Day 23 and I got a night walk for a mile in. I felt pretty good but was really feeling it in my quads on the uphill approaching the turnaround. My feet are still feeling fine.
The weather was 47, a slight wind and clear. The full moon was as big as ever the night before Halloween.
For breakfast I had a couple cinnamon rolls. For lunch it was chili and pumpkin pasta. Finishing off two leftovers in on meal. For an afternoon treat I had a handful of candy corn. For sups it was two ground turkey softshell tacos.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 20
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Days 18 19 20 21 and 22 102912
On day 18 my body started to rebel big time. Specifically when I woke up that morning I could hardly put any pressure on my right foot without pain shooting through my right heel. I was miserable all day as I hobbled around so I went to Walmart and got insert supports and a pair of Dr Scholls shoes. That same evening I could start feeling a difference and could start putting pressure on the heel. By the afternoon of Day 19 I was feeling much better and intended to continue walking. Then I let my wife talk me into taking the time off to recover until I could walk without a limp and pain free. She thought I had pushed myself too hard but I think it was a combination of the worn out shoes I initially started with, not enough support in the new boots and over compensating for the toe injury. During day 18 I thought I would be out for weeks but thanks to the Dr Scholls shoes I was back on track after only four days off.
Day 19 was a Monday which made it a weigh in day. The scale read 218.
Weight loss: 1 pound Total loss: 6
For breakfast on day 18 I had chocolate Cherrios. For lunch it was a spinach salad with shredded cheese and raspberry vinaigrette and vanilla yogurt. I had cashews for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a cheese burger, a chicken sandwich and fries.
On day 19 I had oatmeal for breakfast. For lunch I had grapes, carrots, a banana and pumpkin seeds. It was more cashews for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a turkey sandwich and fries.
Day 20 and it was oatmeal and a breakfast drink for breakfast. For lunch I had three pieces of pizza and birthday cake. For sups I went to football party and had a bowl of chili, tortilla chips with nacho cheese and refried beans, four chocolate chip cookies and a brownie. That was pretty good restraint for me during an event during food season.
For breakfast on day 21 it was honey nut crispy oats. For lunch it was pumpkin pasta. Had a cup of peanuts in the shell for an afternoon snack. It was a bowl of chili for sups.
Back on track on day 22 and I got in a one mile walk today. The new shoes made it one of the most enjoyable walks to date. I tried to keep at a medium pace and only felt a little soreness in my legs. I finished in 28 minutes.
The weather was 56, sunny and windy. The sun was just above the tree line and fairly pleasant. I'd say that the leaves are about ninety percent off the trees.
For breakfast I had a bowl of sliced grapes, apples and bananas. For lunch it was two pieces of pizza. In the afternoon it was a cup of peanuts in the shell. For sups it was a bowl of one of my kids' cereals with colored marshmallows.
Being Monday I weighed in. The scale still said 218.
Weight loss: 0 Total loss: 6
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 19
Day 19 was a Monday which made it a weigh in day. The scale read 218.
Weight loss: 1 pound Total loss: 6
For breakfast on day 18 I had chocolate Cherrios. For lunch it was a spinach salad with shredded cheese and raspberry vinaigrette and vanilla yogurt. I had cashews for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a cheese burger, a chicken sandwich and fries.
On day 19 I had oatmeal for breakfast. For lunch I had grapes, carrots, a banana and pumpkin seeds. It was more cashews for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a turkey sandwich and fries.
Day 20 and it was oatmeal and a breakfast drink for breakfast. For lunch I had three pieces of pizza and birthday cake. For sups I went to football party and had a bowl of chili, tortilla chips with nacho cheese and refried beans, four chocolate chip cookies and a brownie. That was pretty good restraint for me during an event during food season.
For breakfast on day 21 it was honey nut crispy oats. For lunch it was pumpkin pasta. Had a cup of peanuts in the shell for an afternoon snack. It was a bowl of chili for sups.
Back on track on day 22 and I got in a one mile walk today. The new shoes made it one of the most enjoyable walks to date. I tried to keep at a medium pace and only felt a little soreness in my legs. I finished in 28 minutes.
The weather was 56, sunny and windy. The sun was just above the tree line and fairly pleasant. I'd say that the leaves are about ninety percent off the trees.
