Interesting ocean rowing site here. It seems there's a race from Europe to NOrth America via rowboat. Antigua and some other place.
It's interesting. Lots of satellite/tech communication while people are in the middle of the ocean.
k
Monday, December 26, 2005
Marathon Row on Concept 2
I completed my first marathon row on Christmas. It was pretty long. Pretty tiring. Probably too much for this particular phase of my life as it left me completely worn out yesterday.
oh well. I have some photos I'll post later. . .
k
oh well. I have some photos I'll post later. . .
k
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Holiday Challenge
I successfully (mindlessly?) completed the Holiday Challenge this AM. I rowed a 10k in the AM, which brought me just over 200,000 meters since TGiving. I'll probably add some cycling, swimming and running to the mix again.
Pretty stressed out with finals done and my licensing exam fast approaching. I'm just betting everything, that's all :-).
Pretty stressed out with finals done and my licensing exam fast approaching. I'm just betting everything, that's all :-).
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Ironic - I'm a health nut.
| Health is most important in your life. Having a high focus on health indicates that you are very health-conscious and you realize that if you don't have your health, you have nothing. You are devoted to living healthy.  Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
rowing totals
I'm now at about 145,000 meters for the holiday challenge. I figure 15k x 4 days will put me over the top. I'm contemplating rowing a marathon on christmas though. . .
k
k
Friday, December 16, 2005
Visitors
I notice via a blogcounter that my visitors now average about 17 per day -- so I've roughly doubled my daily visitors over probably the past 6 months or so. That's interesting. What's interesting is how few of you actually comment (or even leave anything on the tagboard I have up).
I suppose, in the end, this blog is much more of a way for me to keep track of things. To the extent it offers something to someone in the outside world great. It's a complete secret to everyone -- in fact, I've told my closest friend that I have a blog but I've completely refused to identify what particular blog. Indeed, that's why some of my details are rather sketchy -- because I would (for whatever reason) like to avoid detection.
So, hey, drop a comment or two!
kc
I suppose, in the end, this blog is much more of a way for me to keep track of things. To the extent it offers something to someone in the outside world great. It's a complete secret to everyone -- in fact, I've told my closest friend that I have a blog but I've completely refused to identify what particular blog. Indeed, that's why some of my details are rather sketchy -- because I would (for whatever reason) like to avoid detection.
So, hey, drop a comment or two!
kc
Holiday Challenge - C2
I now have 129,000 meters in the Holiday Challenge for Concept2, so it looks like I'll make the 200,000 meters as listed in their challenge. I am going to spend the $20 bucks on the sweatshirt, even though it's a bit dorky :-).
Basically, I have 8 workout days that remain to get the additional 70,000 meters in. Realistically, that is about 5 days of 15,000 meters. Perhaps even the next 5 days. Nonetheless, I think I may try my first rowing marathon next weekend. Indeed, I may try it on Christmas Day.
The studying of my life begins on Monday.
k
Basically, I have 8 workout days that remain to get the additional 70,000 meters in. Realistically, that is about 5 days of 15,000 meters. Perhaps even the next 5 days. Nonetheless, I think I may try my first rowing marathon next weekend. Indeed, I may try it on Christmas Day.
The studying of my life begins on Monday.
k
President Taft
It turns out President Taft, in his twilight years, lost about 70 pounds. . . interesting historical reading.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Weight loss from Diabetes site here
Diabetes article here. Interesting quote within it:
The article then says what I've known for a long time:
In the future, Pugh would like to see a more hands on approach between health care professionals and patients when it comes to weight loss.
One way of doing this, Pugh suggests, is having diabetes educators or dietitians accompany their patients to the grocery store. There they can illustrate the proper healthy and low calorie food items for their patient's diet plan. "More than just telling a patient they need to lose weight - we need to make sure that they understand how to do this," says Pugh.
Pugh also points out that many health care professionals are not immune from society's prejudices when it comes to the obese. "Many are judgmental and they view obese patients as being weak willed," says Pugh. This can erode the patient/doctor relationship even further and increase a patient's frustration over losing weight.
