Hoofing it with Hills

Today was a scheduled running day, and to mix things up a bit, I tried a hilly setting on the treadmill. I ran 35 minutes for about 2.3 miles on a very hilly course, ranging from 0 to 7% grade. It got my heart right up at its max. I almost gave up once or twice, but persevered and completed the hard workout. I then did strength training for my lower body, and brought things up a notch there too. Details below:

• Quad - 1x12/90 1x12/110 1x12/120
  
• Hamstring - 1x12/100 2x12/120
  
• Calf - 2x8/120
  
• Abs - 3x8/50
  

Normally I do crunches for my ab work, but today, I used the machine with weights, and even though I probably could have done beyond the 50 pounds that I did, being it was the first time with weights, I figured I would be careful.

Also, in the evenings, about 2-3 times a week, I am doing push-ups before I go to bed. Last night I did 20, which to you may not sound like a lot, but I haven't been able to do push-ups since my Navy days.

I am still weighing in at about 192 lbs. I may be stabilizing, or it could be that I just slacked off last week. Guess we will find out eh?

Laps for a Sunny Day

What a beautiful Tuesday this has started off being. The sky is perfectly clear, which is unusual in Washington State. I awoke early this morning, having a great dream about my Navy days and headed out to the gym to do some laps in the pool. I swam for 1 hour 5 minutes, and did about 2600 meters (65 laps). Feeling good about today's workout.

Have a great day!

Paul

Back to the Treadmill

Feeling quite like a hamster on a running wheel, I headed back to the treadmill for a run today. I can't say that I don't like the treadmill, it is just a bit boring at times. I definitely like the fact I can pace myself better and maintain a speed more consistently. I don't like to watch TV while I am running, as it kind of seems wrong to do so. My iPod is great but the tunes can get a bit old too. The last time I ran on the trail, though, I twisted my ankle, and am still feeling some aches and pains from it, even though it has been over a month since it happened. I will try it again soon, after my ankle recovers fully.

Today I ran 2.75 miles in 35 minutes (including warm up and cool down) then decided to do some strength training on my upper body. Details below:

• Chest - 2x8/80
  
• Shoulder - 2x8/60
  
• Lat - 2x8/100
  
• Tri - 2x8/50
  
• Bi - 2x8/60
  

Happy Memorial day folks!

Paul

Not a running kind of week

Well, today I went swimming again, and slept in a bit yesterday too. So, it looks like I am swimming for my life this week. Today was a 2400 meter swim in 60 minutes. Not too bad.

Weighed in at 190 lbs today too.

Paul

Pool Time

I took yesterday off, so today I hit the pool again. I did 60 laps in an hour, which worked out to 2400 meters. Not too shabby.

Paul

Brrrrr

Today was a swim day. I got to the pool at 5:30 am this morning and the water felt like 20 below. I wasn't about to chicken out though. I waded in....very slowly....and once I got used to the water it wasn't so bad. I did like 51 laps, which is 2,040 meters. That took me 50 minutes. Not too shabby.

I weighed in at 193 lbs today. Looks like I am plateauing out again, and this may be the final one. Lets hope not.

Paul

Getting Wet Again

Today was another day in the pool. I am trying to build a bit of endurance, so today's swim was for 50 minutes doing 50 laps. I am not quite sure the exact distance of the swim, as the gym attendant didn't know the pool length. I think it is about 22 yards, making this swim 2200 yards...but I am not too sure.

Looks as though the blood is gone too. No pain anymore. I am still expecting the kidney stone, but would be happy if I have already gone through the worst.

Weighed in today at 192 lbs.

Paul

Feelin Lazy today

I did NOT want to work out today, but as I didn't want to work out yesterday...and didn't...I figured I had better at least make a cursory attempt at it. So today I headed to the treadmill and basically squeaked out a mile before deciding that that was all I felt up to. I did have a bit of pain, but under my left arm, which felt like I had a bad bruise for a bit. It faded so I finished my run. I then did a bit of strength training and called it a morning. Strength training details below:

• Quads 2x8/100
  
• HS/Legs 2x8/110
  
• Calf 2x8/110
  
• Ab - nada
  

Guess it is about time to re-motivate myself.

On a positive note, no blood yet today. I am just waiting for the twinge of discomfort that signals the 2-3 days of pain so I can get to the doc. No pain yet though.

Paul

One year anniversary

Today is the first anniversary of my surgery. I want to summarize a few highlights from last year.

Last Year

• 400 lbs
  
• 5XL Shirts
  
• 60x29 Pants
  
• Size 9 Extra Wide shoes
  
• High Blood Pressure
  
• Sleep Apnea
  
• Depression Medication
  
• Couldn't Walk up a flight of stairs without sweating
  
• Financially unstable
  
• Unhappily Married
  
• No Exercise
  
• No Friends
  

This Year

• 193 lbs
  
• Large Shirts
  
• 36x29 pants
  
• Size 9 normal Shoes
  
• Normal Blood Pressure
  
• Normal Sleep
  
• No Medication needed
  
• Can run 7 miles (Sweating profusely of course)
  
• Financially Secure
  
• Happily Divorced
  
• 4-6 Day/Wk Exercise
  
• Some Good Friends
  

So, as you can see, I have come a long way. And you aint seen nothing yet.