For breakfast I had a bowl of sliced grapes, apples and bananas. For lunch it was two pieces of pizza. In the afternoon it was a cup of peanuts in the shell. For sups it was a bowl of one of my kids' cereals with colored marshmallows.
Being Monday I weighed in. The scale still said 218.
Weight loss: 0 Total loss: 6
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 19
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Day 17 102412
Day 17 and the day almost got away before I got a late one mile walk in. It was the latest I'd been out and the street lights seemed brighter than ever. Except for those stretches where the lights were out and I could barely make out the sidewalk. I was glad I made the effort to get out rather than skip it. It only takes about half an hour to do a mile or 27 minutes like today.
The weather was 51, cloudy and calm at the start. Soon I could feel a chill on my hands as a breeze gradually developed out of the north. Just as the other night I was walking directly into the wind after the turn and it increased in intensity. Seems like we were going from summer to autumn to winter within the same 24 hours.
For breakfast it was chocolate Cheerios again. For lunch it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs. I had a few cashews for an afternoon snack and snagged a couple bite size candy bars. I did pass on the cake desserts some one had placed out. For sups it was four soft shell tacos.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 18
The weather was 51, cloudy and calm at the start. Soon I could feel a chill on my hands as a breeze gradually developed out of the north. Just as the other night I was walking directly into the wind after the turn and it increased in intensity. Seems like we were going from summer to autumn to winter within the same 24 hours.
For breakfast it was chocolate Cheerios again. For lunch it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs. I had a few cashews for an afternoon snack and snagged a couple bite size candy bars. I did pass on the cake desserts some one had placed out. For sups it was four soft shell tacos.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 18
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Day 16 102312
Day 16 and I walked one mile today. I almost fell asleep after sups but forced myself to get up and out of the house. My legs felt heavy at times but I was doing much better than yesterday. My body was relieved that I didn't do two miles for a third day in a row. Some day in the near future.
The weather was 66 and mostly sunny. Don't know how many t-shirt days there will be left. The leaves seem to be evenly split between on the trees and on the ground.
For breakfast I had chocolate Cheerios for breakfast. Cereal tends to be the morning choice on days that are rushed. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and a peanut butter and nutella sandwich. The sandwich was originally meant for my daughter but she decided she liked what was on the hot lunch menu. I had a handful of grapes for an afternoon. For sups I had two egg and sausage burritos.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 17
The weather was 66 and mostly sunny. Don't know how many t-shirt days there will be left. The leaves seem to be evenly split between on the trees and on the ground.
For breakfast I had chocolate Cheerios for breakfast. Cereal tends to be the morning choice on days that are rushed. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and a peanut butter and nutella sandwich. The sandwich was originally meant for my daughter but she decided she liked what was on the hot lunch menu. I had a handful of grapes for an afternoon. For sups I had two egg and sausage burritos.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 17
Monday, October 22, 2012
Day 15 102212
Day 15 and I walked two miles for the second day in a row. I know already I'm not ready to do it three straight yet. The toe is some what better but I know trying to compensate is affecting my gait. There were times I was feeling a twinge in my right hip. I felt much better going up hill. Mile one to 1.5 was the most comfortable because that is the most up hill stretch. Going downhill requires more muscle straining as I try to stabilize and maintain my balance. It was one of the most trying days to date.
The weather was 61 and overcast in the early evening. There was a threat of rain as the slight breeze carried that pre-storm scent. It had rained off and on the previous night and wet leaves forced me to walk with caution at times. I did the two miles in 47 minutes.
For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and vanilla yogurt. I had some grades and cashews as a mid afternoon snack. For sups it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs.
Since its Monday its a weigh in day. The scale read 219. A little disappointing for no loss but have to keep in mind had last weighed in on other side of the weekend.
weight loss: 0 total weight loss: 5
miles walked today: 2
total miles: 16
The weather was 61 and overcast in the early evening. There was a threat of rain as the slight breeze carried that pre-storm scent. It had rained off and on the previous night and wet leaves forced me to walk with caution at times. I did the two miles in 47 minutes.
For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and vanilla yogurt. I had some grades and cashews as a mid afternoon snack. For sups it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs.
