Año Uno y La Semana Cuarenta y Dos: Monday, April 25, 2016 -- 206.6 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Treinta y Cinco: Monday, March 7, 2016 -- 216 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Treinta: Monday, February 1, 2016 -- 209.2 lbs
Año Uno y La Semana Veintinueve: Monday, January 25, 2016 -- 213.4 lbs
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
10 weeks until I hit 2 years of attempted weight loss and getting in shape. As of now, I am down 20 lbs and praying that I will be able to maintain the continued weight loss. Thanks for sticking with me over these almost 2 years especially with the lack of communication over the past few months.
Life has been on a new adventure as I transitioned jobs/careers and living location which is still being figured out. Therefore, my eating and workout habits are very erratic and uncertain. In addition, the new job requires a lot of travel making things even more interesting in working to maintain a workout/stretching schedule and decent eating habits.
As the last post mentioned, I have measurements as of March but would like to put them together in a nice spreadsheet for comparison. Hopefully, I can take care of that in the near future though I will not in months ahead be able to do provide BMI data as I no longer have access to the equipment.
Thanks again for sticking with me. Lets see what happens at the end of 2 years. Though, I will have to update the week after since I will not have access to a scale at the first part of July.
How are you doing?
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Monday, April 25, 2016
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
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: 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.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
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: 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!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
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: 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?
Monday, January 12, 2015
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 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.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
A Season of New Beginnings
As I thought about today, the first day
of Advent 2014, I am reminded of all the new beginnings that are part of this time
of year.
Thanksgiving Day - November 27, 2014
A day marked by the joining of the
Pilgrims and Indians in a meal of thanks for the wonderful harvest and new
friends and family. Thanksgiving continues to be celebrated across the United
States as a time to gather with friends and family to give thanks to all the
blessings received over the years. It is a time to reconnect and enjoy the
company and love of those dear to us. May your life be full of thanks and
remember that we are called to give thanks daily for the blessings in our
lives.
1st Day of Advent -
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Today marks the start of a new year in
the Catholic Church. The new year fittingly begins with Advent a time of
preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only are we called to
prepare for Christ's birth on Christmas Day but reminded to live daily in
anticipation of Christ's second coming.
The Advent season consists of the 4
Sundays prior to Jesus birth on Christmas Day. As we step into this new church
year, we are challenged to take a step back to reflect on how our lives are
beacons of Christ's light to all those we encounter.
- How do you share Christ's light to your parents, children, husband/wife, grandparents, and other family members, to your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and people on the street or in the store?
- As we begin this new church year, what are ways you plan to take time to listen and speak with our Father, to deepen that relationship with Him?
- Are you ready for Christ's second coming today? If not, what changes shall you make to be prepared for His second coming and celebration of Christ's birth on Christmas Day?
Birthday - December
11, 2014
Two weeks prior to celebrating Christ's
birth is another special birth in my life, the day in which I came into this
world as a living being called to be a disciple of Christ. This past year has
been a year full of many blessings and reminders of my call to be disciple of
Christ. I pray that as all these new beginnings are upon us that I take the
opportunity to be more diligent about stopping to listen to our Father and to
be a beacon of light to all those I encounter. I pray for guidance and
direction through a time of discernment of God's calling in my life.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2015
On Christmas Day, the journey of Christ
began with His humble birth in a manger. As we start the journey remembering
His life and adventures to the Cross, we are reminded of our humble existence,
that life struggles equip us with strength to endure future challenges, and
that He came to save us from our sins as we are not perfect but all loved sons
& daughters of God. We are here to share His love to all and to do good for
the betterment of our world until we come to rest in Heaven.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2015
Many people look at this day as the
start of a new year/new beginning as we celebrate a national/worldly holiday with
the start of a new calendar year. For Catholics, it is also a celebration of
the Solemnity of Mary-Mother of God, a celebration of Mary as mother of Jesus.
Solemnity of Mary is celebrated this ‘eighth day’ of Christmas, which
accordingly was the day of Jesus circumcision and given his name. Instead of
setting new goals/beginnings, may we look at the challenges we placed in front
of us at our own birth or the start of the new church year and renew the
promises we made to ourselves and to our Lord at those new beginnings?
May this season of new beginnings be
one full of blessings, love, and reflection!
Thanks to all who read this blog and
silently provide prayers and support for me and all those in our world!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
La Semana Veinte: Towards Healthy Living
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
Time flies faster and faster, day after day, year after year....
20 weeks into the latest attempt to become healthier and in better shape. It has had its ups and downs to say the least but things do seem to be continuing in a positive direction. The next few weeks of course will be a challenge as Thanksgiving, Birthday, Christmas, and New Years are all upon us.
And this week was definitely not a good start to the holiday season...
You say oh it is not that bad...Let's just take a look at what I know is or has been in store starting this past week.
- Thursday, Nov. 20 -- Business Department Potluck
- Sunday, Nov. 22 -- Thanksgiving Dinner with Church Friends
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 -- Business Analyst Potluck
- Thursday, Nov. 27 -- Thanksgiving
- Friday, Nov. 28 -- Europe Reunion ??
- Wednesday, Dec. 17 -- Young Adults & Professionals Christmas Potluck & White Elephant Party
- Birthday Celebrations Somewhere
- Wednesday, Dec. 24 -- Christmas Dinner followed by Christmas Eve Appetizers
- Thursday, Dec. 25 -- ?
What's happened this first week with no actual physical therapy...
Monday -- A rough day at work but was able to do the therapy exercises though only part of the days stretches.
Tuesday -- Flexibility class, therapy exercises, and baking for Friday night coffee house.
Wednesday -- A crazy day of work including working 4+ hours in the evening until midnight, then making Sausage Balls. Exercises and stretches faltered pretty good.
Thursday -- Rough morning. I did make it to flexibility but that was about it. Potluck plus nice hamburger & fries with car folks.
Friday -- No flexibility. I did complete all the exercises but just one set of stretches.
Saturday -- Partial home therapy and house cleaning
Sunday -- Partial home therapy and mashed potato making
Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!
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
Time flies faster and faster, day after day, year after year....
20 weeks into the latest attempt to become healthier and in better shape. It has had its ups and downs to say the least but things do seem to be continuing in a positive direction. The next few weeks of course will be a challenge as Thanksgiving, Birthday, Christmas, and New Years are all upon us.
And this week was definitely not a good start to the holiday season...
You say oh it is not that bad...Let's just take a look at what I know is or has been in store starting this past week.
