The 180 Project

Wrong Aheaded Project. My Final Post.

2010-06-21T18:15:00.000-04:00

I want to first thank everyone for the feedback I have gotten. I'm still at 220 and haven't really gained much back. However, I've realized something about The 180 Project that might gotten me off to the wrong start to begin with. I started the project realizing that I need externals to motivate me. I needed to share with the world what I was doing, and hope for encouragement, feedback, and accountability. I got some, and that was great. I then placed a bold motivator to raise money in a pound for pound challenge of sorts where you'd donate for how many miles I ran or pounds I lost all to give to the Kampala Children's Centre. I got two pledges, and for those I am thankful.

Despite all those great and noble things to get myself to lose weight, there was one thing I was missing. I didn't REALLY want to do it. I felt I had too. I felt I needed to do it for my wife and kids. So, I placed externals in my life to motivate me to do that. That may work, for a while, but...in the end, I realized I didn't like myself enough to realize the goal, I didn't care for myself to really want to do what it takes to lose the weight. I really didn't want to do this project, I just wanted cheers from the crowd, and slaps on the hand to whip me into doing it.

What does this mean? I have no idea. The first step I guess is realizing that I need to really do this for ME. I have to want to care for myself for me, and not anyone else. I want to run and exercise because I like it, not because I feel I have to. With that being said, this is my final post for The 180 Project. I wasn't doing it for me, I was doing it for you guys, and I am glad people got inspired by it, but when I began to fail, I felt I was letting others down. That frustrated me more then the fact that I wasn't exercising or losing anymore weight.

Time to get busy knowing and caring for myself and seeing myself for the creation that God intends me to be, and loving myself because of that fact. Wish me luck this Sunday. I am running the 5k portion of the Half-Marathon that I was supposed to run. I haven't done a 5k since the beginning of May, so I need to get some training in before Sunday.

-Chris

Week 23 - Weigh-In and CT RACE IN THE PARK 2010

2010-05-08T14:37:00.000-04:00

Well, this morning I was 219. I really tried harder this week on health eating in anticipation of the 5K I ran this morning.

Let me tell yo...running the 5K this morning was exhilarating. Last night I was pretty anxious. My knees were hurting as well as my Achilles on my right foot. So, I went to bed trying hard to relax. I got up at 5:30am. Showered, relaxed a bit in the shower, started drinking water. Ate half a roll, some Rice Chex, and an apple. I've read that you should never run on an empty stomach, but to eat a couple of hours before the race. Had a coffee on my way there, a small coffee...I've also read that a little caffeine can boost your race as well. I also had a Powerbar. This was an hour before the 8am start. I parked at work, and walked the 1/2 mile or so from there to the starting line. When I got there, I checked out the starting line, checked in my bag, and did a warm up jog/walk around the the park (Walnut Hill Park in New Britain). After that I stretched. Though, my stretching was interrupted by a downpour. I joined the rest of the racers in the bandshell and continued to stretch. The rain died down enough that I decided to check out the starting line again. It was about 7:45 now. I saw my cousin there which was great, because by then...I was doing a lot of slow deep breaths to keep the nerves in check. It was great having a familiar face there with me. Soon after I met up with a couple of co-workers. My cousin had just got off work (Third-Shift as a Cheshire Police Officer). Then it REALLY started to downpour. Which was very refreshing, though my cousin didn't really appreciate it. Thankfully, it only lasted a few minutes. The announcer told us all to walk up the starting line, and then the horn blasted an we were off. My cousin and I said our goodbyes because I knew my pace was slower then his. I got my music rolling and my watch ticking and I was golden. It was such a rush running with hundreds of other people. I couldn't contain how happy it made me to be a part of the event, I barely thought about running while in the park. Once we got out of the park, I was really encouraged by spectators cheering us on. I started looking around me for people I thought might be my pace and chose to follow them to keep a pace. I ended up with a first mile of about 9.5 minutes. During the second mile, I slowed...had to speed walk for a bit to lower my heart rate and breathing. I loved that there were people with cups of water handing them out. That was so cool. I always wanted to snatch a water from someone during a race, down it in my mouth and all down the front of me, and throw the cup to the ground. Ah, the simple things! Then, coming up on mile two I notice a familiar beauty of a red head in the distance standing by a stroller of two kids. MY FAMILY!! So encouraging to see them cheering me on, my little Gracie looked so proud, I ran over to them to just touch them before the final mile. The last mile was pretty tough. Some small hills and turns. I did my best to keep pace and keep my heart rate and breathing down. I knew I was going to need energy once I got back into the park. And so I did. Once back in the park, I could see the finish line in the distance, and over my music, I could hear the crowd. I threw off the headphones and let the cheers from the finish line be my music. I knew now was the time to give it my all. I was just shy over 30 minutes so, I bolted it. Everything in me wanted to walk it, but I was not going to be the pansy guy walking over the finish line. And so pushing toward the end...I MADE IT. 31 and half minutes! I don't have an exact time yet, because they hadn't printed the results by the time I left. Volunteers handed me some water at the end and I FELT GREAT!! :) The rain held off the entire race and it was cool and misty...perfect for running.

