I don't know what to say. I had a lot of energy for this morning's session. I was actually craving exercise yesterday. I rocked the crunches and jogged farther than I thought I could. But when I came home for my weekly weigh-in, I was disappointed.
August 11: 237 - up another pound
I know I wasn't 100% good with the diet this week. Especially the Wendy's Baconator on the weekend but I was expecting a drop. I need some encouragement and I will have to be hard on myself this week. I need to see myself below 230 by the end of the 4 weeks or I will be disappointed. So, 14 more days to lose 7 pounds. I know I can do it.
Monday, August 11
Saturday, August 9
Day 4 and 5: Back into it.
Thursday my leg was feeling better and I was able to keep up better. We did a lot more work with the weights and I love that. It's something I can actually do at least as good as the girls. Cardio not so much but I can lift.
I can tell already that I'm getting stronger. My core/abs workouts don't leave me in a sweaty heap on the grass anymore and I can jog farther than before. Halfway through and I can tell the changes already. We'll see what the next two weeks bring.
I don't know if I'll sign up again. The returning student rate is a little better. It works out to $7.50/hr but that's still a lot of money we don't have right now. Maybe I'll just start going out for a jog in the mornings by myself. I know I won't be able to push myself as hard as the trainer does but some physical activity is better than nothing.
I can tell already that I'm getting stronger. My core/abs workouts don't leave me in a sweaty heap on the grass anymore and I can jog farther than before. Halfway through and I can tell the changes already. We'll see what the next two weeks bring.
I don't know if I'll sign up again. The returning student rate is a little better. It works out to $7.50/hr but that's still a lot of money we don't have right now. Maybe I'll just start going out for a jog in the mornings by myself. I know I won't be able to push myself as hard as the trainer does but some physical activity is better than nothing.
Day 3: Sick
Wednesday I woke up early with my two-year old. He had fallen asleep before supper and was up at 4:30 and wouldn't go back to sleep.
I was feeling ill - I think we had a flu going around the house and I decided to skip workout. I did however play a bunch of Wii with the boys, including about 6 boxing matches which got a good sweat going. So I guess a little exercise is better than nothing.
I was feeling ill - I think we had a flu going around the house and I decided to skip workout. I did however play a bunch of Wii with the boys, including about 6 boxing matches which got a good sweat going. So I guess a little exercise is better than nothing.
Thursday, August 7
Day 2: OUCH!
Yes, I'm posting these late. I tried to figure out how to change the date in Blogger but it's been so long since I posted here, things have changed and I can't remember. So just pretend this was from Tuesday.
Today we had a new guy in the class. This young, buff stud is in the evening class but since it's only 3 days a week, he will be joining us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The trainer took this opportunity to push us hard to try to impress the muscleman.
We started out with running and my left calf started hurting right away. It felt like somebody had punched me in the leg. I toughed through it but as we were running up the hill - BACKWARDS! - my quad started cramping up too. So my left leg was fighting me for most of the hour and I couldn't stretch it out.
I was exhausted and in pain on the way back to the van. The trainer admitted that he was trying to put on a good show for the new guy and reassured me that I needn't try to keep up. Just challenge myself to my own levels.
Today we had a new guy in the class. This young, buff stud is in the evening class but since it's only 3 days a week, he will be joining us on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The trainer took this opportunity to push us hard to try to impress the muscleman.
We started out with running and my left calf started hurting right away. It felt like somebody had punched me in the leg. I toughed through it but as we were running up the hill - BACKWARDS! - my quad started cramping up too. So my left leg was fighting me for most of the hour and I couldn't stretch it out.
I was exhausted and in pain on the way back to the van. The trainer admitted that he was trying to put on a good show for the new guy and reassured me that I needn't try to keep up. Just challenge myself to my own levels.
Week 2: Day One
Aug 4: 236 and lucky
I gained a pound back. Or so. The scale is getting tired and the needle kinda wiggles so I'm thinking I'm up a bit from a week ago. But I'm lucky that's it. I haven't been eating so well. A few slurpees and some takeout. But I'm feeling better.
