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Hot 100 Update 6

More green than previous weeeks.  Not bad at all!

30 minutes 3 times a week with God.  I did three!  I wish I listened to Him more during this time...but that will come.

Walk/run 175 miles. Missed this.  But I did 8 miles.

No eating after posting my Calorie total.  Another week of success.

Develop post 1 recipe a week.  Not this week.  I was so busy with all of my extra stuff.  I made some mroe food, like a really tasty beef stew, but I didn't get good pictures or write down all of the ingerdients.  I have one recipe I've been working on for a while--Saag Chickpea.

Get 1 item done on the "Honey-Do" list a week. I built a shelf above our fridge and walled off an old closet.  Up, I definitely get green on this one!

Week 82 Weigh-In 
Weight: 226.4

Weekly weight loss: 2.6
Total loss: 142.0

Not a bad loss considering I dealt with a lot of stress and less sleep and less runnin/working out.  I'm happy with a 2.6 pound loss.  As I mentioned, I really do think that this is my most accurate weight--plus, I couldn't deflate it by going for a run right before I stepped on the scale or any of the other little tricks I liked to do...

Not bad at all!

Big goal for the week: NO CANDY!

Friday:
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
50 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran

Calories:
Saturday: 2,459 Calories
Sunday: 2,184 Calories  
Monday: 2,255 Calories
Tuesday: 2,162 Calories
Wednesday: 1,455 Calories
Thursday: 2,033 Calories
Friday: 2,273 Calories

Daily Average: 2,117 Calories

Nothing to Say

It was a crazy, emotional day at work today.  I'm drained and didn't feel like running or walking or anything.  Nope, I'm not depressed.  I'm not in a funk.  I just really need to relax, pray and sleep. 

Today's word of the day is balance.

Thursday:
50 minutes of cardio
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
50 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Saturday: 2,459 Calories
Sunday: 2,184 Calories  
Monday: 2,255 Calories
Tuesday: 2,162 Calories
Wednesday: 1,455 Calories
Thursday: 2,033 Calories

Daily Average: 2,091 Calories

Temptation

It's funny.  Just yesterday, I was talking about how I need to be able to integrate my lifestyle into my...well...life.  One of the things I think I will like to continue with is my fasting.  No, it's not for diet, but it is a hunger struggle.  And today was the day I decided to fast.

And what would happen today, but a free lunch! 

Of pizza.


Ugh.

Talk about temptation.  It was temptation, though, that I resisted.  And felt great about!  Thank you, Lord, for helping me to become who you want me to be!

Wednesday:
2 60-second front planks
2 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
100 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Saturday: 2,459 Calories
Sunday: 2,184 Calories  
Monday: 2,255 Calories
Tuesday: 2,162 Calories
Wednesday: 1,455 Calories

Daily Average: 2,103 Calories

Canyon River or Water Jet?

That's the key.  There are lots of things we can do on this journey to lose some weight.  We can exercise for hours at a time.  We can eat nothing.  But really, all that's doing is trying to find a quick fix for what has been a life-long problem for a lot of us.  I keep thinking of the image of a canyon. 


I mean, barring a cataclysmic seismic event, canyons are carved by water.  Water cutting through rock.  Slowly.  That's how weight loss should be, in my opinion: slow and steady.  Losing a pound or two a week...even 1/2 a pound.  That's great to me.  That's sustainable.

I know that there are water jets that can cut though metal and a very fast rate--much faster than canyons are formed:


That's more of what the intense, crazy workout mode is.  But really, do you know how much maintenance they have to do on those things??

I'm trying to be more consistant.  I'm trying to just live a healthy life.  I need to find a Caloric intake and exercise expenditure that will work for me for life.  Over time, given that I'd be doing the right thing, the weight would come off.  Not super fast, but it would come off. 

And I think that's why I need to be a Canyon River. 

