Fun with facial hair

So, the boss and I have an annual tussle about my growing a beard during hunting season. She basically hates any sort of facial hair, while I like to grow a beard as sort of an homage to my wild and crazy misspent youth. Of course, in a close one to one vote, I eventually lose; mainly because of the threat of the witholding of certain comforts of a physical nature in the event of my continued insistence on cultivating the distinguished look. So in a display of monumental boredom following the ecstasy of Christmas, #1 son and I captured the dismantling of the VGFATBEARD. Enjoy. Or not.

In exercise and fitness news, I took the kids on a good hike along the river yesterday. With temps in the forties, it was ideal. Found the skeletal remains of three deer within 300 yards of our house. Somewhere west of VG there are apparently some VERY well fed coyotes.

Happy Holidays!!

Here is the Princess, carrying baby Jesus to the manger at Church last night. She was so poised, being in front of 200 people! Merry Christmas & Happy New year to all, from the VGFATFAMILY!!

New adventures in fitness, diet & exercise to come in 2008!

pondering

So, tomorrow I go to pick up the firstborn. This is the first time I've mentioned her in my blog, for a great number of reasons. First, there's the fact that we've not communicated much since she got the F outta dodge soon after she realized that VG's finest wouldn't fetch her back at my call once she turned 17.

The second reason, the one I've been pondering, is that until recently I never really considered her to be a part of the purpose of me starting this little slice of blog heaven, my continuing battle with fitness. It's only since I found out that she was to be released from the place she has been for these past few months that I began to see that she does in fact play a role in my mostly futile attempts to stay on track. I'm finding that my progress is a fragile thing, and any number of things can and do usurp control from me. Worrying about her well being is one of them. This Holiday season has taken a toll on my will power. It's been a constant litany of cookies and candy for the past ten days, and who am I to refuse and take a chance on hurting a colleagues' feelings, right? The incessant rain of the past week has certainly been a factor, along with the short days. Nothing like it being dark on the way to work and on the way home as well.

I really need to find a way to not let distractions interfere, but so far I'm failing.

A parable....

There once was a great lion. This lion had gotten married and had a cub, but sadly the marriage ended when the cub was very young. Despite sometimes infrequent visits, the cub grew to idolize the lion, and would listen enraptured for hours as the lion and his cronies would reflect on the lions' many conquests, both afield and with other lionesses. In fact, the cub vowed to grow up to be just like the lion.

As time passed, the cub did grow up, but he found that the lion whom he had worshiped was in fact not always worthy of such idolatry. The lion himself discouraged the cub from following his path too closely, urging him to use his mind rather than his hands to make a career, and to wait for the right lioness to come along instead of settling for just any old kitty.

Still further time passed, and the lion began to grow old. Refusing to bow to the passage of time, the lion lived life on his own terms. He did nothing to moderate sometimes outrageous behaviors, even when faced with irrefutable evidence of the deleterious effects on his health that these habits inflicted.

Finally, it came to pass that the lion became so weak that he couldn't care for himself any longer. The Cub, now a lion with his own young pride to care for, would be expected to care for the old lion, though the old lion never tried to care for himself until it was too late. Faced with this responsibility, the cub began sometimes to despise the old lion's weakness, where before there had stood strength. He also despised himself for feeling this way, having known plenty of other lions who would gladly spend their time caring for parents taken away too early, regardless of their degree of curmudgeonliness.

The Old Lion had not imparted much wisdom onto his cub when he was young, preferring to be his friend when he needed a dad, and vice versa. However, in later years, he did in fact hold great influence over the cubs' decision making processes, simply because the cub was able to discern cause and effect, and make his own decisions accordingly. The cub loved the old lion dearly, but became determined not to put his own cubs into similar situations as he grew old.

The End, sort of.

Some times. All I need is the air that I breath.

Hat tip to the Hollies....

I am now on an 1800 calorie per day diet, courtesy of a rather stern Pulmonary doc. Apparently, I have severe sleep apnea, and I'm about to be fitted with a c/pap machine for the better to rest, my pretties. I am also expected to lose 2 1/2 inches off my neck, and I can no longer lift weights that exercise my delts, as apparently my manly man weight routine adds to the small problem of my starving for oxygen in the night. During my sleep test, I slept for a total of 413 minutes and had 348 waking episodes. in other words, I am awakened from REM sleep about once every minute and a half trying to catch my breath. At one point, I went 41 seconds without breathing. Scary stuff. Especially when the good dr. points out that this makes it imminently likely that I will die in my sleep without treatment, and pleasant dreams to ye.

