Fat Friday

For my 50th post I wanted to do something special. First, I started updating the page. Ideally, I want the logo to be without the white, but I can't seem to get it to work. I will also be adding content to various pages on the tabs at the top. Seems like every other blog has these, so I want to keep up with the Jones'.

Second, I want to talk a little bit about weight. I was reading a post by TorontoRunner, so I was inspired to talk about my own weight issues. This is definitely a sensitive subject for anyone, but I feel like this is something I have only recently begun to concern myself with. Let me just use a picture to demonstrate my first point:


The picture of me on the left is from 2009. I found this picture a few days ago, and I was shocked. I didn't even recognize myself. I was happy at that point, but I most certainly wasn't happy. I was eating way too much and getting no exercise. Quite frankly, I was lazy. Soon after this picture, I found myself n grad school; that was the end of laziness. Nothing like a few graduate level classes to make you productive. I also started to exercise a little, and I lost some weight.

The picture on the right was taken last week while on vacation. Clearly, there is a difference. I am 29, but I don't look or feel that old. Of course, this transformation didn't begin until last January. I fell off the wagon in 2011, and it took another large weight gain and confidence loss to realize things needed to change.

To be honest, a few things needed to happen in order to really get focused. I needed real motivation, and I found it in the mirror. I was finally able to see what I was becoming. No one ever said anything, but I wasn't getting around as well as I would like. Additionally, I wasn't make it through long days with the kind of energy I would like. I started to run and exercise as a way to lose weight. Then, when I realized I was actually pretty quick, and that I was becoming genuinely addicted to what I was doing, I became hooked. That is what I needed. I needed a reason to exercise beyond weight loss. I needed a way to really enjoy it.

It has been nearly a year since drastically changing my lifestyle, and I couldn't be happier. I will talk more about this when the new year comes around, but now fitness and looking good are synonymous with an enjoyment and happiness I haven't known before. I am far more confident than I ever have been. I even find that people treat me differently in a positive way. People are far more willing to do things for you when you don't look gross.

Looking good isn't everything, but it certainly helps. I like knowing that my lifestyle choices are positively impacting those around me. I like knowing that I will never stop now, and that I can really move forward towards my goals. I have new found faith in myself, and an outlet to vent frustration that otherwise would be kept inside. Everything about me is better now, and I am only going to improve.

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Half A Week At 100%

It is Wednesday, and I have been making a conscious effort to be at 100% all week. I have to say, it hasn't always been easy. I have a few students that try my every nerve, and I haven't been able to get up the energy to get up at 4:30am to do a two-a-day. I would give myself an overall grade of about 90% so far. I am still recovering from vacation I think.

I feel pretty good about things so far though. I just need to keep in mind that I won't ever be perfect. I just need to always be doing my best. I would say this is the exact same philosophy of racing.

As for my training, I feel great. I was a little lagged on Monday from a week of eating garbage. I didn't know how fast I would get back to things, but I felt surprisingly fantastic yesterday and today. I stayed to the elliptical both days, as I am attempting to keep stress off the joints, but I was very happy with my performances. Yesterday I did 3.1mi at 19:45 and then finished at 8 total miles at about 52 min. Today I did the same 3.1 at 18:40, 6.2 at 37:55 and 8 at 48:30.

I have increased my cardio time, so my lifting time is diminished. This is why I really wanted to have the energy to get up in the morning too. I can do so much more when I have the time. Still, I have had time to work my major areas, and I've done some extra work on the core. I am loving how my body feels. I really think the vacation has entirely refreshed my system.

With that in mind, what refreshes your system most?

What does it take for you to really feel good about a workout (plenty of time, reaching mental goals, visibly working harder to everyone around you)?

What is inspiring you to be 100%?


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100% Philosophy

Last night as I drifted off to sleep I was thinking about two things; the first I won't talk about on here, but the other is about a philosophy. This philosophy is rooted a concept/theory for teaching. The idea, at the core, is to get 100% participation from your students. With that in mind, I want to get 100% from myself. I felt like, after vacation, I was ready to start putting more effort into everything I do. With that in mind, I taught hard today, brought a strong positive attitude, and finally hit the gym at 100%.

Now, I know this is a fairly unrealistic goal from day to day, but I think it is a goal we should all have. Essentially, we should all be living our lives at 100%. I at least want to feel like I tried my hardest to get to this point, and I think everyone around me will be better for it. I've always believed that doing good things and living a healthy lifestyle will rub off on others. I know several friends and family members that have started living better because I did. If people can see what hard work can do, they will be far more likely to work towards that same thing. Plus, this fact makes me want to work even harder so that I can continue to be an inspiration to anyone who wants one.

