So Tuesday night was a good workout. I actually surprised myself. I went in in a bit of a bad mood (something to do with needing a 200% performance increase to just get even with the average start on the other team.... OK I think one team started a bit fitter then the other) but after some good conversation with Green team, Mike from Crossfit and Diane from SFL things seemed better.
The Green team (listeners) really felt that the scoring should be improvement based to be just. Otherwise that part of the challenge is already over as they have a 100% lead on us just to start. Similarly the SFL scoring can not just be weight as, lets be honest, some of us (me for sure) have a lot more weight than others to lose easily [steph from k100 seems quite in shape already :) ]... Then again, she has already lost more weight that I have... but has she been gaining the muscle mass we have been gaining as i know i have already punched new holes in my belts as they just don't go tight enough?
So the workout went well. 6 weight lifts of just the bar (I feel strongly about not jumping into complicated lifts but rather work on lifting in general and lifting right) and then 9 hanging knee lifts (the lifting knees - easy.... the hanging 225 pounds on my itty bitty wrists.. not so easy). Then 12 box jumps onto a 2 foot high box (i did all my jumps onto the right box which impressed me).
So I managed 5 rounds of this in 13.59 which amazed me... (I need to learn to count better as I lose count for simple things or forget to stop sometimes). Overall a great workout with a fun group.
I want to emphasie that I try to, and do, have fun every time. I think if I went and everyone was just interested in working out only (you know grunt, groan, max power, max lift, etc... boring) I would stop going. To me, I love the social aspect of 5 people learning who we all are and trying to get self improved together. My goal is self-improvement. I never want to do a "muscle up" (its a stupid move) and never want to lift a weight in an "Olympic fashion" . I want to lift weights carefully and slowly, but be able to lift them. Even the box jumps yesterday (I must questions)were high impact and to me risk my knees (something I would like to keep forever). But right now its still fun, and the crossfit team tones the routines down to our abilities (or we at least encourage them to). I just don't think they would like hearing that I'm not interested in getting to the level they want to be at or think I coudl reach. Yes I could reach it, no I am not interested in reaching it. Im 36, a dad, an employee, a husband and have more important things to do that risking "exercise injury" on complicated moves when I get just as much out of the simpler moves..
On a side note: Antigonish for the next 10 days and whereas I will love it as I will see my wife and daughter, in the next week I have schedules a crown for dental work, doctors appointments [since for the past 6-7 days I have lost most of the feeling in my upper leg - that's right, nub and cold all the time] and probably lots of marking and a few union based meeting. On top of that, new SFL menu soon and daily keep up workouts for crossfit have me excited and I'll teach my wife some squats - a very useful move ;)
Should be a busy week!!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Feb 22nd - Crossfit Fun
So Mondays work out was actually quite challenging. 5 hand stand pull ups (lets just for us call them leaning pull ups until we get better at them), 10 one legg squats (ok, we could call that one almost falling down a lot) and then 15 pull ups.
NOTE THE MULTUPLE OCCURANCE OF THE PULL UP - THE EXERCISE OF EVIL
Well I focused more on technique yesterday than exerstion (although I did get exhausted). The hand stand pull ups really work my wrists\arms and next week when I will be away I will probably choose this as one of my daily routine workouts to strenghten my arms more (perhaps 225 [or even half 225] is a lot of weight for my arms to lift). The Squats are all about balance for me and I apparently seem top heavy (or should I say front heavy) which make the balance part challenging before I even work on the strength part. And of course poull ups. I'm getting better ever day but I sometimes feel like some people expect me to go from never doing one to doing "lots" too quick. The muscles will grow, but Its not overnight. This is not a disney movie.
One reall thing I'm happy about is situps. 5 week one (well maybe it was 3) and now i seem to make it through my three sets of 10 without very much difficulty (note: not no difficulty). So I'm loving it, having fun, and can not wait to see whats instore for tonight.
ps: personal note: weigh in in two days and whereas I don't feel I'm losing a lot, I'm losing consistently (I can tell) and really think this "rpize" is better than a big lotto win for my future.. thats right - it was not me
NOTE THE MULTUPLE OCCURANCE OF THE PULL UP - THE EXERCISE OF EVIL
Well I focused more on technique yesterday than exerstion (although I did get exhausted). The hand stand pull ups really work my wrists\arms and next week when I will be away I will probably choose this as one of my daily routine workouts to strenghten my arms more (perhaps 225 [or even half 225] is a lot of weight for my arms to lift). The Squats are all about balance for me and I apparently seem top heavy (or should I say front heavy) which make the balance part challenging before I even work on the strength part. And of course poull ups. I'm getting better ever day but I sometimes feel like some people expect me to go from never doing one to doing "lots" too quick. The muscles will grow, but Its not overnight. This is not a disney movie.
One reall thing I'm happy about is situps. 5 week one (well maybe it was 3) and now i seem to make it through my three sets of 10 without very much difficulty (note: not no difficulty). So I'm loving it, having fun, and can not wait to see whats instore for tonight.
ps: personal note: weigh in in two days and whereas I don't feel I'm losing a lot, I'm losing consistently (I can tell) and really think this "rpize" is better than a big lotto win for my future.. thats right - it was not me
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Crosfit from He**
OK, so I'll start today (its Sunday as I was very busy the last two days) by summarizing last weeks Crossfit in general as it was the first full week of workouts (I went to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday).
Monday turned out to be benchmarks, and as indicated in an earlier blog I was happy with my scores, but also think I might have been able to push a little more. Next time we see these, they will have to lift me off the floor as I really want to do as many as I can. Learnt that the scoring system will not necessarily be "total improvement" but rather total final ability, so the "fitter" teams will win the Crossfit component. Not sure as a mathematician I like this much as the K100 team seem less randomly chosen that the listeners and definitely I think we out weighed them originally about 2 to 1 (but then again, does that mean they can do more sit ups?). But then again if we all improve, aren't we all winners......MAYBE..
Tuesday was push ups (they kill me), floor wipers (like these) and rowing (love this) in a 10 to 1 countdown, but you can read that in another blog.
