October 2, 2009

Namesake Post

I've seen it. I saw it often as it flew past and landed on a chubbier number. But, today... it stopped. It stopped on 210. I stepped off, stepped back on...still 210. I silently motioned for Sally to come look, to give me a positive affirmation that the number that was actually on the scale is the same elusive number I've been longing to reach. And, it was.

I remember that chilly fall morning as Sally and I were backing out of her parent's Chuckanut house and in the rear view mirror I saw, on the windshield of the Mule, the number 210 written in the snow. Dennis, who coined the phrase and also urged me to SEE it, had used his finger to carve out the numbers. He must've seen something in me because I launched into a nearly year long battle to lose all this weight and I have absolutely no plans of ever returning!!!

Thank you to all who have read this blog throughout the year. You've inspired me to keep on pushing myself and in turn "inspire" you, well, some of you... but, it's still an awesome feeling to know I have my "work-out" family to support me whenever I need it! What a ride it's been.

So what's next? I don't know. As cool as it is/was to see 210, it was a bit anti-climatic. I mean, it's really just a number on the scale. For all I know, maybe now I'm just a skinnier fat dude, you know?! My goal's now are less weight oriented and more fitness oriented but mostly maintenance oriented. The blog? I'm not sure... maybe when it slows down a little more I can get back into writing and finding new inspiration.

Till then... I'm signing off (as I've said in the last 3 posts:)...

Jeff

September 19, 2009

Where've you been?

I can't believe it's been a month and a half since I've written anything other than a Facebook status update or an email at work. To all of you who wonder what the heck is going on and am I still working out and all that, hopefully this will answer some of those questions.

Right now, in our photography business we are in full-swing... it's wedding season which is our busy season. This is our first really busy season so we didn't really know what to expect. Then, throw in my new promotion at work (thank you very much) that brought on a new schedule for me which makes the homelife time even less. Oh, and of course... we have Audrey, 3 months old today:) Combine all those together and I have a busy thing going on! But then again, who isn't busy?!

I've continued my 16 floor climb every morning at work and I walk about a mile and a half to and from the bus... and honestly, that's the extent of my actual "workouts". I still watch what I eat, or rather, I continue to eat a helluvalot better than I used to... I also throw in the occasional push-up/sit-up set a few times a week. Shooting a wedding has proven to be quite the exercise, too.

With all this put together, I've found a happy(ish) medium where I don't gain but rarely lose. I'm maintaining at 212 right now. It's not too exciting to talk about and rarely do I feel motivated to write something on here because there's just not much to tell... but for the sake of an update. I'm doing well:)

Hope you all are as well!!!

August 7, 2009

The Stairs Are There...and the people are using them

It's catching on. I'm not the first person who has thought of it but I've been telling my co-workers how I walk the 16 flights of stairs to our floor every morning. And, most recently have been climbing to the top floor (23rd).

One came over to me the other day to tell me that she has been climbing the flights from floor 10 (where our lunchroom is) up to 16. She is out of breath from it but feels so much better. It was really fun to talk to her about it and I challenged her to add in a few more here and there and to take the plunge. I said one day you are going to walk through the front doors and decide today is the day and you will huff it up the 16. Or, just stop at 10 and take the elevator. We'll see what she does.

A couple of weeks ago, another co-worker came to me out of breath after a large meeting we had down on the 3rd floor. I took the elevator but she totally showed me up, she decided to just climb them all to 16:)

It's really fun to see people around you getting into it. To me it's just a part of my day but they are beginning to understand how nice it is that we have those to use whenever we want:) I use the stairs as a justification for more coffee (which I don't need). I walk up the 16 to my desk. Then a few minutes later walk down to 10, get my coffee then climb back up 6 to my floor. A few hours later I go back down and repeat. So, by the end of the day I've climbed at least 28 flights... sometimes more!

August 3, 2009

"Didn't you have a beard?"

I've been running into random people here and there that are finding it hard to put their fingers on what has changed about me. For people that have been near me the change has been gradual and almost non-noticeable... but, there are others that I've met once or twice before that when I saw them again they didn't even notice me.

This last weekend, Sally and I did a photo shoot for a family that won a portrait package we donated for a charity auction (same family won it last year). We walked up and said hellos and the guy looked at me a little cockeyed and said "didn't you have a beard last year?" I said, "maybe... but, I've also lost a little weight!" He was shocked and we all discussed it for a few minutes. He said he didn't even recognize me, "you look really different".

I have found that sometimes people don't want to come right out and ask if I've lost a lot of weight and hide behind a question about some other trivial part of my appearance... then there are others who think I was a different person. Both are great to hear, and both make me feel like this is all worth it!