Today's workout was a 45 minute swim. Did 42 laps in the gym pool. More blood in the urine, and today is the doc appointment, so I will find out more I hope.

Paul

UPDATE: Well the doc seems to think I may have another kidney stone. Although he mentioned I may not be in pain now, expect some soon. Joy....Joy.....Joy. Otherwise, my doc exam checked out ok and all the folks there were impressed with my progress to date. Now isn't that cool.

Forging Ahead

Today, I woke up at 5:00 AM and really REALLY wanted to go back to bed. Instead I dressed and headed out to go do my run before I got too serious about it. I ran for 2.75 miles in 35 minutes and then did an upper-body strength training workout.

• Chest - 2x8/90
  
• Shoulder - 2x8/70
  
• Lat - 2x8/90
  
• Tri - 2x8/40
  
• Bi - 2x8/70
  
• Back (Row) - 2x8/70
  

Not too bad, but I did come up with a bit of a nasty surprise, however, in that when I was done with my workout I discovered blood in my urine. Off to the doc I go I guess. Hope it isn't too serious.

Paul

Mental Health Day

Today is a day off from work. Not quite a sick day, not quite a vacation day. More of a sanity stabilization day. I fully intend to blow this day away doing only pleasant things and not stressing out about work for a change.

Suffice it to say, I did have to go work out today, and although I set my alarm clock for a crisp early 5:00 am waking, I promptly turned it off and went back to sleep. When I awoke, I headed out to the gym to swim for a while. I actually swam laps for about 40 minutes, and of course can't seem to keep count. I then sat in the spa for 10 minutes and called it a day.

Today should be a wonderful day, provided my cell phone doesn't ring.

Paul

UPDATE: Well, the cell phone rang, and it turns out that one of my best friends was in a car accident today, and I ended up spending the day with her just to make sure she was ok. Not a bad day for me, but all sorts of crappy for her.

Running

Today I woke up and was quite ready to work out. I felt a bit guilty about skipping yesterday's workout which helped. I headed out to the gym and did a 35 minute run for 2.5 miles on the treadmill, then did a lower body strength training. Details below:

• Quads - 2x8/90
  
• Hamstrings/Glutes - 2x8/90
  
• Calf - 2x10/70
  
• Abs - 30 ball situps
  

Cool eh?

Paul

Swimming

My muscles were a bit sore this morning from the running I did yesterday, as well as the strength training. I decided that heading to the pool would be a good idea. So, apparently, did everyone else. As the pool was quite crowded at 5am this morning. I swam for about 35 minutes and that was about it. Good swim, and good workout.

Paul

Back on my feet again

It has now been officially 3 weeks since I got injured, and according to the Doctor, I can start running again. Yay! I knew going back into it would be a challenge, as well as a risk to the ankle, so I definitely planned on taking it a bit easy today. I woke up, got dressed, put on an Ace Wrap for support, and headed to the gym.

I ran 35 minutes, at a pretty slow pace (4.7 mph) and covered about 2.5 miles. About 2.2 of that running. My heart rate was up a bit, and my ankle ached the second half of the run, but I guess that was to be expected.

After the run, I did about 20 minutes of upper body strength training, and did ok. Here are the details:

• Chest, 2 Sets, 8 Rep, 60-70 lbs
  
• Laterals, 2 Sets, 8 Rep, 60-70 lbs
  
• Shoulder, 2 Sets, 8 Rep, 50-60 lbs
  
• Triceps, 2 Sets, 8 Rep, 40-50 lbs
  
• Biceps, 2 Sets, 8 Rep, 40-50 lbs
  

Note that this assumes that the arbitrary single-digit labels on the strength machine are multiplied by 10 for the weight. Otherwise, I have not a clue exactly what I am lifting.

Good day!
Paul

Another Swim Day

I just cant wait until next week. The Doctor gave me instructions not to run for 3 weeks, and Monday is that day. I of course am going to have to take it a bit easy though. Until then, I continue to do other things.

Today was another swim session, and I upped the intensity and duration a bit. The pool is so nice that you stay cool during the workout and can get more out of it in relative comfort. I swam for 35 minutes, and didn't keep a lap count. By the end of the session, my heart rate was way up and I was definitely breathing heavy, so although I cannot wear my heart rate monitor, I knew I got a great workout today.

...like a Fish

Today was another swim day. Thank God for swim goggles. Did about 30-35 minutes, and lost count of the laps. Another great workout.

Paul

What motivates me to run?

I just entered a contest, for a 50 word description of what motivates me to run. What do you think?

"My motivation is life. I was morbidly obese, but now run 12-K. I suffered from hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and poor self-esteem and I now have healthy levels, and an improved self-image. I would have died an early death and am now living healthily and happily. How's that for motivation?"

Paul

Row Row Row your....

Rowing machine... :)

Went out today to do some cardio at my fitness center, and found out that the gate key wasn't working. I suspect they closed the gym there for some reason. Either way, I decided to head in and to some cardio anyway, and as I happen to own a rowing machine, I did 5000 meters in about 25 minutes. It has been a little while since I have done any rowing, so I suspect I will be a bit sore on Tuesday and Wednesday as a result.

Tomorrow will be another swimming day, but I am coming prepared with a new set of swim goggles.

Paul