Since its Monday its a weigh in day. The scale read 219. A little disappointing for no loss but have to keep in mind had last weighed in on other side of the weekend.
weight loss: 0 total weight loss: 5
miles walked today: 2
total miles: 16
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Day 14 102112
Day 14 and I did a two mile walk at night. I did have a misstep off a curb early in the walk which set my bad toe throbbing. It started to subside and then had a stinging sensation for awhile. By the half mile mark it started to feel better and I powered on. Just after the mile turn I thought I heard geese honking over head. There was the faintest hint of twilight so maybe the masses were begging the leader it was time to set down.
The weather was 71, a slight breeze and mostly cloudy as the moon tried to shine through but no stars in sight. Not sure if this would be considered Indian Summer since its last October but I thought we did have a freeze in the last couple weeks. Trying to enjoy it while I can. I did the two miles in 45 minutes.
For breakfast it was chocolate Cheerios. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and an eggroll. Trying to clear the leftovers out of the fridge. I did have a cup of peanuts in the shell for a snack in the afternoon. For sups I had three tacos.
miles walked today: 2
total miles: 14
The weather was 71, a slight breeze and mostly cloudy as the moon tried to shine through but no stars in sight. Not sure if this would be considered Indian Summer since its last October but I thought we did have a freeze in the last couple weeks. Trying to enjoy it while I can. I did the two miles in 45 minutes.
For breakfast it was chocolate Cheerios. For lunch it was chicken tortilla soup and an eggroll. Trying to clear the leftovers out of the fridge. I did have a cup of peanuts in the shell for a snack in the afternoon. For sups I had three tacos.
miles walked today: 2
total miles: 14
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Days 10 11 12 and 13 102012
Day 10 I got my walk in mid afternoon before going to what might have been the last Nighthawks game. I did one mile due to schedule limitations. Plus I knew I'd be doing plenty more walking around the stadium. I did enjoy the autumn scenery
The weather was 68 and overcast but the rain didn't start until later that night.
For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was vegetable beef stew, vanilla yogurt and a piece of pumpkin pie. For sups I had two hot dogs at the stadium and two tacos on the way home after.
miles walked: 1
total miles: 11
The next day I had off to help move some furniture including some heavy oak pieces. I did end up injuring my big toe which hampered the next couple days. The toe got a steady regimen of anti bacterial cream, pain relievers and rest. I didn't get out for a walk that day due to the toe plus I could hardly move after the heavy lifting.
For breakfast that day I just had a chocolate chip granola bar because I didn't want to feel sluggish for all the activity that day. I did have a banana for a mid morning snack. After the move I had goulash for lunch. That night for sups it was a swiss and mushroom Runza, fries and iced tea.
I wasn't able to walk on day 12 either as I tried to heal and rest. It felt like a lost day. Since it was Friday it was a weigh in day. The scale read 219.
For breakfast it was honey nut toasted oats. For lunch it was a roast beef and cheese sandwich and vanilla yogurt. For sups it was Beijing chicken on steamed rice and an egg roll.
Weight loss: 1 pound Total weight loss: 5
Today I got back on the proverbial horse and walked a mile at night. I went and got a new pair of hiking boots and they seemed to help with the concrete terrain much better than my worn out shoes. The toe throbbed a bit but seemed better toward the end.
The weather was 57 and mostly clear as I could make out a few stars.
For breakfast I had chocolate Cheerios. For lunch it was Beijing chicken and an egg roll. For sups it was chicken tortilla soup. I also had a handful of candy corn and a smores.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 12
The weather was 68 and overcast but the rain didn't start until later that night.
For breakfast I had oatmeal. For lunch it was vegetable beef stew, vanilla yogurt and a piece of pumpkin pie. For sups I had two hot dogs at the stadium and two tacos on the way home after.
miles walked: 1
total miles: 11
The next day I had off to help move some furniture including some heavy oak pieces. I did end up injuring my big toe which hampered the next couple days. The toe got a steady regimen of anti bacterial cream, pain relievers and rest. I didn't get out for a walk that day due to the toe plus I could hardly move after the heavy lifting.
