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Hot 100 Update 14

Here's the last Hot 100 update--ever!  (Or maybe until next yeay, right, Steve?)

• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (Boo! Hiss!)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (done)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (done)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (done)
• No alcohol (done)
• No Fast Food (done)
• Read three books (done)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (done)

• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed (missed yesterday)
• End the year under 275 pounds (done)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (done)
• Get plugged in at my church (good progress)
• Get to know my neighbors (good progress)

• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (Probably next year)
• Regularly achieve an estimated "burn" of 300 Calories in my 10 minutes on the Stairstepper. (done)
• Build up to an ability to run 2 miles in my 20 minute session on the treadmill. (done)

• Lose enough weight to fit into size 38 jeans and a large shirt (jeans = done, sweatshirt? Eh...close?  What do you think?) 



Wednesday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.14 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (319 Calories)
60 sit ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.09 miles; 2.11 miles, 2.14 miles)
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (315 Calories; 322 Calories, 319 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
120 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Weekly Calorie Count:
Saturday: no clue...let's say 3,000 Calories (way over-estimating)
Sunday: 2,250 Calories
Monday: 1,275 Calories
Tuesday: 1,964 Calories

Wednesday: 1,310 Calories

Back & Link

My back seems much better!  I still walk a little weird, but there are no spasms anymore!  In fact, I was able to go through my workouts with no problems (other than being super tired).  I think that tomorrow, I'll be able to do a great long walk.  And I have some New Year's Day Resolutions.  That's right.  Not resolutions for 2010.  These are resolutions for January 1st, 2010:

  1. Run a 5k on New Year's Day.  Pretty much I'll just take a route that's 3.1 miles--and walk run it!  Then I'll post my time (and maybe my route, too).
  2. Take part in my city's Polar Bear Dip.
  3. Enjoy lunch at a 2-for-1 Sushi Place.
  4. Seriously, finally, create a budget with Anna.  Seriously.
Anyone else?  Any New Year's Day Resolutions?

Also I found another great blogger: Seth Simonds.  His voice is great, and his method for charting his loss is really interesting.  I'm not going to go into too much detail, since it's a lot of fun to read.  Seriously, go check it out!

Tuesday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.11 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (322 Calories)
30 sit ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:

2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.09 miles; 2.11 Calories)
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (315 Calories; 322 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Weekly Calorie Count:
Saturday: no clue...let's say 3,000 Calories (way over-estimating)
Sunday: 2,250 Calories
Monday: 1,275 Calories

Tuesday: 1,964 Calories

Back, Week, Goals

So, yeah, last week didn't go according to plan.  And this weekend didn't either.  I hurt my back on Christmas Day (too much TV).  I didn't walk this weekend, or do any sit-ups, or anything else.  And my back's not much better today, but I still tried to push through it.  The workout went pretty well, but my back is still seizing up.  I know I'll get better--as long as I keep on track.  My workout proved that today!  I was able to do almost all my normal routines.  My back loosened up and I enjoyed the workout--of course, then it seized back up when I was at my desk.  plus, though, I got a walk in, too.

And I have a short week at work.

Therefore, no goals.  That's not to say that I'm not going to try to complete as much as I can, but I don't know how much I can get through.  So no goals.  Is that a bad thing? 

Up to Monday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.09 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (315 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
30 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast


Weekly Calorie Count:
Saturday: no clue...let's say 3,000 Calories (way over-estimating)
Sunday: 2,250 Calories
Monday: 1,155 1,275 Calories

Week 38


















Weight: 256.2

Weight gain in one week: 1.0
Total weight lost: 112.2
Average weekly weight loss: 2.95

Weight left to lose: 16.2
Weeks left at average loss: 5.49
Estimated total weeks: 43.49 (about 10.04 months)

So, yup.  Another gain.  I'm not too torn up about it, but it is time for a real change.  I'm still sitting at 16 pounds left to lose--and that's not too much.  But it leaves me at about February before I'm done.  That's not the end of the world, but if it weren't for the two gains I've had in the last two months, I'd be at about 10 or so left.  Much more doable. 


So, what am I going to do?  How am I going to weaken the strangle hold that food has on me?  I think it begins with really tracking my food intake.  I've resisted this component for this far in my journey, but at least for now, I think it's really important.  So, I'm going to start tweeting my Caloric intake in realtime; then I will post the daily totals with my goals.  What do you think?  Good plan?

