Año Uno y La Semana Veintidós: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Veintidós: Monday, December 7, 2015 -- 210.4 lbs

Año Uno y La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 26, 2015 -- 209.6 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Quince: Monday, October 19, 2015 -- 212.0 lbs
Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

After a slight absence, I have returned and living life in Africa for three weeks apparently did not transpire into any weight loss at least not according to the scales on Monday in my house. Now when I got on the scale at work for my monthly weigh-in, I was down to 205 over 216 before I left. That definitely was an improvement if the scale was right. My body fat numbers were also down a bit though not sure exactly.

Yes, I ventured off to the northeastern parts of Africa, Ethiopia & Egypt, for a few weeks. It was a very nice adventure. I did a lot of walking, sightseeing, and exploring. We saw the pyramids and Sphinx, road and ate camel, walked about 6 miles one day touring an old historical city in Ethiopia. Those are probably some of the highlights.

It was 8 or 7 hrs ahead depending on which country I was in. Upon return, I have been struggling to stay awake past 9 pm though have done it a few nights like tonight. I am rather tired but currently succeeding in staying awake, but about 4 hrs ago I was ready to go to sleep.

Hopefully, I can get back on schedule and back to working out and trying to lose some more weight.

I hope you all are doing well and had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Año Uno y La Semana Dieciséis: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Dieciseis: Monday, October 26, 2015 -- 209.6 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Quince: Monday, October 19, 2015 -- 212.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Catorce: Monday, October 12, 2015 -- 210.6 lbs

Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 10, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs
Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Slightly delayed but after going up last week, I was done below 210 this week. Maybe by the time I return from my safari in December, I will be down below 200. Mentioning of a safari, I will try to post an update next week and then you definitely will not see another update until at least the first Monday of December. I will share more on my return.

Last week, I played basketball on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday I had a bad fall again and hit my head against the asphalt. It actually didn't end up bothering me as much as scraping and bruising my right elbow. My feet have been bothering me again and so are my knees. I think a lot of that has to do with the basketball and the ankle braces in the shoes. Also, I have not been doing as many hip exercises of recent so this week hopefully I can get that going again.

I raced the past three weekends as well which meant a lot of time up on my feet.

Thanks for following along.

Año Uno y La Semana Catorce: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Catorce: Monday, September 12, 2015 -- 210.6 lbs

Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 10, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs
Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Wow so six weeks have passed since I last blogged. I am not totally sure where the past 6 weeks have gone but I do know a bit.

The first week ran into Labor Day weekend in which I went home to see the family and raced on Sunday with the Western KY folks, which was a lot of fun.

The next weekend was Family Camp with church. I did a lot of walking/hiking, went for a swing on the giant swing, worked on my archery skills, and had a ride on the back of a horse. Overall a great weekend out in God's beauty.

The next weekend was sharing and preparing folks for our 2016 Guatemala trips and the start of packing. Yes, I said packing.

The rest of September was spent packing up my apartment to move. I am now living with a group of folks and most of my belongings are packed away until I decide the next step in life.

Amongst all of this, we have started another 3-on-3 basketball competition at work. My legs are holding out a lot better this time though falling on your rear end via the momentum of two guys hurts and continues to hurt especially when you spend the next week packing.

The first weekend of October was a weekend to catch up plus several church related events so not a ton of relaxation.

This past weekend was a full weekend that ended in Lexington with the boys and racing on Sunday. Racing on Sunday was magnificent as I raced in a borrowed Mustang and did quite well on my final run pulling out a 1st place in class, 23/46 in RAW, and 7 in PAX. I also beat out my co-driver also in a borrowed car on that last run.

Through all of this apparently, I am either not eating enough or getting enough workout that I have dropped a few pounds as of this morning. I was a bit surprised when I got on the scale this morning but I got on at work and it too was much lower than usual.

At the beginning of November, I took my measurements again. I was not down in any sizes but my body fat index was down a little over a point, which was exciting. We will see what another month brings.

I will try to get into a better routine of writing at least for a few more weeks before I leave for an extended vacation.

I hope you are all doing well and have not abandoned me. Thanks for reading and walking with me on this journey.

Año Uno y La Semana Ocho: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Ocho: Monday, August 31, 2015 -- 213.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Siete: Monday, August 24, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Seis: Monday, August 17, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 10, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday - No workout

Tuesday - No workout

Wednesday - Arms & Hips, 5 mins on the treadmill, stretching

Thursday - Stretching

Friday - Hip exercises, a few arms, and 5 mins on the bike at level 5 (approx 1 mile) followed by stretching and rolling the side hip.

Saturday -  PT workout

Sunday - Walk around the KY State Fair eating fair food :) approximately 4 miles. Then we went and saw the Nina & Pinta at the Waterfront and probably walked another mile maybe.

Año Uno y La Semana Siete: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Siete: Monday, August 24, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Seis: Monday, August 17, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 10, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

A little delayed, it has been quite the long week.

Monday - Arms & Hips, Stretching

Tuesday - No workout

Wednesday - Arms & Shoulders, 5 mins on the bike at level 4 (approx 1 mile), stretching

Thursday - No workout, visit to the doctor. See below.

Friday - 7 miles of canoeing down the Blue River in S. Indiana with work. Approx 3 hrs.

Saturday -  2.6 miles walking and pushing 1.5 year old. 

Sunday - Race day, 1.5 to 2 miles of walking around the course and area. Drove a manual Mustang around the autocross course.

----------------
                        April 4, 14  ->   Sept 30, 14  ->   April 6, 15  ->   Aug 12, 15
 Cholesterol
Total                   272                239                        269                    268
Triglycerides       268                251                         255                    199 (Nice Drop)
HDL                     41                 46*                         46*                    46*
VLDL                   54                 50                           51                      39* (Nice Drop)
LDL                   177                143                        172                     183 (going the wrong direction)
Ratio                   4.3                 3.1*                        3.7                      4.0 (going the wrong direction)

Vitamin D           23.6               46.0*                      42.2*
Insulin                 23.2*             22.6*                        2.2 (low)           20.8*                    
A1C                                           6.5                          6.5                       6.1 (Nice improvement)

The doctor was overall satisfied with the improvements of my numbers this time and my white blood count as back in the normal range though still high. Praying and working for continued improvement.

Año Uno y La Semana Seis: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Seis: Monday, August 17, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 10, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday -- Arms/Hips, Stretching

Tuesday -- Stretching

Wednesday -- Foot exercises and bands around the ankles sideways walk. Went and had bloodwork done. Will find out on Thursday the results from the doctor. Please pray for improved numbers.

Thursday -- Some foot exercises

Friday -- 10 minutes on the elliptical at varying resistances followed by some other leg/hip exercises and of course stretching.

Saturday -- Laundry and some cleaning.

Sunday -- 3 Indoor Karting Races which put me at 150 races all time since March 2012 most in the last couple of years.

Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Cinco: Monday, August 10, 2015 -- 213.8 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Cuatro: Monday, August 3, 2015 -- 214.2 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Tres: Monday, July 27, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Dos: Monday, July 20, 2015 -- 215.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Uno: Monday, July 13, 2015 -- 215.2 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

A month has passed since I last too measurements so I took them again today and pleasantly surprised to find my waist and hips continue to slim down. Waist 1 inch/Total 3.5. Hips 2 inch/Total 3.5.