For breakfast that day I just had a chocolate chip granola bar because I didn't want to feel sluggish for all the activity that day. I did have a banana for a mid morning snack. After the move I had goulash for lunch. That night for sups it was a swiss and mushroom Runza, fries and iced tea.
I wasn't able to walk on day 12 either as I tried to heal and rest. It felt like a lost day. Since it was Friday it was a weigh in day. The scale read 219.
For breakfast it was honey nut toasted oats. For lunch it was a roast beef and cheese sandwich and vanilla yogurt. For sups it was Beijing chicken on steamed rice and an egg roll.
Weight loss: 1 pound Total weight loss: 5
Today I got back on the proverbial horse and walked a mile at night. I went and got a new pair of hiking boots and they seemed to help with the concrete terrain much better than my worn out shoes. The toe throbbed a bit but seemed better toward the end.
The weather was 57 and mostly clear as I could make out a few stars.
For breakfast I had chocolate Cheerios. For lunch it was Beijing chicken and an egg roll. For sups it was chicken tortilla soup. I also had a handful of candy corn and a smores.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 12
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Day Nine 101612
Day nine and I reached two milestones. I walked two miles for the first time in this journey and my total reached double digits. The initial jump from one mile to two was huge in more ways than one. The additional stretch has another hill so now there are two good sized hills on the route. When I was about the quarter mark of the second mile I could really feel the sweat on the back of my head and neck. My legs started to get heavy at 1.5 miles. The last quarter I could feel it in my shoulders and upper back. First two miles done in 58 minutes.
The day was a hot one for October hitting the upper 70s so I held off to walking a couple hours after dinner time. It was the latest I had walked so far and what a difference a few hours makes. The weather was 60 with a slight breeze and the gathering clouds refused to show any stars. Yet it was probably the perfect temp to be walking in .
Breakfast was outside the norm consisting of two eggs, three sausages, diced potatoes, an english muffin and orange juice. Out with friends for breakfast. Lunch was vegetable beef stew and a vanilla yogurt. I had a banana as an afternoon snack. For sups it was pepperoni bites topped with spaghetti sauce and a slice of wheat bread.
miles walked today: 2
total miles: 10
The day was a hot one for October hitting the upper 70s so I held off to walking a couple hours after dinner time. It was the latest I had walked so far and what a difference a few hours makes. The weather was 60 with a slight breeze and the gathering clouds refused to show any stars. Yet it was probably the perfect temp to be walking in .
Breakfast was outside the norm consisting of two eggs, three sausages, diced potatoes, an english muffin and orange juice. Out with friends for breakfast. Lunch was vegetable beef stew and a vanilla yogurt. I had a banana as an afternoon snack. For sups it was pepperoni bites topped with spaghetti sauce and a slice of wheat bread.
miles walked today: 2
total miles: 10
Monday, October 15, 2012
Day Eight 101512
Day eight and I got my walk out of the way as soon as I got home. I was really dragging during the commute but the walk really invigorated me. A good start to week two.
The weather was 72, sunny and wind out of the south. I was walking into the wind on the way out and had it to my back on the return. I did it in 26 minutes.
For breakfast I had oatmeal mixed with ground flax seeds. For lunch I had two pieces of cheeseburger pizza, applesauce and vanilla yogurt. Some one brought in a tray of cookies so I had two chocolate chip cookies in lieu of my afternoon snack. For sups I had turkey meatloaf and pumpkin mac n cheese plus a carmel apple with peanuts for dessert.
Today was a weigh in day and the scale showed 220. Weight loss : 1
Total weight loss: 4
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 8
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Day Seven 101412
Day seven and it was another night time walk. It was a busy Sunday and wasn't able to get out until after dinner time. When I started walking I thought that night walks will likely be common once we hit winter. Or at least they'll be dark due to the time change coming. Walking at night does seem more peaceful and me and the sun no longer have a friendly relationship.
It almost touched 70 today so I figured I could still get out with a t-shirt and jeans. The weather during the walk was 63 with a slight breeze. There was a slight chill but fairly enjoyable. I usually try to do the walk before sups but today was after and it felt like it was slowing me down. Surprised when I got back in 25 minutes.