Thursday was push ups (OK, burpies) and pull ups (also kills me) so I found it hard and know I was even struggling to finish our 3 rounds when regulars were doing 5 rounds. I need to start making myself try 10-20 push ups daily (and eventually get off my knees) but my upper body strength is still not great, but improving - have I ever mentioned the knot in my arm muscle that seems to never want to go away .... perhaps an internal bruise instead?).
So it seemed to be getting a bit harder and harder, then came Friday - MY WORST NIGHTMARE.... RUNNING
See I don't like running.. especially in public... especially in shorts. Might be vain, but I'm FAT (its the word I prefer to use.. its honest).... and fat people 1) don't look good in shorts, 2) don't look good running and 3) don't run well. So being told we were going to run 500m around the block [so in front of all the people , up the road by K100, down King Square by the bus stop (and all those people) and down by United (where I did work once)... not enjoyable]. Not only that, but between each of 5 rounds, we did 15 thrusters which were very tiring in themselves. I remember muttering to my co-runners
"thin people have no idea how hard this is on fat people, they never had this much extra weight"
"I can manage three laps," (said while walking a bit actually) "but not 5... they must want to kill me"
"this is ridiculous.... this is a PRIZE"
BUT... credit to Crossfit, they were there running with us (well we all are crossfit now) and they encouraged us. They stood there when we were doing thrusters and recognized when we had to lower the weights a little, and on the 5th lap AMY [not wilkins] (what a great person) ran right along beside encouraging me, giving me advice that worked, and did not let me walk too much.....
And I ran 2.5km and did 75 thrusters of different scales...me, I did it.
I mean I was shocked afterwards. I did it.. I did struggle to breath right for the next hour, but that's my bad breathing technique... but I ran it, I lifted it, I thrusted it...I CAN DO THIS AS THE WEEKS WILL KEEP TICKING BY...
Monday turned out to be benchmarks, and as indicated in an earlier blog I was happy with my scores, but also think I might have been able to push a little more. Next time we see these, they will have to lift me off the floor as I really want to do as many as I can. Learnt that the scoring system will not necessarily be "total improvement" but rather total final ability, so the "fitter" teams will win the Crossfit component. Not sure as a mathematician I like this much as the K100 team seem less randomly chosen that the listeners and definitely I think we out weighed them originally about 2 to 1 (but then again, does that mean they can do more sit ups?). But then again if we all improve, aren't we all winners......MAYBE..
Tuesday was push ups (they kill me), floor wipers (like these) and rowing (love this) in a 10 to 1 countdown, but you can read that in another blog.
Thursday was push ups (OK, burpies) and pull ups (also kills me) so I found it hard and know I was even struggling to finish our 3 rounds when regulars were doing 5 rounds. I need to start making myself try 10-20 push ups daily (and eventually get off my knees) but my upper body strength is still not great, but improving - have I ever mentioned the knot in my arm muscle that seems to never want to go away .... perhaps an internal bruise instead?).
So it seemed to be getting a bit harder and harder, then came Friday - MY WORST NIGHTMARE.... RUNNING
See I don't like running.. especially in public... especially in shorts. Might be vain, but I'm FAT (its the word I prefer to use.. its honest).... and fat people 1) don't look good in shorts, 2) don't look good running and 3) don't run well. So being told we were going to run 500m around the block [so in front of all the people , up the road by K100, down King Square by the bus stop (and all those people) and down by United (where I did work once)... not enjoyable]. Not only that, but between each of 5 rounds, we did 15 thrusters which were very tiring in themselves. I remember muttering to my co-runners
"thin people have no idea how hard this is on fat people, they never had this much extra weight"
"I can manage three laps," (said while walking a bit actually) "but not 5... they must want to kill me"
"this is ridiculous.... this is a PRIZE"
BUT... credit to Crossfit, they were there running with us (well we all are crossfit now) and they encouraged us. They stood there when we were doing thrusters and recognized when we had to lower the weights a little, and on the 5th lap AMY [not wilkins] (what a great person) ran right along beside encouraging me, giving me advice that worked, and did not let me walk too much.....
And I ran 2.5km and did 75 thrusters of different scales...me, I did it.
I mean I was shocked afterwards. I did it.. I did struggle to breath right for the next hour, but that's my bad breathing technique... but I ran it, I lifted it, I thrusted it...I CAN DO THIS AS THE WEEKS WILL KEEP TICKING BY...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Week 2 Day 5 - SFL Weigh in and CrossFit Session - + Recap
NOTE: i think this is my confessional post, so its long!!!!
So today was a pretty good day. I still think one of the best parts of this prise is the people we meet... the SFL people, the Crossfit people and the K100.... wait where are the K100 people... are they avoiding us... scared of us????
So today's SFL weigh in was good (as expected really... OK that means I might have peeked as the scales a lot this week, but I swear it was for science!!!). My weight is kinda weird to report... but I am a numbers person so...
My weight is down 6 pounds since I started SFL to 225 (this is amazing to me). This also represents a 12.5% reduction in my body weight since I decided I was too ...FAT. How you say, read on....
MY weight when I moved back to Saint John (sans wife and kid.. missing them) was 257 pounds. I could not believe I had let myself get that heavy, so that's when I knew I was mentally ready to make myself healthier (or at least lighter). So I thought gym at UNBSJ at least twice a week and eat less bad foods.
My plan was succeeding to some extent, but doomed to fail. i cut out sugar from my tea (was double double, now single milk only) and made a conscious effort to not buy snacks at Tim's most of the time .. often buying instead a tea biscuit. Then I avoided a lot of my normal bad foods with a just say no attitude and will power. Well I was doing OK, and got down to 231 pounds about 2 weeks ago (when I won this contest).
My reason for entering the contest was that I did want to lose weight and knew that eventually, the plan I was on would yo yo back out of control. I needed to learn how to eat right, how often to eat, and what choices to make on foods I did not think were contributing to my weight issues (OK, it was a problem).
Second, I have always wanted to be a "exerciser" except for one thing. I don't exercise. I have had access to a "gym" free for about 19 years in the last 20... and went maybe 10 times in that time frame. The problem is I walk into a gym and say "now what" and never felt like the gyms really cared about my health rather than wanting my money--- not to mention the "free" gyms did not provide and "assistance" with knowing what you should do and how you should do it to be safe.
