So, you can probably tell by now that I'm not the type to blog every single day. In fact, I had to read my last post myself to see where we left off. Quite a bit has changed since my last post, including my goals and methodology on this Total Body Makeover.
Today is the 25th of October 2011 and I at holding firm at 250lbs. Though my initial goal was to be down to well under 230lbs by December, a funny thing happened...I started turning quite a bit of fat into muscle. This means...you guessed it; the numbers on the scale aren't getting smaller, but my body is. I took measurements today (about two months since my initial ones) and have realized a 2 inch loss in the hips and waist. Yep, down one full pants size...perhaps more, as some of the smaller one in my closet don't seem to stay up very well :-) My neck is also an inch and a half smaller. It's nice to be able to breathe while wearing my dress shirts. The only problem I have at this point is being in the in-between stage where new clothes are needed but I don't want to invest in too many as I've not yet hit the physique for which I desire.
So, what am I doing differently? Well, here's the scoop. My Sophomore year in college was the smallest I'd been since age 15. I'd lost about 35lbs the summer before by running 1 mile six days a week. Recently, I'd decided that I needed to lower my running time if I was to continue competing in triathlons. I've become a decent swimmer and do pretty well on the bike. However, I'd give up my gains in each race on the run. That being said, I started running 2-3 times weekly at an increased pace, i.e., 11-12 min/miles as opposed to 15 min/miles. I've run a few 10Ks (the last of which was 5 min 46 secs faster than the one prior) and have added some basic calisthenics to the mix. (that's right, boys can jump rope as well :-)
I'm sticking to a running plan designed to get me in shape for a 1/2 marathon in December and full marathon in March 2012. Learning my body profile and habits has been essential to the success I've realized thus far. Most importantly, I know that running is the form of exercise that gives me the most gains (or, in this case, losses). So, I run.
What about dietary changes? Funny you should ask. My stomach has evidently gotten a bit smaller and I just don't want to eat the same volume of food as I had say 4 months ago. I find that my appetite is less ferocious and, subconsciously, I'm always thinking about (1) whether I'm making the healthy choice and (2) how many more miles I'll need to run to work it off. Sure, I still have the occasional donut (nearly impossible to forgo it in our office) or friend foods but, (i) always in small portions and (ii) always in consideration of my daily caloric intake. Additionally, being on a schedule (eating at the same time each day) has helped tremendously. I'm not shocking my body by starving during the day and gorging in the evenings.
The journey has treated me well so far. Here's looking to the finish line. I'm one day closer.
