June 20, 2012: Well it has been quite a while since I have written.
Work has been incredibly busy preparing for us to host and execute the Inaugural Canton Marathon.
It was a HUGE success! Over 5,000 participants from 41 of the 50 states and five different countries converged on Canton and the greater Stark County area to make a first year event, a sight to be hold.
Thanks to the 1000's of volunteers to participated in one of the many events over the ocurse of race weekend. Thanks to the volunteer committee chairs who spent hours upon hours of their own time to ensure the success of the weekend. Thanks to the safety, fire, and EMS services for being first class all the way to ensure the safety of the runners. Thanks to the athletic trainers, doctors, nurses, and Aultman/AultCare volunteers who worked hours on their feet on a holiday to volunteer at the finish line and help runners as the crossed. MOST IMPORTANTLY, thanks to our participants for Running Canton!
As per the above, I have not had much time to post like I would normally. But I'm back. I'll keep this short and sweet.
Training has been going well. I have maintained my goal weight of 200 for the better part of five weeks, and am up to 14 miles for my long runs. Granted I'm NOT fast, but I'm getting it in. As such I have re-evaluated my goals.
Starting today with a 7 mile run, I have officially begun my training for the 2012 Akron Marathon. What can I say? I feel great. Training is going well. Time to up the challenge. Stay tuned. I am blogging regularly again and keeping all apprised of my progress on the road and weight maintenance.
I am ready for this. I CAN AND WILL SUCCEED!
-Or at least that's the plan. ;-)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Finding A Happy Medium
Monday, April 30, 2012: 2:59PM: Day..... well the last day to be specific. Not that I'm walking away from fat camp (Aultman Weight Management), just that as I weigh in today, it will be my last on the weight loss portion of the program. From here forward I will be in adaptation for six weeks, which is a transition phase to being off of the shakes and bars completely, but locked in to a daily caloric intake and nutrition plan from there forward.
But I am thrilled to begin the next phase, and given where I sit today I can honestly say whatever the scale reads today is completely fine with me. I truly believe I'll continue to improve, and even lose through the next phase as I am able to increase the burn through workouts now. I can honestly say that I truly understand what type and level of focus and dedication it takes to maintain a healthy, balanced life.
I noticed something this week. On a whim I decided to weigh myself every day of the last seven. I did this for two reasons. I wanted to understand how the body fluctuates in weight from day to day based on water intake, work out completed for that day, food eaten on that day and stress I happened to remember being under on that particular day. While this IS NOT recommended by fat camp (Aultman Weight Management), I did it to change my mind set.
Here's what and how I went about this process. Each morning I weighed myself before getting dressed to get my workout in. This provided a consistent time to weigh in at, and helped me assess what I had eaten, drank, and done the previous day. I logged my food, exercise and noted stress accordingly. I also took a moment to look at myself in the mirror to assess any physical differences that I may have noticed from day to day.
The results were very interesting. First let me start off by saying I was A.) completely happy because I felt very confident with my look physically each day, and B.) I always made the physical appearance assessment before I weighed.
After checking to notice any major changes good, bad or indifferent (None), I then hopped on my home scale. This is where it gets interesting. My weight fluctuated between 203.4 - 209.6. Two variables to keep in mind are that it was my home scale and not the one I officially weigh in on each week, and also took notice of the other logs I was keeping (diet, exercise, stress). With the fluctuations being just over 6 pounds in range and my appearance taking on no difference in either direction, I came to the following conclusion.
Regardless of what the scale reads one day or the next, it is the process I need to be committed to, NOT the numbers. While I would love to see a nice drop for my last weigh in, ultimately I am pleased with the progress I am making and I know I am more fit than I have been in years and ready to attack fitness full throttle without restriction. I know that am compliant to the types of and amount of foods I take in each day, and have found a very comfortable routine and menu to follow. I also know, on the two occasions I strayed from what the protocol for the eating part of the program was, I felt guilty and paid the price of weight gain. I truly believe I am ready to focus on fitness, training for the races and blogging about my progress in those areas. I am excited to divulge what I learn through adaptation about myself and the increased caloric intake. But most of all I am confident that the scale is secondary or even third to what my main focus is from here forward, me, not just the number on the scale.
Maybe I lost, maybe I didn't. Maybe I even gained a pound. But ultimately I've lost a lot of weight and will continue to do so. I've gained a lot of knowledge and confidence to be the new me every day without the scale brow beating me every step of the way. Most importantly, thanks to my wife Jenna, mom - Connie, family, friends, co-workers, general public and of course my dietitians and support system at fat camp, I found me, and I am very happy with who I am for the first time in a long time.
Weigh in results to come, but appropriately so from here forward, it is nothing more than an after thought, not the final grade to my weekly test. Stay tuned, it's getting good now!
