...of midway points, turning points, and giving up too many points.

So we had our six week weigh in/measurement Saturday. I'm moderately satisfied with results, so far. I've lost 8 pounds. My BMI has dropped a couple percentage points, I've shaved 1-3/4" off my waist, 1" off my thighs, and 3/4" off my calves. Not stunning, but not bad, especially since I haven't had a very good couple weeks, diet and exercise wise.

In soccer news, Mini me scored two goals, but VG lost their finale' 6-3 to Tolono. The kids played very well, but we had no answer for one player who scored 4 times for the other side. One of my players is autistic, and he played PHENOMINALLY! He was a defender, and he cleared the ball every time it came to him. I was so proud of him. When I singled him out for praise after the game, he beamed. There must have been some dust floating around the field, because his mother, grandmother and I all had watery eyes as we watched him bask in the glory. Overall, this was our best game, and I find myself wishing the season could continue one week after getting so frustrated that I wanted it to be done immediately. Next week is parent child game and field seeding. Can't wait to see 50-60 kids throwing grass seed at each other!

As for the Illini. We've come a long way, but we've got a long way to go. That's the first time in recent memory that we were on a level playing field, talent-wise, with meat-chicken. Unfortunately, youth reared its head in the form of stupid mistakes and penalties, but hopefully we'll learn from them and continue to grow and improve. I still see 8 wins and a decent bowl game, which is hella more than I expected before the season began, when I was taunted for predicting 6-6 with a motor city bowl berth. I hope the team takes Ball St seriously this week. They throw the ball A LOT, and we all know that we're not the most stellar team defending the pass.

VG looked like a team that just wanted the season to end in losing 27-14 to Sangamon Valley. Their late season swoon has earned them a 140 mile bus trip to play undefeated Mt. Olive, so their hopes appear dim.

a new day...

Wow, what a difference one day can make! At the risk of pegging the cliche' meter, things seem to have gotten better with the new dawn. I've been pretty down about some personal things and my soccer team really hasn't responded well to my coaching, so my exercise regime has really suffered. Last night, however, the team really seemed to comprehend what I'm trying to get them to do, and after a few early speedbumps, we ended up having a spirited 90 minute practice.

This morning #1 son, who's not been real energetic over the course of the last couple weeks, hopped out of bed at first call (5:30 am) and was dressed before I was. Armed with this exuberance, I headed out. We decided to forego hills this morning because of the dew being so heavy. Instead, we opted to walk to the new park on the south side of vg and cruise around it a few times. Got in a decent run, walked a total of about 3 miles, and all in all spent about an hour on cardio work. Pretty good for a guy who has been in slug mode for the last week.

Tomorrow is lifting day, and this weekend is BMI testing as well as 6th week weigh in. I feel like I've improved, I hope the scales and meters bear witness.

Death Spiral

Events over the last week have really challenged my motivation for exercise. It's been tough for me to get up and go to work, let alone going exercising. I know I've gained back a few pounds, and I just can't muster up a care.

I will try to work with the soccer team tonight to at least get a little cardio benefit. From there, I just don't know.

results not expected...

So #1 son and I went back to the school and ran another timed 400 meters this morning. I was 3 seconds slower than the last time, and I can't figure out why. I've been pretty dutiful with my exercise regime....running, walking, lifting and doing HRD, so I'm not sure what happened. I truly expected to shave a few seconds off. I'll push myself a little more next week.

After our 400, we ran 5 sets of hills. My legs are jello, right now, but it's a GOOD jello!

Went to HRD monday...played humpty dumpty and had a great fall. Tweaked a tricep trying in vain to catch myself and then I lifted Tuesday, which REALLY exacerbated the pain. So now, my tricep is on fire, my ankle hurts from stepping in a hole during hills, and my quads are liquid. Yep, I'm loving me some exercise program right about now.

I've let my diet slip a bit this week, with the birthday feasting and such, but today and tomorrow I'm Amish. I swear. Except for the beer drinking after our soccer game tonight.

good week....

Good news from the Biggest loser front. At Sunday's weigh in, I was down 3.9 pounds to 265. That's the lowest I've weighed for the last couple years. I've been pretty dutiful in my exercise program, so I'm curious as to how much my BMI will have changed in a couple weeks when we get remeasured.

