Quick update

Had a setback last week with Drew being sick. Couldn't go to the gym. I also got a little stressed out about Scarlett's little ER visit, so I sort of fell off the wagon with the diet. But, I didn't gain any weight back and still managed to lose some since the last time I reported. I am at a total of 13 lbs. lost. Need to get back on the 3 hour diet wagon.

I never did post about my workout a couple of weeks ago where I ran 3 miles on the treadmill in 30 minutes. All while Mary was threatening that if I quit, I'd have to run another mile. I've never run 3 miles in my life!

Ran a mile today with intermittent cardio work. Then did upper body. I'll be hurting, since I didn't make it to the gym last week. Gotta get motivated again. Ryan and I are going to go out this weekend probably to Ruth's Chris steakhouse, so I need to be good this week...

I am still in it to win it!!!

Weighed in at 179 this morning.

Ran 4.25 miles at 7 per mile pace yesterday, I am getting stronger and leaner every week. I have back off the cardio a little. I am doing weights 3 days a week and will only do 3o minutes cardio on those days. I will do an hour of cardio when not lifting.

Yall keep it going!! How is Mom doing??

Sneaking Up On You!

The Eye of the Tiger - thats what I've got, and I'm sneaking up on ya'll!

I was a little disappointed when I weighted in this past Monday, because I had only lost 2 lbs last week. So, what did I do, I backed up and put my head down and broke right through that brick wall. Can you? Break through that brick wall, that is?

Here is how you do it. Go from 1 hr of aerobic to an 1 1/2 hr of aerobic, from 1000 cal burn to 1300.

LOOK OUT: When we hit the 30 days out mark, I'm going to "two-a-days." The fat will be in a full melt down by then. No Problem!!! This contest is mine!

Psycho DAD

One way or the Other

I will succeed!!!!

I just had a MRI on my knee to rule out anything other than Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). I still can't run for more than about 6-7 minutes without pain and to continue running through the pain only makes it worse and lengthens the recovery. They did give me some more potent anti-inflamatory meds so I can stop popping Advil like it is candy.

On the other leg, I do believe my hamstring is getting better although slowly. Many months of injury take much time to repair and I have been told many times that the hamstring does not recover as quickly as some other muscle groups.

So, I am still going keep dieting, swimming (although not much lately because my shoulder has been hurting) and doing some strength training.

Where has everyone else been. Surely you can take a few minutes to provide a update.

Jump! The Old Steam Engine Is Right On Top Of You!

It's getting closer, you'd better jump.

Saturday, 1hour & 35minutes of aerobics today! 35 min on stair stepper, 30 min on stationary bike, and 30 minutes on treadmill, and of course another day of 1000+ cal burn.

But, it wasn't easy. I was wipped by the end. Tomorrow, I think I will cut back to 1 hour, I don't want to scare you "younguns" off.

The Old Steam Engine Is Rolling! Coming After You!

Look out, here I come. Ya'll better find a place to get off the track safely. Yesterday: 1 hr 5min on stair stepper at a new record pace. Today: 1 hr 10min on stair stepper and another 1000 cal burn day!

The Old Steam Engine Is Rolling!

Matt is Here

I am still chugging along. Been a tough week for exersize. I have been working alot this week. We have a audit starting on Monday and it is alot to prep for on top of my everyday job. I did not get to the gym to weigh in so it will have to wait till next week.

Oooohhhhh, Maaaaatttt.... Where aaaare you?

Just wondering what you had to report for this week. Did I miss it?

Gazelle Intensity

"Gazelle intensity" as Dave Ramsey would say. Today: 1 hr 10 minutes in gym on machines, but that was not enough, so this afternoon I got on the Gazelle Jen gave us. Ryan does not think the Gazelle does any good, but come ride that Gazelle the way I do and you see. I rode it so hard one day before we went to Florida that I thought I had broke it legs, but I guess he recovered because Mom has ridden him the last two days, and he seem to be doing fine, so I jumped on. We'll after a 1/2 hr that Gazelle's nose went right into the dirt, but don't fear I landed on my feet with arms raised in victory and a cloud dust all around. That poor Gazelle! His legs (pistons) were so hot I though something was on fire. I'll have to give him a few days rest, a little food, and Mom giving him nice little training rides before I get on him again. But, at the end of the day I had 1 hr and 40 minutes on them calorie burning machines. Don't you love em!

The Train Building Speed - Look Out!

You young people better speed it up, the steam engine is building speed; you don't want to get run over!

Broke 1000 calories at the gym today!

