I did today what I'd surreptitiously scolded others for doing: I kept standing naked on the scale wishing for a lower number, when patience is actually in order.
My scale said 260, then 260.5, then fluttered back to 260.0. My digital scale turns off for a brief moment, calculates body fat, and then returns with the numbers: 260.5 and 36.0% BFat. Go back to sitting on the toilet, praying for more "departure." This is nonsensical behavior on my part. Because I'm eating ~2,000 calories per day on average, and I'm riding 80 miles a week and swimming once a week I'm losing weight. I also realize it's not at all smart to try to measure weight loss day-to-day. . . way too many variables for it to be at all accurate. [Better to measure quarter-to-quarter or month-to-month.] Even better is to keep a moving average of the past 14 days of weight (I did this before).
Otherwise, one ends up heading to the scale 5 times per day. . . the hour-to-hour measure is clearly out of bounds: It simply doesn't matter. One's body takes on water, let's it out, takes in food, processes it, and let's it back out.
FOODSTUFFS
I've noticed a few interesting things about what I'm eating these days. Two rather large salads these days (often with black beans, since the beans are served hot on the salad with salsa it makes it more tasty). So, I'm going through lettuce pretty quickly, but not eating as much fruit.
I know in the past years I think I committed a basic mistake: I think I basically ate whatever I wanted, but also ate what was "required": Several servings of fruit a day, plus some veggies, plus some protein here and there. So, now, I'm trying to fit the fruit and veggies within the ~1,800 calories (+/- 200 cals) allotment I've given myself. Since I've taken off about 5-10 pounds, it must be somewhat accurate.
k
Monday, May 31, 2004
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Keeping to the Plan
Measure progress month-by-month rather than day-by-day.
Though it's nearly impossible to do, the real way to track lost weight (actually, more importantly is lower body fat) is to track it on a monthly or quarterly moving average, rather than day-to-day. It's ironic that most people who are trying to lose weight have spent years putting weight on, but would like it to come off in a week or two (obviously, if we were able to lose it in a few weeks, we would have done so by now).
I fully realize I'm in it for the long haul. Since I weighed 261 as of today, I'm willing to set weight loss goals at the outset of 2-4 pounds per week; though I realize the doctrine is normally no more than one pound per week, I don't think that holds for those who are >240 pounds. . . it's all relative. As I become lighter, into the 220s, 230s perhaps, I'll either naturally slow down or increase calories to slow the loss down.
In the beginning of may I typically weighted between 268-272, so that I'm now at between 260-262, so I've lost something like 6-12 pounds. In order to make data collection easier for myself I've taken a wipe board and taped it onto my frig. I track what I eat at each meal on it, and also track weight and body fat. I have a seperate exercise log to track my output. I'll try to post a picture at some point.
I've also taken a picture of my body (no face) at my "height" of 270 or so. (I took it into the bathroom mirror). Having been down this path before (how much info to make public) I'll try to share as much as I can about my journey but not so much that my identity is given away. I wouldn't want people in my graduate program to know about what I'm doing, as I'd find it a tad embarassing.
I suppose it's an interesting difference between men and women to some degree. For me, to admit I'm on a diet says to the word that I'm overweight (ok, by the numbers I'm obese). That's embarassing. Indeed, I'd rather not tell anyone I'm on a diet (and by the way I haven't told anyone, family nor friends), because I **do** find it embarassing. I do recall after I lost about 40 pounds while at TH on east coast Pat asked whether I "had lost weight." I refused to admit to it -- even though I had. Actually I may have given her the "I probably lost a few pounds because I've been riding my bike more." When I'd actually lost about 40 pounds. I think women would be dancing around at their weight loss -- for me, to do so, admitted that I didn't look like other people and it made me feel bad. So to avoid it all, I simply didn't talk about it. Others didn't talk about it either so it made it all easier.
I must admit I had this secret hope that today would be the day I would slip underneath 260 pounds into the 250s, but, alas, it didn't happen. I also realize this is the wrong way to consider things: Much better to do things one step at a time. . . let the weight come off with reduced calories and a decent quantum of exercise.
EXERCISE
Hopefully up on the bike for ~100 miles per week. I managed 56 miles so far this week and I have a 22 miler scheduled for today. I also swam 2000 yards. In the next two weeks I'd like to increase mileage to 100 miles per week (probably 4x25 miles and 1 swim day; or 3x28 and 1x15, and one swim day). I think my plan is to maintain up to 2 days of swimming and 100 miles per week on the computrainer and then, slowly mix in some running, one day at first, and then two days, and then slowly but surely increase the miles. The truth is, running when you're overweight does sort of beat the hell out of one's body. But, it's also a great calorie burn.
Potential solutions to running when overweight:
1) treadmills;
2) running in a pool (not very effective in the end);
3) step aerobics (pretty good in my experience);
4) tennis (time consuming exercise "bang for the buck though" -- but I love to play);
5) walking up steep hills/hiking (always the mountain by the sign -- but this is a bit time consuming);
One of the real plusses of running is this: It's pretty easy and fulfilling to do it before work/school: throw on some gear, grab a visor and head out. Even slow runners @ 10-12 min miles can run 3 miles in 30-36 mins. So the whole workout, including shower and "get ready" time can be accomplished within an hour.
GOALS
It's still my goal to drop from ~270 down to 170 or so. At the classic pound a week it will take approximately 2 years. And probably a few dozen markers for my wipe board :-).
k
Though it's nearly impossible to do, the real way to track lost weight (actually, more importantly is lower body fat) is to track it on a monthly or quarterly moving average, rather than day-to-day. It's ironic that most people who are trying to lose weight have spent years putting weight on, but would like it to come off in a week or two (obviously, if we were able to lose it in a few weeks, we would have done so by now).
I fully realize I'm in it for the long haul. Since I weighed 261 as of today, I'm willing to set weight loss goals at the outset of 2-4 pounds per week; though I realize the doctrine is normally no more than one pound per week, I don't think that holds for those who are >240 pounds. . . it's all relative. As I become lighter, into the 220s, 230s perhaps, I'll either naturally slow down or increase calories to slow the loss down.
In the beginning of may I typically weighted between 268-272, so that I'm now at between 260-262, so I've lost something like 6-12 pounds. In order to make data collection easier for myself I've taken a wipe board and taped it onto my frig. I track what I eat at each meal on it, and also track weight and body fat. I have a seperate exercise log to track my output. I'll try to post a picture at some point.
I've also taken a picture of my body (no face) at my "height" of 270 or so. (I took it into the bathroom mirror). Having been down this path before (how much info to make public) I'll try to share as much as I can about my journey but not so much that my identity is given away. I wouldn't want people in my graduate program to know about what I'm doing, as I'd find it a tad embarassing.
