I Gave It My Best Tri

There is a lot of fear in the unknown.  I felt that fear before my first half marathon several years ago.  I felt that fear again (magnified) before the NYC Marathon last November.  On Sunday, I felt that fear yet again before my first Triathlon.  I wasn’t afraid of the distances (300 yard swim, 13 mile bike, and 3.2 mile run), but I was afraid of the unknown.  What was the swim going to be like?  Was I going to slow down faster swimmers behind me?  What were the transitions going to be like?  Would my bicycle handle the fact that I exceed the manufacture’s max weight?  Were my legs going to be able to handle it?  Was I going to be able to run after biking?  These fears were intensified as I was on line to start the swim.  A man walked up to me and introduced himself as “Iron Dave”, the area president of the United States Triathlon Association (USTA).  We talked about how I got involved in the sport and my fundraising with Team World Vision.  We talked about the swim.  I asked him about the pool length, as the pool seemed to be a little smaller than the pool at the gym where I train.  I’ve been told that the pool at the gym is 50 meters long.  However, this school pool (which looked only a little shorter) was 25 yards.  I came to learn that the pool at the gym is 25 meters long, not 50.  So, I’ve basically been doubling the distances during my training from the actual…now I was really scared that I was going to have a tough swim.

Ultimately, all of these questions were answered during the 2 hours I raced, and the truth is, I had an amazing time.

I actually slept well the night before (which doesn’t usually occur before a race).  I woke up at 3:30am and had my breakfast, got ready and stretched.  I arrived at the race about 6:30 and set up my transition area, laying out my bike gear for the first transition (T1) and my running gear for the second (T2).  I also got marked (bib number 117 was magic markered onto my left arm and calf, as was my age on my right calf.)  I went into the pool area not really knowing what to do and sat with other racers and spectators until about 7:15.  Angie arrived at the pool a little bit afterwards and we chatted until the race started.  Since I was talking with her and I didn’t want to slow down any other swimmers, I decided to get at the end of the line to start in the pool.  They were staggering the start about 10 seconds and when it was my turn I put on my goggles and jumped in.  

I immediately lost my breath, probably due to the adrenalin rush and began to swim.   I swam slowly, but steadily and completed the first length of twelve.  Angie was waiting for me and she gave me shouts of encouragement.  Within the first couple of lengths, I passed my first swimmer.  Each lap I completed was met with another cheer from Angie.  At the end of the eleventh length I said to her I was going to pass the swimmer that was about a third of the way ahead of me.  I beat him to the ladder and pulled myself out of the pool and ran to the transition area.  My swim time was 9:30.

It was COLD that morning, and here I am outside, with nothing but a wet bathing suit on and began to dress for the bike.  Thankfully, I brought extra clothes in case it was cold, so I had a long sleeve shirt and my jersey.  I took of my bathing suit and put on my bike shorts.  Finally, I tried to put on my socks and bike shoes, but my hands were so cold that they were already numb and it took a lot longer than I would have hoped. My T1 time was 6:15.

I ran with my bike to the mount area and got on the bike.  The first thing I noticed was that I was already breathing very hard.  The second was that I was very cold.  I just started pedaling without really thinking about what I was doing.  The beginning of the course was uphill and it was very windy, so my legs started burning right away.  Other bikers were coming in the opposite direction (finishing their bike portion) and this got me motivated so I just started “riding the circle”, pushing and pulling my legs to get moving.  I had so much fun on the bike, even though on several windy uphills I thought I might quit.  My legs were spent, but each uphill was followed by a downhill on which I could accelerate and rest.  I thought about all the people that donated and all of the people whom the donations would help and set my mind that no matter what, I would finish.  I passed seven other riders during that run, so I knew that my bike portion wasn’t the slowest.  In fact, relative to the rest of the race, it was my best performance, completing the 13 miles in 55:41 which is a 14.0 MPH average.

As I dismounted and entered the transition area, I saw Angie and waved to her.  It really helped having her there to cheer me on.  I racked my bike, changed my shoes and replaced by bike shorts for running shorts.  I first started leaving the transition area in the wrong direction until another competitor told me to turn around - that I was going the wrong way.  My T2 time was 4:53.

