Muckhead's Chronicle

First Teapot Hike

The first visit to Teapot is in (Actually took place on Spring Break last week).

I officially am unemployed again, things just weren’t working out at the place I was at (I would be glad to fill in people privately). So I am back to job hunting, but the good thing is I am back to the gym FULL TIME.

Back to hiking and exercising daily and feeling MUCH BETTER!

More to come...

I have lost about 15lbs so far but almost that in inches, my trainer said it would go quick since it hasn't been too long.

First hike on Teapot for 2005

Well it was such a nice day I figured we should enjoy it a little, so Tyler and I decided to go p Teapot for the first time this year. It was late in the afternoon as you can see from the first picture, and I was surprised how cold it was despite the warmth in the valley. As you can see from the second picture there is some snow in the cooler shaded areas, so Ty posed for a picture.

We managed to shave off abut 10 minutes from our average time from last year. I credit that to working out 6 days a week, but it was seriously a nice feeling to not have to stop for a rest. Another thing, it was packed, I mean we saw about 30 others on our short little hike, and I knew 5 of them from the gym or elsewhere.

Beats laying around the house…

Workout Update

It has been awhile since I have posted anything about working out or how it is coming, so here goes:

I am still hanging at about the 90lb weight loss mark. I have however leaned out a lot more over the last few months. I have started Running if you can believe that. Actually it is interval training that is supposed to be better for you than running. I never ever thought I would ever be able to run.

So my goal is still to loose 100lbs by April 15th, which will be roughly a year since I started all of this. Who knows, one thing is very clear, I am HEALTHIER than I have been almost my entire life. I still go to the gym 6 days a week and I regularly get told I am an inspiration to many people.

Those that know me know I don't usually pat my own back for anything, so I am doing it now. The only thing that really bothers me is that some people get endorsements for loosing this much weight. Where are my millions? I would tell everyone I ate McDonalds every day for a year and lost 100 lbs if it meant $ $ $ $

I would like to thank everyone who has given me support; food is a hard habit to break, but it has really been a change in lifestyle for me.

A Shard a Day...

Keeps the doctor away?

Not a good way to start the day, I am getting changed for the gym and I step down on a shard of glass driving it about 1/2 cm into my heel. After digging with my Buck knife and a pair of pliers for 5 min I managed to get it out.

I guess the positive in it is that I found the shard of glass and not either of the kids or the rest of the household for that matter. I would rather be the one to find it, so I guess a shard a day does keep the doctor away in a sense. There is no way the kids would let me dig away with my buck knife.

Note To Self

When doing DB presses on a reverse incline bench with 45lb DBs, keep your thumbs tucked in when lying down with the weights.

OUCH!

IT is kind of embarrassing actually, because you don't want to jump around and draw attention to yourself.

Gee... I guess I just did.

One of those days

Today is one of those days where you have a hard enough time getting out of bed let alone going to the gym. First off a clarification on the last post, I want to loose 100b pounds by Christmas, not before. I keep wavering between 80-85 pounds of weight loss, although I am still loosing inches.

Sometimes you just don’t feel like going to the gym though. My present lower body workout takes anywhere from 2 - 3 hours depending on how busy the gym is. The upper body takes about a half hour less, so Monday being the start of the week and lower body I am looking now (cause I got up late), at almost noon before I return home.

Oh well, at least I still have the time to do it.

Empty again

It seems like it has been awhile since my last post, especially since I have an empty looking page. Well here it is then:

I have sort of plateued on the weight loss thing, but I have however continued to loose inches. The total is now over 54 inches of accumulated weight loss and I am as of this week starting to loose weight once again.

My goal now is to loose 100 pounds by Christmas.

More to come, including some before and after pictures as earlier promised.

Weight Loss Update

Well I have started a new routine, after spending 6 weeks on one that didn't seem to be doing much. The new figures are in:

Official Workout Numbers

• 50.75 Total Inches Lost


• 78 Pounds total Weight lost


• 61.5 Pounds of Body Fat

The new routine is so hard you want to puke half way through, but I will get used to it. My goal of 100 lbs by my birthday seems out of reach at this point, but I might hit 90 lbs. Still I started all this at the end of March, so I figure I have done awesome.