- Thursday, Nov. 20 -- Business Department Potluck
- Sunday, Nov. 22 -- Thanksgiving Dinner with Church Friends
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 -- Business Analyst Potluck
- Thursday, Nov. 27 -- Thanksgiving
- Friday, Nov. 28 -- Europe Reunion ??
- Wednesday, Dec. 17 -- Young Adults & Professionals Christmas Potluck & White Elephant Party
- Birthday Celebrations Somewhere
- Wednesday, Dec. 24 -- Christmas Dinner followed by Christmas Eve Appetizers
- Thursday, Dec. 25 -- ?
What's happened this first week with no actual physical therapy...
Monday -- A rough day at work but was able to do the therapy exercises though only part of the days stretches.
Tuesday -- Flexibility class, therapy exercises, and baking for Friday night coffee house.
Wednesday -- A crazy day of work including working 4+ hours in the evening until midnight, then making Sausage Balls. Exercises and stretches faltered pretty good.
Thursday -- Rough morning. I did make it to flexibility but that was about it. Potluck plus nice hamburger & fries with car folks.
Friday -- No flexibility. I did complete all the exercises but just one set of stretches.
Saturday -- Partial home therapy and house cleaning
Sunday -- Partial home therapy and mashed potato making
Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Monday, October 20, 2014
La Semana Quince: Towards Healthy Living
La Semana Quince: Monday, October 20, 2014 -- 211 lbs (15.8 lbs -- 15 weeks)
Wow...15 weeks and 15.8 lbs. Two memorable trips over the past 15 weeks, Guatemala and then Europe (Portugal, Spain, France). In 10 weeks with God's grace, I will be back in Guatemala to share His love, heart, and hands with those there.
Besides the loss in weight over the past 15 weeks, my lab numbers have improved since the first part of April.
Cholesterol: April 4 -> Sept 30
Total 272 239
Triglycerides 268 251
HDL 41 46 (In Range)
VLDL 54 50
LDL 177 143
Ratio 4.3 3.1 (In Range)
Vitamin D 23.6 46.0
Insulin 23.2 22.6
White blood cell, Hematocrit, and Neutrophils (Absolute) are all still high.
In addition to seeing the general doctor, I also went back to the Sleep Center to review my first month of CPAP usage. I am having no obstructive situations with the machine. I still question, if this is what is really causing my sleep issues. I still wake up throughout the night almost like clock-work. I still feel tired in the afternoon/evening and can sleep real well on the couch in the afternoon/evening. He said that losing some more weight can help and maybe lead to not needing the machine at all. Therefore, we will keep trying to get down closer to my college graduating weight. There is still lots to go though.
And if that was not enough doctor visits, I also went back to the foot doctor. Current diagnosis is anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but in the ankle. It manifests itself on the top of the foot due to tendon across the ankle and front of the foot pinching the nerves down the foot. I have read a bit and the pain in the middle of the 1st and 2nd toe is common with this as well as the tingling when the nerve is hit down the top of the foot. He prescribed some nerve cream which should arrive by Monday and also a suggestion for the physical therapist. We will see what DC has to say on Tuesday and where therapy goes from here.
This past week workouts...
Monday - Flexibility, HPT, and PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Tuesday - Flexibility and HPT
Wednesday - Flexibility, HPT, PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Thursday - HPT Partial lots of doctors visits and a very long nights sleep into Friday morning
Friday - HPT, Grocery Shopping, Laundry
Saturday - Walking around Georgetown's campus for homecoming followed by hanging out with KB, CB, and the boys (2 3.5 yr olds and 1 10 months old)
Sunday - Last autocross of the season in Lexington. About 3 miles walked. Last event until next spring is next week.
On Monday evening late, I started getting a sore throat that lasted into Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, massive sinus pressure was invading my head/nasal cavity area which lasted throughout Thursday. Mostly clear but some slight yellow discharge.
Well that is one large update for you. Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, and helping me stay accountable.
Until next week, blessings from God!
PS La Semana = Week
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbsWow...15 weeks and 15.8 lbs. Two memorable trips over the past 15 weeks, Guatemala and then Europe (Portugal, Spain, France). In 10 weeks with God's grace, I will be back in Guatemala to share His love, heart, and hands with those there.
Besides the loss in weight over the past 15 weeks, my lab numbers have improved since the first part of April.
Cholesterol: April 4 -> Sept 30
Total 272 239
Triglycerides 268 251
HDL 41 46 (In Range)
VLDL 54 50
LDL 177 143
Ratio 4.3 3.1 (In Range)
Vitamin D 23.6 46.0
Insulin 23.2 22.6
White blood cell, Hematocrit, and Neutrophils (Absolute) are all still high.
In addition to seeing the general doctor, I also went back to the Sleep Center to review my first month of CPAP usage. I am having no obstructive situations with the machine. I still question, if this is what is really causing my sleep issues. I still wake up throughout the night almost like clock-work. I still feel tired in the afternoon/evening and can sleep real well on the couch in the afternoon/evening. He said that losing some more weight can help and maybe lead to not needing the machine at all. Therefore, we will keep trying to get down closer to my college graduating weight. There is still lots to go though.
And if that was not enough doctor visits, I also went back to the foot doctor. Current diagnosis is anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but in the ankle. It manifests itself on the top of the foot due to tendon across the ankle and front of the foot pinching the nerves down the foot. I have read a bit and the pain in the middle of the 1st and 2nd toe is common with this as well as the tingling when the nerve is hit down the top of the foot. He prescribed some nerve cream which should arrive by Monday and also a suggestion for the physical therapist. We will see what DC has to say on Tuesday and where therapy goes from here.
This past week workouts...
Monday - Flexibility, HPT, and PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Tuesday - Flexibility and HPT
Wednesday - Flexibility, HPT, PT (8 mins on the bike, 2.2+ miles; electrode therapy btwn toes; coconut therapy calf, shin, ankle, bottom of foot)
Thursday - HPT Partial lots of doctors visits and a very long nights sleep into Friday morning
Friday - HPT, Grocery Shopping, Laundry
Saturday - Walking around Georgetown's campus for homecoming followed by hanging out with KB, CB, and the boys (2 3.5 yr olds and 1 10 months old)
Sunday - Last autocross of the season in Lexington. About 3 miles walked. Last event until next spring is next week.
On Monday evening late, I started getting a sore throat that lasted into Wednesday. By Wednesday afternoon, massive sinus pressure was invading my head/nasal cavity area which lasted throughout Thursday. Mostly clear but some slight yellow discharge.
