Weight: 243 (-2 lbs, -9 total)
Well, it turns out the scale battery is fine. It was set to kilograms for whatever reason. Anyway, I'm down another 2 lbs, and just wrapped a great week of exercise. Today I topped it off with a run to the gym, 20 mins on the elliptical, a weight lifting session, and a run back home. I felt good. I've noticed though that when I run, the first 5 minutes are the toughest for me. I really struggle to get my breath and get into a rhythm. I always wondered why runners run before their races, and I think I'm going to try that at the 5K this Friday. I'll have plenty of time, so I'm going to go for a short half mile jog just to get my lungs and legs warmed up and then try to run the race. My goal is to finish under 30 minutes, which would be cutting 7 minutes off my time since November. Not too shabby!
My goals for this week are to really try and eat reasonably healthy. I want to feel good when I run on Friday. I usually do a good job of drinking water, so I'll keep pounding the water. I'm going to try not to eat anything real heavy or rich. I plan to go to thy gym on Monday to do some cardio, then run on Tuesday. Wednesday will be tough with the t-ball game, so I may take off Wed, then do some more cardio on Thursday. If I do that I think I'll be in good shape for Friday.
After that I am going to go into full Warrior mode for two weeks. I'm going to give up the sweets and greasy foods I love. I'm going to focus on being in the best possible shape I can be in for that day. I know its going to be tough, and I know I probably could have done more to get ready, but I feel as good and healthy now as I've felt in a long time.
I also want to acknowledge Kathy's accomplishment this weekend. She ran the Odyssey half marathon in 2:15. That's unbelievable. And to know how far she has come in two years is just really inspiring. She eats healthy, she's completely dedicated to running, and her dedication has clearly paid off. She looks great, and she's probably in the best shape of her life. I am so proud of her. I wish I could find that well of determination that she has. She does say that a lot of it is just mind over matter - overcoming the mental challenges. I always argue that when you have the limited mental abilities that I have that it doesn't really matter so much, but I get what she's saying. I know I can run the 5K under 30 mins. I know that I just have to keep those legs moving.
So that's it. Kind of a rambling update. I feel like I'm boring anyone that's reading this with the same updates week after week, but I also feel like I have to keep writing this to stay accountable to my goal. I promise a more entertaining update post-Warrior Dash.
I'll update Friday evening with the results of the Jeremy Jedi's 5K. And as mentioned before, if anyone wants to run or walk with me (come on work friends - we're in Malvern anyway...) you can sign up here (and there's free food after the race!!!)
http://jeremysjedi.org/
Lastly, if you can, please support my fundraising efforts for the Warrior Dash. All donations are for St. Jude Children's Hospital. I can't be the only one who sponsors me! Sponsor me and I'll buy you a beer next time I see you. Thanks!
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?userId=746301&programId=901&eventId=259854
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
A lot less fat!
Weight: 111 lbs (-141 total)
Yes, you read that correctly. I stepped on the scale THREE times this morning, and each time it read 111 lbs. I'll admit, I had a pretty good week, but that surpassed even my wildest expectations. Kathy seems to think it's the battery in the scale. I think its more of a product of hard work.
Since I don't seem to have an accurate reading today, I'll keep this on the brief side. Last Wednesday marked the one month till the Warrior Dash date. I have started eating healthier, and I have definitely ramped up my exercise. Last week I got to thy gym 3 times for weight lifting and cardio on the elliptical, and I also got out for two runs. This coming week I am planning on: gym on Monday, off Tuesday, gym Wednesday, run Thursday, off Friday, run Saturday.
In regards to running, I've hit a bit of a roadblock since my personal best two weeks ago. I haven't been able to duplicate that feat (in time) since then, but I feel like its been more of a mental hurdle than a physical hurdle. Maybe its the suddenly warmer/more humid weather. Maybe the increased pollen/allergies. Maybe I'm not drinking enough water (doubtful as I drink a ton of water)... Maybe it's a combination of all three. I just don't know. I'm very interested in how I'm going to do at the Jeremy Jedi 5K on June 1. My goal is to complete the run in under 30:00.
I'm really hoping to kind of round into better shape over the next month. Obviously I'm not going to lose 20 lbs, but I'm hopeful for another 5 or so, and I'm hoping to increase my strength and stamina. Right now I feel like I can do the Warrior Dash, but I don't necessarily feel like I could kick its ass or anything like that. I don't think I'll get there, but I am hoping to get to the point where I can do this dash and not just simply barely survive it.
And now for the business part of all this: if you are able, please support my cause. I signed up to try and raise funds by running this dash for the St. Jude's Children's hospital. Every little bit helps them do some great things.
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?userId=746301&programId=901&eventId=259854
Lastly, I am running the Jeremy Jedi 5K on Friday June 1. It's after work and is in Malvern. So if anyone from work wants to join me, I'd love to have the company. Check it out here:
http://jeremysjedi.org/
Yes, you read that correctly. I stepped on the scale THREE times this morning, and each time it read 111 lbs. I'll admit, I had a pretty good week, but that surpassed even my wildest expectations. Kathy seems to think it's the battery in the scale. I think its more of a product of hard work.