UPDATE: My weigh in results: loss of 1.4, total loss to date: 69 pounds, current weight: 206.0 pounds. 70 Pounds, I'll see you next Monday! ;-)
But I am thrilled to begin the next phase, and given where I sit today I can honestly say whatever the scale reads today is completely fine with me. I truly believe I'll continue to improve, and even lose through the next phase as I am able to increase the burn through workouts now. I can honestly say that I truly understand what type and level of focus and dedication it takes to maintain a healthy, balanced life.
I noticed something this week. On a whim I decided to weigh myself every day of the last seven. I did this for two reasons. I wanted to understand how the body fluctuates in weight from day to day based on water intake, work out completed for that day, food eaten on that day and stress I happened to remember being under on that particular day. While this IS NOT recommended by fat camp (Aultman Weight Management), I did it to change my mind set.
Here's what and how I went about this process. Each morning I weighed myself before getting dressed to get my workout in. This provided a consistent time to weigh in at, and helped me assess what I had eaten, drank, and done the previous day. I logged my food, exercise and noted stress accordingly. I also took a moment to look at myself in the mirror to assess any physical differences that I may have noticed from day to day.
The results were very interesting. First let me start off by saying I was A.) completely happy because I felt very confident with my look physically each day, and B.) I always made the physical appearance assessment before I weighed.
After checking to notice any major changes good, bad or indifferent (None), I then hopped on my home scale. This is where it gets interesting. My weight fluctuated between 203.4 - 209.6. Two variables to keep in mind are that it was my home scale and not the one I officially weigh in on each week, and also took notice of the other logs I was keeping (diet, exercise, stress). With the fluctuations being just over 6 pounds in range and my appearance taking on no difference in either direction, I came to the following conclusion.
Regardless of what the scale reads one day or the next, it is the process I need to be committed to, NOT the numbers. While I would love to see a nice drop for my last weigh in, ultimately I am pleased with the progress I am making and I know I am more fit than I have been in years and ready to attack fitness full throttle without restriction. I know that am compliant to the types of and amount of foods I take in each day, and have found a very comfortable routine and menu to follow. I also know, on the two occasions I strayed from what the protocol for the eating part of the program was, I felt guilty and paid the price of weight gain. I truly believe I am ready to focus on fitness, training for the races and blogging about my progress in those areas. I am excited to divulge what I learn through adaptation about myself and the increased caloric intake. But most of all I am confident that the scale is secondary or even third to what my main focus is from here forward, me, not just the number on the scale.
Maybe I lost, maybe I didn't. Maybe I even gained a pound. But ultimately I've lost a lot of weight and will continue to do so. I've gained a lot of knowledge and confidence to be the new me every day without the scale brow beating me every step of the way. Most importantly, thanks to my wife Jenna, mom - Connie, family, friends, co-workers, general public and of course my dietitians and support system at fat camp, I found me, and I am very happy with who I am for the first time in a long time.
Weigh in results to come, but appropriately so from here forward, it is nothing more than an after thought, not the final grade to my weekly test. Stay tuned, it's getting good now!
UPDATE: My weigh in results: loss of 1.4, total loss to date: 69 pounds, current weight: 206.0 pounds. 70 Pounds, I'll see you next Monday! ;-)
Friday, April 27, 2012
Finishing This Chapter Strong!
Friday April 27, 2012: Day 172: 7:09AM; As I weighed in at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Management Center) last Monday, the results with a normal week of workouts and hydration showed. I lost 3.4 bringing my total to date to 67.6 and I sit at 207.4. Needless to say I am thrilled. But the conversation I had with the dietitian is what is most striking,...awe-striking I should say, moment of the week.
I knew I had been feeling better and the body was responding appropriately. I knew that I had to hold back with my workouts, and is difficult as it is for a former athlete, I did so. The result didn't shock me. Even the end result of the conversation didn't. But I think hearing the dietitian tell me that this current week would be my last on the "New Outlook" program weight loss phase, was. I have worked incredibly hard for each success during this now five and a half month process. While not perfect, I've earned my results - good, bad or indifferent. But for some reason I have not allowed myself so far to truly look too far ahead in the process as I was learning each step of the way and I didn't want to distract my focus from the task at hand. But now that I am three days away from beginning the new chapter in this journey, I find myself a bit in awe of two things. How quickly this journey has come to this point and how excited I truly am to take the next steps - stick to the forefront of my thoughts as I type this out.