At first, I couldn’t feel my legs or do anything more than just a slow jog.  Even doing that, I caught up to someone on the course, ultimately passing them.  Another runner passed me (I had passed her about 2/3’s into the bike course) so I knew I was going to slow.  By about the first half mile, I started getting some feeling back into my legs and started picking up the pace.  The course was somewhat hilly, and I ended up walking the uphills and running the downhills and flats.  I walked more than a typical 5K for me, and ended up taking about ten minutes longer than I would have normally.  As I entered the parking lot to the finish, I saw Angie.  She was taking pictures and started running towards the finish line to get me finishing.  That motivated me to pick up the pace and beat her to the end.

I crossed the finish line with a time of 44:55 on the run and a total time of 2:01:16.

It was so much fun, but I learned that these short distances are much more demanding than I expected.  Given that I have another Triathlon in two months that is 4 times each of the distances, I have a long way to go.

But, with hard training and your support and prayers, I will do my best.

To support my fundraising, please visit my Team World Vision fundraising page by clicking here.

Scott

One In A Million

For most of you, my lack of workout posts and requests for money for my fundraising for Team World Vision's Child Protection has been a welcome respite.  For me, it's been an interesting couple of months, to say the least.

Several weeks ago I started exhibiting symptoms that made working out very difficult.  I was in a great deal of pain and a lot of motion just made it worse. I went to my general practitioner and he was able to rule out a couple of things, but could not give me a diagnosis, so he referred me to a specialist.  This specialist performed a biopsy and a couple of weeks later I had my diagnosis - a very rare autoimmune disease where my body attacks a normal antibody in healthy cells.  The disease is serious and can lead to significant issues, including blindness and death.  I am fortunate in that my doctor believes he can control the disease with a very conservative steroid therapy and will not have to move to a more aggressive therapy where the side effects from the steroids are almost as bad as the disease.  Either way, my doctor assures me that we will become "best friends" over the next several years as I will have to visit him often.

I have to be honest...if I was going to be associated with something that had 1 in a million odds, I would have preferred winning the lottery.

At this point, I am just glad to have a diagnosis, particularly one in which the doctor has instructed me to return to normal activity as I can tolerate.  So, today, after a week of treatment, I ran.  I didn't run long and I didn't run particularly far, but I ran.  My legs hurt, my head hurt and my breathing hurt, but I ran.  It's amazing how quickly we lose some of our conditioning, but all I know is that I ran.

I don't know if I will be able to run tomorrow, and I know I couldn't run yesterday, but today I ran.  I ran for Child Protection and all of the kids that will benefit from our fundraising.  I ran for all of the people that donated to my run and those who will donate.  I ran to get ready for the New York City Marathon.

Today, in addition to all of the above, I ran for ME!

It's clear that there are no promises for tomorrow.  Go kiss your spouse, hug your kids, and make a donation by clicking here.  Don't wait for tomorrow, do it now.

The Point

The last comment I remember was a question about why I would “give up” Facebook for Lent.

The implication was that it had no point.

The good thing is that it doesn’t have to have a point to that person, or anyone else for that matter. It made sense to me and frankly it was a good experience. Even now that Easter is here and that my Lord is risen and I am “allowed” back on Facebook, I won’t spend nearly as much time on it, or engaged in as much of those activities that aren’t a good use of time. Yes, we all need to relax and have some down time, but there is something wrong with the state of things when others are depending on me and I am wasting the day away on Facebook, or playing online poker, or shooting zombies, or watching TV.

So much of my life recently seemed to have a lack of discipline. The only area that I seemed to have under real control was work. That never really seems to suffer, maybe because I know so much relies on my paycheck. But, when my health is suffering from my lack of discipline, or my marriage is suffering because of my lack of discipline, then it is time to make a change.

Giving up Facebook and reclaiming that time for more productive pursuits seemed to be a good start.