I suppose it's an interesting difference between men and women to some degree. For me, to admit I'm on a diet says to the word that I'm overweight (ok, by the numbers I'm obese). That's embarassing. Indeed, I'd rather not tell anyone I'm on a diet (and by the way I haven't told anyone, family nor friends), because I **do** find it embarassing. I do recall after I lost about 40 pounds while at TH on east coast Pat asked whether I "had lost weight." I refused to admit to it -- even though I had. Actually I may have given her the "I probably lost a few pounds because I've been riding my bike more." When I'd actually lost about 40 pounds. I think women would be dancing around at their weight loss -- for me, to do so, admitted that I didn't look like other people and it made me feel bad. So to avoid it all, I simply didn't talk about it. Others didn't talk about it either so it made it all easier.
I must admit I had this secret hope that today would be the day I would slip underneath 260 pounds into the 250s, but, alas, it didn't happen. I also realize this is the wrong way to consider things: Much better to do things one step at a time. . . let the weight come off with reduced calories and a decent quantum of exercise.
EXERCISE
Hopefully up on the bike for ~100 miles per week. I managed 56 miles so far this week and I have a 22 miler scheduled for today. I also swam 2000 yards. In the next two weeks I'd like to increase mileage to 100 miles per week (probably 4x25 miles and 1 swim day; or 3x28 and 1x15, and one swim day). I think my plan is to maintain up to 2 days of swimming and 100 miles per week on the computrainer and then, slowly mix in some running, one day at first, and then two days, and then slowly but surely increase the miles. The truth is, running when you're overweight does sort of beat the hell out of one's body. But, it's also a great calorie burn.
Potential solutions to running when overweight:
1) treadmills;
2) running in a pool (not very effective in the end);
3) step aerobics (pretty good in my experience);
4) tennis (time consuming exercise "bang for the buck though" -- but I love to play);
5) walking up steep hills/hiking (always the mountain by the sign -- but this is a bit time consuming);
One of the real plusses of running is this: It's pretty easy and fulfilling to do it before work/school: throw on some gear, grab a visor and head out. Even slow runners @ 10-12 min miles can run 3 miles in 30-36 mins. So the whole workout, including shower and "get ready" time can be accomplished within an hour.
GOALS
It's still my goal to drop from ~270 down to 170 or so. At the classic pound a week it will take approximately 2 years. And probably a few dozen markers for my wipe board :-).
k
Friday, May 28, 2004
Weight Loss
I actually was down to 260 as of yesterday 05-27-04. That would mean I lost something like 5-7 pounds in a week of strong effort.
Started working PT for government entity last week. That'll be fun. . . but I'll need to keep what I eat in check. . . I think I've finally gotten to that point of disgust so that I can finally try to grab ahold of my obese body and move it back to "healthy" weight, whatever the hell that really means.
Also, I signed up for a speed dating event last week; I went to the venue and I just couldn't do it (I'd done a few of these in the past). I promised myself when I dropped to 230 I'd do one. 30 pounds to lose.
Oh Yea, rode down to school in shorts and noticed my shorts were loose. . . always a good sign. . .
k
Started working PT for government entity last week. That'll be fun. . . but I'll need to keep what I eat in check. . . I think I've finally gotten to that point of disgust so that I can finally try to grab ahold of my obese body and move it back to "healthy" weight, whatever the hell that really means.
Also, I signed up for a speed dating event last week; I went to the venue and I just couldn't do it (I'd done a few of these in the past). I promised myself when I dropped to 230 I'd do one. 30 pounds to lose.
Oh Yea, rode down to school in shorts and noticed my shorts were loose. . . always a good sign. . .
k
THE HISTORY
I’m obese.
It’s incredibly frustrating. More so than words can describe.
My BMI index is ~32, and my body fat index is approximately 32% as well. I’m 5’9.5” and weigh 267 pounds. Despite my appearance, I have phenomenol exercise habits.
Despite Herculean physical efforts, continued over a course of approximately 14 years, I am once again obese. I have considered surgery, though it seems like a waste to me. I’ve had two strong showings that I can drop large amounts of weight and maintain the new weight for months or years (wrestling, I regularly dropped 30 pounds, 200 in football, to 167 for wrestling). And, in adult life, going from 230, to 180 (or so) for competition in triathlon and marathons.
I wrestled 167 pounds in high school. I weight 267 pounds now, 15 years later. When I turned 20, a scant two years after high school, I’d already gained 63 pounds (weight: 230 pounds). I decided then and there that I would affect a lifestyle change. And I did.
I dropped back down to 185 pounds (and then later down to 170) by about the age of 22 (circa 1991). I did it through caloric restriction, and extreme amounts of exercise: I took up triathlon and ran a marathon in 1991. In 1992 I completed a half-ironman (1.2 miles swim / 56 miles cycling / 13.1 miles running). I was in superior shape and weighed about 180. I had a 34 inch waist and felt great. [both mentally, physically, and I actually had relatively high self-esteem; so much so that I began a long love affair for approximately 10 years. I think there’s a reality that had I remained at 230-240 pounds, I would not have had the opportunity to have that relationship.]
My mindset at that point was that if some triathlon training was good, more triathlon training would be better. With that attitude I eventually burned out and stopped the volume of training (probably 20-25 hours per week of training). Shortly thereafter I started college (I was 24).
Nonetheless, all through my 20s I maintained a VERY active exercise regiment: I actively cycled, ran and swam: I commuted on my bike to work for numerous years on the east coast, ~10 miles round trip per day. Plus I regularly ran a few days a week and was at the pool once or twice a week.
Here’s what I can remember (pieced together from recollection and some sporadic exercise logs):
MY HISTORY IN FITS AND STARTS
I was always an active kid. During the 6-12 year old period of life I participated in soccer and wrestling. I had no interest in baseball and couldn’t yet participate in football.
By age 13, junior high, I participated in organized athletics of wrestling and football. The season for these two sports roughly spanned August to February. March to August of the following year were generally spent running and lifting to ensure I would reenter the football season “in-shape.” (the exception to that being my transition year from Junior to Senior year, where I worked pouring concrete all summer).
Nonetheless, between my freshman and sophomore year in high school I spent the entire summer lifting weights 4-5 times per week and running 5 miles each and every day (I believe I ran 89 out of ~90 days). I was an over-achiever in that regard. [Years later re-confirmed the mileage by driving a rental car over my past route and it was in fact a 2.5 mile out and back run]. I ran with no sun screen, and without a shirt. My preference was to run at the hottest part of the day: Noon.
I was highly motivated.