I remember the anxiety level I had walking through the door at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Management Center) having to admit my faults and shortcomings to truly have a real chance of changing my life for good, and for the better. I remember the first three weeks of results, losing 8.4, 4.8, and 8.2 pounds thinking "man this IS easy." I remember the failures at Christmas, and even the recent mistakes in putting my body into survival mode and having to correct the behaviors that led to it. But I think what I find most incredible, is how quickly my thought process has changed overall. When I eat, I am careful and aware of everything I put in my body. I weigh the decisions I make as to what foods and type of nourishment I take in as to the short and long term effects on my body, good or bad. I most often choose healthier alternatives to those I once would allow myself to fall victim to in the past. Most importantly, I have taken control of my overall health and wellness, and look forward every day to the process with a pride that I have never truly had - because I know that I owe a lot of people throughout this journey no less than my life, or at very least its new lease. My wife, mother, family, friends, co-workers, dietitians and staff at fat camp(Aultman Weight Loss Center), fellow campers, and people in general that have taken the time to reach out in support and encouragement. While to some extent it seems like a blur, I have not, nor will I forget all of the support afforded to me along the way.
Secondly, I have to admit, while I have truly enjoyed the process, I'm very ready for its next chapter to begin. I am ready to increase my workouts, and to wean myself off of the shakes and translate this learning experience into a true lifestyle. I am ready to continue to lose the weight and hit my goal of 200 pounds as the "Adaptation" phase gets under way. I am ready to thank all of those who have helped me along the way by showing them their efforts were not in vein as I continue to progress to both my goal weight and to continually improving and maintaining my overall health and wellness.
I am very excited to reminisce about where I started, but even more so to talk about where I'm going. I'll always include the weigh in numbers with the discussion, I am simply transitioning the discussion to show even someone with no previous experience can run 10K's, half marathons, and a full marathon if he or she sets their mind to do so and doesn't allow the hurdles to get in the way, as so many have before.
I knew I had been feeling better and the body was responding appropriately. I knew that I had to hold back with my workouts, and is difficult as it is for a former athlete, I did so. The result didn't shock me. Even the end result of the conversation didn't. But I think hearing the dietitian tell me that this current week would be my last on the "New Outlook" program weight loss phase, was. I have worked incredibly hard for each success during this now five and a half month process. While not perfect, I've earned my results - good, bad or indifferent. But for some reason I have not allowed myself so far to truly look too far ahead in the process as I was learning each step of the way and I didn't want to distract my focus from the task at hand. But now that I am three days away from beginning the new chapter in this journey, I find myself a bit in awe of two things. How quickly this journey has come to this point and how excited I truly am to take the next steps - stick to the forefront of my thoughts as I type this out.
I remember the anxiety level I had walking through the door at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Management Center) having to admit my faults and shortcomings to truly have a real chance of changing my life for good, and for the better. I remember the first three weeks of results, losing 8.4, 4.8, and 8.2 pounds thinking "man this IS easy." I remember the failures at Christmas, and even the recent mistakes in putting my body into survival mode and having to correct the behaviors that led to it. But I think what I find most incredible, is how quickly my thought process has changed overall. When I eat, I am careful and aware of everything I put in my body. I weigh the decisions I make as to what foods and type of nourishment I take in as to the short and long term effects on my body, good or bad. I most often choose healthier alternatives to those I once would allow myself to fall victim to in the past. Most importantly, I have taken control of my overall health and wellness, and look forward every day to the process with a pride that I have never truly had - because I know that I owe a lot of people throughout this journey no less than my life, or at very least its new lease. My wife, mother, family, friends, co-workers, dietitians and staff at fat camp(Aultman Weight Loss Center), fellow campers, and people in general that have taken the time to reach out in support and encouragement. While to some extent it seems like a blur, I have not, nor will I forget all of the support afforded to me along the way.
Secondly, I have to admit, while I have truly enjoyed the process, I'm very ready for its next chapter to begin. I am ready to increase my workouts, and to wean myself off of the shakes and translate this learning experience into a true lifestyle. I am ready to continue to lose the weight and hit my goal of 200 pounds as the "Adaptation" phase gets under way. I am ready to thank all of those who have helped me along the way by showing them their efforts were not in vein as I continue to progress to both my goal weight and to continually improving and maintaining my overall health and wellness.
I am very excited to reminisce about where I started, but even more so to talk about where I'm going. I'll always include the weigh in numbers with the discussion, I am simply transitioning the discussion to show even someone with no previous experience can run 10K's, half marathons, and a full marathon if he or she sets their mind to do so and doesn't allow the hurdles to get in the way, as so many have before.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Knowing When To Hold Back
APRIL 19, 2012; Day 164; Okay so I didn't have the desired results at fat camp (Aultman Weight Management) last Monday. As a matter of fact, technically I registered a 1.4 gain weighing in at 210.8. but let me explain the technicality.