July 23, 2009

A New Low

But, not in a bad way... I realized after writing the title to this post that it could be misleading, but never fear, the new low I've hit was on the scale. Two-eleven, to be exact. I'm getting back into this quietly. I have (once again) had to re-evaluate my eating habits that I thought I had so in control.

Just because I'm finding it hard to find time to write doesn't mean I've given up. I've got my partner-in-crime back (Sally) and I'm so excited about that. It has rejuvenated me and given me hope again...I thought I may be destined for the 215 mark forever (which goes against everything I have learned and written about). It's my typical problem areas that have creeped up on me, slowly and finally made themselves known.

You know how it is when you achieve something? That feeling of "I made that goal and achieved it, what's next?" It all snowballs from there... new goals, new feelings of accomplishment leads to even bigger stretch goals and absolute elation. My body is abuzz with the possibilities I've just reached.

Two-eleven. I'm almost there... next goal (this shouldn't be news though)...sub 200.

July 17, 2009

Too Busy to Blog

I am taking a temporary hiatus from writing so I can get through this big event at work. The biggest day is over and it should calm down next week. Tomorrow morning we are coming downtown to the Flagship Nordstrom store to walk and walk and walk while the girls shop and shop and shop. So, in a way it's going to be a great workout:)

I hope you guys are enjoying the wonderful weather. I suppose I have to pass one little tidbit of encouragement on to you... this last winter I made myself a promise, actually I made it known that I was going to lose weight during the holidays. This forced me to reconsider that third cookie or 7th beer... it all resulted in a few pounds lost during the biggest food consumption time of the year. Hey, if you want to rock out all summer long on jerky and cheap beer I kind of understand but just remember...if you want it to stop it's totally up to you. And, it's totally doable! Don't feel like "just because it's the holiday (or summer)" that you are destined to pack it on...it doesn't have to be that way:)

Talk to you in a while.

July 8, 2009

Two Hundred Sit-Ups

I took a week off from work to welcome our baby (as you should know by now) and for the most part took a week off from everything including my pursuit of 200 sit ups, 100 push ups and seeing 210.

On Monday night, I decided to start week 5 over. I did my first 4 sets easily (32, 38, 32, 32) then I had to do a max set. The max set for this day is 48. I started cranking them out and got to 48 before I knew it. I was shocked to feel little in my abs so I kept going. As I reached 100 I was getting a bit tired but pushed on, concentrating on my form so I wouldn't hurt myself.

By 150, I was stunned... a week off and here I am 3/4 of the way through and feeling good. I got a second wind and it honestly felt like I was just starting the set. I recalled a piece of advice from the two-hundred sit-ups website that said to make sure to breathe out on every rep (on your way up). I got into a rhythm and reached 200. I would've kept going but stopped out of sheer excitement and disbelief that I have beaten the 200 sit-ups challenge on my 5th week.

Still not believing myself I went back to the website to make sure I did the sit-ups correctly. Well, as far as my form, I was spot on. There is one small discrepancy... it mentions pausing for a second or two when you get to the fully contracted position. Damn. I guess it's back to the drawing board.

Last night I did day 2 of week 5 and finished off my set with yet another 200 sit-ups. Now, I have to do this with the 1-2 second pause... I will do it!

I lifted this image from the website of a proper sit-up according to them.

July 4, 2009

Morning Jog

This morning I was awoken by my lovely little 2 week old passing gas about 1 foot from my head. Not so pleasant. After changing her and taking her back to mommy to be fed I looked over at my alarm clock to see that it was just about 6am. Hmmm...time for a morning jog.

I geared up and hit the road. I gave myself a rude awakening by forcing myself to jog up a rather steep hill during the first half mile. After I was up it the rest of the jog was quite easy. I took a different route this morning and it was nice to see some different neighborhoods. It was also nice to go so early in the morning because there are less cars and it's a lot less hot out. Today it's supposed to be mid to upper 80's, maybe 90.

My last post was about how I'm easing back into things... I realized last night (hence the morning guilt run) that I'm still hiding from what needs to be done. I'm still making excuses for myself. Instead of easing in I've been standing on the edge of the pool contemplating, maybe dipping my toe every once-in-a-while.

This morning was another toe dip. Hopefully I can jump right in soon because I feel like the fat kid again and that's annoying. I've come too far to feel like that again!

For those of you who celebrate the 4th of July, enjoy, and have a safe one! For those of you who don't...have a great weekend anyways:)

June 25, 2009

Easing Back In

I've gotten the eating back under control...a hard thing to do when there are so many people bringing over such fantastic meals! Then, I woke up and knew what needed to happen. No more making excuses and hiding behind this little 8 lb bundle of joy... today I had to go jogging. I've missed the feel of the street and the dull burn of my legs, I missed that feeling you get just moments after the final big breath of the cool down and most importantly I missed moving. I just haven't moved much in the last 2 weeks.

