Food, Travel, and Weight Loss

Weight update

2010-04-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-14T18:06:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T13:06:00.001-08:00

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.

Week 5 Update

2010-02-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I posted, work has been extra crazy. And it's supposed to be the 'slow' time of year. Meh.

I have not been a good boy the last few weeks, been eating out a lot with customers and corporate, and having a few drinks (empty calories). But I'm back now, and making a renewed effort.

Weighed in last night at 262, so I didn't gain much back, so that's good. And I fixed the treadmill and started running again. Man my bulk makes running less than enjoyable. I did 0.75 miles last night, about 1/2 I ran at a good clip. Going to work up to a fill mile (walk/run) this week and set that as my baseline time. Going to work to get that time down each week.

As well as weight loss, I have fitness goals as well. I would like to be under a 12-minute mile this year. I know that's not very aggressive, but I doubt I can do a 20 or even 25 minute mile right now without passing out or hurting myself. I ran a sub-6 minute mile in HS trying out for baseball (yes only once, and only by 8s, but still), and while I don't plan on being a marathon running, I would like to get back to the 8-minute single and the two-mile time of 20 minutes by the end of 2011.

I also want to be able to do 100 push-ups in three sets in one sitting. I have decided to table this goal for a bit until my fitness is a little better.

Lastly, I want to be able to do 100 crunches (right-center-left) in three sets in one sitting. I am going to work in crunches 2-3 times per while when I take days-off from running.

My trip to Vegas, Week 3 Results

2010-01-25T05:46:00.000-08:00

Well it was the best of times...you know the rest. I got to stay at the Venetian resort, which is very nice. All of the rooms were suites, so it had a little separate living room which made reading while dad was napping very convenient. It also had three flat screen TV's, including the one in the bathroom. And why you need a phone in the water closet I'll never understand.

I didn't do horrible with food on my trip. Ate a nice breakfast of eggs, bacon, and potatoes at the airport Thursday morning, and skipped lunch. Dinner was excellent, went to AquaKnox seafood restaurant at Venetian, but very expensive. Bill was $200 for two of us, thankfully the company will be paying. Had a sushi appetizer, lobster bisque soup (which was ok and I didn't finish, little did I know it was $15 for a small bowl), and had the seared tuna for dinner. Two drinks, but not too bad from a diet perspective.

Friday breakfast was a muffin, and lunch at the show was 2/3 of a cheese burger and fries. Not great, but it wasn't too bad. Fri dinner was another story. Dad and I took in a movie, and then I persuaded him to a nice buffet. Online price for the Bellagio buffet was $27, but when we got through the 20min line, it was $39. Ouch. But oh a most excellent spread you have never seen. I'm not going to say it was worth it if I was on my own nickel, but very good. Elk tenderloin, ostrage, Beef Wellington, sushi, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and more! I had three plates and a desert. Bad, I know.

Sat wasn't bad, skipped breakfast, caught an early flight home and met the family at another buffet. Apparently I was off my diet for the weekend. Sweet Tomatoes isn't the worst place to eat, but I didn't exactly behave.

Anyway, weighted in Sun night at 5lbs down. Not bad, but still could be better. I'm not exercising at all, and need to get back to push-ups, crunches, and the bike. Today is a new week, and going to go hard!

Having a little trouble getting the HTML to look right, so bear with me as I figure out this Blogger thing a little more. Should ask the wife, she is the expert now!

Eat good Food - Support Haiti! Win-Win

2010-01-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

The wife is having a sale on her yummy Southern Living food. Check it out!

Noel's Blog

Week 2 Results

2010-01-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

Well, not the best start to a diet and workout program. I ended up on the bike once, doing two nights of push-ups, and one night of sit-ups/leg lifts. And while I did end up between 2-4lbs down from my Jan 1 weight (depending on which night I weighted myself), I feel I didn't do a very good job with food.

This week is going to be even more challenging, as I will be heading to Vegas for 2 nights, 3 days for a R&D conference with customers. Eating right while on travel is extremely hard for me to do. Having an expense account that I can pretty much have what I want (within reason of course - though they don't bat an eye at a $75 dinner), I must learn how to say no to 'free', really really good food.

Week 1 Results

2010-01-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

Well the 1st week could have gone better, but it wasn't horrible. I exercised twice, for about 10min each. Not great. The treadmill is broken, can't run on it. Ate out three times, wasn't very good any of them. Not good. But the bright side is it was still much better than I have been doing. And I lost 4 lbs.