Well...there you have it, my first 5000 Meter Race. Onto training for a Half Marathon?? I don't know...I am thinking about switching my registration to the 5K on June 27th. I am enjoying the 5K right now so much that I think I don't want to force myself too much to the point where I might get hurt. 5K to Half Marathon is a big jump in 7 Weeks. What say all of you? Couple of more 5Ks, maybe a 10K? Hmmmm?

Week 22 - Weigh In Results

2010-05-02T20:49:00.000-04:00

So far, I haven't lost any weight in several weeks. Been holding steady at 220lbs. Haven't really been cheating (that much), but I may need to kick the healthy eating up a notch. The hard thing is finding that balance now that I am running more. I know I am building muscle, and running just makes me hungry. I lost my 20lbs from eating less, eating well, and minimal running. I'm starting to run alot more now, so...my body is looking for more fuel.

So, overall all...I am feeling more positive. I am done with physical therapy on my shoulder (which just ate up two hours a week). I still have pain in my shoulder from time to time, but I've been told that may last up to a year, and as long as it doesn't get worse, then I am doing well. So far it just gets better and better, and stronger and stronger, so...I am not worried. I'm run/speed-walking at about a 11.5 mpm pace. I've run several faux "5k's" at about 35 minutes. I ran the 5k race course I'm running for Saturday this past Friday and will do it again tomorrow. Unfortunately, I accidentally cut a corner while running the course lowering the distance I ran, so...I want to go back and do it again to see my real time will be. I also want to try my new kicks!

So, be praying for a good run on Saturday the at the CT Race in the Park. A fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research. I want to make time (under 40 minutes)...which I have been, and I also don't want to look like a panting idiot! he he

Out!

Day 148 - Week 21

2010-04-23T17:38:00.000-04:00

This isn't a way in, but I had what I think is the first victory I have had in a LONG time. I ran again today (second time this week), and I ran 3.2 miles, just over a 5k. I did it in 37 Minutes. Which is about what I wanted to be at race day. I wasn't even running the whole way, just speed walking and jogging. The CT Race in the Park 5k is May 8th, so...if I keep running every other day for the next two weeks at a similar pace, I should be fine for race day. :)

I also found this awesome website. www.run2r.com! The music may be cheesy for your standard listening, but...it's made for running. You can purchase it with a certain BPM (tempo) in mind. So, I had that going and I think it worked wonders. It kept me a a consistent pace the whole way. 156 BPM was my pace. Anyhow...check it out

Week 18 (I think) Weigh-In Results

2010-04-10T11:24:00.000-04:00

I have been fluctuating between 215-220 for a while now. Got two runs in this week. Was hoping to run yesterday and today, but I've been on kid duty, so...I unless I'm running with a three and one year old, that's not going to happen. I've been realizing a lot of things about how tied my eating/ exorcise habits are to how I feel about myself and let's just say I haven't felt very good about myself lately. I see this whole project as a big failure. My shoulder hurts constantly. Life in general just seems like one big "have to" right now. I don't enjoy eating right, I don't enjoy running, I don't enjoy school. Let's just say, there isn't much I enjoy right now.

With that being said, I have forgone the 5K a the end of April in favor a 5K May 8th. I am still planning on the Half at the end of June, but unless I really pick up my training from here, I may be walking that Half, or hurting myself. I don't know.

