Weight update

Weighed in last night at 258, which is 7lbs down for the year. I had hoped to be well over 12lbs lost by now, but I press forward. As I just posted, I gave up soda to see if that helps.

I have also started doing Wii Fit Plus almost every morning. I do their body test, and then two yoga exercises. I find it helps start my day out a little clearer and fresher feeling, but I don't expect it to help with my weight at this low level.

I also plan to get back on the treadmill this week. I'm shooting for three miles this week, then 5 per week for the rest of the month.

Next month, when I get under 250, I plan to put back in pushups and crunches into my workout.

Taking the next step: giving up soda pop

Well, I haven't been doing well, but not bad either. I have lost a few lbs since starting this, but nothing like I'd hoped. So I decided to take the next small step. I gave up soda for at least the rest of this month. It's been three days, and I was surprised at the psychological addition to drinking soda has been harder than the physical. I just associate drinking the 'nectar of the Gods' as I call it with certain things; breakfast, lunch, dinner, stress, certain foods, etc. I was sometimes consuming 1-2L of soda a day. Most days it was 2-3 cans, but some days...

Anyway, been three days. I did have a diet Red Bull on Sat night just to make it through, but have been soda free. Drinking hot tea today to keep away and alert. But going out to dinner several times this week with a customer, and going to be hard to just say 'water please' when the waiter asks.

I'm trying to get down to 250 by 4/29, which is when we leave for Vegas. I want to feel a little better about myself before we go to the pool at the hotel. Bought a new suit and flippy floppies (I'm on a boat!).

Will try to post more often so I can look back a little clearer.

Running Update

Miles traveled: 1
Distance run: ~0.7
Time: 11:04

Still getting easier; I could have pushed even a little harder and gotten under 10:45 but was worried about going too hard.

Anyway, I discovered I definitely can't run in old shoes. I was running with my older pair, and they made my knees hurt. The newer pair was outside from being hosed off while working in the garden this weekend. So I wore my older running shoes and the left one was pretty much flat. Made my whole gate off and I kept drifting/stumbling that way when I got tired enough to lose control. So only going to wear the newer pair till they wear out.

So how long do shoes last? According to my buddy in Tucson who used to look like me, and now is very svelte, small, and swift, he changes his shoes about every 3-6 months. Any more and he gets joint pain. If I start running 3-4 days/ week, with my weight I bet I only get 6 months out of a pair. Need to find a good shoe that is cheap and provides the proper support.

Any suggestions?

From what I can find on the web, shoes typically last 300-500 miles for a typical runner. However, I'm a little heavier than normal, so guessing it will be on the low end. Since I have had my shoes around 2 years but never run with them until now, I'm guessing I've walked at least 100 miles. So running 3-4 miles/week, they theoretically should last 50 more weeks.

Couple of sources:
About.com
About.com
Runners Guide

Week 6 Update

Well, it's been a good week, but just not for the weight. I have started my running program and if I can keep from getting injured should help a lot with the weigh.
Sticking with my decision to get going on running and then add in the pushups and situps at a later date.

Weighed in last night at 262 still, but had gulped three glasses of water so not too discouraged. The weight will come.

Also, I signed up for a Hockey 101 class as Gilbert Polar Ice. Great deal, they give you all the gear and ice time for free. Class is once a week on Thursday in March. Sure they are hoping you sign up for league, but not sure I'm ready for that. Maybe after I get in shape and play some open ice time and learn the sport.

Go here for information and to sign up!

Thinking about it, I don't think I have been on the ice for almost 10 years! I should practice a bit before the class I guess.

Running update

Miles traveled: 1
Distance run: ~0.7
Time: 11:55

Mile #2 came a little easier. After a 0.05 warmup, I ran at a fairly good clip (8mph) for about a third of a mile, walked for a bit, ran, walked, ran, and walked the last .1 to cool down.

Don't think this is the way to go. Going to try a longer warmup, and a little slower jog for a longer time next mile.

Running update

Miles traveled: 1
Distance run: ~0.5
Time: 12:49

We'll I made it. 1 mile; ran a little more than 1/2 of that. I'm really happy, I know it's a small thing, but getting back in shape is important to me. And doing it in under 13 minutes was my initial goal for my starting mile time. Now I am going to work on bringing it down.

Woo hoo

Maybe an aberration, but was down 9lbs last night. Maybe this running thing works? Going to dinner and drinks with the customer tonight, but going to try to keep the calories down, and run tomorrow morning before daughter #1's class.