Today I had an official weigh in and tickle session with my friendly gym instructor. Here's the big winner. When I was starting out in the broadcasting industry at 17, the manager believed in me and sent me off to broadcasting school with the advice "Stand tall, shoulders back" (He actually went on and won body building championships) but I have struggled with good posture all my life. My latest developments are that I look better because I appear better. My posture is improving and that is due to weight training and muscle gain.
I have been Sub 90 since April, with only a couple of weeks tipping the scales just over 90 by 100 grams or so which in itself is an achievement. Today I achieved a really good time for me to run 5km's. I am not sure if its a personal best but at 26.40 that is fast for me. The other benefits I have observed include football fitness. I am really enjoying football this year, and we are winning as a team. Instead of blowing after a run up-field, I can run up-field and then track back and tackle if I lose the ball. Truly astonishing. Sadly football finishes in a couple of weeks but I now have signed up to do a run called the Queen Charlotte Relay in the More FM team. This is a challenge in itself because you can't just jump off the treadmill when you want to and other people are relying on you to do your best. I can feel the jitters in my gym socks already.
So here are the stats:
Seems my fat displacement is moving or I am maybe even building muscle. Because my chest has grown, something a 14 year old girl would be proud of, and my biceps too. (kiss - kiss) My trunks have shrunk too which may be why I can run faster. A lot more work needs to go into my abdomen, back and tummy. Not looking forward to what I have to do for that. I have lost fat it seems everywhere except my calfs which are as tight as Bill English's budget. So all in all pleasing but room for improvement. Sounds like my school reports all over again.
Now, a new programme, a new focus and maybe some more weight loss. If that leads me to happiness then bring it on.
Pain is temporary. Glory is forever.
Weigh in 89.6 kg
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Old Habits Die Occasionally
It's been a while and since I have had so many comments that I am looking slim, and also the question have I kept it off? plus a request from my gym instructor to blog about my latest initiative that I write today.
Being slimmer than I have been since my teenage years has given me a real boost in happiness. The fact that people notice and comment is very rewarding. So if you are a little bigger than you know you should be there is some incentive for you. I have also never been fitter, as is the case of accidentally going for a couple of 10km runs that were initially supposed to be 30 minute jogs. You tend to get over the pain and those negative feelings after about 5 to 8 minutes and then you just go.
To the next point, have I kept it off? I can proudly say yes I have and have done so for 8 weeks! Now in saying that I have registered in the sub 89's but not on an official weigh in day...and today I weighed in at 89.3. That has meant that I have had to set myself some new goals. Now I have one one...its a little vague but its something I have detested all my life, but am willing to try.
I am now mixing my cardio with weights. I hate doing weights...it hurts...it makes me feel sick...if I go hard I hurt the next day...it makes me grumpy...the list goes on. But enough winging and whining...lets make it happen and that is just what I am doing now.
I have been doing it for just over a week and thankfully it has got easier, but I am still not enjoying it as much as a good cardio workout where I sweat and feel like I have actually achieved something. Why should you do weights? Well I am no P.E dude but apparently it helps burns fat for longer after your exercise. It strengthens what is practically the nuts and bolts of your body. It of course tones you and for me one of the major things I think it will help is posture. To help get through my workout I have set about blasting through my weights session and then finish off with a good cardio session. By that time I am warmed up and I start to perspire almost immediately giving me the satisfaction that I am definitely doing something good.
So what are my goals. Well Andrea, my gym instructor has given me a little programme which I work at but also gave me a good once over. She took measurements, and also looked at the amount of fat I am carrying. The object is to better these stats.
Well that is enough for now...wish me luck as I try and change these statistics. It is going to be hard as my gym time now has become even more limited with my current family situation...but its not going to stop me. The only thing that will stop me is death, and with what I am doing is delaying that inevitable.
Being slimmer than I have been since my teenage years has given me a real boost in happiness. The fact that people notice and comment is very rewarding. So if you are a little bigger than you know you should be there is some incentive for you. I have also never been fitter, as is the case of accidentally going for a couple of 10km runs that were initially supposed to be 30 minute jogs. You tend to get over the pain and those negative feelings after about 5 to 8 minutes and then you just go.
To the next point, have I kept it off? I can proudly say yes I have and have done so for 8 weeks! Now in saying that I have registered in the sub 89's but not on an official weigh in day...and today I weighed in at 89.3. That has meant that I have had to set myself some new goals. Now I have one one...its a little vague but its something I have detested all my life, but am willing to try.
I am now mixing my cardio with weights. I hate doing weights...it hurts...it makes me feel sick...if I go hard I hurt the next day...it makes me grumpy...the list goes on. But enough winging and whining...lets make it happen and that is just what I am doing now.
I have been doing it for just over a week and thankfully it has got easier, but I am still not enjoying it as much as a good cardio workout where I sweat and feel like I have actually achieved something. Why should you do weights? Well I am no P.E dude but apparently it helps burns fat for longer after your exercise. It strengthens what is practically the nuts and bolts of your body. It of course tones you and for me one of the major things I think it will help is posture. To help get through my workout I have set about blasting through my weights session and then finish off with a good cardio session. By that time I am warmed up and I start to perspire almost immediately giving me the satisfaction that I am definitely doing something good.
So what are my goals. Well Andrea, my gym instructor has given me a little programme which I work at but also gave me a good once over. She took measurements, and also looked at the amount of fat I am carrying. The object is to better these stats.
Well that is enough for now...wish me luck as I try and change these statistics. It is going to be hard as my gym time now has become even more limited with my current family situation...but its not going to stop me. The only thing that will stop me is death, and with what I am doing is delaying that inevitable.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Method to Weight Loss for Free
Project Sub 90
How it worked.