I increased work out intensity last week with my exuberance to hit my goal weight of 200 pounds due to my fantastic results as of late. Coupling the increase in exercise, I was unable to get 200 ounces of water per day in as I have been so accustomed to, instead averaging about 96 ounces due to a busy schedule. The cherry on top of the proverbial sundae was that I competed in my first ever race, running the 5.6 mile leg of a half marathon relay. The end result was my body having significantly increased out put with no extra caloric intake and depletion of water intake it is so used to receiving. Hence my body shutting down, going into survival mode, and storing every ounce of fluid and nutrient it could. Consequently it wouldn't burn and allow me to continue to lose.
Needless to say I wasn't thrilled with the result. BUT, in the last 5.5 months I have learned that while the scale is important to the process, its one of many important pieces that have to work together. I physically look and feel better than I have in years. I am accomplishing feats I never even fathomed before going through this process. I have learned that it is overall health and wellness that makes for long term success. I have to be willing to take the whole journey and not just part.
As such, I realize that I have never had to worry much about fueling the body to keep up with the rigors I put it through. Furthermore, when on caloric intake limits I have to be careful about how much and how hard I push the body. I cannot effectively burn calories if the body is starving for nutrients. So while I would have preferred loss, I really have learned a valuable lesson for long term success.
Plus at this point I find myself more focused on the next part of the journey. Learning to adapt and maintain my overall health and wellness and understanding minor fluctuations in the scale is part of that, allows me to be more level headed when the scale doesn't read what I would hope it to. I know I ate properly, but I need to hydrate better and control my impulses to push too hard in my workouts just because I fee better than I have in so many years! The folks at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) that are guiding this journey will continue to do so through the next phase of adaptation and maintenance. This is encouraging because I am still able to lose and eventually hit my goal weight, but it will be more geared toward increasing my workouts and fueling my body with a little more caloric intake, but the right types of foods.
My dietitian Angie and I have decided to take the next two weeks, hold back on pushing the workouts beyond where they were, increase the hydration, keep the intake protocol where it is and see how or if weight continues to drop. If not due to the body hitting its set point for diet (which means the body has lost all it can on a limited calorie intake), then we will move right into adaptation, and the journey will lead me to blog about the next phase at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) in reaching my goal through a much more familiar routine, increasing workouts and a manageable level of increased calories.
Funny isn't it, a not s great result has shown me how far I have truly come. I feel better, look better (ish) than I have in many years and I'm accomplishing things I never once thought possible. A simple fluctuation on the scale due to putting the body through too much stress and not fueling it properly can't and won't affect that. I will, by doing the right things and being just a little more conservative in my approach. I truly understand the long term and big picture now. I AM ready to be healthy in a complete way.
I increased work out intensity last week with my exuberance to hit my goal weight of 200 pounds due to my fantastic results as of late. Coupling the increase in exercise, I was unable to get 200 ounces of water per day in as I have been so accustomed to, instead averaging about 96 ounces due to a busy schedule. The cherry on top of the proverbial sundae was that I competed in my first ever race, running the 5.6 mile leg of a half marathon relay. The end result was my body having significantly increased out put with no extra caloric intake and depletion of water intake it is so used to receiving. Hence my body shutting down, going into survival mode, and storing every ounce of fluid and nutrient it could. Consequently it wouldn't burn and allow me to continue to lose.
Needless to say I wasn't thrilled with the result. BUT, in the last 5.5 months I have learned that while the scale is important to the process, its one of many important pieces that have to work together. I physically look and feel better than I have in years. I am accomplishing feats I never even fathomed before going through this process. I have learned that it is overall health and wellness that makes for long term success. I have to be willing to take the whole journey and not just part.
As such, I realize that I have never had to worry much about fueling the body to keep up with the rigors I put it through. Furthermore, when on caloric intake limits I have to be careful about how much and how hard I push the body. I cannot effectively burn calories if the body is starving for nutrients. So while I would have preferred loss, I really have learned a valuable lesson for long term success.
Plus at this point I find myself more focused on the next part of the journey. Learning to adapt and maintain my overall health and wellness and understanding minor fluctuations in the scale is part of that, allows me to be more level headed when the scale doesn't read what I would hope it to. I know I ate properly, but I need to hydrate better and control my impulses to push too hard in my workouts just because I fee better than I have in so many years! The folks at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) that are guiding this journey will continue to do so through the next phase of adaptation and maintenance. This is encouraging because I am still able to lose and eventually hit my goal weight, but it will be more geared toward increasing my workouts and fueling my body with a little more caloric intake, but the right types of foods.
My dietitian Angie and I have decided to take the next two weeks, hold back on pushing the workouts beyond where they were, increase the hydration, keep the intake protocol where it is and see how or if weight continues to drop. If not due to the body hitting its set point for diet (which means the body has lost all it can on a limited calorie intake), then we will move right into adaptation, and the journey will lead me to blog about the next phase at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) in reaching my goal through a much more familiar routine, increasing workouts and a manageable level of increased calories.
