Weigh-In Wednesday Week 28!!!

28 Weeks Completed 

147 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 27 Weight -- 253

Today's weight -- 2-5-2 So that's another 1 pound down!

Total Weight Loss to date = 42 pounds !!!


Arghhhhhhh....Kind of frustrated these days with the pace of the weight loss. I believe I'm officially in a plateau until I can break into the 40's ,,, Buttt I have some really great observations from this week :-). 


First....Here's a couple before pics ...

Andddd After! 

From the Side ... 

Check out these 4 pair of shorts and one pair of jeans that are going to Goodwill this week. I could barely fit into these 28 weeks ago, and now I can't wear them anymore! 

Also, I've prepared a classic "LOOK AT MY OLD PANTS" Picture ... 

I've had some really good workouts since I finally was able to get over that sinus infection. Tonight, I had my biggest and bestest 5k run yet. I made it in 33:38 and burned up about 600 calories! 

My clothes are fitting better than ever before. I've probably seen the biggest difference in my clothes here in the last two weeks. I've had lots of people tell me I need to get new clothes because mine are looking too big. hooray! I'll take it. 

I've been tightening up my diet even more this week to try and move things along as well. I'm going to be running the Gasparilla 5k with some people from work next month so that should be fun too. 

My biggest challenge right now is not getting too frustrated with the number on the scale. I want to get to the next level, but I know that takes time. 

In other news, I recently started teaching a college course on Monday nights, which has been a ton of fun and a big learning experience. As usual life is BUSYYYYY , so it's just a matter of making exercise and healthy choices a part of your lifestyle. every day. no matter what. 

Still want to pick up the pace with the weight loss, but overall I'm very pleased. 

“The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it.” ~Thomas S. Monson

SIX MONTHS of SUCCESS !!!

WOW. 6 Months. That's a long time. Think of all things that change during the course of 6 months. That's half a year folks. That's 183 days! First off, thanks everyone who has followed this journey of mine, and given me support and encouragement along the way. This has been a major lifestyle change for me, and so many things have changed for the better! 


As of 7/20/11:

1. I weighed 294 Pounds and was up to as high as 300 I'm sure
2. Could not do any kind of sustained running or high intensity exercise
3. Squeezing in most of my XXL and some XXXL shirts and shorts
4. Needed a size 18 or 18 1/2 dress shirt
5. Needed about 44-46 inches in my pants size
6. Had a wedding ring that fit like a tourniquet 
7. Was eating around 2500 - 3500 calories a day. At least.
8. Exercised about once or twice a week. Maybe

As of 1/20/12:

1. I weigh 253 Pounds - A LOSS OF 41 POUNDS! 
2. Run a 5k (3.1 miles) at least 3 times a week, and run 4-5 miles at least once a week
3. Have plenty of room to spare in a size XL.
4. Can fit comfortably in my old size 17 dress shirts
5. Have thrown out lots of old shorts and pants. Now wear a size 40 waist, and most of my size 40 stuff is getting way too big
6. My wedding ring falls off almost every time I wash my hands. I have to take it off when I run or it falls off 
7. I eat between 1500 - 2000 calories a day. I burn about 600-900 every time I exercise
8. Exercise 5-6 days a week. ALWAYS

Those are just some of the changes that have happened. This truly is a lifestyle change. I have new eating habits, new exercise habits, and new planning habits. 

I thought it'd be cool to look back at some of my posts over the last 6 months so you can see some of the picture progress throughout.  So here we go ... 

"I am overweight. I have been very complacent about it. Mainly because I don't always look the part and I can't think of many things I've missed out on because of it. (At least I used to think so)  But let's face it, it's a slippery slope and over the past few years I have not been going in the right direction. I've recently faced the facts that you don't get smaller as you get older lol, so now is the time." -- Posted 7/20/12 - Total Weight 294 Pounds

"I actually saw an even lower total a couple of days ago at 282.8. I know things flex up and down though. Part of what I've been reading has been telling me that as you start increasing the intensity of your workout, then you actually add on muscle which weighs a bit more than fat. So this can result in a slow down or brief up-tick in weight, but it makes your body burn fat and calories much more quickly. " Posted 8/24/11- Total Weight 283.2

"I know I have a long way to go still, but I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to be in rhythm with this lifestyle change and being able to both see and FEEL the difference." - Posted 9/14/11 -Total Weight 275.8 Pounds 

"Giving shorts and pants away that are much too big and buying new pants :-). As the theme of this blog suggests, I used to HATE buying myself pants. So did everyone else. Now I look forward to seeing what size I can get. " - Posted 11/20/11- Total Weight 259 Pounds 

One Last before picture (featuring a plank by Patrick) ... 