First, I committed myself to quiet time with God every day. Reading scripture, prayer and journaling are typically the first thing to suffer in a busy day and I hadn’t done it regularly in a long time. That has been corrected. I am current in my bible reading and actually look forward to this time alone with God. In fact, for the first time, I miss it when I don’t have this time. And, the funny thing is that Angie can tell when I miss a day or two. She sees the change in me, and so have I. That alone is enough reason to ensure that part of my day, every day, is spent in scripture and prayer.

Second, Angie and I started the Abs Power Diet. Ultimately, the diet shows us to eat healthy foods and to build muscle. We are just starting week two and are feeling great. I’ve lost five pounds and have done abdominal workouts for the first time in years. Not pretty, or fun, but finally putting some discipline around what we are eating. The amazing discovery here is that what I eat actually tastes better than the crap I had been eating. Angie made me these chicken feta crumble things on wheat rolls and salsa for dipping yesterday. They were delicious and healthy.

Lastly, Angie and I have started to reengage around service towards others. We are mentoring a young pre-wed couple at church. We know that only through discipline in our lives will we have the time to do charity or other service for others. We both hope that this mentoring actually helps strengthen our marriage while we help a younger couple. We both used to be really involved in service, but because our lives got so hectic and disorganized we pulled back a bit. We have both felt that we should be doing on more, and only through creating more time will we be able to do so.

Ultimately, the last forty days have been transformational for me. And, that was the point. I heard a definition of disciple that I really liked (paraphrasing) “Discipline is doing today what we are able that will help us to the things we cannot do tomorrow. So, like an athlete who cannot bench two hundred pounds today, I will push as much weight as possible until I get there. That’s discipline and that’s why I took a break from Facebook.

I would venture a guess that the people who can relate do so because their lives are hectic, too. Perhaps they also feel the same pull that I feel – that we were meant for more in our lives than just living in our own small universes of ‘self’ or ‘mine’. And those that can’t relate – either they are already incredible disciplined, or perhaps no one is dependent on them.

Either way, I missed you and it’s good to see you. I hope you’ve been well and Happy Easter.

SL

N.B. – Angie gave up fast food for the duration, even to the point where she would watch Cassie and I eat lunch while she sat there foodless. Oh, and Cassie’s lunch didn’t include sodas, because those were her Lenten sacrifice. I am really proud of both of them and I think lunch at Whataburger, with a bunch of cokes, is on me on Monday (we get one cheat meal per week).

Disaster Averted

I remember the pain and the suffering. I remember that, at the time, I thought the only way to the sweet relief I desired was at the end of a bullet to my temple. I wanted to die as the pain of death would be a cakewalk compared to the suffering I was going through. It seemed that the sweats, the pain and the vomiting would have no end.

I was a victim of a known drug reaction between the antibiotic Flagyl and the alcohol in a mouthwash. Did you know that mouthwash has alcohol? I didn't, but I learned it then - and I learned it the hard way.

Flagyl is one of the antibiotics that my doctor has prescribed to me to take care of a bug I picked up while traveling abroad. Several years ago I came home from a trip to India and he prescribed the drug to fix the problem. He warned me at the time to stay away from alcohol, as the drug causes a violent reaction to it. In fact, he informed me that Flagyl is sometimes prescribed to alcoholics because of it's properties. Take the drug, take a drink and suffer the consequences.

I was very careful then...but I wasn't aware that my mouthwash contained alcohol. So, even the very small amount absorbed as I gargled caused me to suffer. The description above is NOT an exaggeration. It was horrible and I wouldn't wish that suffering on my worst enemy. Well, maybe my WORST enemy, but no one else.

So, why bring up that suffering from several years ago? Because I was minutes away from suffering it again - and probably to a greater extent. Angie and I were having dinner with friends last night. Not thinking, I ordered a beer. About thirty seconds before the beer arrived, I remember that I was taking Flagyl. I couldn't believe it. I was a sip away from some of the worst suffering on the planet - all from my own stupidity.

The beer came and someone else at the table drank it. I ordered a Dr. Pepper and averted a disaster.

At least I think I did...what else has hidden quantities of alcohol?

