights, I think my body is worried that I will oversleep. Shin pain is there, but much milder than when I tried the program last summer. New shoes, better technique, more icing all seem to help.

Eating / losing weight is going a little slower than I planned. I hit the minus twenty pound mark early this week, then the scale bounced back up. I do allow myself some little cheats and I need to keep those in check. Last night had a Rudy's Double Cheeseburger (BIG cheat) it was okay, but I think the guilt factor kept me from enjoying it too much. I know with the exercise that I'm including I am most likely adding some muscle weight so that does effect the speed of weight loss. My goal is to lose 45 pound total - but the key is improving my cholesterol numbers.

I've been reading the "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, and while it is interesting, I haven't had any big "a ha" moments. Occasionally there is a line that kind of hits you between the eyes. I'm also trying to listen to motivational tapes or CD's in the car instead of music or ESPN radio - every little bit helps, right ?

I decided to take the summer off from school and concentrate on the house. I plan on continuing work on my Lifelong Learning Portfolio so I can submit it this fall. If I can find 10-15 credits to pull out my life experiences, that would make a huge difference in this college journey. Only a couple weeks of spring classes left and after this semester I think I should be on the Dean's List. That would be cool.

Next week is my birthday and that can be tough sometimes. I tend to get very introspective and then somewhat depressed about where I am in life. This year I'm going to try very hard not to let that happen. I'm changing my life. It's going slow, but I am changing. Think of me this week. Send me an encouraging note. But don't wish me Happy Birthday, please.

Goals for this week: 1) Stay on track when travelling for a couple days. 2) Set Doctor, Vision, and dental appointments. 3) Go to confession. (Never got there before Easter)

Temptation is lurking

In my ongoing effort to lose weight and get fit, one of the hardest obstacles has been giving up fast food. Over the last couple months I've been very good about removing it from my routine. I have hit the drive thru a couple times, but usually I'll try to get something small - the Whopper Jr (no Mayo) is a good one for me - and the Eat This Not That people seem to approve.

I made it all the way through Lent with only one McDonalds Filet O Fish, and ZERO Burger King Big Fish sandwiches - that was a big accomplishment.

I'm going to be travelling twice in the next few weeks and it's going to a challenge to eat healthy during those trips. I'm making some plans in advance to stay on track. But right now, I want to pitch my program and just go pig out. I have to do something to satisfy the urge without throwing away the work I've been doing. (The fact that the scale hasn't moved in a few days only adds to my frustration.)

I've been dreaming about a nice big Bacon Cheeseburger, I love them. (Just typing it is making me drool.) Then last night my wife talks about going to Applebee's this weekend. We have some coupons and so on but it will still cost probably close to forty dollars to take the family, and I really don't like the place that much. I went online and checked Applebees "Under 550 calories" menu they have been advertising, but nothing looked that exciting to me. If I go there, I'll cave. I know it. I can't do it.

This morning I said "We can't go there, but we can go to Culvers." Culvers is less expensive and having a small burger and a few fries should squash some of my cravings. Hopefully one fast food visit won't open up the floodgates and destroy my goals. I can't let it.

Sunday I start the Couch to 5k program again. I tried the program last summer, but it was derailed for many reasons. This is the cornerstone of my "100 (plus 4) Day Challenge" and I refuse to be denied. I'm in a much better place this time, and I've got specific goals set.

Temptations will continue, and hopefully I'm learning how to cope with them. Just like Dori says "just keep swimming, just keep swimming"

YES !!!!!

This morning I hit the -15 pound mark. That is 1/3 of my goal. Looking back, the 230 lb goal by my birthday (end of month) was probably over-reaching. But the overall goal of 210-215 by July 3rd (date of the 5k) is totally do-able. The fact that in mid June we go on vacation for a week will be a challenge, but I'm up to it.

I charted out a daily exercise plan with a mix of running (Couch to 5K program) & cardio, plus making sure I get at least two days of lifting in each week. The schedule calls for one early morning run a week, that should be an interesting change of pace. I also want to mix in some biking, plus golf - no riding carts, as well.

Easter weekend will be challenging. I love jelly beans (plus almost all other candy) but reaching the fifteen pound mark really inspires me to keep working hard.

Balancing physical with mental and spiritual is one of next objectives. I pulled out some old Dale Carnegie tapes (yes, cassettes) and have been listening to them in the car. I forgot how good they are. I also have the Purpose Driven Life that I want to start reading. The book format is based on one segment a day plus a daily activity. Not sure I can work in the activity, but at least reading it will get me thinking. Easter season & spring is a time of renewal, I'm ready for some new beginnings in my life.

Day 10.....not quite 10% done

I'm doing pretty good on the Challenge. Some nights I'm on the treadmill at 9 pm, but I'm getting my time in. Took the new running shoes out for a test drive Monday evening - they feel different, but very comfortable.

Back to Zumba tonight - had to find a different class since Viterbo is on Easter break - but it's the instructor that I'm comfortable with, so thats a good thing.

I'll launch back into the Couch to 5k in the next several days. Trying to figure out a schedule to balance running, Zumba, lifting, and everything else in life. Read something yesterday about running on empty stomach helping with buring fat - is there a 5 am wake-up looming in my future ?

Busting through barriers....

It was a little barrier, but this morning I broke through a one on the scale.

I could not get below 247. Some days I'd go up a pound, then drop back down. It was getting really frustrating. I'm actually behind where I should be on the fancy chart I made for myself - thats depressing in itself.

This morning's weigh in - 246.5 Woohoo !!!

We're supposed to celebrate the little things right ?

My 100 (plus 4) Day Challenge !!!