Lunch Today

2010-01-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Yeah well, I wasn't the best at lunch. Carls Jr. I did have the burger, but I didn't have the 6 Dollar version. I also skipped the fries and had a side salad and didn't lather on the dressing.

Western Bacon Burger: 710
Salad, croutons, dressing: 230 calories.

Ouch. OK you really don't know what you are eating until you are done. Figured the burger was 300-400 calories and the salad around a 100. 1/2 the dressing packet alone was 100 calories. And if I had gotten the 6 Dollar version, add more then 300 calories. Wowser.

And stay away from fries. 320 cal for a small, and 450 for the criscut I do so like.

Next time I'll stick to the charbroiled BBQ chicken at 380 cals. The other chickens are not so good.

Weight Loss Contest

2010-01-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

In the past, I have run several weight loss contests at work, and they usually work very well. To be inclusive to skinny people, we usually split the contest in half. Half the money goes to the person with the highest weight loss, and the other half goes to the highest percentage.

If you weigh 175 and lose 10lbs, that's 5.7%. I you weigh 250 and lose 10lbs, its 4%. Had a few women participate in the past also. And in general they are more sensitive to their weight, what I have done is just publish their delta and their percentage, not their actual weight, if requested to do so.

To keep people motivate over the year, not just planing to make a binge near the end, we also usually split each prize over the 4 quarters, so there is incentive to lose weight over a period of time rather than all at once. Much healthier.

As for the buy-in, you don't have to pay to play, but you can't win if you don't! Normally the buy-in is some multiple of $20 so it splits evenly. One year we did $40, one year $120. And cash up front so I don't have to be chasing people every quarter to pay up.

So who wants to do a weight loss contest?

The Plan

2010-01-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

OK body, here is the plan. You are a fatty, but you like food. Understand that. You don't dislike exercise, but your generally fattiness makes it hurt to do much. You're out of shape, bastard you.

So here is the plan.

Eat less.
Run more.

No seriously, here is the plan.
1. Keep breakfast and lunch to under 300 calories most times.
2. Eat a sensible dinner as often as possible.
3. Get back on the 100 push-ups plan. This worked, while you did it. You were up to 40 before you quit last year.
4. Work up to running 1 mile. Run 1 mile as much as possible. Next year for multiple miles and better times. Baby steps.
5. When you don't want to run, get on the bike when you watch TV. Stop sitting on your fat ass.
6. When traveling, eat smart. Eating smart starts with ordering smart. Order the smaller cut. Order the strip not the ribeye. Well that's not going to happen. OK order the ribeye but get the veggies not the potato. No, don't get fried things. Bad stomach.
7. And most important, don't quit. So what you had a 3000 calorie day, they happen. Just move on and get back to plan. So what you didn't run for two weeks b/c of a blister. Get on the bike. Get to pushups. Get to it.
8. Rewards are small, but welcome. If I lose 5 lbs, have that sweet. Make it small, but scheduled rewards are a good thing. Improvised rewards for making it through the day, not so good.
9. Take a picture of yourself every day with a shirt off. Scary I know. But do it. You'll be glad in a year. Actually look at the pictures. Don't hide.

So here it is, day 1. I weigh 265 lbs.
Goal: weigh under 225 by Dec. 31st.

Any other suggestions?

A New Begining

2010-01-06T14:32:00.001-08:00

Hey there all! I have decided to take this blog in a new direction. As it has been dormant for many months, at the suggestion of my sis-in-law, here's to new beginnings!

As I travel a lot for my job, sometimes several times a month, I get to visit interesting places, and eat excellent meals that I normally wouldn't pay for myself. So this will become a dual blog. First will be to show the neat places I get to go, and the food I get to eat, but also to document my struggle to lose weight.

I have a plan, and they say the most successful resolutions are the most public ones, with the most accountability possible. Well I had planned to do this last year, but with the injury I put it off. Now is the time!

I currently weigh a whopping 265 lbs. I'm a big guy, so people are normally surprised when I tell them my weight. Or they are being polite. But either way, I'm a fatty. I don't feel good, I can't run a mile anymore, I can do more then a few pull-ups or 20 push ups. So the other 1/2 of this blog will be on the meals I eat, the exercise I do, and my progress.

