Archive for the ‘Walking’ Category

The next six pounds

Posted: February 12, 2013 in Bariatric surgery, Cooking, diabetes, Exercise, Physical activity, The Rec, Walking, Weight loss
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Good evening!

So, today dawned with me still appreciating the afterglow of yesterday’s good news at the doctor’s office. I got myself up and went to the gym, which is how I’ve really started to like my mornings. It’s SOOOO much better than getting up and heading down to the Nerd Lair to watch TV and perhaps (read: probably) graze on stuff that’s bad for me.

222764_10200643298751451_1212397042_nI tested my blood sugar and it was a kind of high 150. Mornings are always freaky for me. I took my recommended 10 units of insulin, ate a banana and drank a protein shake (breakfast of champions, baby!), then headed to the rec. It was a little later than normal, so I had to cut things a little shorter than usual. I still managed 1.74 miles on the treadmill at an average speed of 2.78 mph. That’s faster than it’s been, for those keeping score at home. I did, however, notice something.

What’s the deal with the roid junkies who show up at the gym clad in shorts, weightlifting gloves, muscle shirts and a wool stocking cap? I mean, if you’re trying to stay warm, maybe I might suggest sweatpants? If you’re trying to be a badass, you might try a different sort of headgear. Just some friendly advice.

Literary enemy #1

Literary enemy #1

After that, the day goes downhill. I had to go to work. It’s amazing how all the good feeling you’ve built up with a decent workout can be burst in a few minutes. Today, it was the incessant chatter. And not conversation. It’s more the “I’m doing this, now I’m doing that.” It’s like listening to a James Joyce book on CD, only without the option of ejecting the disc, breaking said disc in many pieces and setting the pieces on fire. (No, I’m NOT a James Joyce fan)

Please don’t take it that I hate my job. I don’t. I know that what I do isn’t the most scintillating work on the planet, but it’s all the attendant bullshit that goes along with it. I often want to just go home and not think about it until the next day when I have to go in to work.

Anyway, before getting sidetracked, I was talking about success. I had a taste of it on the scale and I really liked the feeling. So, today I wanted to be more of the same. My packed lunch included two Mission Carb Balance wheat burrito shells filled with leftover Chipotle, a container of Greek yogurt, some pistachio nuts, a protein shake and the ever-present water bottle. I also decided to go cold turkey on caffeine, which might be where my irritability came from today. That plus a cold, and well, I’m a tad cranky. Don’t judge.

Dinner was the final remnants of the seemingly endless burrito bowl along with some grilled chicken and broccoli. All in all, not too shabby.

So, tomorrow is another day. It’s also Ash Wednesday, so I gotta think of something to give up for Lent. Could I make 40 days sans caffeine? Especially since I go to third shift in a month? Any bets?

Didn’t think so.

What’s in a number?

Posted: February 11, 2013 in Bariatric surgery, Doctors and Dentists and Nurses... oh my!, Exercise, Goals, Physical activity, Walking, Weight loss
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I got a number today.

No, not a phone number.

Not a cash balance.

Not a tax rate.

I got the number six.

Six… it’s one more than five. One less than seven. It’s 2+4. Or 3+3, or even 2×3. It could be the square root of 36.

For me, it represented a minor victory over the scale.

See, I lost six pounds.

Now, I realize six pounds isn’t a lot to most people. It’s a bit more than a bag of flour. Or maybe it’s about three quarts of water. For me it was finally the scale moving in the right direction. All the time I’ve spent in the gym, on the treadmill, even walking the parking lot at the office.

I know I don’t have anyone to blame but myself for the slow progress. I usually manage to shoot myself in the foot when i attempt to lose weight. It’s the whole comfort factor of food. I’m not sure why it comforts me… it’s the cause of a lot of my issues and hangups. My other curse is that I’m a grazer. If there’s food, I’ll eventually find it and start munching. Next thing you know, I’m laying in a heap wearing an empty fried chicken bucket as a hat. It’s not pretty.

I was bound and determined to lose something for today’s appointment. I hit the gym extra hard, was careful with what I ate, and it actually showed on the scale for the first time since I started this whole process. It’s hard to describe how it made me feel, knowing that I finally succeeded. The journey isn’t over… I have to lose six more in two weeks. There will be a lot of gym time, a lot of salad, and very few pretzels and snack foods. It will be tough, but it will be worth it.