Sorry for being a let down everyone! :(

Week 13 - Weigh In Results

2010-02-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

Back to work, hoping to break the plateau I have been on. I've gotten a lot encouragement coming back to work on how thin I look. Though, I know I can do better, and get back in the game in terms of the pace at which I was losing weigh before. Also need to be running 3-4 times a week for the next several weeks before I make the big push to train the 10 weeks prior to my half marathon on June 27th. Video is kinda long, I was a bit chatty.

Week 12 - Weigh In

2010-02-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

Well, no video folks. I have maintaining my weight at around 216 pounds now for the last couple of week. Haven't seen it go above 220 in about 4 weeks. However, tomorrow is the day I go back to work. So, I am so ready for a regular schedule again.

I have roughly 18 weeks until the Fairfield Half Marathon on June 27th. My training schedule I am taking from a guy named Brad Boughman from his book "Half Marathon Rookie", he maintains an excellent website called Marathon Rookie. He has a 10 week training program for beginner runners of Half Marathons. However, he stresses the importance of not starting his 10 week training cold, but to take 8 weeks running for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week. Then at the 10 weeks will amp up your training to focus on endurance running. I was basically running for 30 minutes at a time before my shoulder injury.

So, tomorrow morning I am off to the Y to use their indoor track, or maybe even run around my block, since it's been a little warmer lately. I will post a video weigh in on Friday morning and go over how my runs went this week. Good to be back in action.

Healthy Pancakes

2010-02-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

Search Results

Fairfield Half Marathon Route

2010-02-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

<p><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ct/fairfield/80586123">Fairfield Half Marathon</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/ct/fairfield">Find more Runs in Fairfield, Connecticut</a></p>

Day 55

2010-02-11T01:09:00.000-05:00

Man...having an injury can really get you. Emotionally, physically...etc. I have been weighing in, but haven't been doing the video thing. My diet has its ups and downs, but without the benefits of a very good routine, I haven't found myself in quite the grove I was back at the beginning of January. My current weight is 216 pounds. It may be up from that, but it's been around there for the last three weeks. So, I've leveled a bit. I have gotten out to walk twice in the past week thanks to my Dad. Three miles last week, and four this week. It got me the chance to really test out the pedometer watch I got for Christmas, and to put on my running clothes. Gave me a taste again of what I have been missing. Also, I was able to take advantage of the the dry linear trail before the snow hit today. Looking forward to really getting into a pattern again and using the YMCA membership. I am officially signed up for the Fairfield Half on June 27th. I also have a 5k on April 18th and another 5k in New Britain in May. So, I really need to start keeping those in mind. For those of you following, I hope my backing off and healing from a shoulder injury as demodivated you at all. Please, stick to your goals. I noticed the other day that sporting clothing is 60% off right now, which seems like a good deal, but its a testimony to how diets fair by February in the US. Keep going everyone! :)

Week 7 - Weigh In Results

2010-01-15T13:41:00.001-05:00

So, even being injured and trying to maintain healthy eating you can still lose weight. I lost 5.5 pounds this week after gaining a pound last week. That brings my weight to 220.5 pounds for a total loss of 19.5 pounds in 7 weeks. A total percentage of weight loss of 8.12%. :)

How am I doing it? Well, healthy breakfasts with good protein (egg whites, natural peanut butter), whole grains, staying away from processed stuff mostly. That includes "diet bars" and things like that. Salads for lunch. And a major player has been not eating maybe two hours before bed.

I heard someone say recently, "If you can make it, you can eat it". That obviously does not go for eating cakes and cookies you can make from home, but I would argue that a cookie made from scratch is better then ANY packaged cookie, and even some "low fat" cereal bars. So, I've been trying to remain as organic and non-processed as much as possible it has really helped.

Pray that my MRI this afternoon will come clean, and I can get my right arm moving again. This typing it hurting me right now. Gotta go!

Week 6 - Weigh-In

2010-01-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

I weighed in last Saturday at 226, up one pound. I slipped on ice on Friday hurting my right shoulder, on top of the finger injury I have on my left hand. My left hand is healing fine, but my shoulder is another story. I have an MRI on Friday, and I'm not scheduled to go back to work until Jan. 21. My routine has been shot and while I have continued to maintain some healthy habits, I haven't been as consistent. Haven't done any running in over a week. Overall morale is very low right now as I have trouble even typing this entry right now. Ugh!

