I'm still having great difficulty getting round to write anything on here, let alone get fit or lose any weight!!
There is a certain amount of apathy involved, knowing the holiday has gone and I'm not that worried about taking my shirt off now. I'm still waiting to hear if I'm in the marathon next year, and I've not been very positive in my outlook lately.
My son is aware that he is going swimming with the school next term and is concerned that the other kids will tease him about his size,as he's a bit chunky. We have talked about it and have decided we will get fit together over the summer holidays. SO there is lots of playing down the park, bike riding , swimming, kite flying, skateboarding and other stuff lined up for us in the next few weeks. I must admit that I struggle getting enthusiastic about going down the park, but mostly enjoy it when I'm there.
I need to be positive for him, and that will give me the drive to get back into a routine of exercise.
Monday, 27 July 2009
Friday, 3 July 2009
Back again
Well, once again it's been a while. Over a month this time.
I had such a busy June I didn't get round to writing anything.
Work commitments, and the run-up to a wonderful holiday, the month just seemed to slip away from me.
But with the new month 3 days old already, I'm really making a commitment to write at least 3 times a week and ideally, every day.
On the fitness front, I didn't get much further with my running as my shift patten restricts the times I can run, so that suffered. And the weights and Resistance stuff slipped a bit as well. On the plus side, I walked miles and miles on holiday, used the stairs in the hotel rather than the lift and swam every day (harder than it sounds being a non swimmer)
On the diet front, always tougher when away, but I did eat healthily, having salad dinners on 3 nights. The thing about half board is you can have some of all the dinners, and breakfasts, but I was conscious of what I was eating and stopped when I was full. If I had pudding, it would be fruit or cheese and crackers (only 2~).
Finally, attitude, I had some good positive days and a couple of negative down days (so nothing new there then). I decided that the bar prices were way too high for us, and as a result chose to make more money for the next holiday so we could take more spending money and go on some of the excursions on offer. Thereby taking a negative (not having enough money) into a positive action plan, (take steps to make more money). I have a couple of ideas that need researching for marketplace and demand.
I'll keep those thought up to date here also.
I had such a busy June I didn't get round to writing anything.
Work commitments, and the run-up to a wonderful holiday, the month just seemed to slip away from me.
But with the new month 3 days old already, I'm really making a commitment to write at least 3 times a week and ideally, every day.
On the fitness front, I didn't get much further with my running as my shift patten restricts the times I can run, so that suffered. And the weights and Resistance stuff slipped a bit as well. On the plus side, I walked miles and miles on holiday, used the stairs in the hotel rather than the lift and swam every day (harder than it sounds being a non swimmer)
On the diet front, always tougher when away, but I did eat healthily, having salad dinners on 3 nights. The thing about half board is you can have some of all the dinners, and breakfasts, but I was conscious of what I was eating and stopped when I was full. If I had pudding, it would be fruit or cheese and crackers (only 2~).
Finally, attitude, I had some good positive days and a couple of negative down days (so nothing new there then). I decided that the bar prices were way too high for us, and as a result chose to make more money for the next holiday so we could take more spending money and go on some of the excursions on offer. Thereby taking a negative (not having enough money) into a positive action plan, (take steps to make more money). I have a couple of ideas that need researching for marketplace and demand.
I'll keep those thought up to date here also.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Another week gone and I'm still not keeping up with this.
It's now Thursday evening, and it's almost a week since my last posting.
And what a week, very busy at work, half term, bike rides, running machine, multi gym the lot. Didn't quite keep to the plan of 1 day cardio, next day resistance, but have done plenty of both.
This morning was wonderful, sunny and warm, late getting up, then a good run on the treadmill 2100m in 14:20 (PB), then some bran flakes for breakfast and some light resistance on the multi gym, all followed by a nice soak in the bath.
Feeling really good today as my brother-in-law called in just after I finished working out, and he commented on my apparent weight loss. Happy Days!!
And what a week, very busy at work, half term, bike rides, running machine, multi gym the lot. Didn't quite keep to the plan of 1 day cardio, next day resistance, but have done plenty of both.
