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Week 47


Total weight lost: 132.6
Average Weekly Loss: 2.82

So, I missed a week.  We went on our Anniversary trip, had a lot of fun, and I managed to earn a total loss for the 2 weeks.  It's not a huge loss, but it's certainly progress.  I'm not sure how I did last week, so I just split the difference.  And, as you can see below, I'm still working on getting used to all the measurements, but they seem to be progressing well.  Especially my BMI, Body Fat, and Chest/Stomach/Waist. And it looks like I'm only about 3 pounds away from being in the overweight BMI category! (Wonder how long it's been since I've been there...) 

perfect 10: week 8

- Walk 12 miles a week (done)
- Do front (2x60) and side (1x30/side) planks 3 days a week. (missed)
- Keep on our budget. (it's close)
- Hit and exceed my initial weight loss goal--and start a new one. (done)
- Read 4 books (done with three)
- Only use my horn for avoiding traffic collisions. (done)
- Cook dinner at home 4 times a week (missed--we were on vacation)
- Go on 3 hikes (none yet, and I'm running out of time)

Interesting tidbit 1:
I dropped out of college. Twice: University of Washington and Penninsula College. But, after six years (including a 3-year "sabbatical"), I graduated with my BA...and exactly the minimum 180 credits required to graduate!

Interesting tidbit 2:
I have a beer drinking party trick (which is useful at my current job--we ahve a lot of partiers). I open a bottle of beer with my teeth (I know, I know, it's horrible), pour the beer in a glass, and drink it in about 4 seconds. Yeah, not the most wholesome, but it's fun to race people--and win. But I know there are people out there who will best me.

Totals:
3- 10 minute sessions on elliptical
3- 10 minute sessions on stair stepper
3- 10 minute sessions on exercise bike
2- muscle building session
210 situps
75 push ups
walked 13 miles
prayed daily
read the bible daily
fast
date with Anna

Weekly Calorie Count:
Saturday: Unknown
Sunday: Unknown
Monday: Unknown
Tuesday: 1,530 Calories
Wednesday: 1,780 Calories
Thursday: 1,510 Calories
Friday: 1,850 Calories

Want to watch me twWEAT? Check it out here.

Our Trip

Our trip to SF was a ton of fun!  Our first day was packed and a lot of fun.  After missing our first flight (we've never done that before), and having our next flight delayed, we made it to the car rental place.  And, to our delight, we got a fun car!  And no, it  wasn't too small!


Then we did about 4 or 5 tours.  The worst tour? 


This is the only picture we have of the Winchester Mansion, since we couldn't take ANY pictures on the tour that cost us $26!  Not happy about that.  WHat a rip-off.  But the best tour also cost $26.  And it was this:


Oh, by the way, that's Alcatraz.  And the tour was worth every cent!

And we ate a bunch of good food (might not be a great update on Saturday).  And some disappointing food.  The most disappointing?  Yank Sing.  We love Dim Sum, but this was only okay, and VERY pricey.  And they tried to over charge us by $10, too.  Not happy with it.


But good food?  I mean, wow, if you're ever in San Francisco, stop by Tommaso's.  They are small.  And busy (we had to wait almost an hour for a table).  But SO good!  We loved the staff and the food.  The Spinach Parmesan Pizza was awesome!


I'd like to say a lot more about the trip, but it would seriosly be a novel.  However, I haven't shared the best part about the whole trip.  It wasn't the cable cars, of the Fisherman's Wharf, or Pier 39, or all the walking that we did, although I enjoyed all of that.  No, the best part?  Spending a 5-day vacation with my beautiful wife of three years and experiencing the city she called home for the first 12 years of her life.

(fun picture, huh?)

Totals:
2- 10 minute sessions on elliptical
2- 10 minute sessions on stair stepper
2- 10 minute sessions on exercise bike
2- muscle building session
120 situps
45 push ups
prayed daily
read the bible daily
fast
date with Anna

Weekly Calorie Count:
Saturday: Unknown
Sunday: Unknown
Monday: Unknown
Tuesday: 1,530 Calories
Wednesday: 1,780 Calories
Thursday: 1,510 Calories
Friday:


Want to watch me twWEAT? Check it out here.
Today was my fast day. And I thought it was apt, since the temporary loss of food is supposed to draw me closer to God. And the permanent loss of my uncle is certainly drawing me closer to God. So I see a lot of parallels in the timing of it.

it's my turn now

it has been a tough month for a lot of people.  on my mind a lot have been steve and josie who have lost close family members.  now it is my turn...my uncle passed away tonight. after a year of struggling with kidney failure, he is no longer in earthly pain.  sorry for the weird post...i am using my phone so the layout and punctuation are all out of whack. i will post more tomorrow, but tonight i am with my dad and will be spending the night here. prayers for my family would be welcome.