Tuesday:
50 minutes of cardio
200 sit ups
200 push ups
4 60-second front planks
4 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
100 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran
2 60-second front planks
2 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Saturday: 2,459 Calories
Sunday: 2,184 Calories  
Monday: 2,255 Calories
Tuesday: 2,162 Calories

Daily Average: 2,265 Calories

I Won

Earlier, Ish asked if I won my contest at work.  Yes, I did!  And although the picture isn't that great, you can see the three popcorn balls here:


Oh, and we were the Chilean Miners for Halloween, so that's why we were "caved in".  And really, the only reason we chose that as a theme is because of the miraculous fact that all of the miners were rescued.

So yeah, I won--it was a 3-peat!!

But really, that's not why I've been stumbling on this journey.  It's really because I've been super lazy.  But that changes this week.  I'll be pressing myself harder than I have recently.  Today, for instance, I did 15 minutes each on the Elliptical and Stair Stepper, and 20 minutes on the Exercise Bike.  And I ran 6.25 miles.  And I did some sit ups and push ups and planks.  And held to 2,255 Calories.  That equates to a great day, really!

I must make this a great week. And I know I will!

Goals for this week:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
200 minutes cardio
20 miles walked/ran
300 sit ups
300 push ups
8 60-second front planks
8 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Up to Monday:
50 minutes of cardio
7 miles walked
100 sit ups
100 push ups
2 60-second front planks
2 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
150 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran
200 sit ups
200 push ups
6 60-second front planks
6 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Saturday: 2,459 Calories
Sunday: 2,184 Calories  
Monday: 2,255 Calories

Daily Average: 2,299 Calories

Hot 100 Update 5

Losing ground.  More red!

30 minutes 3 times a week with God.  I did two.  I "knew" I was going to be perfect.  I wasn't. 

Walk/run 175 miles. Nope.  not even close.

No eating after posting my Calorie total.  Another week of success.

Develop post 1 recipe a week.  Not this week.  I was so busy with all of my extra stuff.  Oops!

Get 1 item done on the "Honey-Do" list a week. I will make this one up this week--I'm planning on doing 2 items.  I know it's not the average that counts (at least the way I set it up), but it sure will make me feel better!

Week 81 Weigh-In

Weight: 229.0

Weekly Weight gain: 9.4
Total weight lost: 139.4

Not sure what to think of this.  I didn't give it my all for the last two weeks--and didn't have a chance to weigh-in last Sunday--but for some reason I'm not worried at all.  I'm glad to see that I didnn't extend my weigh-in to ensure a loss; that sure didn't happen here.  But I'm really thinking that this might be closer to my real weight (probably something in-between): I tend to work out way more toward the end of the week and probably end up with a deflated weight.  Does that make sense?  Nonetheless, look for a decent/above average loss by next Friday.

Friday:
100 sit ups
100 push ups
2 60-second front planks
2 60-second side plankspray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
30 minutes cardio
11 miles walked/ran
100 sit ups
100 push ups
4 60-second front planks
4 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,259 Calories (fasting day)
Tuesday: 2,468 Calories
Wednesday: 2,376 Calories
Thursday: 2,489 Calories
Friday: 2,747 Calories
Average: 2,268 Calories

Balls

I didn't have too much time to workout this evening (just at work) because I was working on my Halloween treats:


I'm making three different kinds of popcorn balls:
  • White Chocolate Peanut Butter Curry
  • Smores (dipped in Chocolate and rolled in Graham Crackers)
  • Bacon Caramel
I still have to make the Bacon Caramel (didn't want them to sit a full day) and dip the two others--that will happen after decorating and hosting small group...

Can you say, "Yum?!"

At my work, there is a prize for the best treats.  I've won the last two years, and I'd love to win for a third, but there's a lot of competition!

Wednesday:
30 minutes of cardio
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
30 minutes cardio
11 miles walked/ran
200 sit ups
200 push ups
6 60-second front planks
6 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,259 Calories (fasting day)
Tuesday: 2,468 Calories
Wednesday: 2,376 Calories

Nightline

This week will be another long and tough one.  Yesterday, Anna and I had a date night.  Tonight, we had a small group meeting.  Tomorrow, I'll be at work late trying to close out monthly invoicing with my team.  Thursday, we're hosting another small group meeting.  And Friday, we're going out to dinner with one of my brothers.  Yup.  Every night we're busy.