Well that is one large update for you. Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, and helping me stay accountable.
Until next week, blessings from God!
PS La Semana = Week
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
La Semana Trece: Towards Healthy Living
La Semana Trece: Monday, October 6, 2014 --210.8 lbs
La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 --211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
Monday -- Flexibility Class & At Home PT Workout (HPT)
Tuesday -- Went in for lab work this morning to prepare for my upcoming doctor appointments. We will see how, if numbers have changed at all since April. HPT & PT
Wednesday -- Flexibility & HPT
Thursday -- HPT & PT; In PT, she has been focusing more on the foot and surrounding area. She started a coconut therapy to hopefully break up the grit in my muscles and help them move across one another in a smoother action. She described as dry spaghetti and how it easily glides across one another and cooked spaghetti that does not glide and is all tangled. That is how my muscles are cooked spaghetti all tangled and gritty and this therapy should help break up the grit and let the muscles glide smoothly like the dried spaghetti.
Friday -- Flexibility & HPT
Saturday -- My friend KB with her 2 - 3 year old boys and 9 month old picked me up Saturday morning and we drove to St. Meinrad. While there we toured part of the Monastery, attend mid-day service, and enjoyed time together with her other friends and children discussing their journey to become Oblates of the Benedictine Order at St. Meinrad. So I did get some walking and chasing after children in for the day along with HPT.
Sunday -- You guessed right, another Sunday of racing. I walked the course a couple times and a few walks to the bathroom and back. I didn't calculate any mileage for the day but probably around 2 miles.
In PT, I usually ride the bike for 2.1 to 2.25 miles between 15 and 16 miles per hour and then we do a variety of stretches, leg exercises, and balancing activities. There is some improvement but the left foot is putting some restrictions on that as we concentrate there instead.
Thanks for reading, praying, and encouraging me to continue to move forward! May your week be full of blessings!
La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 --211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbsMonday -- Flexibility Class & At Home PT Workout (HPT)
Tuesday -- Went in for lab work this morning to prepare for my upcoming doctor appointments. We will see how, if numbers have changed at all since April. HPT & PT
Wednesday -- Flexibility & HPT
Thursday -- HPT & PT; In PT, she has been focusing more on the foot and surrounding area. She started a coconut therapy to hopefully break up the grit in my muscles and help them move across one another in a smoother action. She described as dry spaghetti and how it easily glides across one another and cooked spaghetti that does not glide and is all tangled. That is how my muscles are cooked spaghetti all tangled and gritty and this therapy should help break up the grit and let the muscles glide smoothly like the dried spaghetti.
Friday -- Flexibility & HPT
Saturday -- My friend KB with her 2 - 3 year old boys and 9 month old picked me up Saturday morning and we drove to St. Meinrad. While there we toured part of the Monastery, attend mid-day service, and enjoyed time together with her other friends and children discussing their journey to become Oblates of the Benedictine Order at St. Meinrad. So I did get some walking and chasing after children in for the day along with HPT.
Sunday -- You guessed right, another Sunday of racing. I walked the course a couple times and a few walks to the bathroom and back. I didn't calculate any mileage for the day but probably around 2 miles.
In PT, I usually ride the bike for 2.1 to 2.25 miles between 15 and 16 miles per hour and then we do a variety of stretches, leg exercises, and balancing activities. There is some improvement but the left foot is putting some restrictions on that as we concentrate there instead.
Thanks for reading, praying, and encouraging me to continue to move forward! May your week be full of blessings!
Monday, September 29, 2014
La Semana Doce: Towards Healthy Living
Foot update...The left foot is still having pain on the top. I did go to the doctor on Monday and had x-rays taken. No sign of fracture/break. He determined that the nerve was being pinched and prescribed a 6-day steroid pack. I missed my PT on Monday but went on Wednesday. D tested all the ligaments and joint movements in my foot to find almost 0 pain during those exercises. But a few activities did result in some pain so we were very careful not to do many weight bearing activities on the left side which is not good since it is the side that is in the worse shape.
La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 --211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
Tuesday & Wednesday -- Flexibility Class
Wednesday - PT: 8 minutes on the bicycle with no pain though tired quads (Approx 2 miles)
Friday - PT: 8 minutes on the bicycle with now pain though tired quads and struggling left leg
Sunday - Autocross 1.5 miles of walking course and around the lot early morning plus additional walking throughout the day. I did not track all of my walking.
Also continue to do my daily PT activities and stretches.
Half-Marathon hike on Saturday was a no go due to the continued foot pain. Next time.....
La Semana Doce: Monday, September 28, 2014 --211 lbs
La Semana Once: Monday, September 22, 2014 -- 210.8 lbs
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 lbs (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8 lbsTuesday & Wednesday -- Flexibility Class
Wednesday - PT: 8 minutes on the bicycle with no pain though tired quads (Approx 2 miles)
Friday - PT: 8 minutes on the bicycle with now pain though tired quads and struggling left leg
Sunday - Autocross 1.5 miles of walking course and around the lot early morning plus additional walking throughout the day. I did not track all of my walking.
Also continue to do my daily PT activities and stretches.
Half-Marathon hike on Saturday was a no go due to the continued foot pain. Next time.....
Friday, September 19, 2014
La Semana Ocho - Diez: Towards Healthy Living
Yes, I am back sorry for the extra week without posting. The last 3 almost 4 weeks have been full of adventures.
La Semana Diez: Monday, September 15, 2014 -- 212.6 (14.2 lbs -- 10 Weeks)
La Semana Siete: Monday, August 25, 2014 -- 214.0
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8
Amazingly, I actually lost a few pounds over the past few weeks as I adventured through Europe. An amazing adventure started on Thursday, August 28 ending on Monday, September 8. There was plenty of walking during the 10 days in country. The first and last day were mostly spent in airports, planes, and the bus from home to the airport.
It was a Marian Pilgrimage through Portugal, Spain, and France.
Some of the key areas visited included
Lisbon, Portugal
Fatima, Portugal
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Leon & Burgos, Spain
Lourdes, France
Paris, France
Free day, Friday, September 6, in Paris was our main day of walking. In mapping it out on Google, we walked 10+ miles from the hotel to the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower back to the hotel. We also spent about 3 hours in the Louvre walking around and seeing all the amazing artifacts including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Saint Mary Magdalene, and more.
Though a lot of walking, there was also a lot of eating at breakfast and dinner with 3+ course meals and wine almost every night.
