tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87760764434192106142024-03-13T15:29:37.612-05:00Big FAT loserTony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-63617270392302672872013-08-21T08:42:00.000-05:002013-08-21T08:42:22.249-05:00A good walk, spoiledThe princess decided to go with me on my trek this morning with her constant companion, Noodles the Chiwienie, in tow.<br />
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Things started out swimmingly. We cruised the neighborhood and even ducked down the trail by the river. All in all, an idyllic start to a beautiful day. <br />
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Inspired by nature's bounty and fueled by the endless energy of youth, it was determined that a girl vs. beast footrace was in order, with VGFatboy a decidedly laggard third place contestant. <br />
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At the sound of ready, set, go the princess was off..a leash complication gave her a decided head start over the dog, but he made up ground relentlessly and by the time they reached our front yard he was literally nipping at her heels. <br />
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Suddenly, and without warning, he stopped and began nuzzling the ground and to our horror it was discovered that he had stumbled across a newborn clutch of rabbits...<br />
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This didn't end well, an no amount of consoling or counseling about natural selection and the like could set things right with my youngest child. I know that life is hard, but the end of a perfect walk with a beautiful young lady somehow doesn't seem like the appropriate classroom for such harsh lessons.<br />
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<br />Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-64280718165275598852013-02-28T16:19:00.001-06:002013-02-28T16:19:37.557-06:00same old story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Driving through Philo yesterday and I saw a young woman out for her daily run. In 30 degree weather. In the middle of that lovely Central Illinois combination of rain, snow and sleet that we sometimes get when Mother Nature's being indecisive. <br />
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My initial feeling of admiration was soon replaced by something else. Something uglier. Envy. Why, I wondered, can she find the motivation to get out and go on such a crappy day when I struggle to do ANYTHING health related? <br />
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I think we all need to find that trigger. My cousin Chops found it to the tune of an amazing yearlong transformation. She's a day or two older than me, but is cut and ripped, and I am very proud of the commitment she's shown. My nephew, Jeremy? Same thing. 90 lbs, gone since last summer. He looks great, feels great and I couldn't be happier for him. And then there's me, same as always. <br />
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I did give up, but I will start over, so I guess maybe there's some sort of honor in that persistence, anyway. Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-47369793397110559622013-02-21T09:42:00.001-06:002013-02-21T10:00:10.750-06:00let no man put asunder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So did you hear the one about the guy whose pants split at the crotch right before his big presentation in front of the MCB advisors? Channeling his inner mcguyver, he first tried to use his office stapler to stitch the seams, a plan that seemed to be inspired genius until the staples started to come loose, thus giving the wearer of said pants the sensation of having 1000 fire ants in his fruits of the loom. In desperation, and having not a shred of dignity remaining, he went to the brains of his organization, the fabulous front office staff, for assistance. There was hatched a plan so brilliant that it was sure to succeed. DUCT TAPE! That's correct, a strategically placed piece of the silvery miracle product saved the day! The guy gave his speech to a rapt audience, finding some new peers in his work as a nursing recruiter, and all was well.<br />
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No. Me either. <br />
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In fitness news, Fatty is in free fall, and I have nothing positive to report. I will try to climb back on the horse for the millionth time. Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-83065299317457005092013-02-08T12:45:00.000-06:002013-02-08T12:45:21.287-06:00Trial separation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SI9r7SMwtU/URVHJnPtgkI/AAAAAAAAASU/LDGBg-gpsuo/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SI9r7SMwtU/URVHJnPtgkI/AAAAAAAAASU/LDGBg-gpsuo/s1600/heart.jpg" /></a></div>
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J-MO, one of my good buddies, has suggested that I'm not really divorced from Illinois sports, but rather going through a trial separation, and he could be right, because I do check up on them pretty frequently. However, as with all breakups, the good things, if any, that your soon-to-be ex brings to the table are no longer made readily available to you when you split.<br />
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I am, therefore, forced to admit that like that special casserole that a former flame makes every week, I didn't get to taste and savor the Illini's epic comeback and last second win over the hated #1 ranked Hoosiers from Indiana last night. Oddly enough, I'm ok with that. I guess maybe the years of disappointment can't be easily erased by a crazy one night stand. I'll continue to monitor them from afar for a while...not too high, but more importantly not too low. <br />