I'm Back!

Sorry guys, I am back, but Anna and I just got home after leaving the house at 5:30 am.  It's now almost 11 pm.  We're tired.  And going to bed.  Quick stats, though (and I promise to post about our trip tomorrow--and read all of your blogs; I miss my friends!):

Up through Tuesday:
1- 10 minute session on elliptical
1- 10 minute session on stair stepper
1- 10 minute session on exercise bike
1- muscle building session
60 situps
15 push ups
prayed daily
read the bible daily

Weekly Calorie Count:
Saturday: Unknown
Sunday: Unknown
Monday: Unknown
Tuesday: 1,530 Calories 
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:

I know I didn't have a lot of Calories today, but I'm trying to get my body back on a schedule...I'll eat more soon, I promise!  Want to watch me twWEAT?  Check it out here.

3 years

It was a wonderful Saturday. Uncharacteristically warm. And she looked beautiful. More beautiful than I could ever imagine! And she was marrying me?! What? Was this a dream? Was I hallucinating? How could I be so lucky? How could I be so blessed? That was 3 years ago today, and I still have no idea how Anna was crazy enough to marry me--why she picked me to call her husband--but I am grateful every day for her. I really am so lucky. Sorry all you guys with ladies or ladies, but Anna really is the most beautiful woman in the world. Hands down. And to think, she married me "as is". She married me at 300+ pounds (not sure how heavy I was, but it was significant). Here's a picture of that most-significant day:


Yesterday, I posted about the importance of making the little changes to lead to success. And then I read this post over at 100 Pounds in a Year. And thought it would be great to post both the little things I do to both succeed and sabotage:

10 Little Things that I Do to Succeed (so far):
  1. Minus the mayo. Now not all the mayo. I like crab cakes, deviled eggs, and other foods that have mayo; but I usually only use it as an ingredient. Not as a 100-calorie condiment. I don't have it on burgers or sandwiches. And the next time I make a BLT (yum!), I'll spread some avocado on the bread instead--not necessarily a calorie-free substitute, but a better fat alternative.
  2. Walkabout. I now consider walking a joy. Or at least a viable option! When we go to a small shopping mall (with, say a Ross, Target, Best Buy, Lowe's, etc) in one huge parking lot--or a few adjacent parking lots, we'll just park at one store and walk all over. Often this adds a mile+ to our shopping trip.
  3. Send it up. To God. My prayer life has really developed during this journey. I've noticed that when I rely on God to be my sustenance and support, I don't need to find my comfort in food. I don't always succeed, but it's becoming much easier.
  4. Ditch the dressing. I no longer use salad dressing very often. I used to use a low-fat vinaigrette, or a homemade dressing, but most of the time, I now just squeeze some lemon juice (or mustard to be honest) onto my salads.
  5. Have a short memory. This is important for both those of us on a weight-loss journey and Quarterbacks. We all have those bad meals or days. But it's important to make sure that that bad day doesn't turn into a bad week or a bad month/year/life. And having a short memory and grace for yourself is vitally important.
  6. Snacking for success. I try not to let myself get hungry throughout the day. I know that if I get too hungry, I'll overeat. A lot. SO I have little (healthy) snacks throughout the day. I'll have an apple. Or some almonds. Or some edamame. Or something else. I try not to have chips or candy or chocolate (preferably dark, not candy bars very often).
  7. Hasta la vista, Queso! Let's be honest. I love cheese. Love it! But I don't indulge as often. When I have a burger or a sandwich, I either cut the cheese in half, or I eliminate it all together. I still eat cheese, but it's more intentional: like a piece of string cheese, or a nice cheese dinner (Anna and I each pick a small piece of cheese from Whole Foods, and nosh on them with a small baguette & some fresh fruit).
  8. Small Plate Special. When I go to family functions (totally centered around food), I try to use a small plate. I still fill it, but it's about 1/2 the food I used to eat at these events. And I still get everything to try--just less than in the past.
  9. Just keep moving. When I'm watching TV, and I get bored, I'll often just drop down and do some push-ups or sit-ups or planks. It really helps me to burn off some of those snacks I have throughout the day.
  10. Indulge myself. I still have treats. I just have less of them. I'll still have ice cream from Dairy Queen. But instead of a medium Oreo Blizzard with twice the cookies, I'll have a kids chocolate dipped cone. Still about 200 Calories, but much less than before. Or I'll have some chocolate, but not a whole Snickers or two, but maybe a couple small squares of dark chocolate.
5 Little Things that I Do to Sabotage myself:
  1. Loose-Goosey Calorie Counting. I count my Calories all the time, and I usually over-estimate. In some ways, this is good, since I'm actually usually eating less than I report. But because of that, I may be having too little Calories and I'm not really letting myself enjoy all that I say I eat.
  2. Who Needs Sleep? I do. That's who. I never sleep enough (usually 6-6.5 hours a night. I know that more sleep would really help. But I just don't do it. Not sure why. But I need to fix that!
  3. Eating late. It's not a good idea for me or for Mogwai. I don't turn into a Gremlin, and I'm not sure that I buy the whole story that it makes you gain weight. But really, I just don't make the best decisions. And it gets me in the mood to eat more. Not a good thing.
  4. Indulge myself. It may be one of the things that helps me succeed, but it can also make me indulge too much. Never a good thing.
  5. Slave to the scale. I used to (and still do to a certain extent) check the scale 2, 3, 4 times a day. And with how much weight fluctuates throughout the day, it was really playing with my mind. So, thanks to Anna, I stopped checking so often. Now, I uaully check on Thursday night, Friday night, and then my official time on Saturday morning. I know that I need to break the addiction. And it's loosening its grip.
So, there's my shtick. What do you think? What little things raise you up and what little things bring you down?

Also, on a side note, Anna and I are celebrating our 3rd Anniversary this weekend. And I won't be posting until Monday or Tuesday. I'll still be on track, and I'll be tweeting my Calories and my exercise. But I'm not sure if I'll be able to weight myself on Saturday, though I'll be doing my measurements (other than Body Fat %). I'll try to post some pics later.

Remaining Challenge Challenges:
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga

Wednesday:
2- 10 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stationary Bike
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
15 push ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
Challenge Challenge: Burpees (20), The BW Matrix
5- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stationary Bike
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
3 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
180 sit ups
45 push ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 2,110 Calories
Sunday: 3,400 Calories
Monday: 1,965 Calories
Tuesday: 2,180 Calories
Wednesday: 1,535 Calories
Thursday:
Friday:

Running Total: 11,190 Calories (Average daily: 2,238 Calories) Dipped the average a little bit...should come down more over time, but I'm not sure how much more. Hold me accountable, follow my twEATS here.

The 2 Degree Difference

I've been wanting to talk about this concept that we saw on a marriage DVD we watched in our small group last week. The term John Trent used in his seminar was "The 2 Degree Difference." It's a pretty common concept, one that was used in Rudy Giuliani's book, The Tipping Point, 212 Degrees, and others. And although it was used in as a way to build stonger marriages, which I totally agree with, I see so many other cases where it would help. Especially in my current journey: weightloss.

The 2 degree difference concept is this: while driving down a curvy road, the smoothest and most successful method of driving is to make many small changes. Not huge jerky ones, and certainly not any swerves or turning around. And it's the same way for us. At least for me, I know I was never very successful with my weight loss when I tried drastic changes. I never really kept it up when tried to cut this out or dodge that. I know it works for some people, but for me it really was and is about the extra helping of mashed potatoes; it's about the drive thru instead of the healthy meal. Before, when I would stop eating bad food cold turkey--when I would swerve and get dietary whiplash--I wouldn't succeed. And then I would tell myself I couldn't succeed. And then I would comfort myself with a pint quart of ice cream and a handful bag of chips. For me, it really has been the small changes that have made the difference.