TODAY!!!! 

And from the side ... (just for you Aunt Patti lol)

Moving Forward ... 

Here are my goals for the next 6 months: 

1. Pick up my intensity with working out and nutrition. I've noticed that I don't lose weight at quite the same pace now that I've dropped 40 pounds. 
2. Lose another 35-40 pounds. I'd love to see a number between 200-215 on the scale
3. Get my 5k time down to 30 minutes
4. Run a 10k and a 15k

Once again thank you to every single person who's supported me through this journey. I have had major ups and major downs. There are days when I didn't eat right, and there are days where I had incredible success in this lifestyle change. If the past 6 months have shown me anything, it is that ANYTHING is possible if you are willing to have a plan, stick to it, and work hard. 

“If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals.” ~Brian Tracy

“You cannot expect to achieve new goals or move beyond your present circumstances unless you change.” ~Les Brown

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 25!!!

Go away sickness!!! 


25 Weeks Completed 

175 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 24 Weight -- 254

Today's weight -- 254 no change :-(

Total Weight Loss to date = 40 pounds


Before Pic - 

After 

And from the side 

I've actually seen as low as 42 pounds down this week. Some of this may be due to this cold/flu/sinus infection / whatever else it is lol. I've been sick since last week and I just can't shake it. I haven't been able to work out a ton because of the chest congestion. I tried one day and did a 5k, but the next day I was the most sick yet. Anyways, tonight I wanted to get back out there so I took it slower. I did 15 minutes on the bike, and then went for a run for a little over a mile. 


I'm hoping that this stuff clears up and I can get back out and have a really solid workout week. I'm shooting for a 2-3 pound loss week! I am excited to get out of the 50's and see those 40's! 


Even thought my weight didn't really change this week , I am noticing more changes with clothes and stuff like that. Besides being sick , I feel great lol!  I've dropped a t-shirt size down to XL. I've dropped 6 inches off my waist and now some of my size 40 pants are getting loose! I can't wait till I can buy size 36 pants again. The last time I remember wearing that size was maybe my sophomore year in HIGH SCHOOL!


Food has been really good, but not GREAT. There are a few areas to tighten up, but for the most part getting back into my routine has been easy. I think that 2-3 pounds this next week is doable. 


Thanks to everyone for all your continued support as we get back into the swing of things and the daily routine. Next stop...the 40's! 


Also check this out... My mom shared this with me. Really cool stuff: "On Jan. 04,2011, one of my prayers for 2011, was that you would be 30 pounds lighter on Jan. 04, 2012, you so exceeded that.....praise the Lord for answered prayer. "


“You can complain that roses have thorns, or rejoice that thorns have roses.” ~Ziggy

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is looking forward to a Happy New Years Weekend! 

Just wanted to shoot out a quick update for all you restless readers out there.

We've been doing alot of traveling back and forth with family etc, and staying busy with the Holidays. My goal was to not even gain a single pound over the Holidays. So far mission accomplished! I'm sitting even at 39-40 pounds total loss. I've had lots of good workouts in, including my fastest 5k time yet!

Thanks to all the friends and family for the support over the Christmas Holiday! I'll be back with lots of pictures and updates etc. And of course back with Weigh-In Wednesday in a few days .

I hope you and yours have a great New Years Eve this weekend. Stay safe, and I'll check in with ya in a few days.

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 20!!!

20 Weeks Completed 

140 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 18 Weight -- 258

Today's weight -- 2-5-6.9! So that's another 1.1 pounds down!

Total Weight Loss to date = 37.1 pounds !!!


Before ( these are from the day after Jaimie and I got engaged)...

After... 

And from the side ... 

OK so this week was a bit of up and down. Some days I felt like I just wasn’t as on target as I should be with my portion sizes at meals. And there were sometimes while working out that I just felt TIRED. I just couldn’t get the endurance I needed.