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In Fatty fitness news, I'm down 1.5 pounds since Monday's weigh in, which is as I've said before roughly the equivalent of a flea jumping off the ass of Jumbo the Circus Elephant. Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-76747310859824540722013-01-25T06:13:00.001-06:002013-01-25T06:13:57.954-06:00excellence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g59eXUgrh-E/UQJ1xpEQfjI/AAAAAAAAASE/y8GJvwP_YhY/s1600/star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g59eXUgrh-E/UQJ1xpEQfjI/AAAAAAAAASE/y8GJvwP_YhY/s320/star.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had ESPN on while i was working out this morning, watching Murray vs. Federer, and I had to stop and admire the sheer magnificence on display. Those two men were crafting shot after shot, and it made me reflect on how I need to do a better job of appreciating excellence where ever I see it. From the short order cook who folds an omelette just right, to IRO and his mad skills with a geetar and vocals to Mikey & Tom and their superior IT skills, I am surrounded by surpassing talent and beauty. <br />
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As for me....I'm pretty good at drinking beer. I am not sure if there are any overt skills that I could rate myself as excellent at, but then again maybe it's all about the pursuit so I'll keep trying.<br />
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Got a good dumbbell workout in today. Can't wait until the weather breaks and I can get back out on the road.<br />
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<br />Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-41553887991452546842013-01-18T08:37:00.000-06:002013-01-18T08:38:28.910-06:00D I V O R C E<a href="http://www.clipartpal.com/_thumbs/00100001794_tns.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" id="il_fi" src="http://www.clipartpal.com/_thumbs/00100001794_tns.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="128" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/i2o9-jmtNoU">became final today....</a><br />
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One of my resolutions for 2013 was to not let myself be involved in negative relationships if i could possibly avoid them. Life is too short to continually feel like you're the only one who's really trying to make it work. So after last night, I've decided that it's time for a divorce. <br />
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That's right, I'm ending my lifelong relationship with Illinois athletics. For more years than I can remember, I've put my heart and soul into our relationship, only to be left disillusioned and disconsolate. The 84 & 08 Rose Bowl trips, along with the flying Illini and 'Dee for three' were fun, but really just weekend flings when compared to the heart breaking timeline of being a lifelong Illinois fan.<br />
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I'm sure that little J O E and the rest of the team will bounce back and do well without me, but I can no longer afford to let things that are outside of my locus of control affect me like last nights' crushing defeat. I wish you well, Orange and Blue. Farewell, and may we part as friends.<br />
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In fatboy fitness news, Anthony Ewing and I went 2.5 miles in 41 minutes this morning in the cold and I must say that it's always better to walk with a partner than solo. <br />
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<br />Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-68082391372616499102013-01-16T06:46:00.001-06:002013-01-16T06:46:20.836-06:00fire<div>
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Living in a small town like I do, I am always struck by two strong emotions whenever I see firetrucks springing into action.<div>
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The first is dread, because chances are pretty good that I'm going to know the person or family whose world could be changed irreparably by the flames, and also because fires are dangerous and those guys dragging the hoses into tight spots are my friends and neighbors, which leads me to......</div>
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Pride. You see, we don't have "professional" firemen here in bucolic VG or the surrounding bergs. These guys are all volunteers. They're exterminators and teachers. Truckers and farmers. Guys and gals who are willing to put their personal lives on hold for the common good and I am proud to call them my buds. </div>
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So give them a big cheer the next time you see them in a parade, tossing out candy with sirens blazing. They've earned it.<br /><div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/Jqubdb9FhSM">get the firehouse.....</a></div>
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In fitness news, mapmyrun says I went 1.3 miles in 23 minutes this morning. Not far, but not bad. </div>
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Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-90869297616539466862013-01-15T05:44:00.002-06:002013-01-15T05:45:34.794-06:00I fought the crud<a href="http://www.newslincolncounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/medical.symbol.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://www.newslincolncounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/medical.symbol.jpg" /></a><br />