After returning on Monday, September 8, there was a bit of exercise on Tuesday walking around the cemetery. My dad's dad passed away the Friday after I left for Europe of old age. He was almost 92 and lived a very good life. We knew before leaving that time was limited as he had stopped eating the days prior to departure. Therefore, I spent some time at home after returning to be with the family.
On Wednesday, I went to physical therapy (PT) for an evaluation for my knees. I am looking forward to PT and hopefully improving whatever ails me so my knees don't give out while hiking. The current focus is on my hips and balance with 2 appointments per week, which started this week. I will write more about those for next weeks update.
Friday, September 12
A beautiful day for a nice, long hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest. I started our timing the trip with my new GPS watch, which is going back. The battery died at the end of the journey and it lost everything.
Hike approx 9 miles from the Welcome Center to Horine Reservation (Blue Clockwise) around the Red (Counter Clockwise) back to the Blue finishing the clockwise trip around it back to the Welcome Center. Though I made a good 1/2 hour plus stop at the lake for some quiet, reflection time.
Sunday, September 14 was race day so walking around the course before and during the middle as I ran second heat.
So that concludes the previous 3 weeks and I will write about this week for the usual Monday report.
Sunday, August 03, 2014
Amazing Works of the Lord
Our lives are one ever lasting journey through the world on
earth to eternity in heaven. The journey is full of ups and downs, struggles
and joys, happiness and sadness, friends and foes, sickness and health, and so
much more. As I stop to again journal my health journey, I reflect on some of
these recent journeys and their impacts.
On June 30/July 1, I participated in a sleep study as not
being able to sleep through the night and being tired during the day was really
wearing on me. The results of the study showed that I had slight to moderate
sleep apnea. One of the biggest things the doctor said would help would be
losing 30 lbs and also getting a sleep machine at least for a small period of
time. It may not be something necessary forever. I still question a lot of that
as I have had trouble sleeping for years even close to 50 lbs lighter. Since I
am traveling a lot in the coming month, we are waiting for the machine until
after my travels.
On July 14, I visited the family physician for a checkup and
follow-up from my April appointment. Then he confirmed that I had mono at the
beginning of this year/potentially the end of last year. This makes so much
more sense of why I was so overly exhausted, unmotivated, and in ways paralyzed
the first half of the year. Apparently by April when I saw the doctor, I was
actually on the upswing and recovering from the mono. Not only had I just
recently had mono. Apparently, I have also had mono at some point in time
earlier. This is the first awareness of ever having mono.
Leading into these realizations, I had already begun to seek
direction to get in shape because if not, I would not survive my upcoming trips
to Guatemala and Europe. My mom and the other 50/60 year old ladies were going
to be getting around Europe better than I. Therefore, I was slowly working on
changing my mindset and trying to motivate myself to get in shape.
The question is how to get exercise. The heel spur on my
foot and the heat was not going to motivate me to go running. I really despise
gyms for cardio exercises. What I really enjoy is hiking, but it is not the
smartest option by oneself. Then came 4th of July weekend, it was a
cool 4th of July weekend and beautiful weather for hiking. Had it
not been for needing to pack, I probably would have gone out earlier in the
weekend, but I had a goal of packing for Guatemala so I could go to Lexington
the following weekend. On Friday, I told myself if I get everything done I
would go hiking on Sunday afternoon after church though still contemplating the
whole fact of doing it alone. By Sunday, this was no longer an issue.
God works in funny ways. He first blessed me with friends to
hang out with on the 4th of July and enjoy fireworks and bonfire
reminding me of 4th of July 15 years ago in Australia. But when I
came home late that night/early the next morning, I, as so many do, got on
Facebook to see the latest posts from friends and family. One of the posts
referred to a marathon hike but not any marathon hike. The title included “YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!”
and lots of encouraging words from TS, the event organizer. Really wanting to
do more hiking, needing motivation, and folks to safely hike with, I said why
not commit myself to the hike. By the way, there are intervals to the hike so
one does not have to complete the whole 26+ miles to participate. If I can
finish half+, I will feel accomplished.
In joining the event, TS continued his
encouragement and invited folks to start out with a slower, more casual hike
with the Louisville Hiking Meetup group on Sunday afternoon. I had looked at
the group in the past but was unsure of joining. I did not want to slow down
the group and was unsure of how folks would respond to someone slowing them
down. Some of the language on the site was fairly strict about making sure you
attend hikes that you are prepared. In knowing that TS was going to be there
and his encouragement/willingness to help folks, I decided to take the plunge
and instead of hiking by myself join in with the group. Wow, I am out of shape
even for a slow slightly strenuous hike. I have hiked the Lake trail at
Jefferson Memorial forest half a dozen times and never felt so out of shape,
but it got me out there. I met knew people and went out again on Monday. There were
two groups meeting that night. TS encouraged me to join with the 2nd
group as the first group definitely was out of my league. I had planned to just
hike what I could while the fast group was out doing their thing. At least that
way, I was not totally alone in the forest, but I decided to check out the
other group.
The Monday night Slow Pace JMF 4.5 mile
hike group has been great. That first night, my legs were still tense from the
day before, and I was struggling big times on the hills. Shamefully, I did give
in and let CH carry my backpack. The backpack, I have always worn hiking with a
lot more in it that I had that first night. The group was very encouraging,
checked back, and waited on me. We actually ended up cutting it short this
first night for multiple reasons, which was perfectly fine with me because I was
exhausted. I have participated 2 other times since then and do see some
improvements. This past Monday was a lot cooler so it was a bit difficult to
really notice the progress, but part of the progress also comes from carrying almost
10 lbs less.
This weekend was an official training hike for the marathon
hike on September 27, 2014. There were multiple legs to the day. I chose to
meet at Scotts Gap, where TS again encouragingly was willing to stick out and
help anyone who needed to hike a bit slower with support and encouragement. The
trail starts right out with a nice long hill that I started out way too fast
and was quickly out of breath. Hills are killers, up takes my breath away and
steep down kills my right knee. I am a pure mess. But TS came up along behind
me and stayed with me to the end of the trail before heading off to catch up
with the rest of the group. Without that motivation, I would still be stuck on
that trail. It was full of ups and downs and hard to gain much speed to make up
for the slower up hills. We did accomplish it (around 3.3 miles) in about 1.5
hrs give or take, neither great nor bad.