No Long a 300 club member

Well it is official, I have now lost 60 lbs and I am no longer a member of the 300 plus club.

You see (I don't know if I mentioned this), I started the weight loss at a weight of 360 lbs. I now weight 298. I still have 40lbs to go until I reassess things with the doctor and my trainer, but I think I have done awesome. I said before that I would not really think I have accomplished anything until I have no "3" in front of the other 2 digits on the scale.

WELL NOW I HAVE DONE IT!

I start a more rigorous weight program next week. Terrina (my trainer), is putting me on an advanced separate program devoting an entire workout to upper body and another to lower body. I was doing weight training 3 times a week and cardio training 4 times, but that will be reversed to 2 days upper, 2 days lower, 3 days cardio.

My initial goal was to lose 100 lbs; I know that is within my grasp, I am now trying to decide just how far I am going to take it. I will be posting some before and after photos soon.

Atkin's/ Exercise Update

Well I have reached the 40 lb mark for weight loss, and I have returned and met with Terrina (the YMCA trainer), and received my new workout routine. It is BRUTAL, I was so sore last night.

Any way I went there this morning for my cardio workout (on the days in between the cardio-weights), and she gave me the figures on what I have attained. She measures you everywhere, and uses a thing that pinches you to measure body fat, and then gives you the results. According to her figures I have accomplished this in 6 weeks:

• Lost 25 lbs
• Lost 27.5 inches off my body
• Gained 13 lbs of muscle
• Lost 38 lbs of body fat
• Lost over 5 inches around my waist

Of course I had lost almost 20 pounds when I started the working out, so it all adds up to where I am at. Terrina was ecstatic as I am now officially her most successful client over the first 6 weeks.

A visit to the doctor last week indicated a HDL cholesterol of 2.5 with an over all of 3.4 which is about the same as before but my HA1C (diabetes check) is the best it's been in 5 years at 6.4.

So I am getting somewhere but still have 60 + lbs to go....

The Cheat Is On

Well after reaching the 35lb mark on the weight loss we all decided it was time for a cheat. I firmly believe that cheating is a must for any diet that I have been on, but this isn't really a diet that I am on. Atkins has become a way of life, a healthier way of eating, and a totally healthier way to tackle diabetes.

So, we made it an event; you see I also believe that if you cheat with something at the corner store you might be inclined to cheat often. We planned out a few different scenarios:

• Double Double Triple O Burger from White Spot


• Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen


• McPukes Fries


• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts


• Anything Deep Fried

Well with most on the list you can see that they could be easily repeated, so we went to Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Also our choice was based on what we were actually craving at the time and that was sweets. I went a whole week through Easter without CHOCOLATE, now for me that's willpower.

So, it is over, the cheat was on and it has passed. I had WAY more energy today working out, and I was not tired afterwards. I think my body needed it. I gained nothing in weight and although it will take a few days to get back into Ketosis, it was worth it.

Next Cheat July 1st weekend!

Scorekeeping

I can be what some call a "scorekeeper", so when it comes to hitting the scale I most likely take it too seriously. I was told by Terrina (the trainer at the Cheam Centre), to stay away from the scale because it will fluctuate a lot over the first 6 weeks. I guess I am a sucker for punishment, because I tend to speculate, then it is all over, I go weigh myself.

With that all said I have gained again, and yet yesterday I actually fit into jeans that I haven’t been able to wear for over 3 years. Go Figure, it is just hard to base it all on inches instead of the scale. I guess it is because I have a goal weight in mind and it is still 70 + pounds away.

To put it into perspective, I have lost over 5 inches off my waist, and I am still on the diet, got to stay positive.

The Weight Nazi

Ok, I am totally pleased with this morning's weight training. Like I mentioned yesterday I hired a professional trainer to introduce me to, and put me on an approved program to suit my specific needs and capabilities. Terrina Mason is great, and yet in the same aspect a real Weight Nazi (in a good way).

We started by measuring me all over (mind out of the gutter Arc ), so we can measure results every 6 weeks. I am also supposed to stay away from the scale, as I will be up and down at first.