#1 son and I had a good 30 minute session this morning. he was able to build on the scant sit up total from last week, mainly because I cajoled him into putting forth a little more effort.

not much to report today....

#1 son and I got up at 5:15 and did HRD & some basic lifting for about an hour today. I am still dismayed at #1's lack of strength in his core. We will be working diligently to get better at this in the coming months. We did some curl/heavy bag combos, so my arms are jelly as I type this. I am back to watching what I eat. I don't want to call it a diet, because that sounds so temporary and I am hoping to change my habits permanently. No beer since Sunday, but that string will likely come to an end tonight for Illinois vs. Maryland. Moderation is the key, he said hopefully.

here I go again...

Well, after taking most of the month of November off (call me the anti NaBloPoMo) from the blog, exercise, work, the family, etc., I guess I'm back in the old routine. I do have tasty venison in the freezer, and a certain mental calm that I always get after walking away from my responsibilities for a short period of time.

Went to HRD last night for the first time since late October, and every synapse in my body is firing off in complaint this morning. I've gained back several pounds from my low of 267, but I'm going to start working out regularly and see what i can do about it. I really need #1 son to get back into it so that I can stay the course. Wouldn't be prudent to deviate. ( Jesus, i'm channelling the Elder Bush!)

passions

As both of you loyal readers ( grin) know, I am a person of many passions. One of my strongest, which manifests itself every year around this time, is the pursuit of Odocoileus Virginianus, the White Tailed Deer. To this end, I decided this morning to run the trails that snake along the river in VG, hoping perhaps to catch a glimpse of a wayward buck or doe. The weather could not have been more perfect for a jog, the air still and crisp. The woods held that odor of falling leaves that says "It's time to find a tree stand to climb", stirring memories of long ago hunts with good friends and family.

I went for 1/2-3/4 of a mile, and I was amazed at the deer sign that was present. Technically, I was in town. 200 yards from my house, and there were rubs and tracks everywhere.

As a parent, I can only hope that my kids some day find something, anything to be passionate about. Maybe it will be hunting, or sports, or maybe I'll be lucky and it'll be computers, a la Jawad Karim. The one thing I do know is that life without passion would be pretty empty.

Back at it!!

Well...yesterday Katie Dog and I went for a nice 2 mile walk/run...emphasis on the run, for a change.

Many things have contributed to my lack of exercise over the last two weeks, but the main one is the VAST ARID SPACE where once my motivation resided. The wrist injury, cold weather leading to #1 son's lack of participation, Mother in law's illness and others in the litany were simply excuses that I allowed to derail me.

I am always amazed at how good I feel after a run or a lift. My whole outlook is generally better and I accomplish great things. Of course, yesterday this rosy view of life was quickly tempered when a brake line busted on my truck, almost sending me careening into oncoming traffic.

I've also gotten a better idea of my limitations. The 6 days a week exer-warrior thing was too much for my body, after years of beers & late night pizza feasts. I don't do well with chronic soreness. For the time being, 3-4 times a week is going to be my goal. Maybe by next spring I'll be ready to ramp it up. I am going to rest my wrist for the next couple weeks and then get back into it after thanksgiving. I'll continue to jog and try to watch my diet, so color me marginally motivated. I'm also in the market for a cheap treadmill so #1 son and I can work out together indoors.

VGFB math

The new math, according to VG FATBOY.

Beer+4 wheeler+log=Sprained wrist

Sprained wrist+cold mornings+lack of motivation=no exercise

no exercise+no youth sports=no blog entries

...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.

tenderfeet..

So Wednesday was NOT a good day in fatboy land. Suffice it to say that no exercise was performed, which might have been a good thing. The VGfatbody has been slowly deteriorating since I started this exercise regiment. To go from Jabba-esque couch potato to 6 days a week exerwarrior has proven to be tasking on the 40+ year old frame.

Anyway, did the tenderfoot test thing with #1 son on Thursday. I did 22 pushups. 12 situps. standing broad jump was 5'2", and I ran 400 meters in 2:20. Each of which is pretty bad, but at least the bar has been set.

Went for a leisurely walk/jog with #1 this morning. He had originally decided not to go, but hastened to catch up when he saw that I was going with or without him. Good boy.