Set your goal! My goal was to get to under 90kgs
Time –Don’t worry about a time limit. You put yourself under too much pressure if you do.
You should not need to spend any money. The only investment I made was to get a gym membership ($100 for 3 months ) and eventually I bought a pair of bike shorts but more on that later.
The best way to attack it is with what you eat and exercise. Let’s look at food first.
Plan your meals. I mapped out what I was going to eat in the week. So dinners were all written down with the flexibility of which day I ate what. This also helped budgeting. The best meal that I had before weigh in day was chicken and salad wraps. I really didn’t change what I ate for dinner; I just ate less of it. Portion control.
I am sucker for sweet food and because I can be gluttonous, I limited my treats to one a day. The treats I use to have in the day time were replaced with fruit or healthy alternatives.In fact I tried to take this one step further and tried not to have treats in the house, because I would keep going to them until they were finished. I also found that nuts were really good just before going to the gym for the energy. Although apparently a honey sammy and a cup of coffee are really good before you do some serious cardio work.
My toughest time was at Christmas where everyone was getting on it, out and about but I guess I never over indulged because I was focused on my goal. Now a tip for you before your weigh ins. Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a commoner and eat dinner like a pauper. The other best piece of weight loss propaganda is don’t eat carbs after 2pm. Bet you can’t though.
Now with exercise you just need to do it, get into the habit of doing it because if you do and you choose to skip it, you will miss it and your body will it. You should do something you enjoy and it doesn’t matter what it is just as long as your heart rate goes above 110 bpm to about 150bpm. But then everybody’s bodies are different so that’s an example that should suit most people.
The longer you spend doing exercise the quicker the results. I tried to go hard for an hour each time and probably did it four times a week. The best for me is running. However cross trainer and the stepper featured a little too. But it’s also good to have a challenge for a fitness goal. My Strait to Strait challenge of biking from Picton to Bluff is a good example. 952 kms on the bike and I have only 82 to go. This has been awesome, and I have been able to lose yet another kg. In fact my personal best is 43.02km in an hour…this is on a spin bike.
Make your weigh ins a weekly appointment, all at the same time, same scales, same place you weigh yourself. I have found writing a blog has been worthwhile. I did it for my own benefits, but I have had lots of feedback from it and that has kept me going. So again thank you to those that have helped.
It has been nearly a month after achieving my Sub 90, and I’m proud to say that I have kept it off and my lowest figure on the scales has been 88.9kg.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Crossing the Line
Throw the confetti, slap me on the back, buy me a drink, compliment my figure, you are free to do what you want because I have achieved my goal.
This week after the commencement of the Strait to Strait cycle challenge I rode 223 km's in just shy of 7 hours. (I am not winning though which is a prick in the waterbed bladder) I had only 2 beers all week and I was determined that this week was the week. Plus the fact football season has commenced I feel as though I can last 90 minutes with ease, and the fact is I am no longer carrying a backpack full of fat I can run faster.
So the biggest challenges were enticing food. I cut down big time on snacks, simply by not having them in the house. Because if they were there I would eat em. My portion sizes are definitely smaller and if I sit down to eat a huge meal now I just feel ill afterwards. My diet changed a lot actually, for example instead of toasted cheese and ham sammies, I have poached eggs on toast. Perfect!
Time was a big factor, and it just meant with the two babies I just had to plan in advance gym visits. I made sure I went regularly and totally concentrated on cardio exercises, because weights are boring and make me feel sick.
I apologise for being so graphic here but it is good to see the difference it has made.
There are quite a few I'd like to thank. My gym buddies for keeping me amused and encouraging me who are Andrea, Hogginator, Chris M and Chris W, Marty, LJ. All my friends who posted messages of support on FB, Alastair, Lachlan, B, Carlene, Jo, Aaron, Kathy, Frida, Marty, Nicola, Cheesy, Danny, Nic, Wade, Monique, Chris, Carly, Tom, Darren, Darrin, Annette, Drew, Ruth, Maria, Raewyn, Julie, Rosie, Rob, Lisa.
But my family has been very supportive, mum and dad of course, my brother Dayle and my wonderful wife has had to put up with me, my moods, my diet, time away at the gym and without her this would not have been possible. And I guess it was Het that inspired me to do this, so babe I thank you.
So what now? Good question. I guess trying to keep it off..oh and the cycle challenge.
Start weight: 101kg
Last weigh in 90.8kg
TODAY 89.7 KG
This week after the commencement of the Strait to Strait cycle challenge I rode 223 km's in just shy of 7 hours. (I am not winning though which is a prick in the waterbed bladder) I had only 2 beers all week and I was determined that this week was the week. Plus the fact football season has commenced I feel as though I can last 90 minutes with ease, and the fact is I am no longer carrying a backpack full of fat I can run faster.
So the biggest challenges were enticing food. I cut down big time on snacks, simply by not having them in the house. Because if they were there I would eat em. My portion sizes are definitely smaller and if I sit down to eat a huge meal now I just feel ill afterwards. My diet changed a lot actually, for example instead of toasted cheese and ham sammies, I have poached eggs on toast. Perfect!
Time was a big factor, and it just meant with the two babies I just had to plan in advance gym visits. I made sure I went regularly and totally concentrated on cardio exercises, because weights are boring and make me feel sick.
I apologise for being so graphic here but it is good to see the difference it has made.
