It has been a while since I've taken the time to get a post put up -- not that many are really keeping tabs, but I figure the time to write about my experiences are therapeutic in a way. It's been an insanely busy August.
Since San Diego, I've been on a guided Ocean Coho trip where we caught 11 Coho, (can't say enough awesome things about the guide either -- Greg Smith "Reel Buckaroo" Guide Service out of Hammond, OR -- Dude knows how to fish) I've travelled to Oklahoma for a family reunion, saw Jamie and Matt get hitched, went to 4 days of training for school, and still managed to find time in there to try to get a schedule established for the upcoming school year.
Its been a month of failures, of successes, and of revelations.
First big failure -- I've been so preoccupied with getting my workouts and diet under control this summer, I didn't take the time to get as much planning done for school this year. Doh. That will increase stress levels as the year goes on, potentially making it more difficult to keep at it.
I've had a lot of successes -- In the past couple weeks, I've reached the lowest weight I've been since 2004. I official weighed in yesterday at 303, I'm hoping to be below 300 by the first week of school, then 265 by January 1st. 265 will officially be the lightest I have been since high school. After that, who knows. I'd like to set my sights on 225, but that's like 12% body fat, so don't know. Speaking of body fat... Jamie and I did a body fat analysis yesterday, and I came in at 34% (which is still quite a lot) but down from 42% on the reading when I was at 325. I'm getting to the point that the workout are necessary, my body has begun to crave them, which is a great success in my book.
I'm currently working out at the YMCA with the Mobile Fit program. It's great, and I've been packing on muscle mass something fierce. I'm still not the strongest guy in the place, but I'm steadily increasing my lifts. I'm doing my resistance workouts Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. In addition to that on Mondays and Wednesdays I'm swimming. I've been riding my bike to as many places as possible, so building more muscle everyday. I think that's the biggest explanation for the weight holding pretty steady for most of the month of August. I'm coming in at under 2500 calories most everyday, but the muscle I'm putting on is making up the difference in the weight dropping off -- it's still coming off. Just slower than I had hoped and expected.
I have lost 4 inches on both thigh measurements, 2 inches on both arms, 3 inches around my stomach, 4 inches off my waist, and 3 inches off my chest so far.
My blood pressure however is a still a little elevated at 137/87 -- still within the 'normal' range, but I'd like to see that come down a bit.
I have been pleased with the successes over the past few weeks, but there have also been some revelations about myself I didn't necessarily realize.
The first big revelation that I've had is this: I'm a junk-food-a-holic. I haven't completely fallen off the wagon so don't freak out, but I found this out while I was in Oklahoma, (where I gained 6 pounds in 5 days) that if there are sugary, fatty foods near me, regardless of my desire not to eat it. I will eat it. I have no will power. I liken it to being an alcoholic. When you're an alcoholic, the last place you should hang out is in a bar. It's the same with me -- I need to stay as far away from those kinds of foods as humanly possible... in order to be ultimately successful in this endeavor. On the plus side, (Get it?? Plus side... thats funny because I'm plus sized. ha ha, ok moving on) my willpower has gotten better since then. For the most part, I can tell myself no now. My body will argue with me, but I'm finding that I'm getting the final word in more often that not.
Another big revelation I've had is that I need to include some supplements into my diet. I have been doing some reading online regarding vitamin deficiencies and I'm convinced that I am Vitamin D deficient. In looking around for some good multivitamins, I've come across the GNC Mega Men's formula which is a good 2-3 times more solid than the Centrum/One-a-Day type multivitamins. With those I would need to supplement with various other vitamins, I think the GNC formula could be a true 'One a Day'.
Lastly, I've come to realize how important it is for me to have a specific schedule when doing things. I've been workign on getting my work schedule going, and 5:00am is the wake-up time. I'm putting in a half hour of walking before breakfast currently each weekday, taking Saturday and Sunday's off. I plan to continue that as the school year goes on as it is an excellent way to wake up without caffeine. Not to mention, gives me some time to bond with the dog. She's not so bad afterall. ;) I have a schedule made up that takes into consideration my wake up time, morning schedule, work hours, gym time, family and planning/work times. Included within that is an hour before bed to relax/de-stress and read before going to bed. One thing that I did not include, but will need to write in is a half hour to update the blog, and my diet program. For me, the schedule is essential. Can't get by without it.
I have also discovered (actually, I've known it all along) am a colossal time waster. Man can I waste time with the best of them. I hereby resolve -- its in writing, now I have to do it. To not spend as much time online. Not spend as much time on Facebook, and more time with my family, planning for work, or working on the business this year. Stupid interwebs are distracting. :)
Cheers folks, thanks for being there for me. :)
Bulk