                                May 20, 2015             July 8, 2015                August 10, 2015
Weight                         215.2                           216.5                          214.9
BF                               38.6                             39.1                            38.7
BMI                            33.7                             33.9                             33.6

Biceps                         12                                12                                12
Bust                             44.5                             44                                45
Waist                           46.5                             44                                43
Hips                             47.5                             46                                44


Monday - Squats, Arms, Stretching

Tuesday - Stretching

Wednesday - Abs, Hips, Stretching

Thursday - Stretching

Friday - Arms, ?, Stretching (I cannot remember what exactly we did on Friday)

Saturday - 6.6 miles hiking in JMF Red Trail Shortcut twice plus a little more. Took about 5 minute break about 2 miles in at a stream and then again on the second trip around about 4.5 miles in stopped for 45 minutes at the stream again for some contemplation and reflection. Minus the breaks completed the hike in 2 hrs 11 mins. Some nice stretching after the hike and during the 45 min break.

Sunday - 4 hour nap

Año Uno y La Semana Cuatro: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Cuatro: Monday, August 3, 2015 -- 214.2 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Tres: Monday, July 27, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Dos: Monday, July 20, 2015 -- 215.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Uno: Monday, July 13, 2015 -- 215.2 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday -- Completed at home exercises and stretching.

Tuesday --

Wednesday -- Hips, Balancing, & Stretching

Thursday -- Stretching, Short walk to and from Louisville Bats

Friday -- Arms, Stretching (Rest Hips/Glutes)

Saturday -- 2.6 mile walk pushing my adorable godson in a little car, another hour of playing/hanging out with him

Sunday --Approximately 1.5 miles of walking at the autocross and racing. Walk to and from Louisville Bats.

Año Uno y La Semana Tres: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Tres: Monday, July 27, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Dos: Monday, July 20, 2015 -- 215.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Uno: Monday, July 13, 2015 -- 215.2 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday -- M worked my hips, ankles, and arms with some stretching.

Tuesday -- Stretching

Wednesday -- M worked inner & outer thighs on the machines followed by some 1 leg exercises for my hips. Followed by stretching.

Thursday -- :/ A little bit of ankle exercises at home but that was it.

Friday -- M worked my hips, ankles, and arms today followed by some stretching.

Saturday -- Approximately 5 miles of walking which included 10 flights of stairs according to a friends Fitbit while we were having fun riding coasters and other attractions at Kentucky Kingdom. Did a few calf stretches during the day though I need to do a lot more especially with all the walking.

Sunday -- A very early morning, rising before the sun and watching it rise as the morning went along. Approximately 1.5 miles of walking around at the autocross plus driving and riding.

Año Uno y La Semana Dos: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Dos: Monday, July 20, 2015 -- 215.0 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Uno: Monday, July 13, 2015 -- 215.2 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday - 1 hr stretching as the expectation was to go hiking in the evening but the storms came in late afternoon cancelling the hiking adventure.

Tuesday - Stretching

Wednesday - Stretching

Thursday - Stretching. Last PT appointment. 8 min (2 miles) on bike. Lunges, various squats and 1-leg exercises. Stretching.

Friday - Stretching. 4.66 mile hike JMF Welcome Ctr, Purple Heart Counterclockwise, back to Welcome Ctr. Completed in about 1 hr 53 mins under the 2 hr Level 2 hiking parameters. Stretching afterwards

Saturday - Both feet sore. Right more than left. Painful to get up during the night and once I woke up in the morning. Lots and lots of sleep. Some house cleaning thanks to the help of RJ. Signs that things may be improving and getting more on track. We will see how things go in the months to come. Ice bottle foot massage both feet. Basic ankle exercises.

Sunday - Grocery shopping, laundry, and a bit of food prep for lunch this week. PT exercises first set. I did not get the bands out and do the new ones :( I also did some of the past ankle workouts.

Other information that I failed to include last week. Back on May 20, 2015 the trainer at work took my measurements and then on July 8, 2015, we took them again. There was some good improvements in dimensions not so much on BMI but here are the two different numbers:

                                May 20, 2015             July 8, 2015
Weight                         215.2                           216.5
BF                               38.6                             39.1
BMI                            33.7                             33.9

Biceps                         12                                12
Bust                             44.5                             44
Waist                           46.5                             44
Hips                             47.5                             46

As you can see the waist and hips went down 1.5 inches plus which I will definitely take.

Año Uno y La Semana Uno: Towards Healthier Living

Año Uno y La Semana Uno: Monday, July 13, 2015 --215.2 lbs

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Yesterday, I did indulge in more food than usual to make sure I had plenty of carbs & proteins for a hike today, Monday. Unfortunately, storms blew in and we were unable to hike this evening but hopefully, we will get one in later in the week.

Monday - Stretching calves, legs; 4.5 mile hike JMF Silstone clockwise around Purple Trail, Silstone back to Welcome Center. Less than 2 hrs considered Level 2 in new Trails for Health group that I am apart of. TS helped keep me at a slow pace up hills and faster pace on flat sections. Afterwards though, I was fatigued and struggling. I definitely had to get home and get some food in the body.

Tuesday - Stretching calves, legs; PT session...8 mins on the bike, squats against bench and using trackx, lunges, stretches, one leg balancing and leg movements, and leg press.

Wednesday - Stretching and arms.

Thursday - PT at home exercises and stretches.

Friday - PT session...8 mins on the bike, lunges, squats w/trackx, one leg balancing & leg movements, one leg standing w/one leg on the bench squat, straight leg bend at the hips. I am sure there was more because my legs were screaming at me Saturday.

Saturday - Extra sleep, stretches twice and half at home PT exercises. My glutes and hips were screaming.

Sunday - A couple hours of standing around hoping for the rain storms to pass but they did not. Lots of driving and a nap.

Año Uno: Towards Healthy Living

Año Uno: Monday, July 6, 2015 -- 213.2 lbs (-13.6 lbs)
Año Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Wow, it has been a full year since I started this latest journey. Thanks for journeying with me this past year! May we have another great year to continue encouraging one another.

It has had its ups and downs, and though I have lost weight since the start, I am not at my lowest weight for the year. In a quick glance, I hit mid-209 on a couple occasions but then proceeded to increase a bit. Hopefully, I am back on track and will be able to continue this loss. A similar loss this coming year means hitting 200 lbs that would definitely be a great start. It would be great in a year from now to be under 200.

Monday - MV had me do a variety of exercises working my hips. My hips and rear are feeling the workout for sure. Stretching of the foot, calves, and regular stretching.

Tuesday - Stretching followed by PT. 8 mins on the bike, not sure the distance. Then work on my abductor,  muscles in my rear end, and the hamstrings. Stretches of the hamstring, abductor, and calves. New at home assignments included these stretches.

Wednesday - Workout at work...12 min bike at various levels but had to do lower level workout due to pain in the inside left of the knee. Followed by arm workout and stretching focused on my PT stretches.

Thursday - PT 8 min on the stepper instead of the bike due to the pain. Put a bandage on the interior knee to see if it would elevate the pain. Tried the bike and didn't seem to have pain so we left the bandage on. Other exercises included squats with the ropes, one leg squat, straight leg ball hip raises. stretching of the abductor and hamstring. Those were the key items.

Friday - Holiday from work. PT leg stretches and exercises and some of the foot exercises from last PT.

