Day 52 - BBQ

Yesterday I wasn't feeling too good.  In fact, I've been dealing with a small stomach bug for about a week now.  Because of this, I haven't been eating or exercising much.

Today, after some sleep and Pepto, my stomach settled down but I still didn't get in my running like I should have.  I had planned to go running when I got home from work but I forgot about a meeting I had to attend that lasted until 7:30.  By the time I got home it was dark and I'm tired.

Breakfast
Oatmeal
Coffee with creamer

Lunch
BBQ pork and beef (I couldn't eat another sandwich today and I wanted to get out of the office for a bit.)
Diet soda

Dinner
Crispex cereal with skim milk.

Day 50 – Feeling pretty good

I’m a little sore today but feeling pretty good.  In fact, I’m getting pretty excited for the Bolder Boulder.  I’m not quite ready for it yet, but I will be.  I’m also excited to have a bunch of my family coming out to run with me. 

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Ham & turkey sandwich

Snack

Peanuts

Dinner

Top Ramen

2 – Brownies (my wife makes the best brownies.)

Today was a rest day so no real activity today.  Running again tomorrow.

Day 49 – Cherry Creek Sneak Race

I haven’t posted for the past couple of days so I’m going to quickly sum it up.  No major activity to report (waiting for today), and I’ve been eating the same food.  Exciting stuff.

Today I have reached two major milestones. First, I’m happy to report that I have officially lost 15 lbs since I started my health challenge.  It’s been slow going but I’m happy with the results.  Second, today I ran in my first race in 20 years.

This morning my wife and I woke up early (on a Sunday) and drove down to Cherry Creek Mall to run in the race.  When we registered 4 weeks ago we planned to run the 5k while pushing our little girl in the stroller.  As I started thinking about it, I really didn’t want to run the 5k.  So at the last minute I changed my plans and decided to challenge myself by running the 5-mile race instead. 

We met up with some friends (Kaysie, Rick and Kate) before the race.  The entire group, except for myself, decided to run in the 5k.  I happily cheered them on as they started the race at 8:00.  Luckily the 5-mile race didn’t start until after 9:00 so I was able to stand at the end of the course and cheer them on as they crossed the finish line.  I’m so proud of my wife for running.  She has really been supportive throughout my entire fitness challenge.  Having her run the race meant a lot to me.

The Group: Kate, me, Kaitlyn, Erin and Kaysie

My race started at 9:15 and I was excited to finally get going.  There were thousands of people running this race today so you can imagine it was a bit crowded on the road.  I am anything but a speed demon, but I felt pretty good weaving around a few people as I passed them on the road.  Luckily, the crowds started thinning as the race progressed and by mile 3 I wasn’t feeling too claustrophobic. 

I was feeling pretty good as I was running…that was until mile 4.  I was getting tired and I was having trouble breathing, but I kept pushing through.  I could see the finish line down the street and thought to myself, “I can make it that far, don’t stop!”  Well I was in for a bit of disappointment as I got closer to the line and the course turned and we had to run another few blocks before we could cross the line.  But again I kept pushing through.

As I rounding the last corner I knew I could make it.  The finish line was only 50 yards ahead so I pushed myself and ran a little faster and I triumphantly crossed the line.  I did it!  I ran the race and I crossed the line without walking at any point.  I finished the race with a time of 58:30.  Not fast, but not bad for an old, out of shape, fat man with asthma.

The Finish Line - tired but happy

The 5-mile run was harder than I thought it would be but I’m glad I did it.  I don’t think I would have the same sense of accomplishment had I run the 5k.  The great part about this whole thing is that I’m not as nervous about the Bolder Boulder 10k.  That’s only 1 more mile than I did today and I have 4 more weeks to train.  I can do it!  I’m going to be ready!  I don’t think I could have said that with any confidence a few weeks ago.

It’s been a great day!   

Day 46 – 5 miles

This morning was the perfect weather for a run, overcast and a bit misty (reminded me of Seattle).  I had planned on running 4 miles this morning, but when I got to the mile marker to stop…I kept going.  I figured I would go another ½ mile, but I kept going.  Today I ran 5 miles for the first time.  I probably could have run more, but I had to get ready for work.  While 5 miles may not seem much to you, but to me it’s a huge milestone.  When I started running a month ago, I could barely make it 2 miles.  I think I’m ready for the 5k this weekend.

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Ham & turkey sandwich

Snack

Peanuts

Dinner

Lasagna

 -I know, lasagna is not the best option but it was my reward to myself for running the distance.

Activity

5 mile run

1 mile walk

Day 45 – Getting old sucks!

Last night after running I could really feel it in my knees, they ached.  Maybe 35 is too old to start running.  Maybe I just need to run more.  Maybe I just need to build up my strength.  I don’t know, but I’m going to keep going for now.  Today my legs were a little sore as well.  Not too bad, but I could definitely feel it.  I don’t remember feeling this much when I was younger.  Getting old sucks!