Since I don't seem to have an accurate reading today, I'll keep this on the brief side. Last Wednesday marked the one month till the Warrior Dash date. I have started eating healthier, and I have definitely ramped up my exercise. Last week I got to thy gym 3 times for weight lifting and cardio on the elliptical, and I also got out for two runs. This coming week I am planning on: gym on Monday, off Tuesday, gym Wednesday, run Thursday, off Friday, run Saturday.
In regards to running, I've hit a bit of a roadblock since my personal best two weeks ago. I haven't been able to duplicate that feat (in time) since then, but I feel like its been more of a mental hurdle than a physical hurdle. Maybe its the suddenly warmer/more humid weather. Maybe the increased pollen/allergies. Maybe I'm not drinking enough water (doubtful as I drink a ton of water)... Maybe it's a combination of all three. I just don't know. I'm very interested in how I'm going to do at the Jeremy Jedi 5K on June 1. My goal is to complete the run in under 30:00.
I'm really hoping to kind of round into better shape over the next month. Obviously I'm not going to lose 20 lbs, but I'm hopeful for another 5 or so, and I'm hoping to increase my strength and stamina. Right now I feel like I can do the Warrior Dash, but I don't necessarily feel like I could kick its ass or anything like that. I don't think I'll get there, but I am hoping to get to the point where I can do this dash and not just simply barely survive it.
And now for the business part of all this: if you are able, please support my cause. I signed up to try and raise funds by running this dash for the St. Jude's Children's hospital. Every little bit helps them do some great things.
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?userId=746301&programId=901&eventId=259854
Lastly, I am running the Jeremy Jedi 5K on Friday June 1. It's after work and is in Malvern. So if anyone from work wants to join me, I'd love to have the company. Check it out here:
http://jeremysjedi.org/
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Back on track
Weight: 245 (no change, -7 total)
Well, I'd be lying if I said April and early May hasn't been a struggle. I didn't really have a problem with Easter or my birthday and the big meals that came with them, it was just a hard month for me to get through. As I briefly mentioned in my last entry I had a bit of a "physical" ailment which precluded me from getting any significant exercise for about two weeks. Fortunately, I'm back to nearly 100% and I have really been increasing my exercise and being a little more careful about what I'm eating. Right now I feel pretty okay.
I've been to the gym to lift three times in the past week so I am meeting my goal in that respect. I don't know if I notice anything, but I feel better about it. I'm not lifting a lot of weight, but I'm targeting all areas - especially my arms and shoulders. A few years back I injured my shoulder reaching for a ball that Ryan threw to me. For a few weeks I thought I tore my rotator cuff. I know that I didn't, but I certainly did something to my shoulder. It's been fine for some time now, but I really felt it again when I started lifting some weights that impacted my shoulder muscles. I had a hard time lifting any significant weight at all over my head. Other than that the weights are going good.
I've also been going harder on the elliptical machine and trying to increase my heartbeat and the length of time I'm on it. I'm trying to get more out of my cardio workouts. On Tuesday I went for a run outside for the first time in about 10 days and had the best run I've had in 25 years. I decided to run my own 5K and broke 30 minutes for the first time since high school (when I was about 165 lbs). I completed my run in 29:45, but that includes the 20-40 seconds I spent trying to figure out how to save the time on my running app. I was (and remain) very excited and motivated by this. I feel like even though I am struggling to lose weight, I am still getting in better shape. Last November I ran a 5K in 37 minutes. In March I did the Phillies 5K in 33 minutes. And now a month later I'm down to under 30 minutes. I was so excited I signed up for another 5K event to run in a few weeks as part of my Warrior Dash training.
So all in all, I'm feeling okay. I'm not really any less fat yet, but I'm definitely in better shape. I still believe the pounds will come off if I can find a way to commit to it. It's just so hard for me. I'm not a "foodie," but I really love food. I love to try new things, I love to go out to eat, I love to grill, I love picnics and parties. It's just not easy for me to cut things out, but I have been better. I'm eating healthy breakfasts and lots of fruits and vegetables. I'm not really snacking at night too much, except for some popcorn once or twice a week. But I'm even doing that healthier. We threw out our disgusting old microwave and I bought an air popper to make the popcorn. It's not as tasty, but it's certainly healthier than the microwave bags. I still have about 6 weeks until the Warrior Dash. I have time to lose some weight, and time to increase my speed and strength. I just need to maintain my focus. I'm hoping that will be easier now that I've seen some positive resultsin regards to my fitness level. Speaking of the Warrior Dash, I have opened my fundraising page (link below). All donations go to St. Jude's. My goal is to raise $250. If you can spare $5 or $10 please make a donation. Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement.