Wrestling season ended my senior year, 1987, at 18 years of age, with me weighing 169 pounds. I believe when tested for body fat during my senior year of wrestling I was approximately 11-13% body fat. I graduated from high school in May of 1987. By that point, I would guess I weighed approximately 185 pounds. I believe during football season of my senior year I weighed ~195 pounds. I wasn’t skinny but I wasn’t super fat either (my guess ~20% body fat). [I vaguely recall being tested at the beginning and middle of wrestling season].
In any event, between graduation (May-87) and my moving to NYCity (September-88), I had virtually no exercise regimen. Prior to this point in my life, my focus had always been upon improving my position in next year’s competitive sports arena (i.e, football or wrestling). Now that there was no longer a future football or wrestling season to train for, all training ceased.
By January of 1989 I lived in Jersey City. Shortly after arriving in Jersey City I woke up one day and realized that I was over 200 pounds and I was gaining weight, because of a sedentary lifestyle. I was completely uneducated when it came to nutrition (I later read a fantastic book by Jane Brody on nutrition – a nutrionist for the NYTimes). I changed eating habits to accommodate better nutrition (I switched from whole milk to skim milk, I stopped buying Trix, bought better bread, eased up on the mayo and I stopped eating large quantities of red meat).
THE BEGINNING OF AN ADULT LIFE OF EXERCISE
I remember first looking at a map and deciding that I would run 1 mile. I ran a half mile down my street and back. It left me out of breath and took probably more than 10 minutes. I found that I actually enjoyed running and starting doing more of it.
That summer, I entered my first running race, a 4 miler. I ran a crazy like 32 min race (oh to have young legs again). I believed I trained for this race, knowing that I had to be able to run 12 miles a week to complete it. I remember feeling amazed that I could run four miles, because no one had ever told me that running 4 miles is really almost nothing if one trains for a running race. The running craze was really full-on at that time, and many people were capable of running four miles (it was more a psychological and than physical barrier). Nonetheless, I ran superfast for me.
Shortly thereafter or even concurrently I purchased a mountain bike for ~$400. A white raliegh which was unfortunately stolen in a matter of minutes in front of Tower records (and to make matters worse, I’d only owned the bike a week or two when it was stolen. I’ve always been angered by this, even more than a decade later).
I quickly repurchased a second bike, a black Raleigh that I kept as part of my bike collection for more than 10 years (eventually the seat post rusted into the seat tube. . . at too low a level so I stripped it of its parts and threw the frame away when I moved cross country).
By 1991 I had purchased a black and pink cannondale road bike. Within the first week or so of owning it, my wheel feel into the crease of a public deck, and I went over the bars. In the process, I cracked the frame. I purchased a new red cannondale bike in ~1991. That bike lasted 12 years and probably at least ~8,000 miles.
Shortly thereafter, I rode a Century ride (130 miles in one day) using the red cannondale. The ride was cool, but wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. A few weeks later I participated in my first triathlon @ Lake Sebago (0.5 mile swim; 14 mile bike, 5 mile run). I was strongest in the run by far (times/averages:
Swim ½ mile: 14.17.30;
Bike 15 miles: 57.33 (15.65 mph!!!!);
Run: 5 miles: 41.32.08 (8:20 miles!).
[For comparison: I would expect if I were to ride the course again today I would likely have the following times/averages: ~12 min swim; ~19 mph bike average (Unless hilly then 16 or 17 mph avg); and probably a 50 min run time (in competition I can usually maintain 10 minute miles, sometimes down into the low 9s in tris).
I think by 1991 I probably weighed up to about 230 pounds. I believe there was a time I recall that I wouldn’t have been able to wrestle even heavyweight in high school wrestling (limit: 230) and it scared me a bit. Running took the weight off.
For 1991 I completely probably 4-5 triathlons and scheduled myself for the NYCity marathon. I complete the marathon in Nov-1991.
In 1991 I was the thinnest since I was in high school. A few weeks before the marathon I got completely sick (from overtraining) and was eventually hospitalized due to severe dehydration. My recollection is that I lost 10% of my bodyweight in ~24 hours, dropping from ~180 pounds, to 162 pounds. Lighter than I had been during wrestling season of my senior year. I maintained approximately 180 pounds for the next year or so, through militant caloric intake and large doses of exercise.
In 1992 I completed several triathlons early in the season and also completed my first and only half ironman at Tupper Lake. It was a brutal training season that had me doing the following weekly miles:
Swim: ~5,000 yards a week;
Bike: ~150 miles a week;
Run: ~40 miles per week.
My thinking then, was that I wanted to have 300% in each of the disciplines. I do remember doing an unsupported century ride as part of my training that summer. And also thinking that if some was good, more was better and crazy amounts were perfect.
I believe between 1991 and 1992 I purchased a wind trainer [now I have a computrainer which I love; also love rollers, but sold those on ebay long time ago; I’m considering repurchasing a set] and used that on and off. AS well, I had a step which I used intermittently (usually when it was raining outside and I couldn’t run, I would stay in and do the step routine). I only later sold it on eBay (years later). [also considering rebuying a step for more variety].
In 1992 or 1993, I started commuting by bike, most every day of the year, except for crazy snow, to PL, and then later to BG [firms] (I could put my bike in the basement) and then finally at [MK – firm]. By the time I was at MK I was a daily commuter and didn’t ride in only the most extreme weather. This was 1994. [And I do remember my boss commenting at one point about my weight gain saying: “I’m seeing more of you these days. You’re getting fat.”]
After completing the Herculean training and other regiments for the half ironman in 1992 I remained ~175 pounds, but still desired single digit body fat measurements (I was probably 11-13% at 175 pounds).
But after completing the half-ironman I had completely burned myself out. I think originally the plan was to do a half iron in 1992 and then an ironman in 1993. But, I stopped training nearly as hard and only ran sporadically. I know I still rode my bike(s) but just not as often as I had done before. I do remember f [BOSS] commented that he was “seeing more of me” and G had said in an interview when I put in my resume that I was an avid triathlete that I seemed “pudgy to him.” So, I was certainly gaining back weight I’d lost in 1991 and 1992 during 1993-4. I have no firm recollection of particpaitng in triathlon events during 93-4; nor do I remember going for those two years without any events.
1993-1994. During these 24 months or so, I think I did most of my step aerobics work. I worked out with the video provided quite regularly; particularly in my studio apartment [not a great dancer, but there’s no shame in dancing when no one can see you]. Also, I did stationary bike training indoors [but the unit from performance was crap; years later they gave me a full refund and I purchased rollers. Highly recommend rollers for an incredible workout].