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and the crud won.<br />
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I've fought off a sinus infection and bronchitis and started (slowwwwlllly) easing my way back into working out. I did 20 minutes cardio yesterday and followed up with a workout with the dumbbells this morning. <br />
Shoulder presses, squats, curls, triceps extensions with low weight and high reps. Sweaty and breathing hard and I LIKE it.<br />
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Kids have been fighting off the flu as well. We had two at home yesterday and #1 son has a date with the ENT specialist today. <br />
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God is great, beer is good and people (especially those in my world!) are crazy!Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-87145283520073414352013-01-05T11:50:00.000-06:002013-01-05T11:50:12.482-06:00changes<br />
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With sincerest apologies to Ozzie and the boys, I'm going through changes. Not the big D, like Bill Ward in 72 when Sabbath wrote the tune, but more like personal ones. Changes in attitudes, changes in goals, etc.<br />
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Last night was a pretty big step for me. For the past 10 years plus, Friday night has been pizza night in Hookerville. We usually either grab a frozen one or pick one up from somewhere if we're feeling rich, and last night was no exception, with one difference. Last night I didn't partake. Instead I sauteed some shrimp in no salt butter with garlic and mixed them with some whole wheat pasta for a scampi of sorts, and it was good. Only 500 or so calories and less than 200 mg's of sodium.<br />
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Now if only i can fight off this cruddy bug that's invaded, we'll be all good.Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-68491038772107625332013-01-03T06:18:00.002-06:002013-01-03T06:24:32.310-06:00Perspective....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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or lack thereof. So after watching the Illini lose to a team that they shouldn't have for about the millionth time in my life, letting it impact my mood to the point where I was angry with the kids, short with the little brown haired girl, and up at 2 am wondering why we played so poorly, it occurred to me that maybe I'm just a little too emotionally attached to my college team. So, in this spirit of new beginnings for 2013, I'm resolving to blog more, eat less, work out daily and not sweat so many of the petty things, including the varsity teams that represent my beloved University. So if anyone has anything they need help with at 1:15 Saturday afternoon, give me a call. I'll be available. <br />
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Did ten minutes on the step machine and let the sadistic woman who lives inside the XBOX crush my woefully out of shape body for 20 more today. <br />
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Have a great day, and do something positive!Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-68217336945638350262011-07-18T06:44:00.002-05:002011-07-18T06:46:05.782-05:00blogospheringI've been sporadically working out and not writing about it. I think the facebook has taken away from the blog. I went 3.23 miles today, according to mapmyrun. Even the VGFatdog was tired when we got home!Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-91378206316287065682011-06-22T15:09:00.004-05:002011-06-22T15:14:01.562-05:00still tryingHad a tough day today....pollen counts must have been a gazillion. Walked 1.6 miles and then ran on the track, in a failed effort to do what was aptly called the "marquis de sade". ran 400. walked 400. ran 200, walked 200. Was then supposed to go 100 and then 50, and then back to 400, but instead opted to walk home because i couldn't breathe, and #1 son was suffering even more. mini-me complained of sore knees, and where he was pointing looked like it could be growing pains....<br /><br />Had a great workout on monday. did plyometrics and sprints at the soccer fields. Kicked my donkey, to be certain.Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-5902745146109251532011-06-15T06:17:00.002-05:002011-06-15T06:54:21.082-05:00back at it<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCbW17YsMCA/TfidPmKGSvI/AAAAAAAAAQo/mzBbsP-u_E8/s1600/ace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCbW17YsMCA/TfidPmKGSvI/AAAAAAAAAQo/mzBbsP-u_E8/s200/ace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618413426411195122" /></a><br />took some time off from doing just about everything....no workouts no blogging, but we're back..back in a new york groove!( tip of the Mavs cap to Ace Frehley!)<div><br /></div><div>Went 2.13 miles on Monday with #1 son and mini-me. Then came home after work last night and lifted.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning, with storms looming eminently to the west, we went for a 15 minute power walk and then did a set of wind sprints in the yard. The boys seem to be getting into it, but they could be just humoring the old man. Time will tell.</div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-85867691558544332602011-06-01T06:26:00.002-05:002011-06-01T06:35:18.717-05:00all for one...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT4SjQptZbY/TeYjsnfOesI/AAAAAAAAAQc/geduZleaFXo/s1600/Great%2BEgret.