Hot 100 Update 13

• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (success!)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (done)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (done)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (done)
• No alcohol (done)
• No Fast Food (done)
• Read three books (done--finished four)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (done)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed (done)
• End the year under 275 pounds (done)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (done)
• Get plugged in at my church (good progress this week)
• Get to know my neighbors (Delivered cookies this weekend--and were welcomed into 3 of the 5 homes!)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (Probably next year)
• Regularly achieve an estimated "burn" of 300 Calories in my 10 minutes on the Stairstepper. (done)
• Build up to an ability to run 2 miles in my 20 minute session on the treadmill. (done)
• Lose enough size to fit into size 38 jeans and a large shirt. (jeans = done!  I am now borrowing a piar from my "skinny" twin brother!  Shirt?  Haven't checked)


Wednesday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.11 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (317 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Pray

Total:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.04 miles; 2.10 miles; 2.11 miles)
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (313 Calories; 309 Calories; 317 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
150 sit ups
Walk 11 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Remaining:
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
2 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
Walk 9 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

I love long walks on the...street?

I've got to say, Steve's really been inspiring me with all of his long walks.  He often goes on six or eight mile walks.  That's insanely awesome.  So, with my goal of 20 miles walked this week, I thought I should give that a try.  So, I started walking.  And walking.  And walking.  And by the time I got home 2 hours and 10 minutes later, I had walked 9 miles!  Yikes!  Yeah, I'm a little sore, but it was fun to see what I could do.  Add on top of that the fact that I was able to hit 2.1 miles in my 20 minute run on the treadmill today, and I feel like I've had a very successful exercise day!  I need to keep them up, though, if I don't want to see a gain this week.  Hopefully, I'll be able to push through this week--while enjoying the season, of course!!

Tuesday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.10 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (309 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
Walk 9 miles
Read the Bible
Pray
Fast

Total:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.04 miles; 2.10 miles)
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (313 Calories; 309 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
120 sit ups
Walk 11 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Remaining:
1- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
3 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
90 sit ups
Walk 9 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

The Longest Night

Today is the Winter Solstice.  That means that tonight is the longest night of the year.  That has lots of symbolism.  Mostly, for me it has spiritual connotations.  In fact, it's interesting that we celebrate the birth of our Savior in the midst of the winter season (for those of us in the northern hemisphere).  Our church had a special service to address this tension tonight.  A lot of people experience loss and despair during the season of giving.  It often makes it tough for us to fully participate in the festivities.  I truly appreciate that Bethany Community Church would speak to the loss and loneliness people face.  Anna and I went, along with my dad, and one of our sisters-in-law.  It was a great healing time, and I actually feel like I can enjoy Christmas this year!  Yay, 'tis the season! 

Total:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.04 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (313 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
Walk 2 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Goals for Next Week:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
4 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
150 sit ups
Walk 18 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Week 37


















Weight: 255.2

Weight loss in one week: 2.6
Total weight lost: 113.2
Average weekly weight loss: 3.06

Weight left to lose: 15.2
Weeks left at average loss: 4.97
Estimated total weeks: 41.97 (about 9.68 months)

2.6 pounds is pretty great! Losing 0.3 more would have been awesome--then I could say that I'm under 255.  But that's okay, since it means that if I only lose 0.3 pounds next week I'll be passing a milestone.  And that might be all I I lose next week.  It's Christmas week, and I'll have less time to exercise and more opportunities to be tempted with food.  I'm sure that this will be my last decent loss for the year.  But I'm aiming for at least 1 pound a week for the next couple of weeks.  It'll shoot my average, but that's okay!  This is all about a healthy lifestyle, not hitting a pre-determined number, you know?

I hate loving the gym and love hating the gym

I really have a love-hate relationship with the gym and working out (who on this journey doesn't, though?!).  Actually, it's more of a hate relationship.  I don't really like going.  But I love the results.  And I find it's not nearly as hard to "drag" myself in there.  In fact, I go in thinking that I don't really want to be there, and that I'll probably just take it easy.  But then, once I get going, I tell myself that I'm there; I might as well do my best.  And I just can't not push myself, you know?  I guess I'm glad that I don't give up, but man, sometimes it would be so nice to just take it easy.  I guess the next two weeks will be that for me since we only work 3 days each week.  And yes, as a result of that, I expect for my loss rate to slow--but I can't let it reverse! 