By the fall of 1994, the shit had hit the fan. I entered [ART COLLEGE] and began working full-time at TH.. My training plan was virtually non-existent. Though, I think I did maintain a modicum of exercise (maintaining a membership at the Y for swimming). I do remember some sporadic runs around Fenway park by where I lived. But given my 80+ hour a week work/school schedule, exercise was still alive, but few and far between. I also remember doing some rides but not many. I don’t believe I competed at all during my tenure at ART COLLEGE. I also remember several trips to Filenes to purchase 36 in waist; then 38s, then 40s. It was pretty humiliating. I was the weight loss preacher who gained back the weight.
1995 and 1996 were years I attended [art college] (I graduated Dec-96). I also remember riding many days down to [OTHER SCHOOL] for a summer class too (now that I recall, I rode down to [school] then up Ave, to second school.
I think I worked nights until approximately 1998. I know I did some bike commuting during this period. And some aerobics and some bike conditioning indoors. I think by 1998 I was living in [east coast north] and was actively training for triathlons. Doing lots of rides out into Newton. I know at one point I involved C-and-F in a race.
I remember: In may of 1998, I was injured in a bicycle/car accident which kept me out of the entire triathlon season (broken leg and bone in my hand. . . hand wasn’t cured until Jan-99).
May of 1999 again, another injury (over the bars on the way to interview artist. . . ), and broke collarbone, concussion and ribs. Out of work and triathlon for the summer.
During 1998 and 1999, whilst in [band], I specifically recall scheduling rehearsals for 730p, so that I could ride from the office to the YMCA and then still make rehearsal. So, I know I was swimming at least two days a week at the Y. And, oh yea, at some point I discovered the Y in military Charlestown hotel and the north end and swimming in the summer. C and I did lots of stuff there. Also lots of training out at wp (Yes, now that I think about it, I did several unofficial triathlons out there, with zipcars for the home base. And a few with my old beat up Toyota truck. I had a course laid out there to ride, run and do open water swims. . .
2000: First year Curt and I did triathlons. Probably did 6 or so this year.
2001: Last summer in Boston . Completed numerous ~6 triathlons;
2002: California triathlon season. Probably completed 5 triathlons; Upon arrival starting taking tennis lessons and began to play in an organized league. Probably played ~100 tennis matches from 09-01 to 09-02. Originally planned upon training and competing in half-ironman up in Oceanside, but gave that up. Also scheduled for marathon in January for san diego, but decided against that as well. . . the big factor was tennis, but even more so than tennis was my newfound passion for surfing. I found it much more enjoyable to surf than to train for triathlons – hence, my half-ironman strategy failed. (Indeed, I had even hired MP as a coach, but gave it up).
I also recall completing a run in Balboa park upon first arriving; and shortly after that the mud run up at Pendleton (to date by far, the hardest 10k I’ve ever done. . . ).
2002-2003, the first year I volunteered as a wrestling coach. Lots of live wrestling with the kids and an extreme amount of exercise in this endeavor. (worked both with tp and with the kids out at s high school).
2003. Numerous triathlons scheduled this year. Lots of training. Also started weight training this year in addition to other activities. Also started doing yoga to promote greater “overall” health.
• * *
THOUGHTS ON EXERICSE HISTORY ABOVE
The one thing that is clear to me. I enjoy exercise, otherwise there wouldn’t be this much of it. There’s a wide range of activity I enjoy and being as physically active as I’ve been might have just saved my life.
Let’s consider for a moment, 16 years of consistent 4x per week exercise
16 years * 52 weeks per year * 4 x per week = 3,328 exercise sessions.
Just so I can use round numbers, I’m going to say an hour per session, and 400 calories per hour.
400 calories * 3,328 exercise sessions = 1.33 million kCals.
1.33 million kCal / 3500 = 380 pounds.
And even if we say, that 400 calories per session, but it increased appetite by 200 cals per session, we’re still talking about 190 pounds. The range, in this simplistic version, is by this consistent 16 years of exercise has kept somewhere between 200 and 400 pounds off of my body (so I’d weigh either 460 or 660 pounds). Kind of scary when I consider it. Even if it only kept 100# off of me, that’s still 360 pounds, well into the territory of requiring surgical intervention or high risk of early demise.
So, be thankful for that.
[but there’s a flaw in this logic just revealed to me: Perhaps the exercise caused the excess consumption of calories; without the exercise, I would have eaten fewer calories and not gained as much weight; nonetheless, probably still better to have the multi-year exercise history behind you. . . . ].
• * *
One of the areas pointed out to me in recent web research though is this: 70% of calories are burned via our so-called basal metabolic rate – the calories we use to regulate heat, and to move around an apartment. BMR is more inherited than not.
SOL.UTIONS
It’s my current belief that my solution must be nutrional limitations. Instead of eating 4000 calories per day, you’ll likely need to reduce it to 2,000 cals. The only way to really do this is to track it. . .
I have just gotten crosstrainer the updated version which should help in tracking daily calories. Hopefully I can use that to gain hold of how many calories I put into my body and how that jives with the calories consumed via BMR and exercise and the like. . .
[crosstrainer was unfortunately a bust. It was just a headache to get it all into the program. Trying to keep track of rough numbers on my frig these days. . . ]
New plan is to record it on a wipe board on fridge, and then take photos of that to track trends and I can go back and track data if I feel that it’s necessary. I may post a photo or two of what my wipe boards look like.
1987: wrestled 167 senior year. Thanksgiving ’87, ate at T’s place. Remember there was an issue because I was going to wear sweat pants because jeans barely fit. Probably up around 200 pounds.
1988: Worked with T buying and selling cars. No exercise program whatsoever at this point post-high school. Certainly depressed given the oppressive home scene. Move on Labor Day weekend 1988.
1989: Worked at LD until December of ’88. By 1989 I began working at SC as a messenger. Did that through ’89 and then by 1990 I think I was a clerk. Think I was still gaining weight at this point. Probably 220 or so. I remember being embarrassed when I was fit with the blue smurf suit. And happy when I was able to get rid of it when I became a clerk.
1990: I vaguely remember buying new clothes (perhaps 36 or 38 inch waist) at this point. Sex with j, I was 20 and she was 30. So, this should have been sometime previous to mar – 90. I seem to recall it was the haloween day parade. . which would have been oct-89. which mean, that I didn’t work for Sullivan for long. I think I definitely worked for Sullivan for over a year. . . there was Linda and then there was carmel and then diane (or something). Allen and I met everybody up there that one night. . . so maybe I was 21, that would seem to make more sense.
1991: My first running race. . . 5 miles, relatively untrained I ran a 38 min time, 7:40s or so. That’s crazy (I run about 12 minute training miles these days). Four or five triathlons during the year. NYC Marathon at the end. Joey and I lived together for some period of time here. I moved from Jersey city to the village. Then from the village to lower east side.