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RT4SjQptZbY/TeYjsnfOesI/AAAAAAAAAQc/geduZleaFXo/s200/Great%2BEgret.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613213234985073346" /></a><br />My running partners decided that discretion was indeed the better part of valor and left me to my own devices this morning. Even the VGFatdog decided she had better things to do..such as take my still warm spot in the cozy bed. <div><br /></div><div>I trudged on, however, and went 2.59 miles. I decided to be the anti Horace Greeley and went east, through my childhood stomping grounds in old town. The mighty Embarras seems to be settling back down nicely after last weeks' rains and I was hoping to see an Egret looking for a morning snack. All in all a nice morning in the village.</div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-54343631885909461192011-05-24T12:37:00.002-05:002011-05-24T14:23:32.750-05:00surprise surprise surprise...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p60UbIPKqAw/TdwFnddYKpI/AAAAAAAAAQU/M5Spet2OytI/s1600/gomer.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 79px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610365411277679250" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p60UbIPKqAw/TdwFnddYKpI/AAAAAAAAAQU/M5Spet2OytI/s200/gomer.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div>(Tip of the Vancouver Canucks hat to Gomer, eh.) </div><br /><br /><div>Yesterday i was joined for my monday morning run by both sons. What a great way to start the week. Of course today i was met by abject indifference at work out time. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As i always say...baby steps.</div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-26015075042512825192011-05-19T06:38:00.002-05:002011-05-19T06:40:17.035-05:00wake up callGot a pleasant surprise this morning when mini-me woke me up for a run. We went about two miles...increased my running splits by 30 seconds and didn't die. All in all a great start to our day.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div>He's got an ambitious summer program in mind. I hope we can stay on it.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-31877401793744577072011-05-12T06:57:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:40:30.642-05:00thirsty thursdayYou never know what sort of adventures await in VGFatboy land. Today, for example, we had the adventure of the dog who thought she should wet every blade of grass...followed immediately by fatty runs out of his shorts...on the FRONT STREET BRIDGE! I think only three cars came by at that exact moment. Anyway...we went 2.01 miles. After all the missteps we probably walked as much as we ran, but we were moving forward.<div><br /></div><div>The mighty Sting fell to a good pitching Philo squad in their season opener. Too many little mental errors on D spelled the difference.</div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-5190733834027422662011-05-10T20:48:00.002-05:002011-05-10T20:52:02.592-05:00sweaty, finallyWent out at 5:30 today and the humidity had already kicked it up a notch. Cookie accompanied VGfatdog and I on our trot this morning...little bastard outsprinted me to the finish...wish i could say i let him win, but i was trying like hell and couldn't quite catch him. MMR says we went 2 miles. we walked quite a bit in the middle, but it was still good.<div><br /></div><div>Work is interesting, to say the least. never a dull moment in college of nursing land.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-89780258716657160312011-05-04T19:01:00.002-05:002011-05-04T19:05:19.658-05:00great nite for a strollTook mrs fatboy, #1 son VGfatdog and noodles for a nice 40 minute walk...mmr says we went 1.92 miles. Enjoyed the company.<br /><br />Going to Chi -town tomorrow for commencement. Should be a great day! So proud of the young nurses.Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-3060875015485761902011-05-02T06:44:00.002-05:002011-05-02T06:51:05.698-05:00Guess who's back?Back again. Hookie's back. Tell a friend! (tip of the memphis grizzlies cap to eminem)<div><br /></div><div>I've taken a two week hiatus from just about everything due to work and worry and some nagging injuries that i didn't want to become debilitating.</div><div><br /></div><div>I went 2.23 miles today with the VGFatdog. Ran the 60/60 splits and felt pretty darned good. Will clean up the garage tonight with an eye on lifting in the morning. The weight bench is surrounded by the detritus of my life. </div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-78622781268443860312011-04-18T09:29:00.002-05:002011-04-18T09:33:19.966-05:00inspirationcomes from many places. I usually find it in my bestie's marathon efforts. Sometimes it comes from by buddy the Rogue..as he too struggles to get back into regular exercise mode. This week, I found it in a group of ladies who don't even know that I monitor their efforts, via facebook. They've gone from zero to twelve milers over the course of the last several months and if they can do it, so can I. Here's to you Amy & company...keep up the good work and I'll try to follow in your wake. mmr says I went 2.25 miles today in 36 minutes.Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-20811408060851121892011-04-13T18:51:00.005-05:002011-04-13T19:05:14.784-05:00back and bloggin...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O_90gbI6fI/TaY4Lx2ryCI/AAAAAAAAAQM/JpuEiPhMkvc/s1600/weight.