SL

Happy Stress Test to Me

An aunt tells me that I just entered my fifth decade. I think that somehow I really started a new beginning. I spent the beginning of my birthday strapped to a heart monitor dissolving Nitro and getting a battery of tests on my heart.

I hadn't been feeling great all weekend, having suffered a couple of bouts of shortness of breath, profuse sweating and chills. None of them lasted very long, so I basically committed to visiting my doctor when I had an opportunity.

I had a very early flight scheduled for Monday morning, so I went to bed early on Sunday night. However, I could never really get comfortable, I felt "off" and then the chest pains began. Not bad pain, but a dull squeezing sensation that never went away. I postponed my flight for the evening and tried to get a couple of hours of sleep. As the day progressed, the pain remained, but it was when I had another episode like that from the weekend, I called my doctor. As expected, when I mentioned chest pain, he said to get to the ER immediately. I did.

EKG, blood work, Nitro pills and an extensive history had the doctor thinking I might have had a clot from my leg. The did a sonogram on my leg and a cat scan on my chest. Both checked out OK. They decided to admit me, but had not beds, so I basically lay in the ER until about 1am. Angie stayed with me the whole time and a good bud came up to visit and pray. The next day, some more blood work and a stress test proved that my heart is fine. They discharged me at noon today and I've been resting since. I will take a day off of work to continue that rest.

So, my birthday mystery is that we don't know what set me off, but Angie is already beating me up to exercise more and to eat less and more healthy. Being sent to the ER on your 40th is a real wake up call, one in which I don't plan on pressing the 'snooze' button.

Besides the motivation behind getting health Angie gave me my present which gives me about six months to get into shape. More on that tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers, well wishes, and birthday wishes...

SL

A (Wii) Fit With Technology

I just finished reading an article about a company who makes heart sensors to work wirelessly with the iPhone to track heart rate during workouts. Their apps allow you to track workouts and workout intensity. It's amazing how technology and biology continue to meld. Interestingly enough, I started working out this week in my living room following my Mii on the TV. Angie and I bought Wii Fitness based on the numerous endorsements we received from family and friends. We've been playing with it all weekend and today Angie and I figured we might as well step up our play.

I've done 30+ minute sessions of yoga, strength exercises and aerobics. Surprisingly, I was sweating pretty good at the end of the workouts. The yoga is surprisingly hard. I've typically stayed away from yoga because, 1) it looks doofy and 2) I'm not a subscriber of the spiritual aspect. However, I have been real surprised how difficult it is. I did Warrior, Sun Salutation, and tried Tree. My legs were burning. I loved it and can't wait to get better at it and more flexible because of it.

I did upper body, abdominal, and leg strength training. Pushups, jackknives, and lunges. Even though the workouts only took a couple of minutes each I could feel the burn. I'm feeling pretty spent right now.

Lastly, I ended with a couple of balance games (for fun) and with a run. Running in place with my Mii keeping up with a pace coach was a lot tougher than I thought it would be. Combined with the scores that you receive for each event, there is a competitive aspect that I find appealing, as well.

Ultimately, I don't know if you'd call the workouts we are getting as real strenuous. I do know, however, that it is getting us of the couch, getting us to move our bodies, get our heart rates up and getting a good sweat on. Perhaps this will be a good reintroduction to exercise and perhaps an improvement in the quality and length of our lives.

Either way, it is pretty fun.

SL

Let's Get Physical

I just got back from my semi-regular annual physical exam. I typically get to them every other year or so. I figured with 40 approaching, I'd get checked out. I did it a couple of months BEFORE my 40th so I could argue against the 40-year old baseline exam...eg, PROSTATE check.

My argument worked. I've postponed that unpleasantness for another year, or two.

However, after a substantial wait to see the doctor, we talked about my weight. Every issue that has him concerned stems from my weight. It was interesting to see the timeline. Over the course of the last several years, I've had two significant periods of weight gain. The first in 2005 that didn't coincide with any particular event, but did relate to some physical complaints.

The second was May of 2007 when I quit smoking. Since then, I've packed on nearly 40 pounds to my already too large frame.

I've posted and shared about my weight on the blog many times. Clearly, public ridicule has not helped motivate me. Nor has back trouble and other physical issues. Perhaps financial impact will make the difference.