Saturday - JMF Silstone/Purple Trail Counter Clockwise...bad leader (me) made a slight detour at the beginning missing a slight uphill and some downhills plus about .2 miles. We completed the trail though in about 2 hrs. I was definitely tired at the end and did not feel like I could go more.

Sunday - A true day of rest. I felt it was best not to do anything this day due to the previous workouts and looking to hike again on Monday.

---------Previous Health Ups & Downs---------

Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8

Sunday, September 1, 2013 -- 209.6

Tuesday, July 9, 2013 -- 206.8

Monday, December 3, 2012 -- 190.4

Monday, April 23, 2012 -- 211.4

Monday, August 10, 2009 -- 180

La Semana Cincuenta y Uno: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cincuenta y Uno: Monday, June 29, 2015 -- 214.8 lbs

La Semana Cincuenta: Monday, June 22, 2015 -- 213.0 lbs (13.8 lbs -- 50 Weeks; -2.0 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Hmmm...On Saturday I was still at 213 and then after a very active weekend, I was back up Monday morning who knows, but here is how this past week went.

Monday - As I have mentioned, my knee has been bothering me especially after playing basketball. Therefore, I called last week to schedule a consultation with the physical therapist again. I am seeing the same PT that I saw in the fall and since it is my knees again, I can go without returning to the doctor.

The assessment is primarily for my right knee that has been really irritating me. She said the strength was not bad but the neuromuscular firing is not there and needs work on. Therefore, we are going to continue to work on my hip, balance, and coordination. I will learn more next week. I was sent home with 4 exercises to do on a daily basis.

We did do some exercises amongst all the pulling and tugging to see where everything stood. At the end, I did get some electrode therapy and ice which was great.

Tuesday -  Ended up being our last 3-on-3 basketball game. It was an extremely hot day with 90 degree temps and high humidity making it over 100 degree heat index. We ended up finishing 3rd out of 7 teams. It came down to 3 teams potentially all tied for 2nd. We had to win all 3 and lost our 2nd of 3. The other two teams actually played each other and it had to be a 2-1 swing, but it ended up 3 wins by the team that only needed to win 1. It was a great adventure and I am definitely glad that I signed up and played. I look forward to trying it again in the fall. I also scored 1 maybe 2 buckets in the games. I will say hand/eye coordination is horrible. I think part is when the ball lands outside of the view through the glasses it is just a blur.

Surprisingly my knee was not bothering me as bad after this game. That either means I didn't play as hard, as much, or maybe things are getting a bit getter and the ice/electrode therapy helped as well.

Wednesday - The trainer at work took what happened at the PT to modify my work out. We worked a lot on my hips and calves. My calves were killing me afterwards and for several days later. I also did some regular stretching as well as some extra stretching of the calf muscles.

Thursday - I worked from home but did do my PT exercises both the ones given on Monday and the left foot exercises from before.

Friday - I worked from home again and did the same thing as Thursday.

Saturday - Now the adventures really start. I went to Jefferson Memorial Forest to see how hiking would go. I broke the Mitchell Hill Lake Trail into two parts. The first part from the Welcome Center counter clockwise around the lake to the exit of the lake approx 1.66 miles in about 42 mins. I then stopped for a couple hours had a sandwich and did some writing and reflecting. After the break, I finished out the trail back to the Welcome Center approx 1.84 miles in 44 mins.

Amazingly, though both feet were sore, I arrived home and could walk without tremendous pain. The top of the left and the nerves were aggravated and the right heel, but nothing like what I have felt in the past. My long capacity was not great but it could have also been worse. The back hill seemed short. Granted, I had taken a 2 hour break before hitting it.

My knee on the other hand was definitely aggravated when hiking and I feel that it was bothered sooner than usual as I felt it on the first half of the lake trail and really felt it on the back half. It did not stay a consistent pay though there was some lingering pain. Overall, it was a great day with beautiful high 70 degree weather and lower humidity, an amazing day for a hike in June.

Sunday - It is that time of the year so yes I was out on the autocross course. I walked about 2 miles on the course alone and then who knows how much other walking and standing around I did. I drove 5 laps and road a couple as well. It was another beautiful day and again by the end of the day, I was a bit sore but nowhere as bad as I have felt before. I will say my old tennis shoes are done because my feet definitely hurt worse in them than in the newer ones or even my hiking shoes. I was glad that my hiking shoes did not give me a lot of problems.

This coming week, I really start therapy and we will see how things go. I wish you the best on your journey.

La Semana Cincuenta: Towards Healthy Living

Wow...the year is flying by quickly only two weeks left since I started this journey to attempt at living a healthier life. There have been ups and down, probably more downs than ups, but life continues forward. 

La Semana Cincuenta: Monday, June 22, 2015 -- 213.0 lbs (13.8 lbs -- 50 Weeks; -2.0 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday - Flexibility

Tuesday - 3-on-3 basketball game, right knee bothering me again

Wednesday - Recovering from the day before basketball game and working way too much.

Thursday - 3-on-3 basketball game, right knee was killing me afterwards and through the night.

Friday - Arm workout and some calf stretching

Saturday - Relaxing day on the patio listening to the rain, watching the chipmunks, and robins.

Sunday - Grocery shopping but again a relaxing day with an hour nap.

La Semana Cuarenta y Nueve: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Nueve: Monday, June 15, 2015 -- 214.8 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Ocho: Monday, June 8, 2015 -- 214.8 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Siete: Monday, June 1, 2015 -- 215.8 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Seis: Monday, May 25, 2015 -- 214.2 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Cinco: Monday, May 18, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Steady is good...Right knee is bothering me. I put braces on to play ball and even wore it a couple days.

Monday still battling the sinuses from the weekend. Rested at home and did some laundry/cleaning.

Tuesday 2nd game of 3-on-3. I didn't play as much as I spent the morning coughing up a lung as the sinuses moved from the head to the chest.

Wednesday didn't do anything special.

Thursday 3rd 3-on-3 game. Again I didn't play a ton still fighting the sinuses and just being out of shape in general.

Friday visited friends and played with the twins. I was made to disappear by P and E caught me in a net and took me to the trash. It was a fun evening.

Saturday a full day out in the hot sun at an autocross school learning to autocross a manual. Did some walking of the course to start the day. Ran after some cones before doing a lot of standing and walking back and forth as starter when not racing. Evening went for a decent walk with my friends and the boys.

Sunday another full day out in the hot sun at an autocross points event. Walked the course several times and then spent my working shift walking back around and also doing a bit of riding along.

La Semana Cuarenta y Ocho: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Ocho: Monday, June 8, 2015 -- 214.8 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Siete: Monday, June 1, 2015 -- 215.8 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Seis: Monday, May 25, 2015 -- 214.2 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Cinco: Monday, May 18, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

The first of the week was quite the workout. Work is having a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, which I ventured out and signed up for. I keep wanting to play basketball but a bit intimidated by all the guys. It also doesn't help that I know I am so out of shape. Well here goes nothing.

Monday - Arm workout, 4*40 of about 5 arm exercises. Okay so I didn't quite do all of them but close enough. Then went out and shot some basketball for about 30 minutes. This was an experience as my basketball shoes fell apart. The air cushion in the back of both shoes came unglued and fell apart.