Mini-me has started soccer, (with VGfatcoach) and is still practicing football, so our time is crazy. He survived his first practice with the bigger kids, and plays at Arcola Saturday night.

I hope to report some weight loss on Monday. I'm down 3lbs on the home scale. Hopefully this will be reflected on the contest scale. I'm going to TRY not to let my diet go crazy today.

Of beer, sleep, and exercise...

So, due to my backward progress last week, I've decided to lay off the suds until at least Friday...possibly Saturday. I spent a miserable tossing and turning night last night, awakened by every little noise in our house. Hmmmm....7-10 beers per night=sleep like a baby....no beers=no sleep. Coincidence, I THINK NOT!!!

On the bright side, I was raring to go for my weight training session this morning. Both Mini me and #1 son joined me. It wasn't the total fiasco it was the last time, but it had it's moments. MM would have loved to quit, but today I decided to encourage him to stick it out. After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, he stayed and had a decent workout.

We discovered that a neglected bow hunting target makes a fine impromptu punching bag. We would take turns doing sets of bicep curls and tricep extensions in rotation with punching the bag. My arms were pretty heavy by the time we stopped for stretching and sit ups.

Tomorrow I test for Tenderfoot Scout! I'm also doing sixth grade math for what seems like the first time. Of course, given my predilection for consuming nature's bounty when I was in sixth grade, I very well might be.

Well,now I'm pissed.

I gained two pounds, up to 270.1 at this week's weigh in. Not too surprising, as my diet had back slid. I was hoping that I could counter it through exercise, but obviously I didn't do enough. My nose is thoroughly against the grindstone this week, and if I don't drop a couple pounds, it won't be from a lack of trying.

Went for a solo run ( Katie dog went with me) this morning. I'm trying to stretch it out a bit and Monday mornings aren't pretty for #1 son. The boss and I decided that we will let him sleep in on Mondays. As part of his preparation for tenderfoot rank in Boy scouts, he has to be timed in the quarter mile and tested in pullups, pushups, and sit ups. We'll work on it for thirty days then re-test for improvement. I think I'll test myself also.

Mini-me's final "B" game of the season ended much as the previous six, with an L, 14-0 vs. Cerro Gordo. The entire team played flat as a fritter. I don't know if it's possible to instill passion in 9 yr olds. He had a nice solo tackle on a running back and assisted on one other tackle. He didn't get to play much in the second half, which was disappointing. He will now move up to the "lightweight" division for the next two weeks. There are some big boys (200+ lbs) in lightweights, so my 70lb son better be aware or he's going to get hurt. Of course, he's never going to be as big as most of the players on the field, so he might as well get used to it.

windsprint wednesday and thirsty thursday

#1 son, mini-me and I went to the school Wednesday morning and ran three sets of hills and a set of pyramids on the football field. After completing the pyramid, (10,20,30,40,50,40,30,20,10) #1 decided that we should sprint from goal line to goal line...what a GREAT idea. Talk about your basic 5 point palm exploding heart technique. If you happened to be outside, anywhere in the western hemisphere, at approximately 6 am, you probably felt the breeze as I sucked in air, trying to replenish the completely depleted 02 levels.

I introduced #1 son to the joys of weight lifting this morning. It went well, though he's in terrible shape for a 12 year old. Seeing him so out of shape so young is greater motivation than any personal goals I've set. Showed him the basics, (curls, tricep extensions, military press, squats) then threw in an impromptu HRD session to work up a good sweat.

I don't know or care, really, if all this exercise will be reflected in my Biggest Loser competition results. I do think that I'm setting an example for my children to follow and that has incredible value to me.

keep feeling....

Vacillation...with my sincerest apologies to the Human League.

So this morning I awoke, renewed in my dedication to working out, flush with a sense of dedication that I haven't felt for a while, and determined not to let anything or anyone stand in the way of my exercise sequence. Thusly motivated, I decided not to awaken the slumbering products of my holy union, choosing instead to let them remain enveloped in blissful repose.

I ventured forth into the garage, turned on XTRA 99.1 at reasonably loud volume, and proceeded to have an uninterupted 45 minute workout...no crying, complaining, arguing or self-injury. The best workout I've had in weeks......and it sucked, because my sons weren't there with me. So I guess that answers that question.