This morning was wonderful, sunny and warm, late getting up, then a good run on the treadmill 2100m in 14:20 (PB), then some bran flakes for breakfast and some light resistance on the multi gym, all followed by a nice soak in the bath.
Feeling really good today as my brother-in-law called in just after I finished working out, and he commented on my apparent weight loss. Happy Days!!
Saturday, 23 May 2009
It's been a tough day today. Working night shift this week, and only had about 4 hours sleep this morning an I had to look after George who had an occasional day off from school in the run up to next weeks half term.
Today was supposed to be a resistance day, but I never went near the multi gym, and only did a few basic body weight exercises (squats, push-ups, mountain climbs etc).
Yesterdays cardio went well, I ran my new reduced/intense target of 2100 meters, in 14:35, but I was sweating and very breathless at the end.
I have been offered overtime at work this weekend, which means a better payday next month, but a very busy few days. I'm working tonight (it's 02:32 right now), finishing at 06:00, then back for a late shift (13:45-22:00) then in again Sunday morning (06:00-13:45). I think I'll have the weekend off from training, and just grab what rest I can, and have a peaceful holiday Monday with the family.
Today was supposed to be a resistance day, but I never went near the multi gym, and only did a few basic body weight exercises (squats, push-ups, mountain climbs etc).
Yesterdays cardio went well, I ran my new reduced/intense target of 2100 meters, in 14:35, but I was sweating and very breathless at the end.
I have been offered overtime at work this weekend, which means a better payday next month, but a very busy few days. I'm working tonight (it's 02:32 right now), finishing at 06:00, then back for a late shift (13:45-22:00) then in again Sunday morning (06:00-13:45). I think I'll have the weekend off from training, and just grab what rest I can, and have a peaceful holiday Monday with the family.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
THe new plan
Well, not so much a new plan, just a development of the old one.
I need to do some cardio work, and burn body fat (lots of that around). Some places I've looked tell me that it's one and the same thing, running is the best way to lose fat. The only trouble with this is that I can only run for about 3 minutes and then have to walk briskly for a couple of minutes to catch my breath. I can do that for half an hour, by which time I'm a sweating wreck, about to fall off the treadmill.
So is interval training better? I guess I'm sort of interval training with the running, but does it work the same with resistance workouts and weights? Well, I'm going to do some of each and work it out for myself.
I'll have a cardio day, which will be running, walking, cycling and anything that gets my heart pumping faster and a little short of breath. Then I'll have a resistance day, with body weight exercises, free weights and using the multigym. The resistance days will be total body workouts , so arms, legs back, chest and abs will be targeted quite hard, with reasonably big weights and lower reps, just to build strength. I'm not looking for massive muscles, but yearning for some definition. I know that the fat is hiding it all at the moment, but it will come out.
Today (Thursday) will be a cardio day.
I need to do some cardio work, and burn body fat (lots of that around). Some places I've looked tell me that it's one and the same thing, running is the best way to lose fat. The only trouble with this is that I can only run for about 3 minutes and then have to walk briskly for a couple of minutes to catch my breath. I can do that for half an hour, by which time I'm a sweating wreck, about to fall off the treadmill.
So is interval training better? I guess I'm sort of interval training with the running, but does it work the same with resistance workouts and weights? Well, I'm going to do some of each and work it out for myself.
I'll have a cardio day, which will be running, walking, cycling and anything that gets my heart pumping faster and a little short of breath. Then I'll have a resistance day, with body weight exercises, free weights and using the multigym. The resistance days will be total body workouts , so arms, legs back, chest and abs will be targeted quite hard, with reasonably big weights and lower reps, just to build strength. I'm not looking for massive muscles, but yearning for some definition. I know that the fat is hiding it all at the moment, but it will come out.
Today (Thursday) will be a cardio day.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
THe work has started.
Yes, the work has started for real now.
Only 5 weeks to go before we fly off on holiday, and the realisation that I've not done anyway near enough work to be "fit for the beach" has kicked me into action.