First day of working out and I'm doing fine. I feel stronger, healthier, and able to jog a little further. Actually, I don't notice my body jiggling as much when I jog now so that's a good thing. :)
I got a lot of sleep before going out today. Last night I went to bed around 10, so I got like 2 hours more sleep than last week. I could tell in my energy levels. Here's hoping this week is better.
I gained a pound back. Or so. The scale is getting tired and the needle kinda wiggles so I'm thinking I'm up a bit from a week ago. But I'm lucky that's it. I haven't been eating so well. A few slurpees and some takeout. But I'm feeling better.
First day of working out and I'm doing fine. I feel stronger, healthier, and able to jog a little further. Actually, I don't notice my body jiggling as much when I jog now so that's a good thing. :)
I got a lot of sleep before going out today. Last night I went to bed around 10, so I got like 2 hours more sleep than last week. I could tell in my energy levels. Here's hoping this week is better.
Friday, August 1
Day 4 and 5: So tired
I was surviving on about 5 hours of sleep a night this week and I felt it today. I just had no energy. We did a lot of cardio and a lot of pushups but I made it.
5 days in a row of getting up at 5am and working my body to its limits. I know I could have done more if I had been getting more sleep and since I'm off at 9 next week, I can test my theory.
So, this message is short but good news. I'm feeling aching and sore and tired but each day is getting better.
I'll weigh myself on Monday morning. Please be good to me.
5 days in a row of getting up at 5am and working my body to its limits. I know I could have done more if I had been getting more sleep and since I'm off at 9 next week, I can test my theory.
So, this message is short but good news. I'm feeling aching and sore and tired but each day is getting better.
I'll weigh myself on Monday morning. Please be good to me.
Wednesday, July 30
Day Three: Hitting the Weights
Today was the first day we used our dumbbells. (Wow that word looks weird with two Bs but the spell checker insists so we'll go with it.)
I got to the park at about 5:55 and as other students showed up, we kinda stood around and compared our sorenesses. It was nice to know I am not the only one who is aching. Even the young ones who look like thy are in fine shape were saying they had stiff and sore muscles.
Around 6:05 the trainer still hadn't shown up so we went for a quick jog to warm up. He came speeding into the parking lot at about 6:10. He had traffic problems and got lost trying to go around them.
We did some more work on the hill and were using the weights to work on our shoulders. This was something I could do. I may not be able to do 100 sit-ups or run all that fast or far, but I'm used to carrying around extra weight. Several times per night in fact, I carry a 35-50 lb sleeping child from our bed back to his own bed, usually to the top bunk. So, I can lift stuff.
I'm actually not even feeling any pain in my shoulders tonight. And my quads have partly recovered from the torture I put them through on Monday. I can make it down 1.5 flights of stairs without crying now. By the end of the week, I should be ready to do squats and lunges again.
The other big part of the day was wind sprints in a soccer field that needed to be cut. It was wet and cloudy and we were running in long grass. The mosquitoes were terrible. But then again, the slapping could have been part of the workout. I was feeling pretty good today and I had a short nap in the morning so I was doing pretty good until mid-afternoon when I was to start work.
I was pooped. I had a large hot chocolate with a couple espresso shots from my Tassimo. That seemed to be just right cause now I'm 15 minutes from being able to go to bed and I'm starting to yawn. And no TV tonight. Just straight to bed for a solid 6 hours in a row.
My eating wasn't as good today. We had Wendy's for lunch and leftover tacos for supper so I probably used up my 3000+ expended calories for the day. Tomorrow will be better.
I got to the park at about 5:55 and as other students showed up, we kinda stood around and compared our sorenesses. It was nice to know I am not the only one who is aching. Even the young ones who look like thy are in fine shape were saying they had stiff and sore muscles.
Around 6:05 the trainer still hadn't shown up so we went for a quick jog to warm up. He came speeding into the parking lot at about 6:10. He had traffic problems and got lost trying to go around them.