For breakfast I had the honey nut crispy oats. Lunch was a big bowl of homemade vegetable beef stew. In the afternoon I did have half a cup of candy corns. Tis the season and they are one of my favs. For sups it was a couple pieces of homemade cheeseburger pizza on thin wheat crust.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 7
It almost touched 70 today so I figured I could still get out with a t-shirt and jeans. The weather during the walk was 63 with a slight breeze. There was a slight chill but fairly enjoyable. I usually try to do the walk before sups but today was after and it felt like it was slowing me down. Surprised when I got back in 25 minutes.
For breakfast I had the honey nut crispy oats. Lunch was a big bowl of homemade vegetable beef stew. In the afternoon I did have half a cup of candy corns. Tis the season and they are one of my favs. For sups it was a couple pieces of homemade cheeseburger pizza on thin wheat crust.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 7
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Day Six 101312
Day six and I got my walk in after we were out running errands. One of the tasks was shopping for Halloween costumes and we stopped for lunch. There was a threat of rain all day.
The weather on the walk was 68 and overcast. The humidity was noticeable but not bad like it would be at a higher temp. I half expected to get caught in a downpour.
I had leftover spaghetti and turkey meatballs for breakfast. Hey its the weekend. For lunch we stopped at KFC and tried the boneless chicken they've been advertising along with cottage fries, a biscuit and unsweetened ice tea. The rest of the world calls them chicken strips. After a week of eating mostly healthy it laid there like a bowling ball for a few hours. For sups I had to eat light and had a spinach salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese and raspberry vinaigrette.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 6
The weather on the walk was 68 and overcast. The humidity was noticeable but not bad like it would be at a higher temp. I half expected to get caught in a downpour.
I had leftover spaghetti and turkey meatballs for breakfast. Hey its the weekend. For lunch we stopped at KFC and tried the boneless chicken they've been advertising along with cottage fries, a biscuit and unsweetened ice tea. The rest of the world calls them chicken strips. After a week of eating mostly healthy it laid there like a bowling ball for a few hours. For sups I had to eat light and had a spinach salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese and raspberry vinaigrette.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 6
Friday, October 12, 2012
Day Five 101212
Day five and I got my walk in and then we went to the Nighthawks game at Ameritrade Park. Walking from the parking lot to the stadium we got plenty of walking in and I was up and down the stadium stairs a few times. Those extra steps count too.
On my mile walk the weather was 55 and overcast. Since there was no sun I initially thought I didn't need my sunglasses. But I didn't get very far before the strain was too much and I went back for the sunglasses and my hat. I did the mile in 27 minutes.
For breakfast it was honey nut crispy oats and a breakfast drink. For lunch I had herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers and vanilla yogurt again. I had a chocolate chip granola bar as an afternoon snack. Sups was at the stadium where I had chicken strips, fries and unsweetened iced tea.
Being Friday it is a weigh in day. The scale said 121. Weight loss 3 pounds.
miles walked today: 1 (official)
total miles: 5
On my mile walk the weather was 55 and overcast. Since there was no sun I initially thought I didn't need my sunglasses. But I didn't get very far before the strain was too much and I went back for the sunglasses and my hat. I did the mile in 27 minutes.
For breakfast it was honey nut crispy oats and a breakfast drink. For lunch I had herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers and vanilla yogurt again. I had a chocolate chip granola bar as an afternoon snack. Sups was at the stadium where I had chicken strips, fries and unsweetened iced tea.
Being Friday it is a weigh in day. The scale said 121. Weight loss 3 pounds.
miles walked today: 1 (official)
total miles: 5
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Day Four 101112
Day four and I was back to walking solo. We had an activity at the girls' school and by the time we got back it was too late for them to be out. That led to the new experience of this week of walking at night.
The weather was 54, dark and windy. As I was heading out I could feel the wind on my cheeks. When I turned around for the second half I was heading directly in the wind out of the north that was somewhat bracing. Somehow I still did the walk in 25 minutes.
For breakfast I changed it up and had honey-nut crispy oats. The store brand cousin to the Bee. For lunch it was herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers and vanilla yogurt. I had a banana and some almonds for an afternoon snack. For sups it was a couple slices of hamburger pizza at the school.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 4
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Day Three 101012
Day three and the tag-a-longs decided to join me for the walk again. I think it will be their last day for awhile. They made it the longest mile.