I see things online for 100 Day Challenges, 99 Day Challenges and more, I decided to mold one to fit me. The 100 (plus 4) Day Challenge started yesterday. Why March 22nd ? because that is when the Gundersen Lutheran Minutes In Motion program started and this year I doing it.

Last year I signed up, but really never got going. I found an excuse the first few days, then another, then figured "why bother." However, since I signed up I kept getting e-mails about the program - that was some awesome guilt. Part of that guilt is probably why I tried the Couch to 5K program last summer only to be derailed by shin splints.

Why 100 (plus 4) Days ? Because that leads up to the Chileda Classic 5k run on July 3rd in La Crosse. I'm doing the run. And I will finish it. I don't care if it's raining, I don't care if I have to crawl across the finish line - I'm doing it.

Yesterday was day 1, and I have a bad chest cold. Don't remember having a chest cold like this for a long time, where sometimes it even hurts to breathe. So last night, I went downstairs and hit the treadmill - mostly fast walking, but I did include several 60-90 seconds of running. That should get me loosened up for revisiting the Couch to 5k program in a couple weeks.

Minutes in Motion calls for 30 minutes of activity a day. I want to hit it every day, and not count hour long Zumba classes for two days. At the middle and end of the six week program I'm supposed to submit my minutes for a chance to win prizes. Prizes are nice, but I'm doing this for me - and my wife and kids.

Biking will be included, golf (as long as I walk), Zumba, weight-lifting, and as mentioned before - running.

I've been working hard on eating better for several weeks and it's made a difference, now adding in lots of exercise should really kick things into gear.

I'm going to try to set my follow up Dr appointment at the mid-point of my program. I really don't want to go on medication for cholesterol

This won't always be fun. It won't be easy. But I need to do this. For me.

Not going to post every day, sometimes slapping something on Twitter or Facebook is easier than coming here, but I'll keep you posted. (whoever you are)

It hates me.....the scale that is

I've made progress up to a 12 pound loss - now I'm stuck. Somedays I'll go up a little, then slide back to the 12 pound mark, but I can't seem to break through. It's getting frustrating.

I'm not perfect on my eating plan (trying hard not to call it a diet) but I try VERY hard. The next thing will be to up the workout side. There is a local program called "Minutes In Motion" that begins next week - it asks participants for 30 mins of activity a day. I think it will be challenging, but I'm on a mission.

The mission(s): run a 5k, wear the nicer clothes sitting in a box in the basement, and get my cholesterol under control.

I will be launching my own "100 Day (plus 4) Challenge" next Monday as well to match up with the "Minutes in Motion" program. Stay tuned for details.

Spring Break

Made through the first half of the semester - finished one class, and wrapped up an incomplete from fall semester. Coming up soon: Business Law, and a First Aid class. Should be an interesting combo.


For many college students spring break is a time to relax, maybe travel somewhere warm, but not for me. Two projects for this week - get taxes and FAFSA done (plus some praying to the Pell Grant gods) and get organized for the indoor rummage sale on Saturday.


Borrowing all the money for school is hard on me mentally, it's such a long road to graduation and I'm really worried about how much debt will be piled up. Maybe I can find a position where they help with tuition and encourage continuing education.


I'm by no means a rummage sale expert, I want to price stuff low enough to sell, but high enough that I can actually make some money for my effort. Everytime I turn around lately I see something in the house and wonder -"would somebody buy that"


Weight-wise things are moving, slowly, but I think I'm still on track. Since there is no school this week, that means no zumba, so I'm going to try to get some weight training mixed back into my routine. Gunderson has a "Minutes in Motion" promotion starting soon which I plan on using as an additional accountability program. Maybe it's time to see what kind of workout the WiiFit can really provide.

Brain overload.....

The weight battle is moving well. It's been two weeks and I'm down 11 pounds as of this morning. Still a long way to go but feeling encouraged. I'm not following any specific plan, but have a few things that are keys to me - 2 cups raw carrots everyday, and an orange in the morning and the evening, plus tons of water.

I might have to miss Zumba this week - too many other things going on. Maybe next week I can get to both sessions. Actually hoping for another one with weights, kicked my butt but felt good.

Feeling overwhelmed in other areas - need to complete my incomplete class by Friday - and that includes writing a paper that I'm clueless on how to do. A fair amount of work for theatre class too.

On top of that I'm the chair for a political convention on Friday night.

ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH

Oh yes, there are several jobs I want to apply for, but my resume needs some polish. Maybe I won't sleep for a couple days, that could do the trick.

The "reset button" has been stolen....

It seems that lot of political talk over the last month has included talk about "hitting the reset button." Whenever I heard that, I thought "I better start blogging again"


Well, here I am. And here I go again.


Since I started doing this 10 months ago my posts have been far from frequent, although it turns out a couple people were actually reading.


Just finished up a three day "quick start" from the weight loss program I did over four years ago - it was somewhat successful, I lost eight pounds in three days. Wahoo !!!


Now comes the harder part, keeping going. I could follow the program I did back then, but I'm not sure I have the discipline with so many other things going on. I've read quite a bit about good eating plans etc, and I'm a fan of the "Eat This, Not That" books. Plus, I want the whole family on board. Too often we go for the easy stuff, which is usually not as healthy. It's time to get off the couch, turn off the TV and work at it. Wife and oldest son are on board, younger son is like me - won't try things, gets stuck on certain foods.


I have to schedule a re-check with the doctor and if things aren't better, I know I will be put on some medication for cholesterol. I do NOT want that.


Monday morning I weighed in at 260 pounds.

My goal weight is 210-215. When I got there before I felt really good about myself.


By my birthday (April 30) I want to be at 230. For the 5K that I will run on July 3rd, I'll be at my goal weight. I might even talk about this on Facebook, just to build accountability.


And yes, I've been doing Zumba........