Weight, guess: I probably began it at roughly 230, then eventually dropped by marathon time to ~180 (got quite sick a few weeks before marathon [I’m convinced I was WAY overtrained]. . . and lost 10% of my weight, which put me at about 162-165; I remember because it was the first time since high school that I could have wrestled my at my high school wrestling weight.).
1992: I prepare and ran a half ironman. This burned me out on triathlon. If a half was good a double ironman was better. It was too much in the end. I know in 1991 I started out swimming at the Hoboken Y and then switched over to the Y on 47th street before work usually.
1993: I believe I started working for some period at BG, and continued to swim, now at lunch at the 47th street Y – a short walk from work. Started going to FIT I believe. [I think I started with summer school and didn’t do any triathlons because I was tied up with school and band rehearsals. Also started playing with Lucan about this time. Actually, I was still working at BGSS, because Peter came down to a gig when we played at Brownies.]
1994: By this point I worked for Fisher. Aug ‘ 94 moved north to go to art school. Decided to continue regular workouts but decided not to compete in tris while going to college because of the commitment of working full time and going to school full time. I did manage, miraculously, to put in about 2-2.5 workouts per week as I recall.
I seem to recall joey came up to see me during thanksgiving break and proclaimed that I’d “gained weight.” We broke up after that trip (I think she had another squeeze for a while). We got back together later. I remember her getting on that bus at the old bus station. It was ugly. I was in this new town, I didn’t particularly like school, but by the time I’d figured that out, I was already half way done and unwilling to give up.
1995: Another year of school. I also rode my bike to school often, the 1.0 mile commute. Also remember running around fenway park, especially when it was cold outside. Largely rode the train to work and took cabs home. My boss and I would sometimes go out to eat after work at midnight and it was nearly gluttonous at some points.
1996: Graduated college in December of 1996. Vivid recollections of regular workouts in the pool at the Y on Huntington through school. (I maintained a membership at the Y, so I must have used it with some regularity; I seem to recall I even tgot a student discount.).
1997: Curt and I became friends in the summer. I was still working nights as I recall. In late 1997 or 98, I threatened to sue TH for sex discrimination, and was moved to days.
I think in 1997 I ballooned up to my highest weight ever, 295 pounds, after late night pizzas and little exercise because of demanding work/school schedule. But it could have been 98 or 99. Seems like 97, because it was the impetus that got me to give exercise a harder more definite look and pushed me back toward tris. I think that was what happened in 98/99, I was pushing forward for tri seasons, which would makes ense. I do remember, I easily came down from 295 to 250 [basically through pure exercise]
Actually, now I do remember, because pat asked me whether I had lost weight, right after I had started working days. . . So it must have been end of ’97 that I was at my largest, when I weighed 295. The first five months of 1998, ahhh, I remember, I floated that time, and I was riding to work too. . . regularing running, because I had a more regular schedule. . . and I was totally preparing for tris.
1998: May 1998, I was hit after moving into 19 Lin and was unable to race that season, because of my broken leg – didn’t heal until ’99, because I had to have hand surgery.
1999 – May 1999, second major accident – concussion after going over the bars. No racing that season. Better by late august. I remember this is when I first discovered Walden pond I believe.
I think in late ’99 I joined the FIVEs. I left in roughly the summer of ’01; I think we played together for 1.5 years, so that seems about right, I would have joined right about nov/dec 1999, and stayed through summer of ’01.
Started playing tennis recreationally while in the band, because when curt bought me that racket – after using his rackets, it was when that guy who played jinxy at the club. . . that should have been about march of 01.
2000: back to racing. Raced with Curt in several races. He came along to watch in one – esp. with that hot chick. Skippy came too. Also, zipcar invented so also had the car and went to Walden pond. Too cheap to pay for some tris so I did many of my own in some of those seasons.
Started playing tennis too.
2001: Did tris with Curt and Skippy.
Oct’ ’01 moved to SoCal
Played full heavy year of tennis in the league except the last spring/summer session I think.
Nov ’01 did the club triathlon and cut my foot. Also saw marc allen speak ( a real highlight).
2002: Tris down in San Diego and orange county. Some alone. Some with Andrew?
2003: Tris continue in San Diego and Orange County
Certainly did some tris with Andrew in ’03. . . but don’ thave the specific recollection. aCtually the one in Newport beach, the second one, we did together, but not the first one. . . I drove us both up there and we had a nice chat on the ride back home.
Sep ’03 – began grad school. Though I rode bike to school, very intermittent physical activity. Focused upon first year of tough graduate program instead (reasonable in my view). Entered school at ~250. Roughly consistent weight as I recall since I moved to san diego in oct’01.
2004 (May): 267 pounds. I gained roughly 15-20 pounds during the first year of law school. Seem to recall I was hovering around 245-250 pounds over last summer in san diego.
Quite regular workouts in 2003: weight room couple days a week, plus lots of walking and also lap pool within the complex. . . couldn’t ask for more. . .
• Numbers from TADiary.
10-04-99 to 12-31-99 weight range: 264-267
12.2000 = 244;
05-16-2001 = 247.5; (bf range: 22.5 to 26.0).
weighed 250 in 04-2002
09-02: 255
It’s incredibly frustrating. More so than words can describe.
My BMI index is ~32, and my body fat index is approximately 32% as well. I’m 5’9.5” and weigh 267 pounds. Despite my appearance, I have phenomenol exercise habits.
Despite Herculean physical efforts, continued over a course of approximately 14 years, I am once again obese. I have considered surgery, though it seems like a waste to me. I’ve had two strong showings that I can drop large amounts of weight and maintain the new weight for months or years (wrestling, I regularly dropped 30 pounds, 200 in football, to 167 for wrestling). And, in adult life, going from 230, to 180 (or so) for competition in triathlon and marathons.
I wrestled 167 pounds in high school. I weight 267 pounds now, 15 years later. When I turned 20, a scant two years after high school, I’d already gained 63 pounds (weight: 230 pounds). I decided then and there that I would affect a lifestyle change. And I did.
I dropped back down to 185 pounds (and then later down to 170) by about the age of 22 (circa 1991). I did it through caloric restriction, and extreme amounts of exercise: I took up triathlon and ran a marathon in 1991. In 1992 I completed a half-ironman (1.2 miles swim / 56 miles cycling / 13.1 miles running). I was in superior shape and weighed about 180. I had a 34 inch waist and felt great. [both mentally, physically, and I actually had relatively high self-esteem; so much so that I began a long love affair for approximately 10 years. I think there’s a reality that had I remained at 230-240 pounds, I would not have had the opportunity to have that relationship.]