That's on top of working on Halloween decorations, my costume, and my treats for my company's festivities on Friday.

Yeah, I'm not sure how I'll be able to get everything done.  It'll be a trying week, but this is where real growth happens.  This is where I learn again who I need to lean on.  And that's God.  I'll be getting less sleep, have more temptations, and want to take it easy on my journey.  But, if I trust in Him, I'll be able to flourish during this craziness.  May He bless me and all of you in your journeys.

Tuesday:
30 minutes of cardio
2 miles ran
100 sit ups
100 push ups
2 60 second front planks
2 60 second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
60 minutes cardio
11 miles walked/ran
200 sit ups
200 push ups
6 60-second front planks
6 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,259 Calories (fasting day)
Tuesday: 2,468 Calories

The Lost Weigh-In

This weekend was another great date with Anna!  We spent the weekend up in the mountains at an awesome resort.  It was very relaxing!  And while we did eat out, I wouldn't say taht we went totally crazy.  It was wonderful.

But, as a result of that relaxing time (and that we got home on Sunday evening), I missed my weekly weigh-in.  But really, that worked out well, because I've been wanting to move my weigh-ins to Fridays for the rest of the year, so that they can coordinate with the Hot 100.  It seems like that will get me into more of a rhythm.  Now, my scheduled week will go from Saturday through Friday.  Greanted, this did have a double bonus, because I weighed myself this morning (as usual), and it's safe to say that I'm retaining a little bit of water. 

I've been away from all of your blogs for the past few days, but I'll be catching up soon!

Goals for this week:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
120 minutes cardio
15 miles walked/ran
300 sit ups
300 push ups
8 60-second front planks
8 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Up to Monday:
30 minutes of cardio
2 miles walked
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
90 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran
300 sit ups
300 push ups
8 60-second front planks
8 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,259 Calories

Hot 100 Update 4

3 Green, 1 Yellow, 1 red.  Another week.  More progress.

30 minutes 3 times a week with God.  I did two.  It's better than last week and better than the week before.  And I know it'll be perfect next week. 

Walk/run 175 miles. Yes!  I did 16 miles this week.  I want more.  And I'll do more next week.  But it's upping my average! 

No eating after posting my Calorie total.  Another week of success.

Develop post 1 recipe a week.  Another week.  Another recipe.  Was anyone interested in my Veggie Chow Mein?

Get 1 item done on the "Honey-Do" list a week. Another failure.  And I really wanted to complete this one.  Bummer!

Friday:
3 miles walked/ran
100 sit ups
100 push ups
2 front planks
2 side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Total:
150 minutes of cardio
16 miles walked/ran
250 sit ups
250 push ups
6 60 second planks
6 60 second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
50 sit ups
50 push ups
2 60-second front planks
2 60-second side planks
2 sessions of tabata jacks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,530 Calories
Tuesday: 2,144 Calories
Wednesday: 2,128 Calories
Thursday: 2,243 Calories
Friday: 1,902 Calories

I Did It!

Yeah, nothing too much, but I did 4.75 miles today.  My average speed was 5.1 mph, so it was a little  slow, but that's fine.  It's funny that just over 8 months ago, I really started running.  And now, if I don't average under a 10:00 pace, I feel like I've failed.  Really, I have my whole life to get with this program.  I can take my time--but not be lazy.

Thanks for keeping me honest on this blog the past couple of days.  Tomorrow, I'll do at least 3 miles.  Hold me to that one, too, okay?  Thanks.

Thursday:
30 minutes of cardio
4.75 miles walked/ran
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Total:
150 minutes of cardio
13 miles walked/ran
150 sit ups
150 push ups
4 60 second planks
4 60 second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
2 miles walked/ran
150 sit ups
150 push ups
4 60-second front planks
4 60-second side planks
2 sessions of tabata jacks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,530 Calories
Tuesday: 2,144 Calories
Wednesday: 2,128 Calories
Thursday: 2,243 Calories

Being Busy

Okay, so I didn't run 6 miles.  But I'll get to that in a second.  First, I'd like to share my latest recipe with you:

Veggie Chow Mein
Makes 2 servings


We had the Broccoli Slaw in the fridge, and I wanted to use it up.  Not knowing exactly what I wanted to do, I tossed this together.  I loved it.  Anna loved it.  And said it reminded her of Chow Mein.  Hence the name. 