So from 257 to 225 is a beautiful reduction of 32 pounds so far. My teaching jackets that were bought to be just the right fit (snuggish perhaps) are so lose on me its not funny. I know I've lost a lot more than 32 pounds of dead weight and replaced much of it with muscle bring my weight reduction to 32 pounds (reduction sounds better than loss as I don't want to find it ever again). Today was my third session this week.... so tomorrow I go for an extra, and I am very tempted to go in for yet another on Saturday... I think that means I'm loving it (ohh i miss that jingle a little but not too much)
By the way, Crossfit is amazing as a place to get fit. A trainer is always there and it is clear that they care about your fitness, health and safety above everything else. they also don't let you down. They push you to get it right, do it often and in general want to be better. they don't let any weakness you have stop you, but rather address the issue of "how do we as a team make that weakness a strength). I am loving it. Today I did pull ups (my second least favorite thing) and push ups (my least favorite thing) and managed to do an OK job. It will get better.
As I finish a long blog :GO LISA GO!!!!! 30 SITUPS TODAY, NO RING... GO GIRL GO...
So today was a pretty good day. I still think one of the best parts of this prise is the people we meet... the SFL people, the Crossfit people and the K100.... wait where are the K100 people... are they avoiding us... scared of us????
So today's SFL weigh in was good (as expected really... OK that means I might have peeked as the scales a lot this week, but I swear it was for science!!!). My weight is kinda weird to report... but I am a numbers person so...
My weight is down 6 pounds since I started SFL to 225 (this is amazing to me). This also represents a 12.5% reduction in my body weight since I decided I was too ...FAT. How you say, read on....
MY weight when I moved back to Saint John (sans wife and kid.. missing them) was 257 pounds. I could not believe I had let myself get that heavy, so that's when I knew I was mentally ready to make myself healthier (or at least lighter). So I thought gym at UNBSJ at least twice a week and eat less bad foods.
My plan was succeeding to some extent, but doomed to fail. i cut out sugar from my tea (was double double, now single milk only) and made a conscious effort to not buy snacks at Tim's most of the time .. often buying instead a tea biscuit. Then I avoided a lot of my normal bad foods with a just say no attitude and will power. Well I was doing OK, and got down to 231 pounds about 2 weeks ago (when I won this contest).
My reason for entering the contest was that I did want to lose weight and knew that eventually, the plan I was on would yo yo back out of control. I needed to learn how to eat right, how often to eat, and what choices to make on foods I did not think were contributing to my weight issues (OK, it was a problem).
Second, I have always wanted to be a "exerciser" except for one thing. I don't exercise. I have had access to a "gym" free for about 19 years in the last 20... and went maybe 10 times in that time frame. The problem is I walk into a gym and say "now what" and never felt like the gyms really cared about my health rather than wanting my money--- not to mention the "free" gyms did not provide and "assistance" with knowing what you should do and how you should do it to be safe.
So from 257 to 225 is a beautiful reduction of 32 pounds so far. My teaching jackets that were bought to be just the right fit (snuggish perhaps) are so lose on me its not funny. I know I've lost a lot more than 32 pounds of dead weight and replaced much of it with muscle bring my weight reduction to 32 pounds (reduction sounds better than loss as I don't want to find it ever again). Today was my third session this week.... so tomorrow I go for an extra, and I am very tempted to go in for yet another on Saturday... I think that means I'm loving it (ohh i miss that jingle a little but not too much)
By the way, Crossfit is amazing as a place to get fit. A trainer is always there and it is clear that they care about your fitness, health and safety above everything else. they also don't let you down. They push you to get it right, do it often and in general want to be better. they don't let any weakness you have stop you, but rather address the issue of "how do we as a team make that weakness a strength). I am loving it. Today I did pull ups (my second least favorite thing) and push ups (my least favorite thing) and managed to do an OK job. It will get better.
As I finish a long blog :GO LISA GO!!!!! 30 SITUPS TODAY, NO RING... GO GIRL GO...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
CrossFit - The first full Workout
OK, so I'm blogging this the morning after as I wanted to see how I felt the "morning after".
Last night was the first "full workout" at Crossfit. It was only three of us from the K100 Listeners Team (so where are the K100 workers gone anyway??? I bet they are scared of us) which was a nice feature for sure. The warm up is getting better and better. Not easier mind you, but I definitely feel that I'm pushing it more and more each day and getting better and faster at it. I was definitely sweating a bit at the end of the warm up.
The actual even was a personal race called 10 to 1. There are three "events" to this challenge - push ups, floor wipers and rowing. Once the time starts, you perform in order 10 of each of the three events - 10 push ups, 10 wipers and 10 calories of rowing. Then your on 9, so do 9 of each. Continue this until you finish the 1 of each and then energetically yell time and pass out.
OK, so not quite pass out, but did I ever mention how much I hate push-ups, and as a mathematicial knowing that we would do n(n+1)/2 = 55 push up was not a pleasant start. Actually, It was meant to be bench presses, but that was not possible last night so the evil push ups it was. Well It was not easy, but I made it through in about 26.5 minutes. Considering I don't normally do this type of stuff, I was quite happy with this, and I know I lost a lot of time on the push ups as I really do struggle with them.
I was very sore driving home though. Probably should have stretched out my arms more as it hurt on my right arm to hold the steering wheel. But this morning I seem OK except for a little "weirdness" feeling in the arms.. dead like - but not sore.
Can not wait for Thursday night, and maybe Saturday morning if the gym is open (they were not sure when I asked due to PEI challenge). Til next time
Last night was the first "full workout" at Crossfit. It was only three of us from the K100 Listeners Team (so where are the K100 workers gone anyway??? I bet they are scared of us) which was a nice feature for sure. The warm up is getting better and better. Not easier mind you, but I definitely feel that I'm pushing it more and more each day and getting better and faster at it. I was definitely sweating a bit at the end of the warm up.
The actual even was a personal race called 10 to 1. There are three "events" to this challenge - push ups, floor wipers and rowing. Once the time starts, you perform in order 10 of each of the three events - 10 push ups, 10 wipers and 10 calories of rowing. Then your on 9, so do 9 of each. Continue this until you finish the 1 of each and then energetically yell time and pass out.