My mindset at that point was that if some triathlon training was good, more triathlon training would be better. With that attitude I eventually burned out and stopped the volume of training (probably 20-25 hours per week of training). Shortly thereafter I started college (I was 24).
Nonetheless, all through my 20s I maintained a VERY active exercise regiment: I actively cycled, ran and swam: I commuted on my bike to work for numerous years on the east coast, ~10 miles round trip per day. Plus I regularly ran a few days a week and was at the pool once or twice a week.
Here’s what I can remember (pieced together from recollection and some sporadic exercise logs):
MY HISTORY IN FITS AND STARTS
I was always an active kid. During the 6-12 year old period of life I participated in soccer and wrestling. I had no interest in baseball and couldn’t yet participate in football.
By age 13, junior high, I participated in organized athletics of wrestling and football. The season for these two sports roughly spanned August to February. March to August of the following year were generally spent running and lifting to ensure I would reenter the football season “in-shape.” (the exception to that being my transition year from Junior to Senior year, where I worked pouring concrete all summer).
Nonetheless, between my freshman and sophomore year in high school I spent the entire summer lifting weights 4-5 times per week and running 5 miles each and every day (I believe I ran 89 out of ~90 days). I was an over-achiever in that regard. [Years later re-confirmed the mileage by driving a rental car over my past route and it was in fact a 2.5 mile out and back run]. I ran with no sun screen, and without a shirt. My preference was to run at the hottest part of the day: Noon.
I was highly motivated.
Wrestling season ended my senior year, 1987, at 18 years of age, with me weighing 169 pounds. I believe when tested for body fat during my senior year of wrestling I was approximately 11-13% body fat. I graduated from high school in May of 1987. By that point, I would guess I weighed approximately 185 pounds. I believe during football season of my senior year I weighed ~195 pounds. I wasn’t skinny but I wasn’t super fat either (my guess ~20% body fat). [I vaguely recall being tested at the beginning and middle of wrestling season].
In any event, between graduation (May-87) and my moving to NYCity (September-88), I had virtually no exercise regimen. Prior to this point in my life, my focus had always been upon improving my position in next year’s competitive sports arena (i.e, football or wrestling). Now that there was no longer a future football or wrestling season to train for, all training ceased.
By January of 1989 I lived in Jersey City. Shortly after arriving in Jersey City I woke up one day and realized that I was over 200 pounds and I was gaining weight, because of a sedentary lifestyle. I was completely uneducated when it came to nutrition (I later read a fantastic book by Jane Brody on nutrition – a nutrionist for the NYTimes). I changed eating habits to accommodate better nutrition (I switched from whole milk to skim milk, I stopped buying Trix, bought better bread, eased up on the mayo and I stopped eating large quantities of red meat).
THE BEGINNING OF AN ADULT LIFE OF EXERCISE
I remember first looking at a map and deciding that I would run 1 mile. I ran a half mile down my street and back. It left me out of breath and took probably more than 10 minutes. I found that I actually enjoyed running and starting doing more of it.
That summer, I entered my first running race, a 4 miler. I ran a crazy like 32 min race (oh to have young legs again). I believed I trained for this race, knowing that I had to be able to run 12 miles a week to complete it. I remember feeling amazed that I could run four miles, because no one had ever told me that running 4 miles is really almost nothing if one trains for a running race. The running craze was really full-on at that time, and many people were capable of running four miles (it was more a psychological and than physical barrier). Nonetheless, I ran superfast for me.
Shortly thereafter or even concurrently I purchased a mountain bike for ~$400. A white raliegh which was unfortunately stolen in a matter of minutes in front of Tower records (and to make matters worse, I’d only owned the bike a week or two when it was stolen. I’ve always been angered by this, even more than a decade later).
I quickly repurchased a second bike, a black Raleigh that I kept as part of my bike collection for more than 10 years (eventually the seat post rusted into the seat tube. . . at too low a level so I stripped it of its parts and threw the frame away when I moved cross country).
By 1991 I had purchased a black and pink cannondale road bike. Within the first week or so of owning it, my wheel feel into the crease of a public deck, and I went over the bars. In the process, I cracked the frame. I purchased a new red cannondale bike in ~1991. That bike lasted 12 years and probably at least ~8,000 miles.
Shortly thereafter, I rode a Century ride (130 miles in one day) using the red cannondale. The ride was cool, but wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. A few weeks later I participated in my first triathlon @ Lake Sebago (0.5 mile swim; 14 mile bike, 5 mile run). I was strongest in the run by far (times/averages:
Swim ½ mile: 14.17.30;
Bike 15 miles: 57.33 (15.65 mph!!!!);
Run: 5 miles: 41.32.08 (8:20 miles!).
[For comparison: I would expect if I were to ride the course again today I would likely have the following times/averages: ~12 min swim; ~19 mph bike average (Unless hilly then 16 or 17 mph avg); and probably a 50 min run time (in competition I can usually maintain 10 minute miles, sometimes down into the low 9s in tris).
I think by 1991 I probably weighed up to about 230 pounds. I believe there was a time I recall that I wouldn’t have been able to wrestle even heavyweight in high school wrestling (limit: 230) and it scared me a bit. Running took the weight off.
For 1991 I completely probably 4-5 triathlons and scheduled myself for the NYCity marathon. I complete the marathon in Nov-1991.
In 1991 I was the thinnest since I was in high school. A few weeks before the marathon I got completely sick (from overtraining) and was eventually hospitalized due to severe dehydration. My recollection is that I lost 10% of my bodyweight in ~24 hours, dropping from ~180 pounds, to 162 pounds. Lighter than I had been during wrestling season of my senior year. I maintained approximately 180 pounds for the next year or so, through militant caloric intake and large doses of exercise.
In 1992 I completed several triathlons early in the season and also completed my first and only half ironman at Tupper Lake. It was a brutal training season that had me doing the following weekly miles:
Swim: ~5,000 yards a week;
Bike: ~150 miles a week;
Run: ~40 miles per week.
My thinking then, was that I wanted to have 300% in each of the disciplines. I do remember doing an unsupported century ride as part of my training that summer. And also thinking that if some was good, more was better and crazy amounts were perfect.
I believe between 1991 and 1992 I purchased a wind trainer [now I have a computrainer which I love; also love rollers, but sold those on ebay long time ago; I’m considering repurchasing a set] and used that on and off. AS well, I had a step which I used intermittently (usually when it was raining outside and I couldn’t run, I would stay in and do the step routine). I only later sold it on eBay (years later). [also considering rebuying a step for more variety].
In 1992 or 1993, I started commuting by bike, most every day of the year, except for crazy snow, to PL, and then later to BG [firms] (I could put my bike in the basement) and then finally at [MK – firm]. By the time I was at MK I was a daily commuter and didn’t ride in only the most extreme weather. This was 1994. [And I do remember my boss commenting at one point about my weight gain saying: “I’m seeing more of you these days. You’re getting fat.”]