Ingredients:
1 12oz bag of Trader Joe's Broccoli Slaw Mix (essentially shredded broccoli stalk and shredded carrots)
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Unsalted Butter
1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
1/4 cup Unsalted Dry Roasted Peanuts

Instructions:
Heat butter and oil in pan over medium heat with red pepper flakes until crackling.
Add broccoli slaw mix and saute for 5 minutes
Add vinegar and cook until evaporated
Stir in hoisin sauce and peanuts, heat and serve

Nutrition:
Calories 185.8
Total Fat 11.4 g
Saturated Fat 2.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.3 g 
Cholesterol 5.4 mg
Sodium 179.6 mg
Potassium 110.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16.8 g
Dietary Fiber 5.2 g
Sugars 1.1 g
Protein 8.3 g

Let me know if you try it.  I'm excited to make it again!

Okay, now to the running.  I know that I told you that if I didn't run six miles today, that you should give me crap.  Well, I didn't run six miles.  But you can't give me crap.  I ran 6.31!  So it's not too much higher than the 6 I wanted to do, but it's still realy respectable.

Now, to keep this up, I'm asking you guys to hold me accountable to running/walking 4 miles tomorrow.  This sure helps!

Wednesday:
30 minutes of cardio
6.25 miles walked/ran
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Total:
120 minutes of cardio
8.25 miles walked/ran
150 sit ups
150 push ups
4 60 second planks
4 60 second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
30 minutes cardio
6.75 miles walked/ran
150 sit ups
150 push ups
4 60-second front planks
4 60-second side planks
2 sessions of tabata jacks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,530 Calories
Tuesday: 2,144 Calories
Wednesday: 2,128 Calories

Time to Run

Hmm.  Here we go.  It's time for some tough love.

No, I didn't go overboard with eating (although I did want to eat everything int he house!).  No, I haven't had a good run in about two weeks.  I'm not sure how this happened, but days just got away from me.  And now, because of my laziness (in terms of running), I am in danger of missing my favorite goal of 2010 to run/walk 500 miles this year.

So, maybe a little favor from you all?  If I don't post tomorrow that I ran/walked at least 6 miles, give me hell.  Deal? 

Up to Monday:
45 minutes of cardio
50 sit ups
50 push ups
2 60 second planks
2 60 second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Total:
90 minutes of cardio
2 miles walked
150 sit ups
150 push ups
4 60 second planks
4 60 second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
60 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran
230 sit ups
230 push ups
4 60-second front planks
4 60-second side planks
2 sessions of tabata jacks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,530 Calories
Tuesday: 2,144 Calories

A Great Date

Anna and I had an awesome date yesterday.  After attending the early service and helping out with the Welcome Ministry, we headed over to the Fremont Market.  It was great!  They had all kinds of crafts and antiques.  We even enjoyed some filled Ebelskevers (filled with our choice of fillings: cream cheese & lox, pumpkin pie & whipped cream, raspberries & lemon curd, and walnuts & honey).  Yum!

And we found a vendor who makes bacon jerky.  We tried a sample...and bought a pouch.  Delicious.  And a rare treat. 

Then we went to an Indian restaurant for lunch.

And we wrapped up our time out by walking around a huge dog park.  No, we don't have a dog, but we love them and enjoy seeing all of the different dogs have so much fun.  Is it a little weird that we went to a dog park without a dog?  Is that at all like a couple hanging out at a park without any kids?  
Up to Monday:
45 minutes of cardio
2 miles walked
100 sit ups
100 push ups
2 60 second planks
2 60 second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
105 minutes cardio
13 miles walked/ran
200 sit ups
200 push ups
6 60-second front planks
6 60-second side planks
2 sessions of tabata jacks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 1,530 Calories

Week 80


Weight: 219.6

Weekly Weight loss: 2.0
Total weight lost: 148.8
Average Weekly Loss: 1.86

I lost almost all I gained last week.  I still have 0.2 remaining of that blip.  I also have 1.2 pounds remaining until I hit 150 lost.  I know this is frustrating, but it really is important that I have patience.  If I continue to make decisions I'm proud of, I'll be fine; if I make decisions I'm ashamed of, I won't.  The same goes for all of us: make decisions we're proud of and we'll be fine!