Friday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.04 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (311 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
60 sit ups
Walk 2.5 miles
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
5- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.02 miles; 2.04 miles; 2.04 miles; 2.04 miles; 2.04 miles)
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (304 Calories; 302 Calories; 308 Calories; 308 Calories; 311 Calories)
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
210 sit ups
Walk 15 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Goals for Next Week:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
5 sets of 2- 60 second planks

5 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
210 sit ups
Walk 20 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Cook-Off

We won!  So, my new team at work had a team-building event at a local cooking school.  There are about 30 people on my team, and they broke us up into 3 teams of 10 and we all cooked 1 entree, 2 sides, and a dessert.  And each team had a secret ingredient: one team had beef skirt steak, another group had pork tenderloin, and the team I was on got salmon.  Each team got paired up with a chef and we were off.  It was an hour and a half of fun, and we won!  We made oven-roasted brussles sprouts, a pasta salad (that I worked on), pan seared citrus salmon, nad a chocolate hazelnut torta with an apricot shipped cream and a blackberry balsamic sauce.  Did I mention it was fun?  Did I mention we won?!  :) 

Thursday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.04 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (308 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
60 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
4- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.04 miles)
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (308 Calories)
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
210 sit ups
Walk 12.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Remaining:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Walk 2.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Hot 100 Update 12

• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (crashed and burned!)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (done)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (done)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (done)
• No alcohol (done)
• No Fast Food (done)
• Read three books (done--3/4 way done with my fourth)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (done)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed (back on track!)
• End the year under 275 pounds (done)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (done)
• Get plugged in at my church (still more progress)

• Get to know my neighbors (We made some cookies this weekend, but they didn't come out right. Just made a second batch tonight and will deliver tomorrow.)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (Pretty much on hold for now...)
• Regularly achieve an estimated "burn" of 300 Calories in my 10 minutes on the Elliptical. (Did this, too!  Woot!)

• Build up to an ability to run 2 miles in my 20 minute session on the treadmill. (Did it!  YES!!!)
• Lose enough size to fit into size 38 jeans and a large shirt. (Didn't check this week)

Wednesday:
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
30 sit ups
Walk 7 miles

Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Date with Anna

Total:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.02 miles; 2.04 miles; 2.04 miles)
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (304 Calories; 302 Calories; 308 Calories)
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
150 sit ups
Walk 9.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Date with Anna

Remaining:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
60 sit ups
Walk 5.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Trying to stay on track

Today was the first potluck of the season for me.  I did okay, but not great.  I had 1-1/2 plates of food...and 3 rice crispy squares.  Oops!  It really is tough to keep on track.  Today is the first time I'm really coming to grips with that.  Prayers would be very helpful.  Because I'm not sure I'll be able to navigate through this season without your prayers.  Watch, just after I say this, I'll have another decent loss this week, huh? :)  Regarless, your support means a lot!

Work has been stressful.  I'm really glad I'm changing roles, but it's the changing that's so difficult. I need to get a lot of stuff wrapped up, but with my new role, and my workout routine, and the holidays, it's pretty difficult to get everything done.  But I'll get 'er done.  I have to!

Tuesday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.04 miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (308 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
30 sit ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:

3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.02 miles; 2.04 miles; 2.04 miles)
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (304 Calories; 302 Calories; 308 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
120 sit ups
Walk 2.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Remaining:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
90 sit ups
Walk 12.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Lost

I'm not sure if you know, but Anna and I love TV.  It's kinda our way of relaxing.  One of the shows we like to watch is Lost.  But we couldn't watch it last year, since we were living at my dad's house with Dish Network (and they were having a contract dispute with the local ABC affiliate).  So, imagine our joy when we found out that Netflix had Season 5 (the season we missed last year) on Instant Queue (we can watch it on our TV without having to buy the season.  Sweet!).  And now, we've been having a good time watching the episodes in a buffet fashion: we watched 7 episodes yesterday and are on our third one today--probably watching 4 total.  Nothing too much to do with my journey, but I'm glad that we "discovered" it!

Also, as you'll see below, I've been able to do 2 of my work gym workouts so far.  That's because Anna went in to work on Saturday (the one day out of the year she has to work on a weekend).  So, I went into work as well.  I put in an extra 6 hours of work, and then I decided to get one of my workouts in early.  I'm so glad I did!