There were a couple things that lit a fire under my tubby butt, but the real clincher was going to support group last Thursday and hearing what the Patient of the Month had to say. First of all, in his before picture, he was at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Points in his favor, ya know? He was selected to make an appearance at the American Idol Experience, but he bailed because he was embarrassed by his size. I totally get that. I get the having to wedge myself in a ride vehicle where it actually hurts. I get the not going somewhere because I’m so self conscious of my size. It was nice to hear someone’s story that really parallels my own. It was like it finally hit home after months that I’m not the only one who feels like that.

Wow.

So, with that, I’m going to sign off for tonight. I have to be at the gym bright and early.

Thanks for all your support.

Day 2 Redux

Posted: January 25, 2013 in Exercise, music, Physical activity, rants, Supportive Partner Woman, Walking, Weight loss
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So, we’re back at Day 2. I took Wednesday off from the gym due to a creaky back and a creakier ankle. I was in a session yesterday and dragged my ass out of bed and got there this morning.

What a morning it was. Because it’s still freakin’ cold, I opted to take Supportive Partner Woman (Going to see Rick Springfield!)’s ride. XM First Wave was on the stereo and they were playing Frankie Goes to Hollywood. And no, not the one hit that everyone actually knows. No, of course not.

First Wave was playing Two Tribes, yo.

And not the harmless, generally sucky, 3 minute radio edit.

Of course not.

They opted for the 9 minute remix.

Yikes.

So, I figure I’ll switch stations… it’s gotta be better, right?

Let’s just say that all depends. Because, playing on other channels at the same time were Shalamar’s Dancing in the Sheets and the Village People’s In the Navy. At that point, I arrived at the gym and thankfully was no longer suffering from ear bleed.

Anyway… I did treadmill for a half-hour on a random hill setting. It felt pretty good. The ankle and back seemed to be behaving themselves and it kind of woke me up. Either that or the fact that it was cold enough to freeze my sweaty hair did the job for me.

So, today’s rant… WTF is up with people wearing pajamas all over the place? OK… I get if you’re walking out to the curb for the newspaper or maybe even going to the local convenience store for coffee. I expect it at Walmart. What I don’t get is going to the mall or a restaurant while wearing PJs. I don’t get wearing PJs to take a one hour train trip. The thing is, I’m usually someone who makes my fashion choices based on whatever doesn’t itch. Maybe someone can explain this phenomenon to me.

Hope you all have a good weekend!

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Car show = extra exercise

Posted: January 22, 2013 in Exercise, Physical activity, Walking
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So, I took the day off of work today. I still hit the gym… it was either Day 21 or Day 2. See, I didn’t go to the gym on Sunday, instead I opted to walk around the neighborhood (it was 50 degrees, which is like 45 degrees warmer than it was this morning, but I digress). I guess it counts, since it was exercise. OK… Day 21 it is. Woohoo! Three weeks straight.

So, anyway… after I hit the gym, I headed to my local Amtrak station to head into Philadelphia for the auto show. I love auto shows… great cars, great people watching, and it’s something I would do with my dad when he was still alive. I guess that’s where I get my interest in cars from. I go with Supportive Partner Woman from time to time, but this as a solo endeavor. When traveling to Philly, I prefer the train whenever possible. It’s affordable, easy and I can avoid the Schuylkill Expressway, or as we call it, the “Sure-Kill Distressway.” It’s amazing to me how the master planners think that the major artery coming into a city from the northwest should be a four-lane highway sandwiched between hills and a river. That’s a topic for a rant post, though.

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Interior of 30th Street Station

Anyway, I boarded the Amfleet I car, grabbed a seat, plugged in my dangerously low on battery iPhone (see, the Amtrak cars are equipped with standard power outlets at each seat) and we swiftly moved out of the station. The ride to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station was uneventful. The trainset is capable of speeds up to 110 mph, but I’ve never brought a GPS to assess how fast it really does go. Upon arrival at 30th Street (still a pretty building) you go into the Art Deco main hall, and go in search of the SEPTA Regional Rail platforms. There, you board a Silverliner IV, then it’s off to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The convention center is a typical convention center, with one notable feature that appeals to railroad junkies. The Grand Hall is actually the Reading Terminal train shed. I like that the architects were able to incorporate the historic train shed and restore it to its former grandeur. It reminds me of how the architects saved the B&O Warehouse in Baltimore and incorporated into the design of Camden Yards.