Tuesday - A brave, adventurous day! At noon the first 3-on-3 experience happened. My team, denim, thankfully has 5 players and we were all there for the games. They threw me out there to start, which was thoughtful and kind. We played 3 games to 15. Subs occurred whenever you got scored on except I had to ask to come out after a few plays because I was so out of breath. After that every time I went in, it did not take long before I was struggling to breath again. I did accomplish scoring a basket in both the 2nd and 3rd games. By the end of the 3rd game, I let the guys keep on playing as I was not going to be the reason why we lost because I was so out of shape. We ended up winning 2 of 3 games. The top 2 teams get to play in the final game.

Wednesday - Stretching, stretching, more stretching. Oh my was I sore Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The soreness continued though did lessen as the day went on. I barely could get out of bed Wednesday morning.

Thursday - Stretching. Still sore from Tuesday. Thankfully, we had a bye today so didn't have to play again. By the end of the night, I was starting to get a sore throat and did not sleep well.

Friday - Got up early and went into work. Sore throat worse :/ Came home and had a 3 hour nap.

Saturday - Stood on my feet walking around giving a presentation about the Guatemalan ministry that we are doing at church. Plus I did some grocery shopping an cooking for the evening.

Sunday - Stood on my feet walking around giving the Guatemala presentation again. Then took another 3 hour nap in the late afternoon before doing laundry and cleaning the kitchen.

La Semana Cuarenta y Siete: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Siete: Monday, June 1, 2015 -- 215.8 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Seis: Monday, May 25, 2015 -- 214.2 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Cinco: Monday, May 18, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

In 5-weeks, I have been on this latest journey for 52 weeks. The first 10 weeks went very well losing nearly 14 lbs but the last 35 weeks have been a little harder. I pray that I can continue to work on this and eventually be back down below 200. We shall see what the next 5 weeks brings.

Thanks again for all of your support and journeying with me this past year and the years before.

Monday - Memorial Day...Relaxing at home listening to the rain and sounds of nature. Worked my ankle out some as I worked on other things in the recliner. Enjoyed a little picnic with my neighbors.

Tuesday - Stretching

Wednesday - Arms & Stretching

Thursday - Didn't get to work out team meeting followed by a trip to the dentist.

Friday - Afternoon at Churchill Downs. Walked to and from car. Walked back and forth from inside to outside, standing watching the horse races all in a slight heel. Amazingly my foot never hurt me.

Saturday - Twin 4-year old bubble birthday party. Entertaining 4-year olds.

Sunday - Racing day...probably walked about 1.5 around the course 4 times. Stood around talking, driving, and riding with folks.

La Semana Cuarenta y Seis: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Seis: Monday, May 25, 2015 -- 214.2 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Cinco: Monday, May 18, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

I slept in this morning so the timing of the weigh-in was later than usual but still prior to eating breakfast. In reviewing this week, I was successful at going to the gym everyday for at least 30 mins. I am quite impressed.

Monday - Arms & Stretching

Tuesday - Stretching, Potluck day with Italian Food, delicious

Wednesday - Abs, Arms, Stretching...Ankle exercises at home. MV also took my measurements to I can see even though I may not be losing weight that my measurements are changing for the better. Hopefully indicating that I am gaining muscle and losing weight. I do not currently have a copy of these measurements, a bit afraid to see them.

Thursday - Stretching, Happy Hour after work

Friday - Arms & Ab workout, Pizza Party at work

Saturday - Laundry, a nice 1.5 lap which led to very poor to no sleep Saturday night. I am really not sure how I was still moving at 11 pm on Sunday night after the last of sleep on Saturday night.

Sunday - Racing day....1.66 miles of direct course walking in about 39 mins plus other walking around throughout the day and 5 laps around the autocross course. It was a full day out in the sun and wind.
 

La Semana Cuarenta y Cinco: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Cinco: Monday, May 18, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

So I had this nice little paragraph written here after the past 4 weeks plus had stayed fairly consistent. Then this morning I woke to find myself down almost 2 lbs from the consistent 215.4 from the past 4 weeks. I question if it is just a fluke, but we will have to wait to see what next week brings. Nonetheless, I do need to work on my eating habits and also good fluid intake. The new meds are supposed to make you go to the restroom more, but I have yet to really see that occur. I would say that is due to the lack of fluid intake. It is hard to expel things when you don't put it into your body.

Monday -- A crazy day at work.

Tuesday -- Arm workout and a bit of stretching.

Wednesday -- Good intentions to go workout but work was crazy.

Thursday -- Does working on my shifting skills in a Mustang count? Otherwise, it was a long emotional draining day with too much food.

Friday -- Feet stretches and some old physical therapy leg/hip exercises.

Saturday -- Cleaned house and did laundry in the morning.

Sunday -- Grocery shopping.

La Semana Cuarenta y Cuatro: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Tres: Monday, May 11, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Tres: Monday, May 4, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Dos: Monday, April 27, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Uno: Monday, April 20, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Hmmm...not sure about these meds making much of a difference or my eating habits are really that poor these days.

Monday - Arm & Hip workout plus stretching.

Tuesday - Stretching

Wednesday - Arm & Hip workout plus stretching

Thursday - Stretching

Friday - All intentions to go do ab workout but next thing I knew it was 15 mins into the about 25 min workout.

Saturday - 3 hour nap after waking too early thinking about work and not being able to get any additional sleep.

Sunday - Proceeded to stay up too late on Saturday and after arising early for church, coming home and making homemade potato soup. I crashed and took another 2 hour nap to then follow by working until a little after 1 am. It is going to be a rough, long week.

La Semana Cuarenta y Tres: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Tres: Monday, May 4, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Dos: Monday, April 27, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Uno: Monday, April 20, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Well either the meds are not doing much, I am eating too much, or something else is happening because I have not seen any change in weight since starting the new meds about 2 weeks ago. I did recently get the actual prescription which has a slightly higher dosage of the canagliflozin. I have one more week of the sample before starting that dosage.

Monday - A very busy day at work with multiple meetings including an external meeting which kept me from working out, then a lovely dinner with Sr. NG. By the time, I got home I was wiped and did very little before going to bed.

Tuesday - Another busy day but I did go and stretch.

Wednesday - Another crazy day with very little to ended up no Development support by mid-afternoon. I did make it to stretch though.

Thursday - Craziness continued at least that is about all I can remember about last week. I spent the evening relaxing at the neighborhood coffee shop with a chilled Mint Julep Chai working on some writings.

Friday - Ab workout, 45 minute evening nap

Saturday - Dishes and baking for a Derby party, 1.5 hour drive to said Derby party to proceed to stay up until about 2 am. Slept on friends couch.

Sunday - Woke around 9 am, enjoyed time with friends, before driving 1.5 hrs back and eventually taking about a 3 hour nap. Needless to say I stayed up until about 1:30 am after that long nap. But began work on an awesome trip to the Northeast to watch baseball...NOW if I could just find at least one person to join me life would be great.

How are you doing? Anyone want to go on a baseball adventure?

La Semana Cuarenta y Dos: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Dos: Monday, April 27, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Cuarenta y Uno: Monday, April 20, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

No weight loss with the new meds at this point. Little hard to tell what the overall impacts are of the new meds with the sinus infection and head/chest congestion remaining around. Monday also was the last day of the z-pak. But I have noticed that my mouth seems to be a bit drier. I am often dehydrated so not sure how much of a difference this is. Otherwise, not really experiencing any side effects.

I also started taking a magnesium tablet everyday for the eye twitching I keep randomly experiencing. And currently not taking any Vitamin D as I am out :/

Monday - Stretch, Sinus infection, head/chest congestion wearing me out. But I did sleep well with the window slightly cracked letting the fresh cool air in.