However, towards the end of the week I actually have felt great. Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday were absolutely my best days this week. Tonight I had a fantastic run. I went for 4.1 miles without stopping and burned about 730 Calories on my workout. As a sidenote, if you have an iPhone or SmartPhone , you need to get the Nike+ GPS App. It’s awesome! I  tried it for the first time tonight. At the end of my workout Dirk Nowitzki congratulated me on my best 5k time lol.

I think I will do an entire post dedicated to running soon. I used to dread it like I used to dread going to the store to buy pants. I think a big part of that is because I was so out of shape and unfit to run. I’m actually enjoying it more and more every time. There is something a little addictive about going out and beating your best distance and time. Biking and running are pretty much my go-to workouts. Crunches, push-ups, etc provide the rest. No gym needed.

My fruits of choice the past couple of weeks have been: Bananas, Pomegranate, and Dried Cranberries

Go- to Snacks: Fiber Bars, Slim-Fast Meal Bars/Shakes, Slim-fast snack bars, rice cakes, skim string cheese

This is truly a marathon. After X-Weeks this has been a life-changing experience. New challenges every day, but new victories every day. Thanks to all for your kind comments, encouragement, and support. You really keep me going , while keeping me accountable.


THANK YOU!!!!  until next time .... 


“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~Wayne Dyer

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 17!!!

Welcome to Weigh-In Wednesday. Week 17 Edition! A few posts back I commented on the kinda sorta "plateau" I felt like I was hitting in the mid-sixties. I was having so much trouble losing more than one pound in a week, and I just felt stuck trying to get over that magic "30" number. Part of that was slip-ups on my part I'm sure, but I still felt like it was a make it break it kind of time, where I was going to stay at around 30 pounds down, or be able to move past it and start having a 2+ pound loss week. 


This week felt like a great one all the way through. I started seeing better results on the scales and I was able to keep up my pace running and biking like never before. My food intake was also pretty solid. So......

17 Weeks Completed 

119 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 16 Weight -- 263.8

Today's weight -- 2-6-1! So that's another 2.8 pounds down!

Total Weight Loss to date = 33 pounds !!!

Back to being a loser. Almost 3 pounds lost just this week. SUCCESS! 

The first before pic, is me and my Dad at my wedding in June of 2010. The second pic is from about one week before I started this lifestyle change.  People keep telling me my face has really changed lol, so decide for yourselves. 

Before Pic... 

Before Pic ... Face Shot 

After 17 Weeks

And from the Side 

Like I was saying earlier, this was a very productive week, and hopefully I'll be able to replicate a similar result this week coming up. Next week's weigh-in Wednesday post will be coming to you from Wild and Wonderful West Virginia as we'll be heading up there to spend Thanksgiving with the family. 

Some cool things from this week: 

Took Jaimie to see my friends over at Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater and picked her up a bike so she can ride with me. Great bikes over there. If you need one, check em out! We did an astonishing 15 miles on the bikes on Sunday afternoon. Nice work Jaimie, even if your legs were on fire afterwards.  

I am beginning to think I can survive on rice cakes, almonds, fresh fruit, dried fruit, and low-fat string cheese as my snacks. Gets the job done, and also tastes pretty great. 

My goal for this week coming up to get into the 50's bracket. Whew. I can do it. 

Thanksgiving will present a challenge I'm sure. But I'm just going to make sure I plan accordingly. You better believe I'm gonna enjoy that meal ;-). 

Thanks to all the people that have come up to me, messaged me , or called me with encouragement! I was helping out at the Outlet at Starkey Road tonight, and it was so cool to have so many of the students and leaders come up to me telling me they could really tell the difference. Special thanks out there to Justin, Erik, Luke, Will, Jacob, Bobby, Brian, etc etc etc. I also have some great supporters at work that have kept me accountable with food and helped me stay focused. Don, Sean, Erik, etc etc. Thanks for asking me "is that part of your diet." Excellent work. 

I love the support , and it's great to have that extra motivation!

My mom sent me this quote today and I'm going to use it for the post. 

"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." - Conrad Hilton

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 16!!!

It's Wednesday. So, by now you all know the drill. Let's review. My first blog was back on July 20. At that time I weighed in at 294 pounds. I finally decided to quit being complacent and DO SOMETHING. Since then, I've had ups and downs, and this has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. 