OK, so not quite pass out, but did I ever mention how much I hate push-ups, and as a mathematicial knowing that we would do n(n+1)/2 = 55 push up was not a pleasant start. Actually, It was meant to be bench presses, but that was not possible last night so the evil push ups it was. Well It was not easy, but I made it through in about 26.5 minutes. Considering I don't normally do this type of stuff, I was quite happy with this, and I know I lost a lot of time on the push ups as I really do struggle with them.
I was very sore driving home though. Probably should have stretched out my arms more as it hurt on my right arm to hold the steering wheel. But this morning I seem OK except for a little "weirdness" feeling in the arms.. dead like - but not sore.
Can not wait for Thursday night, and maybe Saturday morning if the gym is open (they were not sure when I asked due to PEI challenge). Til next time
Monday, February 15, 2010
Week 2 Day 2
So how was today ---- Awesome... and crappy
The food thing was depressing today. Breakfast was good (had toast and marmite which I love) and snack was good too (I actually like these fiber bar things and wish I could eat more per week). At lunch - chicken, pasta salad, salad carrot sticks I realized I forgot my dressing so after an attempt at each food bland (I need flavor) I went and bought two packets of low fat Italian dressing (my least favorite dressing but low fat).
Dinner was not so nice. This past weekend I made a "vegetarian chili" from scratch and whereas I'm sure its a great recipe I think It is probably the worst "textured" food I have ever had to endure [and it made three servings too :( ]. I hate boiled skinned veg (like tomatoes, peppers, cucumber etc) and so this concoction of peppers and tomatoes and chili's tasted acceptable (needs something, more garlic and maybe some no salt chili powder) but felt horrible and as a result becomes a never make again food [I also think it needs meat big time]. However I still have to eat it tomorrow and Thursday.
Crossfit tonight rocked. I was pumped and scared at seeing the workout on the web, and relieved and disappointed both when mike decided we would not do it (Steve, Lisa, parris and I). So instead , three rounds of warm up, the the benchmarks
1) As many pull ups as you can til you can't no more..... with the rubber band - i think i did 3 (maybe 7, i can not recall).
2) As many sit ups as you can til you can't no more with options of unassisted, weight on foot, or rings. Last week I was using the rings to get more than 2, but tonight I did 19 unassisted. I was amazed.
Next
3) As many push ups as you can til you can't no more .......either on toes, or on knees, but choose one. I went with on knees (now I wish I had not) and pulled a few out, but not a great number (maybe 13?).
4) As many squats as you can til you can't no more. OK so last week I really struggled with this exercise as I was not very flexible. Today I felt good doing them and managed 31. I also disappointed myself here as I feel I should have done more but i was getting light headed.
So anyway, looking forward to tomorrows exercise but not to tomorrow dinner -- even my mums burnt pork would be better :)
The food thing was depressing today. Breakfast was good (had toast and marmite which I love) and snack was good too (I actually like these fiber bar things and wish I could eat more per week). At lunch - chicken, pasta salad, salad carrot sticks I realized I forgot my dressing so after an attempt at each food bland (I need flavor) I went and bought two packets of low fat Italian dressing (my least favorite dressing but low fat).
Dinner was not so nice. This past weekend I made a "vegetarian chili" from scratch and whereas I'm sure its a great recipe I think It is probably the worst "textured" food I have ever had to endure [and it made three servings too :( ]. I hate boiled skinned veg (like tomatoes, peppers, cucumber etc) and so this concoction of peppers and tomatoes and chili's tasted acceptable (needs something, more garlic and maybe some no salt chili powder) but felt horrible and as a result becomes a never make again food [I also think it needs meat big time]. However I still have to eat it tomorrow and Thursday.
Crossfit tonight rocked. I was pumped and scared at seeing the workout on the web, and relieved and disappointed both when mike decided we would not do it (Steve, Lisa, parris and I). So instead , three rounds of warm up, the the benchmarks
1) As many pull ups as you can til you can't no more..... with the rubber band - i think i did 3 (maybe 7, i can not recall).
2) As many sit ups as you can til you can't no more with options of unassisted, weight on foot, or rings. Last week I was using the rings to get more than 2, but tonight I did 19 unassisted. I was amazed.
Next
3) As many push ups as you can til you can't no more .......either on toes, or on knees, but choose one. I went with on knees (now I wish I had not) and pulled a few out, but not a great number (maybe 13?).
4) As many squats as you can til you can't no more. OK so last week I really struggled with this exercise as I was not very flexible. Today I felt good doing them and managed 31. I also disappointed myself here as I feel I should have done more but i was getting light headed.
So anyway, looking forward to tomorrows exercise but not to tomorrow dinner -- even my mums burnt pork would be better :)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Random thoughts
So I am a numbers person. And i'm very interested in certain numbers.
My weight (aux natural) when I started this diet - 228 (remember it was 257 in september). Now its 224 so that makes me happy as today is only day 1 of week 2. My weight at SFL weigh ins were 231.8 and 228.2 so similar results.
Other things of interest to me are weight shift during the day. Yesterday I was 224.5 in the morning. After breakfast I was 225.3 (sounds about right as i had egg whites and tea for breakfast - forgot my clementines so ate them later). After lunch and dinner, I was surprized to see I was 230.1 again, however I had eaten 6 cups of vegetables and 8oz of chicken, not to mention 3 liters of water (not all of which was still with me *smile* )....
So experiment time. I weighed my bottle of water and determined that three full "content" a day is 5 pounds of water and I tend to drink 3 a day at least. 3 Cups of veg differs in weight a lot, but I try to eat 3 cups of raw carrots at lunch (or raw carrots and raw celery) and a thre cup salad at dinner with 1tbsp of light creamy dressing (I tried the italian dressing reallly and just do not want to eat food I dislike the taste of, looked at the suggestion of yogurt dressings and found the dressing i chose was better numbers).
So my favorite nuber was last night before getting into bed, i weighed 229 and this morning when i got up i weighed 224.
My question is where is the 5 pounds go? I plan on repeating this experiment to see if this is normal tonight and make sure I measured right.
ps: made a chili yesterday and made it spicy... pre-made it for monday night, tuesday night and wednesday night so tune in tomorrow to see if I is delicious.