Tomorrow is windsprint Wednesday...so if you happen to be in VG at 5:30 a.m. ish, feel free to drop by the school. Fatty likes company. His sons do, too.

the horns of a dilemma

So today the only reason I rolled out of bed for my run was the fact that #1 son is my running partner. The problem is that my stamina is improving, making me want to go further and faster, and he's not willing to make the effort. He cries, moans and whines throughout the evolution, which is a major bummer to say the least. Ultimately, my workout was curtailed, but there probably wouldn't have been a workout at all if he wasn't involved, as bed was mighty toasty at 5 am. I am truly starting to think that the only resolution is to go twice a day. Yippee ki Yay.

In Big fat loser news...another 1.2 pounds fell by the wayside...bringing me to 268.1. Not nearly enough to be in the money, but a positive step nonetheless. The person who won the week has lost 10% of her body weight in two weeks...KUDOS to Cheryl for that!

Mini-me had the best game of his young football career, saving a touchdown by running a back down from behind. he also nailed the qb on an option, causing an errant pitch that was recovered by a teammate, and he had one other tackle. They lost to Argenta 8-0 however, as the offense continually shot itself in the foot at inopportune times. This saturday concludes his season. Alas, there will be no extra free time for the fatboy family as soccer starts next week. Sigh.

a stitch in time....

With the arrival of cooler weather, I am looking to increase the duration of my morning jog. This has caused considerable consternation for #1 son, my erstwhile running partner. He's started experiencing side stitches whenever we try to go for any distance longer than a block . I'm not certain how to address them.

Today's issues were compounded by the fact that mini-me went with us. He's a better runner than either #1 son or me, and this is a tremendous source of frustration for big brother, who seems to feel like he's entitled to being better based on the fact that he's older. That mini-me is constantly in motion, involved in every sport, is irrelevant to my bookish oldest. So now I'm faced with a dilemma. I enjoy the one on one time with #1, but I don't want to discourage mm, because he likes it and seems to have a genuine talent for it. Perhaps the fatboy will be going on TWO daily runs in the near future. Damned kids.

The hills are alive.....

With the sounds of fat boy squealing!!

Behind the VG school is an innocuous looking hill leading to the river. No more than 20-30 feet from top to bottom, it's a harmless little bump, really. Until you decide to run wind sprints up and down it. It then becomes a sinister, imposing vista as #1 son and I discovered this morning. 3 sets of up and downs before moving on to the football field for Wednesday wind sprints. We know how to party...the boy and I.

The boss is really trying to lay off the smokes...I am so proud of her efforts because I know LOTS about addictive behavior. The fatboy family will do everything we can to get her through this...hopefully without her taking one of us out!

lessons learned

#1 million....

When your martial arts instructor says "Let's have some fun!", feign injury or death! He finished last night's class with a 20 minute introduction to calisthenics that were surely designed by the Marquis de Sade, in consultation with Satan and Richard Simmons. The diamond push up, the "w" pushup and the "rope pull" were just three of the little beauties that we enjoyed last night. The fact that I desparately need the exercise did little to mitigate the agony.

I added another item to the long, long list of things that my spouse can do better than I last night. After the joyous exercise session had ended, it was time to clean the workout mats. This is accomplished by spreading a wet towel on the floor and bear crawling it from one end to the other. The boss is amazingly quick, flying back and forth like a kid. Meanwhile I floundered like, well, Flounder.

big fat loser

I managed to lose some weight (down to 269.3) first time I've been south of 270 in about a year.

Went for a great walk with #1 son this morning, then HRD tonight. Exercise is still something that I have to force myself to do, rather than something I want to do. I don't know if this mindset will ever change.

In noticias del Futbol Americano, VG lost to an inferior Arthur team 12-6. Gave up two long scoring runs in the first quarter, and then completely dominated the rest of the game, but couldn't score. Mini-me had three assists....still a little hesitant to put a hit on somebody, but at least he's not blatantly out of position, as he's been in the past.

general malaise

Is my commander in chief today.

Don't have much to report on the fitness front. Went and ran pyramids with #1 son on Wednesday. Didn't do squat today, and I'm skipping HRD tonight. I think I've got some sort of flu thing coming on. Can't afford to be sick now, but it is what it is.

It's official!!

I AM the VG fatboy. Weighed in at 273.2 pounds with a bmi north of 40. Not good, but it's not like I wasn't expecting something like this. I'll be posting regularly as we go along. Next weigh in is Sunday.

