I can't believe its been 8 weeks already. I feel great and I'm swimming in most of my cloths. I am wearing a pair of size 40 pants and they are getting big on me! :)
So over the weekend I posted my stats, I then got an email from my coach telling me that I had posted them wrong.
So here they are:
wk1 284.6 lbs....38.6 %BF
wk4 270 lbs.......37% BF
wk8 262.6 lbs.....34.4% BF
Totals are still the same though...I've lost over a foot over my waist, chest, thighs, and hips.
I was walking off the train to my mom's car on Friday night and she didn't recognize me until I was about 5 feet away, either she's going senile or I've changed a bit, with her it could go either way. :) I joke but she's been a great inspiration in my life.
Enjoy the stats. I'll post most when I start doing a daily journal.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
8 Week Stats
So I'm in Maine and sitting here with my nephew watching some TV and i get an email from my coach with the results as of now, so I figured I would do a quick update.
Week 1
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37%
Week 4
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
Week 8
Age: 35 Wgt: 262 BF%: 33.6%
So in week 8 I've lost an additional 8.5 inches, 3.4 % Body Fat and 8.5 inches overall.
Totals:22.2 lbs, 4.2%BF 15.25 inches overall...thought I would share these mind blowing figures. More to write later.
Week 1
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37%
Week 4
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
Week 8
Age: 35 Wgt: 262 BF%: 33.6%
So in week 8 I've lost an additional 8.5 inches, 3.4 % Body Fat and 8.5 inches overall.
Totals:22.2 lbs, 4.2%BF 15.25 inches overall...thought I would share these mind blowing figures. More to write later.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Missed week and weigh in!
So I was a little busy again over these last couple of weeks and didn't get a chance to blog my story...so here I am. I'm going for my 8 week weight in this weekend, also going to see my Nephew play some ball and hang with my grandparents, (never know how much longer they will be around).
But to last week. So I was tired, after going to the gym I caught the train home and decided I was going to veg for an hour or so after I got out of the shower. I sat down and watched the 2 hour episode of the biggest loser, and I was stunned to see that in the first 30 minutes two of their new contestants had to go to the hospital because they had a problem doing just a mile...a whole mile. Now I'll be the first to admit I am no fan of running, but to be taken to a hospital by helicopter at the end of a mile...should set off some kind of bells and whistles that things need to change in your life, esp with the fact that the woman in question has 2 young kids and a husband in Iraq. Not to mention Coach Mo, who was a collegiate athlete and went on to coach youth athletes. How can you coach and have people look up to you when you can't do a mile without needing O2 and an over night in the hospital?
I'm not condemning anyone...but I'm looking at how America has become the largest country in the world, and on our TV shows as well. At the weigh in for the biggest looser they made the comment that it is the largest class they have ever had. Shay, one of the ladies on there, was 474 lbs, that was the largest person ever, in the history of the show. Fits right up there with the show "more to love", the average size of woman in america is between 16-18...now I like a woman with curves but why is the national average this high? Are we truly a nation of apathetic people that will take the easy way out? Its easier to go to the drive through then spending 20 minutes at home grilling some chicken and steaming a bowl of veggies? I think that is just sad, how many people in today's society actually sit down and have an evening meal with the family that was prepared in the home and not Domino's or Chinese?
Just doing a quick search on the CDC website I found these stats for 2005-2006:
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 67% (2005-2006)
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2005-2006)
Percent of adolescents age 12-19 years who are overweight: 18% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 6-11 years who are overweight: 15% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 2-5 years who are overweight: 11% (2005-2006)
Back in 2006 these are shocking statistics...18% of our children are overweight. Thats going up even today.
Now I didn't want to turn this blog into a rant about overweight and obesity but these are the reasons that I started down this path. My spirit is willing but my body is unable...and I'm the one that let myself get there. I was as apathetic and as lazy as the next person. Currently I'm suffering from planter facetious and this is causing my work outs to be less intense then they could be, as a result of this condition I was have also started to suffer some damage to my lower leg because its causing me to walk awkwardly...I'm not happy about this...at all. However it is what I have to work through to get myself healthy. Everyone will face their own trials and tribulations, this is what makes the journey special, being able to look back and say..."I did it, despite all this crap before me." I mean hell if it was easy the national average wouldn't be so high!