Funny isn't it, a not s great result has shown me how far I have truly come. I feel better, look better (ish) than I have in many years and I'm accomplishing things I never once thought possible. A simple fluctuation on the scale due to putting the body through too much stress and not fueling it properly can't and won't affect that. I will, by doing the right things and being just a little more conservative in my approach. I truly understand the long term and big picture now. I AM ready to be healthy in a complete way.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
New Achievements Bring About New Goals
Tuesday April 10, 2012; 8:21AM; Day 155: Last night at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) I weighed in at 209.4 pounds, a loss of 4.4 pounds for the week, and a total loss to date of 65.6 pounds. Needless to say I am so incredibly happy with such a huge loss so late into the game. I have since shifted my goals slightly, partly because I see the unattainable as attainable more often recently, and partly because I must be a glutton for punishment I think. Let me explain
The further I get into this process the more aware of my own abilities I become. Aultman Weight Loss Center and its team of experts have been a lifeline of support the entire way through this journey, so much so that the consultations I receive help me to evaluate more definitively both where I am at and where I truly want to be. I find myself experiencing not only new achievements in my weight loss that I never thought possible, but I seem to have carried it over to all facets of my life. Let me explain.
Before I started this program I was not completely sold on my ability or any plan's prescripts to lose weight in a significant manner. So during my original consultation I set my target weight at 225, figuring a 50 pound loss would be both remarkable, but also fairly unlikely that I would get there. Once I immersed myself into the process and embraced its plan, it continually became more clear that this program not only works, but even I am capable of things I never thought possible.
As I got to the 235 mark fairly easily and with minimal hiccups, I began thinking "What if I committed myself to losing 70 pounds and reaching the 205 benchmark?" This would put me at my preseason weight in college, and be within 5 pounds of where my physician has been telling me for some time would be an ideal range for me to maintain and be healthy in a complete, and long term fashion. So I re-adjusted my goal accordingly, got the dietitian (Angie) and Doctor checking the blood work at fat camp to approve my continued weight loss journey to 205. As I came toward my honeymoon and had the hiccup 2 weeks before of gaining a pound, I questioned my ability and wavered on the commitment to forge on to the 205 mark. The following week presented a huge drop to 215.6 and each week since has been productive. As such I met again with the folks at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) and decided to work towards the 200 pound benchmark. With only 9.4 pounds to go - for the very first time, the unattainable seems completely attainable!
Furthermore, I am noticing other facets of my life beginning to branch out and reach for the "unattainable." As mentioned in previous posts I have begun running. This past weekend I completed an 8 mile run in an hour and twenty minutes, for roughly a 10:13 per mile pace. I stated previously that was hoping to run my first 5K sometime late this summer or early this fall. But with so much being achievable that I never thought possible, I am running in a Half Marathon Relay with both of my bosses this coming weekend. I have asked to run the long leg (5.6 miles) so that I can challenge myself to see where both body and mind are at. But I think the most remarkable of all said is that I AM WILLING to step out of my comfort zone and attempt things that at one point in my life seemed completely out of my reach.
If nothing else, if pounds had never been shed, and goals had never been met, if I never stepped out of my comfort zone to admit I needed help, accountability, and support fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has provided, the "unattainable" would be just that still. This "not such a revelation" moment is simply that if we don't try, if we don't take the opportunity to step outside of our comfort zones, we cannot achieve great things. I am learning more every day that the out of reach is never quite so. Life is brighter than it has ever been because there is nothing I am not able to do if I commit to doing it, believe in my ability to get there, and don't allow myself to be deterred by minor bumps in the road.
200 - You can't hide forever, and I won't let you allude me for much longer!
The further I get into this process the more aware of my own abilities I become. Aultman Weight Loss Center and its team of experts have been a lifeline of support the entire way through this journey, so much so that the consultations I receive help me to evaluate more definitively both where I am at and where I truly want to be. I find myself experiencing not only new achievements in my weight loss that I never thought possible, but I seem to have carried it over to all facets of my life. Let me explain.
Before I started this program I was not completely sold on my ability or any plan's prescripts to lose weight in a significant manner. So during my original consultation I set my target weight at 225, figuring a 50 pound loss would be both remarkable, but also fairly unlikely that I would get there. Once I immersed myself into the process and embraced its plan, it continually became more clear that this program not only works, but even I am capable of things I never thought possible.
