Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

[MissThundercat]

Tomorrow is the Ann Arbor marathon. This will be number 9 for me.

4:46:28, a new personal record. I turned it on at mile 5 and never let up.

Next race is the Rivertown half-marathon.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

4:46:28, a new personal record. I turned it on at mile 5 and never let up.

Next race is the Rivertown half-marathon.

Congrats on the PR!

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Congrats on the PR!

Thanks! In the past, I had faded into the finish. At the halfway mark, the clock read 2:32:xx, and I knew I could speed it up from there. So I just dug in, and sped up. I knew I'd have a PR at mile 24, knowing it was all flatland in front of me, and my pace was not slowing down.

Also... my quads do not hurt as much today, and stairs are negotiable. I credit yoga and Pilates for that!

 

[MissThundercat]

Thanks! In the past, I had faded into the finish. At the halfway mark, the clock read 2:32:xx, and I knew I could speed it up from there. So I just dug in, and sped up. I knew I'd have a PR at mile 24, knowing it was all flatland in front of me, and my pace was not slowing down.

Also... my quads do not hurt as much today, and stairs are negotiable. I credit yoga and Pilates for that!

Also, after a weekend of nothing but dining out, which included chicken tinga tacos, chicken bruschetta pizza, a burger with fried green tomatoes on it, a sandwich that was the size of my face, and beer from Arbor Brewing and Grizzly Peak... Time to get back to home cooking.

 

[SteveP]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

After a crappy weekend of snow and ice, the sun came out today so I did the 1st C25K. Sunshine and low 20's -- perfect weather to get out and get going.

Five minute warmup walk -- no sweat. Then "Run for 1 Minute --- this is one of eight." EIGHT??

By run #4 the lungs were burning and the hips were seizing up. I felt all of my 62 years. Oh well, have to start somewhere.

 

[St. Clown]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Is anybody using any tracking apps similar to MyFitnessPal, but not specifically MyFitnessPal? With the changes they've made the app lately, specifically the ads inserted into it since Under Armor purchased MFP, it's made the app very difficult to use at times. I can't tell you how many times an ad isn't clicked and yet it pops open, or it opens up the App Store to download a new app while I'm trying to input food. It's become ridiculous.

 

[SteveP]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Is anybody using any tracking apps similar to MyFitnessPal, but not specifically MyFitnessPal? With the changes they've made the app lately, specifically the ads inserted into it since Under Armor purchased MFP, it's made the app very difficult to use at times. I can't tell you how many times an ad isn't clicked and yet it pops open, or it opens up the App Store to download a new app while I'm trying to input food. It's become ridiculous.

The free C25K app promotes Google Fit, but the reviews aren't very good. I was going to go back to MFP, but don't need to be bombarded with ads.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

My vice?

Late night snacks.

For pretty much all of my 46 years, just about every day, I've indulged in cheetos, fritos, cheezits, popcorn (with melted butter), pretzels etc...

Oftentimes, the bag/box would be next to me and I'd just graze. It was essentially a 4th meal's worth of calories... bad calories... between 10 and 12.

Every night.

I'm like 5'11" and I've fluctuated from 185 to 210 over the past number of years and I want to be in the 170s. Even at 210, I don't look obviously overweight, but I want to look (and feel) better. It's unacceptable to not want to take off my shirt in the summer.


I went cold turkey last Monday and am happy that I finally did as I've known that the late night snacking is probably the main factor in me not being able to lose that extra weight.

I can tell that I was/am an addict as I've had moments of needing that salt fix. I've told myself (internally) to "Snack on that fat in your belly, pig."

Seriously.


Anyway. So far, so good. Hope I can make this life change as it will benefit me in many ways as I age.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

I don't use a tracker. have a fitbit, but don't need it for motivation.

I lift 3-5 times a week, play hockey (2 hours of up and down fast hockey) 1-3 times a week, run 3-5 miles once a week (that's all my shins will allow as I need a week-sh to recover) and ride my stationary a couple times per week.

I'm looking at adding an abs program. Have seen a couple of "dance" programs that are for the core and am considering them.

Pirated something called Hip Hop Abs and am gonna give it a whirl. Of course while no one's watching.

Seems silly, but I honestly think that exercise that combines music and movement and replaces crunches and boring routines could be the solution for me in the abs department.


Plus... maybe I'll finally get some rhythm.

 

[Kepler]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

If I could cut out soda I'd probably cut out 10% of my caloric intake. I didn't care until I started getting high BP readings. Now... well, I care.