Tuesday - Enjoyed a nice lunch with a co-worker! Did make a walk to Heine Brothers and back to meet a friend.

Wednesday - Ab workout plus stretching of the foot. About 2.5 hours on the feet working on cleaning and picking up the apartment. Amazingly there is a floor and a kitchen table.

Thursday - Meetings, meetings, and more meetings.

Friday - Ford Ecoboost Challenge in the morning on my feet for a couple hours and driving cars. The late afternoon/evening approx 3 hours walking around the outlet mall in Simponsville doing a bit of shopping.

Saturday - Some more shopping and sleeping.

Sunday - KYR first autocross event, on my feet a bit, walked the course 4 or 5 times.

La Semana Cuarenta y Uno: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta y Uno: Monday, April 20, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday - Sunday night, I was starting to have a bit of a scratchy throat. It really felt like allergies from being out in the sun and spring pollen all day and part of Sunday. It was still around on Monday with a bit of a cough nothing too serious though. I was also dehydrated from being out in the sun all day Sunday and not drinking enough water.

Arm/Hip workout plus stretching

Tuesday - Stretching. Again not feeling well a bit more coughing and I came home and fell asleep on the couch early. Granted that was after working almost 11 hours.

Wednesday - No workout at work but I definitely got a workout in the evening. The indoor karting place had a special event, and I finally decided I would try my hand at a competitive event. It was 100 lap reverse track with baby powder strategically placed around the track. I ended up completing 108 laps with 10 lap qualifier followed by the 100 lap event which I finished 2 laps behind the winner. It was a great night. My shoulder is killing me and I did not sleep well because of that on Wednesday night. It was still sore on Thursday.

Thursday - That dreaded doctor's appointment after labs the day after Easter. I was not expecting great results as I had gained weight and not watched my eating quite as well as I should.

Cholesterol numbers were up again though not quite as bad as this time last year. My white blood cells and other numbers around infection were high again. Dr. did not seem too concerned with that at this point.

Insulin number was way down actual on the low side. Seems like a pretty drastic shift but okay. A1c was still on the higher side.

He provided a Z-Pak to fight this congestion in my chest that seems to be getting worse and not better and after not sleeping well Wed night and not feeling well, I took a nice little nap in the latter part of the afternoon.

Friday - All day conference in Indianapolis, a lot of car riding and sitting in conference sessions. A bit of walking here and there. By the end of the day, the sinus infection had compounded in my head as well as my chest. My head was literally ready to explode. I crashed on the couch before it was too late and slept for several hours before waking early Saturday morning

Saturday - Woke around 2:30 am Saturday morning and stayed awake for a couple hours before falling back to sleep. I couldn't sleep in too much as I had a commitment across the river at 11 am. Then in the afternoon, I spent time with friends in Louisville. My energy level was way day so basically did a bunch of sitting and watching the 4 year old play. I did try to jump on the mini trampoline with her a bit. I was asleep on the couch again by 8 pm. I woke at midnight and stayed up for a couple hours.

Sunday - After staying awake a couple hours around midnight, I got back to sleep and slept until 8:30 am. I had to get up to head to the other side of the river for a 1st Communion Service of a friend's daughter. I stayed over there until the party at 5 pm. I felt better than I thought for the day but still not great. Head still all congested and clogged and my chest is all infected with a nice deep chest cough.

What's new starting today, Monday, April 20?
The doctor is trying to find ways for me to improve my health especially the cholesterol numbers without getting started on cholesterol meds just yet. There is a new drug out there for Type 2 Diabetes that I am on the borderline with some insulin resistance thrown in the mix that is supposed to help with weight as well as the diabetic elements. So starting today, I am going to begin this new medicine to see how that helps me. Apparently folks lose quite a bit of weight as it clears your kidneys of the excess sugars that are hanging out there. This is why I decided to start on Monday to go alongside my normal weekly health report.

I also hope to get back into a healthier eating routine but this week is already starting off on the wrong track. The not feeling well component helps none.

La Semana Cuarenta: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Cuarenta: Monday, April 13, 2015 -- 216.0 lbs (10.8 lbs -- 40 Weeks; -4.4 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

The past 10 weeks have been a little rough and very busy, but at the same time, we are going to hope that at least a small smidgen of weight gain is muscle and not fat. This coming Monday, I will provide some new updates, but for now, let's take a look at last week a few day late.

Monday - Made a stop at the doctor's office to handover some blood for lab work. Doctor's appointment to be the following Thursday, April 16. Worked from home so no actual workout.

Tuesday - Arm workout.

Wednesday - Ab workout and stretching. I hit my head and the headache continued into Thursday.

Thursday - did not sleep well Wednesday night and was not feeling great all day Thursday. Came home after a long day at work and a work happy hour and crashed early on the couch.

Friday - got up a bit earlier after going to bed early.

Saturday -  Spent the afternoon in Lexington with the boys (2 almost 4 year olds & 15 month old). We went for a walk around the neighborhood and the older ones wanted me to race with them and then chase them. I actually did a lot better than I expected. I was not winded and kept up with them. Also, my feet were not killing me afterwards even though I was in more of a dress shoe than normal walking shoes.

Sunday -  All day autocross. I was on my feet a lot or riding/driving in cars. There was a decent amount of walking the course and down to the restrooms and back. My feet on Sunday night were killing me especially my right heel. The pain finally subsided mid-morning Monday, but it was a rough 12 hours or so.

10 more weeks and I will have been at this for 50 weeks. Some progress though not as much as I would have liked. As I said some changes are in store for week 52 so we will see what happens over the next 9 weeks starting Monday.

Thanks for following and listening!

La Semana Treinta y Nueve: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Nueve: Monday, April 6, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Ocho: Monday, March 30, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Siete: Monday, March 23, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Seis: Monday, March 16, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Monday, March 9, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Not a great week with lots of things happening minimizing my free time during the day to take a break and workout. I did manage to stay consistent, which at this point I will take. It is interesting a couple times when checking weight during the middle of the week, I find myself down a pound or two, but by Monday, I am back up to 215. I just seem to do myself in on weekends but maybe things can change as summer nears.

Monday - I had another commitment so was unable to make it to workout or stretch.

Tuesday - Flexibility class and karting (5 8-minute races, 2 track backwards) in the evening for a bit of exercise.

Wednesday - Flexibility & Workout combined

Thursday - Left early in order to beat traffic and make it home (about 4 hour drive) to spend the Easter weekend with family and get my annual haircut.

Friday -  Worked from home and got a haircut. This will be interesting as the front has been this short before but the back is really short this time. Interested to see how things go when I just let it dry on its own.

Saturday - Helped dad load up a very old treadmill, recliner, and a large metal door into the truck to go to the dump. And then did a bit of walking around shopping with my mom and aunt, granted that was after a nice lunch at TGI Fridays.

Sunday - After a nice Easter lunch with the family, drove back home in order to start another week.

La Semana Treinta y Ocho: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Ocho: Monday, March 30, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Siete: Monday, March 23, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Seis: Monday, March 16, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Monday, March 9, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Well I guess staying steady is better than increasing in weight. Though a co-worker/individual who joins in on some of the workouts/stretching reminded me last Monday, that muscle weighs more than fat. I told him that he assumes that I am developing some sort of muscle doing these workouts. I don't quite buy it but maybe a bit.

