52 lbs in 26 weeks – Week 12

I still weigh something like 240. I’ve been working on my eating the past two weeks, so I’m hoping that number will start to go down.  I’ve been hitting the gym at work consistently.  Even going extra days hoping my weight will start going down.  My running has improved greatly. On the treadmill, I warm up for 10 minutes walking at 4 mph. Then I run at 6 mph for 15 minutes and cool down at 3.8 for 5.  Next week, I’m hoping to increase the running to 20 minutes (or 2 miles).  Today I ran 2.91 miles without stopping at about 10 minute miles.  My left front calve is still cramping up and my lower back hurt a little, but I felt really good.  Next Saturday I’m running in the 5K SIOP fun run. My goal is to run the whole way, hopefully under 30 minutes.

My workouts are getting much better too, especially pull-ups.  On Friday, I was able to do 4 sets of 6 reps. I felt like I was finally doing some real pull-ups.  I’ve added some weight training on Fridays. Mostly just bench press and some curls. I warm up with 135 with about 15 to 20 reps. Then I go to 225 and rep to failure.  So far, I can only manage to squeeze out 7.  I don’t plan to do any serious weight training anytime soon as my goal is more geared toward running, weight loss and conditions. However, I’ve always like lifting heavy weight. It feels good in my bones. So I thought a little couldn’t hurt.

Regarding my measurements, my waist is still 41 or 42 inches. However, where my solar plexis is, that seems to have gone down a bit. Also, my sides by my ribcage seem to be slimming down too. I tried on a pair of my 36 inch work pants (that I haven’t worn in 8 years) and I still cannot button them.  However, I’m hoping now that I am able to run a decent distance, and I’m eating better, I’ll finally start to see some weight loss and inches gone in March.

52 lbs in 26 weeks: Week 7

Got out on Sunday for the same 2 mile stretch. Tried to start of running right away. The muscles in the front of my calves tightened up and I was in pain the rest of the way. I planned on doing the 3 mile route, but stuck with 2.  Missed Thursday because there was an early All-hands meeting at work. Going to take a look at the gym at work this week. They are having tours. The gym officially opens the following week.  I still don’t have my eating under control, but I’m working on it.

52 lbs in 26 weeks – Week 6

Attended a company sponsored health screen today.  My weight is 242, which I figured.  Went for a walk today with Sara, only ran from Nutmeg to home since it was so cold.  At least I got up and did it, first time this year for that.  My company is opening a gym in the next couple of weeks, will probably sign-up.  Still going to keep walking and eventually running on the street though. Probably use the gym for yoga classes and weight training.

52 lbs in 26 weeks: Week 5

Off to a slow start in 2009. However, last week, I walked/ran both Saturday and Sunday. Today I did the same course. I bought the Nike + iPod and have been tracking my times. I thought it might help me, much like I hope this weekly post will.  I still haven’t weighed myself. I have a health screening at work, so I’ll do it then.  Food has been a problem and getting exercise during the week. I plan on getting up and doing a walk/run both Tuesday and Thursday this week.  I let you know what happens.

52 lbs in 26 weeks – Week 2

I still haven’t weighed myself to set the baseline and I only went walking once in the past week. However, I did watch my food intake and feel slightly better, although I ate too much at El Torito tonight at a team dinner.

52 lbs in 26 weeks challenge – Week 1

My friend Jamie had a read 52 books in 52 weeks challenge in 2008.  For 2009, he has a new challenge, 52 classic movies in 52 weeks.  Although I will not participate in his challenge, it inspired me to create my own. My 2009 challenge is to lose 52 lbs in 26 weeks.  I will post weekly updates about how and what I did during the week.  Each Sunday I will weigh myself and post the results.

In addition to losing the 52 pounds, I have two related goals:

• Get down to a 36″ waist
• Be able to run 5 miles without stopping

In order to reach this goal, I will carry out the following objectives:

• Walk/run 3X a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).
• Do pull-ups and push-ups at least 3X a week (during commercial breaks in the evening)
• Take my lunch to work and avoid fast food restaurants and over eating during dinner time.

Although I did not weigh myself today (I need to get a battery for the scale), I’ll make an educated guess based on how my clothes fit right now and say I weigh 243 lbs. I did measure my waist and it is a gutbusting 44″.  If anyone else wants to join my challenge, let me know. I can definitely use the moral support.