From a tip I received from a neighbor of mine, Natosha, I set out on a new route. A new chapter in my life should be celebrated with a jog around town in a different direction. I'm easing myself into it...that run was 3.25 miles and took me all over the place. There is an interurban trail in North Seattle and it was great...hardly anyone on the path and if you can get past the cemetery on your right and the power lines on your left it's an absolute joy to run where you know you can't be run over by horrible Seattle drivers.

So, today I woke and thought I'd head out early in the morning. As the morning went on I realized it's going to be a late afternoon jog, no biggie. I then thought I might hit up old faithful...my 5 miler. I spoke to my father-in-law, Dennis, and he reminded me that there is no rush to getting back into it. Why push yourself so hard that you don't want to head back out? OK, I'm heeding his advice. I've dropped my jog down to a 3-mile loop this afternoon...it'll be nice to get a second warm-up jog before I hit the road for a long one.

Here is the loop that I ran yesterday...I will probably go on this one quite a few more times...what I also love about it is that it's very expandable...I can add a few miles easily without disrupting the natural loop. Love it!

June 23, 2009

Audrey Royce

What a weekend!  My baby girl was born on my birthday, June 19th at 11:10pm. She weighed 8lbs 7oz and was 20.5 inches long.

As in all birth stories and recollections of all things fatherly, it is utterly impossible to put into words the feeling you get when you see your baby being born.  The rush of emotion and general haze it puts you in is just mind numbing.  Watching Sally labor through it all was really tough but I knew she could do it! And, of course...she did and Audrey Royce was born!

To celebrate and for reasons of sanity I took this week off from work.  A very wise decision indeed!  I'm excited by the smallest things this little girl does.  The first hint of a smile nearly reduced me to tears:)  

We have been helped out so much through these last few days and I am so thankful!  However, with all this good food around I've noticed the tightness I've worked so hard to attain is turning a little soft.  I'm excited that the weather will be cooperating this week and I hope to get out on the road and run a few quick jogs to get my legs back...they will probably be personal bests because of my want to be home holding or just looking at little Audrey! 

To see some more pics of Audrey and us at the hospital click here.

June 16, 2009

A Nice Morning Walk

What a beautiful morning!  Last night I decided that working from home made more sense...see previous post for many reasons why being at work around many people wasn't the best idea for me!!  I woke at my normal time, went downstairs, had my coffee with Sally, started working from home then we took a break and went for a neighborhood walk... down to Sandle Park and back. 

Walking down to that park is about as relaxing as a walk in our area can be.  We strolled checking out every one's yards and I kept her busy by asking her what types of flowers or plants we were looking at were.  I love checking out the neighborhoods and seeing how different people are and how it all seems to work.  It's always nice for us to get on the street together since my normal jogs are almost always done by myself.

The morning air and leisurely pace was exactly what I needed to help destress! I only have to work till 2 today so that will feel amazing when I can be done and have the rest of the day to hang out at home with Sal:)

June 15, 2009

Beside Myself

Today our baby is officially one week overdue. Never has a time in my life gone slower than the last week. I'm unable to describe how I'm feeling right now, but, it wouldn't be like me to write a post without at least trying! So...here it goes:

I feel like I'm floating and all the normal, everyday things are just flying past me because all I'm thinking about is Sally and the baby.

I feel like I felt back in school when I'd watch the clock and wish the next 3 hours would go by in a few seconds. Time would stand still, that's today!

I feel like there is a huge planned event that will happen any second but there is no way to predict nor know when it will happen.

I can't focus on anything (including this post).

I jump every time my phone rings.

I feel like a zombie but only because I want my reality to be something it will be inevitably.

I try to will things along and realize I have no control.

I'm a control freak and I've been rendered useless, I cannot control this situation.

I'm exhausted.

I don't want to go to work, not just because of the work, but because I have to face so many people and answer the same questions. (If I'm here, then no, the baby hasn't been born).

I'm still very excited for all my goals and working out again with Sally but feel I'm having to put life on hold till this happens!

OK, that's enough for now...I think you get it. It is truly a mind-F dealing with the day to day of waiting for our baby. I know it's going to be well worth the wait but I had to be honest with you. It's draining! And I'm just the Dad...I can't even imagine how Sally is feeling! I think she is dealing with it a lot better than me.

Wish us luck!! Thanks:)

June 11, 2009

Reaching Out

I've been learning a lot about this lately...it would seem to be a pretty obvious thing since, you know, that's what our business is all about. Every time I put myself out there and let people in on my "personal life" I usually get an amazing response and find that most people are just as excited to share information as I am.