Anyway, enough pontificating about architecture. We’re all about the cars, man!

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Aston-Martin DB9 in midnight blue

There were plenty of new models to view and sit myself in… my tradition is to pick an overall favorite car, and also pick one that I wouldn’t mind living with. The overall favorite for me this year was the Aston-Martin DB9. Granted, unless this blogging thing really takes off, I’ll never afford the $200,000 price tag. As the picture shows, though… it’s a sweet ride. Other top contenders included the McLaren MP4-12C Spider. While it’s seriously badass, it lacks the refined elegance of the Aston-Martin.

Camp Jeep

Camp Jeep

One of the cool additions this year was Camp Jeep, in which you could take a short ride in a trail rated Jeep (Wrangler or Grand Cherokee) over some challenging terrain, including a 35-degree climb and descent. I got to ride with Patrick in a red Grand Cherokee. It was pretty impressive.

The winner for car I’d probably actually want to drive was the Acura TSX. I know… it’s basically a Honda. But the car just felt comfortable. I also liked the new Accord, and the 2014 Subaru Forester is a nice little SUV. I was disappointed that the Chevy folks did not have the Stingray there, but seeing as it was just unveiled a week or so ago, well, it’s understandable.

I did manage to get a lot of exercise walking around the show and climbing stairs through the various train stations. In addition to the gym session, I’m pretty sure I burned some calories today. I also grabbed a Subway 6″ turkey sub on wheat. I was naughty, though… I did have some cheese on it. But other than the turkey and cheese, it was just lettuce, tomato, cucumber and peppers. Upon arrival at the Nerd Lair, I busted out the batch of chili I made on Sunday. Loaded with beans and really lean beef, well, it’s about 400 calories a serving and goes well on these cold nights.

Hope to report some more tomorrow. Until then!

14!

Posted: January 15, 2013 in Bariatric surgery, Cooking, diabetes, Exercise, Physical activity, Walking, Weight loss
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OK… Day 14 is in the books. I arrived at 7 for the session with the boys and had surprisingly decent sugar. I had good sugar this morning when I woke up, so I opted for a banana and a protein shake for breakfast. I’m developing a taste for the vanilla cream shakes, which is good, since I’m going to be subsisting on these things for a few weeks. Anyway, my pre-workout sugar reading was 92, which was a little lower than I’m used to. I like to think it’s that the exercise is doing me some good. Post workout, I stuck a 70, which is at the low end of normal for me, but I wasn’t having shakes or sweats, so it’s all good.

Important thing is that I made it 14 straight days. That’s two weeks that I’ve stuck to something. I’m pretty damn pleased with myself, but I’m not giving up. Next stop? 21 days!

So, I also took time last night and made a batch of my special jambalaya (see the recipe section). I added extra protein in the form of shrimp and chicken. Also, the chicken chipotle sausage had a vein of jack cheese in it, which added to the depth of the finished product. It really reheated well, which made for a tasty lunch.

After cooking, I attacked the Christmas tree (yes, it was still up). I got the ornaments off, the lights off, and realized I still had enough time to take down the tree, put it away, and then I vacuumed the rug. It’s odd… we have an artificial tree that drops as many needles as a real tree. Go figure. Now, many of you are probably wondering why we still had a Christmas tree up. Don’t judge us.

I have an appointment with the dietician tomorrow afternoon. Hope we get some good news, and maybe we can get a surgery date. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t apprehensive. In a surprise move, I’m all over the map emotionally regarding the operation. I’m still going to do it, but I’m sure I’ll question my decision up until the time they shoot me up with Versed.

Hope you all have a great week!

11 down… a lifetime to go

Posted: January 12, 2013 in AllEars.net, Exercise, Physical activity, Supportive Partner Woman, Walking, Weight loss
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IMG_1808Well, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it to the gym today. I had to work at 8 AM and the gym only opens at 7 on the weekends. So, I just went after work. It wasn’t as long as I would’ve liked it to be… they were closing early today due to a staff function. However, I did what I could and felt pretty good afterward.