There are quite a few I'd like to thank. My gym buddies for keeping me amused and encouraging me who are Andrea, Hogginator, Chris M and Chris W, Marty, LJ. All my friends who posted messages of support on FB, Alastair, Lachlan, B, Carlene, Jo, Aaron, Kathy, Frida, Marty, Nicola, Cheesy, Danny, Nic, Wade, Monique, Chris, Carly, Tom, Darren, Darrin, Annette, Drew, Ruth, Maria, Raewyn, Julie, Rosie, Rob, Lisa.
But my family has been very supportive, mum and dad of course, my brother Dayle and my wonderful wife has had to put up with me, my moods, my diet, time away at the gym and without her this would not have been possible. And I guess it was Het that inspired me to do this, so babe I thank you.
So what now? Good question. I guess trying to keep it off..oh and the cycle challenge.
Start weight: 101kg
Last weigh in 90.8kg
TODAY 89.7 KG
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Cup of Wee
I knew the final 1000 grams was going to be tough and I hope for my sake that the two week cycle that seems to have occurred in my project comes to fruition and I show real progress on the last stint next week. But for the week just gone, let me tell you how I got on.
I guess I did celebrate the fact that I was under 91kgs last week and had since lost 10kg's. This meant a couple of days holiday from the gym. But that was strategic because my next big goal has started. The Strait to Strait Cycle Challenge.Yep, from Cook to Foveaux on a spin bike. It is a race mind you and the competition is fierce and might end up out in the carpark gloves off style. So two days into that and on the first day I travelled 29.01km in an hour which is the time limit per day allowance for all competitors and today I managed to stretch that out to 29.23km. This fanatical gym lady completed 38km today, and that is just unreal. It must have been no resistance at all, and if that's my case, I bounce around like a little rubber ball which if you land wrong hurts some other little balls.
My eating has been pretty good, and I have noticed that portion sizes have become smaller and that has become habitual which is a good thing. I did however make an apple crumble to use the apples from our golden delicious apple tree. Why do my apple crumbles never come out as good as my Nana's? Well truth be known as I just spoke to her, she guesses the ingredients and if its measured uses the term ounces. I thought the only thing these days that were measured in ounces were green and usually go up in smoke.
Oh well, what did I lose this week? Let me show you.
Yes, a cup off wee.
Start Weight 101kgs
Last week 90.9kgs
Today 90.8kgs.
I guess I did celebrate the fact that I was under 91kgs last week and had since lost 10kg's. This meant a couple of days holiday from the gym. But that was strategic because my next big goal has started. The Strait to Strait Cycle Challenge.Yep, from Cook to Foveaux on a spin bike. It is a race mind you and the competition is fierce and might end up out in the carpark gloves off style. So two days into that and on the first day I travelled 29.01km in an hour which is the time limit per day allowance for all competitors and today I managed to stretch that out to 29.23km. This fanatical gym lady completed 38km today, and that is just unreal. It must have been no resistance at all, and if that's my case, I bounce around like a little rubber ball which if you land wrong hurts some other little balls.
My eating has been pretty good, and I have noticed that portion sizes have become smaller and that has become habitual which is a good thing. I did however make an apple crumble to use the apples from our golden delicious apple tree. Why do my apple crumbles never come out as good as my Nana's? Well truth be known as I just spoke to her, she guesses the ingredients and if its measured uses the term ounces. I thought the only thing these days that were measured in ounces were green and usually go up in smoke.
Oh well, what did I lose this week? Let me show you.
Yes, a cup off wee.
Start Weight 101kgs
Last week 90.9kgs
Today 90.8kgs.
Monday, March 21, 2011
1000 Grams
After my abysmal abuse of my body the week of my birthday, I tried to make up for it this week. After stuffing pizza, KFC, fizzy drink and alcohol into my feeding tube ballooning my weight out of proportion, I certainly burnt that off with some pretty solid exercise for the week. In fact I have signed up to another challenge.
I intend doing the "Straight to Straight" In our gym we have a few spin bikes and I never liked riding them because you never knew how far you went, or speed you were travelling. Well they now have their own computers. I love having goals so I have made this one of them. So starting from the 28th March I intend to bike 952 kms from Cook Straight to Foveaux Straight. I reckon this will take 36 hours of biking at an average of 25km p/h. I will keep you posted.
This week I think I went to the gym 5 times with an hour of cardio each time. I am now wearing a heart rate monitor just to keep me motivated. I also unintentionally ran 10kms which according to the monitor was too much for me. I should be exercising with a heart rate of 110 - 147 BPM. I averaged 150 when I did the run so I think my fitness has dramatically improved.
My food all week has been very good and especially this weekend. I never indulged in anything over the top. So to the weigh in...and this makes for very good reading.
Start weight : 101kgs
Last Weigh in 15th March: 93.2 kg
Today: 90.9 kg
1000 grams to go! Maybe I could do this in a fortnight....we will see.
I intend doing the "Straight to Straight" In our gym we have a few spin bikes and I never liked riding them because you never knew how far you went, or speed you were travelling. Well they now have their own computers. I love having goals so I have made this one of them. So starting from the 28th March I intend to bike 952 kms from Cook Straight to Foveaux Straight. I reckon this will take 36 hours of biking at an average of 25km p/h. I will keep you posted.
This week I think I went to the gym 5 times with an hour of cardio each time. I am now wearing a heart rate monitor just to keep me motivated. I also unintentionally ran 10kms which according to the monitor was too much for me. I should be exercising with a heart rate of 110 - 147 BPM. I averaged 150 when I did the run so I think my fitness has dramatically improved.
My food all week has been very good and especially this weekend. I never indulged in anything over the top. So to the weigh in...and this makes for very good reading.