So back to my journey! I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Take last week for instance. It was a Wednesday and I had just gotten done working out in the gym and I called up my friend Andrew to grab a quick bite. We eat and then made our way to the train. We are sitting at the train for about 5 minutes when I notice that I had voice mail. I listen to my VM and its my friend Rachel, she tells me that there was a fire at the Chinatown stop and as a result she was kicked off the train and missed her commuter rail back to Providence, wanted to know if I wanted to hang out. Now for those of you who know Rachel, she's awesome, truly one of the special people in my life...I don't spend nearly enough time with her. So I ditched Andrew, who totally understood, and met up with Rachel under the caveat that she be able to catch the 750 or the 820 train out of Backbay to Providence. We met on the Green line at Symphony hall and walked around Boston for the next hour or so. It wasn't so much that we had any particular destination in mind...we just caught up on each other's lives. At about 8 o'clock we found a little pub near Backbay and went in for a drink. Now I haven't had a single drop of alcohol during this entire program, and I wasn't going to have one...until we sat at the bar and saw Hoegaarden on tap! Now this is one of my favorite beers and I've never seen it in the states. I fell in love with it when I was in Hong Kong...its a great white beer of Belgium origins...the problem...one of the main ingredients is wheat. But I figured it was a special occasion, I don't often spend time with Rachel so I decided I would treat myself.It tasted great! We each had a beer, I think Rachel bought because I couldn't get my card fast enough...but hey i won't argue when a beautiful woman wants to be buy me a beer! :)
We go back head back to the train station and she makes the 820 back to Rhode Island. I on the other hand have to deal with the cluster fuck that is the MBTA on this particular night! Not only was the Orange Line only working on Outbound trains(i needed to go inbound)...the Red Line had a power failure from Harvard square to JFK...for those not familiar with the Red line...thats all of about 6 stops! So I ask the T attendant what to do...he has no idea what buses were running, if shuttle service was available or when the trains would be back to normal. Really...what the hell are my taxes paying you to do? He actually recommended I take a cab home! I did and submitted the receipt to the MBTA for reimbursement...I know I won't see it but it was the principle dammit! And this is why I truly believe in cause and effect. I never would have got to hang out with Rachel if none of this happened, and that was my best night of the week!
But the fact we walked around the city, the back roads of the Backbay residential area, some of the historic buildings and just had a beautiful night with each other was possible because of this program. I don't think I could have handled being on my feet for that long if I wasn't on this path. She's moving to Chelsea and we hope to spend more time together, I attribute this to my sparkling personality and my growing confidence! :) I suppose the fact I'm a great person might have something to do with it too!
This program isn't just about numbers, anyone can put up the numbers. It's mental as well as physical, and in some cases it could be spiritual. A while ago my life coach told me, change your mind and change your life. That is one of the huge reasons I'm having such great successes with this program. I decided that enough was enough, and I haven't lost that drive. I'm making changes to my life in all areas...with the exception of cleaning the apartment...which will have to happen soon because I'm not having Rachel over in its current state...but I digress. I really haven't given it this much effort in the past. I've always had some excuse, "oh I can't motivate myself to go to the gym and I need a work out partner to keep me going", I call bullshit on that one. If you aren't in the mindset to do this for yourself and be self reliant you are setting yourself up to fail. Yes, it's easier with a partner but in the end you are the only one that can make the necessary changes in your life to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. So live it, Change your mind, change your life.
So I'm off to Maine this weekend for my 8 week weigh in. I'll post the numbers when I get back. I'm confident that my work is paying off, not only are my cloths fitting better...but my level of energy is remaining constant. I've even joined a workout program at work, we have a 9 week competition every year...I'm gonna blow them all out of the water! :) After I win I'll show them my secret...which isn't really a secret because its all right here...they just need to open their eyes! :)
Until next time, stay positive and keep your eyes on your goals!
But to last week. So I was tired, after going to the gym I caught the train home and decided I was going to veg for an hour or so after I got out of the shower. I sat down and watched the 2 hour episode of the biggest loser, and I was stunned to see that in the first 30 minutes two of their new contestants had to go to the hospital because they had a problem doing just a mile...a whole mile. Now I'll be the first to admit I am no fan of running, but to be taken to a hospital by helicopter at the end of a mile...should set off some kind of bells and whistles that things need to change in your life, esp with the fact that the woman in question has 2 young kids and a husband in Iraq. Not to mention Coach Mo, who was a collegiate athlete and went on to coach youth athletes. How can you coach and have people look up to you when you can't do a mile without needing O2 and an over night in the hospital?