It took almost 3 hours (mainly because I did some extra cardio), and I was tired afterwards. She suggested since I am on Atkins to eat / cheat and have a complex carbohydrate before the workout though. I can see why too, because I ran out of energy, induction Atkins doesn't mesh too well with this program. So I can cheat, and have a piece of fruit I figure before the workout.

Kicking it Up a Notch

Today I kicked it up a notch starting my added cardio weight training. Basically I have returned to an old haunt, The Cheam Centre YMCA. I started out light with 20 minutes on the bike and only 4 stations of weights, started feeling a little shaky so I went home.

After the first official 2 weeks on Atkins I have lost about 16 pounds, it is weird because I have read less than that on the scale but i lost then gained some back. The important thing is 2 inches off my waist in just 2 weeks.

So I plan to still walk every day, even on the cardio weights days, I am determined to loose before I turn 40, or die trying. Only about 90 pounds to go..

Getting Ridiculous

OK I have had my back go out before but this is a little extreme. I have been popping Robaxacet but it doesn't seem to do much other than help make it bearable. I have not been able to get vertical for more than about 30 minutes

Out Back

I am out of commission for a few days, I put my back out this weekend and I cannot sit upright in a chair for much more than a few minutes. The bright side is that I can still get up, I guess.

More on the Challenge

The idea I had revolved around incentive and commitment. We are all fairly intelligent people, and in my case at this moment not that well endowed (get your mind out of the gutter) “Financially”.

I know not everyone knows this but I have a bad past full of bad habits most of which I QUIT COLD TURKEY. There is one thing that many of us (maybe I should just speak for myself), can't quit, or seem to get on track, and that is WEIGHT.

The Weight Challenge simple put, may just be the answer, some support and direct incentive to carry out the task, without having to pay for the consultations, and or pounds lost. Scoobyd had an excellent suggestion to help include those that don't need to loose as much (for instance, if she lost too much she might then be anorexic, and that would lead to a weight gain challenge). Arcterex had an excellent point, where some don't need to loose pounds, they want inches ( again.. out of the gutter).

Weight Loss Challenge Possibilities

• weekly reports on weight loss or gain


• calculations to put everyone on an even playing filed


• categories for inches as well as pounds


• target setting and achieving


• most importantly support from others

Let me know if you think it will work, I just think it would be neat. We could have a big party at the end of the 6 months, and if for any reason other than better health, a party is kewl isn't it?

Weight Loss Challenge

I have this idea...

Ok this is for the benefit of those serious enough, dedicated enough, and overweight enough; what I propose is Weight Loss Challenge. It would be beneficial to all those involved as it would help keep us dedicated.

So, anyone interested? I have a bunch of ideas for it but I am not even going to start if there are no takers. The only thing I can say is that it could be calibrated to take into consideration just how much there is to loose and such.

Let me know if anyone is interested.

Oh and the great thing with this event is that all those who participate end up winners!

Cold Blessed

Here I am blessed again with another mean mother of a cold. This year it seems like I just get rid of one and I get another. I have a line on some scookum throat lozenges that contain magical power that I am going to try. Timothy Leary apparently used them, so what the heck; only thing I can't figure out is he said he dropped them all the time? Well as long as he uses the 5 second rule I guess you can pick them up and still eat them.

Seriously I very special friend takes there lozenges that contain Zinc, and Echinacea and colds seem to elude her so I am going to try them out.

Flu Bug Strikes Again

Well, once again we have the entire family sick at one level or other. I am not too affected yet, knock wood. Shaaron was hit the worst then the kids, so much for the flu shot really helping against the rest of the thousands of strands of flu.

Ouch!

I know know what it feels like to be kicked in the nuts, really hard, by a 1000 water buffalo!

No need to go into details other than that.. I will be down for awhile it seems. My kingdom for some pain killers.

Happy Holidays ! !

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire ? ?

Well not exactly chestnuts, actually my nuts!

Today I am taking a big step towards ending the population explosion of earth and getting a vasectomy. Yes they are getting snipped, and cut off from the real world, poor things!

I think it is the right thing to do, after all women have to push out watermelons through their nostrils ( an analogy used by a nurse once when my wife was giving birth and the nurse wanted to paint the picture of how much pain is involved). Putting her through another operation where they basically rip out perfectly working internal organs seems rather sadistic. So a few snips seems like the only answer to no more additions to my family.