 

[Kepler]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

I started running with Couch to 5k. After this year is over, I will have finished 12 marathons, 7 25Ks, 8 half-marathons, a litany of 5Ks and 10Ks, and one 50 mile ultra.

And to think that in December 2003, I weighed 396 lbs. Have to start somewhere.

Holy sh-t.

You are now my idol.

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

If I could cut out soda I'd probably cut out 10% of my caloric intake. I didn't care until I started getting high BP readings. Now... well, I care.

I started drinking carbonated waters maybe 20 years ago and since then I probably have maybe 1 or 2 sugared sodas a week - most are when I'm out to eat or when having a mixed drink. Before that I probably had 3 a day.

Our son even drinks them and it's probably a contributor to him still never having a cavity at age 17.

He has sugared sodas too, but has at least 3:1 in favor of carbonated waters.

 

[goldy_331]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Our son even drinks them and it's probably a contributor to him still never having a cavity at age 17.

He has sugared sodas too, but has at least 3:1 in favor of carbonated waters.

My son (18) very rarely has sugared soda and he's never had a cavity either. Doubt he's ever had a coke. When he was little, he was allowed a sprite at a birthday party or team party, we just never had them at home. Now he'll drink a ginger ale every once in a while, maybe 5 or 6 a month.

 

[walrus]

My son (18) very rarely has sugared soda and he's never had a cavity either. Doubt he's ever had a coke. When he was little, he was allowed a sprite at a birthday party or team party, we just never had them at home. Now he'll drink a ginger ale every once in a while, maybe 5 or 6 a month.

Yeah he is drinking beer instead

 

[Gurtholfin]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

LOL

Hip Hop Abs...

Turns out I have less rhythm than I thought.




Good work out though and once I get the muscle memory down, I should be fine and be able to work out in this fashion to my own music without the video.

I'm pumped and warmed up to lift too.

 

[St. Clown]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

LOL

Hip Hop Abs...

Turns out I have less rhythm than I thought.




Good work out though and once I get the muscle memory down, I should be fine and be able to work out in this fashion to my own music without the video.

I'm pumped and warmed up to lift too.

Yeah, I tried Zoomba a few months ago. It didn't go that well for me. I'm much more comfortable on a pair of hockey skates.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Holy sh-t.

You are now my idol.

Here's the story of how I lost all that weight:

From the time I was born, I was a fat kid. This kept on through high school, through my time at community college, and until December 2003, when I weighed an astounding 396. I was wearing size 54 pants, 3XL shirts, and generally looked like a hobo.

In January 2004, that’s when things started to change. I was living on the third floor of Gant Hall at Northern Michigan University (GO WILDCATS!), and climbing the two flights of stairs to my room was a challenge. I could not get up without huffing and puffing. Also, my dorm was on the bottom of a large hill, and the Academic Mall (library, science center, etc) were on top of the hill. Every morning, I dreaded the climb, because my fat self was unfit.

So one night in the cold Marquette winter, I was standing in the bathroom and looking in the mirror. Things had to change. So I decided right then and there that I would do whatever it took to lose weight. I spent $45, and bought a PEIF (Physical Education and Instructional Facility) pass, and I started working out. Granted, it started with 20-30 minute walks on the treadmill, but I had to start somewhere. I had an all you can eat dining pass, so I decided to use that to eat more salads, even if they were dressed in ranch.

By the end of that semester, my weight was in the 360s.

I returned to NMU in the fall of 2004 determined to pick up where I left off. One of the RAs in my dorm was an ROTC cadet, and he invited me to work out with his group. So three mornings a week, I dragged my butt out of bed to work out. Eventually, I saw progress. Still couldn’t do a military issue push-up, but my work ethic was recognized.

I had a friend from Spalding, the next dorm over, that I worked out with as well. He taught me how to lift, plus we played basketball and really emphasized the fun aspect of exercise. I learned from him how to exercise with a friend. Not only that, since the whole dorm, including the Gant and Spalding staff, caught on to what I was doing, I had instant support.

At the end of the second year of life at NMU, I weighed 308.

At the start of my third year at NMU, there was a hiccup. I started to go back to eating cheeseburgers, cookies, etc, in bunches, and I was missing workouts with the ROTC. My weight in the fall semester 2005 remained unchanged at 308.

But in the winter semester, things perked right back up. A friend from the ROTC made a weight loss bet with me, that she would reach her goal before I would. So I bought a semester PEIF pass, and made sure I would win the bet. I was very active in winter 2006. Around campus, I ice skated, I played pickup basketball, broomball, etc. I did 90-95 minutes of cardio a day, lifted for 30 minutes, and walked almost everywhere in the town of Marquette.