The article then says what I've known for a long time:
Kris Berg, EdD, professor of physical education at the University of Nebraska, goes as far as to advise his patients to stay in the outside aisles of the grocery store where the fresh foods are kept, so that they will avoid the temptation of fattening snacks. This is sound advice considering that ten peanuts can be a hefty 200 calories and a regular potato chip might have as much as 25 calories in it. After a few high-calorie snacks a day, a person may find that they are gaining pounds instead of shedding them.
Holiday Challenge
Concept2 is running a holiday challenge. Basically, you commit to row 100,000 or 200,000 meters between Thanksgiving and New Years. Turns out, I've already rowed about 80,000 meters. I think I could pretty easily make the 200,000 meter number (you get a t-shirt and can buy a sweatshirt for $20 bucks). I think I'd buy the sweatshirt.
So I have 12 days to row 120,000 meters. In fact, this may spur on my first marathon row.
I figure, 4x15,000 = 60,000 meters (running total = 140,000 meters).
42,000 meters for marathon = 182,000 meters.
And then an additional half marathon. . . 21,000 meters would put me over the 200,000 meters number. . .
Well, I think that will be the goal. . .
k
So I have 12 days to row 120,000 meters. In fact, this may spur on my first marathon row.
I figure, 4x15,000 = 60,000 meters (running total = 140,000 meters).
42,000 meters for marathon = 182,000 meters.
And then an additional half marathon. . . 21,000 meters would put me over the 200,000 meters number. . .
Well, I think that will be the goal. . .
k
Nice Post on Notorious B.L.O.G.
Hi,
Here's a great post on his battle of the bulge -- he ultimately lost 105 pounds by changing diet and running. His epiphany has an eerie reminiscence to my own epiphany here. [scroll down to HISTORY].
Here's a great post on his battle of the bulge -- he ultimately lost 105 pounds by changing diet and running. His epiphany has an eerie reminiscence to my own epiphany here. [scroll down to HISTORY].
Sunday, December 11, 2005
All you can eat Sushi
The GF and I headed out to meet up for dinner tonight. While fun, surely it couldn't have been that great for me -- too many calories. She cooked a pork roast last night too. It was quite good, but probably too many calories (although, I did have salad with both meals and some rice on Friday).
Went and saw Syrianna which was not nearly as good as I thought it would be. I ended up drinking a medium diet coke and nothing else.
Only 20 mins of exercise on Friday (before the exam) and nothing Saturday. I'll surely do some rowing tomorrow.
My jeans feel tight(er) -- which is bad. I do fear I'm actually gaining rather than losing weight. I've got to be better at this somehow. . .
2 more exams to go :-).
k
Went and saw Syrianna which was not nearly as good as I thought it would be. I ended up drinking a medium diet coke and nothing else.
Only 20 mins of exercise on Friday (before the exam) and nothing Saturday. I'll surely do some rowing tomorrow.
My jeans feel tight(er) -- which is bad. I do fear I'm actually gaining rather than losing weight. I've got to be better at this somehow. . .
2 more exams to go :-).
k
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Similar goal and avocation
Here's an interesting website with similar goals and a similar avocation (drums).
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Denny's
Sort of weird day -- with good and bad choices I suppose.
I spent the night at the girlfriend's place, after spending the day studying for a final I have on Friday. In the morning, I took my vehicle to my pre-arranged appointment and had the brakes fixed (surprisingly cheat at $99 bucks -- only the front brakes though). While waiting for the vehicle to be repaired, I took my bike and rode (good) over to Denny's (could have been worse).
While at Denny's I had the diet-like fare of omellete with pancakes and sausage -- something like that. It was ~500 calories. Then I had a glass of orange juice.
Then I had a diet coke -- which I didn't really drink.
And then I decided I would have the peanut butter chocolate pie. It was a poor choice. While I enjoyed the pie -- it keeps me far away from my abs goal. . . so, there's a disconnect there.
And, I performed that CL expirement again: They flock in droves to abs. Not sure what I would do with that sort of attention -- then, again, not sure what I would do with $100 million -- but I wouldn't mind exploring that problem :-).
k
I spent the night at the girlfriend's place, after spending the day studying for a final I have on Friday. In the morning, I took my vehicle to my pre-arranged appointment and had the brakes fixed (surprisingly cheat at $99 bucks -- only the front brakes though). While waiting for the vehicle to be repaired, I took my bike and rode (good) over to Denny's (could have been worse).