After completing the Herculean training and other regiments for the half ironman in 1992 I remained ~175 pounds, but still desired single digit body fat measurements (I was probably 11-13% at 175 pounds).
But after completing the half-ironman I had completely burned myself out. I think originally the plan was to do a half iron in 1992 and then an ironman in 1993. But, I stopped training nearly as hard and only ran sporadically. I know I still rode my bike(s) but just not as often as I had done before. I do remember f [BOSS] commented that he was “seeing more of me” and G had said in an interview when I put in my resume that I was an avid triathlete that I seemed “pudgy to him.” So, I was certainly gaining back weight I’d lost in 1991 and 1992 during 1993-4. I have no firm recollection of particpaitng in triathlon events during 93-4; nor do I remember going for those two years without any events.
1993-1994. During these 24 months or so, I think I did most of my step aerobics work. I worked out with the video provided quite regularly; particularly in my studio apartment [not a great dancer, but there’s no shame in dancing when no one can see you]. Also, I did stationary bike training indoors [but the unit from performance was crap; years later they gave me a full refund and I purchased rollers. Highly recommend rollers for an incredible workout].
By the fall of 1994, the shit had hit the fan. I entered [ART COLLEGE] and began working full-time at TH.. My training plan was virtually non-existent. Though, I think I did maintain a modicum of exercise (maintaining a membership at the Y for swimming). I do remember some sporadic runs around Fenway park by where I lived. But given my 80+ hour a week work/school schedule, exercise was still alive, but few and far between. I also remember doing some rides but not many. I don’t believe I competed at all during my tenure at ART COLLEGE. I also remember several trips to Filenes to purchase 36 in waist; then 38s, then 40s. It was pretty humiliating. I was the weight loss preacher who gained back the weight.
1995 and 1996 were years I attended [art college] (I graduated Dec-96). I also remember riding many days down to [OTHER SCHOOL] for a summer class too (now that I recall, I rode down to [school] then up Ave, to second school.
I think I worked nights until approximately 1998. I know I did some bike commuting during this period. And some aerobics and some bike conditioning indoors. I think by 1998 I was living in [east coast north] and was actively training for triathlons. Doing lots of rides out into Newton. I know at one point I involved C-and-F in a race.
I remember: In may of 1998, I was injured in a bicycle/car accident which kept me out of the entire triathlon season (broken leg and bone in my hand. . . hand wasn’t cured until Jan-99).
May of 1999 again, another injury (over the bars on the way to interview artist. . . ), and broke collarbone, concussion and ribs. Out of work and triathlon for the summer.
During 1998 and 1999, whilst in [band], I specifically recall scheduling rehearsals for 730p, so that I could ride from the office to the YMCA and then still make rehearsal. So, I know I was swimming at least two days a week at the Y. And, oh yea, at some point I discovered the Y in military Charlestown hotel and the north end and swimming in the summer. C and I did lots of stuff there. Also lots of training out at wp (Yes, now that I think about it, I did several unofficial triathlons out there, with zipcars for the home base. And a few with my old beat up Toyota truck. I had a course laid out there to ride, run and do open water swims. . .
2000: First year Curt and I did triathlons. Probably did 6 or so this year.
2001: Last summer in Boston . Completed numerous ~6 triathlons;
2002: California triathlon season. Probably completed 5 triathlons; Upon arrival starting taking tennis lessons and began to play in an organized league. Probably played ~100 tennis matches from 09-01 to 09-02. Originally planned upon training and competing in half-ironman up in Oceanside, but gave that up. Also scheduled for marathon in January for san diego, but decided against that as well. . . the big factor was tennis, but even more so than tennis was my newfound passion for surfing. I found it much more enjoyable to surf than to train for triathlons – hence, my half-ironman strategy failed. (Indeed, I had even hired MP as a coach, but gave it up).
I also recall completing a run in Balboa park upon first arriving; and shortly after that the mud run up at Pendleton (to date by far, the hardest 10k I’ve ever done. . . ).
2002-2003, the first year I volunteered as a wrestling coach. Lots of live wrestling with the kids and an extreme amount of exercise in this endeavor. (worked both with tp and with the kids out at s high school).
2003. Numerous triathlons scheduled this year. Lots of training. Also started weight training this year in addition to other activities. Also started doing yoga to promote greater “overall” health.
• * *
THOUGHTS ON EXERICSE HISTORY ABOVE
The one thing that is clear to me. I enjoy exercise, otherwise there wouldn’t be this much of it. There’s a wide range of activity I enjoy and being as physically active as I’ve been might have just saved my life.
Let’s consider for a moment, 16 years of consistent 4x per week exercise
16 years * 52 weeks per year * 4 x per week = 3,328 exercise sessions.
Just so I can use round numbers, I’m going to say an hour per session, and 400 calories per hour.
400 calories * 3,328 exercise sessions = 1.33 million kCals.
1.33 million kCal / 3500 = 380 pounds.
And even if we say, that 400 calories per session, but it increased appetite by 200 cals per session, we’re still talking about 190 pounds. The range, in this simplistic version, is by this consistent 16 years of exercise has kept somewhere between 200 and 400 pounds off of my body (so I’d weigh either 460 or 660 pounds). Kind of scary when I consider it. Even if it only kept 100# off of me, that’s still 360 pounds, well into the territory of requiring surgical intervention or high risk of early demise.
So, be thankful for that.
[but there’s a flaw in this logic just revealed to me: Perhaps the exercise caused the excess consumption of calories; without the exercise, I would have eaten fewer calories and not gained as much weight; nonetheless, probably still better to have the multi-year exercise history behind you. . . . ].
• * *
One of the areas pointed out to me in recent web research though is this: 70% of calories are burned via our so-called basal metabolic rate – the calories we use to regulate heat, and to move around an apartment. BMR is more inherited than not.
SOL.UTIONS
It’s my current belief that my solution must be nutrional limitations. Instead of eating 4000 calories per day, you’ll likely need to reduce it to 2,000 cals. The only way to really do this is to track it. . .
I have just gotten crosstrainer the updated version which should help in tracking daily calories. Hopefully I can use that to gain hold of how many calories I put into my body and how that jives with the calories consumed via BMR and exercise and the like. . .
[crosstrainer was unfortunately a bust. It was just a headache to get it all into the program. Trying to keep track of rough numbers on my frig these days. . . ]
New plan is to record it on a wipe board on fridge, and then take photos of that to track trends and I can go back and track data if I feel that it’s necessary. I may post a photo or two of what my wipe boards look like.