So, with my "new" philosophy in mind, I took to the gym with conviction. I needed some serious conviction too; my calves are super tight after my new form run yesterday. Plus, I had a week worth of crappy food in my system. I am increasing my daily cardio now, as I want to really get my body composition down. Additionally, I don't think I need as much weight training. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the gym in the morning, but like I said, my calves have been tight all day, and I didn't want to push it. I did get in some chest, back and core work though.

Tomorrow I have to get up in the morning because it is Tuesday, and I won't have the time in the afternoon. Tuesdays will be a tough day to stay at 100% simply because it is so long. Additionally, I hate not having those renewed endorphins in the afternoon; they come in handy after a long day of teaching.

I will continue to report on my philosophy, but I think it will be good.


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I'm Back - A Story Of Food

So, I am back home after a nice vacation. We loved the resort we stayed in, and we had a blast all week. I am pretty Disneyed out at this point though. Plus, the weather wasn't a warm as I would have liked. I suppose it made coming back to freezing temps a little easier.

I wasn't perfect in my training all week, but I think for being on vacation, I did get in a pretty solid amount of work. Fortunately, the resort had a nice fitness facility because the area wasn't designed for runners. Some of the resorts have trails, so I thought this one might as well; I was wrong. I went for one short run around the area, but I ended up having to do a few laps around a parking lot; I wasn't impressed. At least the cooler weather and sunshine was great for it.

I feel pretty good though. I think a little extra rest was good for me. I just wish I had toned down the eating a little bit. I am not real good at the whole portion control thing, and my choices were not exactly healthy. Whatever though; I was on vacation. Sometimes you just need to live a little. Now though, I am going to get back into things on an intense level.

Today I ran 5 miles with a little extra time before football. My knee was sore, but I feel good now. I think my body just needs to adjust. Plus, I am working n my form. Tomorrow is a two-a-day, cardio in the morning and lifting in the afternoon. I will also get back into my blog routine. I am looking forward to being back into things.


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Quick Update

I will be reporting much more on my vacation, and the subsequent training, but for now I just wanted to share some pictures. Additionally, I figure a short update on everything is possible.


This is the view from our first room. This is called a savannah view, and it is facing one of the Wildlife areas around the resort. These are some giraffes, obviously, but there were also a variety of African birds.

The resort also has a fancy fitness facility. It is very small, but it is also well stocked. The ellipticals, which I figured is best after a long day of walking, has a super fancy touch screen on it. I unfortunately could not use the television function, as they do not have them hooked up. I do like how you can see your progress, relatively, on a virtual track. I found myself doing some strong intervals at certain points on the track.

As for my training, I have done some cardio and lifting every day. It isn't as intense at home, but I am proud that I am still at it.



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Sweet Vacation

I am currently blogging from the car (not driving). We are headed to Disney World where I will be spending the next week. I am looking forward to some sun, warmer weather, anti-diet food and some good runs. I probably won't be posting much, so I just thought I would leave some quick questions:

What are your favorite places to vacation and run?

What are your favorite pandora stations to run to?

Do you totally quit a diet over vacation?


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Think Positive

As my day nears it's early conclusion, I want to wrap things up with some positive thoughts. Today was one of those days where I really had to push through. I have always been a positive person, but sometimes I get down about myself. I guess we all do, but today was one of those days for me.

It is hard to explain why I was so down. I think partially it is the colder weather. Additionally, my body is adjusting to the shorter days. I also have some considerable life stresses that I won't get into right now. Finally, my body just isn't where I want it to be. I am fight an uphill battle against genetics, and sometimes I feel like I am losing. I exercise far more than a normal person, going at least an hour a day, 5-6 times a week. I don't est garbage all the time, but I could be better. Still, I feel like I should look better. So I second guess my training choices, life choices, and mental berate my genetic make-up.

At the end of the day, I look at all the blessings in my life and realize that everything will be okay. I will reach my goals eventually, and I just need to focus on working harder. If my genes don't want me to get there, then I just have to go around, under or over them. Besides, looks are secondary to speed, and I know I am only getting better every day.

Here are my positive thoughts from the day:

1. I helped improve the lives of 26 kids today.

2. I made excellent choices for my meals.

3. Despite a million things to do, I managed to get in 5 miles today.

4. I have the ability to do 5 miles like it is nothing.

5. I leave for vacation tomorrow.

6. I have a comfy bed to collapse in.

I figure I am probably just reflecting the thoughts of many people. I feel like through our endorphins, increased metabolisms, above average bodies, and positive life choices, we are just spoiled in a way. We have so many things going for us that anything negative can set us back. If we had a bunch of negatives, we would just get used to that.

What are you thankful for or blessed with today?


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