Weight Loss

I know this sounds strange, but since I broke my leg I have lost about 20lbs. I didn't plan to pursue weight loss while I was injured until I realized that I started losing. I haven't been eating particularly healthy. I guess just the stress on the body, the healing process, and the workout on the crutches made the difference. Now 20lbs ig good but when you're a 290+, 20lbs is barely a start.

I am close to getting back on my feet. Started using one crutch last week. I have my final Dr appointment on Wednesday. This is for xrays and the final OK from the doc. I will also find out about therapy.

As I get closer to the end of the recovery process I have been getting more mobile. This mobility has meant that I am putting in the long days at work and catching a short lunch break via some fast food drive thru - Not Cool!! That habit absolutely has to stop! In the last week and a half I have regained 4lbs. My weight loss could be 25-30lbs if I hadn't failed at lunch most days.

This weekend I bought a bunch of stuff to take for lunch. I am getting back on the 6-8 meals a day weight training diet. I am not weight training again yet so the portions are smaller, but the idea is the same - maintain a high metabolic rate and keep the furnace burning. I will know how it works this week as I get into the swing of things.

The bigger they are...

Yes, That is a picture of my tibia. Most importantly the tibial plateau. a little over three weeks ago, on November 15 I fractured my tibia while playing volleyball. It was quite a freak accident, as those things go. At any rate you can see my new hardware - a steel plate, one pin, and six screws. This has been quite an ordeal as you can imagine. The prognosis is two more weeks locked straight except for exercises a couple times a day. On December 21 I will see the surgeon again and also have x-rays to see how the bone is healing. If things are going well I will be able to bend it regularly, drive, and stand with slight weight on my right leg. As of the 21st it could be another 3-4 weeks before I am cleared to do any walking or true weight bearing on the bone.

I am following the docs orders to the letter because I want to come back 100%, plus another 5-10% in extra parts. It has seemed like a very long time, but when I think about it it has gone by rather quickly. I try not to think about the next six week because that can seem like an eternity. We are just taking it one day at a time.

I am learning a lot about patience and trusting God. It is difficult to stay connected to work when you have been off for a couple weeks and out of commission to boot. God is teaching me how to trust in him and not worry about the job, or even life in general. Its just that its easy to fall into control mode and worry that you are unable to control your circumstances. That is a fact anyway, we don't control our circumstances. God is sovereign over all things even when we think we have been following our plan.

Finally back in !

I had been locked out of my Blogger account and man was it a chore to figure how to get back in. I know I'm not the most computer savvy but its been months since I have been able to gain access. Anyway I'm back and have some interesting information to post next time.

Here goes nothing

I have been trying to formulate a diet and fitness plan. As I wrote in a previous pote, I didn't want to reveal anything or set any dates until the plan was set and ready for launch. Now seems to be the time for that launch. My level of fitness it rapidly deteriorating and if I don't engage in a good plan there will be no undoing the "damage".

So here goes!!

As of 9/12/10:
Height: 6'4" Wieght: 285.8 lbs Waist: 48 Chest: 52 Neck: 20

I'm not sure of goals on the measurements, but the weight loss goal is 65lbs. The target weight is 220lbs. I hope its not too ambitious!!

Its embarassing to type those numbers. But my hope is that in time those numbers can be turned back and the healthy life of only a few years ago will return. Please pray for me to reinstate proper discipline in ALL areas of life.

Time for a comeback!!

Thought I would try a page out of Brett Farve's playbook - Not Really.

I have been intending to get back into the weight room, but time has not yet permitted. Actually I am really missing the weight room. The power blocks are nice for dumbell training in the garage, but nothing beats the weight room: lots of options at your disposal, the atmosphere, the smells, chalk dust in the air, and the training mix playing in the background - AHH, makes me miss it even more. My crazy plan has been to get us all on a schedule that permits Marti and I to get up earlier. I got up earlier today, 4:40a to be exact, but n o work out. I did go for a brisk walk! Yeah, not quite the same. I really don't want to start again just to stop in a couple of months. Hopefully taking time to formulate a simple, basic workout and diet will help to keep me on task for a while.

I have a weight loss goal, but not going to reveal that until I'm ready to accomplish the goal. I'll keep you posted.

Good bye strongman.

You did read that right. I am hanging it up as a potential strongman. I have been contemplating it for a while. I could site many valid reasons why I'm quitting, but the bottom line is that I just don't want it anymore!

Several weeks ago in an unrelated conversation an friend of mine said "maturity is when you have nothing to prove". What a statement!. for the last 4-5 months I have been asking myself why I was still pushing for this. I have come to the realization that I was doing it because it was cool and I was trying to prove I could still compete. And for what? It is kind of funny when I put it in those terms.

When I consider it logically the time, effort, money, and pain just are not worth it anymore. I already have hamstring and shoulder injuries I may not fully overcome. My wife and kids are young and I don't want to beat down my body for selfish reasons. Bottom line - the desire is gone.

When I write that there is still a slight pang of sadness, but no regret. I tried it on a novice level and my record is 1st, 2nd, 1st. I love the sport and may even compete again, but I'm not making that any goal to train for or anything like that. The flip side to the sadness is relief that I'm not putting that pressure on myself anymore.

I am still going to workout, but with a different focus. I want to lose several pounds and get into great, healthy condition. I want to enjoy lifting as a hobby without the pressure. I want to enjoy being active with my wife and kids for a long long time. As my wrestling coach use to say "fitness for life".

Thanks to anyone who followed my random thoughts. God-speed to anyone pursuing their fitness dreams and goals.

I am getting back to it on Mon. I have also taken a break from supplements and start Sun. with creatine loading. With some changes I should be back on track.