Tomorrow will be a weight lifting day, as well as cardio. On the advice of the trainers, I only lift every other day. That gives the muscles some time to recuperate. I do the majority of my lifting at the bariatric center, because they have me doing free weights and the free weight area at the rec is a little intimidating. It’s not loaded up with the hardcore juicers like it was when we went to Gold’s Gym, but there are enough that it makes me feel like an interloper. So, on the days when I lift at the rec, I use the machines. I guess it’s not a bad thing, because they are always telling me to change it up.

So, my consecutive day streak stands at 11. Tomorrow will be 12 and yes, Supportive Partner Woman (bestest wife ever!) is planning on joining me. I hope that she will keep up with it, although the likelihood of her getting up at 4:45 AM during the week is slim to none.

In other news, the second Blu-Ray player I got my sister is actually working. The first one had a defective remote control. It just seems that these players are very persnickety. I know we have a Samsung that likes to make all sorts of noises and stop, especially if the disk has a speck of dust on it. If it’s a Redbox movie, you’re screwed.

So, I have to start thinking of what I can do to keep me busy. I keep thinking I should consider a second job… twenty hours a week or so. Enough money to fund the Disney travel habit, It would serve a twofold purpose, though. Extra money and keeping me from being bored. It’s when I’m bored that I tend to graze and grazing is not a good thing.

I realize this post is all over the place. Just have a lot of thoughts bouncing around the noggin. One last topic to cover. This is Disney Marathon weekend and I’m so proud of our friends who ran the half marathon today and/or will be running the full marathon tomorrow. You are an inspiration to me. I’m also pleased to announce that Team All Ears managed to raise almost $79,000 for Avon breast cancer charities. It’s a special group of people and I’m thrilled to know many of them. A special shoutout to team co-captains Mike Scopa and Michelle Scribner-MacLean, and to AllEars.net founder Deb Wills, without whom none of this would happen. She’s an inspiration to the team and to so many others in the community. We are proud to call her our friend.

Hope that everyone has a great Sunday!

Song of the Day: Fields of Athenry – Dropkick Murphys

Currently reading: Nano – Robin Cook

Day 9: Treadmills, Congress and Ebola.

Posted: January 10, 2013 in Exercise, Foot issues, movies, politics, rants, Walking, Weight loss
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Greetings!

Today’s post includes things that don’t normally go together. Now Congress and graft? Yes. Congress and bullshit? Yes. Congress and Ebola? Not so much. But first, let’s get the daily stuff out of the way.

Managed day 9 today. 53:20 on the treadmill, 2.47 miles traveled, 2.78 mph. A little slower, but another 6 minutes and just shy of ¼ mile more traveled. I’m very pleased, considering it took a lot to wake up and get moving this morning. I also did it with a doozy of a headache. Tomorrow should be a little easier… it’s with the trainers, but it’s at 7 AM. I’ll get some weight training in as well.

I’m really noticing an improvement in general cardiovascular health. My stair climbing has gotten easier, and while my ankles continue to hurt, my feet seem to be holding up under the onslaught. Touch wood. I’m crediting the moisture-wicking socks. Maybe I need to consider some kind of moisture-wicking shirt, because I always come off the treadmill looking like I came in out of a tropical deluge. Things to ponder.

The Academy Award nominees have been released as well. Leading the way is Lincoln (big surprise). As much as I want to see it, I’m really intrigued by Zero Dark Thirty. This might be the first time in years that I actually want to see some nominees. Interesting stuff.

Now, on to some political news.

As many readers know, I like to spend time excoriating our political leadership here in the USA. Therefore, I was greatly amused when Public Policy Polling did a survey of just how unpopular Congress is, it was found to be less popular than cockroaches, traffic jams, lice and Nickelback, and slightly more popular than two of the biggest scourges facing humanity today: Ebola and the Kardashians. Way to go, Congress… people like you more than Ebola, a hemorrhagic fever that kills some 70% of its victims and causes bleeding from every known orifice. Your parents must be SO proud of you.

I might add that Congress polls slightly ahead of Lindsay Lohan and telemarketers. They also pulled better numbers than gonorrhea. Talk about a gold standard for excellence. Woot!