Start weight : 101kgs
Last Weigh in 15th March: 93.2 kg
Today: 90.9 kg
1000 grams to go! Maybe I could do this in a fortnight....we will see.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Carbo Load and Figures
Carbo loading is not the best idea, especially if you want a really good result come weigh in day. But I will come to that momentarily.
Last week was of course monumental with the birth of Blake, but this week there was something just as monumental occurring. Yes I had a birthday and it really pushed the scales up, much to my amusement.
But last week through good time management and a very understanding and supportive wife, I forced my self to the gym while Dylan (baby 1) was sleeping so Het had only Blake to worry about. Now I have also figured out some other figures. My height is 181cm. I wanted to know because I wanted to work out what my heart rate should be to maximise my gym time. It turns out for my age (nothing to do with height or weight, not very scientific aye?) I need to be between 110 and 147 beats per minute. So with the help of a heart rate monitor my average heart rate through out exercise is 125 bpm. So I'm doing well there.
Now I love to celebrate my birthday. However what use to be a month of celebration in the 20's has become weeks in my early 30's but now it just seems like its the weekend. So I spoilt myself, through my stomach. I had a bottle of wine (ok maybe 2 over the whole weekend) I had an ice cream, a packet of Heartland Potato Chips, a Kit Kat or two. And then on my birthday I over indulged in pizza and then got a little carried away with KFC. But it was my birthday, however what happened next put me over the top.
Because Het just gave birth some very kind people have been giving us flowers, some balloons, some more flowers, some clothes but some have been giving us food. A very good friend of Het's gave us this amazing Lasagna. It was massive but we could not waste such a gift so I ate it, then had some more, and then finished it. Talk about Carbs...pasta, pizza and chocolate plus that bottle of fizzy drink which I don't normally do that came with the KFC I have really gone and screwed up. Here's the stats.
Start weight: 101kgs
Last Weigh in: 92.0 kgs
This morning : 93.2kgs
Don't worry, I almost fasted today, and ate properly so tomorrow it will be closer to last weeks figure. Well it better be otherwise I am booking a one way ticket to Ethiopia.
Last week was of course monumental with the birth of Blake, but this week there was something just as monumental occurring. Yes I had a birthday and it really pushed the scales up, much to my amusement.
But last week through good time management and a very understanding and supportive wife, I forced my self to the gym while Dylan (baby 1) was sleeping so Het had only Blake to worry about. Now I have also figured out some other figures. My height is 181cm. I wanted to know because I wanted to work out what my heart rate should be to maximise my gym time. It turns out for my age (nothing to do with height or weight, not very scientific aye?) I need to be between 110 and 147 beats per minute. So with the help of a heart rate monitor my average heart rate through out exercise is 125 bpm. So I'm doing well there.
Now I love to celebrate my birthday. However what use to be a month of celebration in the 20's has become weeks in my early 30's but now it just seems like its the weekend. So I spoilt myself, through my stomach. I had a bottle of wine (ok maybe 2 over the whole weekend) I had an ice cream, a packet of Heartland Potato Chips, a Kit Kat or two. And then on my birthday I over indulged in pizza and then got a little carried away with KFC. But it was my birthday, however what happened next put me over the top.
Because Het just gave birth some very kind people have been giving us flowers, some balloons, some more flowers, some clothes but some have been giving us food. A very good friend of Het's gave us this amazing Lasagna. It was massive but we could not waste such a gift so I ate it, then had some more, and then finished it. Talk about Carbs...pasta, pizza and chocolate plus that bottle of fizzy drink which I don't normally do that came with the KFC I have really gone and screwed up. Here's the stats.
Start weight: 101kgs
Last Weigh in: 92.0 kgs
This morning : 93.2kgs
Don't worry, I almost fasted today, and ate properly so tomorrow it will be closer to last weeks figure. Well it better be otherwise I am booking a one way ticket to Ethiopia.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
9 Down 2.1 To Go
It's been a monumental week in my life. Although in terms of weight loss unfortunately my beautiful wonderful wife lost more than me. While I had a significant loss in terms of what I am trying to achieve, she lost over 4 kgs in one moment. Giving birth would do that to you I guess. Yes, we had another baby this week with Blake William Kirby coming into the world weighing in at 3.68 kgs. It puts our 1st born Dylan into perspective who is struggling to get to 11kgs in 19months. He was such a lightweight but now....well featherweight perhaps.
So I had to get in most my exercise in times where if labour began I would get there in time to play husband. So last week I was very well organised and my sessions in the gym were strategic, but I did not give up. However I thought my relapse in the weekend would have let me down. Yes I had the weekend off...and I even celebrated with take-out and a few treats including my favourites Rashuns and Ice Cream. I think because I have dropped some of my bad eating habits, when I indulge in food like Rashuns I feel a little ill afterwards. Blake arrived on a Saturday, but it wasn't till Sunday till I tasted alcohol with a nice Stoneleigh Pinot Gris (only a glass or two mind you)
So yes, I am back on track. Lets have a look at those Statistics.
Start Weight 101kg
Last Weigh in 92.7 kg
This morning 92.0 kg
I do have a little problem, we have been getting gifts of flowers, cards, balloons but who ever dropped off that delicious cake this morning...damn you...its bloody good.
So I had to get in most my exercise in times where if labour began I would get there in time to play husband. So last week I was very well organised and my sessions in the gym were strategic, but I did not give up. However I thought my relapse in the weekend would have let me down. Yes I had the weekend off...and I even celebrated with take-out and a few treats including my favourites Rashuns and Ice Cream. I think because I have dropped some of my bad eating habits, when I indulge in food like Rashuns I feel a little ill afterwards. Blake arrived on a Saturday, but it wasn't till Sunday till I tasted alcohol with a nice Stoneleigh Pinot Gris (only a glass or two mind you)
So yes, I am back on track. Lets have a look at those Statistics.