In terms of nutrition, I completely started skipping the hot food line at the Wildcat Den in favor of the salad bar and sandwich counter. In terms of dining out, I limited that, and made sure I didn’t go out for ice cream as much as I did in the previous years.

At graduation in May 2006, my weight was in the 260s. I won the bet.

In the next couple years after Northern, I continued to lose. Picked up calorie counting, started walking even more, doing weights inside my house, etc.

In 2008, my weight was just above 200. You would think I’d have been happy there, and I’d have parked it. But little did I know there was a storm coming in. And I was in for a world of pain. But more on that in part 2.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

In 2008, my weight was around 200 lbs, and you’d have thought I’d have been happy there. Here’s the problem: my friends couldn’t tell me how to maintain weight from there, and the internet was no help. Seriously. Google “how to maintain weight” and a relative few search results will come back.

So I got in a habit of extreme calorie counting. I had a notebook, and I journaled EVERYTHING, whether it was a nibble of snack mix, or the day’s meals. At places like Subway, I used their take home nutrition guide to figure out how to eat the fewest calories possible at their establishments.

Add this to a habit of extreme exercise I had picked up while at Northern. I was doing stairs, I was doing weights, etc, anything to keep the pounds falling.

And what I was doing was working. Eventually, by the time I was hired by Sam’s Club as a “free sample guy” in July 2008, my weight was in the 160s. I had kept it there for a while… until the calendar rolled into 2009, and I took up long distance running. Big problems were on the horizon, but I didn’t know it.

As 2009 progressed and I finished the Fifth-Third 25K for the first time, as well as trained for my first marathon, the extreme calorie counting carried on. Notebooks upon notebooks of daily calorie counts piled up as the mileage kept adding up. I even tracked gels and energy bars.

As I tracked calories, I banned all added fat, fatty meats, nuts, nut butters, and avocados, as well as added sugar. Dessert and baked goods were mortal sins in my eyes.

At the Grand Rapids Marathon post-race celebration, Team in Training laid out a seemingly wonderful post-race feast. Wonderful to everyone except me. I hesitantly grabbed what I thought were the leanest items, and cautiously ate it.

This kept going into early 2010. Then, all of a sudden, the wheels started falling off my extreme lifestyle. At the Fifth-Third 25K in May, I had been struggling with training, and it showed in the race. At mile 8, I hit the wall, and walked to the finish line. Plans to go to Steak N Shake afterward and eat a greasy cheeseburger were replaced by eating a lean salad. And as I sat there, picking away at this salad, I realized something had to change. So when I got home, I called a few people, and informed them that I was giving up this fat-free lifestyle. I needed to start eating real food again.

It wasn’t easy at first, but we started with small changes. I switched out 1% milk for whole, started eating full fat cheese, and slightly fattier meats. Chicken thighs replaced chicken breasts. It wasn’t good enough, though, because my health was in total disarray. One morning in June 2010, I went out for blood work, came home, and received a phone call from the lab saying I had to go to the emergency room. My blood iron levels plunged to 6, when they should have been at 14.

So I added an iron supplement and red meat. Eventually, incrementally, my weight started coming back. Pound by pound, carbs and fat were added back to me, and I started to go from a bag of bones to a full fleshed human.

But the sugar issue was hard to break through. As the calendar rolled to 2011, I had 2 primary goals. I wanted to weigh 185 by the time the Fifth-Third 25K came, and I wanted to eat dessert just once. One night, I believe it was February 7, 2011, I made panna cotta. And that evening, after I finished the main course, I ate it, and cleaned the serving vessel.

So I thought anorexia was dead. And to the untrained eye, it was. But ANOTHER storm was coming. I will tell you about that later.

 

[MissThundercat]

Down 5 lbs, from 229.75 to 224.25. No drastic changes, just small adjustments. For example, less dining out, less peanut butter, and committing to 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day.

Next target is under 220 by May 10, and to be at 200 by the end of the year.

 

[Handyman]

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

Re: Fitness (Diet/Exercise) 2016: Because "blob" is not an acceptable shape.

I honestly hate this...for years I was able to maintain my weight (after dropping from 250 into the 190s) but now no matter what I do I seem to be gaining. Part of getting old I guess but I am currently trying new exercise routines in the hopes of boosting up my metabolism again. I need to be more vigilant about what I eat too although my calorie intake is probably not too much higher than it was last year but my weight is about 10 pounds up.

Here is hoping...