When the invite came out for Saturday, I decided to hike
Scotts Gap depending on that trail either hike it again (no way) or hike the
Mitchell Hill Lake trail. There was enough time to do another about 3 mile hike
while they hiked the final 6.7 miles back to the Welcome Center. There was no
way that I was doing Scotts Gap again and really wasn’t sure about the Lake
trail. But after a peanut butter & jelly, PowerAde, and some rest, I felt
that I could at least do the trail from the Welcome Center to the Lake trail
and back. That is about 2.2 miles with the Lake trail another mile around with
a nice hill in the back half going counter-clockwise. So I drove to the Welcome
Center and took off. I ended up doing the full 3.2 miles around the lake and
back to the Welcome Center. I returned just in time to meet up with everyone
else from the longer hike. I was beaten, worn out, and didn’t really have the
energy to stand more less stretch. I did try to stretch some knowing that if
not, I would regret it the next day. Then a few of us headed to Penn Station
for some lunch/dinner. Overall, it was a good day and I felt accomplished
having hiked about 6.5 miles again. Amazingly, today I am not too sore or
tired, and my new shoes did alright. My 10+ year old boots started falling
apart on Monday night :(. Thankfully, I had already checked out shoes and
bought some low top hiking boots before my trip to Guatemala.
That was a summary of my recent workouts and hiking, but as
I started this, God works in amazing ways. As I may still be sitting
contemplating getting out and hiking and trying to lose weight had God not
connected TS and I through autocross at the beginning of the year. Not only
does TS autocross, he is my main competition and really forcing me to work on
improving my autocross skills, and now his motivation and skills are helping me
get back in shape and do one of my favorite things, hike and be in nature.
It has been just shy of a year since you heard from me last
and let’s just say life has been full of craziness and business as you can tell
from this post. I do look forward to sharing more about some of the exciting
things that have happened, but for now, I hope you will once again walk with
me. I look to hopefully not only get in better shape, lose weight, but find a
lifestyle change that will not fall apart when other life factors happen and
work hard to derail on the efforts previously put in place. Hoping some new
accountability and encouragement from new and old friends will help me carry
forward.
Thanks for anyone who is still out here patiently waiting
for new updates!
Here is a synopsis of the first 3 weeks. Tomorrow ends the 4th
week since I started tracking my weight and hiking again.
La Semana Tres: Monday,
July 28, 2014 -- 217.4
La Semana Cero: Monday, July 7, 2014 -- 226.8
Most likely the heaviest ever
36.4 lbs from Dec 2012
46.8 lbs from Aug 2009
---------Previous Health Ups & Downs---------
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
Monday, September 02, 2013
1st Adventures on the Water: Canoe & White Water Rafting
Lost amongst the hustle and bustle comes the following post that never was finished or posted about my 1st Canoe Trip on June 25, 2005. Following this now finished post comes the story of my 1st White Water Rafting adventure.
Post started around July 16, 2005...
Canoeing - Elkhorn Creek, KY (June 25, 2005)
This is long overdue but definitely worth blogging about. 3 weekends ago, I ventured out with 5 others from the young adult group at church for my first canoe trip. Okay, not quite my first trip. In 5th grade, our class went to LBL and went canoeing but it was flat lake type conditions, not the swift and rocky adventure that we went on.
Our adventure took us to the Elkhorn Creek outside of Frankfort. This was the 5th year that the group had made the trip. Several had been every year, a couple others had gone last year, and then a couple of us where venturing out for the first time.
As you all know, we haven't had a whole lot of rain at that point and the water was about 8 inches below summer pool. This was very evident as the day went on and we spent a lot of the 12 mile journey getting out of the canoe.
As I mentioned earlier, there was 6 of us who went out on this adventure, 4 guys and 2 gals. I felt sorry for whomever was stuck with me as I was definitely inexperienced in the skills of canoeing, as well as very weak in the upper body. We all headed out and the first bit was not too rough but we quickly found the low lying areas. It was also a very warm June day, and I definitely didn't mind getting wet.
*Additional notes 8 years later...The lucky gentleman, BB, that got stuck in the canoe with me had a lot of patience and willingness to get out and push. I definitely enjoyed the adventure and always wanted to a) try again when the creek actually had water b) try a more demanding adventure of white water rafting.
White Water Rafting - The New River, WV (August 17, 2013)
8 years after my first canoeing adventure and only one other canoe trip the following year since, the opportunity finally came to go white water rafting. Going into the weekend, I had no clue what to expect and was with 2 others from church who also had never really been white water rafting or done a lot of outdoor camping. Luckily, the youth and young adult ministry office provided us with all the necessary gear for a weekend tent camping trip with a day of rafting.
@ 9 am Saturday morning, we set out for our adventure down the Lower New River sill very uncertain of what to expect and what to do. And unlike the previous canoeing adventures, this summer has not been dry but unseasonable wet allowing for an extra 6-mile white water rafting adventure.
We hit 3 Class V rapids and several II's and III's. One of the first larger rapids almost ended sent me flying out of the raft, but thankfully, my foot was secure under the cross-beam and I stayed in the raft. But almost every chance I had to get out of the raft and float down the river or through a rapid, I took advantage. Unfortunately the larger rapid that we were allowed to swim down, I stayed in the raft seeming to be the only adult getting out of the raft every time and expecting another similar opportunity.
In taking on this adventure, I decided nothing was stopping me from the full experience, which included jumping off the below cliff. Yes, that is me flying in the air.
The experience was amazing for so many reasons...
I definitely returned home ready to go back especially with the talk of Gauley season there. Gauley is the other river and during September/early October the lake is drained into the river making for some very intense rafting experiences. Apparently the lower Gauley would be a step up from the Lower New River that we completed and the upper Gauley would be a big step up. Unfortunately with work and the lack of friends who like to white water raft, I am currently stuck not being able to experience this again this year and will have to see how vacation lands next year.
If you are ready for an adventure, let me know!
Post started around July 16, 2005...
Canoeing - Elkhorn Creek, KY (June 25, 2005)
This is long overdue but definitely worth blogging about. 3 weekends ago, I ventured out with 5 others from the young adult group at church for my first canoe trip. Okay, not quite my first trip. In 5th grade, our class went to LBL and went canoeing but it was flat lake type conditions, not the swift and rocky adventure that we went on.
Our adventure took us to the Elkhorn Creek outside of Frankfort. This was the 5th year that the group had made the trip. Several had been every year, a couple others had gone last year, and then a couple of us where venturing out for the first time.
As you all know, we haven't had a whole lot of rain at that point and the water was about 8 inches below summer pool. This was very evident as the day went on and we spent a lot of the 12 mile journey getting out of the canoe.