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 137px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595221362066835490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O_90gbI6fI/TaY4Lx2ryCI/AAAAAAAAAQM/JpuEiPhMkvc/s200/weight.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>I've been working out a couple times a week, but haven't felt compelled to write about it. Went two miles with the missus and dogs tonight. felt awesome. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've started lifting again...(I am epic win!) a friend was kind enough to let us have his olympic weight set and bench. (tip of the everlast hat to mad mike!) The boys are starting a lifting program too. I am trying to ease them into it so that they don't burn out too soon, yet still feel the burn, baby. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Work is crazy busy...just finishing our admission decisions for Fall, now have to orient them while continuing the recruiting thang and the current student advising thang....</div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-21885538658477483042011-03-22T13:29:00.003-05:002011-03-22T13:43:50.287-05:00fits and starts<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErucDmQZf0c/TYjsuALwTWI/AAAAAAAAAQE/AgDCghfrHfQ/s1600/jail.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586975612820540770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErucDmQZf0c/TYjsuALwTWI/AAAAAAAAAQE/AgDCghfrHfQ/s200/jail.jpg" /></a><br /><div>The hammy is still a bit skitchy, so I'm sticking to walking for a while. went 2.18 miles this morning. </div><br /><div></div><div>mini-me is showing all the signs of becoming a first class P.I.T.A. he's allowed his grades to fall a LONG way below acceptable. i guess i should have been monitoring more closely, but he's always been firmly entrenched on the honor roll, so i didn't do my diligence. He also decided to quit track, which didn't set well with me either. However, he will now have more time (LOTS) to focus on school. Xbox, laptop visits from friends and cell phone are soon to be surrendered. </div><div> </div><div>I hate having to be the enforcer, but he really needs to learn about perseverance and to get better study habits.</div><div> </div><div>On a funner note...found this reference to the NCAA tournament. Fitting, for the Big FAT Loser!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.endlesssimmer.com/2011/03/17/march-food-madness-all-68-ncaa-tournament-teams-ranked-by-their-best-drunk-college-food-2/">Bon Appetite!</a></div><div> </div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-4429208637590591142011-03-16T06:36:00.003-05:002011-03-16T06:45:35.044-05:00Bluuuuuueeeee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c76_QrsB4OA/TYCim7NOhTI/AAAAAAAAAP8/R-8Eqn6dwGc/s1600/george_clinton.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c76_QrsB4OA/TYCim7NOhTI/AAAAAAAAAP8/R-8Eqn6dwGc/s200/george_clinton.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584642327551313202" /></a><br />(tip of the morehead st. hat to Leann Rhymes and the american idol chick who emulated her)<div><br /></div><div>Once again, General Malaise has staged a bloodless coup on the casa del hookers...heh. A funk has descended recently, and I'm not talking Parliment/Funkadelic, earth wind & fire, or even pre-sell out commodores. I don't know if it's the last vestiges of winter, the time change or what, but I've been discombobulated all week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The kids are about done with school...which is unfortunate because they've still got two months to go. More and more, I'm thinking year round school with three 6 week breaks might be a better option than the traditional schedule. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did manage to shake the doldrums and walk 2.54 miles this morning. Onward and upward...supposed to be trending warmer. </div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776076443419210614.post-15894972193067277262011-03-03T05:36:00.003-06:002011-03-03T05:48:38.719-06:00ticking away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aU4S3BKiBZo/TW9_ssSn6PI/AAAAAAAAAP0/mUGMeuF2viI/s1600/clock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 113px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aU4S3BKiBZo/TW9_ssSn6PI/AAAAAAAAAP0/mUGMeuF2viI/s200/clock.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579818869115578610" /></a><br />the moments that make up a dull day...(tip of the Illini cap to Pink Floyd) <div><br /></div><div>Do you ever wonder, truly wonder, how good or bad your fitness level really is? I mean, I've been running semi-regularly since New Years, so I have to be improving, right? Yesterday provided me with answers to both questions and the truth hurts...and so do my hamstrings.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I found myself a little behind the 8 ball time wise yesterday so I decided to condense things. Walked for 5 minutes, and then ran a series of 100 yard dashes. Full out...as hard as I could push. I finished 4...and thought my time on earth was through. I ended the workout with a 10 minute cool down walk at semi fast pace. Today my hammies feel like piano wires and the quads are barking.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Mike Davis and the other Illini seniors might finally be beginning to understand the urgency with which you have to play to succeed at a high level. I hope they finish their careers on a bright note. </div>Tony "the big fat loser"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13459386003813214181noreply@blogger.com3