Happy New Year! Week 5- Weigh-In Results

2010-01-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

As you can see, another 2.5 pounds lost for a total of 15 pounds lost since the start of The 180 Project. Proof that the holiday season can be met with weight loss instead of weight gain.

As we go into the new year, many will make resolutions to lose weight. If The 180 Project has inspired you, make it known, either on this site, the fan page, or start your own blog. If you made a resolution this New Years, get the word out to your friends and loved ones. Accountability can be a powerful motivator. Don't just privately say to yourself that you're going to lose weight, but assemble all your loved ones to enlist in their help. There is no shame in admitting that your overweight and want to change. They will watch your every bite and nag or encourage based upon what your needs are. If you're the type that doesn't care what others think, then care for yourself enough to show a little humility and let people help you.

This country is freakin fat! (myself included) We all need to find a diet, a goal, and stick to it. The point of The 180 Project is not to copy what I am doing, but finding a method that works for you. I am motivated by others, establishing a tangible task (a half marathon), and the prospect that what I am doing may help others (pledges to the Kampala Children's Centre). Your method may be different, the point is...finding one, sticking to it, and letting others know.

Happy New Year and I look forward to your comments! :)

Day 29

2009-12-26T20:38:00.000-05:00

Got my winter running gear!! No excuses!

Took advantage of the warm weather this morning and did a 1.5 mile walk/run. I got a balaclava at Kohls as well as some running shorts with built in compression shorts. The balaclava made such a difference in my breathing. My aim was a mile, but I felt so good at the end that I did another lap around the block.

Got the rest of my accessories today thanks to some gift cards from Dick's Sporting Goods.

Nike Dry Fit Socks
Compression Pants
Another pair of running shorts (to cover myself up down there with the compression pants)
Running Gloves

I am excited for my next run, probably tomorrow night at my Dad's for Christmas. Gonna do some running after our supper. :)

Week 4- Weigh In Results!

2009-12-25T22:09:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all following The 180 Project! Met my goal for the week. New weight is 227.5 pounds, I lost 2.5 pounds this week. And let me just say, it was a bad week! Pizza, Japanese food, Christmas cookies! I've manage to not eat right before bedtime, and keep away from sugary drinks, but I am really happy with the results. Training starts now! Gearing up to run in the cold. I just need to do it. :)

Day 27 - Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T08:50:00.000-05:00

I just want to thank all that have been supporting me thus far. So far we have two pledges, and I expect that number will rise after Christmas. I haven't weighed in yet this week and I think I will do that tomorrow morning as a morning weigh in will yield a better result. I don't think I had a very good week again. Pizza at a Christmas party the other day, birthday yesterday, etc. The holidays are a very hard time to stick to a diet, but I think I had enough of a start on things to resist too much temptation! :)

If you're just joining us on Facebook, please visit the main site at the-180-project.blogspot.com as it as links and videos not found on the Facebook Fan page.

Running training will start right after Christmas. I have a key to the Fitness Center at work, and I'm ready to run either in the cold or on a treadmill. My mom gave me a heartrate monitor/pedometer watch for my birthday. However, the watch was obviously a return and not the right brand in the box, so...she's returning it for another. My daughter, Grace...she got me a pair of awesome running pants (thanks to her Mom). he he

Here are a few websites for tips on running in cold weather:

Runner's World
More Runner's World
About.com
Advice from a Doctor

On my shopping list for cold weather running:
Running Gloves
Running Tights
Balaclava

Week 3 - Weigh In Results

2009-12-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

Well...to top off what I thought was a bad week. Lots of red meat, some snacks here and there, virtually no exercise. I lost 3.5 pounds!! Just comes to show you what you can do with just lowering portions and sticking to fruits, veggies, whole grains, and light on the meat! :) Current weight is 230, with 50 pounds left to go. I've lost 10 pounds since starting The 180 Project.

Please consider sponsoring me with a dollar per pound pledge or dollar amount per mile on my Half Mile on June 27, 2010. :)

Day 19

2009-12-15T21:58:00.001-05:00

Feeling like crap today. Well, mostly tonight. Headache, tired. All I want to do is pig out and watch movies. Tonight was a night I wish I could have gone running or watched a movie on a treadmill or something.

Anyhow...found out today that the gym at work is still operational and I can get a key tomorrow for it. That way, I have access to the equipment at work for me to use the treadmill there either in the morning or after work or something.