While at Denny's I had the diet-like fare of omellete with pancakes and sausage -- something like that. It was ~500 calories. Then I had a glass of orange juice.
Then I had a diet coke -- which I didn't really drink.
And then I decided I would have the peanut butter chocolate pie. It was a poor choice. While I enjoyed the pie -- it keeps me far away from my abs goal. . . so, there's a disconnect there.
And, I performed that CL expirement again: They flock in droves to abs. Not sure what I would do with that sort of attention -- then, again, not sure what I would do with $100 million -- but I wouldn't mind exploring that problem :-).
k
Monday, December 05, 2005
trouble with blogger
currently I seem to be unable to even review my blog. Unsure why. I click to go to it, and I get errors. . . can't seem to load any other blogger blogs either. . .
hmmm....
hmmm....
Update of sorts
So finals are in full swing. My last set. First one is on Friday.
I'm going to try (as best I can) to keep more regular hours. In actuality, it's my lightest finals load yet -- with only 3 finals over a 10 day period -- and a 6 day reading period. . . so, all told, pretty light.
I keep doing lots of rowing -- because it's convenient, and easy to watch a little TV while I row some. . . so I keep doing it.
My diet seems to be holding up pretty well -- (and by diet, I don't mean a special eating patter; rather, I mean the process of eating food -- that diet). I continue to devour fruits by the pound:
With smoothies, mostly: mangos, pinneaple, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, bananas, oranges, pears and every once in awhile a melon (honey dew or canteloupe).
Beyond smoothies, some fruit includes: Oranges, apples (granny sith, red delicious and some yellows).
As for fruits: Lots of lettuce, spinach, broccoli, feta cheese, tomatoes, peppers (red and green), carrots and surely more.
I also continue to east some frozen dinners as well.
I do admit I went a bit nuts Friday (after final day of class) -- at El Torrito (the GF was my designated drinker, since I don't really drink :-)). And, indeed, Saturday I actually ate a cheeseburger (and fries) from Carl's. But, I hardly do that -- and it was a bit of a treat for me. Today I went back to the more de rigeur nutrition: Heavy on teh veggies and fruits -- and some protein here and there (realistically, mostly from the frozen entrees I typically cook 1-2x per week).
I'll just have to smartly exercise during the week though. . . it'll be tricky with finals and the like. . .
enough. . .
k
I'm going to try (as best I can) to keep more regular hours. In actuality, it's my lightest finals load yet -- with only 3 finals over a 10 day period -- and a 6 day reading period. . . so, all told, pretty light.
I keep doing lots of rowing -- because it's convenient, and easy to watch a little TV while I row some. . . so I keep doing it.
My diet seems to be holding up pretty well -- (and by diet, I don't mean a special eating patter; rather, I mean the process of eating food -- that diet). I continue to devour fruits by the pound:
With smoothies, mostly: mangos, pinneaple, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, bananas, oranges, pears and every once in awhile a melon (honey dew or canteloupe).
Beyond smoothies, some fruit includes: Oranges, apples (granny sith, red delicious and some yellows).
As for fruits: Lots of lettuce, spinach, broccoli, feta cheese, tomatoes, peppers (red and green), carrots and surely more.
I also continue to east some frozen dinners as well.
I do admit I went a bit nuts Friday (after final day of class) -- at El Torrito (the GF was my designated drinker, since I don't really drink :-)). And, indeed, Saturday I actually ate a cheeseburger (and fries) from Carl's. But, I hardly do that -- and it was a bit of a treat for me. Today I went back to the more de rigeur nutrition: Heavy on teh veggies and fruits -- and some protein here and there (realistically, mostly from the frozen entrees I typically cook 1-2x per week).
I'll just have to smartly exercise during the week though. . . it'll be tricky with finals and the like. . .
enough. . .
k
Monday, November 28, 2005
Freaking Out II
I'm not as freaked out today, as I was last week about the licensing exam.
