Hang in there...make it to week 9!

Well, there's been a few posts lately of frustrations and some "negative" results. Hang in there...the average "New Year's Gym Resolution" fizzles out after the 8th week of the new year, so hang it there and make it to week 9! Statistics show at that point -- you are in for the long haul. I thought I'd post some encouragement. I, on the other hand, have done well. I eat much better, although not good yet ...but much better. My main improvements have been in portion control and switching out my snacks to healthy alternatives (mainly fruits) ...oh and the one that hurts is I drink very little soda now (I LOVE soda). I haven't missed a scheduled work out since we began on the 4th (5:00 am Mon-Fri) and have even managed in a couple weekend work outs too. I also do 3 specialized workouts a week in home at night (The Sparticus Workout). Sooo...I'm actually over the back in the gym woes, and getting back into lifting form and back to an old comfort level. Of course my weights are still way off after a full 18 month hiatus and I still look like a turd, but my form is back and I'm noticing significant gains -- so I at least have confidence slowly creaping back.

The cardio remains a struggle, and always will. I hate it - always have. Many have life goals, or even challenge goals of certain running times and events. Not my cup of tea -- I would honestly rather have 1/2 my pinkie cut off than be forced to run any portion of a marathon. I just hate to run - even at the most fit times in my life, I hated to run. If I have to do it -- I prefer to run in 65 ft increments (for those that know me well, they know that's the distance between bases in all major softball associations), any more than that and I don't like it. But...my point is, I've remained faithful to do cardio at each workout, in some form or another. So for me, that's a big win.

While not hugely significant, I have dropped an even, and steady 6 pounds in this initial 3 and 1/2 weeks. I'm pleased with that. Long ways to go of course, but my goal is an optimal body fat %, not a weight. So I'm more interested in "weight transfer" as I like to call it, rather than pure weight loss. I currently weigh 230lb, I began at 236lb (all my old college roomies say *gasp!*). Yes it's true...that is my picture in the upper right corner of this blogs home page. ;)

My biggest struggle will come in April, as that's when our second child and wonderful daughter is due. With a 2 year old, and a newborn...that 4:30 am alarm is going to be very mean! But, that' what led to me stopping working out the first round and I'm bound to maintain that same workout schedule this time. I will NOT give up my evenings with my kids, so it's 5:00 or nothing.

So hang in there, make it to week 9 and don't be one of those dreaded "New Year's Resolution workout people." 5 1/2 more weeks to go...then you graduate to a "Regular."

I'm out like a fat kid in dodgeball.

week 3 = fail

Last week did not go well for me.  Between being at the hospital until 6 or 6:30 every night and being on call, I only managed to work out one day.  I have to admit my nutrition wasn't the greatest either.  I am back on the wagon today though!  My diet has been better this week already and I worked out today even though I was tired feom being post-call.  I think the next several weeks are going to be rough for me schedule wise but I'm just going to do the best I can until I can get back on a more consistent schedule....gotta get in shape for the 2 weddings I'm going to be in this year!  Hope everyone else is doing better than I am ;)

Its about freakin time

Hello all, finally in the McFatties. However, I have been working out and dieting. Just a quick blog to let you guys know a few goals....

1. Develop/define the girdle of apollo (if you dunno - look it up)
2. Back-squat 240 lbs
3. complete crossfit workout Cindy (over 10 times in 10 minutes - no slacking)
4. Be able to do a muscle-up

Theres 4, that I'll be crossing off hopefully!

Plateau

I've hit a plateau. It's fair. I should have seen it coming, but I just kept doing what I always do. That was easier.

Over the last week or so I've been switching up my weekly routine a little. Please know that I like routine. I like knowing what I'm going to do and how I'm going to do it. But I also love trying new things and pushing myself a little harder.

I started lifting 20 pound weights instead of 15 (I'm sure that sounds super whimpy compared to all you buff guys...) and started doing a few different exercises. I did five "burpees" after my workout today and it was great! Also, I did this exercise where I am in plank position and do rows with 5 lb weights. I couldn't do anything heavier! After the first day, I could already tell it was helping.

Anyways, I haven't lost any weight for two weeks. However, when I weighed myself this morning I was down one pound!!! It may not be a lot, but it's a great step in the right direction! I'll take my measurements later and hope to see a few good results.

Anyone else finding success in small places?!

struggling

Well, the first week went great...I went from 192 to 186...then birthday week hit..surprisingly I stayed at 186 for the beginning of the third week...however, on my weekly basketball game on Tuesdays I sprained my ankle and couldn't work out the rest of the week...I find that when I workout I eat better and I when I can't work out I want to eat badly...so with hesitation I weighed my self yesterday to begin week four and only gained one pound to 187...I tried running yesterday and was supposed to get my five miles in but my ankle started hurting pretty bad after only one mile so I stopped. I did lift today and feel pretty good but know I can't play ball tonight because of my ankle...just hoping that it heals quickly so I can get back to running since my utlimate goal is a 4 hour marathon in November!!! just keep on keeping on!!! life's a garden, dig it!!!!!

My dear Bro, Kent...

Kent called me out...I'm still here. You know ... I haven't had chocolate chips and peanut butter in forever!!!! Thanks for reminding me ;)

I've remained faithful to my 4:30 am alarm and 5:00 am gym time. It's getting easier now, I'm back "in the groove" in many ways so it's not quite so embarassing walking around in there. The weight lifting has come back pretty easily, but I still hate cardio of any kind. My philosophy is that if I'm neither chasing or being chased - I see no point in running. LOL

Oh, bridal selections. I remember those days. Word of advice to you my brother--there is NOTHING about this wedding that is YOUR decision, so embrace that fact and enjoy it. Women have an amazing way of tricking you into believing that some of the decisions are yours...but really they are not. I'm positive they use subliminal messaging and any other means necessary. I realized in my wedding process that weddings are entirely for women, the bride and the mother...the reception is for the men. No offense intended ladies -- it's nature. So Kent...let Sarah make this the best day of her life - she deserves it - you just remember to show up on time ;)

Back to the issue at hand -- my eating habits. I have drastically changed them as a result of this effort. However, I despise not eating what and when I want. I love food. I enjoy everything from the flavors to feeling of utter immobility after a good buffet. So, some of you health nuts give me some ideas on healthy eating. If anyone mentions tofu, bean sprouts, or any other tasteless commodities -- I will quit. Give me some real ideas of tasteful food, that won't cause immediate weight gain. The BBQ Chicken pizza someone gave earlier -- that was GREAT!!!! I loved it and would enjoy eating that any time, regardless of health concerns. It was just good. So come on now peeps...give me some ideas of GOOD, healthier foods. I refuse to eat packing peanuts and lemon water forever.

That's all for now -- I'm off like a prom dress.

Where are all the lurkers!?!?

Hey McFatties Challengers!!!

How's everyone doing? Cook, haven't heard any smack in a while....what's up? are you too busy eating peanut butter and chocolate chips?? hahaha

Seriously though, now is when it gets hard. The nostalgia and the hype of the first few weeks has worn off. The weather sucks. Life gets in the way.

As a good track friend of mine always used to say "it's not the days that it's easy to workout that makes a champion, it's the days that you don't want to go in, but you still do."

I've had a decent week so far, although the bridal show yesterday set me back with all the cake samples!!!

How's everyone else doing? any new goals? anyone else wanna share their goals that hasn't??