As I got to the 235 mark fairly easily and with minimal hiccups, I began thinking "What if I committed myself to losing 70 pounds and reaching the 205 benchmark?" This would put me at my preseason weight in college, and be within 5 pounds of where my physician has been telling me for some time would be an ideal range for me to maintain and be healthy in a complete, and long term fashion. So I re-adjusted my goal accordingly, got the dietitian (Angie) and Doctor checking the blood work at fat camp to approve my continued weight loss journey to 205. As I came toward my honeymoon and had the hiccup 2 weeks before of gaining a pound, I questioned my ability and wavered on the commitment to forge on to the 205 mark. The following week presented a huge drop to 215.6 and each week since has been productive. As such I met again with the folks at fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) and decided to work towards the 200 pound benchmark. With only 9.4 pounds to go - for the very first time, the unattainable seems completely attainable!
Furthermore, I am noticing other facets of my life beginning to branch out and reach for the "unattainable." As mentioned in previous posts I have begun running. This past weekend I completed an 8 mile run in an hour and twenty minutes, for roughly a 10:13 per mile pace. I stated previously that was hoping to run my first 5K sometime late this summer or early this fall. But with so much being achievable that I never thought possible, I am running in a Half Marathon Relay with both of my bosses this coming weekend. I have asked to run the long leg (5.6 miles) so that I can challenge myself to see where both body and mind are at. But I think the most remarkable of all said is that I AM WILLING to step out of my comfort zone and attempt things that at one point in my life seemed completely out of my reach.
If nothing else, if pounds had never been shed, and goals had never been met, if I never stepped out of my comfort zone to admit I needed help, accountability, and support fat camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has provided, the "unattainable" would be just that still. This "not such a revelation" moment is simply that if we don't try, if we don't take the opportunity to step outside of our comfort zones, we cannot achieve great things. I am learning more every day that the out of reach is never quite so. Life is brighter than it has ever been because there is nothing I am not able to do if I commit to doing it, believe in my ability to get there, and don't allow myself to be deterred by minor bumps in the road.
200 - You can't hide forever, and I won't let you allude me for much longer!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
'Vids, This One's For You!!
Thursday April 5, 2012: 9:04AM; Day 150; Alright lots to report, and it's been just a little while as right after I entered my last blog I left for my honeymoon. I'll go into detail (no, not that way, get your minds out of the gutter ;-) - simply weight loss related). But first on my honeymoon, where typically a little bit of indulgence is not only permitted but expected, as it is truly a celebration, I lost 1.8 pounds, bringing my total loss up to 61.2 pounds - and I now weigh in as of Monday night at fat camp (Aultman Weight Management Center) at 213.8 pounds! A surprise, sure, but certainly something I've earned. Three things that struck me during the last two weeks that inspire me to share are the habits I'm forming, progress being made in all facets of my life, and the support and thanks I finally get to return to so many who have been so critical in these successes. Now I'll explain.
During the honeymoon, I WAS NOT perfect by any means. My best friend married my wife's cousin on day two of our trip. I promised her months ago that if I was at my goal weight I'd have a sliver of wedding cake to celebrate with her. Well as I am ever so close, I am not there as of yet so I initially declined the opportunity at the reception. Her understanding and ever so slight disappointment in the moment having to pass was apparent. So I decided to have a very small sliver of cake to celebrate her and her constant support of me in everything. Furthermore as the week went on, I worked out hard, and allowed my self very small indiscretions once a day, usually at dinner to celebrate our honeymoon, but stuck to shakes and lots of water intake otherwise, and never more than a little extra starch or fat in oil as dressing or sauce on something in the entree to be my indulgence. I was satisfied that at this point I have learned how to both minimize bad decisions and the ability to feel normal during a very special, once in a lifetime occasion, that in keeping with the good habits I've developed, that any minor hiccup wouldn't cost me dearly enough that I couldn't recover. In such I was still able to lose. While not much, my wife constantly being supportive and firm, encouraged me to taste but not splurge or stray too far, allowed me to see how life can and will be once fat camp (Aultman Weight Management Center) is not there for accountability. My dietitians have instilled a confidence and strong habit of adherence in me so that I can continue to be successful long after the numbers stand still.
Secondly, I noticed that lately much progress is being made in several areas. My running mileage, overall fitness level, and recovery time have significantly improved because as the weight has continued to drop, the body has taken less of a physical pounding, allowing to to recover more quickly and me to push myself more consistently. My body has toned considerably in the last six weeks, and my goals have changed since I have been able to see all of this progress take on more tangible, visible results. As such I've decided to make 200 not 205 my ultimate goal weight. Furthermore, I am learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and still experience all of the flavors of life. I will not take another opportunity to stray until I have successfully completed fat camp (Aultman Weight Management's "New Outlook" program), but my dietitians have taught me how to live life in a properly balanced way.