My weight (aux natural) when I started this diet - 228 (remember it was 257 in september). Now its 224 so that makes me happy as today is only day 1 of week 2. My weight at SFL weigh ins were 231.8 and 228.2 so similar results.
Other things of interest to me are weight shift during the day. Yesterday I was 224.5 in the morning. After breakfast I was 225.3 (sounds about right as i had egg whites and tea for breakfast - forgot my clementines so ate them later). After lunch and dinner, I was surprized to see I was 230.1 again, however I had eaten 6 cups of vegetables and 8oz of chicken, not to mention 3 liters of water (not all of which was still with me *smile* )....
So experiment time. I weighed my bottle of water and determined that three full "content" a day is 5 pounds of water and I tend to drink 3 a day at least. 3 Cups of veg differs in weight a lot, but I try to eat 3 cups of raw carrots at lunch (or raw carrots and raw celery) and a thre cup salad at dinner with 1tbsp of light creamy dressing (I tried the italian dressing reallly and just do not want to eat food I dislike the taste of, looked at the suggestion of yogurt dressings and found the dressing i chose was better numbers).
So my favorite nuber was last night before getting into bed, i weighed 229 and this morning when i got up i weighed 224.
My question is where is the 5 pounds go? I plan on repeating this experiment to see if this is normal tonight and make sure I measured right.
ps: made a chili yesterday and made it spicy... pre-made it for monday night, tuesday night and wednesday night so tune in tomorrow to see if I is delicious.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
First Nutritional Meeting
So I met with Bruce this morning (man, I Love this guys smile and enthusiasm). It was a great meeting in my mind. Bruce seemed a little confused by my weight today as it was not down that much from before, but I am not concerned at all (me, not worrying about numbers???). I asked tons of questions this time and got most of the answers I wanted (Bruce was shocked when I mentioned there were now Chocolate Fiber wafers - he is looking into them) and the only answer that I did not want was that Grapes are not to be counted as a berry (blueberries are best it turns out).
Bruce was very understanding about my fullness all the time (expected) but did have no problem with me reducing the meat potion of my meals by 1/3rd as I just do not eat that volume of meat normally. Other than that, my menu stays the same which is good for the grocery shopping. This excites me endlessly.
Imagine that, me, full of energy every day, excited every day, and happier than ever all because both SFL and CF excite me. I can't wait for tonight session (both the exercise and the company). On top of that, I will say that I think my Stress levels are way down right now, knowing that this "prize" is really going to change my life.
Ok, so now its 10 hours later and home from Crossfit. Loved it and learning cool stuff but can't wait to push my self more. Thats when it becomes a real workout. Dinner was good tonight but its almost 9pm by the time i get home and cook it. Need to see about eating before gym (dinner at 4:30... seems early to me and that would mean lunch at 12:30 two days a week and 1:30 another day)...
i wonder how bad it is to eat a big meal before gym?
Bruce was very understanding about my fullness all the time (expected) but did have no problem with me reducing the meat potion of my meals by 1/3rd as I just do not eat that volume of meat normally. Other than that, my menu stays the same which is good for the grocery shopping. This excites me endlessly.
Imagine that, me, full of energy every day, excited every day, and happier than ever all because both SFL and CF excite me. I can't wait for tonight session (both the exercise and the company). On top of that, I will say that I think my Stress levels are way down right now, knowing that this "prize" is really going to change my life.
Ok, so now its 10 hours later and home from Crossfit. Loved it and learning cool stuff but can't wait to push my self more. Thats when it becomes a real workout. Dinner was good tonight but its almost 9pm by the time i get home and cook it. Need to see about eating before gym (dinner at 4:30... seems early to me and that would mean lunch at 12:30 two days a week and 1:30 another day)...
i wonder how bad it is to eat a big meal before gym?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Crossfit Fundamentals Day #(-2)
So today is day 3 of SFL cleansing menu #1 for me and it seems to be going well.
Of course other than not being hungry I'm not sure what "well" means as Bruce made me promise not to step on the scales (grrrrr). Weight aside, I have had good energy levels and actually feel more concentrated at work. My wife Lori got her menu yesterday and she is quite pleased to see that it is smaller portions than I have and feels it is very manageable (once she gets home on Wednesday as she needs the kitchen to cook and prepare her week. This will mean that my life gets harder as there is no one to help me cook my meals now (love you Lori). My solace is that the one item on my menu Lori really wanted on hers was not there this week.
Lunch was still very big. Eating at a comfortable pace in my office it took a few minutes over an hour to eat everything (I have never been a fast eater). For me this is a lot of food, but I am enjoying the food for the most part (80%?). I had to make a substitution as I had pork left over and my menu called for fish, but I kept the rest of the meal the same and just swapped the evening pork in my meal for the fish in the lunch meal and vice versa (not swapping anything else though). I mean seriously, we have to do what we can.... with what we have... in the time that we got.
Mid afternoon snack was a Metamucil Fiber Cinnamon Wafer. Lori found a few other types (including chocolate) that I will be asking Bruce about as I am not a strong Cinnamon fan but when I tried it I really liked them. Tomorrow I try the apple which Steph says is not so enjoyable. Dinner (haddock and salad with only 2 tbsp fat free Italian dressing) was very enjoyable. Especially after Crossfit
Crossfit tonight was better. I still struggle with a few of the warm ups (or at least I want to do much better at them) but I did feel my squats were better than yesterday. I realize its a lot of "weight movement" training but I assume any activity that builds muscles might reduce my gut (its about a 42 now). I will say that unlike yesterday, today I pushed a little harder and I know I will be sore in the morning -- lots of sweat and feeling it already (maybe the assistant trainer was cuter? Shirley might agree). Maybe tomorrow I'll take my gym clothes and try the UNBSJ gym since I don't get crossfit again until Thursday. At least run the warm up a few times for practice.. without the bar most likely and then maybe a little bike time as I do enjoy riding the stationary bikes too.
