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.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
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)
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)
Friday, April 9, 2010
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"
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"
Friday, April 2, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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 ?
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 ?
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