We did some more work on the hill and were using the weights to work on our shoulders. This was something I could do. I may not be able to do 100 sit-ups or run all that fast or far, but I'm used to carrying around extra weight. Several times per night in fact, I carry a 35-50 lb sleeping child from our bed back to his own bed, usually to the top bunk. So, I can lift stuff.
I'm actually not even feeling any pain in my shoulders tonight. And my quads have partly recovered from the torture I put them through on Monday. I can make it down 1.5 flights of stairs without crying now. By the end of the week, I should be ready to do squats and lunges again.
The other big part of the day was wind sprints in a soccer field that needed to be cut. It was wet and cloudy and we were running in long grass. The mosquitoes were terrible. But then again, the slapping could have been part of the workout. I was feeling pretty good today and I had a short nap in the morning so I was doing pretty good until mid-afternoon when I was to start work.
I was pooped. I had a large hot chocolate with a couple espresso shots from my Tassimo. That seemed to be just right cause now I'm 15 minutes from being able to go to bed and I'm starting to yawn. And no TV tonight. Just straight to bed for a solid 6 hours in a row.
My eating wasn't as good today. We had Wendy's for lunch and leftover tacos for supper so I probably used up my 3000+ expended calories for the day. Tomorrow will be better.
Tuesday, July 29
Day Two: Sleepy
Today I was still sore in the morning so I took a few ibuprofen and tried to stretch. My quads were still stiff and fighting me as I went down the stairs. I had a small banana for breakfast - trying to get a little energy but not throw up like yesterday.
I told the trainer my legs were sore and he said that was normal. We'd try to limit the workouts on the legs today. I guess limiting meant step-ups onto picnic benches and climbing a huge hill - twice.
Aside: This huge hill and I have some history. Back almost 20 years ago I came into Calgary with my Dad and uncle to take hang gliding lessons. I was maybe 11 or 12 so I didn't have the shoulders to support the glider frame but I got to experience it a little bit. The cool thing is that this is the hill we flew off. There was no playground or pool or mosque or paved paths or supermarkets. Just a hill off at the edge of the city by the airport the perfect height for teaching hang gliding.
My stamina held up better today. We ended both days doing core workout. Yesterday I was collapsed on my mat on the grass by the time we were done. Today I was able to get up and walk back to the van.
I got home and kept my breakfast down. The boys all got up as I came in so I played some Wii with them and stayed up pretty much all day. I had a 30 minute nap with the 2 year old but that's it.
I've been working till 11:00pm and then getting up at 5:00. I was also planning on watching a little tv I taped tonight but I'm not sure I'll make it. I have 20 minutes left in my shift and I'm exhausted.
My legs are burning when I go up and down the stairs, by shoulders and lats are aching and my lower back is a little stiff. I wish I had time to go see my chiropractor but the leg lifts I did today popped a lot back into place. I'd have a bath before I go to bed but I'm scared I'd fall asleep.
I checked out my basal metabolic rate online today. Apparently due to my size and age, my body uses nearly 2200 calories a day doing absolutely nothing - just breathing and sleeping. That's 900 more than Amber. The trainer said a big guy can expect to burn around 500 calories an hour at Boot Camp. So, with a little more walking, chasing the kids, and stumbling up the stairs, I am burning more than 3000 calories a day. I can't eat that much so I hope to see another good size drop when I weigh myself again next Monday.
I told the trainer my legs were sore and he said that was normal. We'd try to limit the workouts on the legs today. I guess limiting meant step-ups onto picnic benches and climbing a huge hill - twice.
Aside: This huge hill and I have some history. Back almost 20 years ago I came into Calgary with my Dad and uncle to take hang gliding lessons. I was maybe 11 or 12 so I didn't have the shoulders to support the glider frame but I got to experience it a little bit. The cool thing is that this is the hill we flew off. There was no playground or pool or mosque or paved paths or supermarkets. Just a hill off at the edge of the city by the airport the perfect height for teaching hang gliding.