Start Weight 101kg
Last Weigh in 92.7 kg
This morning 92.0 kg
I do have a little problem, we have been getting gifts of flowers, cards, balloons but who ever dropped off that delicious cake this morning...damn you...its bloody good.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
What's with the Chisel? I need a Jack-hammer
I worked very hard all week. I went to the gym 5 out of the 7 days. I did plenty of cardio work while there.
I only had 2 stubbies of beer all week. I even chose a healthy takeout option when we had no food in the house, so why the bloody hell was my result not as good as I had hoped?
I have to admit I am applying myself at the gym very well these days, not at all like my school reports ever suggested. Somedays even going over an hours worth of cardio workout. Not doing the same thing all the time and pushing myself. Even my gym instructor commented that he could feel the energy from me after I had removed myself dripping from the cross trainer. But it seems its not enough.
My food was good all week, although maybe the amount of bread I consumed in the last few days before weigh in had something to do with it. Something I will endeavour to curb this week to see if it makes a difference. Come Sunday night, after a great day DJing at Music in the Park, I actually got myself down to the gym. Knowing there was no food in the house I gave us the green light to get takeout. I could choose from KFC (my favourite) McDonalds, Fish and Chips, Curry, Chinese, Kebab...but I eventually went to Subway.
Now my Subway experience was ok...getting to create a masterpiece full of salads...but eating healthy comes at a cost. I could have got away with spending just over 10 bucks getting Fish and Chips but Subway set us back $20. I would eat more of it if it was cheaper. So come on Subway...do the world a favour and charge less than my car's alternator.
So yes, I have to admit I am very disappointed with my results this week, so lets see those figures.
Start Weigh in: 101kg
2 weeks ago: 92.7 kg
Last week 93.0 kg
Today 92.7 kg
I haven't gone anywhere in two weeks! Now I'm thinking scalpel and vacuum cleaner.
I only had 2 stubbies of beer all week. I even chose a healthy takeout option when we had no food in the house, so why the bloody hell was my result not as good as I had hoped?
I have to admit I am applying myself at the gym very well these days, not at all like my school reports ever suggested. Somedays even going over an hours worth of cardio workout. Not doing the same thing all the time and pushing myself. Even my gym instructor commented that he could feel the energy from me after I had removed myself dripping from the cross trainer. But it seems its not enough.
My food was good all week, although maybe the amount of bread I consumed in the last few days before weigh in had something to do with it. Something I will endeavour to curb this week to see if it makes a difference. Come Sunday night, after a great day DJing at Music in the Park, I actually got myself down to the gym. Knowing there was no food in the house I gave us the green light to get takeout. I could choose from KFC (my favourite) McDonalds, Fish and Chips, Curry, Chinese, Kebab...but I eventually went to Subway.
Now my Subway experience was ok...getting to create a masterpiece full of salads...but eating healthy comes at a cost. I could have got away with spending just over 10 bucks getting Fish and Chips but Subway set us back $20. I would eat more of it if it was cheaper. So come on Subway...do the world a favour and charge less than my car's alternator.
So yes, I have to admit I am very disappointed with my results this week, so lets see those figures.
Start Weigh in: 101kg
2 weeks ago: 92.7 kg
Last week 93.0 kg
Today 92.7 kg
I haven't gone anywhere in two weeks! Now I'm thinking scalpel and vacuum cleaner.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Thanks to Christchurch I could not carry on.
6.3 Magnitude and only 5km deep. I was on the treadmill when it happened was aghast. Then I went to the stepper and footage on TV showed they were carrying out lifeless bodies from buildings. There were people on stretches, and walking wounded with blood trickling down their battered faces. I felt sick, so I could not continue. I had to go home to be with my family and watch the event unfold on TV.
So when I reflect on how hard my challenge is, I cannot begin to imagine the challenges that people of Christchurch have faced and are now facing again.
So this week was a good week until Friday. It was like a middle order battling collapse. It was a trip to the supermarket, walking out with treats. Somehow I need to curb this trend, because it certainly undoes all the good work I have done. I have stretched my workouts even longer as this is great way to burn more calories than my intake. I must say, I am enjoying Squash. Apparently it is one sport that uses the most kilojoules just under boxing I believe.
I'm sorry but its hard to concentrate with all the news coming out of Christchurch so here's my stats. My thoughts and prayers go out to all in Canterbury.
Start weight 101kg
Last weigh in 92.7kg
Today's weigh in 93kg
2 ice creams, 1 large packet of rashuns, 1 pizza, 1 large packet of heartland chips, 3 beers, 1 bottle of wine, 1 moro bar - I'm sorry but you all have to go!
So when I reflect on how hard my challenge is, I cannot begin to imagine the challenges that people of Christchurch have faced and are now facing again.
So this week was a good week until Friday. It was like a middle order battling collapse. It was a trip to the supermarket, walking out with treats. Somehow I need to curb this trend, because it certainly undoes all the good work I have done. I have stretched my workouts even longer as this is great way to burn more calories than my intake. I must say, I am enjoying Squash. Apparently it is one sport that uses the most kilojoules just under boxing I believe.
I'm sorry but its hard to concentrate with all the news coming out of Christchurch so here's my stats. My thoughts and prayers go out to all in Canterbury.