VG football lost to Sangamon Valley 22-8. Our "b" team played their lightweights. Apparently the only teams who have B teams don't have enough fourth graders to fill them, so we play 5th & 6th graders every week. Arthur, for example, had 6 fourth graders come out for the team, so next week we'll be playing older kids again. It's good experience, I suppose, but the boys are tired of losing.

kids

Sometimes my kids do things that truly shock and amaze me. This morning was one of those days.
Since the "new" has worn off of running with dad and school has started, it's become more and more of a struggle to get #1 son up and going in the morning. Today, I finally decided that I had to make a change. Of the hour I've alotted for exercise, I found myself spending 2/3 of it trying to cajole my kids into participating. So this morning, #1 started in with his litany of reasons why he couldn't go. I told him that I love him, but that no matter what the activity, eventually the motivation has to come from inside him, and that I would no longer push or prod (very much!) him. I left him standing with mouth agape about a block from our house while I continued on. I had made it about a block further when, without saying a word, he came flying breathlessly down the alley and we continued to the School where he participated fully and without complaint in the entire set of Pyramid sprints.

I don't think I've ever been prouder. He dug down inside and found the motivation to continue when it would have been far easier to go back to bed. It reinforces my belief that this kid can do special things if he continues to push himself.

possibilities

So, the boss and I both passed our Orange belt tests on Saturday. Instructor Lavigne had us holding some of our stances longer than the Sunsinger! During the q&a section of the test, he asked me what my future goals were for HRD. I hadn't given it much thought, but upon contemplation, I realized that if I were to achieve Black Belt status, it would mean that I had stayed with the program for at least 5 years and achieved a level of fitness that I could barely contemplate 6 months ago. It won't be easy, but it's possible and is in line with everything I'm trying to teach my kids....stuff like setting goals, giving maximum effort, being passionate about something, not quitting in the face of adversity....man stuff.

In football news, VG fell to 0-3 at the hands of South Piatt. The good news is that their best player is actually from Monticello, so won't be playing for them next year. The bad news is that we'll play Monticello next year. Mini-me had a so-so effort. He had one tackle but was singled out for praise for his pass coverage.

"Biggest loser" weigh in is Saturday, so I had contemplated being a complete slug all week to try to gain a few pounds. I'm on too big a roll right now, exercise-wise, so I decided not to sand bag.

light day today...

#1 son and I went about a mile and a half today....alternating walking and running. We're going to ramp it up over the course of the next few months...hopefully we'll be able to complete the circuit without walking by the time the weather drives us in for Winter.

My energy levels have been increasing incrementally since I've started a regular exercise program. It's only 45 minutes to an hour every day, but I can tell it's making a difference.

In the next few weeks, we'll be making adjustments to our diet (helpful stock tip... if you own Anheuser-Busch, SELL!) as i gear up for Biggest Loser weigh in, next Sunday.

How to tell when your workout is going to suck....

The scene...FATBOY garage. The time...6:00 am. The players...Fatboy, #1 son, and mini me

FB: "Ok guys, let's start out with some exercises like we start with at HRD...10 jumping jacks, ready begin!"
#1 : I Cannnn't.
MM: ..makes feeble, uncoordinated attempt.
FB:Ok..toe touches....Spread your feet out....one,two,
#1: "I'm so tired."
MM 'It hurts...."
FB: Ok...let's do some push ups...ten..ready begin.
#1...does one rep, then collapses.
MM: does 4 good ones...then collapses.
#1 then cries that he doesn't want to be there.
FB: "Guys, if you don't want to be here, you can leave. I don't want you doing something you don't want to do and ending up never liking it, ok?"
#1 "You make me stay in band and I don't like THAT!"
MM: "It's not fair!"
FB: What's not fair?
MM:......
FB: "Ok...tricep extensions"
#1 hits head with weight, cries.
MM: ...one rep, cries, too heavy.

More comedy, including falling from an exercise ball and the hitting of one's head on concrete while doing a situp insues....

FB: Ok, that's good for the day. Why don't you guys go in and get a drink.

The great pyramids, etc

So this morning I was accompanied by both mini-me and #1 son to the football field for round two of "fatty runs wind sprints". Pyramids are a particularly nice form of torture because you start out so slowly and gradually increase distances until you're wheezing like the orange blossom special.