Mike keeps telling us he worries he talks too much as he so wants everything to be safe. I think one big fear I have had before is hurting myself so i am excited when i know he is there to make sure I'm not the stupid one. I also like that he loves the program (I teach people - love what you do.. or don't do it). Its cool too that there is a little "adult" banter as we all get more comfortable with each other so that it becomes easier to relax.
til tomorrow (14 hours at work tomorrow.. food will be hard and microwaved (turkey in oven now)
Of course other than not being hungry I'm not sure what "well" means as Bruce made me promise not to step on the scales (grrrrr). Weight aside, I have had good energy levels and actually feel more concentrated at work. My wife Lori got her menu yesterday and she is quite pleased to see that it is smaller portions than I have and feels it is very manageable (once she gets home on Wednesday as she needs the kitchen to cook and prepare her week. This will mean that my life gets harder as there is no one to help me cook my meals now (love you Lori). My solace is that the one item on my menu Lori really wanted on hers was not there this week.
Lunch was still very big. Eating at a comfortable pace in my office it took a few minutes over an hour to eat everything (I have never been a fast eater). For me this is a lot of food, but I am enjoying the food for the most part (80%?). I had to make a substitution as I had pork left over and my menu called for fish, but I kept the rest of the meal the same and just swapped the evening pork in my meal for the fish in the lunch meal and vice versa (not swapping anything else though). I mean seriously, we have to do what we can.... with what we have... in the time that we got.
Mid afternoon snack was a Metamucil Fiber Cinnamon Wafer. Lori found a few other types (including chocolate) that I will be asking Bruce about as I am not a strong Cinnamon fan but when I tried it I really liked them. Tomorrow I try the apple which Steph says is not so enjoyable. Dinner (haddock and salad with only 2 tbsp fat free Italian dressing) was very enjoyable. Especially after Crossfit
Crossfit tonight was better. I still struggle with a few of the warm ups (or at least I want to do much better at them) but I did feel my squats were better than yesterday. I realize its a lot of "weight movement" training but I assume any activity that builds muscles might reduce my gut (its about a 42 now). I will say that unlike yesterday, today I pushed a little harder and I know I will be sore in the morning -- lots of sweat and feeling it already (maybe the assistant trainer was cuter? Shirley might agree). Maybe tomorrow I'll take my gym clothes and try the UNBSJ gym since I don't get crossfit again until Thursday. At least run the warm up a few times for practice.. without the bar most likely and then maybe a little bike time as I do enjoy riding the stationary bikes too.
Mike keeps telling us he worries he talks too much as he so wants everything to be safe. I think one big fear I have had before is hurting myself so i am excited when i know he is there to make sure I'm not the stupid one. I also like that he loves the program (I teach people - love what you do.. or don't do it). Its cool too that there is a little "adult" banter as we all get more comfortable with each other so that it becomes easier to relax.
til tomorrow (14 hours at work tomorrow.. food will be hard and microwaved (turkey in oven now)
CrossFit: Fundamentals Day #(-3)
OK.. So yesterday (little late on this blog) was Day 2 of the food plan, and except for wishing I had made my optional evening snack and the fact that I did not get a Tea early in the day (thus migraine medication needed) the food was fine (and enjoyable)....
Last night was Crossfit Day #(-3) (fundamentals session #1). I was really excited about going to this session..partly to see what we were going to learn, partly to see everyone (yes, even the evil K100 team of titans) and partly to get active as I am aware at how much activity will help in my Resolution to get healthy (and lose my belly).
OK, so I'm blogging this the next morning and when the radio started this morning, Jay was saying that this morning, its not sore (OK, a twinge in my arms maybe) but it embarrassing to struggle so much with the workout - well the warm-up actually.
That right, we spent the night learning some of the basic moves from the warm up. I'm actually quite impressed with the move (and especially the "trainers") as it focused on flexibility -- something I need to focus on. The original move had me trying to arch my back forward as I squatted. OK with a gut my size for as long as I can remember, I somehow don't recall every trying to push that part of my body forward (sucked it in a lot). As a result I struggled immediately as my muscles found it hard to push in that direction.
Push up - challenging... sit ups - OK but gut is not a helpful tool on this one... jumping pull ups - kinda cool and I would not mind being able to do these well and tell people
Well embarrassment aside it was a good evening. Dinner (pork) was delicious) and not onto day #3/(-2)
Last night was Crossfit Day #(-3) (fundamentals session #1). I was really excited about going to this session..partly to see what we were going to learn, partly to see everyone (yes, even the evil K100 team of titans) and partly to get active as I am aware at how much activity will help in my Resolution to get healthy (and lose my belly).
OK, so I'm blogging this the next morning and when the radio started this morning, Jay was saying that this morning, its not sore (OK, a twinge in my arms maybe) but it embarrassing to struggle so much with the workout - well the warm-up actually.
That right, we spent the night learning some of the basic moves from the warm up. I'm actually quite impressed with the move (and especially the "trainers") as it focused on flexibility -- something I need to focus on. The original move had me trying to arch my back forward as I squatted. OK with a gut my size for as long as I can remember, I somehow don't recall every trying to push that part of my body forward (sucked it in a lot). As a result I struggled immediately as my muscles found it hard to push in that direction.
Push up - challenging... sit ups - OK but gut is not a helpful tool on this one... jumping pull ups - kinda cool and I would not mind being able to do these well and tell people
Well embarrassment aside it was a good evening. Dinner (pork) was delicious) and not onto day #3/(-2)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Day one of the New Menu
So today was the first day of my "cleansing menu" and overall I think things went very well (OK, not 100%, but very well). I was nervous about the new food types and the "low fat, high fiber" alternatives but as the day went, a great success.
Breakfast: I have avoided wheat bread my whole life as much as possible. I recall getting really upset at Swiss Chalet once when they brought wheat rolls and said "we are low on white so you had to choose white when you ordered - despite assuming white was still the default"... Well the breakfast this morning was a grain break with natural peanut butter and some berries... and I loved it. It also included some skim milk (a 2% drinker for life I always said)... and it was fine. I know this sounds like nothing, but these were the first two fears I had and they turned out to be irrational fears.
Snack : one of my favorite foods, so no complaints there.... well maybe it seemed weird to have a snack between breakfast and dinner, but then again its just because its a weekend day. On weekdays at work, I kinda do snack to much.