Goals for next week:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
150 minutes cardio
15 miles walked/ran
300 sit ups
300 push ups
8 60-second front planks
8 60-second side planks
2 sessions of tabata jacks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna

Hot 100 Update 3

Not too much to say, but I'm okay with the week.  I know I'll do more next week, too!

30 minutes 3 times a week with God.  I did one.  Does that mean I get an orange?

Walk/run 175 miles. Ha!  Last week, I had 1 mile...this week?  Zero.  Ugh.  Now that all the wedding stuff is done, we should be fine.  I'll shoot for 15 miles, but may need to do more.  Yikes! 

No eating after posting my Calorie total.  DId this one finally!!

Develop & post 1 recipe a week.  Success!  Posted that Tomato, Cucumber, and Tofu Salad recipe yesterday.  And I have another one in the wings!

Get 1 item done on the "Honey-Do" list a week. No success.  Sure, I could use the wedding as an excuse.  Sure, I could say that I had two small group sessions and a dinner with my dad.  But really, I just didn't make the time to do it.  Frustrating.  But it's all my fault.

Friday:
45 minutes of cardio
100 push ups
100 sit ups
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Total:
150 minutes of cardio
300 sit ups
300 push ups
5 front planks
5 side planks on each side
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
15 miles walked/ran
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
date with Anna

Calories:
Monday: dunno
Tuesday: 2,422 Calories
Wednesday: 2,472 Calories
Thursday: 1,083 Calories
Friday: 2,249 Calories

Off to read some new hotties' blogs!

Miscellany

I've been needing to catch up on a couple of fun things.  The first is my recipe for the week.  It's a side dish--though it's all I had for dinner...like 4 servings of it!.  The second is an award that I was given a couple of weeks ago (I've just been too busy to post about it).

Tomato, Cucumber, and Tofu Salad:
Makes 10 servings


This is a really tasty and simple recipe.  I'd recommend it be consumed the same day, as both the tomatoes and cucumbers lose liquid over time--and the dish gets really watery. 

Ingredients:
2 containers Lift Extra Firm Tofu, drained and chopped into chunks
3 large red ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 large english cucumber, chopped
2 cups thawed frozen peas
1 package dill
1 small container Fage 2% plain Greek Yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Drain and press the tofu, then chop and add to bowl
Add chopped tomatoes and cucumbers to bowl
Puree thawed Peas, Greek Yogurt, Dill, Lemon Juice, and salt/pepper
Pour blended mixture onto other ingredients & stir

Nutrition:
Calories 91.2
Total Fat 2.2 g
Saturated Fat 0.3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1 g
Cholesterol 1.0 mg
Sodium 68.8 mg
Potassium 165.6 mg
Total Carbohydrate 9.2 g
Dietary Fiber 1.9 g
Sugars 2.9 g
Protein 11.0 g


By accepting this award, I must fulfill a few obligations:

THANK THE PERSON WHO GAVE YOU THE AWARD:
Thanks Bubba!

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
Describe your blog in 5 words.
I hope these words apply: Faithful, Honest, Open, Inspiring, Historical

What would you change about your life?
Honestly, this question always get me.  Yes, there are things I wish I did differently, btu I firmly believe that every choice I made and every path I took made me who I am.  I have a wonderful wife, I'm living a healthy(ish) lifestyle, and am part of a wonderful family.  Who knows where or who I'd be without all of my life's experiences?  So no, I don't think I'd change anything...

NAME 10 THINGS PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
1.  I originally wanted to be a playwright.  I've even written two sripts--but I hate editing, so I haven't done anything with it.
2.  I love using a typewriter to write with--I use it whenever possible
3.  I have a spice/sauce company (that I also haven't done anything with...)
4.  I like to build custom art furniture
5.  I love love LOVE musicals

6.  I have a really dark sense of humor
7.  My dream home will be made out of shipping containers
8.  I can drink a full beer in under 5 seconds
9.  I can put a full McDouble in my mouth
10.  I haven't done the last two facts in over a year...

