One guy's journey from fat to fit.
2nd FitOrbit Workout
Dec 2nd
3 sets: 50 seconds of squats with 10 seconds rest followed by 50 seconds of lunges.
My totals were: 43 squats and 34 lunges followed by 17 minutes of running.
This was a tough run, legs felt like jello. Feeling good though and am looking forward to repeating the exact same workout on Sunday.
Getting back on track
Nov 28th
I have fallen off the wagon so to speak. I have failed. I have let myself gain considerable weight and it is time to put away the excuses and get myself eating right and back out the door. It is time to return to the pavement and put some fresh dirt onto those running shoes. To help me with this I have hired a online personal trainer via FitOrbit.com for 6 months. I am getting a weekly meal plan that is customized for me, and a weekly workout routine. Since I tossed my money into this, I have even more motivation to stick to the plan and get myself back on track (I really don’t like wasting money). Jonathan Glick is the trainer I selected, and I am looking forward to success. And I define success as being who I want to be, someone who is in shape and active. I am tired of just dreaming about who I want to be, I am going to make it happen. I was ‘almost there’ at this time last year, so I now it is achievable. This time I have someone guiding me to help me on this journey.
I will also be making More >
A Crossroads
Dec 14th
This morning as I was walking down the stairs a co-worker noticed that I appeared to be in some pain. They asked if I was ok. I said ‘I am just having some IT band issues right now. It will get better in time.’ That then turned into a fairly lengthy discussion about what an IT band is and why I am having pain from it. Their conclusion was that I needed to stop running, that running was clearly not good for me.
The mere thought of not running seems devastating to me. The idea of letting this injury prevent me from running is simply not an option. This injury slows me down and makes running tough, but I can’t quit because of it.
That is when I realized that I am at a crossroads that many before me have likely come to. Do I push forward and overcome the injury, or do I let the injury steer me towards other activities or inactivity? A year ago I know I would have simply let the injury dictate to me that I needed to stop running. I have now let running become a part of my identity. So to stop running would be More >
7 things I have learned about running…
Dec 7th
I am a ‘newbie’ when it comes to running. I am very aware of this. My experience is very limited. Yet, I have learned things that I think are very important for new runners to know. Things that I didn’t know just a few months ago.
1. Don’t compare your running pace with anybody else. Your true opponent is yourself. Work at improving your own pace and distance. Focusing on your own improvements is also a sign of maturity. The elite runners that I have met that are in their late 20′s and 30′s are humble. They don’t brag. They encourage their fellow runners to strive for more and to make improvements. If you compare yourself with others you will be running in a state of disappointment. Focus on yourself and you will see improvements that will motivate and encourage you as you run.
2. Don’t try to do too much too soon. One clear lesson I have learned with running is that your improvements need to be gradual. A tough lesson for many of us that live in an on demand culture. But if you try to go too fast or too far too soon you risk injury. And an injury will More >
River Run 10K!
Dec 7th
This past weekend I ran in my first 10K. This is something even three weeks ago I would have never thought possible. I ran 6 miles with the Speedsters on Nov. 18th. It was a long slow run for me and it was tough. But I never walked, I reduced my pace and I finished the 6 mile run.
December 2nd I ran 6 miles with the Speedsters for the second time. I improved my pace by 4 minutes which was encouraging and I felt much better after this run. A bunch of people asked me if I would be at the River Run 10K and I said I wasn’t planning to. On Friday afternoon I decided to give it a shot.
Saturday morning I got up early, got my stretches in and got myself to the starting line. I was hoping for a 1 hour time frame for this run. The run went very well. I felt good for all of it. And when I came into the finish line I saw 57:58 on the clock!
1st 6 Mile Run
Nov 19th
I ran with a group called the Speedsters last night and accomplished my first 6 mile run! It was awesome. I certainly have a lot of improvements to make. But going the distance was my goal and I nailed it. This feels great!
::Update::
Nov 18th
I have let my blog here become vacant of any new news recently. My apologies. My Runkeeper profile maintains my current running efforts and two 5K races that I have participated in over the past month. And my Twitter account keeps minor updates rolling in. Those venues are simply easier to keep updated since Runkeeper is basically automated and Twitter is quick and easy on my mobile.
Eating News:
I haven’t been as diligent with my eating and have gained a few pounds back. I am now at 175.0lbs even with my running. And some of that is fat since my body fat percentage has also increased a good amount.
So, I have some more work to do with eating right and keeping up with my running.
Running News:
I am also going to begin running with a local group of runners that call themselves the Speedsters. They seem like a great group of encouragers so I am really looking forward to meeting them and running with them each week. Tonight will actually mark my first run with the group, and will also likely be the longest run I have ever done to date. They typically run about 6 miles on Thursday evenings, and my longest More >
Week 12
Aug 23rd
This week has been crazy. I was traveling in Indiana/Illinois and didn’t have a moment to run. I visited two hospitals, was sick, my son was sick, my wife was sick, and had to deal with juggling hotel reservations and family drama. I made poor food choices most of the time, but did try to limit my quantities.
I am now back in FL and am ready to jump back into the swing of things.
Week 11 Weigh In
Aug 10th
This week I was expecting a very small loss. I increased my calories a bit and added in some more carbohydrates. I also began a longer stride while running, which should have been building some muscle.
Well I ended up with a gain of weight, which I admit was disappointing. But when I look at the data, it was still good. I lowered my body fat percentage which means I lost some fat and gained some muscle. So, I am still moving in the right direction.
Weight: 170.5 lbs
Body Fat %: 16.4%