Lunch: Here I kinda wish I had gotten a number to call and ask for help. We made a choice from my plan for lunch that 1) scared me before making it due to the cooked tomato content and 2) sounded like a lot of food (three cups of vegetables and my two favorite vegetables were on the no list). Well the tomato based product (trying to be cryptic) was DELICIOUS...well better than tolerable and easily will become a like I believe.... however I did not eat it more than a few bites. The reason here was stomach capacity. I know I overeat bad foods, but overeating good foods seemed to fill me up too much. I think in part it was due to choices of veg (raw carrots, raw celery today) but 3 cups is a lot no matter what choice i had made.
Snack: I managed to squeeze it in, but it is a favorite food of mine again.
Dinner: OK, late dinner due to prep time and a game of catan that seemed to take forever to call it off after about half time we suspect. Delicious dinner, but again three cups of veg. Its a lot and i need to seek clarification on how this is measured as 3 cups of cabbage and 3 cups of carrots are very different.
Snack: its optional.... did not really want it but a sweet taste at night and a three year old daughter made it a great finish to the day... well maybe time for one more Tea
Excited about how this will go tomorrow. Work, Crossfit, and eating like a pig it feels.. wait don't pigs eat healthy and then get fat too....
Breakfast: I have avoided wheat bread my whole life as much as possible. I recall getting really upset at Swiss Chalet once when they brought wheat rolls and said "we are low on white so you had to choose white when you ordered - despite assuming white was still the default"... Well the breakfast this morning was a grain break with natural peanut butter and some berries... and I loved it. It also included some skim milk (a 2% drinker for life I always said)... and it was fine. I know this sounds like nothing, but these were the first two fears I had and they turned out to be irrational fears.
Snack : one of my favorite foods, so no complaints there.... well maybe it seemed weird to have a snack between breakfast and dinner, but then again its just because its a weekend day. On weekdays at work, I kinda do snack to much.
Lunch: Here I kinda wish I had gotten a number to call and ask for help. We made a choice from my plan for lunch that 1) scared me before making it due to the cooked tomato content and 2) sounded like a lot of food (three cups of vegetables and my two favorite vegetables were on the no list). Well the tomato based product (trying to be cryptic) was DELICIOUS...well better than tolerable and easily will become a like I believe.... however I did not eat it more than a few bites. The reason here was stomach capacity. I know I overeat bad foods, but overeating good foods seemed to fill me up too much. I think in part it was due to choices of veg (raw carrots, raw celery today) but 3 cups is a lot no matter what choice i had made.
Snack: I managed to squeeze it in, but it is a favorite food of mine again.
Dinner: OK, late dinner due to prep time and a game of catan that seemed to take forever to call it off after about half time we suspect. Delicious dinner, but again three cups of veg. Its a lot and i need to seek clarification on how this is measured as 3 cups of cabbage and 3 cups of carrots are very different.
Snack: its optional.... did not really want it but a sweet taste at night and a three year old daughter made it a great finish to the day... well maybe time for one more Tea
Excited about how this will go tomorrow. Work, Crossfit, and eating like a pig it feels.. wait don't pigs eat healthy and then get fat too....
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Simply for Life: Menu Number 1
OK, so i got my menu today (which i won't be posting specifics about as I assume its very "classified") and I think its only fair to share my thoughts as they progressed.
First, since my meeting with Bruce on Friday I have been excited about what to expect. I really did not do my homework on this one and should have had a lot more questions in my first session than I asked (a function of winning the prize instead of signing up i think).
So the biggest thing I did not know was how detailed would the menu be? Suggestions of meals? specifics? variety? i really had no idea.
So I didn't get my menu until Saturday afternoon by logging on at a friends house and have learnt one big lesson..DON'T LOOK AT IT AT ALL UNTIL YOU HAVE TIME TO REALLY LOOK AT IT. My first impression was that there were lots of foods on the list I disliked. I realized i should have submitted an appendix with my dislike section as there are lots of foods we probably all dislike that we don't see much so don't think of (for example I have tried tofu, strongly dislike tofu and think it is not a "real food"). I noticed a lack of junk food, greasy meat and breads...so when I saw tofu, tofutti, canned tomatoes..... I thought - great... here I go...Shirley is probably in.......
The menu was also not suggestive, but explicit. It said the exact foods I would be eating for the next 7 days each and every meal (leaving me the choice on which three days to eat breakfast #2 and the other four days are breakfast #1 for example). And as a logical person I unfortunately see numerous ways to interpret some of the statements in it (is it the same 4 meals, or could i pick 2-1-1 from the choices to make my four ---- i went with a picked meal was picked for 4 [or 3] days). Then I went out to think about it at a "last" family dinner which had been planned a while ago for my daughters birthday (I had a chicken wrap which I though was probably not so bad compares to a panzerotti).
Eventually I got to my office, printed the menu and grocery list (don't find the list useful as it includes everything and depends how you interpret the menu) and headed to the grocery store.
This was a nightmare. YOU CAN NOT GO TO THE GROCERY STORE WITH THE MENU AS IT COMES. You need to plan your choices and cut down the suggested item. I will be assigning a menu to grocery list converter to my programming students this term now. On top of this - these are parts of the grocery store I do not go to.
Well we were shopping for more than one hour.... often because I was changing my choices on the fly and I needed everything... but actually, except for an item I could not find (Metamucil fiber wafers) and an item I assume is not there (dry white wine) I was shocked to spend only $76.92 for a weeks full meals. I mean I usually spend $12 a night on a meal since I'm busy and used to easily spend $10 a day at Tim's. Not to mention the normal $100-150 grocery bill. I did also, however, spend $60 on other related items for the kitchen (scale, spice rack) and $40 on gym clothes... but that just breaks me even for the normal week.
So tomorrow I begin...if i can find my soup pot!!!
First, since my meeting with Bruce on Friday I have been excited about what to expect. I really did not do my homework on this one and should have had a lot more questions in my first session than I asked (a function of winning the prize instead of signing up i think).
So the biggest thing I did not know was how detailed would the menu be? Suggestions of meals? specifics? variety? i really had no idea.
So I didn't get my menu until Saturday afternoon by logging on at a friends house and have learnt one big lesson..DON'T LOOK AT IT AT ALL UNTIL YOU HAVE TIME TO REALLY LOOK AT IT. My first impression was that there were lots of foods on the list I disliked. I realized i should have submitted an appendix with my dislike section as there are lots of foods we probably all dislike that we don't see much so don't think of (for example I have tried tofu, strongly dislike tofu and think it is not a "real food"). I noticed a lack of junk food, greasy meat and breads...so when I saw tofu, tofutti, canned tomatoes..... I thought - great... here I go...Shirley is probably in.......