Remaining Challenge Challenges:
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga

Tuesday:
Challenge Challenge: Burpees (20), The BW Matrix (Yikes. Probably shouldn't have done both in the same day.)
1- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stationary Bike
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
15 push ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Total:
Challenge Challenge: Burpees (20), The BW Matrix
3- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stationary Bike
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
2 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
120 sit ups
30 push ups
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 2,110 Calories
Sunday: 3,400 Calories
Monday: 1,965 Calories
Tuesday: 2,180 Calories
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:

Running Total: 9,655 Calories (Average daily: 2,414 Calories) Dipped the average a little bit...should come down more over time.  Hold me accountable, follow my twEATS here.

Support, Support, and Date

First things first, there was another loss in the community. My friend Josie just lost her Uncle. If you can, head on over to bless her. It's been a tough week.

On another, more positive note, one of my blogging buddies, Ricky, posted a challenge for himself, and a group of his readers has decided to join in. And I thought it would be great to get as many people to join in. For as much as you can. Well, here's the story. Ricky is going to donate $1 to charity for each pound he loses. He posted this plan on his blog, and one person decided to match it. I thought it sounded like fun, but our budget isn't that big, so I offered to do $0.50 for each pound he loses. Then two other people joined in. Now Ricky is at $3.50 donation for every pound he loses. And he's already lost 75+ pounds. So, anyone else want to join in? Head on over to his blog and chime in.

Anna and I had a fun Valentine's Day. We went out to brunch after church with my brother and his fiancee, and then the four of us had some fun with paint and canvases. Here are my pictures:

Here are Anna's:


Here are the whole group's:

It was fun!!

Challenge Challenges:
South Beach Steve: Tabata Jacks
Call Me Ishmael: Double Crunches
Call Me Ishmael: The BW Matrix
Anonymous: Jumping Rope
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga
Shelli Belly: Kettlebells Natalie: Burpees

Up To Monday:
Challenge Challenge: totally punted on this. Oops! I'll have to do double duty.
2- 10 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 10 minute session on the Stationary Bike
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1 Muscle Building session
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
15 push ups
Walk 1 mile
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 2,110 Calories
Sunday: 3,400 Calories
Monday: 1,965 Calories
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:

Running Total: 7,475 Calories (Average daily: 2,492 Calories) Average is a little high right now, but I'm confident that they're quite accurate. And, I would burn 2700 Calories a day without any exercise, so I'm not too worried.

Hold me accountable, follow my twEATS here.

Week 45


Not bad for a week that included a SB party and adding in some strength training!  I'll take a 1.4 lb loss any week!  I'm now over 130 pounds lost!  On to the measurements.  I'm sure it will take a couple of weeks for me to really get in the groove of taking the measurements--so they'll probably vary quite a bit week to week.  So I won't get too excited or too bummed about any changes.  And check out the new chart I'll be using.  Not bad, huh?

Total weight lost: 130.8
Average weekly weight loss: 2.91

perfect 10: week 6

- Walk 12 miles a week (done)
- Do front (2x60) and side (1x30/side) planks 3 days a week. (done)
- Keep on our budget. (done)
- Hit and exceed my initial weight loss goal--and start a new one. (done)
- Read 4 books (done with two)
- Only use my horn for avoiding traffic collisions. (done)
- Cook dinner at home 4 times a week (done--but at my dad's house, since we're feeding my uncle while my dad's on vacation)
- Go on 3 hikes (none yet, but there's still time)

Interesting tidbit: I have the stomach of a vulture.  In fact, here's a funny story that highlights both my iron stomache and my additcion to food: My mom used to make the best pies (her crust was awesome!); and once time she made one of my favories: strawberry-rhubarb pie.  We took it home (I lived with my brother and his girlfriend at the time) and ate about 1/2 of it.  The pie then sat on the counter for a week.  Anna was over at our place the next Saturday night and she and I were watching TV in my room (and my brother and his girlfriend were watching TV in the livingroom).  I went into the dark kitchen and snuck a piece of the crust from that week-old pie.  A little later, I came back into the kitchen and snuck some more.  And some more.  And then I ate the entire top crust of the last half of the pie!  It was so good.  I then decided to put the bottom part (and all of the filling) into a bowl and have some ice cream.  So I turned on the light and, to my shock, the pie filling was completely covered with 1/4"-thick mold!  Yikes!  And no food poisoning!  Pretty gross, huh?

