9 Months to Tri

Well, we’re 114 days into it. Wasn’t sure how today’s weigh-in would go, and it turned out to be something of a mixed bag. On the one hand, at 264 lbs, I didn’t drop any weight over the last week, and at 24% body fat, it doesn’t appear that my fat % has dropped more that 1/2 a percent in 3 months.  My push-ups were back to 35 this month, which means that I’m back to where I was 2 months ago.  On the other hand, I feel better, look better, and can now run at a sustained 7mph, which allowed me to cover 1.35 miles in 12 minutes, which is the best distance I’ve covered since I’ve started.  Mike tells me that its things like these, with my clothes getting too big and better muscular strength and control, that I should be looking at more than my weekly weigh-in.

What I accomplished in today’s workout looks pretty lame on paper, too, but it was one of those days where I worked out until I physically dropped.  Several times. I only did 2 sets of the Monday strength routine.  After giving my all to the push-ups and the 12 minute run before the workout, though, I was totally tapped out before I even started.  I couldn’t even finish the second set completely.  The second time thru, any exercise with a push-up in it hit failure before I could finish.  It really just finished off my arms.  I gotta say, though. I REALLY like this routine.  A lot.  Hard, yes. But also a lot of fun.

Tonight I mentioned to my wife that it still bugs me that in Basic Training I could knock out 50 push ups with no effort, but I still can’t do that now.  She reminded me that in Basic Training I was physically active all day long and that I weighed 60-70 lbs less than I do right now.

As for the last couple of days, nothing much happened.  Sunday was my day off, and we were out and about most of the day.  Monday, I spent a couple of hours moving furniture around, brought up a book case from the basement, and carried up a 8 boxes full of books (heavy) to go on the book shelf.  We’re still moving in little by little.  It was pleasant to notice that the actual weight of the boxes and the
book case didn’t seem to bother me much at all.  I did have some
problem with the actual size of the book case, and it was awkward to
move around, but in all, really no problem.

The rest of the day was, by my daughter’s request, ‘Family Time.’  So, we went out to dinner and then my wife and I introduced my 7 year old daughter to The Princess Bride.  She loved it.

Finally, I’ve notice that I’ve said that I look better several times in various posts including this one.  I want to make it clear that, while its true, I do look better, I’m still 60 lbs over my target weight.  I don’t really expect to drop 60 lbs in the remaining 5 months (maybe I could, I’m not sure) but I am hoping to drop another 30.  Anyway, yes, I do look better, but I’m still heavy.  Obviously heavy.  So, while I’m very pleased with the progress, you should know that I’m very aware that I’ve got a ways to go before I’m back to where I want to be.  Personally, I can’t wait for spring and summer when I’ll be back outside more and opportunities for physical activity are more abundant.

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