Finally, as anyone who has read the blog knows, I am a firm believer that no one ever succeeds at anything by themselves, and nothing worth doing is ever easy. Angie, my dietitian, has taught me how to be healthy, and given my the proper perspective on how to approach life on a daily basis. My wife, mom, immediate and extended family and friends have supported me unconditionally every step of the way, and are my rock(s) through thick and thin. My bosses inspired me to begin this journey, and continue to support me every day and the three of us are actually running a Half Marathon Relay locally in 10 days, a true bench mark of everything I have just mentioned. I receive incredibly positive feedback through all of the social network outlets that continues to inspire me to new heights.
But I need to take one second and recognize one person that has always been on of my heroes in life. My assistant college swim coach at Cleveland State University, Mike Davidson, has always seen something in me I never have quite been able to see in myself. He has always challenged me to achieve new heights, and push past my comfort zone. He used to say "Anyone can be average, why not step out of your comfort zone and dare to be great!" Mike left my senior year to coach with one of his college teammates from CSU at Penn State, and has since returned to Ohio to coach the Solon, Ohio High School and club program. Wherever he has gone he continues to keep in touch and has always been un-wavering in both his confidence in and support of me. He commented earlier this week on my progress and it still means the world to have coach "'Vids" give me his approval. Thanks Mike, I'm taking your advice and "running" with it.
During the honeymoon, I WAS NOT perfect by any means. My best friend married my wife's cousin on day two of our trip. I promised her months ago that if I was at my goal weight I'd have a sliver of wedding cake to celebrate with her. Well as I am ever so close, I am not there as of yet so I initially declined the opportunity at the reception. Her understanding and ever so slight disappointment in the moment having to pass was apparent. So I decided to have a very small sliver of cake to celebrate her and her constant support of me in everything. Furthermore as the week went on, I worked out hard, and allowed my self very small indiscretions once a day, usually at dinner to celebrate our honeymoon, but stuck to shakes and lots of water intake otherwise, and never more than a little extra starch or fat in oil as dressing or sauce on something in the entree to be my indulgence. I was satisfied that at this point I have learned how to both minimize bad decisions and the ability to feel normal during a very special, once in a lifetime occasion, that in keeping with the good habits I've developed, that any minor hiccup wouldn't cost me dearly enough that I couldn't recover. In such I was still able to lose. While not much, my wife constantly being supportive and firm, encouraged me to taste but not splurge or stray too far, allowed me to see how life can and will be once fat camp (Aultman Weight Management Center) is not there for accountability. My dietitians have instilled a confidence and strong habit of adherence in me so that I can continue to be successful long after the numbers stand still.
Secondly, I noticed that lately much progress is being made in several areas. My running mileage, overall fitness level, and recovery time have significantly improved because as the weight has continued to drop, the body has taken less of a physical pounding, allowing to to recover more quickly and me to push myself more consistently. My body has toned considerably in the last six weeks, and my goals have changed since I have been able to see all of this progress take on more tangible, visible results. As such I've decided to make 200 not 205 my ultimate goal weight. Furthermore, I am learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and still experience all of the flavors of life. I will not take another opportunity to stray until I have successfully completed fat camp (Aultman Weight Management's "New Outlook" program), but my dietitians have taught me how to live life in a properly balanced way.
Finally, as anyone who has read the blog knows, I am a firm believer that no one ever succeeds at anything by themselves, and nothing worth doing is ever easy. Angie, my dietitian, has taught me how to be healthy, and given my the proper perspective on how to approach life on a daily basis. My wife, mom, immediate and extended family and friends have supported me unconditionally every step of the way, and are my rock(s) through thick and thin. My bosses inspired me to begin this journey, and continue to support me every day and the three of us are actually running a Half Marathon Relay locally in 10 days, a true bench mark of everything I have just mentioned. I receive incredibly positive feedback through all of the social network outlets that continues to inspire me to new heights.
But I need to take one second and recognize one person that has always been on of my heroes in life. My assistant college swim coach at Cleveland State University, Mike Davidson, has always seen something in me I never have quite been able to see in myself. He has always challenged me to achieve new heights, and push past my comfort zone. He used to say "Anyone can be average, why not step out of your comfort zone and dare to be great!" Mike left my senior year to coach with one of his college teammates from CSU at Penn State, and has since returned to Ohio to coach the Solon, Ohio High School and club program. Wherever he has gone he continues to keep in touch and has always been un-wavering in both his confidence in and support of me. He commented earlier this week on my progress and it still means the world to have coach "'Vids" give me his approval. Thanks Mike, I'm taking your advice and "running" with it.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Back to Basics Produces Big Result!