My stamina held up better today. We ended both days doing core workout. Yesterday I was collapsed on my mat on the grass by the time we were done. Today I was able to get up and walk back to the van.
I got home and kept my breakfast down. The boys all got up as I came in so I played some Wii with them and stayed up pretty much all day. I had a 30 minute nap with the 2 year old but that's it.
I've been working till 11:00pm and then getting up at 5:00. I was also planning on watching a little tv I taped tonight but I'm not sure I'll make it. I have 20 minutes left in my shift and I'm exhausted.
My legs are burning when I go up and down the stairs, by shoulders and lats are aching and my lower back is a little stiff. I wish I had time to go see my chiropractor but the leg lifts I did today popped a lot back into place. I'd have a bath before I go to bed but I'm scared I'd fall asleep.
I checked out my basal metabolic rate online today. Apparently due to my size and age, my body uses nearly 2200 calories a day doing absolutely nothing - just breathing and sleeping. That's 900 more than Amber. The trainer said a big guy can expect to burn around 500 calories an hour at Boot Camp. So, with a little more walking, chasing the kids, and stumbling up the stairs, I am burning more than 3000 calories a day. I can't eat that much so I hope to see another good size drop when I weigh myself again next Monday.
Monday, July 28
Day One: OMG!
I was scared I'd sleep in this morning and get in trouble for being late. My class starts at 6am so I set the alarm for 5 and was up a little before. I got dressed and had some breakfast. I knew I didn't want anything heavy so I went with a smoothie. Not a good day to try something new but I tried a banana-peanut butter-chocolate-raspberry thing. Tasted okay and woke me up.
I got to the park where we were meeting on time (I should - it's 3 minutes from our house) and met the trainer and the other students. 5 young ladies - 4 of whom were significantly more fit than me. The trainer was a guy so that was a bonus.
We started with a fitness test and measurements. I'm not going to subject anyone who stumbles across this to seeing my actual measurements but suffice it to say, I'm apparently built like a barrel. Chest, abdomen, hips, doesn't matter. All pretty much the same. I was feeling okay about the fitness test at first. Pushups and situps were better than I expected. Squats made my knees feel like they were going to pop. But then came the 1km run. I think the trainer got confused and took us on a 10km run because 1 km isn't anywhere near that far. I jogged the first bit and then alternated walking and jogging to the end. I couldn't be last so I made a push at the end and tied the big girl for last place. 9:40. I don't know what I expected but that isn't it. If I could keep that same pace for a marathon I would finish in about 7 hours. The would have packed up the finish line and all gone for supper by the time I got there.
But I couldn't keep that pace.
I collapsed in a heap on the grass. Then we did some squats and lunges and then sprints and pushups and ending with core workout. I was sweating like crazy and thought I couldn't make it. I was the most tired I'd ever been.
I stumbled to my van and barely had the strength to open the door and climb inside. I got home and came upstairs to have a shower. I threw up my smoothie and went to bed and slept for about 2 hours. My lovely wife handled the kids while I did this.
I'm feeling better tonight. My quads are burning going up and down the stairs but that's the only real pain. I'll have a warm shower and try to stretch them out before collapsing into bed for a few hours tonight.
It can only get better. Either that or I'll be the first person to die at Survivor Boot Camp.
I got to the park where we were meeting on time (I should - it's 3 minutes from our house) and met the trainer and the other students. 5 young ladies - 4 of whom were significantly more fit than me. The trainer was a guy so that was a bonus.
We started with a fitness test and measurements. I'm not going to subject anyone who stumbles across this to seeing my actual measurements but suffice it to say, I'm apparently built like a barrel. Chest, abdomen, hips, doesn't matter. All pretty much the same. I was feeling okay about the fitness test at first. Pushups and situps were better than I expected. Squats made my knees feel like they were going to pop. But then came the 1km run. I think the trainer got confused and took us on a 10km run because 1 km isn't anywhere near that far. I jogged the first bit and then alternated walking and jogging to the end. I couldn't be last so I made a push at the end and tied the big girl for last place. 9:40. I don't know what I expected but that isn't it. If I could keep that same pace for a marathon I would finish in about 7 hours. The would have packed up the finish line and all gone for supper by the time I got there.