I've now commited to a healthier eating habit (along with "she who must be obayed") and a regula, structured excercise programme. By having a work-out sheet to work from, it's much easier to work differant muscle groups each time and not just do the easy stuff.
Ben running on the treadmill as well. 4220meters (1/10th of a marathon) has been my goal, but to be honest, it's too far too soon. So, my new running goal is 2000 in 12mins (ave 10KPH). I can do 10 kph, but only in intervals, walk 2 mins @6kph, run 2 mins @10kph, and repeat. Whan I reach my goal of running the full 12 mins, I'll increase the distance and improve my endurance.
Very happy with the multi-gym work, I can see some muscles coming through on my upper arms, shoulders and chest, but there's still far too much body fat for it to be impressive. It's enought to keep me at it.
Only 5 weeks to go before we fly off on holiday, and the realisation that I've not done anyway near enough work to be "fit for the beach" has kicked me into action.
I've now commited to a healthier eating habit (along with "she who must be obayed") and a regula, structured excercise programme. By having a work-out sheet to work from, it's much easier to work differant muscle groups each time and not just do the easy stuff.
Ben running on the treadmill as well. 4220meters (1/10th of a marathon) has been my goal, but to be honest, it's too far too soon. So, my new running goal is 2000 in 12mins (ave 10KPH). I can do 10 kph, but only in intervals, walk 2 mins @6kph, run 2 mins @10kph, and repeat. Whan I reach my goal of running the full 12 mins, I'll increase the distance and improve my endurance.
Very happy with the multi-gym work, I can see some muscles coming through on my upper arms, shoulders and chest, but there's still far too much body fat for it to be impressive. It's enought to keep me at it.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
What a week (and a bit)
It's been well over a week since I last posted anything here, mostly because I've had very little to say regarding my progress.
There has been lots of "stuff" going on in the lives of people I care about, and I've put most of my efforts into supporting them. I won't go into details as this isn't the right place for that, but I will be writing again very soon.
There has been lots of "stuff" going on in the lives of people I care about, and I've put most of my efforts into supporting them. I won't go into details as this isn't the right place for that, but I will be writing again very soon.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Well, the weathers been a bit poo, so it was only a short bike ride today. Did do some upper body weight work on the multi gym. 20 Lat pulls, 20 Pec deck, 15 bench press, 30 leg extensions, 10 leg curls per leg and 15 bicep curls and it's still a little sore. Going to do some TT exercises in a short while, mountain climbs, spider man push-ups and hip extensions.
Not eaten much today, no rubbish anyway. Scrambled eggs and a couple of sausages for breakfast, then roast chicken with loads of veg for dinner. I have felt hungry during the day, but I think that as more a sign of boredom rather than hunger. A large glass of water helped to keep the nibbles away. Probable still drinking too much coffee (5 cups today, black, no sugar), again I think it just something to do rather than eat.
Must do some running tomorrow on the treadmill ( I have one in the conservatory, lucky me), but it's hard getting motivated. I know I'll feel good (hot and sweaty) when I've done 3km regardless of how long it takes, and I'll really feel bad if I do nothing. It's been a while since I've done anything on it since I had some kind of viral infection in November and a really bad stomach bug in February (lost a stone in a week, but have put most of it back on) I'll let you know.
I realise that these are all "stories" that justify me doing nothing, but it's no justification at all. I could have and should have just carried on as soon as I felt well enought o go back to work. If I'm well enough to work, I should be working out.
Working lates this week (14:00 to 22:00) so I can have a light breakfast with George before school, then do some stuff round the house, workout a bit, have a light lunch, and then shower and off to work.
I normally take a couple of sandwiches to work, which I eat on my break (sometime between 19:30 and 21:00) but I'm trying to get away from bread and carbs in general, which rules out "sarnies". Salad doesn't keep very well, and if it's not fresh at can give me quite bad stomach cramps. Fruit is OK, but it doesn't really satisfy me, same with cereals Any ideas?