My Report

So, I'm down 10 lbs. now.  I actually didn't think it was that much.  I hadn't weighed since I lost btw. 7 and 8.   Weighed today.  10lbs!  Mary has pushed me really hard on the cardio at the gym.  To the point of nausea.  No joke.  Fortunately, I haven't thrown up yet.  On the days I don't go to the gym I 've been pulling all the kids (close to 100 lbs.) in the wagon, all through the neighborhood, up hills, at the fastest pace I can stand.  That's really a workout.  My quads are burning after that and I'm huffing and puffing.  So, I said I needed to be creative.  That's my solution for now to get the extra cardio in.  I didn't make it to the gym today, b/c Scarlett and Drew both have coughs and runny noses.  Hopefully, I make it on Wed.  I did pull the wagon around today, but only with BG and Drew in it.  Scarlett insisted on walking around the neighborhood in her princess dress.  She pranced, while I pulled.  It definitely wasn't as hard without Scarlett's weight in the wagon.   Been doing pretty well on the diet.  I do kind of like Mark.  If I cheat, I make up for it at other meals by eating less calories than I normally would.  I'm not as hungry as I was to start with.  I guess my stomach has shrunk some.  Don't get me wrong.  I could pig out with no trouble at all, it's just not as torturous as it was the first week or two.  I'd love to have some Publix Heavenly Hash.....

Weekly Report

Weight: 183

That is another 3 lbs. I did pretty good on the diet this past week. I did cheat a few times as I was taken to lunch 3 times, but I just made sure I was good the rest of the meals those days. I did have a Five Guys burger Saturday night too, it was coupon for a free one!!

My workouts have been going great. I am getting stronger and can definitely see the difference. I tried to do 2 hours of cardio yesterday, but decided to stop at 1:40. My legs were dead and I was starting to cramp up.

Dad: That is awesome 6lbs while in Florida. I hear ya Mr. Biking Champion!!

The Train Has Left The Station!

Ok, I've been waiting for someone to "pickup my stroll," but I can't wait any longer, the steam engine has left the station! It might be a slow start, but once this steam engine gets rolling, there is not stopping it! Down 6 lbs - even with the trip to Florida. Look out this trains ah coming! Don't get run over!

Did 35minutes on the stationary bike and 35 minutes on the stair stepper yesterday for 880 cal total. I know, Matt, those machines are notoriously inaccurate, but try it - 35 min on stair stepper, and then 35 minutes at my speed on the bike. I know, but how can these old legs keep up with you youngans? Because you forget, or never knew I was a "biking champion" also. Out of 275 cops in the Super Cop Competition in 1976, which I won, one of the events I won was the bike race for which I blew away the competition winning the bike race. So these old legs know how to push them petals too!

Psycho Man

It is quiet in here

We haven't lost any competitors yet have we?

Low Calorie & Healthy Foods To Cure Hunger Pain

When controlling the calories, sometimes we have to deal with hunger especially in the mid morning or mid afternoon time periods. I am noticing this as I reduce the calorie intake. Here are some ways to suppress that hunger without blowing your diet.

1. Have a glass of water, wait 10 minutes and likely you will be fine until the next meal. Drink alot of water throughout the day as well and you will be less likely to be hungry.
2. Eat an apple. At less than a hundred calories and rich in fiber, it will cure your hunger pains.

Other recommendations include popcorn (without butter), leafy greens (without dressing), various soups, oatmeal. Think high fiber and/or high water content.

I don't know why I am giving these tips. This is a contest and I want to win.

Weigh In

197 lbs

If your scared say your scared

Friday: 90 minutes of cardio. First 30 minutes 4.2 miles at 7:15 pace, next 30 minutes StairMaster, last 30 on the elliptical

Saturday: Arm workout and 30 minutes on StairMaster

Sunday: 8 mile run at 7:35 pace

Monday Weigh In: 186 lbs

Beat This

Swam 2,000 yards yesterday and 1,745 calories for the day. 

 

Today, 1457 calories including a Dunkin Donuts Munchkin at Sunday School.   Just one, but boy oh boy did I want more. 

 

1500 yards planned for tomorrow morning at 6am, weigh-in, PT at 7:30 and then off to work. 

Matt

First Day Counting Calories

2050 calories - not bad considering I had pizza tonight at Rick & Barbara's house. 1 hr and 10 minutes jogging. I'm back! Look out!

Calorie Counting Helps

1814 Calories on Thursday

 

Strawberry Shortcake

Was it worth it? One thing that I have learned through this process is that when you realize how much exersize it requires to burn off a bowl of ice cream or piece of cake, the enjoyment of it becomes tainted with bitterness of mind.

So build your push back muscle during this contest too.

Some Competition Pyscho Man

1680 calories today.

