2009

Another year winding down. It's that time again the dreaded New Years resolution.
I have the tools. Trainer, bike, elliptical reference books. The books I buy hoping they will stimulate, motivate get me up off the lard butt. The first "You on a Diet" I bought 4 months ago, read one page. The second "Younger Next Year", bought read 2 pages. The first challenge is to locate them. The second actually read them.
I actually used the elliptical this morning. Got the large ball out for squats and crunches. Now if I can make some improvements on the food intake. If only someone would challenge me. Perhaps I can get that weight loss contest going again at work.
Stepping on the scale I find I have surpassed that danger weight that is supposed to trigger he changes. 144# this morning. ok let the challenge begin!!!!!!!

mountain biking

This weekend Maizey and I headed north. We camped at the newlyweds property. I brought my mountain bike. On Saturday we went to rifle river state park and checked out the trails . It was a challenge but I managed to finish the course. Although I had to walk up some hills I was able to get up some that I wouldn't have thought possible. Good training for being a stronger biker. At hte end of the ride my son-in-law remarked that it would have been some what easier if I had had my bike in the proper gear.

the wedding

Although I did not achieve the attempted weight goal I was rewarded with a free session with my trainer. I took off for key west in pretty good shape. The trip went well. Everyone had a good time. We were joined by a number of family and a few good friends. We were pampered in preparation for the wedding. Some local ladies came to our place and Becky, Andrea and myself got hair and nails done. Andrea got her airbrush make-up.The wedding was perfect. My girl was a beautiful bride, my son in law a handsome groom and my grandson the cutest ring bearer ever. Besides the wedding we enjoyed kayaking in the mangrove trees, the local aquarium, some partying in local bars and on the last day swimming and lunch with my sister.

ONE WEEK TOGO

Well one week from tomorrow we head down to Key West. Although the weather has not cooperated and my bike mileage isn't what I would like it to be I pretty happy. I lost another pound. My trainer is trying to provide more incentive. She has been giving me homework to do on the days we don't meet. And if I get down to 129# before the wedding I get a free session. Having my mornings free has been really nice and I have managed to walk Maizey every day. My girl's going to get in shape right along with me.

Spring Soccer with a small boy

I had my first whole week in my new position and they put me to the test. The surgery scedule had been slow for a few weeks but we made up for it this past week. Amazingly the cases finished in a timely matter although it was touch and go for a little bit. I was ready for the weekend and glad to have the week done. Saturday I was unable to ride but I did get up early hit the elliptical and the weights. My grandson had a soccer game, so it was off to Kalamazoo to see the Orange Crush in action. At times I thought perhaps dancing not soccer was Sebastians thing. My daughter and her fiance went to the game as well and we all went out to lunch. As if eating pizza wasn't a bad enough Dietary indiscretion I also went out to dinner. My highschool buddies got together for our own little 35 year reunion. We reminiced and laughed until we choked. At least I choked having taken a drink right when Theresa got everyone laughing.
So today I started over. Hit the bike trail for a 25 mile ride and then I took a 3 mile walk with Maize the wonder dog. Just 2 weeks until keywest the real work has just begun

lumpy size six

Well my dress came in and I tried it on. As usual for me the top fit perfect but the skirt could be a little looser. Determined to avoid fat wedding photos I upped my time on the elliptical and modified the food intake. I think my modified South Beach would be more effective if I cut out the nuts and red meat. My trainer has started to add some ab work in.
Yesterday I took a chance on a poor weather forcast and was able to get in 35 miles.
Still a little sluggish when riding on my own, but I tried to throw in sprints and tried to see how long I could pedal continuously without coasting. The highlight of my ride was showing off my cool bike. I ran into a coworker who had made derogitory comments about bikes I rode in the past. needless to say he was impressed with my Diva.
Today I went to my daughters first mountain bike race. It was kind of cool seeing the other side of cycling. I felt like I should have brought a bike. Maybe I'll get my own mountain bike out and hit some trails this week.
Tommorow I start my new position at work. I'll be working 12:30p.m. to 9:00 p.m
so I should be able to get some good a.m. workouts

spring fever

The sun is shining the roads are dry. A quick call to my friend Rebecca and I am on the road. I road from my house to the falling waters trail taking the trail to Reynolds road and headed for Rebecca's. We took off from her house and picked up the trail on the other side of Reynolds and road it to Concord. It felt sooo good to be out in the fresh air and on my bike. By the time I returned home I had ridden 33miles. We ran in to some friends and made plans to ride again on Sunday.
Another great day on Sunday. We met at Nancy's house. Randy lead the way through a "well planned course" consisting of hill after hill after hill. My perserverance was rewarded. We passed through Pulaski and headed to Concord. At Concord we got on the wondeful flat smooth trail. Reynolds road took us to Vrooman Road. After one last hill we conclude our 30 mile ride. I of course was the last one to pull in the drive but I'm not letting it get to me this year. I can't blame the equipment.I have a very nice bike I'll just have to try harder. I made it to the trainer 3 times last week and have 2 sessions this week I am on the right track.

six weeks to size six

okay it is a new month I am finally cough free and ready to get serious. Six weeks from today my daughter gets married in Key west. My dress is ordered ; size six. My training has officially begun. I have begun my sessions with a personal trainer and hit the elliptical on the days between sessions. In order to get Maizey the wonder dog in shape as well I have resumed our 3 mile walks on days I don't work. Fifteen minutes is all I've done on the trainer,I just can't seem to get going on it. I wish it would hurry up and get warm and dry on the same day so I can get outside and ride. I realize that along with increased physical activity the choices I make for food intake need to change.The weekend was a food disaster with too many social obligations to fulfil. Then I went to work today and of course there was a party . I didn't give in to the Panera sandwiches but I did cave and have a small slice of Sam's club cake with whip cream frosting. Tomorrow more chicken and green beans!!!!

oh where oh where has my energy gone?

The long cold winter and lack of sunshine has drained ever bit of energy, stifled any enthusiasm for physical activity. Here I am the proud owner of the coolest bike ever Orbea Diva and I have neglected any sort of training for about 2 weeks now. Knocked down by the virus from hell that ran rampant through the friends and coworkers, I even failed to make it to the gym for my half hearted elliptical workout. My trainer has sat empty in the basement and I haven't made it to one spinning class this year. One warm day in January I was able to complete 30 miles on the new paved trail. That is the full extent of my winter training. I have started this blog after reading my daughters hoping that I would motivate myself. Spring will be here before long and I do not want to be the one in the back of the pack again this year. I can no longer use my bike as an excuse for everyone having to wait for Rose. The plan return to the gym come Monday morning. Get the bike in the trainer and get on it at least 2x this week.