I figure this is as public as it can get. So you will get to see my fat ass slim down in semi-real time. Cheer me on, make fun of my lack of progress. But stay interested. Embarrassing as it is now, it will help me in the long run.

So here's to a new year, and seriously this time, a new me!

2009-06-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

7 Man-Made Substances that Laugh in the Face of Physics

6 Ridiculous Sex Myths (That Are Actually True)

2009-06-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Nice article over at Cracked.com

Supercarrier 2015: How to Build the World's Most Powerful Warship

2009-06-16T09:12:00.001-07:00

The first pieces of the U.S. Navy’s newest class of aircraft carrier—meant to be the cornerstone of American military sea power over the next hundred years—lie in the open air of a shipyard in Virginia. A misting rain is falling on the jumbled field of steel bulkheads, stacks of pipe and 200-ton sections of hull. It’s as if some gargantuan child broke apart his model ship and scattered the pieces on the ground.

Article here.

Supercarrier 2015: How to Build the World's Most Powerful Warship

2009-06-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Article here.

7 Ways to Annoy a Flight Attendant

2009-06-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Funny, but true. Yahoo Travel

The 10 Essential Rules for Slowing Down and Enjoying Life More

2009-06-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Excellent post on an excellent blog. Zenhabits

Awesome Video

2009-06-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version

So they take lame video from a classic song, rewrite the lyrics to describe what's happening in the lame video, and then sing it to the melody of the classic song. Brilliant!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA

7 Ridiculously Over-The-Top Modifications to Deadly Weapons

2009-06-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

All I can say is hell damn yeah! Chain-saw bayonet? Check. Machine gun crossbow? Check.

Cracked.com

Randy 'Mullett" Johnson

2009-06-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Good article over at ESPN on the career of Randy Johnson as he goes for win #300 this week.

The Newspaper is Dead! Long Live the Internet!

2009-06-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have always liked reading the paper on Sunday mornings, for about 5 minutes. Then I hop over to my computer (well since 96 anyway) and read the news online. I don't have 'to feel the news in my hands' like my dad and some of my friends say. I don't drink coffee, so I don't have to have something to read while drinking my coffee. And in fact, the only time I have bought a newspaper in the last 5 years is to gets the ads on a holiday weekend.

Interesting chart shown after the jump that details the drop in newspaper revenue since the beginning of '06.

Conversely, the middle-grounded Washington Post has begun to attract readers by being more fair in their coverage, having less of a liberial bent that so many other papers and media outlets do. Check out this article for more info.

Happiness Has Nothing to Do with Wealth

2009-06-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Interesting study on how happiness is obtained in relation to the graduates economic status.

Rand’s Atlas Is Shrugging With a Growing Load

2009-06-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Amity Shlaes has a nice review of the book in context of modern leaders and current history.

Atlas Shrugged is one of the best books I have ever read, and not just because of the current economic outlook. It really opened my eyes to a lot of things, some I ended up not agreeing with, showed me the 2D scale of Conservative-Liberal actually has a several more dimensions.

Here is a good article on the Nolan Scale using a Vosem Chart. Go here if you would like to plot your own political leanings in 3D, referenced to the US.

You can buy the book here at Amazon, or try to find a used copy on my favorite online site, Paperback Swap.

Building your own home

2009-06-03T08:27:00.001-07:00

Something I've always wanted to do. My wife's Grandfather built their home almost 60 years ago, still living there and still in great shape. Dated, sure. But great shape.

AskMen.com

Online Dating

2009-06-03T08:25:00.002-07:00

So I have a friend from High School that got divorced a while back and is looking to get more active into the online dating scene. Since presumably the men she finds in real life aren't all that interesting. Found the below article full of good suggestions if you are a lady looking to date online.

jaltcoh.blogspot.com

As a married man I don't read the personals personally. But I think the author is spot on. If I were to read the personals personally, I don't think I would respond to and ad that any of the stuff he puts in bold, unless she was really hot.

Welcome!

2009-06-03T08:25:00.001-07:00

So I post all this random crap that I find all over the internet. I am a voracious consumer of information, being a techno-geek and engineer, and reasonably young. Anyway, I am sure I annoy all my friends with my Facebook and email postings, so going to move it all to this blog and you can read what you wish.

Occasionally I will post my own commentary, something about myself, etc. But mostly this will be a repository for Info That I Find Interesting. Hope you enjoy.

-W.