Life is Healthy

Most of you probably noticed that I track my exercise using a program called the Daily Mile. It's a neat little program that allows you to see how much energy you've burned. I have burned enough to power nearly 400 TVs. Yet, I've only burned up about 38 donuts. That my friends is incredible. Think about it. 400 TVs vs. 38 donuts. Why not 400 donuts, too? Wow. So that's why eating 5 Big Macs a week isn't good for you. Actually, I knew that it takes a lot of work to burn up a little bit. But when you see it in real terms, it makes really clear.

I didn't do much over the weekend. I watched some strange movies on the Lifetime Network. One called "The Other Woman" was really over the top. And then there was one about a woman who married a software mogul. That was even weirder. Who thinks this stuff up? Yet I watched them.

New Giveaway Coming Soon
I'm beginning to use a food journal today. Later this week, I'm planning to giveaway a journal I bought for just such an occasion. So keep an eye out of that.

That's about it for today.

Back at the gym this morning. I'm starting slowly. I walked for about 20 minutes and did an elliptical for about 10 minutes. I feel better but certainly not worn out.

I went to the gym and did 30 minutes on an elliptical. I also did some stretching. I'm working my way back. Sorry folks, no updated photos until I feel like I'm presentable. I've been sick for a long time, and I still have big bags under my eyes—and I don't look that great.

I was thinking back to when I first started this journey. And i was trying to remember what the breaking point was for me. What made me decide that it time to lose weight? I was tired of being out of control. I was tired of not being able to get around like I wanted. But I feel that way now. And I'm not able to stay motivated. One reason, my leg injury. After some research, I think that it's something I've been in denial about. It's not my hamstring. It's not a muscle cramp. It's my knee. And the pain is now radiating down my leg as well as up my leg. It's on the outside right of my leg, but the back of my knee is where the real pain is. I have all of the symptoms of "jumper's knee." At least there's a name for it.

In younger people, jumper's knee is caused by, well, jumping. In older people, it can be related to osteoarthritis. Guess which one is likely the cause of mine? Really, it's probably a little—or maybe even a lot—of both.

What to do about it? Wrap it and take an anti-inflammatory—which I can't take because I have an ulcer. If it's really bad—surgery. I think I'll start by wrapping it and taking Tylenol.

So that's one thing that's gotten in my way. Another is a plateau that I hit last year. It was a real chain jerker. I started to feel like: What's the use? But now I've gained back 10 of the pounds that I lost. I think today is a new awakening. The shock when I got on the scale this morning was a real motivation booster. I cannot go back to what I was two years ago. It would be too painful.

So how do I start? Like I did two years ago—slowly. First I'll start with the diet. Then I'll walk more—which, believe it or not, is good for osteoarthritis. I'll keep up with the strength training. At the gym, I'll do either the glider elliptical, the rowing machine, or walk on the track. I want to be healthy—not model thin. So my goal is to be healthy.

September 19 is officially Talk Like a Pirate Day. It's September 19 every year. So if ye ain't talkin' like a pirate, ye should.

So it appears that yet another trainer was fired at my gym. And he, too, was one of my favorites. But it was his own fault. He kept over sleeping and missed training some folks that had paid a fairly hefty price for a personal trainer. Still, I'm gonna miss him.

The girls are coming again this Saturday. I can't believe their mother trusts me with them again—I mean after The Monkey Attack and all. And the girls are excited to be coming. The weather is supposed to be nice, so at least they will be able to play outside.

I did 45 minutes on an elliptical this morning. And then I did like 50 sit ups and I stretched. Next week I'll get back into doing the intervals again. I'm hoping that they will start the aerobics class back up next month. If not, there really isn't much reason for me to stay with this particular gym. I'm used to going there and all, but none of the trainers I started with are there anymore. The nutritionist is, well, let's just say she needs some experience. And the whole thing just isn't what it used to be. I miss the aerobics instructor. I consider her a friend. I have nothing to look forward to when I get there in the morning. So why not go someplace closer to my job? I mean really.

I'm getting kind of tired of writing this blog, too. I'd rather start another one and not use my real name so I can talk about things that really bother me—and I don't have to worry about pissing anybody off. I keep saying I'm going to do that, but I haven't. So will I ever? Who knows for sure.

I will be 50 years old in nine days. It makes me appreciate old folks more—now that I am one.

I think that's it for today.

I went back to the elliptical this morning. I noticed that it was much more difficult after not having done it for a while. I also increased the intensity a bit. And that made it harder, too. I'm feeling better today, despite waking up a little on the rough side.

Someone asked about the comparison of when I first started exercising to now—being able to workout for 90 minutes at a time. Wow. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering what awful shape I was in. When I first started exercising, I could barely move. It was a great effort just to bend over and pick something up. In fact, I couldn't really bend over. I could not touch the floor. Most times I just picked things up with my toes—if I could. I was breathless most of the time as well. I couldn't even get up from the couch once I laid my big ass down—it was the old turtle on its back thing.

I did a total cardio day today. I like to do that from time to time‚ it helps break the intensity. I walked on the track for 40 minutes, doing stairs every three laps. My butt is killing me. Then I did the elliptical for 30 minutes. I think it was OK. I want to jump rope, but sometimes I feel a little intimidated. I'm OK at it right now, but I know I've been much better. But the only way to improve is practice. So, what am I waiting for? I could practice at home, but that makes too much sense. And then what would I have to complain about?