I'm not condemning anyone...but I'm looking at how America has become the largest country in the world, and on our TV shows as well. At the weigh in for the biggest looser they made the comment that it is the largest class they have ever had. Shay, one of the ladies on there, was 474 lbs, that was the largest person ever, in the history of the show. Fits right up there with the show "more to love", the average size of woman in america is between 16-18...now I like a woman with curves but why is the national average this high? Are we truly a nation of apathetic people that will take the easy way out? Its easier to go to the drive through then spending 20 minutes at home grilling some chicken and steaming a bowl of veggies? I think that is just sad, how many people in today's society actually sit down and have an evening meal with the family that was prepared in the home and not Domino's or Chinese?
Just doing a quick search on the CDC website I found these stats for 2005-2006:
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 67% (2005-2006)
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2005-2006)
Percent of adolescents age 12-19 years who are overweight: 18% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 6-11 years who are overweight: 15% (2005-2006)
Percent of children age 2-5 years who are overweight: 11% (2005-2006)
Back in 2006 these are shocking statistics...18% of our children are overweight. Thats going up even today.
Now I didn't want to turn this blog into a rant about overweight and obesity but these are the reasons that I started down this path. My spirit is willing but my body is unable...and I'm the one that let myself get there. I was as apathetic and as lazy as the next person. Currently I'm suffering from planter facetious and this is causing my work outs to be less intense then they could be, as a result of this condition I was have also started to suffer some damage to my lower leg because its causing me to walk awkwardly...I'm not happy about this...at all. However it is what I have to work through to get myself healthy. Everyone will face their own trials and tribulations, this is what makes the journey special, being able to look back and say..."I did it, despite all this crap before me." I mean hell if it was easy the national average wouldn't be so high!
So back to my journey! I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Take last week for instance. It was a Wednesday and I had just gotten done working out in the gym and I called up my friend Andrew to grab a quick bite. We eat and then made our way to the train. We are sitting at the train for about 5 minutes when I notice that I had voice mail. I listen to my VM and its my friend Rachel, she tells me that there was a fire at the Chinatown stop and as a result she was kicked off the train and missed her commuter rail back to Providence, wanted to know if I wanted to hang out. Now for those of you who know Rachel, she's awesome, truly one of the special people in my life...I don't spend nearly enough time with her. So I ditched Andrew, who totally understood, and met up with Rachel under the caveat that she be able to catch the 750 or the 820 train out of Backbay to Providence. We met on the Green line at Symphony hall and walked around Boston for the next hour or so. It wasn't so much that we had any particular destination in mind...we just caught up on each other's lives. At about 8 o'clock we found a little pub near Backbay and went in for a drink. Now I haven't had a single drop of alcohol during this entire program, and I wasn't going to have one...until we sat at the bar and saw Hoegaarden on tap! Now this is one of my favorite beers and I've never seen it in the states. I fell in love with it when I was in Hong Kong...its a great white beer of Belgium origins...the problem...one of the main ingredients is wheat. But I figured it was a special occasion, I don't often spend time with Rachel so I decided I would treat myself.It tasted great! We each had a beer, I think Rachel bought because I couldn't get my card fast enough...but hey i won't argue when a beautiful woman wants to be buy me a beer! :)
We go back head back to the train station and she makes the 820 back to Rhode Island. I on the other hand have to deal with the cluster fuck that is the MBTA on this particular night! Not only was the Orange Line only working on Outbound trains(i needed to go inbound)...the Red Line had a power failure from Harvard square to JFK...for those not familiar with the Red line...thats all of about 6 stops! So I ask the T attendant what to do...he has no idea what buses were running, if shuttle service was available or when the trains would be back to normal. Really...what the hell are my taxes paying you to do? He actually recommended I take a cab home! I did and submitted the receipt to the MBTA for reimbursement...I know I won't see it but it was the principle dammit! And this is why I truly believe in cause and effect. I never would have got to hang out with Rachel if none of this happened, and that was my best night of the week!
