On Sunday I went for a XC ride with Andrew Teijen out at Whistle Lake. It was the first time my tires have seen the dirt since I started this Blog. Its been way to long.
It was a great ride. A technical rooty and rocky ride around the lake. Well supposed to be around the lake. A right turn instead of a left had us wondering where we were. Made it back safe tho.
The ride made me realize a few things. Firstly I need to ride out in the dirt more. My skills have gotten a little rusty and it is so much fun. Secondly, I am so out of shape. The Whistle lake trail system is fairly flat but has a lot of quick ups and downs and I just couldn't seem to catch my breath. Andrew and I rode out there about a year ago and it feels like it was so much easier then. I guess I had just ran 2 half marathons and was 15lbs lighter.
I have been lifting a lot of weights and getting a lot stronger. Yesterday morning I leg pressed 400lbs and benched 225lbs. The bench is back to my max I had a few years ago which feels good and the Press is a new best.
While I am getting stronger I haven't lost any weight in about a month. I am still hovering in the low 250's and nothing is changing. I need to do more Cardio. I know I have said that before but things need to change. So I think I'll modify my plan of attack. I found the Birch Bay Half marathon. It is happening on Feb 19th which is 9 weeks away. I think I'm gonna try and do that. I need to get my butt into gear and a goal will help that.
Well, that has been the last few weeks. If anyone is keen for a ride or a run, hit me up and we can shred it in the mud.
Catch ya on the trails.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving
So I haven't posted in a few weeks and I like to think that's because nothing much has happened. The truth however is the lack of progress I've made. I have been working out almost every morning but haven't been eating like I should. They (whoever "They" is) say weight loss is 70% what you eat. Well I've been putting 30% in I guess. I currently weigh 251lb.
I missed the Fowl Fun Run this year as I really been running much. I have been traveling a lot for work and just haven't been getting my cardio in. Thats no excuse tho. I just need to buck up and go run.
Last Sunday morning I went for a ride. I wasn't so sure about going but it was awesome. I'm glad I decided to go. It was clear sky and 29 degrees out (thats -2C for you Aussies). Its was nothing special, no Downhill, no cool trails, but it was so fresh out. Everything was frosty and the frozen leaves cracked under my tires. It was one of those times where you don't want to be anywhere but right in that moment. That simple 5 mile ride reminded me of why I am doing this and to enjoy the process as well as the destination.
So yesterday was Thanksgiving. A holiday synonymous with unhealthy eating and sitting on the couch watching Football. Well, the Football happened, so did the eating, yet a little restrained this year but something else was added.
Skagit Running Club has a tradition of a fun run on Thanksgiving morning. This year we joined them. Melissa and Eliza did the 2 mile and Mom, Dad and I ran the 10k, which ended up being 5.6 miles. A good run nonetheless. It was really a great way to start the day.
So here is to starting over. I'm gonna work on eating better and it should help kick this into top gear.
Catch ya on the trails
I missed the Fowl Fun Run this year as I really been running much. I have been traveling a lot for work and just haven't been getting my cardio in. Thats no excuse tho. I just need to buck up and go run.
Last Sunday morning I went for a ride. I wasn't so sure about going but it was awesome. I'm glad I decided to go. It was clear sky and 29 degrees out (thats -2C for you Aussies). Its was nothing special, no Downhill, no cool trails, but it was so fresh out. Everything was frosty and the frozen leaves cracked under my tires. It was one of those times where you don't want to be anywhere but right in that moment. That simple 5 mile ride reminded me of why I am doing this and to enjoy the process as well as the destination.
So yesterday was Thanksgiving. A holiday synonymous with unhealthy eating and sitting on the couch watching Football. Well, the Football happened, so did the eating, yet a little restrained this year but something else was added.
Skagit Running Club has a tradition of a fun run on Thanksgiving morning. This year we joined them. Melissa and Eliza did the 2 mile and Mom, Dad and I ran the 10k, which ended up being 5.6 miles. A good run nonetheless. It was really a great way to start the day.
So here is to starting over. I'm gonna work on eating better and it should help kick this into top gear.
Catch ya on the trails
Friday, November 4, 2011
Week 3
Weight: 253lb even
Bench: 205lb
Leg press: 300lb
This week has been a good week in the gym. Just 2 weeks in and my weight training is making some improvement. It’s great to feel myself getting stronger and feeling my arms and chest getting a little bigger. On Monday I joined Anytime Fitness for 2 years and I’m determined to use it and not become one of those who has an unused membership. If that is you, go to the gym this week. It’s great.
This week has had its challenges tho. Two trips to Billings Montana for work has left my diet lacking. I think this is truly my health weakness. Eating out. It is so hard to make the right decisions when the company is paying for whatever you want. I think it will take some more effort on my part… Also not having the gym and forgetting my running gear is going to hurt the weigh in this week also. I guess it’s gonna be a learning curve working this new lifestyle out.
It’s been 2 weeks now and I’m yet to swing a leg over my bike. I want it to be a part of my training and I’m dying for a ride. The early sunset is hurting that progress and I hope to get at least a short Cross Country loop in this weekend. It would be nice if God eases up on the rain or else I’m gonna go play in the mud. If anyone is keen on getting a little muddy this weekend, let me know. It’ll probably be a loop of whistle lake or somethingCatch ya on the trails.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Memories
So first week in and it has brought back memories. The ache of muscles rebuilding the day after a good workout. Your lungs burning during a run on a 40 degree morning. (4*C for you Aussies). The high after that run. The realization of just how hard this is going to be. Then the not so great memories of how I got to this point in the first place. Did you know Hungry Jacks (Burger King in Australia) used to have a family meal consisting of 2 Whoppers, 2 Cheeseburgers, 4 fries and 4 drinks for $9.95? That was a Saturday night meal for me on a regular occasion when I was a teenager. Yeah the Whole thing. Who does that?