Went for a nice power walk with #1 son on Friday, and we have HRD tonight. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going, though it will be tough with my birthday feasting this weekend.

Football ended for mini-me yesterday. The mighty blue devils defeated the Decatur Lutheran School Association 34-20. All of their points came after the little guys had been put in. mini-me's very first play from scrimmage resulted in a 60 yard touchdown for LSA. They spread two receivers out to his side and he had no safety help, so he ended up covering the guy they DIDN'T pass to. He showed some pretty good wheels, and if the field was 150 yards long, he probably would have caught the guy!

Soccer is now in full bloom, with practice Tuesday and games Thursday and Saturday. Booyah.

winning isn't everything...

Except when your younger brother beats you at something. Then it truly is the ONLY thing. Today's hill run was no exception. Mini-me, with customary zeal, raced ahead to the school with VGfatdog, while #1 son and I lolled behind in habitual torpor. Once we arrived at the majestic peaks of Mt VG, we proceeded to the bottom for stretching and warm-ups. And then, it was ON! In the first set, mini-me beat #1 by a few feet and joyously returned to the bottom, triumphant. Second set, same result, by narrower margin, and #1 began the slow burn. Third set, a virtual dead heat, with much heavy breathing. Fourth and final set, #1 emerged victorious, with arms raised a la Rocky Balboa . Priceless stuff.

We then proceeded to jog around the school and mini-me wore us both out. He's definitely got a knack for distance running.

At football practice last night, mini-me had a TERRIFIC solo tackle on one of the starting 6th grade running backs. He was feated momentarily as a hero by his 4th grade peers. Truly a happy dad moment.

Tomorrow is lifting day in the morning and Soccer in the afternoon. Hopefully I'll get some good work in.

same old story...

Not much to report in VGFATnews. The boss, #1 son and I went to HRD class last night. #1 son really put some OOMMPH into his punches and kicks. One particularly vicious chop kick sent the pad flying from my hand! I've been badgering him and mini-me about putting forth maximum effort into everything they do, and it really seemed to manifest last night.

I am seeing (glacially slow) improvement in my flexibility. I'm now able to do some things ( like touch my toes) that I couldn't do prior to starting class. Hell, before I started HRD, I couldn't even SEE my toes!

The boss continues to amaze. She's a dervish with the ssang jool bong (nunchuks). I, of course, am grateful that the beginners' model is covered in thick foam, lest I be sporting some serious knots on the old noggin. I am starting to get the hang of it....at least to the part where we swing the damned things between our legs before returning it to the ready position. I'm less than enthusiastic about that little move, but I have to learn it as part of my yellow belt preparation.

Had a good weight training session this morning. I really like super setting curls and tricep extensions with the heavy bag. My arms are still burning. #1 son tried, but was unable to answer the call this morning. I told him we'd do some cals tonight before bed.

Tomorrow, we attack mount VG for hill sets. Damn, I can't wait. Really.

Let us begin.

So, with apologies to JFK, I knew when I began that this wasn't going to be a short or easy process. One doesn't undo 42 years of slothful indulgence by skipping dessert once or twice. However, I have to admit that I expected greater results than what I've experienced. I've modified my eating tremendously and I exercise for at least 1/2 hour 6 days a week. The results, 4.3 pounds net loss in 4 weeks. It seems as though I can eat more greens than
Bugs Bunny for 6 days in a row, living like a mormon,( Long Kiss Goodnight reference) only to negate any potential loss with one burrito as big as my head. Damned metabolism.

I lost most of what I gained last week. I'm sitting at 268.9. I will be doing everything this side of a coffee enema to get below 265 at next weigh in. I'll miss this week's weigh in because #1 son and I will be at Camp Drake for Space Camp.

If I make it below 260, I'm going shopping for some new threads. The three basic pairs of work duds I have are showing their age.

VG beat Arcola 32-6 in JFL action. Mini-me got to play for nearly the entire second half. He had one good solo tackle and "assisted" on three others. Assisted in this case meaning jumping on the guys' head as he was being thrown to the ground by others.

Going to HRD tonight for the first time since the infamous "let's have some fun" experience. Hopefully Instructor LaVigne won't be feeling so playful.