1987: wrestled 167 senior year. Thanksgiving ’87, ate at T’s place. Remember there was an issue because I was going to wear sweat pants because jeans barely fit. Probably up around 200 pounds.
1988: Worked with T buying and selling cars. No exercise program whatsoever at this point post-high school. Certainly depressed given the oppressive home scene. Move on Labor Day weekend 1988.
1989: Worked at LD until December of ’88. By 1989 I began working at SC as a messenger. Did that through ’89 and then by 1990 I think I was a clerk. Think I was still gaining weight at this point. Probably 220 or so. I remember being embarrassed when I was fit with the blue smurf suit. And happy when I was able to get rid of it when I became a clerk.
1990: I vaguely remember buying new clothes (perhaps 36 or 38 inch waist) at this point. Sex with j, I was 20 and she was 30. So, this should have been sometime previous to mar – 90. I seem to recall it was the haloween day parade. . which would have been oct-89. which mean, that I didn’t work for Sullivan for long. I think I definitely worked for Sullivan for over a year. . . there was Linda and then there was carmel and then diane (or something). Allen and I met everybody up there that one night. . . so maybe I was 21, that would seem to make more sense.
1991: My first running race. . . 5 miles, relatively untrained I ran a 38 min time, 7:40s or so. That’s crazy (I run about 12 minute training miles these days). Four or five triathlons during the year. NYC Marathon at the end. Joey and I lived together for some period of time here. I moved from Jersey city to the village. Then from the village to lower east side.
Weight, guess: I probably began it at roughly 230, then eventually dropped by marathon time to ~180 (got quite sick a few weeks before marathon [I’m convinced I was WAY overtrained]. . . and lost 10% of my weight, which put me at about 162-165; I remember because it was the first time since high school that I could have wrestled my at my high school wrestling weight.).
1992: I prepare and ran a half ironman. This burned me out on triathlon. If a half was good a double ironman was better. It was too much in the end. I know in 1991 I started out swimming at the Hoboken Y and then switched over to the Y on 47th street before work usually.
1993: I believe I started working for some period at BG, and continued to swim, now at lunch at the 47th street Y – a short walk from work. Started going to FIT I believe. [I think I started with summer school and didn’t do any triathlons because I was tied up with school and band rehearsals. Also started playing with Lucan about this time. Actually, I was still working at BGSS, because Peter came down to a gig when we played at Brownies.]
1994: By this point I worked for Fisher. Aug ‘ 94 moved north to go to art school. Decided to continue regular workouts but decided not to compete in tris while going to college because of the commitment of working full time and going to school full time. I did manage, miraculously, to put in about 2-2.5 workouts per week as I recall.
I seem to recall joey came up to see me during thanksgiving break and proclaimed that I’d “gained weight.” We broke up after that trip (I think she had another squeeze for a while). We got back together later. I remember her getting on that bus at the old bus station. It was ugly. I was in this new town, I didn’t particularly like school, but by the time I’d figured that out, I was already half way done and unwilling to give up.
1995: Another year of school. I also rode my bike to school often, the 1.0 mile commute. Also remember running around fenway park, especially when it was cold outside. Largely rode the train to work and took cabs home. My boss and I would sometimes go out to eat after work at midnight and it was nearly gluttonous at some points.
1996: Graduated college in December of 1996. Vivid recollections of regular workouts in the pool at the Y on Huntington through school. (I maintained a membership at the Y, so I must have used it with some regularity; I seem to recall I even tgot a student discount.).
1997: Curt and I became friends in the summer. I was still working nights as I recall. In late 1997 or 98, I threatened to sue TH for sex discrimination, and was moved to days.
I think in 1997 I ballooned up to my highest weight ever, 295 pounds, after late night pizzas and little exercise because of demanding work/school schedule. But it could have been 98 or 99. Seems like 97, because it was the impetus that got me to give exercise a harder more definite look and pushed me back toward tris. I think that was what happened in 98/99, I was pushing forward for tri seasons, which would makes ense. I do remember, I easily came down from 295 to 250 [basically through pure exercise]
Actually, now I do remember, because pat asked me whether I had lost weight, right after I had started working days. . . So it must have been end of ’97 that I was at my largest, when I weighed 295. The first five months of 1998, ahhh, I remember, I floated that time, and I was riding to work too. . . regularing running, because I had a more regular schedule. . . and I was totally preparing for tris.
1998: May 1998, I was hit after moving into 19 Lin and was unable to race that season, because of my broken leg – didn’t heal until ’99, because I had to have hand surgery.
1999 – May 1999, second major accident – concussion after going over the bars. No racing that season. Better by late august. I remember this is when I first discovered Walden pond I believe.
I think in late ’99 I joined the FIVEs. I left in roughly the summer of ’01; I think we played together for 1.5 years, so that seems about right, I would have joined right about nov/dec 1999, and stayed through summer of ’01.
Started playing tennis recreationally while in the band, because when curt bought me that racket – after using his rackets, it was when that guy who played jinxy at the club. . . that should have been about march of 01.
2000: back to racing. Raced with Curt in several races. He came along to watch in one – esp. with that hot chick. Skippy came too. Also, zipcar invented so also had the car and went to Walden pond. Too cheap to pay for some tris so I did many of my own in some of those seasons.
Started playing tennis too.
2001: Did tris with Curt and Skippy.
Oct’ ’01 moved to SoCal
Played full heavy year of tennis in the league except the last spring/summer session I think.
Nov ’01 did the club triathlon and cut my foot. Also saw marc allen speak ( a real highlight).
2002: Tris down in San Diego and orange county. Some alone. Some with Andrew?
2003: Tris continue in San Diego and Orange County
Certainly did some tris with Andrew in ’03. . . but don’ thave the specific recollection. aCtually the one in Newport beach, the second one, we did together, but not the first one. . . I drove us both up there and we had a nice chat on the ride back home.
Sep ’03 – began grad school. Though I rode bike to school, very intermittent physical activity. Focused upon first year of tough graduate program instead (reasonable in my view). Entered school at ~250. Roughly consistent weight as I recall since I moved to san diego in oct’01.
2004 (May): 267 pounds. I gained roughly 15-20 pounds during the first year of law school. Seem to recall I was hovering around 245-250 pounds over last summer in san diego.
Quite regular workouts in 2003: weight room couple days a week, plus lots of walking and also lap pool within the complex. . . couldn’t ask for more. . .
• Numbers from TADiary.
10-04-99 to 12-31-99 weight range: 264-267
12.2000 = 244;
05-16-2001 = 247.5; (bf range: 22.5 to 26.0).
weighed 250 in 04-2002
09-02: 255
Saturday, May 15, 2004
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