As I mentioned earlier, there was 6 of us who went out on this adventure, 4 guys and 2 gals. I felt sorry for whomever was stuck with me as I was definitely inexperienced in the skills of canoeing, as well as very weak in the upper body. We all headed out and the first bit was not too rough but we quickly found the low lying areas. It was also a very warm June day, and I definitely didn't mind getting wet.
*Additional notes 8 years later...The lucky gentleman, BB, that got stuck in the canoe with me had a lot of patience and willingness to get out and push. I definitely enjoyed the adventure and always wanted to a) try again when the creek actually had water b) try a more demanding adventure of white water rafting.
White Water Rafting - The New River, WV (August 17, 2013)
8 years after my first canoeing adventure and only one other canoe trip the following year since, the opportunity finally came to go white water rafting. Going into the weekend, I had no clue what to expect and was with 2 others from church who also had never really been white water rafting or done a lot of outdoor camping. Luckily, the youth and young adult ministry office provided us with all the necessary gear for a weekend tent camping trip with a day of rafting.
@ 9 am Saturday morning, we set out for our adventure down the Lower New River sill very uncertain of what to expect and what to do. And unlike the previous canoeing adventures, this summer has not been dry but unseasonable wet allowing for an extra 6-mile white water rafting adventure.
We hit 3 Class V rapids and several II's and III's. One of the first larger rapids almost ended sent me flying out of the raft, but thankfully, my foot was secure under the cross-beam and I stayed in the raft. But almost every chance I had to get out of the raft and float down the river or through a rapid, I took advantage. Unfortunately the larger rapid that we were allowed to swim down, I stayed in the raft seeming to be the only adult getting out of the raft every time and expecting another similar opportunity.
In taking on this adventure, I decided nothing was stopping me from the full experience, which included jumping off the below cliff. Yes, that is me flying in the air.
The experience was amazing for so many reasons...
- Reminded me of the lake and so made me miss adventures on the lake.
- Adrenaline rush jumping off the cliff.
- The experience of working as a team of strangers to successfully get as from point A to point B losing none in the process.
- Knowing that I can paddle through and survive this intermediate level of rafting.
I definitely returned home ready to go back especially with the talk of Gauley season there. Gauley is the other river and during September/early October the lake is drained into the river making for some very intense rafting experiences. Apparently the lower Gauley would be a step up from the Lower New River that we completed and the upper Gauley would be a big step up. Unfortunately with work and the lack of friends who like to white water raft, I am currently stuck not being able to experience this again this year and will have to see how vacation lands next year.
If you are ready for an adventure, let me know!
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Healthier Living: Cero
Week 0 -- 206.8 lbs
Back to the grind after gaining 18.4 lbs since my birthday in mid-December. Again, I plan on weighing myself every Monday morning and posting shortly thereafter the happenings of the prior week. Hoping that the positive support and energy from those who read and the basic accountability of this blog will keep me motivated.
Therefore last week....
Wednesday: 30 min of Cross Training
Saturday: 10+ mile easy to moderate hike
(Maybe this is my problem. I stretch myself way too much at one time.)
This week....
Monday: 2-30 min Flexibility Classes
Tuesday: 15 min Kettlebells (A class participant almost passed out so class was cut short.)
30 min Flexibility Class
Also, I am attempting to be more conscious of what I am eating and the amount that I am eating.
Trying to stop drinking soft drinks and having water with lemon juice instead. Soft drinks are so easy to pull out of the refrigerator.
Searching for motivation to get in shape, stay in shape, and lose weight....
Current motivations...
- Clothes not fitting again
- Potential White Water Rafting trip in a month
- Guatemala someday
Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement! May this also encourage you to stay healthy or become healthier!
Back to the grind after gaining 18.4 lbs since my birthday in mid-December. Again, I plan on weighing myself every Monday morning and posting shortly thereafter the happenings of the prior week. Hoping that the positive support and energy from those who read and the basic accountability of this blog will keep me motivated.
Therefore last week....
Wednesday: 30 min of Cross Training
Saturday: 10+ mile easy to moderate hike
(Maybe this is my problem. I stretch myself way too much at one time.)
This week....
Monday: 2-30 min Flexibility Classes
Tuesday: 15 min Kettlebells (A class participant almost passed out so class was cut short.)
30 min Flexibility Class
Also, I am attempting to be more conscious of what I am eating and the amount that I am eating.
Trying to stop drinking soft drinks and having water with lemon juice instead. Soft drinks are so easy to pull out of the refrigerator.
Searching for motivation to get in shape, stay in shape, and lose weight....
Current motivations...
- Clothes not fitting again
- Potential White Water Rafting trip in a month
- Guatemala someday
Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement! May this also encourage you to stay healthy or become healthier!
Thursday, July 04, 2013
Healthier Living: Renewal
Life hits you one day and you realize the backward direction you are headed but lost at how to change your mindset in the forward direction. This definitely outlines me the past couple of months. I know that things have to shift and change but just not sure how to make that change happen.
Currently a few pounds shy of where I started in April 2012 after losing 21 lbs.
How does one continually get in the same predicament over and over again?
Where is the motivation? How do you maintain that motivation?
- No certainty about future trips or activities requiring the need to be in shape.
- Body still in chaos and unsure of what that chaos is.
- So how do you battle health when your not sure what exactly you are battling.
- Last time, you ended up injured and fear going right back into that situation.
- Who really cares if you are in shape and lose weight.
Besides all of this and many other struggles, hopefully, I am ready to head forward again and find a maintainable way of life of being in shape and eating healthy but enjoyably.
How hard can this be?
- Free gym on the same floor as I work
- Free 1/2 hour trainer led classes throughout the day
- Surrounded by co-workers who attend classes, walk during the day, or go to the gym after work
Needless to say yesterday was really the first day that I took advantage of any of this, but hopefully that was day one towards a positive forward direction.
Yesterday, July 3rd, 2013
30 mins of Cross Training
I actually was able to attempt push-ups though poorly. Definitely better than last time I tried and couldn't even hold myself in a push-up stance. Today feeling a bit of soreness in the late afternoon but nothing to awful.
Thanks for all the prayers and support! Hopefully, this time I will not let myself and all you followers down and start and stay progressing forward over backwards.
May you be blessed this Independence Day and remember the freedoms we have!
Currently a few pounds shy of where I started in April 2012 after losing 21 lbs.
How does one continually get in the same predicament over and over again?
Where is the motivation? How do you maintain that motivation?
- No certainty about future trips or activities requiring the need to be in shape.