Haven't gotten many pledges from the last post. I have two pledges so far. Hoping to gain more as time goes on! But praise God for those two!! :)

123 Days until the Meriden Daffodil Festival 5k (April 18...Birthday Present for my wife)
193 Days until the Fairfield Half.

Couple of good websites:

www.active.com
www.runningintheusa.com

Lose Weight / Raise Money

2009-12-13T22:25:00.000-05:00

Here is something I thought of to continually motivate myself to lose weight.

The first motivator for me was to run a half marathon by June. (5k in April)

The second idea I had came while watching an awesome documentary I saw last night. If you're interesting in running a marathon, check out the movie, Spirit of the Marathon. One of the women running in this movie was running to raise money for an adoption placement agency. It got me thinking, I can do that.

The 180 Project has just taken a turn folks. I will be looking for sponsors not just to support me in my weight loss journey and my quest to run a half-marathon, but to sponsor me either in a dollar amount for each pound I lose by the end of June, and/or a dollar amount for every mile completed in the half marathon I will run in June (13.1 Miles). I've decided I will be running the Fairfield Half on June 27, 2010.

What will I be raising money for? This fall, the Destiny Choir from the Kampala Children's Centre in Kampala, Uganda came to our church to perform. The children, ages 8-18 earned a special place in Jenn and I's heart. I have since been looking into going there to volunteer.

The 180 Project is now, not just about me, but about losing so others may gain. Will you consider sponsoring me to lose weight? Let me know!

Day 17 - Week 2 Weigh In

2009-12-13T16:11:00.001-05:00

Been a wicked busy week!!

I did weigh myself on Thursday, and I've been having trouble posting the video. I weighed in at 233.5 on Thursday night! :) That's down from 236 the previous week. So, I met my goal for the week of losing two pounds or more, and I've lost 6.5 pounds total in two weeks. That has been with minimal exercise with just portioning out low-fat/low-cal foods. :) Well on my weigh! (har har)

Day 13 - Snow Day!

2009-12-09T10:12:00.000-05:00

Snow Days are a perfect day to get in some extra workouts. This morning, instead of a run, I shoveled! Yes, I know...using a whole host of different muscle groups, but it gets the heart-rate up and it gave me a sweat.

Last night I dusted off the ole dumb bells and used them a little bit before bed. Gotta figure some stuff to do at home seeing that a gym membership is a little ways off. We can't afford it right now.

Kudos to Danny last night on The Biggest Loser. I have to admit thought, the top two women for the at home piece just look emaciated. It's almost like, how thin is too thin? You know?

Jenn met with a trainer the other day for the gym she signed up with. They were talking about the goal I set for my ideal weight and he seemed to think that was too much weight. Why then is 175 right in the middle of a healthy weight? How do they come up with that figure? Does anyone know? If I start adding muscle and losing fat, won't that mess with my goal as muscle weighs more then fat? If so, doesn't the absolutely healthy person who is toned and muscular not fall within the "healthy weight" ideal set by the god of ideal weightdom?

Just wonderin!

Day 11

2009-12-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

CHOCOLATE!!!

Cravings always come in the evening. Special Dark is what you need for a nice healthy low-cal treat! :) The key to how I eat is limiting portions. I stay conscience about about the caloric intake of every food I'm eating, but I try not to abstain if there is a good desert to be had. I just have one cookie now instead three!! Smaller bowl of Ice Cream..etc.

Day 11 and I only thing I've drank so far is water (maybe a little OJ, some black coffee, and communion wine...not all at the same time). Fun times!

I was a slacker this morning. I got up early, but...instead, just really enjoy quiet time while the family was still asleep. I made up for not running by being very active at my job today. Lots of moving around, climbing latters to hang lights, up and down stairs. I barely sat. :)

Off to work on my paper, praying I can get a second wind to work on it tonight, because I'm exhausted!

Day 10

2009-12-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

Got baptized today. I used the analogy of weight loss to our life in Christ. I said that the best diets are the one where the weight comes off gradually as we have a better chance of keeping it off. I think that God has been working on me gradually over the many years, and I thank Him for that. And I believe that has made all the difference in my staying close to Him.

