Musings

Archive for the ‘10×10 in 2010’ Category

It is frightening how quickly I slipped back into unhealthy patterns.  After six months of dedicated progress (the first half of this year), one back injury and a new job provided the excuse to stop paying attention.  From a max-loss of 50 pounds this year, I’m back up 20 pounds to a net loss of only 20 pounds this year.  With diligence, I should be able to shave those 20 off again by the end of the year.

So it’s not going to be 10×10 in 2010.  More like 5×10.

The point is that perseverence is probably the most important single quality in changing your life.  Having a great plan is fine, reading blogs, printing eating charts, finding recipes, those are great activities.  But unless your heart and mind are decided in favor of being healthy, no amount of lifestyle trappings will solve the problem. (Hint: I’m my own problem.)

The last month or so (ok, 6 weeks for those of you counting) have been an exercise in frustration.  It’s frustrating because, well, I haven’t been able to exercise.  Ok, that’s not entirely true, but I did throw out my back and it’s been sore for a long time.  To add to that, I’ve GAINED five pounds in the last two weeks.  This…is not a good thing.

So this morning marks the start of my “Week About Revitalizing”, or WAR.  I’m starting this WAR against being obese, and about getting back on track even when life hands you a few lemons.  This week’s daily calorie limit is 1,00 calories per day (Yes, that’s low, but it’s a good way to remind the body what work it’s supposed to be about once in a while.  For the ascetics in the crowd, this week might be considered a FAST.)

To spare the tender lower back, this morning’s workout was a lumbar-supported crunch, dumbbell flyes, and dumbbell bench press.  It went pretty well, and oddly enough the back felt better afterward.  Anyone know a good reference for reading about how to manage lower back pain through exercise?

Current Stats

• Original Weight: 328 lbs.
• Current Weight: 285 lbs.
• Total Weight Lost: 43 lbs.

He conquers who endures.
– Persius

We’re in it now.  39% of the way to the goal, and the water weight is gone.  Having past 12 weeks of progress, the midpoint is coming up, and enduring the painfully slow progress is becoming both a habit and a trial. Read the rest of this entry »

The weekly project summaries have slipped the past couple of weeks.  I’ll own that particular foible and delay.  Still, the weather is turning, and it grows difficult to stay chained to the laptop when a bright day beckons.

Some quick updates, because I’m already late for my (Tuesday Morning) workout…

Read the rest of this entry »

Having once decided to achieve a certain task, achieve it at all cost of tedium and distaste. The gain in self-confidence of having accomplished a tiresome labor is immense.
– Arnold Bennett

Read the rest of this entry »