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Ham & turkey sandwich

Snack

Peanuts

Dinner

Bacon & egg sandwich

Activity

Today was a rest day but we did take the little one to Chuck E Cheese.  So we got to run around after her, which can be exhausting.

Running again tomorrow.  

Day 44 – And I ran. I ran so far away

Alarm went off this morning and I just couldn’t get up.  This seems to happen a lot recently.  I’m just not nearly as motivated to run in the morning when it’s dark outside.  So my wife and I agreed that we would exercise after work.

Once we both got home we headed out to the trail.  Normally Erin doesn’t run with me during the week so to have her with me was nice.  I really enjoyed the company.  She is really doing well.  I’ve had a bit of a head start by running for a few weeks longer than her, but she really does well at keeping up.  After about 1.5 miles we split up and I continued down the path while she turned around to walk for a few minutes.  As much as I hate it, running is getting easier.  I ended up running 4 miles last night.

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Ham & Turkey sandwich

Snacks

Dry roasted peanuts and a Kashi Go-Lean bar

Dinner

Chicken alfredo (not too much)

Day 43 – Boring…

I really didn’t do too much today besides sit in front of my computer screen.  It was a rest day and I’m glad because I’ve been a bit tired today.  Tomorrow I run again.

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Ham & turkey sandwich on whole grain

Snack

Dry roasted peanuts

Dinner

Pizza on whole wheat crust with beef topping

Day 42 – To stretch or not to stretch

Last week I read an interesting article on usatoday.com about the importance of stretching when exercising.  Contrary to everything I’ve ever been told, this article said that for a better workout you shouldn’t stretch before exercising.  The information made sense but I wonder if anyone else has heard this?  I’ve been told in the past that stretching after exercise is just as important if not more important than stretching before.  Take a look at the article and let me know what you think: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-04-15-stretching-muscles_N.htm?csp=usat.me

Today I went running again.  It was hard because I haven’t done much this week with being sick.  I struggled to run 3.5 miles but I made it.  I can’t slack this week because the Cherry Creek Sneak 5k is next week.  This will be my first race in 20 some odd years.  Scary as it may sound, I’m actually looking forward to it.

Breakfast

Crispex cereal with skim milk

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Double cheeseburger (not a good choice, but we were running errands and needed to feed my daughter)

Iced tea

Snack

½ of an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen

Dinner

Left over stroganoff

My wife had a baby shower to go to today so I ended up taking my daughter to the park.  We played for about an hour on the swings and the slides.  While we were there the ice cream man came by.  Ice cream sounded so good that when we were done playing, I took my little girl over to Dairy Queen where we shared a small ice cream cone.

Activity

3.5 mile run

1.25 Walk/Play

Day 41 – Getting my strength back

If you read my post from yesterday you know that I’ve been a bit under the weather.  Today I have felt better but still not 100%.  This sickness hasn’t been good for my training schedule, but I haven’t had the energy or strength to get out and run this week.  All I’ve done is rest and sleep.  I’m hoping that I can get out and run tomorrow.  I’m feeling better and I’ve actually been able to eat today so I’m getting my strength back.

Breakfast

Whole wheat crepes

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Mac & Cheese

Dinner

Stroganoff

I had to take some anti-nausea medication this afternoon as I started feeling a bit queasy again, but on the whole I think I have my appetite back.

Activity

Walking around the store

Sick...

I have been sick.  It was either a stomach virus or food poisoning, I don't know which.  What I do know is that I haven't been able to eat or drink and I've had no energy to do anything.  It go so bad that on Wednesday night my wife insisted that I go to the ER.  So I spent 4 hours lying on a hospital bed getting fluids and medication for nausea pumped into me.

Needless to say I don't have much to post.  Eating and exercise have been the last thing on my mind.  But I am feeling better.  I've actually been able to stomach a small amount of food today.  I hope to begin my regular posting again on Saturday.

Day 37 - I hate colds

This past weekend I’ve been dragging a bit.  At first I thought it was my allergies kicking in but I now know that I’ve caught a spring cold.  I’m tired and groggy and I’m sick of it.  The weather is beautiful but I feel like crap.

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Chicken noodle soup

Applesauce

Dinner

Steak tacos

Today is a rest day for exercise and I’m going to bed early.

I'm a slacker...

You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t posted for a while.  Ever since our trip to Salt Lake City over Easter I’ve had a hard time staying motivated.  On Saturday my wife actually called me out by asking if I had fallen off the wagon.  Yes…yes I did fall off the wagon.  I wasn’t watching my diet and I really didn’t care too much. I’ve still been running, but that’s only part of the commitment I made to myself to be healthier.