Challenge Challenges:
South Beach Steve: Tabata Jacks
Call Me Ishmael: Double Crunches
Call Me Ishmael: The BW Matrix
Anonymous: Jumping Rope
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga
Shelli Belly: Kettlebells
Natalie: Burpees

Submissions are closed for the Challenge Challenges. Thanks for all those who suggested activities. I plan to complete all of the remaining tasks this next week.

Friday:
Challenge Challenge: Nothing
2- 10 minute sessions on the Elliptical
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stationary Bike
2- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
2 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
30 sit ups
10 push ups
Walk/Run 5 miles
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
5- 10 minute sessions on the Elliptical
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stationary Bike
5- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3 Muscle Building sessions
3 sets of 2- 60 second planks
4 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
240 sit ups
35 push ups
Walk/Run 12.25 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna
Fast

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 1,880 Calories
Sunday: 3,000 Calories*
Monday: 2,070 Calories
Tuesday: 1,155 Calories (Fast Day)
Wednesday: 1,965 Calories
Thursday: 2,245 Calories
Friday: 1,475 Calories

Running Total: 13,790 Calories (Average daily: 1,970 Calories). I'm back to posting my twEATS! You can follow me here.

* estimated Caloric Intake...darned SB XLIV

CHANGE OF PLANS

I had planned on talking about the changes that we go through in order to succeed on this journey.  But really, all of that isn't as important as loss.  Not weight loss, however important that might be.  But real, honest-to-goodness loss.  Please go over to Steve's blog.  He just found out that his father passed away.  I don't know all of the details of their relationship.  I don't know if he was a believer or not.  I just know that losing a parent sucks.  Hard.  I lost my mom almost 2 years ago and it still hurts.  So, please, go send him and his family some love.

And may God bless Steve and his whole family.  And really, all of those who lose family members--since it happens every day and is always a tragedy. 

Challenge Challenges:
South Beach Steve: Tabata Jacks
Call Me Ishmael: Double Crunches
Call Me Ishmael: The BW Matrix
Anonymous: Jumping Rope
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga
Shelli Belly: Kettlebells
Natalie: Burpees

Submissions are closed for the Challenge Challenges. Thanks for all those who suggested activities. I plan to complete all of the remaining tasks this week.

Thursday:
Challenge Challenge: Nothing
1- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 10 minute session on the Stationary Bike
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1 Muscle Building session
30 sit ups
5 push ups
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
3- 10 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stationary Bike
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3 Muscle Building sessions
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
3 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
180 sit ups
25 push ups
Walk/Run 7.25 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna
Fast

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 1,880 Calories
Sunday: 3,000 Calories*
Monday: 2,070 Calories
Tuesday: 1,155 Calories (Fast Day)
Wednesday: 1,965 Calories
Thursday: 2,245 Calories
Friday:

Running Total: 12,315 Calories (Average daily: 2,052 Calories). I'm back to posting my twEATS! You can follow me here.

* estimated Caloric Intake...darned SB XLIV

Drive by Post

Quick post, sorry!  Late night!

Challenge Challenges:
South Beach Steve: Tabata Jacks
Call Me Ishmael: Double Crunches
Call Me Ishmael: The BW Matrix
Anonymous: Jumping Rope
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga
Shelli Belly: Kettlebells
Natalie: Burpees

Submissions are closed for the Challenge Challenges. Thanks for all those who suggested activities. I plan to complete all of the remaining tasks this week.

Wednesday:
Challenge Challenge: Nothing
1- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 10 minute session on the Stationary Bike
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
60 sit ups
10 push ups (hey, it's a start)
Read the Bible
Prayed

Total:
2- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
2- 10 minute session on the Stationary Bike
2- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
2 Muscle Building sessions
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
3 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
150 sit ups
20 push ups
Walk/Run 7.25 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna
Fast

Weekly Calories:

Saturday: 1,880 Calories
Sunday: 3,000 Calories*
Monday: 2,070 Calories
Tuesday: 1,155 Calories (Fast Day)
Wednesday: 1,965 Calories
Thursday:
Friday:

Running Total: 10,070 Calories (Average daily: 2,014 Calories). I'm back to posting my twEATS! You can follow me
here.