The weather was enjoyable at 57 and mostly sunny. I didn't feel it while walking but after day three I'm feeling some soreness. Body needs to adjust.
For breakfast it was oatmeal again. I like it and its supposed to be good for cholesterol. For lunch it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs and vanilla yogurt. Lunch is often leftovers from the previous night. It was herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers for sups. Guess what's for lunch tomorrow?
There was a tempting candy dish today. Instead of making several return trips I just took two bite size chocolates on my only trip. I tried to savor the delicious milk chocolate by letting it melt in my mouth. Indulging in moderation.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 3
The weather was enjoyable at 57 and mostly sunny. I didn't feel it while walking but after day three I'm feeling some soreness. Body needs to adjust.
For breakfast it was oatmeal again. I like it and its supposed to be good for cholesterol. For lunch it was spaghetti with turkey meatballs and vanilla yogurt. Lunch is often leftovers from the previous night. It was herb encrusted tilapia with red peppers for sups. Guess what's for lunch tomorrow?
There was a tempting candy dish today. Instead of making several return trips I just took two bite size chocolates on my only trip. I tried to savor the delicious milk chocolate by letting it melt in my mouth. Indulging in moderation.
miles walked today: 1
total miles: 3
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Day Two 100912
Second day in and the kids threw a curve ball by insisting that they come along. So my two daughters, 5 and 7, went the entire one mile with me. It wasn't as fun as they thought it would be.
The weather was 55 and overcast at the start then the sun came out about quarter of the way. The girls had boundless energy and were running and walking. I had to keep reigning them in. We still did it in 28 minutes.
For the day I ate fairly healthy. Oatmeal for breakfast. Skinless chicken breast with BBQ sauce, broccoli and vanilla yogurt for lunch. Spaghetti with turkey meatballs for sups.
Miles walked today: 1
Total miles: 2
The weather was 55 and overcast at the start then the sun came out about quarter of the way. The girls had boundless energy and were running and walking. I had to keep reigning them in. We still did it in 28 minutes.
For the day I ate fairly healthy. Oatmeal for breakfast. Skinless chicken breast with BBQ sauce, broccoli and vanilla yogurt for lunch. Spaghetti with turkey meatballs for sups.
Miles walked today: 1
Total miles: 2
Monday, October 8, 2012
Day One 100812
There, I did it. I got home from my primary job and figured I'd get the first walk out of the way. The weather was nearly perfect at 68 degrees and mostly sunny. I changed my clothes and away I went.
Funny thing is you can walk around all day long but when you go to walk with a purpose you almost forget how to do it. Clop. Clop. Clop. That doesn't seem right. It took a few steps to find my stride.
I went out a little too fast initially and started to feel a strain in my lower shins. Used to make the same mistake back when I started running too. I slowed to a more comfortable pace and the discomfort went away.
There is something magical about reaching the half way point. You have a sense of relief and the return trip seems easier some how. There was one hill on the route I took but it wasn't too taxing.
I completed my first walk of one mile in 28 minutes. I wasn't trying to set any records. It just gives me a good benchmark of how much time to devote going forward.
Since its Monday I did weigh myself this morning. The scale revealed that I'm at 224 pounds. The glimpse in the mirror was less than flattering as I carried the weight on my 5 foot 9.5 inch frame. I know what I'm starting with and its up to me to mold and sculpt this body into a healthier one.
Miles walked today: 1
Total miles: 1
Funny thing is you can walk around all day long but when you go to walk with a purpose you almost forget how to do it. Clop. Clop. Clop. That doesn't seem right. It took a few steps to find my stride.
I went out a little too fast initially and started to feel a strain in my lower shins. Used to make the same mistake back when I started running too. I slowed to a more comfortable pace and the discomfort went away.
There is something magical about reaching the half way point. You have a sense of relief and the return trip seems easier some how. There was one hill on the route I took but it wasn't too taxing.
I completed my first walk of one mile in 28 minutes. I wasn't trying to set any records. It just gives me a good benchmark of how much time to devote going forward.
Since its Monday I did weigh myself this morning. The scale revealed that I'm at 224 pounds. The glimpse in the mirror was less than flattering as I carried the weight on my 5 foot 9.5 inch frame. I know what I'm starting with and its up to me to mold and sculpt this body into a healthier one.