Start weight 101kg
Last weigh in 92.7kg
Today's weigh in 93kg
2 ice creams, 1 large packet of rashuns, 1 pizza, 1 large packet of heartland chips, 3 beers, 1 bottle of wine, 1 moro bar - I'm sorry but you all have to go!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Gut Wrenching
After my huge blowout last week, thanks to mans nectar (beer) and the sweet nectar (ice cream) I went in this week to right the wrong.
At this point in time I just want to reflect on a couple of things people have said to help my motivation and inspire me. I thank those of you who have offered this help and also to those who have pushed me along. My gym buddies have been a great help. Chris told me the secret to losing weight from his body for life challenge was to exercise for longer, instead of short intensive bursts. I have taken this on and believe it may be the best contributor to today's results. At the very start I was told to eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like the middle class and eat dinner like a pauper. Can't remember who told me that but I have taken that on board to a degree. There are the 2 Andrea's...one at the gym who told me that I should be doing weights...and the one that runs me ragged around a squash court. There is the Hogginator who keeps challenging me to brutal physical challenges who today told me I would be the death of him. Why? Because I went on and beat the 500 calorie challenge on the cross trainer. His 1st effort was 29:30, I smashed it with 27:33 he then went and impressively did a 25:50 to today I nearly left my guts on the floor with a 25:00. Andrea has told Hoggy if he attempts to beat it, she is not cleaning up his puke.
There is my mum of course but I need to thank my wife...even though there has been the odd nasty items of food in the house...she has been a constant support. I sound as though I have accomplished my goal....no, but I thought if I shared my gratitude I might get even more help knowing there would be something in return.
So today was weigh in day and I am pleased to write I have done very well. I wont blab any more..I'll give you the figures...ask if you can hit "follow this blog" because that gives me a huge boost.
Start weight 101 kg
Last weigh in 94.8kg
Todays weigh in 92.7 kg
At this point in time I just want to reflect on a couple of things people have said to help my motivation and inspire me. I thank those of you who have offered this help and also to those who have pushed me along. My gym buddies have been a great help. Chris told me the secret to losing weight from his body for life challenge was to exercise for longer, instead of short intensive bursts. I have taken this on and believe it may be the best contributor to today's results. At the very start I was told to eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like the middle class and eat dinner like a pauper. Can't remember who told me that but I have taken that on board to a degree. There are the 2 Andrea's...one at the gym who told me that I should be doing weights...and the one that runs me ragged around a squash court. There is the Hogginator who keeps challenging me to brutal physical challenges who today told me I would be the death of him. Why? Because I went on and beat the 500 calorie challenge on the cross trainer. His 1st effort was 29:30, I smashed it with 27:33 he then went and impressively did a 25:50 to today I nearly left my guts on the floor with a 25:00. Andrea has told Hoggy if he attempts to beat it, she is not cleaning up his puke.
There is my mum of course but I need to thank my wife...even though there has been the odd nasty items of food in the house...she has been a constant support. I sound as though I have accomplished my goal....no, but I thought if I shared my gratitude I might get even more help knowing there would be something in return.
So today was weigh in day and I am pleased to write I have done very well. I wont blab any more..I'll give you the figures...ask if you can hit "follow this blog" because that gives me a huge boost.
Start weight 101 kg
Last weigh in 94.8kg
Todays weigh in 92.7 kg
Monday, February 7, 2011
Seems Beer is Not the Answer
A devastating week left me metamorphically deflated but not shocked when I jumped on the scales this morning. Last weeks efforts were not too bad. Gym Tuesday, a football kick around in 30 degree heat on Wednesday. Thursday was squash and maybe that proved to be the turning point. Last week I managed to sweep the floor, this week in one game I was dumped on my backside. Great fun though. Friday was a day off but a 5km walk swinging a golf club I considered exercise and then Saturday I smashed a challenge.
At the gym there is this certain cross trainer. My challenge set by my gym buddy was to burn 500 calories in half an hour. When he did it he said he felt sick, coughed up some blood and made a big deal about it. I wasn't feeling the best but went for it. It's almost like burning 17 calories a minute to complete this challenge. But I went hard and smashed it. 500 calories in 27:33. But thats the last piece of exercise I have done before this mornings weigh in.
Now this is where I think I have fallen over. Thursday after squash... a couple of beers...Friday after golf...a couple of beers and one for the road...Saturday after smashing my challenge...a couple of beers and then maybe a six pack more...Sunday evening, after the hottest day of the year...a couple of beers...last night and hosting a BBQ for a friend living in the UK...a couple of beers. You can predict what has happened.
Yes...I have seemed to have put on 1.5 kg in a week. So that's it...less beer. I wont go as far as being "On the Wagon" but I will be very careful now.
Incidentally, There is an old Hotel/Pub in Marble Arch, London , which used to have a gallows adjacent to it. Prisoners were taken to the gallows, (after a fair trial of course) to be hung. The horse drawn dray, carting the prisoner, was accompanied by an armed guard, who would stop the dray outside the pub and ask the prisoner if he would like ''ONE LAST DRINK''. If he said YES, it was referred to as "ONE FOR THE ROAD"
If he declined, that prisoner was "ON THE WAGON"
At the gym there is this certain cross trainer. My challenge set by my gym buddy was to burn 500 calories in half an hour. When he did it he said he felt sick, coughed up some blood and made a big deal about it. I wasn't feeling the best but went for it. It's almost like burning 17 calories a minute to complete this challenge. But I went hard and smashed it. 500 calories in 27:33. But thats the last piece of exercise I have done before this mornings weigh in.
Now this is where I think I have fallen over. Thursday after squash... a couple of beers...Friday after golf...a couple of beers and one for the road...Saturday after smashing my challenge...a couple of beers and then maybe a six pack more...Sunday evening, after the hottest day of the year...a couple of beers...last night and hosting a BBQ for a friend living in the UK...a couple of beers. You can predict what has happened.