The menu was also not suggestive, but explicit. It said the exact foods I would be eating for the next 7 days each and every meal (leaving me the choice on which three days to eat breakfast #2 and the other four days are breakfast #1 for example). And as a logical person I unfortunately see numerous ways to interpret some of the statements in it (is it the same 4 meals, or could i pick 2-1-1 from the choices to make my four ---- i went with a picked meal was picked for 4 [or 3] days). Then I went out to think about it at a "last" family dinner which had been planned a while ago for my daughters birthday (I had a chicken wrap which I though was probably not so bad compares to a panzerotti).
Eventually I got to my office, printed the menu and grocery list (don't find the list useful as it includes everything and depends how you interpret the menu) and headed to the grocery store.
This was a nightmare. YOU CAN NOT GO TO THE GROCERY STORE WITH THE MENU AS IT COMES. You need to plan your choices and cut down the suggested item. I will be assigning a menu to grocery list converter to my programming students this term now. On top of this - these are parts of the grocery store I do not go to.
Well we were shopping for more than one hour.... often because I was changing my choices on the fly and I needed everything... but actually, except for an item I could not find (Metamucil fiber wafers) and an item I assume is not there (dry white wine) I was shocked to spend only $76.92 for a weeks full meals. I mean I usually spend $12 a night on a meal since I'm busy and used to easily spend $10 a day at Tim's. Not to mention the normal $100-150 grocery bill. I did also, however, spend $60 on other related items for the kitchen (scale, spice rack) and $40 on gym clothes... but that just breaks me even for the normal week.
So tomorrow I begin...if i can find my soup pot!!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
First Nutrition Visit
Ok, so went for my first Nutrition visit with Bruce Sweeney. I think that I'm really going to like this guy (and his wife and whole team too....well maybe not mike).
I think I know (as we all do) what Bruce knows and I think of him right now as my coach. Eat healthy, eat often, eat right... and ask questions when you have them. He had some good advice for me..
1) tea is OK - [well OK i have to cut to skim milk but in tea that's not even a problem... drinking skim milk is not my fave though].
2) EAT.. as simple as it sounds, its my biggest problem. I mean i showed up for my consolation and it had been approximately 16 hours since I ate anything (cup of tea excused of course). So i know i need to eat more.. yet i never do.. hence weight gain. So perhaps once I get my menu (scared what it might be actually but trying not to get over nervous about it - that's a trigger for me.. nerves) i will do my best to eat at the right frequencies (stats!!!!).
3) STOP weighing yourself. OK, so I have a fixation with numbers (hence PHD in Mathematical CS and a teaching load in Statistics). I weight myself.... oh i dunno. three maybe four times... per day. Seriously i do.. i know its not going to change but i get excited if its do from 5 minutes ago (and i know its random fluctuations in the variable too).
So looking forward to my menu.. need to hit grocery store but waiting for the menu on that too.... and to all those that say eating healthy is too $$$$.. add up what you normally eat is what i say
I think I know (as we all do) what Bruce knows and I think of him right now as my coach. Eat healthy, eat often, eat right... and ask questions when you have them. He had some good advice for me..
1) tea is OK - [well OK i have to cut to skim milk but in tea that's not even a problem... drinking skim milk is not my fave though].
2) EAT.. as simple as it sounds, its my biggest problem. I mean i showed up for my consolation and it had been approximately 16 hours since I ate anything (cup of tea excused of course). So i know i need to eat more.. yet i never do.. hence weight gain. So perhaps once I get my menu (scared what it might be actually but trying not to get over nervous about it - that's a trigger for me.. nerves) i will do my best to eat at the right frequencies (stats!!!!).
3) STOP weighing yourself. OK, so I have a fixation with numbers (hence PHD in Mathematical CS and a teaching load in Statistics). I weight myself.... oh i dunno. three maybe four times... per day. Seriously i do.. i know its not going to change but i get excited if its do from 5 minutes ago (and i know its random fluctuations in the variable too).
So looking forward to my menu.. need to hit grocery store but waiting for the menu on that too.... and to all those that say eating healthy is too $$$$.. add up what you normally eat is what i say
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Resolution Solution - Week (-1)
Ok, so I decided to keep a journal here of whats happening in my attempt at the Resolution Solution.
For those that don't know, I entered and won the opportunity to be on the "Green" team (listeners only) of K100's Resolution Solution Contest (did i mention K100 is tops). This is a chance to keep the eat healthier and live healthier promise we always make to ourselves each new years. It includes an 8 week membership to Simply for Life and an 8 week membership to Crossfit Saint John... not to mention the chance to beat (and get to know) some great K100 people (on and offline)
For those that don't know, I entered and won the opportunity to be on the "Green" team (listeners only) of K100's Resolution Solution Contest (did i mention K100 is tops). This is a chance to keep the eat healthier and live healthier promise we always make to ourselves each new years. It includes an 8 week membership to Simply for Life and an 8 week membership to Crossfit Saint John... not to mention the chance to beat (and get to know) some great K100 people (on and offline)
So introductory session was nice (even if cold). The SFL crew seems great and really addressed whats important to me.. food planning and life control. Ill have my first consult with them this friday. Have to say im nervous. I mean can I manage what they recommend? Will i have the "will".... And can i eat and or prepare enough for this program.
The crossfit team seems great too (ok,maybe a little nuts). I think mike talks more than I do if thats even possible. I have always had a strong resistance to exercise.. usually its the concept of not knowing what to do and just being told lots of opinions. I want a person (or group) to take control of me in a gym and tell me what to do, when, how hard ad how long.... seems crossfit might finally be the place for me... im dedicated to do it (very time consuming though) and want to make my self healthier for my girls as well as to help make them healthier. Felt silly asking what a burpe is... perhaps being academically deemed too smart to need gym was not a good life choice (of course, there were other reasons i wanted to avoid gym)
current: (Nkd)Weight = 231; Waste is 42-44 (no tape). I'm sure i'll have better measurements later in the week.
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