So it was last Tuesday I started this Blog/Change. I knew all along it is going to be a challenge. My self control is lacking at the best of times and with food and getting up to exercise it is even harder. I am seeing now the struggle this time is going to be fitting everything into 24 hours. Work, seeing the girls, school and a workout. Its going to take some effort.
This week I got a 2 week trial at Anytime Fitness in Mount Vernon and it looks like a great place. I'll probably join it next week. The benefit of this place is the ability to work out whenever I like. You get an electronic key for the place and its available 24hrs.
On top of going to the Gym, I plan on running and riding outside. I don't really enjoy the treadmill but may have to use it also. It is fall in Washington. I am pretty sure I am going to run the Fowl Fun Run on the 12th of November. So if you are in MV, come on out. I am going to try the 10k but there is a 2 mile also. Looking forward to the sweet feeling of accomplishment and the even sweeter pumpkin pie at the finish line.
Lastly, I think I have found some races for next summer. First is the Seattle Rock n Roll half Marathon. I did this last year (2010) but they are using a different course next year. Its such a fun event. They have a band almost every mile and I think there's 25+ thousand people in it.
Second is a Mountain Bike race series around Washington called the Indie series. www.indieseries.org There are 5 races and they have a Clydesdale class for us guys above 200lbs. It looks like a fun series and since taking up the sport 4 years ago I haven't raced yet. Should be a good challenge.
Oh yeah, a weight update. Last week was 256.4lb, This morning 254.2lb. A start in the right direction.
That's it for this week,
Catch ya on the trails
So it was last Tuesday I started this Blog/Change. I knew all along it is going to be a challenge. My self control is lacking at the best of times and with food and getting up to exercise it is even harder. I am seeing now the struggle this time is going to be fitting everything into 24 hours. Work, seeing the girls, school and a workout. Its going to take some effort.
This week I got a 2 week trial at Anytime Fitness in Mount Vernon and it looks like a great place. I'll probably join it next week. The benefit of this place is the ability to work out whenever I like. You get an electronic key for the place and its available 24hrs.
On top of going to the Gym, I plan on running and riding outside. I don't really enjoy the treadmill but may have to use it also. It is fall in Washington. I am pretty sure I am going to run the Fowl Fun Run on the 12th of November. So if you are in MV, come on out. I am going to try the 10k but there is a 2 mile also. Looking forward to the sweet feeling of accomplishment and the even sweeter pumpkin pie at the finish line.
Lastly, I think I have found some races for next summer. First is the Seattle Rock n Roll half Marathon. I did this last year (2010) but they are using a different course next year. Its such a fun event. They have a band almost every mile and I think there's 25+ thousand people in it.
Second is a Mountain Bike race series around Washington called the Indie series. www.indieseries.org There are 5 races and they have a Clydesdale class for us guys above 200lbs. It looks like a fun series and since taking up the sport 4 years ago I haven't raced yet. Should be a good challenge.
Oh yeah, a weight update. Last week was 256.4lb, This morning 254.2lb. A start in the right direction.
That's it for this week,
Catch ya on the trails
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
So here we go!!!
So I am 30 and not real happy with life right now. I have a beautiful amazing wife, Melissa, and the most precious little girl, Eliza. I have a good job, nice home and a good church, but something is missing.I can't help but wonder if this is how I'd see myself at 30. Back when I was 15 and 30 seemed old, is this who I thought I'd see? Am I who I want to be?
So this got me thinking about change. All my life I have been someone who can talk the talk but can I walk the walk? Not usually, but Today Is That Day!!!
So here is the plan. Over the next year I plan to work out more, eat better, live more intentionally and YOU can hold me responsible. So how do I do this?
Step 1 is a gym membership. I loved it when I had the last one. There is something about lifting heavy things.
Step 2 is eating better. Jack in the Box, I love you but its time to move on. Its not you, Its me.
Step 3 is to find a race of some sort to work towards. A marathon is cool but too much running. I love to ride so maybe a enduro MTB race. I need something as a goal that will challenge me.
Step 4 is having goals. This morning I weighed 256.4lb and I am 6"2. I would like to be 220lb and be able to bench and squat well over my body weight. I would like my blood pressure to be under 120/80 and to not be puffed running to the mailbox. I would also like to live in the moment. Enjoy living my life and not just working for the future.
Well, enough from me now. I'll try to post weekly and hopefully have plenty to talk about.
Catch you on the trails
Mic
So this got me thinking about change. All my life I have been someone who can talk the talk but can I walk the walk? Not usually, but Today Is That Day!!!
So here is the plan. Over the next year I plan to work out more, eat better, live more intentionally and YOU can hold me responsible. So how do I do this?
Step 1 is a gym membership. I loved it when I had the last one. There is something about lifting heavy things.
Step 2 is eating better. Jack in the Box, I love you but its time to move on. Its not you, Its me.
Step 3 is to find a race of some sort to work towards. A marathon is cool but too much running. I love to ride so maybe a enduro MTB race. I need something as a goal that will challenge me.
Step 4 is having goals. This morning I weighed 256.4lb and I am 6"2. I would like to be 220lb and be able to bench and squat well over my body weight. I would like my blood pressure to be under 120/80 and to not be puffed running to the mailbox. I would also like to live in the moment. Enjoy living my life and not just working for the future.
Well, enough from me now. I'll try to post weekly and hopefully have plenty to talk about.
Catch you on the trails
Mic
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