So…I apologize for not staying the course.  I pledge to be better in the coming weeks.  I’ll be more conscious of my diet and I will post on the blog regularly.  I need to do this, not only for me but for my family as well.

Day 32 - Starving!

I have been starving today.  No matter what I did or what I ate, I was still hungry.  For the most part, I was pretty good when it came to eating.  My snacks were healthy, I drank a lot of water, and I didn’t overeat.  Why was I still hungry?

On the way home from work is when it hit the worst.  I heard a commercial for Olive Garden and I just couldn’t get it out of my mind.  Mmmmm….pasta, breadsticks and a glass of wine.  Big shocker, I caved.  When my wife got home I strongly suggested that we hop in the car and eat out.  It didn’t take too much to convince her.

When we got to the restaurant, my wife tried to convince me to have a salad and order the whole wheat pasta.  In fact, she suggested it several times.  My mind agreed with her but unfortunately my stomach prevailed. 

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Ham and turkey sandwich on whole wheat

Snacks

Peanuts

Applesauce

Dinner (oh boy)

Lasagna

2 breadsticks

Pasta e Fagioli soup

Glass of wine

Activity

2 miles of walking

I’m going to need to run an extra mile (at least) in the morning to make up for dinner tonight.

Day 31 - Jury duty day

Today I was summoned for jury duty.  While I was not looking forward to spending all day at the courthouse, it was nice to sleep in a little bit.  I didn’t have to report until 9:00 AM, which allowed me to go running when it was light outside.  I will admit it was hard to get going again after slacking off over the weekend, but it felt good to hit the pavement again.  Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t like running but I definitely feel a difference on the days I exercise versus the days that I don’t.  It was especially important that I get some exercise because I knew I’d be sitting around all day long.

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Ham and turkey sandwich

Dinner

Pizza with whole wheat crust and beef topping

Activity

3 mile run

1.25 mile walk

Day 30 – One month down, two more to go

It’s hard to believe that I’m a third of the way through my 90 day challenge.  I’ve definitely had my ups and downs over the first month and I feel that I should have lost more weight, but I only have myself to blame.  But I am happy to report that running is becoming easier and I’m feeling better about myself.  Thanks to everyone for their support so far.  It really has helped to know that there are people following my efforts and even joining in.

After my weekend in Utah, I really need to double my efforts.  I should have gotten up this morning to run but after getting home late and traveling with a cranky 2 year old, I needed all the sleep I could get. 

Breakfast

Oatmeal

Coffee with creamer

Lunch

Steak tacos

Water

Dinner

Rotisserie Chicken

Corn

Tomorrow morning I have to report for jury duty.  While I’m not thrilled with this, it does mean that I can go for a run in the morning when it’s light outside.  I really need to step it up.  The 5k is less than four weeks away and I need to get my butt in gear.  No more excuses!

Easter Weekend Update – Days 27, 28, 29

We went to Salt Lake City for the holiday weekend and let’s just say I fell off the wagon.  While I did stay away from most of the sweets (most…),  I should have made better choices with my regular meals.  What can I say… it’s hard to resist Mom’s cooking.  I’m not going to post the details of everything I ate over the weekend.

I had great plans of running a few times while we were there but that didn’t happen as planned either.  Out of the 3 days we were there, I only ran once.  The weather really didn’t cooperate on the other days.  I should have still hit the pavement, but I didn’t.  I found excuses and I used them.  I’m not proud of myself and I hope to make up for it this week.

It was a fun trip and it was great to see my family.  It was especially good to have my two daughters with us for the holiday.

Day 26 - On the road again

Wednesday night I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned all night waking up every 30-45 minutes. I hate insomnia! I’ve suffered with bouts of insomnia since high school. I used to just get up and roam the neighborhood, but the cops didn’t always like me being out there that late at night (and under age.) The point to this is that when the alarm went off in the morning I could not get out of bed. I knew that I had to run but it just wasn’t happening. So I moved my training schedule to have Thursday be an EZ day and Friday I would run.
I also didn’t do so well on the food front. It started out all fine and good but then came lunch. My VP took my department out for lunch to the greasiest pizza joint in town, Big Bill’s. I love this place! The only problem is that there is no such thing as a healthy meal on the menu. Even the salads drip with greasy goodness.

Breakfast
Oatmeal
Coffee with creamer

Lunch
Pepperoni calzone
Garlic knots
Diet coke

Dinner
Chicken nuggets
Water

Activity

I can’t give an accurate account of my activity because I left my pedometer at home. My guess would be about 2-3 miles of walking.

The next few days are going to be difficult. We are headed to Salt Lake City for the Easter weekend to visit my family. Dieting and exercising while traveling is something I’ve never done well. I have packed my running shoes and iPod and I plan to hit the pavement, I just hope I can follow through.