- Body still in chaos and unsure of what that chaos is.
- So how do you battle health when your not sure what exactly you are battling.
- Last time, you ended up injured and fear going right back into that situation.
- Who really cares if you are in shape and lose weight.
Besides all of this and many other struggles, hopefully, I am ready to head forward again and find a maintainable way of life of being in shape and eating healthy but enjoyably.
How hard can this be?
- Free gym on the same floor as I work
- Free 1/2 hour trainer led classes throughout the day
- Surrounded by co-workers who attend classes, walk during the day, or go to the gym after work
Needless to say yesterday was really the first day that I took advantage of any of this, but hopefully that was day one towards a positive forward direction.
Yesterday, July 3rd, 2013
30 mins of Cross Training
I actually was able to attempt push-ups though poorly. Definitely better than last time I tried and couldn't even hold myself in a push-up stance. Today feeling a bit of soreness in the late afternoon but nothing to awful.
Thanks for all the prayers and support! Hopefully, this time I will not let myself and all you followers down and start and stay progressing forward over backwards.
May you be blessed this Independence Day and remember the freedoms we have!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Where have I been?
That is actually a really good question as I have stayed in place for the most part the past month and a half, but definitely been avoiding writing any health update or even getting on the scale. Things continue to go backwards, and it is hard to explain.
Truthfully, life is amazing and wonderful. Work though not without stress is a purely amazing experience full of welcoming hearts and supportive people. Youth and young adult ministry definitely fulfills my passions for service, faith, and leadership. I love watching the youth and young adults grow and am very excited about the various things ahead.
Thanks to all those who keep coming back to see if there is something new here! Hopefully as some new journeys begin, I can again stop to reflect and share and get back on the health wagon and de-stress a bit.
Truthfully, life is amazing and wonderful. Work though not without stress is a purely amazing experience full of welcoming hearts and supportive people. Youth and young adult ministry definitely fulfills my passions for service, faith, and leadership. I love watching the youth and young adults grow and am very excited about the various things ahead.
Thanks to all those who keep coming back to see if there is something new here! Hopefully as some new journeys begin, I can again stop to reflect and share and get back on the health wagon and de-stress a bit.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Healthier Living: Take 49 Return Edition
Week 49 -- 201.3 (Back to week 21 not a good sign)
---------------------
Week 41 -- 192.6 (+2.2 lbs in 10 weeks, therefore total loss of 18.8 lbs after 40 weeks)
Week 31 --190.4 (11.4 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 21 lbs after 30 weeks)
Week 21 -- 201.8 (5.6 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 9.6 lbs after 20 weeks)
Week 11 -- 207.4 (4 lbs after 10 weeks)
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds (Starting Weight)
Exercise has been minimal to non-existent for the past 8 weeks. Eating habits have been horrendous due to laziness, lack of shopping, and never being around.
The mini-marathon in April is not going to happen. Between being injured, sick, and extremely busy, I am way out of shape at this point in time. The foot is not really sore but I also have not done anything on it for months now. I have ran once on the treadmill in the last almost 4 months and that is about it.
Hopefully after the first week of April things will settle back in, and I can get back into a better routine. One problem is my schedule versus my friends schedule places us not able to get to the gym at the same time. But maybe I will figure out a way to work out at work instead.
I am not sure what the plan is going to be in terms of running. Currently, I am disengaged from the mini-marathon idea because it truly does not seem that the Derby mini is going to work. Contemplating finding another one of interest to run in but really not sure. I believe a lot can start taking shape in the coming months once a couple things settle out.
Thanks for checking in and supporting me on this journey. Plan to get back to weekly writing. Next week may be hit or miss as spring break takes me to Appalachia next week with the HS youth.
---------------------
Week 41 -- 192.6 (+2.2 lbs in 10 weeks, therefore total loss of 18.8 lbs after 40 weeks)
Week 31 --190.4 (11.4 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 21 lbs after 30 weeks)
Week 21 -- 201.8 (5.6 lbs in 10 weeks and total of 9.6 lbs after 20 weeks)
Week 11 -- 207.4 (4 lbs after 10 weeks)
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds (Starting Weight)
Exercise has been minimal to non-existent for the past 8 weeks. Eating habits have been horrendous due to laziness, lack of shopping, and never being around.
The mini-marathon in April is not going to happen. Between being injured, sick, and extremely busy, I am way out of shape at this point in time. The foot is not really sore but I also have not done anything on it for months now. I have ran once on the treadmill in the last almost 4 months and that is about it.
Hopefully after the first week of April things will settle back in, and I can get back into a better routine. One problem is my schedule versus my friends schedule places us not able to get to the gym at the same time. But maybe I will figure out a way to work out at work instead.
I am not sure what the plan is going to be in terms of running. Currently, I am disengaged from the mini-marathon idea because it truly does not seem that the Derby mini is going to work. Contemplating finding another one of interest to run in but really not sure. I believe a lot can start taking shape in the coming months once a couple things settle out.
Thanks for checking in and supporting me on this journey. Plan to get back to weekly writing. Next week may be hit or miss as spring break takes me to Appalachia next week with the HS youth.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Wow...Almost 2 Months of No Posts
Anyone still out there???
Definitely did not realize that almost 2 months have past since the last post.
I definitely have some thoughts on posts and actually started one several weeks ago but never finished it.
The last post mentioned coming down with a sore throat. That lead into a 3 week fairly intense sinus infection/cold along with pink eye and another week to week and half of still having after effects of the infection that took over.
Besides being sick for an extended period of time, life has actually been amazing and wonderful. The Lord has been so blessed and open, especially for three straight weekends.
End of February, I lead a young adult retreat for a small crowd titled "Your Epic Adventure".
The next weekend, I attended the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Indy, an amazing weekend that I hope to share more about soon. God definitely was speaking to me on a couple levels. I am really looking forward to working with our youth ministry coordinator to advance our ministry work at church and beyond.
The following weekend was the HS youth spring retreat titled "Heroes". I played a supportive roll at this retreat after having a couple busy weekends prior to that. I did lead the youth in the Rosary and a little discussion of how the Rosary is a good tool for our heroes tool belt.
This past weekend, I had a wonderful time with my family. I got to hang out with my cousin and aunt a lot on Saturday playing in a corn-hole tournament for Special Olympics and playing Rummikub. Then Sunday my family had an old fashioned Sunday morning gathering at my cousins. It was great to remember times with the family when our grandparents were alive.