As part of the Financial Learning Experience, we learned that we don't have nearly enough life insurance. Since I pride myself on my ability to provide for my family, it only makes sense that we take the appropriate steps to ensure that they are taken care of in the event of my death. However, as we start in inquire about quotes, it is clear that my weight is driving up premiums. Perhaps if I can lose a bunch, I will also lose some of the premium amount.

It sure wouldn't hurt my blood pressure or cholesterol, either.

SL

Chimney No More

On Sunday I celebrated one year of not smoking. I remember my last cigarette like it was my last...well, cigarette. I had gotten home from a business trip in California (I had not smoked the entire trip) and we went up to a neighbors to say Hi. She is a smoker, and I bummed one from her.

I don't remember enjoying that smoke (it was menthol), and I haven't had once since.

The truth is that it hasn't been as hard as I expected (this is the longest I haven't smoked since I started smoking when I was seventeen - BACK IN 1986)! I quit for nine months a couple of years ago, thought I had it beat, and started smoking again. Not all at once, but one here and one there. Before you know it, I was buying a pack again.

That's the difference between that time and this time. This time, I know I don't have it beat, but rather have it under control for the time being. This equates to not being able to have another. EVER! I can't take a drag. I can't bum one with the belief that I am good to go.

I've gained serious weight since I've quit...and I know that's bad, but I love the fact that I am no longer a slave to my cigarettes. Think about it, I no longer look forward to landing so I can run out of the terminal to smoke. I no longer stink upon my return into the house or the office after having a smoke. I'll get the weight taken care of at some point, but not having that tobacco monkey on my shoulder is a tremendous thing.

In fact, I don't like to even be around it anymore. Not because I dislike the smell...but because I like it a lot!

I guess that monkey is closer than I thought!

SL

Difference A Day (Or Two) Makes

We were finally getting to bed last night. It was about 11:30, and we had a very busy day. It started at 7:00AM, when Angie and I got up to go to the gym. We worked out together to start our day.

It ended at about 11:30 as we completed putting away the groceries after returning home from a late night grocery shopping session at WalMart.

What Angie said to me as we went to bed really hit home. She said, "We had a really good day today. We haven't fought at all and you have been really sweet". She went on to say that she couldn't imagine that one workout had made such a difference, but she thought it had something to do with it.

I told her it might, or more likely, the two days that I've spent in my bible study.

It got me to thinking that perhaps we could all learn a little bit more when we really listen to what is being said. Sure, it's easier when it is something positive, but because I really listened to her comment, and thought about what she was saying, I received some positive feedback about the actions that I'm trying to take in my life.

It's only been a couple of days, but with a reaction like that, it may be easier to stick with it.

SL

Watch TV and Feel the Burn

For the next four weeks I will be spending a significant amount of time traveling for work. This week has me in Raleigh for the week, and next week I will be in San Jose. The week after that in Salt Lake and the week after in Orlando.

Typically, when I travel I spend a great deal of time in the office, go out to dinner and then work more in the hotel room. Ultimately, even though I am working a great deal I have some free time. I made a decision that when I have free time, I am going to spend some time in the fitness centers in each of the hotels.

I got back from dinner tonight but was not very motivated. My back hurts a bit and I have some work to finish up on. I made up my mind that I was going to work out tomorrow morning, so I booted up the laptop and scanned the channels as Windows loaded.

I ended up finding the beginning of The Biggest Loser on NBC. Angie and I love watching the show (See a previous post about the show) and I am always very motivated by it. Tonight's episode was an even greater motivation. They met with a doctor on the show that explained all of the ancillary benefits to their weight loss. One lost 100 points to his cholesterol. One restored their blood sugar to normal levels. One lost 76 lbs of fat, but she only has lost 65 pounds. How can that be? She's gained 11 lbs of muscle. Another lost three water cooler sized vats of fat. One lowered his BP by 50 points. The stories continue. It has been amazing. I am so moved by their gains (losses), that I'm putting on my socks and sneakers.

