Good News, Bad News

Weight (246 lbs. -1, -6 total)

I've been having a good week. I've been eating moderately, nothing too horrendous, and I've run Sun, Tues, and Thurs so far this week. Sunday I ran 3 miles and felt really good. Tuesday I ran 2.5, but could not get going. I started out too fast (for me) and couldn't get into a groove. Today I felt a little better and did another 2.5 miles. I have to get back to writing my calories down though. I've been neglecting that for about 2 weeks now. I also need to get back to the gym and do some weights. It's just been SOOO nice out, that I'd rather get my exercise outside.

So, the good news... As I mentioned previously, I went for my latest cholesterol check last Thursday. My numbers came back better than they've been at any point over the last 7 years:

Triglycerides are 159 (goal is <150). 7 years ago they measured at nearly 300.
Total cholesterol is 142 (optimal is 125-200)
HDL is 30 (goal is >40). This was less than 20 7 years ago. I've been consistently at this number for the past year or so, and not sure what else I can do to gain some points here.
LDL is 80 (goal is <130)
Cholesterol ratio is 4.7 (goal is <5).  I don't remember what my original ratio was when I started this, but I believe it was closer to 6.

This is a huge accomplishment. I'd like to say that it's solely due to lifestyle changes, but I know its because of the meds I'm on. I've been better - a lot better - for the last few months. I can confidently say that this improvement is a little more drastic because I have been watching my diet a little more closely and getting more exercise. I'm pretty proud of these numbers. Kathy was there 7 years ago when I got a Saturday AM call from my doctor saying that I needed to make some changes immediately. It hasn't been easy, but I have gotten my cholesterol under control now.

Now the bad news... I also mentioned a few months back that my doctor wanted to monitor my blood pressure. I was EXTREMELY disappointed that I was borderline high again today. Today it was 146/82. This marked 9 times out of my last 14 visits that one of my blood pressure numbers was borderline high. My doctor finally convinced me to go on to a low dose blood pressure medication. I did not/do not want to do this. After peppering him with every question I could think of for a half hour I finally agreed to it. He prescribed 50 mg of Losartan potassium. I know that once people start taking blood pressure medication they rarely get off of it. I don't want to take another med, but I am also getting to the age where I want to decrease my risk of heart attack or stroke and based on my personal and family history, this is probably the best way to get it under control a little more quickly. He did say that if I lose 20 lbs, keep eating better and exercising and we see great improvement in my blood pressure readings I can always try to go off it. The only risk with that is seeing it elevate again. If it does, then its back on the meds, likely for good.

So that's where I stand now. I'm down 6 pounds, but was hoping to be down about 10 by now. My cholesterol levels have improved greatly. My blood pressure is elevated, but will be treated. I'm back to being almost able to run 3 miles (the Phillies 5K is in 9 days and my shins are f%@*ing KILLING me. All in all I'm doing and feeling okay. I think I'm on track for the Warrior Dash, but I have to start ramping up my efforts a little bit. I'll be ready. Spring is here. I always eat less and exercise more when I can be outside.

And I can't believe I get to say it again, but I will... Go NC State!!!