This past week currently is a blur.

Monday - Mostly arms followed by flexibility. Then a nice evening working on retreat talk for Saturday.

Tuesday - Flexibility, grocery shopping and some making of homemade salsa for Wednesday night.

Wednesday - A bit of stretching

Thursday - Flexibility. Then a nice evening working on retreat talk for Saturday.

Friday - Legs/Hip workout with a few arms. Grocery shopping and Cooking for Retreat on Saturday.

Saturday - Day of retreat, Living the Paschal Mystery: Your Suffering, Death, and Resurrection followed by 2 karting races.

Sunday - Laundry and Relaxing


May you have a blessed week as we journey through this Holy Week remembering that God sent His only begotten Son to walk among us to die for our sins that we may have eternal life one day! Remember God is here with you and I walking with us every step of the way or carrying us when we are struggling! May His grace be with you this week!

La Semana Treinta y Siete: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Siete: Monday, March 23, 2015 -- 215.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Seis: Monday, March 16, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Monday, March 9, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday a rough day after going to bed with a sore throat, I woke with a sore throat, congestion in the head, and a bit of ear pain. I went on into work as plenty to do and wasn't feeling quite horrible yet. As the day progressed, the scratchy throat lessened but the pressure and congestion in the head continued. I tried my best to drink plenty of liquids finishing off a container of juice and a couple glasses of hot tea, lemon and then mint. I didn't really each much during the day and then tried to loosen everything up with some spice dinner from Qdoba. It didn't really help. I was on the couch by 5:30 pm and got up again around 7:30 pm.

Nonetheless, I did go participate in a workout though I skipped out on about 4 laps around the track. We did 3 sets of 30 curls and 15 punches. Then 3 sets of 30 straight arm lifts and side butterfly lifts with 2 laps between. I did the first 2 sets of laps but skipped the last. Then we did 2 sets of 20 circles with arms stretched straight out each direction followed by a lap, which again I skipped the lap. Then I did the stretching class. Overall not bad for not feeling well.

Tuesday slept poorly through the night, woke up early, worked, went back to bed about the time to really go to work, slept a couple decent hours, got up, worked some more from home, ate, and worked crashed early on the couch and was in bed by 11, which is early for me. My head was exploding all day long and still pretty rough when I went to sleep.

Wednesday..I actually slept half way decent and didn't feel nearly as bad when I woke or throughout the day. I did participate in workout and stretching. We did a lot of leg related exercises my hips are going to be killing me. It was a think 1 minute timed exercises: back kicks, front kicks, front kick with opposite side kick, holding leg in front and kicking from knee down out, punches, front curls, reverse hand curls, butterfly raises. There is probably more but that's all i can remember at this time. We also made one lap around the track. Then it was off to about 25 minutes of stretching.

Thursday flexibility class. Eye appointment and a very good but unhealthy dinner. The cravings for greasy food continues. Eyes in fairly good shape just changed a decent amount since the last time. I was so exhausted when I got home, I crashed on the couch shortly after 9:30 pm.

Friday a busy day at work followed by a nice drive to Lexington after work. Again, I was tired and fell asleep as my friend was reading his boys their bedtime stories.

Saturday was a very busy but nice day. My friends KB & CB have 3 little ones, 2 twin boys almost 4 and another boy 15 months. The twins are attempting to be potty trained once again so we spent the day at the house hoping for their realization and desire to potty on the potty and not on the floor and in their pants. The youngest wanted to hang on mom every time she went into the bathroom with his brothers. One time, he acted as if he wanted to go outside or maybe he thought mommy was hiding outside. So I grabbed shoes and his jacket and outside we went. I got a good little walk in pushing him on the bike around the driveway and up and down the sidewalk until lunch time. There was also a few accidents to clean up and little ones to get to the bathroom to hopefully not make any more mess. We also had a great time playing with Play-doh. We built a cute little green snowman with pinkish/red face, hat, scarf, arms, and legs followed by some skis.

Sunday....Autocross season has started :) I took two trips around the course, drove some, and rode with others. The morning was very cold sitting out in the wind trying to register folks, but by the end of the day, it had warmed up and was pretty nice.

Two weeks left until Easter...How are you becoming a better you and changing some bad habits or things that keep us from the best version of ourselves serving others?

La Semana Treinta y Seis: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Seis: Monday, March 16, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Monday, March 9, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Things have been going in the opposite direction but at least the exercising has started though sporadic. And this week I more maintained than gain from previous weeks. Who knows maybe these allergies/cold that I came down with Sunday night will help me stop eating so much junk, then again maybe not.

Monday's workout focuses on the arms and hips: 4 sets of 15 squats and front leg kicks, 2 laps with arm punches, 2 laps with front arm raises, 3 sets of 10 lunges, rear kicks. My hips are tight and sore. My bottom left foot outside heel was really pulling. I could feel it doing front leg kicks and then after the workout during stretching.

Tuesday's workout some stationary arm workout with weights and then 8 mins on the bike.

Wednesday worked from home so I could make it to church in time to finish setup for Catholic Faith Around the World Africa and also prep for my presentation on religion and culture in Africa. It was an amazing evening.

Thursday's workout consisted of using arm machines doing a couple different seated rows, lateral pull downs, and something else.

Friday no workout though I was up on my feet giving a presentation at work on True Colors Leadership.

Saturday, I attended a speaker in Evansville and on my return had to stop and do a bit of weight lifting packing summer tires into my car. Then on Sunday it was unpacking the winter tires out of the car putting them back in storage. I also did a bit of picking up and laundry on Sunday before going to hear another speaker in Lexington.

A very, very busy week. One more talk to give on March 28 and then who knows what happens next.

Thanks for all your support and prayers!

La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Monday, March 9, 2015 -- 215.4 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday & Tuesday were spent at a work "Summit", an opportunity to learn more about the company, the future, and to collaborate with different groups across the business as well as recognize folks for achievements. It happens about every 2 years give or take a few months. I was around for the last one but only attended the evening awards dinner for both Sales and the Service Center in which I work. So needless to say no flexibility class these two days. I did get a good bit of walking around in shoes with heels. I have been doing a few random stretches as I sit in sessions.

Tuesday, I got a bit more exercise in as I walked to and from the IU vs Iowa game and up the stairs to my seat. My right heel was really killing me after this adventure.

Wednesday was back to low impact workout that killed my arms while doing but again my arms are not that sore the following days. We did 1 min sets of various arm exercises, curls, front arm raises, side butterfly raises, front punches. Then laying on our backs, straight up punches, presses, and maybe something else. We then ended with three laps around the track doing different arm exercises each lap, curls, alternating front raises, and side butterflies. My arms were so about to give out as I neared the end of each lap. My arms are so weak. I then stayed for stretching but this was focused on my foot as I rolled each foot (no shoe) over a hard ball massaging the arch and heel of the foot.

Thursday brought a foot of snow so I stayed home and enjoyed the beauty of the snow outside my window. Later that evening, I did go out to clean around my car so I could one day get out. 3 nice gentleman neighbors actually did a good bit of the work cleaning off the foot of snow from the top of the car. I then later went out and cleared the rest of the ice and snow off the top of the car and windows. But with all that snow my car was surrounded by snow that was making it very hard to get into the car and would make it difficult to get out one day as well. I was sweating and breathing hard after trying to clear the snow from the sides and front and back of the car with my feet and hands, no shovel. I did get a small clearing around the car. Not sure if I can get in the drivers side of the car or not as there is like a 1.5 to 2 foot mound of snow between me and the neighboring F150.