Recently, here at my normal job I've let people know that I'm a photographer. I've found out there are a few other photographers including a wedding photographer, a lady that makes jewelry, two make-up artists, some venue owners, a florist, and on and on. I've also heard nothing but great response about my whole "losing 60 some odd pounds" thing. Just the other day I was asked if I take the stairs up to my floor...a girl from my work saw me entering the stairwell. The answer in short was, yes. I've been climbing those damn stairs for the last 7 months. I've only missed them a couple of times. Once when I was too sick and I shouldn't have been at work and the other time when I tweaked my back. Many days I fight it but still force myself to go up them, I guess it's just a part of my day now.

I know this isn't about my workouts or any cool goals I've achieved...this post is about life. It's about how fun it is to share ideas with people, it's about networking to become a better person and it's about the feeling I've gotten this last week from all the outpouring of support and new readers. It's been a lot of fun sharing running routes with our next door neighbors, challenging some newcomers to the Fatbet and seeing comments from people I've never met.

With baby due any moment a new chapter starts in our lives...Sally is excited to get back to pre-baby weight and I'm stoked to not have ice cream every other night...I mean, I'm excited to have her and I eating the way we used to because now I have a hefty goal. My next goal is to lose even more fat and become a sub-200'er. Yes, it's a word...and here's a fun fact. I haven't been under 200 pounds since before I was in 8th grade (maybe 7th)!!! That was the last time I saw a number on the scale that was less than 200. It's going to be a strange day for me especially if I think of what I was like back then. I had braces and spiky hair and I was uncomfortable in my own skin...that'll be a fun before/after shot:)

Here's to a new chapter and sharing it with some new friends! Cheers!

June 9, 2009

Fatbet - Join Us

Every few months or so I start up a new Fatbet with family or friends. It has kept me in check and has provided me with some healthy competition for this whole weight loss gig.

What the heck is Fatbet? Fatbet.net was started by a few guys back in 2007 when they realized that their upcoming Hawaii vacation was looming and a conversation (bash fest) started about who was fatter and who could lose more weight by the time they left. After a very early version of the newer, polished website they realized that losing some weight could be a fun and competitive sport. Fatbet was born! For their whole story, check this page out.

Basically you get a group of people together interested in losing some pudge. You set a wager or a penalty to make it competitive then everyone sets their goals. Your actual weight is never shown but the amount you want to lose is shown. There is also a message board where you can write in taunts and/or encouragement to each other. I have found that there is some taunting but it always ends up on the encouraging side because as you lose you want others around you to succeed as well!

With that, I'm writing today to invite anyone who would like to lose a few pounds to join in on our newest Fatbet!! It started today and will run through August 31st. A penalty or wager has not been set yet, though...that is still up for debate.

Check it out at Fatbet.net and if you decide you'd like to join us (which I really hope you will!) then click on this link: http://www.fatbet.net/joinbetreg.aspx?JoinBetId=2953&Digest=4BPVANrZzwI7m4aozBGDlQ

Hope to see you on there...or, at least hear about yours:)

June 8, 2009

100 Push-Ups : Final Update

I opened my mouth a few weeks ago and now I'm starting to wonder if it was what I said that is making baby not want to come out. I mentioned that I made a goal of doing 100 consecutive push-ups before baby was born! Idiot...who puts that kind of pressure on their self (or their unborn child) but me?!

Last night I finished my 3rd day of week 6...the final day of the prep. All I have left to do now is 100 push-ups. I'm ready. I've taken all the necessary steps and it's on me now. What will it take to succeed? Ugh. One thing I noticed right away when I'm doing a long set like that is I get extremely bored and agitated. I'm not even really tired and I want to give up because it's an annoying motion to keep going through. Hard to explain but my goal is to put that all aside, put it behind me so I can finish this little challenge. Maybe tonight I'll give it my first shot!? Seconds after I finished my 9 sets of over 245 push-ups, Sally looked at me, congratulated me then said... "Oh great, now you can finish and do your 100 tomorrow?!" I laughed.

So, maybe tonight then? One thing that I'm excited about and gives me confidence is that after a big night of push-ups I awoke to little or no pain. My muscles have no recollection of the stress put on them last night. I kind of wanted to be sore to prove that what I've been doing is not going unnoticed by my own body...hmmm. I'm over it.

Wish me luck...and if you are just starting this challenge...keep at it. It's flipping hard at times but you will be SO surprised at what your body is capable of. I remember on week 3 looking at week 6 and thinking, "oh hell no, there is no way!!"

I'm on the third week of Sit-ups and am about to start the squats! I'm excited:)

Good luck to the newbies...Cheri, Dennis, Chris and Natosha! Let me know how you guys are doing!! I'm gonna keep you honest right here on this little blog of mine:)
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