Which brings us to this weekend and the churches intergenerational Lenten retreat. I will be sharing this weekend a talk that I did in the fall for HS retreat with some modifications and additions.
There is so much to share about the goodness of the Lord in the past few weeks. I really hope things slow down a bit and I can take time to share again very soon. In the meantime, I really hope that I have not lost all of my readers.
Definitely did not realize that almost 2 months have past since the last post.
I definitely have some thoughts on posts and actually started one several weeks ago but never finished it.
The last post mentioned coming down with a sore throat. That lead into a 3 week fairly intense sinus infection/cold along with pink eye and another week to week and half of still having after effects of the infection that took over.
Besides being sick for an extended period of time, life has actually been amazing and wonderful. The Lord has been so blessed and open, especially for three straight weekends.
End of February, I lead a young adult retreat for a small crowd titled "Your Epic Adventure".
The next weekend, I attended the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Indy, an amazing weekend that I hope to share more about soon. God definitely was speaking to me on a couple levels. I am really looking forward to working with our youth ministry coordinator to advance our ministry work at church and beyond.
The following weekend was the HS youth spring retreat titled "Heroes". I played a supportive roll at this retreat after having a couple busy weekends prior to that. I did lead the youth in the Rosary and a little discussion of how the Rosary is a good tool for our heroes tool belt.
This past weekend, I had a wonderful time with my family. I got to hang out with my cousin and aunt a lot on Saturday playing in a corn-hole tournament for Special Olympics and playing Rummikub. Then Sunday my family had an old fashioned Sunday morning gathering at my cousins. It was great to remember times with the family when our grandparents were alive.
Which brings us to this weekend and the churches intergenerational Lenten retreat. I will be sharing this weekend a talk that I did in the fall for HS retreat with some modifications and additions.
There is so much to share about the goodness of the Lord in the past few weeks. I really hope things slow down a bit and I can take time to share again very soon. In the meantime, I really hope that I have not lost all of my readers.
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Satuday Smiles Treinta y Uno: Last Regular Edition
Happy Saturday to my dear readers who justifiable have slimmed off over the past few weeks! Life really is going great for me these days. I am really enjoying work and all the people around. The only reason I don't want to get up in the morning is because I am tired and really would love to sleep some more. I look forward to everything coming together over the next couple of months and pray that this will be a place to stay for years to come.
With the stabilization of a career path, I am excited to pursue God's vision for my personal and spiritual life. Spiritually, the Lord is providing in wondrous ways. The Young Professionals group started at church hopefully is gathering some new blood and forward momentum. The weekend of February 22-24, we are spending the weekend down in Danville at a cabin to listen to God's word, escape from the hustle and bustle of our lives, and just be in peace with God. I am very ecited about the weekend and hoping that we can get some young folks to come out and join us. "Your Epic Adventure" will be one epic weekend and adventure of life.
The joy I have as I work on retreat, the excitement about attending the Simply Youth Ministry conference the following weekend, and then witnessing the growth of the high school youth the following weekend, just makes me smile and love life. Working with the youth is such a blessing, I love hanging out, listening, witnessing, and sharing with them even when topics are difficult. Currently, the video series with the HS youth is titled "Pure Sex". Truthfully, if you have a young group or even an older group, this is a great series to share God's plan and open up dialogue around the topic of sex. This series pulls me out of my comfort zone, but I know how important the topic of sex and all related around it is for the youth to discuss and hear in our world today. Please pray for the leaders and the youth as we wrap up the series in the coming weeks that our faith will shine and their ears and hearts will be open to His word.
Personally, God definitely has a calling in my life. I pray for patience and timing of follow through as He knows what is best and His vision and mine will soon come to be. Though it will not come without risk, especially initially, followed by sacrifice, the adventure will be amazing and 100% worth it. The peace of God is in play and He knows His plan for my life and the life of all those around me.
Why you as is this the last regular edition? Over the past weeks, I have felt that this post has become a little blah without deep substance. Life is full of smiles and love and so often because of my life is all related to the same. Therefore, I would like to change things up, talk about some deeper things, reflect more on what's happened and what is to come. The peace in my heart says the Lord has amazing plans for the year ahead, and I would love to share that journey with you. I pray that you come back and visit and walk with me on God's journey. The goal will be to continue the weekly health update and post at least one other time each week. The next topic of thought is on prioritization so stay tuned. But on that note, I must prioritize and go get some personal thing done before traveling east to see friends. Stay safe and have a blessed week!
With the stabilization of a career path, I am excited to pursue God's vision for my personal and spiritual life. Spiritually, the Lord is providing in wondrous ways. The Young Professionals group started at church hopefully is gathering some new blood and forward momentum. The weekend of February 22-24, we are spending the weekend down in Danville at a cabin to listen to God's word, escape from the hustle and bustle of our lives, and just be in peace with God. I am very ecited about the weekend and hoping that we can get some young folks to come out and join us. "Your Epic Adventure" will be one epic weekend and adventure of life.
The joy I have as I work on retreat, the excitement about attending the Simply Youth Ministry conference the following weekend, and then witnessing the growth of the high school youth the following weekend, just makes me smile and love life. Working with the youth is such a blessing, I love hanging out, listening, witnessing, and sharing with them even when topics are difficult. Currently, the video series with the HS youth is titled "Pure Sex". Truthfully, if you have a young group or even an older group, this is a great series to share God's plan and open up dialogue around the topic of sex. This series pulls me out of my comfort zone, but I know how important the topic of sex and all related around it is for the youth to discuss and hear in our world today. Please pray for the leaders and the youth as we wrap up the series in the coming weeks that our faith will shine and their ears and hearts will be open to His word.
Personally, God definitely has a calling in my life. I pray for patience and timing of follow through as He knows what is best and His vision and mine will soon come to be. Though it will not come without risk, especially initially, followed by sacrifice, the adventure will be amazing and 100% worth it. The peace of God is in play and He knows His plan for my life and the life of all those around me.
Why you as is this the last regular edition? Over the past weeks, I have felt that this post has become a little blah without deep substance. Life is full of smiles and love and so often because of my life is all related to the same. Therefore, I would like to change things up, talk about some deeper things, reflect more on what's happened and what is to come. The peace in my heart says the Lord has amazing plans for the year ahead, and I would love to share that journey with you. I pray that you come back and visit and walk with me on God's journey. The goal will be to continue the weekly health update and post at least one other time each week. The next topic of thought is on prioritization so stay tuned. But on that note, I must prioritize and go get some personal thing done before traveling east to see friends. Stay safe and have a blessed week!
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