But I couldn't keep that pace.
I collapsed in a heap on the grass. Then we did some squats and lunges and then sprints and pushups and ending with core workout. I was sweating like crazy and thought I couldn't make it. I was the most tired I'd ever been.
I stumbled to my van and barely had the strength to open the door and climb inside. I got home and came upstairs to have a shower. I threw up my smoothie and went to bed and slept for about 2 hours. My lovely wife handled the kids while I did this.
I'm feeling better tonight. My quads are burning going up and down the stairs but that's the only real pain. I'll have a warm shower and try to stretch them out before collapsing into bed for a few hours tonight.
It can only get better. Either that or I'll be the first person to die at Survivor Boot Camp.
Jumping out of a Fat-Guy Airplane
Here's the background.
I'm huge. I've been gradually been getting huger since high school and have been in denial but I can't just keep graduating to new pants sizes. Not cool.
2 weeks ago Amber found this thing called Survivor Boot Camp. Someone on one of her forums was raving about it. It's a 4 week intensive fitness training course supposed to kick your butt into shape. I decided to spend some of our savings and go for it.
This idea was scary. Terrifyingly exciting. I think the phrase I used that night was "like jumping out of a fat guy airplane." We found a 10 day meal plan that was on the website and bought a bunch of groceries.
July 18: 241 lbs and scared
It was 10 days before Boot Camp started and I tried the menu and found out that I snack all day. When I was conscious of what I was eating I saw my hand reaching for candy or cookies or other not-healthy choices. Some of the food was good. I love turkey bacon and egg-white omelettes are much better than I expected. The smoothies with protein powder are wonderful. I love trying new fruit combinations.
However, I tried cottage cheese and while it wasn't as bad as I remember, I couldn't eat it like 5 times a week the way it was suggesting. So, after Day 4 of the "menu" (I refused to call it a diet), I decided to go it alone and just drink lots of water, limit my sugar (oh slurpees how I miss you) and keep having the protein shake each day to curb my appetite.
Today was the first day of boot camp and I'll write about it in another entry but for the results of the experiment:
July 28: 235 lbs and shocked
I lost 6 pounds in 10 days. But before I get all proud of myself, let's see how the first day of training went. :(
I'm huge. I've been gradually been getting huger since high school and have been in denial but I can't just keep graduating to new pants sizes. Not cool.
2 weeks ago Amber found this thing called Survivor Boot Camp. Someone on one of her forums was raving about it. It's a 4 week intensive fitness training course supposed to kick your butt into shape. I decided to spend some of our savings and go for it.
This idea was scary. Terrifyingly exciting. I think the phrase I used that night was "like jumping out of a fat guy airplane." We found a 10 day meal plan that was on the website and bought a bunch of groceries.
July 18: 241 lbs and scared
It was 10 days before Boot Camp started and I tried the menu and found out that I snack all day. When I was conscious of what I was eating I saw my hand reaching for candy or cookies or other not-healthy choices. Some of the food was good. I love turkey bacon and egg-white omelettes are much better than I expected. The smoothies with protein powder are wonderful. I love trying new fruit combinations.
However, I tried cottage cheese and while it wasn't as bad as I remember, I couldn't eat it like 5 times a week the way it was suggesting. So, after Day 4 of the "menu" (I refused to call it a diet), I decided to go it alone and just drink lots of water, limit my sugar (oh slurpees how I miss you) and keep having the protein shake each day to curb my appetite.
Today was the first day of boot camp and I'll write about it in another entry but for the results of the experiment:
July 28: 235 lbs and shocked
I lost 6 pounds in 10 days. But before I get all proud of myself, let's see how the first day of training went. :(
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