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/