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?userId=746301&programId=901&eventId=259854
Lastly, I just want to say how proud I am of Kathy. Two years ago she decided to get healthy and fit and signed up for the Broad Street 10 mile run. Last year she kind of ran it just hoping to survive and finished in just under 2 hours. This year she attacked it and ran it in 1:44, with her 10th mile actually being her fastest. She's eating healthy. She's completely dedicated to her training, and she looks fantastic. She's running a half marathon in 2 weeks, and who knows, maybe a marathon in her future? She's been really inspiring. Maybe, MAYBE I'll sign up for Broad Street next year. I don't know.
I'd also like to give a thumbs up to my sister, Susie, who just started the couch to 5K program. She and I are going to run the Pottstown 4th of July 5K together and I'm looking forward to that. Now it's public, Susie. No backing out.
Oh yeah, one last item. I mentioned that I signed up for another 5K. Below is the link to the event if anyone (especially any friends from work) would like to run with me. It's Friday, June 1st in Malvern. Race starts at 6:30 and its another race for a great cause. And maybe we can go out and grab a cold brew afterwards.
http://jeremysjedi.org/
Well, I'd be lying if I said April and early May hasn't been a struggle. I didn't really have a problem with Easter or my birthday and the big meals that came with them, it was just a hard month for me to get through. As I briefly mentioned in my last entry I had a bit of a "physical" ailment which precluded me from getting any significant exercise for about two weeks. Fortunately, I'm back to nearly 100% and I have really been increasing my exercise and being a little more careful about what I'm eating. Right now I feel pretty okay.
I've been to the gym to lift three times in the past week so I am meeting my goal in that respect. I don't know if I notice anything, but I feel better about it. I'm not lifting a lot of weight, but I'm targeting all areas - especially my arms and shoulders. A few years back I injured my shoulder reaching for a ball that Ryan threw to me. For a few weeks I thought I tore my rotator cuff. I know that I didn't, but I certainly did something to my shoulder. It's been fine for some time now, but I really felt it again when I started lifting some weights that impacted my shoulder muscles. I had a hard time lifting any significant weight at all over my head. Other than that the weights are going good.
I've also been going harder on the elliptical machine and trying to increase my heartbeat and the length of time I'm on it. I'm trying to get more out of my cardio workouts. On Tuesday I went for a run outside for the first time in about 10 days and had the best run I've had in 25 years. I decided to run my own 5K and broke 30 minutes for the first time since high school (when I was about 165 lbs). I completed my run in 29:45, but that includes the 20-40 seconds I spent trying to figure out how to save the time on my running app. I was (and remain) very excited and motivated by this. I feel like even though I am struggling to lose weight, I am still getting in better shape. Last November I ran a 5K in 37 minutes. In March I did the Phillies 5K in 33 minutes. And now a month later I'm down to under 30 minutes. I was so excited I signed up for another 5K event to run in a few weeks as part of my Warrior Dash training.
So all in all, I'm feeling okay. I'm not really any less fat yet, but I'm definitely in better shape. I still believe the pounds will come off if I can find a way to commit to it. It's just so hard for me. I'm not a "foodie," but I really love food. I love to try new things, I love to go out to eat, I love to grill, I love picnics and parties. It's just not easy for me to cut things out, but I have been better. I'm eating healthy breakfasts and lots of fruits and vegetables. I'm not really snacking at night too much, except for some popcorn once or twice a week. But I'm even doing that healthier. We threw out our disgusting old microwave and I bought an air popper to make the popcorn. It's not as tasty, but it's certainly healthier than the microwave bags. I still have about 6 weeks until the Warrior Dash. I have time to lose some weight, and time to increase my speed and strength. I just need to maintain my focus. I'm hoping that will be easier now that I've seen some positive resultsin regards to my fitness level. Speaking of the Warrior Dash, I have opened my fundraising page (link below). All donations go to St. Jude's. My goal is to raise $250. If you can spare $5 or $10 please make a donation. Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement.
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?userId=746301&programId=901&eventId=259854
Lastly, I just want to say how proud I am of Kathy. Two years ago she decided to get healthy and fit and signed up for the Broad Street 10 mile run. Last year she kind of ran it just hoping to survive and finished in just under 2 hours. This year she attacked it and ran it in 1:44, with her 10th mile actually being her fastest. She's eating healthy. She's completely dedicated to her training, and she looks fantastic. She's running a half marathon in 2 weeks, and who knows, maybe a marathon in her future? She's been really inspiring. Maybe, MAYBE I'll sign up for Broad Street next year. I don't know.
I'd also like to give a thumbs up to my sister, Susie, who just started the couch to 5K program. She and I are going to run the Pottstown 4th of July 5K together and I'm looking forward to that. Now it's public, Susie. No backing out.
Oh yeah, one last item. I mentioned that I signed up for another 5K. Below is the link to the event if anyone (especially any friends from work) would like to run with me. It's Friday, June 1st in Malvern. Race starts at 6:30 and its another race for a great cause. And maybe we can go out and grab a cold brew afterwards.
http://jeremysjedi.org/
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