Up to Monday:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (2.02 miles; 2.04 miles)
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (304 Calories; 302 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
90 sit ups
Walk 2.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Remaining:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
120 sit ups
Walk 12.5 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Week 36


Weight: 257.8

Weight loss in one week: 5.0
Total weight lost: 110.6
Average weekly weight loss: 3.07


Weight left to lose: 17.8
Weeks left at average loss: 5.79
Estimated total weeks: 41.79 (about 9.65 months)

Holy Moses!  I didn't think I'd drop that much!  Wow.  I'm in the 250's.  I don't remember the last time I was this light.  Sweet!  And now, I'm only 17.8 pounds away from my goal.  I can almost taste it!  Think I can lose another 7.8 pounds this month and end up at 250 on January 1, 2010?  That would be so cool! 

I've got to admit, though, that I thought about drinking some water or somethign to raise my weight so that I didn't lose too much and so that I would have a little weight loss in the bank for next week.  Yeah, I know: that's nuts!  I asked Anna, though, and she told me not to.  I wasn't going to anyway, but she convinced me nonetheless.

Thanks for all your support.  I love my online family/community!  And God bless.

Weekly Wrap-Up

I thought about my dinner last night.  In fact, I kept thinking about it.  About how it wasn't sitting well with me.  I was troubled about the whole day.  I had thought about fasting today since I couldn't make it into the gym--you know can't burn the Calories, so might as well not eat them.  But Anna reminded me that my goal is to fast for spiritual reasons.  Not that there's anything wrong with fasting for your diet, right, Steve?  But I'm trying to focus my fasting on my spiritual life.  And then it hit me.  The reason for my fasting wasn't the fact that I missed a workout.  It wasn't the fact that I ate that fried, fatty sandwich last night.  It was because I needed to place God first.  Allow me to explain: I love food.  Like, really love food.  And last night, I put food first.  It seems hard for me to explain, but I believe that the primary role of food is to nourish; the secondary role is to satisfy; and the tertiary role of food is to allow me to use the word tertiary.  :)  Last night, I tried to make food satisfy me.  But that's not its primary role.  And I got into this whole problem (my obese life) by trying to get food to satisfy me.  It can't.  Anna can't.  Fame and fortune can't.  Only God can.  And I needed to remember that.  And I needed to live that.  And that's why I fasted.  I'm glad I could place God back in the proper position in my life--the top!  And I feel much better tonight.

Friday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2.01 miles) 
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (304 Calories)
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
45 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Total:
4- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
210 sit ups
Walk 15 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast (2 days!)
Date with Anna

Remaining:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks

Goals for Next Week:
5- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks

210 sit ups
Walk 15 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Vampires, Counts, and Realizations

Gotta have fun with the title, right? 
So, the blood mobile came to work again today.  I donated again, and it was great.  But my day was packed, so I didn't get a chance to get into the gym.  I definitely won't hit all my goals, but it sure was worth it--I got to help save lives!  And that's definitely worth missing a goal or two.

After work, Anna and I had our date night.  For some reason, I really wanted something hearty--we went to "Tommy's Cafe" which is a local dive-diner.  I had a Monte Cristo.  I really wanted one, but this one was disgusting.  I mean, it was would have been good before my journey started.  But now, it really didn't taste that great, was greasy, and fatty.  Wow, how much things change.  I didn't even finish it.  I'm sure it was horrible for me, but I'm really glad that I tried it, if nothing else, than to learn that I don't really like that kind of food anymore.  So, I guess that was a good realization.  I'll probably try to find a nice Monte Cristo in the future, but it won't be able to be as tasty nasty as that one!

Thursday:
45 Sit ups
Walk 3.75 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Date with Anna

Total:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
165 sit ups
Walk 12 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Remaining:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
45 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Hot 100 Update 11

• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (missed two goals last week)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (even better now)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (done)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (done)
• No alcohol (had two sips to try the quality of a couple of glasses for Anna)
• No Fast Food (done)
• Read three books (done--1/2 way done with my second)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (done)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed (messed this up yesterday)
• End the year under 275 pounds (done)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (done)
• Get plugged in at my church (went to the potluck last week. And spent some time meeting some new friends )
• Get to know my neighbors (We'll be making cookies to deliver to our neighbors this weekend--I promise it'll be this weekend)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (Anna's not ready to start our budget until the end of the year, but I figure we should at least start it.)
• Regularly achieve an estimated "burn" of 300 Calories in my 10 minutes on the Elliptical. (Hit 300 three days in a row!)
• Build up to an ability to run 2 miles in my 20 minute session on the treadmill. (Hit 2 today, but that was the first time...I'm building up, though)
• Lose enough size to fit into size 38 jeans and a large shirt. (Checked this weekend, and they're still too tight, but maybe soon)

