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.