The boys continue to be my inspiration as I don't want them to A) have to bury me prematurely because of something I might have been able to avoid, or B) follow in my junk food scarfing, beer guzzling footsteps all the way to 300lbs.

The boss and I are officially taking our belt test this weekend. We had to re-schedule due to mini-me's 3'oclock game in Atwood. We've also joined the "warrior's path" version of HRD...which is really cool because now we get to play with WEAPONS!!

of belt tests, weigh ins, etc

Went for an easy walk with #1 son yesterday, then HRD, (heavy on the kicks) and my legs feel like lead today.

The boss and I will be taking our first belt test on saturday. I know the material, just hope I don't choke under pressure!

Mini me has asked that I get him up on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I lift....today was the first day. Mostly pushups, sit ups, and bridges, with some light weight work thrown in.

Weighed myself yesterday. Despite drinking gallons of beer and eating poorly late at night, I've lost 17 lbs since the nadir. Part of me wishes this could be counted for Biggest loser. Alas......

Big, bad Monticello defeated the home forces 34-12. Gave up way too many big plays on runs around the end. Mini me did have a couple tackles....including one where he jumped on the backs' head, just before the whistle. :-)

#1 son

Has been inspiring me to run 3x per week for the last month now. I know that I wouldn't stick it out without him. I really enjoy just being alone with him for 45 minutes to an hour. We don't go hard or far, generally, but it's a hoot and I encourage everyone to spend one on one time with their kids.

Mini-me has his second game this week, and the JFL is to show their support for the Varsity by attending their game tonight, so it's wall to wall football for the "FATBOY Clan" this weekend.

Things to do when you have a death wish....

a. tell your spouse she's got an a$$ big enough to watch movies on.
b. call her by her sister's name during lovey time.
c. Go to the football field at 5:30 am and run pyramid wind sprints with your 11 year old son.

I chose c. this morning. My legs may never be the same again. After nearly passing out at HRD Monday, I decided to do something really, really silly. Ran pyramids, then did pushups on the bleachers. Of course any possible caloric benefit was negated by the GI-NORMOUS Chicken Fajita Quesadilla and bowl of chips & salsa that I consumed at EL Toro II this afternoon.

Que sera sera.

of sparring, and soreness

We put on the gear and sparred for the first time in HRD last night. I thought my heart was going to explode! What an incredible workout. Plus, the boss can really kick hard!
I would recommend some form of martial arts to anyone who is interested in getting into shape. It will be interesting to see how far we go with it. #1 son loves it, so as long as his interest doesn't wain, I think we'll stay involved.

weekend wrapup

Although it wasn't quite as painful as the New Year's eve massacre, Mini me lost his first football contest Saturday, by a count of 6-0, to the dreaded Unity Rockets. He did a fine job of covering the receivers, but was out of position on a few tackles. He did manage to pop the QB once on a running play.

Went for a 1/2 hour walk with the #1 son this morning. Will do HRD tonight. I'm really looking forward to "biggest loser", since I have no intrinsic motivation.

15 great years!

I can't believe she's been raising me for 15 years! I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. Of course, life has intervened and I have volunteered to make myself available to counsel the displaced factory workers from Rantoul and she gets to clean the concession stand and rest rooms at the football field in preparation for #2 son's first game this Saturday, so we'll get to spend about an hour together alone tonight.

test image post....

Exercise can KILL you!

Went to Hwa Rang Do (henceforth known as HRD) class for the first time in 6 weeks last night. Every body part is screaming right now. On the bright side, I think I'm ready to test for Orange belt.

#1 son needs to strengthen his upper body. Can't do pushups or situps. I told him we're going to incorporate those exercises into the end of our training runs. This pronouncement was met with less than stark raving enthusiasm.


Julie, (henceforth known as "The Boss") is amazing. She is really good at HRD. So if there was ever any doubt about her ability to kick my a$$, it's pretty much dispelled now.

The reasoning behind the blog

A very motivated, beautiful young lady runs a dance studio in my home town, and for the second year in a row, she is running a contest for the citizenry, based on the "biggest loser" TV show. I've decided to enter, and I figure a public record of my efforts might spur me on to greater effort, if not expose me to public ridicule.

Weigh in night is September 8. Last year's winner lost 54 pounds. I am shooting for 75 in one year. Wish me luck!

So I've got a blog now.

I AM SOMEBODY! hEE HEE!!