Yes...I have seemed to have put on 1.5 kg in a week. So that's it...less beer. I wont go as far as being "On the Wagon" but I will be very careful now.
Incidentally, There is an old Hotel/Pub in Marble Arch, London , which used to have a gallows adjacent to it. Prisoners were taken to the gallows, (after a fair trial of course) to be hung. The horse drawn dray, carting the prisoner, was accompanied by an armed guard, who would stop the dray outside the pub and ask the prisoner if he would like ''ONE LAST DRINK''. If he said YES, it was referred to as "ONE FOR THE ROAD"
If he declined, that prisoner was "ON THE WAGON"
Start weight 101kg 1st November 2010
Last Weigh in 93.3 kg
Today 94.8 kg
This week I will be looking for redemption...however I do have a plan of attack in mind If I dont succeed.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Flock of Seagulls
I Ran - Flock of Seagulls. Have you heard the song? It's a classic. But for not only a great song but something I achieved yesterday with little or no discomfort. Which for me is great news because I thought the forth coming football season was in serious jeopardy. I am not out of the woods yet but am definitely on the road to the fair.
One of the highlights occurred last week when I took to the squash court with one of Marlborough's best golfers, known for her competitive streak. Although I wiped her off the floor I was advantaged because of the type of ball we were using. A blue dot which meant it bounces like a bad cheque. I was pleased though to come through that unscathed and happy. She did however then kick me at Wii tennis and rubbed it in like a chloroform soaked cloth.
So my exercise was good, my eating was also good even being commented on. At a BBQ a friend commented on my "delicate serving". There are no treats in the house, which my poor wife is struggling to handle, however the fruit and water I am consuming would make a Nelsonian hippy feel right at home.
So stats: Start weight 101kg
Last weigh in 94.2
Today 93.3
Looks like I'm on track, just like Thomas the Tank Engine which is more or less what I looked like when I took this challenge on.
One of the highlights occurred last week when I took to the squash court with one of Marlborough's best golfers, known for her competitive streak. Although I wiped her off the floor I was advantaged because of the type of ball we were using. A blue dot which meant it bounces like a bad cheque. I was pleased though to come through that unscathed and happy. She did however then kick me at Wii tennis and rubbed it in like a chloroform soaked cloth.
So my exercise was good, my eating was also good even being commented on. At a BBQ a friend commented on my "delicate serving". There are no treats in the house, which my poor wife is struggling to handle, however the fruit and water I am consuming would make a Nelsonian hippy feel right at home.
So stats: Start weight 101kg
Last weigh in 94.2
Today 93.3
Looks like I'm on track, just like Thomas the Tank Engine which is more or less what I looked like when I took this challenge on.
Monday, January 24, 2011
At the Foot of the Problem
Firstly, who in their right mind would want to look at feet all their working life. Oh yes, lets have a look at your Bunion. By golly you have a lot of jam in those toes, mind if I make myself a piece of toast? Well I am heading to my first session (and hopefully last at $50 a pop) at the podiatrist later today. However he has given me some good advise already so I'm hoping a fix will be in the mix. Better be because its almost time to start kicking a football Van Dar Vart style.
I have yet to start running but have taken to the cross trainer like a sweat crazed failed aerobics instructor. I need to put a lot more time in at the gym but I have been doing a bit of work lately and had little time to go. However when I did they were pretty long stints and that may have helped towards my weight today after my weigh in. Plus with the amount of work I have been doing I have been eating lightly. Plus there are no treats in the house (after I polished last ice cream in the freezer) but I found a new like. Het bought a Pineapple and sliced it all up and left it in the fridge. So every time I felt hungry and gravitated towards the fridge I ate some of that chilled tasty yellow flesh of my favourite tropical fruit. Otherwise I tried to contain my hunger with some nuts. OK they were Cashews and probably not the best but hey, you still gotta like what you eat.
So, I am slightly pleased with todays reading, even though I am not happy about how I am feeling. Pretty run down still fending off a cold with my outstreched arms while trying to look after my boy and keep my pregnant wife happy. Its a difficult cocktail of life. So I designed a little graph to map out my Project Sub 90 path so lets have a look.

Well you can clearly see the weight is coming off, but notice there is a bit to do before I hit that 90 mark.
Start weight 101 kg
Last Weigh in 95.4
Today 94.2kg
Next goal...to get under 94. Catch you next week.
I have yet to start running but have taken to the cross trainer like a sweat crazed failed aerobics instructor. I need to put a lot more time in at the gym but I have been doing a bit of work lately and had little time to go. However when I did they were pretty long stints and that may have helped towards my weight today after my weigh in. Plus with the amount of work I have been doing I have been eating lightly. Plus there are no treats in the house (after I polished last ice cream in the freezer) but I found a new like. Het bought a Pineapple and sliced it all up and left it in the fridge. So every time I felt hungry and gravitated towards the fridge I ate some of that chilled tasty yellow flesh of my favourite tropical fruit. Otherwise I tried to contain my hunger with some nuts. OK they were Cashews and probably not the best but hey, you still gotta like what you eat.
So, I am slightly pleased with todays reading, even though I am not happy about how I am feeling. Pretty run down still fending off a cold with my outstreched arms while trying to look after my boy and keep my pregnant wife happy. Its a difficult cocktail of life. So I designed a little graph to map out my Project Sub 90 path so lets have a look.

Well you can clearly see the weight is coming off, but notice there is a bit to do before I hit that 90 mark.