Monday March 19, 2012: DAY 133; 4:16PM: Well as I mentioned last week one bad decision cost me to gain 1 full pound. Well seven days worth of very good decisions and sticking to the protocol that Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center) has set for me to follow and I produced and eerily symmetrical number. This week I had a weight loss of 7.4 pounds!!! I have now lost a total of 59.4 pounds in 133 days, for an average of 3.1 pounds per week, and I sit at 215.6, 10.4 pounds form my goal weight.
Needless to say I came out of fat camp with a much different attitude this week than I did last. But I think it's important for me to focus on the why more than the what right now. The number is AMAZING!!! But let me not forget to remind everyone that the number I saw on the scale last week was due, in part, to the water retention I experienced as a result of consuming a high fat, high sodium meal. In other words, this result is really a reflection of the two week period minus the bad decision with the Saturday night pig out at a greasy spoon and paying the price for being too bull headed to accept that change is an every day thing and constant struggle to stay the course, not a once in a while "when I feel like it" action.
Before I go any further to explain what I have learned and why I really feel for the first time ever, my goal weight is not only achievable, but able to be maintained, I need to apologize. To Angie, my little blond dietitian friend, I AM SO GREATLY SORRY for my reaction today to my great result. For all who were fortunate not to be present let me explain. When the "wheel of fortune" spun to its final resting place on 215.6 pounds, I raised my arms in triumph. While on the surface - harmless enough, I had a shirt on that I always weigh in with, but I typically don't raise my arms to the point that I expose a still scary sight, my stomach. I've always said I look best with the lights out, pretty sure I just proved that to yet another unfortunate soul. My bad Ang.
Sorry for the digression but I got back to doing what I have been taught to. First, I weighed and measured every ounce of nourishment that I put into my body to the decimal. Second I took their advice (Aultman Wieght Loss Center dietitians) and cut work outs back to four, 60 minute efforts, as opposed to the over 10 hours I was putting in on a limited calorie intake. These did two things. They allowed my body to burn consistently, and at a high rate. Plus it did not allow my body to shut down the burn to store that calories as a survival reaction because to it not getting enough nourishment to burn. Finally I kept my water intake at an average of 200 ounces which allowed me to stay hydrated and allowed the body to consistently flush the unneeded nutrients from the body (hope this part wasn't too graphic).
As I get ready to sign off let me leave you all with one more horrifying visual, me on the honeymoon, on the pool deck, strutting this "not such a beach body" around like Snooky at a dance club at night without a mirror to have gotten ready in front of. Oh well, it's only the other guests that will suffer.
Stay tuned I'll blog from the honeymoon to let you know what I have done wrong or right, and what I weigh in at unofficially on the scale we will be bringing from home.
Needless to say I came out of fat camp with a much different attitude this week than I did last. But I think it's important for me to focus on the why more than the what right now. The number is AMAZING!!! But let me not forget to remind everyone that the number I saw on the scale last week was due, in part, to the water retention I experienced as a result of consuming a high fat, high sodium meal. In other words, this result is really a reflection of the two week period minus the bad decision with the Saturday night pig out at a greasy spoon and paying the price for being too bull headed to accept that change is an every day thing and constant struggle to stay the course, not a once in a while "when I feel like it" action.
Before I go any further to explain what I have learned and why I really feel for the first time ever, my goal weight is not only achievable, but able to be maintained, I need to apologize. To Angie, my little blond dietitian friend, I AM SO GREATLY SORRY for my reaction today to my great result. For all who were fortunate not to be present let me explain. When the "wheel of fortune" spun to its final resting place on 215.6 pounds, I raised my arms in triumph. While on the surface - harmless enough, I had a shirt on that I always weigh in with, but I typically don't raise my arms to the point that I expose a still scary sight, my stomach. I've always said I look best with the lights out, pretty sure I just proved that to yet another unfortunate soul. My bad Ang.
Sorry for the digression but I got back to doing what I have been taught to. First, I weighed and measured every ounce of nourishment that I put into my body to the decimal. Second I took their advice (Aultman Wieght Loss Center dietitians) and cut work outs back to four, 60 minute efforts, as opposed to the over 10 hours I was putting in on a limited calorie intake. These did two things. They allowed my body to burn consistently, and at a high rate. Plus it did not allow my body to shut down the burn to store that calories as a survival reaction because to it not getting enough nourishment to burn. Finally I kept my water intake at an average of 200 ounces which allowed me to stay hydrated and allowed the body to consistently flush the unneeded nutrients from the body (hope this part wasn't too graphic).
As I get ready to sign off let me leave you all with one more horrifying visual, me on the honeymoon, on the pool deck, strutting this "not such a beach body" around like Snooky at a dance club at night without a mirror to have gotten ready in front of. Oh well, it's only the other guests that will suffer.
Stay tuned I'll blog from the honeymoon to let you know what I have done wrong or right, and what I weigh in at unofficially on the scale we will be bringing from home.
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