It's doable. I just learned some of the friends that passed -- and if they passed, then I sure as hell can pass. Odds are 2:1, essentially, in favor of me passing. Just have to be organized and learn tons of material and go in with my head on straight. I can make it work. It's a nice feeling -- I've sure as hell been through worse.
PROGRESS
Progress has been slow recently - due to numerous other commitments. Still trying to manage life with a GF who works out 2-3 times per week, against my standard of trying to get more like 6-10 workouts in per week. It's hard going at times.
She likes to eat out, though we've mellowed at that a bit. Today we went to a nice deli near her place -- my solution to high calorie food: split things. Order a full salad and a hamburger -- and then eat half salad, half of hamburger (and some fries) -- but better than just ordering a hamburger. It's a nice solution to a troubling problem. . .
I started looking the other night at my potential triathlon races next year. It's exciting if I can pass the exam -- then money isn't such a huge issue (well, I do have lots of debt) -- but at least I'll have some cash flow. . .
Though I thought I wouldn't want to do any more xterra's. . . I think I'm down for 1-2 next year. M also wants to do some running -- at least she thinks she does -- so I'll probably do a 5k or 10k with her in December. . .
k
It's doable. I just learned some of the friends that passed -- and if they passed, then I sure as hell can pass. Odds are 2:1, essentially, in favor of me passing. Just have to be organized and learn tons of material and go in with my head on straight. I can make it work. It's a nice feeling -- I've sure as hell been through worse.
PROGRESS
Progress has been slow recently - due to numerous other commitments. Still trying to manage life with a GF who works out 2-3 times per week, against my standard of trying to get more like 6-10 workouts in per week. It's hard going at times.
She likes to eat out, though we've mellowed at that a bit. Today we went to a nice deli near her place -- my solution to high calorie food: split things. Order a full salad and a hamburger -- and then eat half salad, half of hamburger (and some fries) -- but better than just ordering a hamburger. It's a nice solution to a troubling problem. . .
I started looking the other night at my potential triathlon races next year. It's exciting if I can pass the exam -- then money isn't such a huge issue (well, I do have lots of debt) -- but at least I'll have some cash flow. . .
Though I thought I wouldn't want to do any more xterra's. . . I think I'm down for 1-2 next year. M also wants to do some running -- at least she thinks she does -- so I'll probably do a 5k or 10k with her in December. . .
k
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Freaking Out a Bit
Licensing Exam
So my licensing exam is fast approaching (actually it's not until February, but preparation for it begins in earnest in 1 month -- immediately after finals).
So, it's all bittersweet; immediately after finals ends, I begin preparation for the licensing exam. No time to stop and smell the coffee.
I still need to work out the details of my plan. In fact, I think I'll have 1-1.5 hours per day to get in some solid exercise. Although, I don't even think I'm going to ride my bike, as I fear a bike crash and I need to stay healthy (extra healthy) until February.
I was thinking the other day -- that I bet everything (financial, emotional, couple years of my life) on grad school. This bet comes to the fore in February. If I don't pass (in fact, the majority fail at this licensing exam -- only 48% passed the last exam) -- then I'll retry in July; but it will be quite difficult. I need to pass the first time around. In fact, my goal is to pass by such a wide margin that it's not even close. I will study harder for this exam than any other exam, because I don't think I can afford to fail at this -- just pure fear factor.
Nonetheless, I do think I'll have ~2 hours per day to get things happening in the exercise department. In fact, I'd like to replan my racing schedule next year.
I'd like to do ventura again, along with some SD races. I'll have to make it a point to look at that.
Enough.
k.
So my licensing exam is fast approaching (actually it's not until February, but preparation for it begins in earnest in 1 month -- immediately after finals).
So, it's all bittersweet; immediately after finals ends, I begin preparation for the licensing exam. No time to stop and smell the coffee.
I still need to work out the details of my plan. In fact, I think I'll have 1-1.5 hours per day to get in some solid exercise. Although, I don't even think I'm going to ride my bike, as I fear a bike crash and I need to stay healthy (extra healthy) until February.