Friday a few stretches as I sat in the recliner working hard all day enjoying the sun shining down on the beautiful white snow.

Saturday was some walking and standing around as I co-led another Strengths session for college students in Ohio. I spent a little over 4 hours in the car driving for the day and then came home to enjoy some karting. I ran 4 races.

Sunday was a relaxing day reflecting on several upcoming programs that I have going on at church and preparing for presentations. We also lost an hour on Saturday night/Sunday morning which through a bit of havoc in life though not too much.

La Semana Treinta y Cuatro: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Cuatro: Monday, March 1, 2015 -- 214.0 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Tres: Monday, February 23, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Dos: Monday, February 16, 2015 -- 212.8 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Uno: Monday, February 9, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday another low key workout this time with a medicine ball and then 5 lbs weights.
3 sets of 30 tossing the medicine ball straight up in the air from my chest and bringing it back down.
After each set, 2 laps around the track. The first time holding the medicine ball at the chest and pushing it straight out. The second time doing curls with the medicine ball. The third time swinging the ball straight out from the hips.

With 5 lb weights...3 sets of 10 squats and front leg kicks. Then butterflies and back leg kicks.

Definitely can tell my arms/shoulders are out of shape, but hopefully overtime, I can get the muscles back in shape. I look forward to another white water rafting trip and not feeling like I will be the one holding the team back.

Tuesday flexibility class.

Wednesday, I worked at home.

Thursday, another low key workout for the arms, shoulders, back, and hips. I cannot remember everything that happened but here are some of the exercises done. Squats, one foot balances pulling the knee forward and then kicking backwards, arm raises straight out to the side (these were hard), and a few more.

Friday a long drive to St Louis for the weekend, nothing special on the workout side.

Saturday, I attended a conference for most of the day, where I stood on my feet for a couple hours as I co-presented on Strengths to college students.

Sunday, I cleared my car of several inches of snow and cleaned a bit around the car before driving back home.

The start of some good things. Hopefully, they will continue in the positive direction.

La Semana Treinta y Tres: Towards Healthy Living

Post 500 - Who ever imagined that I would hit 500 posts, but with this post, I have hit that mark. Thanks for journeying with me over the past many years in a very sporadic manner.

La Semana Treinta y Tres: Monday, February 23, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Dos: Monday, February 16, 2015 -- 212.8 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Uno: Monday, February 9, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

What a week....

Monday as promised was a snow filled day! The early morning had a mere inch or two but by midday we were up to about 8 inches of a very light powdery snow. I worked from home on Monday which was a good thing because finding a clean parking spot or even getting back into the parking lot would have been quite a chore. I did venture out about 5 pm to clean the 4 to 9 inches of snow off the car depending on where you measured. Actually, the passenger side may have had even less as the wind blew across the passenger side to the drivers leaving a nice mound of snow on the driver's side. The snow was so light definitely no fun for kids trying to make snowmen or snowballs, but it was great for cleaning off. Though no flexibility class Monday, I did get a slight arm workout pushing the snow off the top of the car and even more of an adduction/abduction workout for the legs. I found myself really using my right leg over the left. Though I tried to consciously use the left leg, it really was not happening. Amazingly, I was not too awful sore on Tuesday or Wednesday after the leg workout.

Tuesday due to warnings out in the county in which I worked, unsure of the status of the roads, and really not wanting to spend 2+ hours on the road, I decided it was best to stay home to maximize the time to work.

Wednesday - Friday, I returned to working in the office and also started a new workout. Wednesday & Thursday included flexibility class but then on Wednesday and Friday, I started a new workout. I have asked our trainer at work to provide me with a low sweat arm workout that only requires me to change into a t-shirt but will not make me sweat a ton. She provided me with two workouts this week of about 20 mins. This also works out well as I seem to have very little time to escape from work to workout, eat, or anything else.

Wednesday Workout
4 Sets of 30 curls & 30 punches with 5 lbs weights and 15 push-ups against a wall (not exactly but thats the easiest way to describe)

Friday Workout
5 lb weights again but this time we did both arm and hip exercises. I am not sure I can remember everything we did but here are a few...squats, leg kick outs, leg kick backs, curls, punches, flies.

My right heel is really bothering me this week. Thursday night I could barely walk on it later in the evening. I think part of that has to do with the boots I have been wearing due to the snow.

The weekend has been a weekend of sleeping...I fell asleep by 8 pm if not more like 7 pm on Friday night not to really wake again until 7:30 am Saturday morning. I took a nap about 11 on Saturday after doing some laundry and kitchen cleaning. I did end up staying up late on Saturday night to wake up about 7:30 am Sunday for church. I came home from church, grocery shopping, and oil change to take another 1 to 1.5 nap. By Sunday evening, I was tired again and just wanted to crawl on the couch, watch TV, and sleep. I didn't give into that until about 10 pm. Granted Thursday really put a wrench in my sleeping pattern as I took about 1.5 nap about 8 pm so I could get up and work at 11 pm. I then ended up staying up until 3 pm between working and then going to the store in order to get ingredients to make some homemade salsa for work on Friday.

It was quite a week and the weeks ahead are definitely not going to slow down, but should be full of exciting adventures. Until next week, have a blessed day! Thanks again for journeying with me!

La Semana Treinta y Dos: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Dos: Monday, February 16, 2015 -- 212.8 lbs
La Semana Treinta y Uno: Monday, February 9, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

A successful week of stretching. I even went on my own with no trainer on Tuesday. Sunday, some serious necessity and grocery shopping occurred, and by the end of the day, my right heel was killing me especially after sitting still.This really concerns me about getting out and hiking again as just general walking hurts.

Now shopping was quite the adventure though not as bad as I had expected. I actually did not need the bread, eggs, and milk that everyone was flocking after preparing for the foot of snow and subzero temps by end of week. But it truly was chaotic and busy especially at Kroger's.

I am also impressed with the savings I had at both Target and Kroger, especially Kroger. I don't believe that there was one thing bought at Kroger that was not either on sale or had a coupon and many items had both. Granted that resulted in a full rearrangement of the freezer when I got home, which finally has a good deal of food in it again. The sad thing is that I still have tons of food that I need to buy to fill the cupboards again.

Hopefully over the next few weeks, I can slowly refill the cupboards by finding needed items on sale and/or have coupons.

Kentuckians enjoy the snow! I have a feeling I am going to be sore tomorrow more on that next week.

La Semana Treinta y Uno: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta y Uno: Monday, February 9, 2015 -- 213.6 lbs

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

I managed to make it to flexibility most of the week, except Friday. Tuesday night and Wednesday night, I did a little bit of manual labor to setup for a program at church and then tear back down. Thursday, I worked out my driving muscles as I completed 4 8-minute karting cycles.

There is a lot going on over the next couple of months, but I hope to get out soon and enjoy the cool weather before summer is upon us again.

La Semana Treinta: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 2, 2015 -- 211.6 lbs (15.2 lbs -- 30 Weeks; .8 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

30 weeks have passed since starting the latest attempt to lose weight and get back down to 180 or less. The last 20 weeks have been a very slow go, but I am encouraged that I have at least maintained to loss a bit over the recent 10 weeks which included 2 big eating holidays and a birthday.