Miles walked today: 1
Total miles: 1
Sunday, October 7, 2012
pre launch
Tomorrow I am rebooting my life. A big part of that will be increasing my exercise and activity to get healthier. Earlier this year I made an effort to lose weight based on diet alone. Over four months I lost 17 pounds from my highest ever weight of 233 at the beginning of the year. I have since gained some of that back.
A large component of my new life style will be putting one foot in front of the other as I start a walking program. I mentioned this to my doctor and got an encouraging green light. I went in for a check up a couple weeks ago to see where my baseline is. I thought the initial reading of my blood pressure at 124/74 would set the positive standard of my other tests. In the past I've had cholesterol issues and my previous reading had things going in the right direction. But a couple days after my doctor visit I learned that my cholesterol had reversed course. My HDL or "good cholesterol" had not improved from being too low and my triglycerides sky rocketed. So now I'm on Niaspan and low dosage aspirin.
At 45 its not too late to get things back under control. Its not that I have an aversion to activity. I grew up playing baseball and basketball. In adulthood that became softball and sand volleyball. After college I took up running and trained for a few 5 K and 10 K races at the encouragement of friends. The last 10 K I did I had the goal of doing it under one hour. I'm not a natural runner and have tree trunk legs so it is a task to move this mass. I missed the goal by one minute and continued running for a few more months until I was doing 7.5 miles. I was 32 at the time and in the best shape of my life. Winter came and my running went on hiatus until spring. That spring I made it out a few times until I developed a stress fracture in my left foot and basically ended my running career.
That left softball and sand volleyball as my main outlets for exercise with the occasional bowling or golf outing thrown in. Then in 2005 I had a melanoma removed from my right pectoral and that ended my time in the sun. It derailed me more ways than one but exercise fell off the priority list for a long time. Now it is time to change that.
Tomorrow I'm starting with one mile. I know the half mile point away from our house and for the first week I will walk there and back each day. After the first week I hope to build from there. The postal credo has them delivering in all weather and my intention is to do the same.
This blog will be daily updates on my walks and a tally of the cumulative walks. I will weigh myself on Monday and Friday of each week which is something I already do. If I happen to eat something healthy I may include that too along with any additional exercise I may add.
First steps are tomorrow.
A large component of my new life style will be putting one foot in front of the other as I start a walking program. I mentioned this to my doctor and got an encouraging green light. I went in for a check up a couple weeks ago to see where my baseline is. I thought the initial reading of my blood pressure at 124/74 would set the positive standard of my other tests. In the past I've had cholesterol issues and my previous reading had things going in the right direction. But a couple days after my doctor visit I learned that my cholesterol had reversed course. My HDL or "good cholesterol" had not improved from being too low and my triglycerides sky rocketed. So now I'm on Niaspan and low dosage aspirin.
At 45 its not too late to get things back under control. Its not that I have an aversion to activity. I grew up playing baseball and basketball. In adulthood that became softball and sand volleyball. After college I took up running and trained for a few 5 K and 10 K races at the encouragement of friends. The last 10 K I did I had the goal of doing it under one hour. I'm not a natural runner and have tree trunk legs so it is a task to move this mass. I missed the goal by one minute and continued running for a few more months until I was doing 7.5 miles. I was 32 at the time and in the best shape of my life. Winter came and my running went on hiatus until spring. That spring I made it out a few times until I developed a stress fracture in my left foot and basically ended my running career.
That left softball and sand volleyball as my main outlets for exercise with the occasional bowling or golf outing thrown in. Then in 2005 I had a melanoma removed from my right pectoral and that ended my time in the sun. It derailed me more ways than one but exercise fell off the priority list for a long time. Now it is time to change that.
Tomorrow I'm starting with one mile. I know the half mile point away from our house and for the first week I will walk there and back each day. After the first week I hope to build from there. The postal credo has them delivering in all weather and my intention is to do the same.
This blog will be daily updates on my walks and a tally of the cumulative walks. I will weigh myself on Monday and Friday of each week which is something I already do. If I happen to eat something healthy I may include that too along with any additional exercise I may add.
First steps are tomorrow.
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