* estimated Caloric Intake...darned SB XLIV

Another Run

Today was another day to run, I guess!  Last week, it may have been with three of my work friends--and that sure held e accountable (I sure didn't want to be in the back the whole time!); but today it was just my friend Candace.  And we both pushed eachother.  We were able to do the 4.26 mile loop in 43:32.  Not bad.  That's a 5.8 mph pace.  And I did put one sprint in there (less than 30 seconds) where I hit 9.8 mph!!!  Maybe I'll add more of those in next time...they're kinda fun/exhausting.  Other than that, it's been a pretty quiet day.  And I love days like that!

Maybe it's time to catch up on sleep. 
Challenge Challenges:
South Beach Steve: Tabata Jacks
Call Me Ishmael: Double Crunches
Call Me Ishmael: The BW Matrix
Anonymous: Jumping Rope
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga
Shelli Belly: Kettlebells
Natalie: Burpees
Submissions are closed for the Challenge Challenges. Thanks for all those who suggested activities. I plan to complete all of the remaining tasks this week.

Tuesday:
Challenge Challenge: Kettlebells (had to adjust due to the lack of actual kettlebells, but think I got a good workout in).
1 Muscle Building sessions
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
1 set of 30 second side planks (on each side)
30 sit ups
10 push ups (hey, it's a start)
Run 4.25 miles
Read the Bible
Prayed
Fast

Total:
1- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 10 minute session on the Stationary Bike
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
2 Muscle Building sessions
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
3 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
90 sit ups
10 push ups
Walk/Run 7.25 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna
Fast

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 1,880 Calories
Sunday: 3,000 Calories*
Monday: 2,070 Calories
Tuesday: 1,155 Calories (Fast Day)
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:

Running Total: 8,105 Calories (Average daily: 2,026 Calories). I'm back to posting my twEATS! You can follow me here.

* estimated Caloric Intake...darned SB XLIV

A new day

Yessiree!  It's a new day. 


But first, an update on my Second Monthly Un-Official, Un-Sponsored Journey 5k.  I did it.  It went well...but not as well as last month's.  Why, you ask?  Because about 2-1/2 miles into it--without being too graphic--I really had the urge to go to the bathroom.  It was a struggle to get home in time!  But still, 30:46 isn't too bad.  I swear, though, next month?  Less than 30:00!


New Day, New Starting Line:
Weight: 239.0
BMI: 30.7
Body Fat: 35.3%
Neck: 16.75"
Chest: 46.25"
Stomach: 47.125"
Waist: 43"
Thigh: 24.5"
Calf: 19.375"
Biceps: 13.825"
Forearm: 12"

Goals:
Weight: 215.0
BMI: 27.6
Body Fat: 20%

I still know that I'm a big guy, and therefore my BMI will be out of whack, but I'm still going to chart it.  I'm not sure if these are possible, or realistic, or what, but I'd like to get somewhere down there. These goals will change over time (as I learn more about my body and nutrition), but for now, they're good...I think. What do you all think? Are they good goals? Or should I adjust them? I'm not putting this up to a vote, but I do value all of your opinions!   And I hope to be at these levels by the end of the year...or earlier.  Warning ahead: I'm sure my progress will be much slower.  That's fine, but we all (myself included) should stop expecting 2-4 pound losses each week--especially now, when I might gain as I integrate weight training.

Also, should I check weekly?  Bi-weekly?  Monthly?  Not sure.

(Special thanks to Steve for his tutorial on measurements)

Challenge Challenges:
South Beach Steve: Tabata Jacks
Call Me Ishmael: Double Crunches
Call Me Ishmael: The BW Matrix
Anonymous: Jumping Rope
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga
Shelli Belly: Kettlebells (may or may not do this, since I (and my gym) don't have these)
Natalie: Burpees

Submissions are closed for the Challenge Challenges.  Thanks for all those who suggested activities.  I plan to complete all of the remaining tasks this week.