Today I reached a huge goal, and I am very proud to give you this week's official stats ...

16 Weeks Completed 

112 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 15 Weight -- 265

Today's weight -- 2-6-3.8! So that's another 1.2 pounds down!

Total Weight Loss to date = 30 pounds !!!

THIRTY POUNDS. Whew , that's a big goal accomplished. I'd like to drop another 15 by the New Year. I think it's possible :-)

Before Pic .... 

After...

And from the side ...

So, to celebrate this loss of 30 pounds, I was trying to think of some things that weigh 30 pounds, and I'm really drawing a blank here. 

Who's got some ideas? What things out there weigh 30 pounds lol???

Really happy with this big accomplishment today. It's been 16 weeks of very hard work, and this is the most weight I have ever lost. Even though I haven't hit the 2-pound a week mark alot this month, I've still consistently been losing. I can't weight to get into the 50's! 

More to come soon ...

Thank you thank you thank you to all who have continued with your great support and encouragement. 

“You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” ~Rosalynn Carter

Plateau???

Short little post here.
I've had great workouts this week, but I seem to be stuck right around the minus 30 mark! However, noticing more and more difference in my clothes. I really feel like this is a crucial point in this cycle. Coming up on 4 months into this thing and still trudging along. Trying to get past the elusive minus 30 point slowly, but surely and still going at it every single day. Thanks everyone for all your support.

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 14!!!

14 Weeks Completed 

98 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 13 Weight -- 267.5

Today's weight -- 2-6-5.8! So that's another 1.7 pounds down!

Total Weight Loss to date = 28.2 pounds !!!




One of my big goals I had when I started out, was to have lost 30 pounds by the end of October. With just 1.8 pounds to go to reach this goal, and 5 days left in the month, I think I can do it. Anyways, my parents just got into town tonight and we are going with my sister and bro-in-law and their kids to Orlando for a nice long weekend.  I still got my late workout in tonight though, and I wanted to get this posted so I could make my Wednesday deadline. 


Before Pic... This is from December, 2010 when Jaimie and I went to see Wicked together. 

After Pic - Front 

And from the Side .. 

Sorry for not updating this more often lately. I have some other posts I want to finish and put up this week so stay tuned. I'll have another from our Orlando adventures coming up this weekend. 

It's a busy time of year, and with that comes more and more opportunities to hit major roadblocks. I've definitely had to pick my battles. For the most part I've been able to enjoy myself, while making sacrifices in other places. I'm glad I'm still on the downward trend, and I can't wait till I start closing in on the 50's .

It's getting late, so that's all for tonight. More to come soon...I promise.

Thanks for all of your support!!! 

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” ~Margaret Thatcher

Weigh-In Wednesday...Week 13!

13 Weeks Completed 

91 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 11 Weight -- 269

Today's weight -- 2-6-7.5! So that's another 1.5 pounds down!


Total Weight Loss to date = 26.5 pounds !!!


Back on the losing team! After my first 0 pound loss last week, I'm back on track with another 1.5 lb loss this week. I was hoping to make it down to 27 pounds. However, as I've learned, it's not always about the number on the scale. 


This week's set of before and after pics feature the same shirt. These before pictures were taken on our Honeymoon in June/July of 2010. 


BEFORE... 

BEFORE...

After...

And From the Side ... 

This week I noticed the biggest difference not in how I look necessarily, but in how I feel when working out. As you all know I really kind of hate running ... but I'm starting to like it more. I can go farther and faster then I can remember since high school. I've been doing it more and more during the week. I still don't love doing it, but let's face it...it probably burns the most calories and gets you in the best shape in the quickest amount of time.  Working out is continually a challenge in pushing myself further each time. Regular exercise is a huge stress reliever and just makes me feel better all around. 


My family is coming down next weekend and my goal has been to be at a 30 pound loss by the time they get here. I'm going to be pretty close :-) 


Not much more to write tonight, but I'll have more updates later this week. 


Thanks to all for your continued love, prayers , and support. Here's to seeing less and less of me. 


“Willpower can produce short-term change, but it creates constant internal stress because you haven’t dealt with the root cause.” ~Rick Warren