Wednesday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (2 Miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (304 Calories)
60 Sit ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
120 sit ups
Walk 8.25 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Remaining:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
90 sit ups
Walk 6.75 miles
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Biggest Loser Finale

Watching the finale of The Biggest Loser right now.  I'm not going to say anything about what's happening, but I'm just curious, since this is the first time I've watched the season, do all of the contestants after a certain week get surgery to get the extra skin off?  I mean, some of them have lost a significant amount of weight, and I don't really see a lot of extra skin (unless they have some crazy Spanx on!).  On top of that bit of "evidence," after a certain week, all of the current contestants wore clothing that covered their mid sections...and on the finale, they're all wearing clothing to cover mid-sections again.  Just curious.  Any proof either way?  Regardless, so amazing.

Tuesday:
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (1.98 Miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (306 Calories)
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
2- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
60 sit ups
Walk 8.25 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Remaining:
3- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
150 sit ups
Walk 6.75 miles
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Baby, It's Cold Outside

So, fellow blogger, Ricky, had a nice post today about one of the costs benefits of losing weight.  Right now, it's 25 degrees Fahrenheit.  That's -3.89 Celsius, for my friends to the North.  That's cold, especially for the Pacific Northwest. Our average low is 35 degrees.  So yeah, cold.  But I don't remember being this cold last year.  Why is that?  Oh yeah!  Probably because I got rid of that 105 pound parka I was wearing 24/7.  I'm just not used to this anymore.  What a great problem.  Anyone else dealing with this?

That fun done, though, I'm very worried.  I know it's winter, but I'm not sure how many people are/were prepared for this kind of cold.  Especially those brothers and sisters of ours who can't afford heat, live in a car, or a doorway, or under an overpass.  So, for all of those of us who have, I'd encourage you to give. And, for those of us who have lost enough weight, we should have the conviction to believe that we won't go back to our old larger selves and donate those clothes to a local charity.  Okay, I'm off my soapbox now and going to donate most of my old clothes tomorrow.

Oh, and yeah, I need to get some kind of ski mask for my walks or something--I tried a scarf today, and it wasn't too fun. 

Through Monday:
1- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill (1.93 Miles)
1- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (304 Calories)
60 sit ups
Walk 5.25 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast

Remaining:
4- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
4- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
150 sit ups
Walk 9.75 miles
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Week 35


















Weight: 262.8


Weight loss in one week: 3.8
Total weight lost: 105.6
Average weekly weight loss: 3.02

Weight left to lose: 22.8
Weeks left at average loss: 7.55
Estimated total weeks: 42.55 (about 9.82 months)

So it went pretty sell this week.  Of course, I would have loved to lose over 6 pounds.  Just to erase my
the error of last week.  But it was a pretty good week last week.  And I think I'm back on track.  Just over 22 pounds to lose!  That's almost nothing.  I can totally do that. Talk about motivation!  Less than 2 months to go!  Gotta do it!

Post 150 & Weekly Wrap-Up

I finished up the week really well.  We'll see what the scale says tomorrow, but I think I'm back!  I worked out a lot, but didn't complete anything--those dang DVD workouts!  Back to the case with you, Denise Austin.  You and your annoying voice and crazy-intense Yoga sessions.  They're great, and they really do a great job on my flexibility and strength.  And I would like to continue to do them (and will in the future, probably).  But when I get home, the only workout I really want to do is go for a walk. 

Coming up on the weekend, I really need to get my act together.  My usual routine is pedal to the metal Monday through Friday.  And then ease up on Saturday and Sunday.  Now, I know I don't need to keep up the intensity, but I really don't do that much exercising on the weekend, and I need to.  I will this weekend.  Maybe some walks or some sit-ups.

And last, but not least, I wanted to welcome Rick back to the community.  It's been a couple of months, and he's had some health scares, so support would be greta to give him right now.  Check out his blog and send him some love.

Thursday:
2.66- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (1.91 Miles)

0.5- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
2.5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster (308; 306)

30 sit ups
3.5 mile walk

Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
5- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
180 sit ups
Walk 9.5 miles
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Remaining:
2 DVD Workouts
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks

Goals for Next Week:
5- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
210 sit ups
Walk 15 miles
4 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Maybe not

So work was crazy. And I didn't have much time to workout.  And I usually carpool with Anna, so I couldn't stay late.  So I could only do about 30 minutes.  And that was not enough to get my whole workout in--especially since I missed one day this week already.  So what do I do?  I do extra tomorrow!  :)  That's right!  I have to do 40 minutes on the elliptical, 25 minutes on the stairstepper, and 30 minutes on the treadmill  That's 95 minutes in the gym.  Over an hour and a half!  I'll have to break it in two sessions (early morning and late afternoon) in order to make it.  There's no way that I'll meet every goal--no DVD workouts.  I think I'll take those off the goals again--but still try to do them with Anna just for fun.  It's tough to balance sometimes, right?  But what's most important?  That's the key to this journey.  Placing the right things in the right order.   