Start weight 101 kg
Last Weigh in 95.4
Today 94.2kg
Next goal...to get under 94. Catch you next week.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Rocky Road...well if its in my fridge
Some serious mental diffusions have occurred recently. I am now on the hard rocky road to success but I am not about to give up. I have created some stress for myself over this and that is compounded by a few issues.
Firstly, this bloody Plantar Fasciitis! I have yet to see the foot doc about it, however I have been taking steps (excuse the pun) to limit the pain. I have visited our local sports shop and bought a good pair of runners. Not only that I have been rolling my foot over a frozen Powerade bottle and that seems to be giving me some comfort. But all this means is that I am not running, so I am not seeing the results on the scales.
Also there has been far to much comfort food going on. Truth be told I would consider myself run down. Stressing over the fact that if I can't run properly with a good amount of fitness my football season is in jeopardy. Plus the fact the baby is nearly here. Thankfully my baby bump is far smaller than Hetty's.
So what am I going to do? Well increase the level and time on low impact cardio till I see the foot doc. And also make sure there is no bad food in the house. Because if its there I act as a little naughty mouse and sneak it into my belly. So that's it. I'm not going to buy ice cream or chocolate. I am going to have very little of the banana cake I made today...I'm going to try and cut it all out just like how I started at. Heres the sad stat for you.
Start 101kg
Last weigh in 18th 95.0kg
Today 95.4 kg
Someone kick me please.
Firstly, this bloody Plantar Fasciitis! I have yet to see the foot doc about it, however I have been taking steps (excuse the pun) to limit the pain. I have visited our local sports shop and bought a good pair of runners. Not only that I have been rolling my foot over a frozen Powerade bottle and that seems to be giving me some comfort. But all this means is that I am not running, so I am not seeing the results on the scales.
Also there has been far to much comfort food going on. Truth be told I would consider myself run down. Stressing over the fact that if I can't run properly with a good amount of fitness my football season is in jeopardy. Plus the fact the baby is nearly here. Thankfully my baby bump is far smaller than Hetty's.
So what am I going to do? Well increase the level and time on low impact cardio till I see the foot doc. And also make sure there is no bad food in the house. Because if its there I act as a little naughty mouse and sneak it into my belly. So that's it. I'm not going to buy ice cream or chocolate. I am going to have very little of the banana cake I made today...I'm going to try and cut it all out just like how I started at. Heres the sad stat for you.
Start 101kg
Last weigh in 18th 95.0kg
Today 95.4 kg
Someone kick me please.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Wobbles
I have some (wobbles) when I run like a Baywatch life guard and because I'm a man, this is of some concern. I have not weighed in for some time because of the season and I've been scared stiff to do it, but I behaved so well over Christmas. I went for two runs which were painful, more on that later, and although I had a wee bit to drink every night I did not have any deserts. Now that is commitment!
My runs included running up to the light house at Castlepoint. My intention was to time it and then try and beat it every day from the same starting point. But when I did it on the 1st day my time was 12 minutes 25, and I didn't think I could beat that so I didn't do it again plus I was in a bit of agony. Christmas for me was average...too many tears for my liking.
Now over New Years it was different and this is when the wheels nearly fell off. I was still in some pain when I tried to do some exercise so there was little of that going on. But my parents came up for a visit and is was a great time. All we did was drink and eat. We ate very well mind you, all the best and freshest food you could imagine. Because I missed out on a Pav for Christmas we thought we would make up for it on New Years. So we bought one...and it was delicious. Not as good as mums home made ones but it was great. I had to eat most of it mind you, but I knew I was heading for trouble on the scales after it.
Now my pain. It was my heel and every time after exercise it was like I was walking on glass on my left heel. It was so painful. I did a 5km run and couldn't stand on it with out agony for a day. After talking to mum it sounds like I have a heel spur. A calcium build-up that looks like a nail protruding from my heel bone that cuts into tendons and nerves and flesh and feels like a toothache in my foot. So I have a doctors appointment this Thursday...lets hope we find a solution because Project Sub 90 is still my number 1 goal.
Also my weigh in now is on a Tuesday...today is Tuesday so my figures are :
Start weight 101kg
Last weigh in 94.1kg
Today 95.0kg
On track but just a little on the dusty verge.
My runs included running up to the light house at Castlepoint. My intention was to time it and then try and beat it every day from the same starting point. But when I did it on the 1st day my time was 12 minutes 25, and I didn't think I could beat that so I didn't do it again plus I was in a bit of agony. Christmas for me was average...too many tears for my liking.
Now over New Years it was different and this is when the wheels nearly fell off. I was still in some pain when I tried to do some exercise so there was little of that going on. But my parents came up for a visit and is was a great time. All we did was drink and eat. We ate very well mind you, all the best and freshest food you could imagine. Because I missed out on a Pav for Christmas we thought we would make up for it on New Years. So we bought one...and it was delicious. Not as good as mums home made ones but it was great. I had to eat most of it mind you, but I knew I was heading for trouble on the scales after it.
Now my pain. It was my heel and every time after exercise it was like I was walking on glass on my left heel. It was so painful. I did a 5km run and couldn't stand on it with out agony for a day. After talking to mum it sounds like I have a heel spur. A calcium build-up that looks like a nail protruding from my heel bone that cuts into tendons and nerves and flesh and feels like a toothache in my foot. So I have a doctors appointment this Thursday...lets hope we find a solution because Project Sub 90 is still my number 1 goal.
Also my weigh in now is on a Tuesday...today is Tuesday so my figures are :
Start weight 101kg
Last weigh in 94.1kg
Today 95.0kg
On track but just a little on the dusty verge.
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