As soon as the show is over, I'm going to work out. I want to be one of those success stories.

SL

Out of Commission - Again

As I write this entry this morning, I should have been at 45,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean returning from several days work in Amsterdam. As you can see, I am not. Instead, I am sitting at my desk in my home office with a sore back. As I prepared for the first part of my journey (day trips out the San Jose, CA and then Salt Lake City, UT) I threw out my back - AGAIN. It is amazing how my back goes out - I wasn't doing anything - I just moved from one keyboard on my desk to another. I rotated my body perhaps 60 degrees and WHAM! I felt a twinge on the right side of my lower back. I knew instantly that it wasn't good, even if it didn't hurt too much. I took two Advil and went right to bed.

I had a very early flight the next morning, so I had set my alarm to 3:30AM giving me only about 5 hours of sleep. When the alarm went off I could hardly get out of bed. I was mobile, but barely, and I knew that my domestic travels were done. I went back to bed for a couple of hours and then called travel to cancel my itinerary. I had three and a half days until my flight to London, so I hoped for the best.

I worked not from my home office last week, but from my living room couch. It was the only place I could sit at for long periods, so with a TV tray on my lap and wireless network connectivity to the Internet, I worked as normal. Angie took care of me while I did so.

Saturday came and I thought I could manage the trip, but the plane ride really scared me. Nine hours to London in coach sounds long enough, but add the prospect of back pain, or worse - spasms, and I was terrified. I spoke to my boss and we decided it was best to cancel.

So, I've been up in my office this week but have some to the conclusion that I need to replace my chair with something a little more "quality". I'll reschedule these trips for December and January, so I will have lots to talk about. I have been to Amsterdam many times, but not within the last several years, so it will be a homecoming of sorts.

You know I'll blog about it.

SL

Thank God For Friends

Response to April. See her comment to my last post and her post on her blog, Another Place to Think...

It's nice to know that I have good friends...friends that care about me to tell me when I'm doing good, and more importantly, when I'm not doing so good. April's post is an example of what I'm talking about.

The truth of the matter is that I have an eating problem...call it a disorder, call it weakness, call it whatever you want - just don't call me late to dinner!!! All kidding aside, I know that I shouldn't be eating certain foods and certain amounts of different foods, but in many instances, I just can't help it - and yes, I despise that within myself. I am such a control freak, and make efforts to control so much about my environment, that I see the inability to do this as an significant weakness - in myself and others.

I've blogged about my judgmental thoughts of others, and this area is no different. I project the despair I have onto others, and judge them for my sin...

Thinking about it, though - maybe being aware of these facts and keeping April's post in perspective are part of the battle. If I acknowledge my inability in this area (and allow others to have that same freedom), I would be defeating the judgment and would be on my way to recovery. I don't know, but in other areas of my life that the good Lord has provided healing, it's happened in a similar way.

It will be an interesting journey, one that I will post about often.

Thanks, April. As I learn to love my neighbors more, perhaps I'll learn a little more about loving myself.

SL

It's Monday, Where's The Update?

When I look back at previous entries, I see a trail of posts about getting in shape and quitting smoking. They are hard to read, mostly because they represent an area of my life which is just an incredibly difficult struggle. It's not all bad news (As of Oct 5, it's been five months since I smoked a cigarette), but when it comes to my weight it's been starts and stops. This time is no different - the busy-ness of life (and my own lack of discipline and laziness) seem to have gotten me off track again.

I haven't been to the gym in over a week, and my diet has died. As school has ramped, as work has gotten busier and as the kids have gotten involved in activities, it seems as though I just jump from one thing to the other, and taking care of myself is lost in the wake. It's hard to eat right when you have five minutes before you have to leave for something. It's hard to eat right when you spend all weekend in a fast-track class (I started a third class this semester that lasts three weeks as we meet on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for five hours per day). It's hard to get up to go work out when you are so tired to begin with.

I've felt good about the progress I made in the few short weeks, especially in the gym. I'm going to make an extra effort to continue that - even if it means that I go early in the morning and not with Angie at 8:15. Please pray for my success, and let me know if you've been successful in this area - and how you've done it.