But the fact we walked around the city, the back roads of the Backbay residential area, some of the historic buildings and just had a beautiful night with each other was possible because of this program. I don't think I could have handled being on my feet for that long if I wasn't on this path. She's moving to Chelsea and we hope to spend more time together, I attribute this to my sparkling personality and my growing confidence! :) I suppose the fact I'm a great person might have something to do with it too!
This program isn't just about numbers, anyone can put up the numbers. It's mental as well as physical, and in some cases it could be spiritual. A while ago my life coach told me, change your mind and change your life. That is one of the huge reasons I'm having such great successes with this program. I decided that enough was enough, and I haven't lost that drive. I'm making changes to my life in all areas...with the exception of cleaning the apartment...which will have to happen soon because I'm not having Rachel over in its current state...but I digress. I really haven't given it this much effort in the past. I've always had some excuse, "oh I can't motivate myself to go to the gym and I need a work out partner to keep me going", I call bullshit on that one. If you aren't in the mindset to do this for yourself and be self reliant you are setting yourself up to fail. Yes, it's easier with a partner but in the end you are the only one that can make the necessary changes in your life to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. So live it, Change your mind, change your life.
So I'm off to Maine this weekend for my 8 week weigh in. I'll post the numbers when I get back. I'm confident that my work is paying off, not only are my cloths fitting better...but my level of energy is remaining constant. I've even joined a workout program at work, we have a 9 week competition every year...I'm gonna blow them all out of the water! :) After I win I'll show them my secret...which isn't really a secret because its all right here...they just need to open their eyes! :)
Until next time, stay positive and keep your eyes on your goals!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Rough Weeks...
Ok so the stress of the last couple of weeks seems to be abating, which is good. I strayed from the plan a bit and ate what was convenient, not what was the healthiest choice for me. I'm glad this plan is flexible to the point that you don't blow all your work if you stray a bit.
I went away this weekend "camping" with some friends...by camping I mean LARPing and for the uninformed you can google that word. :) At these weekends food is always an issue, however because I was constantly on the move I was able to stray a little. These weekends can be fairly intense..and in the past I would be sweating to the point of sever dehydration, this event though the only time I started sweating profusely was when I had my helmet on...that thing makes my head feel like its in an oven! So I can totally see that my time in the gym has paid off in that department.
Another department the whole plan has paid off in would be the clothing department. For the first time in years I was able to wear a pair of slacks that were a size smaller...I haven't been in a size 40 for about 3 years. I felt really good and gave me a huge boost in confidence. I knew that my normal cloths were getting looser, but this was another experience all together. It felt great!
So over the course of the weekend I ate fruit and yogurt when I could, I brought some humus and carrots with me as a healthy snack between meals and I ate the vegetarian option with the mean plan, which turned out to be pretty good. Had to many potatoes but I worked around it, starches are still on the no list for me. But over all it wasn't to bad. To off set big lulls I ate Clif Bars, those really helped ease the hunger pains and gave me the energy I needed to get through the weekend. In fact I only ate 2 of them of the course of 3 days. They had a lot of sugar, but the amount of activity negated that.
So on to my gym workout and regiment...I've pretty much stayed were I was. 45 minutes on the recumbent bike, but I've increased to level 4...so its a little bit harder on the legs while maintaining my heart rate between 110-120. I've been averaging around 117...so thats good. I try to get 5 days, but thats not always the case...minimum would be 3 days, but I do what I can.
So this is going to a short entry...I go back for my 8 week weigh in the end of this month, and I'm going to push myself to out do my week 4 results!
Always forward, never backwards.
I went away this weekend "camping" with some friends...by camping I mean LARPing and for the uninformed you can google that word. :) At these weekends food is always an issue, however because I was constantly on the move I was able to stray a little. These weekends can be fairly intense..and in the past I would be sweating to the point of sever dehydration, this event though the only time I started sweating profusely was when I had my helmet on...that thing makes my head feel like its in an oven! So I can totally see that my time in the gym has paid off in that department.
Another department the whole plan has paid off in would be the clothing department. For the first time in years I was able to wear a pair of slacks that were a size smaller...I haven't been in a size 40 for about 3 years. I felt really good and gave me a huge boost in confidence. I knew that my normal cloths were getting looser, but this was another experience all together. It felt great!
