So the Challenge is over-what happens now???? December 14, 2009

I can’t believe that this part of the journey is almost over;  seems like just yesterday I was hearing about the Subway Challenge and wondering if I was going to be a part of it.  A life changing event for sure.

For my fellow challengers, I hope we can keep up what we’ve learned.  I find myself still having some struggles around my eating, but this weekend I really concentrated on my water drinking.  I already feel the difference.

My wife and I are still working out 5-6 times a week.  I need to get back to my running and my flexibility, but  I’m pushing myself each time so that’s good.  I’m already thinking about my physical (and other) goals for 2010.  Not goals, life changes!

Thanksgiving, Whew! November 30, 2009

Made it through without too much damage.  Didn’t exercise on Friday as planned, but did run 2.75 miles Saturday morning before the long ride back from Baltimore and have been eating sensibly since returning.  Had a good workout yesterday at the Y.  My new pact is to keep it on the road, not in the ditch!

In 3 weeks I begin training for the Ing Half Marathon in March.  2-3 times/per week, at least 3 miles a clip and building up.  We’ll see how this goes!

More good news!! November 12, 2009

Endocrinologist  said I could stay off meds because of weight loss!!! Yippee!!!

Huge News November 8, 2009

I started this challenge in search of the Atlanta’s Biggest Loser show.  I remember seeing an ad for the Challenge in the newspaper, and going for it.  I had already had an irregular heartbeat and I’d been diagnosed as being pre-diabetic.  I had an irregular workout schedule and I ate everything in sight.

As the challenge comes to an end……

I exercise at least 6 days a week.  I’ve finished 4 boot camps, lost bet. 25-30 lbs., lots of inches all over my body.  I’ve run the Peachtree Road Race and two 5k races, including one this morning.  But the biggest news came this week:

My cardiologist took me off of my heart meds!!!  I was taking blood pressure meds.  I was taking blood thinners.  I was taking a diurretic.  Now, all I have to take is an aspirin a day!!!!  God is good!!  Next step is to see the endochronologist this week re: the “prediabetes.”

With all this good news I still struggle with my eating. I have to stay committed to bringing my lunch and having healthy snacks.  I’m going to miss my fellow challengers, too.

So Far So Good October 28, 2009

So Beckie and I have started P90x. It’s tough, but its always better for me to have a partner.  We’re planning our meals, thinking about what we’ll eat during the day.  So far we’ve done chest and back, and cardio and abs.  Tomorrow is shoulders. Guess I better get to bed!

P90x!!!! October 26, 2009

Well, the fall is here and the weather is changing….

I was going to enroll in Bootcamp no. 5 and take the wife along too.  She wasn’t crazy about it but remembered that we have the P90x workout dvds so we decided to do them together, along with making different eating choices, but eating 6 small meals per day.

Out first dvd was chest and back-lots of pushups as you might guess.  My eating is always fine in the a.m.-its late afternoon when the cookie-crack monster starts calling me- “gary gary gary….”, so I’m focused on having some fruit/yogurt around until dinner.

When I think about what’s happened since I started the Challenge is this:  I think about exercising every day now, even if I don’t do it. That’s amazing to me and this is the change I’m most grateful about. I’m going to continue to work on my food intake and my overall health, because I still have 20 more to lose by January 2011 (50 by 50!)  Thanks for reading!

Inspired to stay focused October 13, 2009

My eating hasn’t been what it should be lately.  Something bad here, a cookie there, and next thing I know, I’ve found 4 lbs.  (It didn’t  help last week when I was away at a seminar that they had the built-in cookie breaks.)  On the positive side, I’m still exercising regularly but the intensity is not boot camp. I’m pledging to do some speed work on the track tomorrow morning.

The kick boxing class was crazy.  The bending, reaching and punching was awesome!  Who knew! After staying after to do some weightlifting-keep on burning those calories-had a delicious 6″ double turkey Subway sandwich, with some yogurt.  And it was enough.

Special shout to all my fellow challengers who are hanging in there;  super shout to Virginia, the bootcamp queen!!!

Finished my 4th Boot Camp last week, and the wagon is creeking… September 29, 2009

That is, I’ve come close to falling off the wagon, but I’m gonna hang on…..

Last Friday (9/19) I finished my 4th boot camp.  While it was productive-got stronger and faster-didn’t commit to the food program so I didn’t lose more than 3-4 lbs.  This past weekend I ate way too much.  Can’t figure if I’m trying to sabotage myself or what.  I’m still working out daily

I played in a golf tournament today and, while at home, my wife lovingly said she noticed a few pounds.  She said it in a nice way, but it sent me straight to a panic.  I got up, went to the Y and had a decent workout.  I’m going to plan my eating for the rest of the week.  Gotta keep strong.

keepin’ at it September 5, 2009

Finished the 5k in 32:20 last week.  My goal was 34 so I was happy.  The “winner” in my age category (45-49) ran the thing in 22 minutes.  Something is wrong with that dude!!!

I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow challengers next week at the Forum.  There’s another 5k in East Atlanta on Sept. 19.  Its a run-walk thing, so I hope my challengers will come and hang out.  Me and the operation bootcamp people will be there.

My Labor Day weekend goals:  do exercise every day and don’t overeat.  I ran 2 plus miles today, so now I have to watch out for the food…..

This is our year!!

Join Me on Saturday Morning for a 5k August 28, 2009

The Adams Realtors 5k is in Grant Park tomorrow.  C’mon out, challengers!

I started another bootcamp this week.  I have to keep at it because this has been most successful for me.

I met with Julie for the first time this week.  We made some new goals;  one of mine is to do yoga once a week.  If anyone’s interested, check out yogastic.com.  There are beginner’s workouts there.  The stretching is fantastic.

I fell off a bit with my eating last month.  I’m recommitted now, because it doesn’t make since to exercise this hard and blow it with bad food choices.  Hang with me challengers!