Last night I chatted with my friend Jake from college. He was sorta our "trainer" in our friend group at Nyack, always encouraging us to exercise and showing us how to lift and train. He's gone on to work in Thailand as a teacher, and is studying for his PHD. He has run several Ironman triathlons and multiple marathons. He knows his stuff. He had some great advice and encouragement as we chatted last night. He pointed me to the Furman Training Programs. Probably just the programs I'm looking for.

And also this article on training for a triathlon.

Day 9 - Second Run

2009-12-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

Got up for 7am to run. Kids and wife still sleeping I thought it was a good time. Made sure I spent some extra time stretching this time. Got my wife's cell phone as a stopwatch (I don't own a cell). Start around the block with a steady jog and made it a little farther this time without having to walk. Did intervals of fasting walking and jogging. Did an eleven minute mile in total. Cooled down with a walk to the end of my street and back.

Found out on Thursday that one of my fellow seminary students had Matthew McNutt as a roommate in college. If you don't know him, he was on a season of The Biggest Loser where they brought in people from 50 states, sent 36 of them home to lose weight on their own without the fancy ranch. He ended losing 176lbs!! He is a Youth Pastor in Maine. Check out his blog here!

Pizza Day

2009-12-04T22:26:00.000-05:00

I had pizza for lunch and dinner...gulp! Not really.

My work had a veggie pizza option with broccoli, onions, and peppers and what not, little cheese, with a wheat crust. It was good. :) Had one small slice.

Jenn, not knowing what I had for lunch, made a wheat crust pizza with a portion of the pan made with fat free mozzarella cheese. Had three small squares. Probably more then I should have but it was wicked yummy.

Off to bed...need to run in the morning.

Week 1 - Weigh In

2009-12-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

Down from 240lbs to 236lbs in a little over a week. That was mostly from lowering portions and cutting out all sweets and focusing on low-cal/low-fat foods. I've only really have ran once this week. The Weigh-In was actually last night. They say it's better to weigh yourself in the morning, so...I did...and it said 234lbs. So, I lost 4-6lbs.

Funny how the farther I get away from sweets I crave them less and less. I got a package of candy this morning as a reward from my principal, she was praising staff for good work. Thankfully, they were Almond Joy's, which the snack size bars are about 80 Calories. I gave all the snack bars away, but one...which I will have for myself after lunch! :)

Anyhow...time to start focusing on burning some more calories in antipation of Week 2 weigh-in. My pace is 2 lbs per week. So, I'm off to a good start.

Day 7

2009-12-03T11:34:00.000-05:00

Was feeling the effects most of the day yesterday from my run. I felt good most of the day, and come evening I felt really sore, and my throat and sinus hurt. I also slept horribly last night. The rain and the wind was pounding and our window was leaking. My wife made be some Yogurt with Granola and a Lite Multi-Grain English Muffin with some Peanut Butter. I've been running around all morning installing stuff at work. I have class tonight, so I'm not really looking forward to the drive up there as I'm really tired. I don't want to have to do coffee, but today I might give in.

Is it common for your throat and sinus to hurt when you first start running, especially when you run in the cold?

Day 6 - The First Run!

2009-12-02T07:02:00.001-05:00

Man alive...I'm tired!

Got up for 6am. Not really knowing how to dress for the 34 degree run. I decided for sweats and a long john top with one of my Glory to God tees from Musicon.

Stretched, glass of water, and a spoonful of PB to start. I decided to get through twice around my block, in intervals of walking and jogging. I started off jogging to get my heart rate up, and I soon learned...I HAVE ALOT OF WORK TO DO!! Couple of minutes in I was walking. My block is a large block with slight inclines and drops, nice run, however...I walked most of it. I got back home really winded. I realize I have so much to do. I have to take advantage of these mildly cold mornings outside before winter really sets in. Plus, I don't have a gym yet.

Watched the biggest loser last night, and the four finalist ran/jogged a Marathon. If they can do a Marathon, and I'm giving myself over 180 days to train for a half, I think I can do it. 13.1 Miles...here I come. Just need to work on jogging my block now. :)

Thanks to the website www.mapmyrun.com I found out my block is exactly .5 miles. I did it twice and so that's a mile. My goal then will be to run my block 27 times before the half in preparation. :)

Day 5

2009-12-01T09:21:00.002-05:00

Crazy morning. No time to really post. Got up late again. However, I did set my alarm. Missed breakfast at home, and was running late for work this morning. However, instead of stopping at DnD for the quick breakfast that I have in the past. I stopped at the local grocery store near my work, grabbed a yogurt, apple, wheat bagel, and some low-fat cream cheese. Cost me less then my usual egg sandwich and coffee. Gotta go...busy morning!

