Fitness Week 4 and Def Leppard

So it's the end of Week 4 and I'm not quite happy.

I'm +1 for the week. Not necessarily a bad thing, as I've lost some weigh quite rapidly the past three weeks and I was due for a bit of a bounce back.

One thing I discovered this week was that the additional running to "step up the workout" has wreaked some havoc with my knees. Talking with one of my coaching co-workers, he stated that this was "Normal...It's going to hurt a bit...No pain, no gain!". I call bull-shit. It ain't supposed to hurt like this. So, back to walking I go, with more focus on tempo and pace.

So for all that, I'm not disappointed with where I am. My clothes are fitting better. A lot better...

Got Def Leppard on the brain. Been learning a few ballads and singing along with the bluetooth headphones. Maybe it's a bit kitschy, but this really reminds me of a time when my biggest worries were simply social issues, not the real problems that exist in my life today. When "Love Bites" meant so much to that cute kid with the braces you asked to dance. Damn, those were the days...

Week 3 Fitness

It's the completion of Week 3 and it's been a good week. Weekly total is -4 lbs., for a cumulative of -14 lbs.

Basically, I'm not doing anything too different from the last few weeks. I've been incorporating some light to medium jogging within my route, while changing up the route and distance (within 3/4 of a mile or so).

I'm fortunate to live in a golf neighborhood, so there isn't a lack of location to run. Even better is the presence of numerous hills and an empty parcel of cleared land with about a 1/2 mile of unpaved road laid in.

I've noticed that my clothes are fitting better, cravings for that all-so-dangerous sodas has waned somewhat, and for the most part, so has the desire for most of my typical treats that I so enjoyed.

I won't say that desire isn't present; it always is. It's as if there is this addiction. I will often find myself going into the kitchen pantry or fridge and then catch myself, thinking "You just ate; you aren't hungry. Get some water."

Do I enjoy food still? Sure I do. Food seems to have taken on a slightly different meaning, becoming more along the lines of fuel, as opposed to the hedonistic ambrosia it was previously. I will dip into that former life, but no with some moderation. Family Fun Nights and one day out of the weekend I'll usually enjoy an extra slice, but that comes with the knowledge that the next workout will entail an extra lap or pushing up that long hill a bit harder.

Either way, it's been a good three weeks so far. We'll see how it ends up...

Cheers

Week 2 Fitness and Home-grown Guitars

And so I finish the second week with a total of -3 lbs...cumulative total of -10 lbs. I'm more than fortunate to have a co-worker/teammate barking down my ass about staying on top. I joke with her that my back hurts from carrying the team. Whatever works I guess.

Wifey's been super supportive and that really helps. Little things like "You don't need that" and such just end up not being annoying but motivating reminders that I need early in this stage.

For those keeping up, the Asics kick some serious ass. I can understand how serious runners like them. The offer a more than appropriate amount of cushion, but lack that marshmallow feel that you get with Air Max. Think of them as comfy as adidas with the cushion a big fellow needs from Air Max. Best of both worlds. The bluetooth headphones are pretty awesome as well. Good battery life, stays on when jogging, and so easy to switch songs when needed. Totally eliminates having to have a watch, phone, and MP3 player devices; one device that truly works well.

Many of you readers may have heard about my good friend Tom, my guitar mentor. Well, my son had to make a musical instrument for his next Boy Scout meeting. Instead of a typical cop out drum or shaker, Dyl Man wanted to make a guitar. We initially decided on a cigar box type guitar (Google them), but after arriving at Tom's house this afternoon, we went with a modified Flying-V. A great choice, we just need to string it up. Fret board is a bit wide, but all in all, the tuners work great, and Tom once again proved how awesome of a friend he is.

Thanks Uncle Tom!

Cheers,

The Mert

Congratulations Kim and James

You don't know them, but I just wanted to beat my homeboy in posting about my "other" sister Kim.

She got married recently (you can read about it here at said homeboy's blog). Much kudos to her and the groom, James.

Yesterday, they were blessed with the birth of a baby girl.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery, Kim. I'm sure you'll be a great mom. You had a great role model growing up.

New Regimen and Walking Fuel

So, there's this contest going on at work. It's a team based fitness challenge to encourage better living and exercise. I'm taking part and as a heavy weight, I'm feeling a bit of pressure, not to say that much of that put there by me.

So why the post? Well, it's one of those things that if you write it down, you commit to it. And that's why I'm here.

Wifey's been supportive in helping, knowing that this will only help my overall health. To better motivate myself, I've made the purchase of some headphones. Bluetooth headphones. Nothing too fancy, some LG's that were on sale at Buy.com. A nice deal, they've been out for a while and have decent reviews. I've been wanting some BT headphones for a while, since my last phone, and since I've gotten this new Samsung Impression and started this exercise regimen, I hope this will be an added incentive to just keep things going.

Little bit at a time. Oh, and for posterity sakes, this is Week 1.

Cheers!