Great New Blog Look Jen

Jen,
Great new look on the blog. You're really getting good at this tech stuff.

I fasted all day yesterday. Our conference has had a theme of prayer, and I fasted for the first time in my life. This is the last night, and tomorrow I hope to get my run (jog) in before we check out of motel.

We've had a great conference!

DAD

Edit:  Although I'd like to take credit for the new blog look, that would be Matt's doing.  I don't know how he found the time to do it, I sure haven't had the time!  Great job, Matt!

Good News For You

My IT band flared up last night while exersizing. That is going to keep me off of the bike and from running for a while longer.

Good news for me is that I am down to 200.

12/29 = 203
01/07 = 200

Calorie Counting - 2000 cals today

Not too bad for the 1st day counting calories. I am using fitday.com, a free online calorie counter, exersize log, etc. It even calculates your net calories. Not sure how accurate it is but it helps to see how well you are doing. I had 2 coffees this morning and that is not normal. That accounts for an extra 150 calories of sugar. I was really surprised how many calories the sugar is. I am going to try to cut that back a little. I am also going to cut out the butter. I don't need the extra 100 calories that it adds for sure.

I planned to swim this morning but had to work. I will swim tomorrow. Did do 15 minutes on the eliptical and 15 minutes of walking.

185 is in my sights!! Maybe by the next wiegh in??

7.6 miles last night in 59 minutes. That is a new PR pace for me on my hour runs at 7:45 per mile. I sprinted up the hill at my house at the end of the run, I thought i was going to fall over and pass out. Today was a little easier. Did a leg and back workout, threw in some abs too. Also, was on stair master for 30 minutes. I am shredding the fat, it is falling off. I am putting on the muscle just as fast. Who wants some of this?? LOL

My Breakfast of Champions - 652 Calories??? What?

One key to my weight loss over the last year has been eating a consistent breakfast that is the same most days and I actually like it. It also keeps the IBS in check since I make the bagels from our whole wheat. I have never counted the calories though and I was amazed.

652 calories for a bagel, butter, jam and coffee with sugar. Something is going to have to go! I think the butter or jam with be dropped 1st and that alone will reduce by about 50 calories a day. 3 tablespoons of sugar in my coffee is 177 calories. Need to cut that back to 2 tbsp. Probably will have to cut the amount of coffee back since less sugar is going to make it too bitter for me.

No Weight Loss To Report, BUT..

I don't have scales to check my weight, but I did jog for 1hr & 10 minutes this morning, and had salad for lunch. Headed for evening event at the church with Pizza on the menu. Wow! We'll see, I do seem to feel like I've lost some, but just wait til I get back. I'm just warming up anyway. I'll be at full speed by the end.

Progress Report

Struggled with the diet the last few days. I went to Greenville to go Fishing and learn how to change the brakes on a car. I weighed in at 190lbs, so that is probably about 8 lbs lost. Don't worry I am going to hit it hard this week, I didn't want to scare y'all off this early in the competition.

Weekly weigh in from Silver Swan Super Woman

Drumroll, please!!!!!! I have lost 3 pounds!  The diet suffered a little at the end of the week last week and through the weekend.   Ryan had his gum surgery and there's been a lot of pudding and ice cream around the house.  I don't have much willpower when it comes to ice cream.  I just can't have it in the house.  Anyway, getting back on track today and going to the gym.  I only made it to the gym twice last week.  Kids were sick, I was sick, Ryan was sick, plus he had his surgery and was mostly out of commission for three days. Waiting to hear how the rest of you measure up!  Pun intended! Mark if you've lost 10 pounds, I'm still not scared!  Slow and steady wins the race.  

Before Pictures: Finally!

Guess what!  Ryan was feeling sorry for me without my computer and Photoshop for over two weeks, so he insisted we get a new desktop since the old one is on it's last leg and won't even run Photoshop, and trying to work the web is painfully slow.  We found a deal on an Acer with 4G of ram and a huge hard drive for $499 including the 19" widescreen LCD monitor and a printer!  Sooooo..... long story short, I was able to load my photos from my card painlessly and here are the lovely before photos.  We didn't think to do the side view, but this will do.  

Post from: Not So Psycho Man This Week

Ok, so the diet is suffering a little down here in Florida, but I have been able to hit the Pinellas Trail behind Grammy's home. Friday was a 1 hr jog on the trail followed by Saturday with a 1 hr & 10 minute jog. Man are my legs sore today, so a day of rest was in order. Don't quit on me now gang, I plan a run tomorrow morning before we head off to the motel for the AGM Conference. We'll see how it goes with the diet, but I'm planning on eating reasonably (yea, right) at the Conference, then look out when I get back to SC.