SL

A Day Late And A Pound Short

Because I wanted to blog about Angie's birthday party yesterday, I did not blog my weekly fitness update. I thought I would do that today particularly because it was a tough weekend. Not only was the Goose very hard to turn down on Sunday, we had two birthday cakes this weekend, and one trip to Ruby Tuesday's for Angie's birthday on Friday. Lastly, since I needed to use my "time" at the gym on Saturday for clandestine shopping, I only worked out three times. My goal is to get to the gym a minimum of three times a week, but that fourth session of Saturday is important because I can stay a long time a get a killer workout in.

All told, however, I am mostly pleased with the week. Yes, I was out of range for my nutrition this past weekend, but I was really good during the week and didn't gain a pound. I didn't lose any weight, either, but given the week - I'll take it.

I worked out this morning and ate right yesterday, so I'm right back on track.

SL

296...I Wish I was Bowling

I'm actually very pleased with my 296. That's what I weighed in at this morning, and it means I basically lost a pound a day for the last week. Considering I've stayed on plan and worked out real hard this week, it is about where I expected. I hope I can keep it going. I haven't felt hungry or denied this last week, and I've enjoyed working out. I'm already seeing differences in my ability to walk longer distances. Angie and I went again this morning, so this week is off to a good start, as well.

I've decided to post my progress on my blog each Monday. I will post my weight and BMI, as well as my nutrition and exercise results from the week previous. Knowing that I'm going to share this will hopefully keep me motivated.

One additional update: I received my results from my lab work and my cholesterol is fine. In fact, I came it at 174. I wish that was more my weight...

SL

Work It Out

Angie and I worked out today and we are both feeling very positive. We've been supporting each other and motivating each other as we eat properly and get some exercise. We already have another date for tomorrow morning after we drop off Cassie at school.

It's a lot better doing this together than trying to go it alone. Even though she goes to the treadmill and I go to the elliptical - we may not say another word to each other as we work out - but I can look at her, and tell her with my eyes that she looks good all sweaty :)

It's been only a couple of days, but I did succumb to the temptation of getting on the scale. I had lost 2 pounds since Monday and that was very motivating. Add to that the workouts that the trainers put their teams through on "The Biggest Loser" and I was ready to kick butt today. I worked out for 40 minutes and burned 550 cals. I did legs and shoulders while Angie finished her hour on the treadmill.

The most important thing is that we are getting healthy. I'm sure as I work through the message series from church this fitness journey will become a spiritual journey. It has to, as this is the only way I'll be successful.

SL

Biggest Loser Wins

If you track my blog, you know that I have made a decision to change my lifestyle and get in shape. What you might not know, is that Angie made that decision a while ago, as part of her training for her 3-day walk to support Cancer research. Since Cassie started school, she's been at the Rowlett Community Centre working out - and she's looking good.

I told myself that when I started working from home with NetApp, I would use some of that extra time to work out. I haven't. Instead, I've used that time to sleep in - until today, that is.

Angie and I went and worked out after dropping Cassie at school. She did an hour on the treadmill, and I did 40 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes lifting weights. I worked up a pretty good sweat doing cardio (working off 500 calories), and took it relatively easy while I did chest, back and triceps.

It felt good going, and Angie and I really motivated each other. Having a workout buddy will help both of us on the days that one of us doesn't feel like going. In fact, we have agreed to bet who will lose 5% of their weight first (in my case, over 15 lbs). I'll track my progress on the blog. We don't know what to bet....anyone have any ideas?

SL

3:10 To M.I. Station

I had my annual physical today, and the news is not good. It's not a surprise, either, but several key numbers are up. And it is time to take care of them. Either that, or I'm on an express train to a heart attack.

One number is cholesterol. Although I don't have the results back from this exam, my cholesterol has been creeping up for several years. 178 to 209 and who knows now. I won't be surprised if it comes back near 240, or so.

Another number is my blood pressure. I have always had good numbers here, except for the last two times it has been taken. 136 /98 today. Combine that with a 146 / 93 from my last check-up and my doctor is concerned.

