A new approach

Okay, I've decided to get more structure for my running. A friend at work suggested Couch to 5K, so I downloaded the podcasts, and I'll be using it to help me avoid burnout and injury.

This Running Thing

I have never liked running. I would prefer to ride a bike, but I know that running is actually a better cardio-vascular workout. Plus, I have that goal of running a marathon. That's not a "bucket list" kind of thing, though. It's just something I've always wanted to do. I don't plan to expend all this effort; run the marathon; and then give up running altogether.

On today's run, about a third of a mile out, I thought, "Why the hell am I doing this?"

Right now, the only only answer I could give was, "Because I want to."

For now, that's enough.

RunKeeper Shared Fitness | Running Activity

Day 2

Ran a mile. Walked the rest. This has to get easier.

My hands were freezing, too.

RunKeeper Shared Fitness | Running Activity

Details of my first run for the dual goals of getting in better shape and Running the Rock.

Ready to Hit the Pavement

I swung over to Luke's Locker after work this evening to get some running shoes. They examined my feet and watched me walk and run to get an idea of what type of running shoe would best suit me. Turns out, I'm a "neutral." I'm still not 100% sure what all the jargon meant, but I trust that they don't want to put me in a shoe that isn't best for me because I'm sure they want me to come back as a repeat customer, and if the shoes don't fell good, I would be less likely to return.

The associate who worked with me recommended that I set a goal of doing the Half-marathon this year and the full next. I understood her point, but I still consider the full my goal for this year. I reserve the right to change my mind on that at any time.

Always look on the Bright Side

I can use the time that the Cowboys would have been playing next week and on Super Bowl Sunday to exercise.

New Shoes

As I mentioned in my last post, I plan to attempt the White Rock Marathon in December. Thus, I shall need some good running shoes. Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments.

I'm going to get started with early training this week.

Long, Strange Trip

I can't explain why I haven't updated here since April. Let's blame it on Facebook.

Life has been through many twists and turns over the past 9 months.

To keep it short:

Work is still work.

I won an acting award for my performance in Suessical: the Musical as Best Actor in a Featured Role at the Awards Gala for Kaufman County Civic Theatre.

I decided to run for District Attorney in my county, and then at the last minute I had to drop out because of a work-related issue.

As a result of my candidacy, I missed an opportunity to appear on "Jeopardy!" I can only hope that now that I'm no longer a candidate, they will give me another shot. This is only the latest installment in this saga. You can read a brief account of my Jeopardy! Tale of Woe.

I've gained a little weight, but not so much that it's depressing.

I don't do New Year's Resolutions, but I have decided to get in shape and prepare to Run the Rock in December 2010.

Health Update

Went to the Doctor on Friday. I had lost 15 pounds since March. Cholesterol was down to 142. Bad Cholesterol is down to 88.

Doctor was happy. I'm happy.

I still need to lose about 50-60 pounds, but I've made a start.

Quick Update

I've been busy lately. I bought a bicycle about a month and a half ago. Then, I joined a local gym a few weeks after that. In all, since I bought the bike, I have lost 11 pounds, and my waist has started to shrink already.

I finished The Philadelphia Story at KCCT in April, and yesterday, I had my first rehearsal with Garland Summer Musicals for Damn Yankees. It should be fun, but tiring.

A little sickness is going around the family. First, it was Hannah, then Erin. Tonight, my stomach started feeling not quite right. I hope I can avoid the unpleasantness the girls have had to go through.

A New Beginning

I've put on a few pounds recently. After losing 50 pounds three years ago, I've let 25-30 of them creep back onto my frame. It's time to do something about that. I got back up on the Gazelle Freestyle Elite tonight for thirty minutes.

I need to get rid of the excess baggage.

Here's the new "BEFORE" pic:

Weight Update

I have somehow managed to drop 8.5 pounds in the past 6 weeks or so.  I haven't been doing anything out of the ordinary.  In fact, I think I've probably eaten worse than usual.

Whatever the cause, I'll take it. 

Back on the Weight Loss Wagon

I decided that I have to make another stab at shedding my excess baggage.  Long time readers will know that I lost 50 pounds a couple of years ago.  Sadly, I've managed to put 28 of those back.  So, I started last Monday, June 25th with a plan to slim down.  I have started bringing a gallon of water with me to work each day, and I drink all of it before I go home.  I have also committed to cutting way down on the snacking during the day.  One of my weaknesses has been the candy jar on the desk of a co-worker.  I found myself grabbing a handful of M&Ms entirely too often.  Like I did in 2004-05, I am still going to eat what I want.  Just less of it.

I am not going to post weekly reports (unless I change my mind), but I will try to keep y'all updated as things progress.  Since last Monday, I have lost 3 pounds.  It probably would have been more, but I ate a lot when my wife and I went out for our 9th Anniversary last week.

Looking for a Quick Way to Lose Weight?

No, I'm not talking about any miracle pills or radical diets. From yesterday morning to this morning, I lost 2.5 pounds. How did I accomplish this amazing feat, you ask. As I mentioned here, and my wife blogged about here and here, all four Calvinatorettes have been sick in the past week.

I could feel my body trying to fight it off for a few days, but Thursday shortly after lunch, I realized that succumbing was inevitable. I came home from work and laid in bed for a while, but eventually I did get sick. I had one other bout about three hours later. After that, I didn't have to make any more urgent trips to the bathroom, but I couldn't sleep well. I had a fever and body aches. I was a little delirious.

I stayed home from work today and got some extra rest and sleep. It appears that this was nothing more than a 24 hour virus because I'm feeling tremendously better tonight.

Getting in Shape Update 76

Last week was not good because of a Wednesday trip to a minor league baseball game. Much better this week. My wife did a great job cleaning up around our exerciser, so maybe I'll finally climb back up on there.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Update's Weight = 237.5

Today's Weight = 235.5

Weight Loss in the Past 2 Weeks= 2.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 31.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 75

Ate after dinner too often and snacked a bit too much during the day.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Update's Weight = 236.0

Today's Weight = 237.5

Weight Gain in the Past 2 Weeks= 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 74

No commentary this week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 236.5

Today's Weight = 236.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 31.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 73

Did better not snacking or eating in the evenings after dinner.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 236.5

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 30.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 72

Didn't eat all that well. Didn't drink very much water. Still not exercising (and won't be able to until Kiss Me, Kate opens.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.5

Today's Weight = 238.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 71

I had feared the worst after eating way too much brisket and too many hot dogs, not to mention the ice cream.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 238.5

Weight Gain in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 28.5 pounds