Up To Monday:
Challenge Challenge: totally punted on this.  Oops!  I'll have to do double duty.
1- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 10 minute session on the Stationary Bike
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1 Muscle Building session
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
2 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Total:
1- 10 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 10 minute session on the Stationary Bike
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1 Muscle Building session
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
2 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
60 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 1,880 Calories
Sunday: 3,000 Calories*
Monday: 2,070 Calories
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:

Running Total: 6,950 Calories (Average daily: 2,316 Calories) Average is a little high right now, but tomorrow is my fast day, so that should average out (but remember, my fast day is not for weight management!).
I'm back to posting my twEATS! You can follow me here.

* estimated Caloric Intake..darned SB XLIV

week 44


















Weight: 239.0

Weight loss in one week: 4.8
Total weight lost: 129.4
Average weekly weight loss: 2.94

Weight left to lose: 0 
Weeks left at average loss: 0 
Total weeks: 44 (about 10.15 months)

That's it!  I'm done.  I don't need this any longer!  I'm gone.

Ha!  Whatever.  I need this and you all even more.  I weighed myself, took a picture of the scale, and looked in the mirror.  And realized that I'm not even close to being done.  Now that I'm under 240, I think I need to go down farther.  Maybe 225 or 215.  I'll think over the weekend and come up with a new goal, plan, and starting point (stats).  I'll be working on toning, building muscle, and the other two parts of my goal for this blog: being a good husband, and being a good follower of Christ--oh, and dropping a little more, and then maintaining.

Thanks for joining me on this ride so far.  I'm excited to see where it goes!  And I'll need your support and prayers more than ever! 

And I guess that means that I shouldn't look at the scale until the day of my weigh-in (or the dday before, just to check)--definitely not one, two, or three times a day!  And I'll have to continue tracking my twEATS.

perfect 10: week 5

- Walk 12 miles a week (done)
- Do front (2x60) and side (1x30/side) planks 3 days a week. (done)
- Keep on our budget. (done)
- Hit and exceed my initial weight loss goal--and start a new one. (Want to finish this soon. I have no clue, though, sincce I haven't weighed myself since Monday--scary!)
- Read 4 books (done with one and 3/4 way through another)
- Only use my horn for avoiding traffic collisions. (done)
- Cook dinner at home 4 times a week (done)
- Go on 3 hikes (none yet, but there's still time)

Interesting tidbit: in my youth, we used to spend 2 weeks in the summer camping around Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. We'd tool around in a huge van. In a change from current methods, the van only had 2 seats with seatbelts (my dad's and my mom's); the rest of us just kinda lounged in the back of the van on foam and sleeping bags. Not sure if that was even legal then (and definitely not now!). Oh yeah, we also had a make-shift milk jug urinal that was bolted to the inside of the van with a tube going down into the wheel well. Too much info??

Challenge Challenges:
South Beach Steve: Tabata Jacks
Call Me Ishmael: Double Crunches
Call Me Ishmael: The BW Matrix
Anonymous: Jumping Rope
Kimberley: Swimming Pool
Josie: Yoga
Shelli Belly: Kettlebells (may or may not do this, since I (and my gym) don't have these)
Natalie: Burpees

There's still time to put me to work. Add a comment here until I hit my goal. You can add a new one every day!

Friday:
Challenge Challenge: tabata jacks with a score of 25 (I think I scored it right...the lowest count of any cycle, right, Steve?) 
1- 15 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Stationary Bike
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
2 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
30 sit ups
Walk 3 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
Date with Anna
Fast

Total:
4- 15 minute sessions on the Elliptical
1- 20 minute session on the Treadmill
3- 20 minute session on the Stationary Bike
4- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
3 set of 2- 60 second planks
6 sets of 30 second side planks (on each side)
210 sit ups
Walk 14 miles
Read the Bible Daily
Pray Daily
2 Dates with Anna
Fast

Weekly Calories:
Saturday: 2,150 Calories
Sunday: 2,000 Calories
Monday: 1,485 Calories
Tuesday: 1,750 Calories
Wednesday: 1,950 Calories
Thursday: 1,980 Calories
Friday: 840 Calories

Total Week: 12,155 Calories (Average daily: 1,737 Calories)

I think I'll be trying to add more Calories to my diet. I'm thinking that 1,700 Calories is just a little too little food. Next week, I'll be trying to average 2,000-2,100 Calories a day (including my fast day). Thoughts?

I'm back to posting my twEATS! You can follow me here.