The last number is probably the most important, as it is very likely the one responsible for my others...it's my weight. I've blogged about my weight before and it is up, way up. In fact, I've gained 30 pounds from March alone, and at over 310 pounds it is time to do something about it.

I think I've been given enough warning...swollen legs, back pain, and a digestive system that is out of control. Clearly, the warning signs are there and if I don't change I'll be dead. Angie has joked about the way I eat (either how much, or how fast) and she has seen it. My heart is working overtime.

That being said, the doctor has given me a clean bill of health to start working out. He is a big supporter of working out and no so much of dieting. He rather seem me eat more fiber and more protein and less carbs and fat and work out. If I do this, he says I'm gonna be ok, and I believe him.

So - I am gonna track my weight and my working out on my blog - I think I might even post a couple of "before" pics, as well. If you don't see an update - ask me. It will help keep me motivated.

SL

Hot Sauce and Half-Shells

About two and a half months ago, upon arriving home from a business trip on a Friday evening, I bummed a cigarette from a neighbor. The date was May 4th, and it was the last cigarette that I have had. At the time, I started working out, but haven't kept that up. In the same period of time, I haven't even tried to diet. It's been pretty hard.

However, this Monday I started my diet again. I'm at 300 lbs, and I've gotten disgusted enough to do something about it. I've had a great two days ending at about 1950 calories for each. It's been relatively easy, as well. Angie bought a bunch of different diet foods for me to help.

I use a website, SparkPeople.com to track my intake. The site has a lot of foods listed, so you can search your food and enter how much you've had. It tracks the calories, fat, carbs, protein, etc. You can also track your progress with your weight, interact with others for support, get recipes, and meal plans.

I have a lunch planned today, and I was pre-planning my menu choices to stay in line with the diet. We are going to Flying Fish and they have a great grilled menu. I'm getting grilled tilapia and a dozen raw oysters. The amazing thing is that the entire meal is only a couple of hundred calories. Grilled and boiled seafood is an awesome way to eat - low fat and carbs and huge amounts of protein. Hopefully, eating like this will help me melt the pounds away. My goal is to be at 199 by my 40th birthday.

Next week I'm back in the gym.

SL

Getting Under Control

I've had a very hard time starting this blog entry. I've started it several times over the last couple of days, but have never really gotten anywhere with it - ultimately, I've decided to just type what comes to my mind, and not worry about whether it makes sense or is "good" writing. All I've had is the title, so I'll try from there.

Have you noticed that things in life are cyclical? Do (or don't do) one thing and it leads to another and another. If you are paying attention, you can look at item 10 and work it all the way back to number 1. And at some point, you might end up at number 1 again. Bear with me, and I'll try to explain what the heck I'm talking about.

A couple of entries ago, I spoke about how I was going on a spiritual journey. That our church was beginning a capital campaign to build a larger worship space and that I saw this as an opportunity for spiritual growth, not to make a financial decision. I continued to feel this way, and looking back, I can see that I was right. This is my Number 1....a spiritual journey to try to learn how to trust God more.

This has led to my #2...spending more time in scripture, prayer and contemplation. I've done this daily for a couple of weeks now, and have learned a great deal about myself, the Lord, and my relationship with Him.

#3 - I've come to the conclusion that it is time for me to quit smoking...ok, how did I get from daily time with God to quitting smoking? We are in a capital campaign, and I've come to the conclusion that the money I spent on smoking would be better spent on helping more people come to know Christ. Therefore, $20 twice a month, has been earmarked as part of our giving. I haven't purchased cigarettes in a week, and have only had two in that time...this week, my goal is zero.

#4 - knowing full well that I will get EVEN FATTER now that I've quit smoking if nothing else changes, I've decided to begin my diet again - and have begun working out. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical this morning at the gym, and started tracking my diet on SparkPeople.com.

#5 - I feel so good about myself, where I'm going, my relationship with God, with Angie and the kids, etc. This has had the effect of wanting MORE OF IT...and this means continued time with God - as in numbers 1 and 2 above.

That's the cycle I am in right now - and I sure would like it to continued. Ask me how I'm doing...

SL