PASS THE AWARD ONTO 4 NEW BLOGS:
Phil
Amy
Ben
Deb

Thursday:
60 minutes of cardio
2 front planks
2 side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast

Total:
105 minutes of cardio
200 sit ups
200 push ups
5 front planks
5 side planks on each side
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
45 minutes cardio
15 miles walked/ran
100 sit ups
100 push ups
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
date with Anna

Calories:
Monday: dunno
Tuesday: 2,422 Calories
Wednesday: 2,472 Calories
Thursday: 1,083 Calories

The Power of Support

This is now my 408th post.  I've been on this journey for over a year and a half.  And It's been one of the best experiences of my life (still not nearly as amazing as marrying my beautiful wife).  But it's been quite a long journey.  In fact, while I was inspired by Tyler at 344pounds, I'm not sure if he ever visited my blog.  And that's okay.  He's busy, I'm busy, you're busy!  And though he was my source of original inspiration and I posted some comments on his blog, I never though that I would be as popular or followed as him.  I'm not.

Comments are great.  They can help you get through tough times; they can help you celebrate successes; they can correct bad behavior; they can give new ideas for making even better habits.  I do have some readers (I'm really not sure how many, but it's maybe 10 a day?).  But I don't get the comments that other blogs get.  I don't get 100 or 50...heck, I'm excited when I get to double digits!  I know there are ways to get more comments: I can hold give-aways, I can do workout challenges, I can post comments on other people's blogs (while advertizing my own).  There's a lot I can do.  There are articles and even books written on how to drive readers to your blog.  Lots of tools. Yes, comments are great.

But there's something more important than comments.  

Support.  Yes.  Support is so much more valuable than comments.  Now, granted, comments can give hints as to how much support you have.  But really, the power of ONE commenter is huge.  It doesn't take 25 or 50 or 100 commenters to have the support you need.  It only takes true champions who comment to help you succeed.

Why do I bring this all up?  Well, I just wanted to thank one commenter who really carried me through the early stages of my journey.  No, I wasn't really struggling, but he sure did encourage me.  That man, as most of you know, is Steve

He was my first commenter, and I think that he's my best blogging buddy.

My first blog post was on 04/04/09.  And I blogged pretty regularly for weeks, only talking to the air.  Eventually, I told my Small Group at my old church and my Interdenominational Couples Small Group.  But I don't think I really had many readers.  And I certainly didn't have any commenters. 

Nope.  My first comment came on the 10th week of my journey.  I was my wife, Anna.  And while that's a little like having your mom tell you that you're the most handsome boy in school, it sure did make me feel great!

It wasn't until my 13th week--a full 3 months into this journey--the first quarter of this new life--that I got my first non-wife comment.  That was good old Steve.  And he's been commenting ever since. 

Thank you Steve, and all of my other consistent commenters!  Your support means oh, so much.  And if anyone reading this think that their comments go un-read or un-welcomed on any blog, just think about how excited you get when a post of yours gets a comment.  So please, if you are reading blogs, just drop a note to those people--especially those who've just started--to encourage them--don't make them wait four months to hear from their Steve.

Wednesday:
100 sit ups
100 push ups
3 front planks
3 side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Total:
45 minutes of cardio
200 sit ups
200 push ups
3 front planks
3 side planks on each side
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
105 minutes cardio
15 miles walked/ran
100 sit ups
100 push ups
2 60-second front planks
2 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast

Calories:
Monday: dunno
Tuesday: 2,422 Calories
Wednesday: 2,472 Calories

I Hate Candy

Actually, I guess I should call this post: I need to hate candy.

Today wasn't a great day, to be honest with you.  I think it's the let down from the wedding (which I will recap soon, Ish!).  I ate too much junk food today.  Too much candy.  Now that I'm on this new team* that has drawers full of candy, it's been hard to resist.  Why, though?  I've been so strong for the last year and a half. 

Arrogance? 

Laziness? 

Fatigue?