So over the course of the weekend I ate fruit and yogurt when I could, I brought some humus and carrots with me as a healthy snack between meals and I ate the vegetarian option with the mean plan, which turned out to be pretty good. Had to many potatoes but I worked around it, starches are still on the no list for me. But over all it wasn't to bad. To off set big lulls I ate Clif Bars, those really helped ease the hunger pains and gave me the energy I needed to get through the weekend. In fact I only ate 2 of them of the course of 3 days. They had a lot of sugar, but the amount of activity negated that.
So on to my gym workout and regiment...I've pretty much stayed were I was. 45 minutes on the recumbent bike, but I've increased to level 4...so its a little bit harder on the legs while maintaining my heart rate between 110-120. I've been averaging around 117...so thats good. I try to get 5 days, but thats not always the case...minimum would be 3 days, but I do what I can.
So this is going to a short entry...I go back for my 8 week weigh in the end of this month, and I'm going to push myself to out do my week 4 results!
Always forward, never backwards.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
First Weights and Measures...
Ok that makes it sound like I'm going to the Government to get this stuff done...you know i need to be certified by the department of weights and measures! :)But seriously I ended up going to Maine last weekend and hung out with my sister and her two kids, missed seeing my Brother In-Law but someone had to stay home. However, before i get to that...I need to tell how bad I did last week.
Last week starts the most stressful two weeks of the year for us at school. The students come back, we have to distribute over 1300 laptops to freshmen, juniors, and grad students as well as dealing with any problems caused in the Resident Halls, while at the same time doing the normal things we do on a daily basis. I worked somew where around 50 hours last week...and I ate like crap. On Wednesday I ended up chowing down on pizza because the school bought it and I didn't have time to sit down to anything else. I even skipped a meal here or there..and I had Fried Dough...shhhhh don't tell my coach! :) Actually she already knows. I ended up having a sandwich a couple days...but the bread was pumpernickel...not that it really matter...grains aren't in my meal plan for another two weeks!
I had a good weekend in Maine, need the recharge time...and the madness picked up again on Monday...and this is the first time I've stopped long enough to sit and take a few minutes for myself and for my faithful readers. As many of you know this plan has a 4, 8 and 12 week milestone or weight in times. This is were we see all the progress...again its not how many pounds have you lost, it really is all about the inches, let me tell you ...it shows. I might need to bye a smaller belt soon.
So on to the nitty gritty, I'm sure you all recall my outlandish numbers from my initial weight in...but here you go to refresh:
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37%
My week 4 weight in:
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
So the number's don't lie. I'm down 14.5 lbs, 1.4% Body Fat, and overall I've lost 6.75 inchs from different parts of my body! Not to shabby.
I wish I had time to write more...but I'm still swamp...I'll recap what I learned on the program next week when things slow down. I've hoped you enjoyed it.
Last week starts the most stressful two weeks of the year for us at school. The students come back, we have to distribute over 1300 laptops to freshmen, juniors, and grad students as well as dealing with any problems caused in the Resident Halls, while at the same time doing the normal things we do on a daily basis. I worked somew where around 50 hours last week...and I ate like crap. On Wednesday I ended up chowing down on pizza because the school bought it and I didn't have time to sit down to anything else. I even skipped a meal here or there..and I had Fried Dough...shhhhh don't tell my coach! :) Actually she already knows. I ended up having a sandwich a couple days...but the bread was pumpernickel...not that it really matter...grains aren't in my meal plan for another two weeks!
I had a good weekend in Maine, need the recharge time...and the madness picked up again on Monday...and this is the first time I've stopped long enough to sit and take a few minutes for myself and for my faithful readers. As many of you know this plan has a 4, 8 and 12 week milestone or weight in times. This is were we see all the progress...again its not how many pounds have you lost, it really is all about the inches, let me tell you ...it shows. I might need to bye a smaller belt soon.
So on to the nitty gritty, I'm sure you all recall my outlandish numbers from my initial weight in...but here you go to refresh:
Age: 35 Wgt: 284.5 BF%: 37%
My week 4 weight in:
Age: 35 Wgt: 270 BF%: 35.6
So the number's don't lie. I'm down 14.5 lbs, 1.4% Body Fat, and overall I've lost 6.75 inchs from different parts of my body! Not to shabby.
I wish I had time to write more...but I'm still swamp...I'll recap what I learned on the program next week when things slow down. I've hoped you enjoyed it.
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