For complete poll results, visit the Public Policy Polling website.

So, there you have it for today. More to come!

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8 going on 9

Posted: January 9, 2013 in Bariatric surgery, Disney, Goals, Physical activity, Stubby the Wonder Toe, Supportive Partner Woman, Walking, Weight loss
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Made it another day… was not an easy one, but I set a record for 2013 with over 47 minutes and 2.23 miles walked. I had to back off speed a bit, due to achy ankles, but I’m still proud of myself for getting that far. My average speed was 2.84 mph. The rest will come as the weight decreases.

I worry, though… I just feel that due to Stubby I can’t walk with the grace I used to walk. Surprised no one ever made a replacement toe bone. Maybe that could be my great contribution to science. Hmmm.

I’ve  been thinking long and hard, though, and I need to set a post-surgical goal. I realize that with my toe and other issues, I’ll never be physically able to run long distances, so a marathon is out.

I’m going to set my goal to participate in the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 5K.

There, I said it. I know it won’t be easy, especially for someone who would struggle to run the mile in high school (when I was in better shape), but I think it’s a reachable goal. Plus, I’ve gotten so much encouragement from the Disney fan community as I go through this process that I feel it’s a great way to pay it back and forward. To reward myself with a feeling of accomplishment and to pay back everyone who has supported me and encouraged me. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but they are my family as much as any blood relation. Logistics will be forthcoming, but I will keep you apprised and this will be the place to post the picture after I finish it.

twitterSo, yesterday was pretty cool, though. Not only did I find an error in a CNN.com story (yeah, not like they’re a reputable news source), I actually got to have a Twitter exchange with one of my favorite sportswriters. I just tweeted out that the CNN flunkie had gotten his name wrong (guess checking that fact would be a little too much effort) and sure enough, a reply. It was actually kind of cool. I’m not a huge Twitter fan, unlike SPW (lover of the hashtag!), but this might make me like it a little more.

At any rate, gotta go for day 9 in the morning. And I’m going to do it. Does that make me a probie gym rat?

Guess there are worse things.

Day 7

Posted: January 8, 2013 in Exercise, Walking, Weight loss
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Well, I’d say that Tuesday morning dawns bright and early, but that would imply that the sun has risen. Maybe not so much yet.

I’m dressed and ready to head for my appointment at the gym. I’ve even had a protein shake for breakfast, I’ve packed soup and yogurt for lunch, and Supportive Partner Woman has off tonight, so looks like buffalo sirloin for dinner. Then let the tearing down of Christmas commence.

As I was leaving for work yesterday, a lady from the neighborhood who walks her two dogs every morning stopped and asked where the singing penguins were this year. Seems that one of her dogs would always have to stop and bark at them. Found that to be kind of amusing.

So, now that I’ve made it seven straight days, I’m going to go for 10. If I make 10, then 14. Incremental steps is what it’s all about. I would love to make it every day for a whole year. Not sure that’s possible… Maybe some form of exercise every day for a whole year (and by exercise, I mean doing more than just walking around the house/office) would be more realistic. Between the possibility of foul weather, being out of town, or post-surgical limitations. After all, snow shoveling is good cardio as well.

Have a great day everyone.

I went to the gym! Twice! In two days!!!

Posted: December 10, 2012 in Exercise, Physical activity, Walking, Weight loss
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As the title says, I did it.

I dragged my tubby ass out of bed and went to the regular gym on Saturday and Sunday. I didn’t do any lifting… rather I just did some cardio. It felt pretty good to get some work in. There were no sightings of Gratuitously Naked Guy, either, so it was pretty much a win-win.

I had really dropped off the map in regards to training outside of my twice-weekly sessions with the boys. I could offer a whole host of excuses, but truth is that I wasn’t able to do any weight-bearing aerobic activity after the last blister, and I was afraid of getting another blister before the most recent trip. I think that the Boot of Shame on vacation would just suck most profusely.

I hit the treadmill both days. I was doing a pretty constant 2.8-3.0 mph, with variable inclines between 0% and 6% incline. I walked for around 40-45 minutes. Probably not difficult to those of you who are actually in shape. but for me, that’s a pretty good start.

I plan to keep up with it. Would be nice to do seven straight days. Let’s see how it goes.

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