I'm not sure.  But. It. Stops. NOW.

No more candy for the week.  And if that goes well, no more candy the week after that.  But let's get through this week first.

Wow, this is almost like my first day.

Goals
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
150 minutes cardio
15 miles walked/ran
300 sit ups
300 push ups
5 60-second front planks
5 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast
date with Anna


Up to Tuesday:
45 minutes of cardio
100 sit ups
100 push ups
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
105 minutes cardio
15 miles walked/ran
200 sit ups
200 push ups
5 60-second front planks
5 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast

Calories:
Monday: dunno
Tuesday: 2,422 Calories

* Yes, Steve, I did get a promotion about a month and a half ago.  I'm now a supervisor.  Not a huge step up, but definitely in the right direction!

Week 79 (10.10)


Weight: 221.6

Weekly Weight gain: 2.2
Total weight lost: 146.8
Average Weekly Loss: 1.86

Yup.  There was the gain.  The gain brought on by the excesses of both of the last weekends.  I'm not too worried.  Seriously.  I'm not upset, I'm not beating myself up.  I'm actually pleased.  But wait.  Let me tell you why.  My twin brother got married.  And I had fun.  It was probably the first day during this journey that I had two beers in a day.  They were tasty.  Now, granted, I didn't finish either beer.  But I still had 2 beers.  I didn't indulge, but I also didn't allow myself to get bogged down by "I can't eat this" or "I can't eat that".  I'd say that's a win.

But it's still a gain.  One I have to work off now.

Hot 100 Update 2

Getting there, but I was SUPER busy with my brother's wedding coming up, but I think I did an okay job all things considered.

30 minutes 3 times a week with God.  Nope.  I know I need this.  And I know that getting this quality time in will be instrumental to my success in everything. Just gotta get up and do it!

Walk/run 175 miles. In order to be able to meet this goal, I have to log 12.25 miles a week.  So far, I've logged 1 mile.  Not even close.  Tomorrow, though, I plan on doing a good long run. 

No eating after posting my Calorie total.  Okay, I missed one day.  Same as last week.  And yes, I'm keeping this red until I hit 100%.

Develop & post 1 recipe a week.  Success!  Posted that frittata recipe the other day.  Yummy, it was!

Get 1 item done on the "Honey-Do" list a week. I'd say a partial success on this one--I got a lot of stuff done on the wedding.  I think Anna's happy about this, even though it wasn't on the list...

Friday:
Posted Hot 100 Goal Results
50 sit ups
50 push ups
1 mile run/walk
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Total:
Posted Hot 100 Goal Results
117 minutes of cardio
300 sit ups
300 push ups
1 mile run/walk
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
2 dates with Anna
fast


Remaining:
33 minutes cardio
9 miles walked/ran
5 60-second front planks
5 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 2,246 Calories
Tuesday: 2,356 Calories
Wednesday: 2,231 Calories
Thursday: 1,660 Calories
Friday: 2,968 Calories (probably an over-estimate, but I think it was close...ugh)

Rehearsal Dinner

Tonight was my brother's wedding rehearsal and dinner.  It went well, and we all had a lot of fun.  Oh, and I had a fair amount of food. Pizza to be exact.  Like 5 pieces.  Ugh. 

Good thing I fasted today. 

But I didn't fast because I knew that I was going to eat pizza (even though I did know it was coming); I fasted because last night, after reporting my Calories, I had some candy--and thus will miss one of my Hot 100 Goals.  I chose today to be my fast day because I--again--let food slip in front of God as my source of comfort; but only for a moment.

Thursday:
45 minutes of cardio
50 sit ups
50 push ups
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
fast

Total:
117 minutes of cardio
250 sit ups
250 push ups
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily
2 dates with Anna
fast


Remaining:
Complete my weekly share of Hot 100 Goals
33 minutes cardio
50 sit ups
50 push ups
10 miles walked/ran
5 60-second front planks
5 60-second side planks
pray daily
read the bible daily
read my devotion daily

Calories:
Monday: 2,246 Calories
Tuesday: 2,356 Calories
Wednesday: 2,231 Calories
Thursday: 1,660 Calories