Not eaten much today, no rubbish anyway. Scrambled eggs and a couple of sausages for breakfast, then roast chicken with loads of veg for dinner. I have felt hungry during the day, but I think that as more a sign of boredom rather than hunger. A large glass of water helped to keep the nibbles away. Probable still drinking too much coffee (5 cups today, black, no sugar), again I think it just something to do rather than eat.
Must do some running tomorrow on the treadmill ( I have one in the conservatory, lucky me), but it's hard getting motivated. I know I'll feel good (hot and sweaty) when I've done 3km regardless of how long it takes, and I'll really feel bad if I do nothing. It's been a while since I've done anything on it since I had some kind of viral infection in November and a really bad stomach bug in February (lost a stone in a week, but have put most of it back on) I'll let you know.
I realise that these are all "stories" that justify me doing nothing, but it's no justification at all. I could have and should have just carried on as soon as I felt well enought o go back to work. If I'm well enough to work, I should be working out.
Working lates this week (14:00 to 22:00) so I can have a light breakfast with George before school, then do some stuff round the house, workout a bit, have a light lunch, and then shower and off to work.
I normally take a couple of sandwiches to work, which I eat on my break (sometime between 19:30 and 21:00) but I'm trying to get away from bread and carbs in general, which rules out "sarnies". Salad doesn't keep very well, and if it's not fresh at can give me quite bad stomach cramps. Fruit is OK, but it doesn't really satisfy me, same with cereals Any ideas?
Sunday, 3 May 2009
The start of something big, and getting smaller!
Hello, and welcome to a new part of my life, a blog.
I will be using this to share the trials and tribulations of being 40(ish) fat(ish again) and fed-up.
The journey ahead for both myself and you, dear reader, is into the world of weight-loss, fitness and mental attitude towards these and other aspects of life. So nothing too big to start with then!
Somethings in life just "are", and somethings we have control over. I can't change the fact that I'm 42, or that I'm 5'10 tall, but I have control over my fitness level and weight. These are about to change, because I choose to exercise the power I have over them.
Last week, after years of saying I would, before I'm 40, run a marathon, I registered for the 2010 London Marathon. Now, by registering doesn't mean I'm in the race, but it's a commitment on my part to have something to strive for, and a specific measurable result (SMRs, more about those later).
As for the weight loss part of my plan, I need to lose about 30lbs in the next 8 weeks, as we are off on a family holiday to Majorca, and I want to be comfortable taking my shirt off. i will anyway, but be very self-conscious about how I sit or lay down, and what I do on the beach.
In summary then, I can't change being 42, I can change the level of fitness I'm at, and a can change being "fat" (or at least overweight). I intend to enjoy losing the weight, and getting fitter as a result. Both results go hand in hand and will feed off each other. By keeping a positive attitude to the coming weeks, the highs and lows, and taking every obstacle to be an opportunity, I will achieve the targets I have set for myself.
I will be using this to share the trials and tribulations of being 40(ish) fat(ish again) and fed-up.
The journey ahead for both myself and you, dear reader, is into the world of weight-loss, fitness and mental attitude towards these and other aspects of life. So nothing too big to start with then!
Somethings in life just "are", and somethings we have control over. I can't change the fact that I'm 42, or that I'm 5'10 tall, but I have control over my fitness level and weight. These are about to change, because I choose to exercise the power I have over them.
Last week, after years of saying I would, before I'm 40, run a marathon, I registered for the 2010 London Marathon. Now, by registering doesn't mean I'm in the race, but it's a commitment on my part to have something to strive for, and a specific measurable result (SMRs, more about those later).
As for the weight loss part of my plan, I need to lose about 30lbs in the next 8 weeks, as we are off on a family holiday to Majorca, and I want to be comfortable taking my shirt off. i will anyway, but be very self-conscious about how I sit or lay down, and what I do on the beach.
In summary then, I can't change being 42, I can change the level of fitness I'm at, and a can change being "fat" (or at least overweight). I intend to enjoy losing the weight, and getting fitter as a result. Both results go hand in hand and will feed off each other. By keeping a positive attitude to the coming weeks, the highs and lows, and taking every obstacle to be an opportunity, I will achieve the targets I have set for myself.
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