Thursday:
0.66- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (1.82 Miles)
60 sit ups

1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
2.33- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3.5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2.5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
180 sit ups
Walk 9.5 miles
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Remaining:
2.66- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1.5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2.5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
30 sit ups
Walk 3.5 miles
2 DVD Workouts
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Hot 100 Update 10: I'm back...

...with a vengeance!
• Consistently achieve my weekly goals (missed one goal last week)
• Have a “Tigger Attitude” at work (done--tough considering the recent developments, huh?)
• Increase intensity on one machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper) bi-weekly (done)
• Only drink one cup of coffee a day (done)
• No alcohol (done)
• No Fast Food (done)
• Read three books (done--1/2 way done with my second)
• Cook dinner three nights a week (done)
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bed (pretty good this week)
• End the year under 275 pounds (done)
• Add fasting into my spiritual life (done)
• Get plugged in at my church (met some more people, and we have a potluck with more people on Sunday)
• Get to know my neighbors (We'll be making cookies to deliver to our neighbors this weekend)
• Develop a budget with Anna—and stick to it! (Anna's not ready to start our budget until the end of the year, but I figure we should at least start it.)
• Regularly achieve an estimated "burn" of 300 Calories in my 10 minutes on the Elliptical. (Hit 300 today, but I want to hit 300 at least 3 times a week.)
• Build up to an ability to run 2 miles in my 20 minute session on the treadmill. (Hit 1.89 today, also want to meet this goal 3 times a week to get the green mark)
• Lose enough size to fit into size 38 jeans and a large shirt. (Haven't checked this week.  I'll add it into my weekly routine to try those clothes on each week.  I'm wonder if they'll get tired of me!?)

Wednesday:
1.66- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (1.89 Miles)
0.5- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (305 Calories)
0.5- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
Walk 7.5 miles (4.1 mph rate)
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
1.66- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2.5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill 
2.5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
120 sit ups
Walk 9.5 miles
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Remaining:
3.33- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2.5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
2.5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
90 sit ups
Walk 3.5 miles
2 DVD Workouts
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Today, I kicked butt pretty well.  I need to catch up my goals, so it's going to be a couple of crazy days.  It's kinda fun, to be honest, but it is taking me away from some of my time with Anna.  How was I able to get in such a big workout?  Yup, I went into the gym at 9:30 a.m.--awesome!

Philippians 4:10-13

I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.  Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.  I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.   I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  - Philippians 4:10-13 NRSV

Why am I putting this on my blog?  Well, today was a tough one.  Not too bad.  But tough.  And it reminded me of the verse above: "for I have learned to be content with whatever I have."  It all started out well: I got in to work early, got a lot of follow-ups done, and was well into my day when I had lunch with one of my friends.  Then it all kinda went south: I stopped by the grocery store after lunch and got a speeding ticket (my first one in years).  Then I got into work and found out that I'm being assigned to a different department; to the first position I had at my company three years ago.  It's not a demotion per se, but it's definitely not an advancement for me.  I'm okay with it, though, but it probably won't look too good on the ol' resume--which I am NOT dusting off, by the way.  I know that this won't interfere with my career path at my company, but it'll just be more circuitous!  So, although people usually say that bad things usually come in threes, there was nothing else.  (Well, I did almost rear-end a big truck, and didn't get too much exercise in).  Yeah, not much exercise in at all.  I was planning on exercising when I got back from lunch, but that didn't really work out, you know?

On the plus side, my new role won't be nearly as busy as the one I'm leaving.

And it looks like I'll have a lot of catching up to do this week!

Tuesday:
30 sit ups
Read the Bible
Pray
Date with Anna

Total:
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill (1.75 Miles)
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster (395 Calories)
120 sit ups
Walk 2 miles
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Fast
Date with Anna

Remaining:
4- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 20 minute sessions on the Treadmill
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
90 sit ups
Walk 11 miles
2 DVD Workouts
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily


By, the way, why is my post in red?  Check out My friend Josie's blog.