Day 4

2009-11-30T08:26:00.000-05:00

First day back to work after starting The 180 Project.

Planning is everything. I had "planned" to get up early today to do some running. However, I didn't set an alarm, and I didn't have a specific plan on what I was going to do in terms of running. I've noticed some good workout plans for those training for 5k's and Half Marathons at www.coolrunning.com. However, this morning...I didn't know what I was doing coupled with not setting an alarm, I slept in.

I did mix some Granola with Vanilla Yogurt, and Peanut Butter on Flax and Grain Toast for breakfast. Good Stuff. Going to be a busy couple of weeks. Last two weeks of classes, the school's play is next week, and electricians having been working at the school putting in the projectors for the interactive whiteboards.

I think I will have my first "Weight-In" on Friday. I've been checking on my weight every morning, but I think that can be discouraging if I let it. I want to go with the weight once a week approach and video the "event" for this blog.

Yummy Lunch

2009-11-29T14:23:00.000-05:00

Was struggling with what to eat for lunch as we haven't gone shopping this week.

Whipped up some Whole Wheat Pasta Shells, stirred in some Sweet Peas with some Olive Oil. Drained and Washed them off with cold water. Stirred in some White Tuna and Light Mayo. Yummy Tuna Salad for lunch! All stuff I had in the house! :) Yeah!

Day 3

2009-11-29T08:16:00.001-05:00

Up with the cranky daughter. Jenn's at church playing for worship.

Haven't eaten yet. Need to plan out some meals for the week so we can go shopping today. Thankfully I get free lunches at my job and they have lots of healthy options.

We're looking into a membership at the Meriden YMCA. We'd pay more money for both Jenn and I to sign up. But, the YMCA has so many more programs and options, plus cheap childcare if Jenn and I wanted to go together, on top of it...they have a pool, and showers if I wanted to hit that up before work.

Was on the website www.coolrunning.com They have some great tips on how to start running. Since my goal is a Half Marathon (with maybe a 5k sprinkled in this spring)...I think my exercise plan is going to reflect that. Lots of Cardio, and core and leg strength training.

I've also begun thinking about each food I eat, and what the caloric intake is. It's really opened my eyes to simple things I would eat during the day and just how bad they are for you. Like this little Chicken Kiev things I would pick up at Aldi...500 calories for this little stinkin thing. Crazy!

Websites that have been helpful thus far:

www.sparkpeople.com - Meal Plans, Exercise plans...good stuff.
www.thecaloriecounter.com - Nutrition labels for everything!!

Day 2

2009-11-28T13:49:00.000-05:00

Haven't exercised since Thursday. Looking over Gym prospects and how that's going to factor into our budget and my time. One option is to join a gym on my way to work, which has showers. Hit that gym up for 6am...be done by 7am...shower and head to work. I will need both at home workouts and gym work outs.

Already had one friend excited about what I'm doing and she wants to doing her own "180." I didn't have much advice for her because I'm still working it all out.

Food wise, I'm focusing on smaller portions. We have shopped since last weekend, and I need to figure out what my meal plan for the week is going to be.

I also was looking a buying a book called "The Runner's Diet" has anyone read this book?

Getting others on the bandwagon

2009-11-27T15:10:00.000-05:00

I figured if I'm going to go on a diet, I might as well announce it and set myself a goal to keep myself accountable. In the past, I've been reluctant to tell anyone I was going on a diet because if I failed, then no one would know. Well, the secret is out. I currently weigh 240lbs. I see my ideal weight as 180lbs. I want to lose this by the beginning of the summer of 2010. With your help and support I believe I can. This will be a challenge as I attempt to balance life, school, work, and a possible Africa visit. Yet, this is what staying healthy should be, a totally integration into your normal life busy or not. In addition to my losing the weight, I want to put my money where my mouth is and run a half marathon at the end of June of 2010.

Please pray, respond, offer suggestions, and post your thoughts on healthy living, exercise, and dieting here. Thanks for joining me!