At about 2:00pm today please focus some good mojo towards me, in hope the surgeon doesn't slip with the knife! ! !

Pardon Me ?

OK, so the plague continues, I try to get into my doctors yesterday, and he is booked until Thursday, and I can't wait. So, after a night of feeling like someone is powering a 5/8's drill bit through my left ear, and waking up unable to hear out that side of my head I decide a clinic is my only hope.

We went to the one in town as the one in the plaza out by my place was standing room only, and I get a break, the one in town is empty. I get into the doctor and he sticks the thing in my ear and I hear "WOW" and then he set it down. OK doc what goes! I say, and he says" I have seen ear infections but this one has got to be the WORST, thats gotta be ready to rupture". Great, I already knew I was good at a few things but this is not good.

I am now taking meds for the infection, so that should clear up. Otherwise, I am working away. Found a bug last night myself that I am fixing. Back at it then….

Flu Shot ? ?

This year my doctor insisted I have my now "mandatory for Diabetics" flu and pneumonia shots. So I went along with it, what the heck, what can it hurt. Well I have heard of this from many people, but it has now happened to me too. I usually don't get bad colds or flu. I have had the odd bug, sure, but only get the flu every 5 years or so, and I never get much more than a sniffle or a light cough.

Can you say pounds of "lung butter”! !

I mean I have been coughing, for days, and had a fever, the entire flu thing! Which brings a question to mind that the doctor laughed at, but I really think has some merit? Does the flu shot give you immunity to the three viruses the Canadian Health whatever guesses at and immunizes you against, but lower immunity to other flu’s? Seems that way, I really don’t think I am going to get it next year. I mean my kids bring home all sorts of stuff and usually it bounces off me.

Death in the Family

I am sad to announce there has been a death in the family. Jack has been in the family for almost 5 years, and passed away almost unnoticed today. Jack of course was a Jack Dempsey or Cichlasoma octofasciatum, a member of the Cichlid family of tropical fish. He was a very aggressive fish,(hence the name Jack Dempsey), and became our only fish after eating everything else in the tank. At death I would say he was at least 8 inches long and a good 3 pounds min.

I'd like to say he had a good life, we regularly treated him to his favorite food (other fish), and kept his tank in good condition, although I believe my recent neglect due to my work was probably the reason for his demise. Sorry Jack.

May his life beyond be filled with feeder fish!

Good Dentist

Spent the first 90 minutes of my day (other than the getting up having breakfast and showering), in the chair of my new dentist's getting a Root Canal. Let’s just say I have had worse. I switched to this new place in Chilliwack and what an improvement. Instead of freezing my entire face and tongue like at visits to previous dentists, this guy pushed the needle past the nerve to the tongue and just focused on the tooth. I didn't know they could do that, but what a difference, I can still talk, swallow and such (no drool out the side of the mouth).

I have extreme Dental Anxiety, revolving mainly around the freezing of the lower teeth because it froze my tongue and back of throat. With this new procedure (new to me anyway), it was a much more relaxing experience. I can feel about 80% of my tongue so that is good. The depressing thing is this is only the first of Many visits that I will be making over the next year, root canals, crowns, etc.. Lots of fun!

The Plague

Just to let everyone know I am still alive. My entire family came down with some sort of stomach flu (or food poisoning as we are now thinking it might be), all at the same time Sunday. We have been out of commission for days, Shaaron has been off work (tried to go back today but came home early), Tyler tried to go back yesterday, making it through only half of his sports activity day. It has NOT BEEN FUN. I will spare you all the unpleasantries, but I will say that I am GLAD that there is more than one bathroom in our place!

I was supposed to get my Business Plan and executive Summary in to the SEP people on Monday, and ended up taking it in this morning. I am surprised at how little energy I have. I was breaking out in sweats just sitting at the computer yesterday. Feeling a bit better today, actually ate some real solid food.

One good thing to report, before The Plague hit, I had lost about 12 pounds on my new diet that I had started (think I mentioned it earlier). Since The Plague I am now up to a grand total f 25 pounds! What a way to pad the diet figures!