I hope to get out soon and try to do some more hiking again. I need to work on stretching a lot more as the tight muscles from my hips to my toes are causing issues with my feet. Both feet continue to have heel spur/plantar fasciitis pains primary focused in the right. The left foot continues to have pain in the top of the foot though nowhere near what it was. It too seems to be similar to the other where once you walk and stretch it out the pain is not as bad.

I really don't remember what all happened last week. I believe I made it to stretching the middle few days. I did do many of my foot exercises on Friday while I sat waiting for the dermatologist to come in and check me out. Thankfully, another clean bill of health from any skin cancers.

Saturday I did some walking to the IU basketball game up the stairs and back to the car followed by some karting in French Lick, IN. I also went karting on Tuesday night. Running three races both evenings. 

The next 10 weeks gets me to the middle of April. The goal for then is to be back out hiking on a weekly basis, a more defined eating routine, and continued working to complete all the necessary exercises to reduce future injuries.

Thanks again for going on this journey with me! Sorry for the delay of this weeks update!

La Semana Veintneuve: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veinteneuve: Monday, January 26, 2015 -- 210.0 lbs
La Semana Veinteocho: Monday, January 19, 2015 -- 212.8 lbs
La Semana Veintisiete: Monday, January 12, 2015 -- 209.8 lbs
La Semana Veintiseis: Monday, January 4, 2015 -- 211.8 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Monday, we did a good job and actually went to stretch though the trainer was out sick.

Tuesday, I went to the sleep doctor and worked from home as I had a big huge presentation to give at work on Friday.

Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday no such luck at going to stretch, but my presentation did go smoothly on Friday afternoon. I received several good comments.

Saturday & Sunday a lot of sitting around working on various projects. I did fold some laundry and do a small bit of grocery shopping.

I also tried to make something to eat for the week but failed as every time I thought of something to make their was a key ingredient or two missing from the cupboard or refrigerator. I really need to do some massive shopping, which means I should check out the ads and cut some coupons.

I started getting the paper again as it was just over $4 a month for Sunday papers, which is a bargain and the timing seems right since I am in need of so many things.

La Semana Veintocho: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veinteocho: Monday, January 19, 2015 -- 212.8 lbs
La Semana Veintisiete: Monday, January 12, 2015 -- 209.8 lbs
La Semana Veintiseis: Monday, January 4, 2015 -- 211.8 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

I really don't get the great fluctuation in weight the past few months. I really didn't have a lot to eat this weekend though Sunday's food was probably not overall the healthiest with a few donuts, a very tasty omelet (by far the healthiest thing I ate all day, thanks CB), and Captain D's Fish & Shrimp. I also did have several glasses water/ice tea before going to bed so maybe I was still retaining all that especially with all the salt that was probably in the dinner.

In terms of my weekly progress towards stretching, home exercises, etc., the progress continues to be small. I am probably hitting about half the Flexibility classes in a week and really not doing anything outside of that.

I was able about mid-week to work on the eating habits during the day a bit getting back to yogurt and salad. The evenings, I went out and grabbed something many nights as there just isn't much in my apartment. I really do need to take time to inventory and work on a game plan for eating again.

Maybe, I can get some things done this weekend if I am not too warn out by the time the weekend comes. I only have plans for Saturday evening and of course Mass on Sunday morning. Otherwise, I hope to work on several projects that I have on my plate and maybe a plan for eating healthier and doing my exercises. I would love to get back to hiking again. 

La Semana Veintsiete: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veintisiete: Monday, January 12, 2015 -- 209.8 lbs
La Semana Veintiseis: Monday, January 4, 2015 -- 211.8 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

Trying to get back into the habit of attending flexibility class and doing my home exercises has continued to be a struggle. Ever since returning, my heels continue to be swore as well as the top of my left foot. I made it to about half of the flexibility classes last week. Saturday, I walked to the IU game, up the stairs, back down, and to the car, approximately 3/4 of a mile. Saturday Night & Sunday Morning, I was on my feet after and before Masses to share about our Guatemalan adventure.

One night, I did actually cook dinner for myself, which was a nice change of pace. I fixed a baked spaghetti of sorts with shells instead of spaghetti noodles. I also was able to get back to my greek vanilla yogurt for breakfast and salad for lunch in attempt to eat healthier. But still struggling to stay away from the chocolates plus at my desk.

The goal that I am setting forth is to reach under 200 lbs by April which is just over 11 weeks from now and hopefully start hiking again soon. Though this requires getting going again regularly with home therapy and medicine on the foot.

I hope your new year is headed in a positive direction and may you reach your goals.

La Semana Veintseis: Towards Healthy Living

La Semana Veintiseis: Monday, January 4, 2015 -- 211.8 lbs

La Semana Veinte: Monday, November 24, 2014 -- 212.4 lbs (14.4 lbs -- 20 Weeks; .2 -- Past 10 Weeks)
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbs

A whirlwind of a couple weeks with the Christmas & New Year's holidays.

La Semana Veinticinco
Christmas week was another rough week. I failed again at following through on my exercises and stretches, and it was really starting to take a toll as my foot began to hurt again. I did wear the insoles in my work shoes, not sure if they help or not. I guess over time we may see how things go.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends celebrating the birth of our Savior!

La Semana Veintiseis
New Year's week, last part of Christmas week, was amazing! On Saturday, December 27, I headed back to Guatemala for an 8 day mission/service trip. Three of us from my church went, and there we met up with two physical therapy graduate student groups. So yes, I spent a week with a large group of PTs.

Over the course of the week, I did, while sitting around waiting for the next step in the travel process or while riding along in the coaster/microbus, fulfill some of my ankle exercises and stretches. I also did a decent job of putting meds on my foot morning and night, which hopefully kept the inflammation down on my left foot and the pain at a minimum.

Unfortunately, I failed to have the extra cushions in my work shoes so my heels were very sore all week, especially after sitting and along them to tighten up. I tried to massage the arch as well. One evening, I received a PT tissue workout on my right foot.

Saturday after Christmas -- Traveling so a lot of flying, but we did walk from Terminal B to E along the moving sidewalks with a bit more walking to get from E to F after our flight was moved.

Sunday -- A lot of standing on the feet helping the PTs receive clients and handle administrative type tasks in addition getting to play with the children. We had a bit of walking as well.

Monday -- Playing with the kids.

Tuesday -- A lot of sitting and observing but stretching the foot.

Wednesday -- Assisting in the mixing of concrete with a shovel, placing it in buckets, and even picking it up the bucket to send inside the house for the flooring. Then there was a jump and a little wadding in the local waterfall, which was very cold to start. So cold it pulled the bruise on my knee to the front causing pain.

Thursday -- A travel day followed by some walking around Antigua.

Friday -- 6+ miles of walking with about 1/2 hour up hill climb to see a beautiful cross and view of Antigua and the volcano Agua. By the end of the day, my feet were really sore especially every time I sat for awhile and then got back up again. Thankfully, as I walked around and moved, the pain minimized though not fully disappearing.

Saturday -- Another day of travel with a bit of walking.

Sunday -- A day for sleeping after arriving at 12:30 am and getting to sleep about 2:30 am

Happy New Year! May your journey begin anew and lead you on wonderful paths! Thanks for your continued viewing and following along on this journey. I hope to get going again and getting in better shape for the future!