The next step?
September 29, 2008 by Doug · Leave a Comment
September 15th, 178 lbs … September 22nd, 178.5 lbs … September 29th, 181.5 lbs.
What the %@#& is going on?!?! I’ll tell ya … COMPLACENCY, that’s what. I’ve been doing this since June and I’m back where I started. It comes back on a LOT easier than it comes off.
I weighed in this morning and decided that this is it. I’m taking this to the next level. I’m tired of screwing around. I went out to the park at lunchtime and walked today, first time in weeks. Over three miles.
I have to take into account some indisputable truths about myself. There are some things that simply won’t change.
- It doesn’t matter how much I watch my diet. If I’m hungry, I will eat what is around.
- If running with others, I will hold myself more accountable than running alone.
- There needs to be a variety of exercises or I’ll DIE of boredom.
This is the biggest commitment to physical fitness I have made in my entire life. I want to keep it interesting so I continue to improve and stick with it. I’m on it as soon as I’m done with my stromboli here …
– D.
Gluttony - The deadliest sin
September 25, 2008 by Doug · Leave a Comment
OK, This is my first post in a few weeks. The reason is, I haven’t had anything very inspirational to write about. Since vacation I have not gotten out to run … or exercise at all for that matter. No excuses, just living my life. I got back from the shore and got wrapped up in football parties, fall food festivals, winery visits, well you name it. I’m human what can I say.
My weight after I got back went up to 178 last week, and 178.5 this past Monday.
I’m realizing that it’s going to take more than a few runs a week to make my goal. There was a time in the past when I couldn’t put on weight if I wanted to. That all changed when my metabolism came to a screeching halt when I was in college. I don’t think that my situation is unique or I have it tougher than others by ANY means. I have never really felt any urgency to lose weight or get in shape like I do now. Since I haven’t really felt the need to push myself, and am laid back by nature, this is REALLY HARD for me to do. Not to mention the fact that I absolutely love food and live by one of the greatest cities in the world for that. Old habits die hard.
My next scheduled race is October 26th, a 5 miler. I better get out there and practice, LOL. I’m looking at some different exercise and fitness regimens to try, some of them rather extreme. I also joined a gym which opens next month. So these are positive steps. This whole experience isn’t just about weight loss, running and fitness for me. I’m learning that it’s also an exercise in discipline and doing the right thing despite old habits and what others are doing.
It’s taking on a life of it’s own. Scary….
– D.
OCNJ
September 14, 2008 by Doug · Leave a Comment
OK vacation’s pretty much over. It had to end sometime. For those readers who have a decent memory, you may recall how I mentioned that I’m going to try to not talk about fattening food anymore. Well, I LIED. As much as I would like to sit here and sing the praises of exercise and good nutrition during my time away … well SURPRISE, it didn’t happen as intended.
This year my wife & I vacationed in the shore town of Ocean City, New Jersey which we visit at least once a year. I have been coming here since I was an infant, and ironically Fran has also. This place has a lot of special memories for both of us as well as both of our families. Much has changed in OC since my childhood, but it is still very much the same also. Nothing like the shore.
We arrived Monday afternoon. Now, I know that I made reference to the fact that I was lax about exercise. However when we come down here, we walk EVERYWHERE so that offsets the eating somewhat. I did run on Tuesday morning, but … after my crappy Nike+ software gave bad readings for the thousandth time, I threw a small tantrum and swore off of it forever. Sometimes you have to move on. Also, as much as I thought that running on the boardwalk by the ocean would be enjoyable, it really wasn’t. Long story short, that was it for running for the week. I did notice that there were a lot of runners on the boards at all times of the day. Perhaps they felt guilty also?
I guess 
the rest of this passage can be called “What not to eat if you’re trying to lose weight”. The South Jersey boardwalks are notorious for having a large selection of delicious, fattening, overpriced food. That’s just part of the charm … no really, LOL. In the interest of space and time, here’s a short list of my absolute South Jersey shore faves:
- Mack & Manco’s delicious thin crust pizza
- Shriver’s gelato
- George’s chocolate covered macaroons
- Ocean City Coffee Co. Tiramisu coffee
- Balic Winery (Mays Landing) - try the pomegranate wine!
- Voltaco’s Italian Hoagies* (10th & West)
- Charlie’s Tavern (Somers Point) - Wes’s Favorite filet mignon on soft italian roll*
I could keep going but I’m getting fat just writing this. The last two items on that list I tried for the first time this year, at the recommendation of our B&B proprietor. Both were outstanding suggestions.
So I have the official weigh in tomorrow, which I haven’t done for two weeks. I’m racking my brain to find ways to keep my health quest interesting. I’m thinking about taking this to the next level, whatever that is. Is running, push ups and the occasional weights enough? Was all of the walking I did last week beneficial? Will I ever be able to say no to Peanut Butter Cup gelato? *SIGH* Time will tell.
– D.