I was thinking the other day -- that I bet everything (financial, emotional, couple years of my life) on grad school. This bet comes to the fore in February. If I don't pass (in fact, the majority fail at this licensing exam -- only 48% passed the last exam) -- then I'll retry in July; but it will be quite difficult. I need to pass the first time around. In fact, my goal is to pass by such a wide margin that it's not even close. I will study harder for this exam than any other exam, because I don't think I can afford to fail at this -- just pure fear factor.
Nonetheless, I do think I'll have ~2 hours per day to get things happening in the exercise department. In fact, I'd like to replan my racing schedule next year.
I'd like to do ventura again, along with some SD races. I'll have to make it a point to look at that.
Enough.
k.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Body Fat (Calipers): 21.481%
So, normally I used the rusty caliper site (on sidebar) to determine my body fat via calipers. His site recommends that one take five measurements, throw out the low and the high, and then enter the three middle measurements as your data.
So, as an experiment, I did the following:
ONE MEASUREMENT
I took one measurement, and then used that one measurement, at each of the three sites, to determine my body fat via calipers.
RESULT: 21.391%
THE FIRST THREE MEASUREMENTS
The first three measurements, combine to the following:
RESULT: 21.481%
THROWING OUT LOW AND HIGH AND AVERAGING MIDDLE THREE:
RESULT: 21.481%
* * *
Ironic that the last two methods provide the same result -- and even the first method, provides a result that is "off" by 0.09%. It may be easier to simply take one measurement every few days -- and then take 5 measurements once a week or once a month. I suspect the accuracy won't vary much. . .
k
So, as an experiment, I did the following:
ONE MEASUREMENT
I took one measurement, and then used that one measurement, at each of the three sites, to determine my body fat via calipers.
RESULT: 21.391%
THE FIRST THREE MEASUREMENTS
The first three measurements, combine to the following:
RESULT: 21.481%
THROWING OUT LOW AND HIGH AND AVERAGING MIDDLE THREE:
RESULT: 21.481%
* * *
Ironic that the last two methods provide the same result -- and even the first method, provides a result that is "off" by 0.09%. It may be easier to simply take one measurement every few days -- and then take 5 measurements once a week or once a month. I suspect the accuracy won't vary much. . .
k
Pastor Loses 105 pounds
Hi Ken Pierpont has an interesting take on losing weight -- though I'm not particularly spiritual. . .
Monday, November 14, 2005
GF and BodyFat - restaurant
So, I had a long discussion with the GF today about my weight loss struggles -- and we talked about various solutions.
Basically, I've had a steady line drop from Jan-05 to about May-05. It reduced significantly thereafter -- but remained with some minor losses. Since about Aug-05 until Nov-05 -- it's been stagnant or even headed upward. All problems like this are resolved by reviewing what it is that has changed. Mostly it's the arrival of her and my more lackadaisacal training approachinges. Combined with the end of the triathlon season.
k
Basically, I've had a steady line drop from Jan-05 to about May-05. It reduced significantly thereafter -- but remained with some minor losses. Since about Aug-05 until Nov-05 -- it's been stagnant or even headed upward. All problems like this are resolved by reviewing what it is that has changed. Mostly it's the arrival of her and my more lackadaisacal training approachinges. Combined with the end of the triathlon season.
k
Body Fat: 21.21% (calipers)
Caliper body fat, went back to normal and 21.21%. I still have the goal to get it down to 20% by last final: 12.20.2005.
My view? It's all about calories anyway.
My view? It's all about calories anyway.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Goal
It's pretty clear to me I'm going to miss the goal of 200 pounds or < 20% body fat by graduation of 12.22.2005.
Therefore, I'm going to revise it: 210 pounds or 21.00% (or lower) body fat no later than 12.22.2005.
200 pounds and 20.00 (or lower) % body fat by 02.22.2005 (professional exam time).
k
Therefore, I'm going to revise it: 210 pounds or 21.00% (or lower) body fat no later than 12.22.2005.
200 pounds and 20.00 (or lower) % body fat by 02.22.2005 (professional exam time).
k
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Jurgen Zack and DAve scott -- Body Fat
Here's an interesting article about Jurgen Zack and Dave Scott -- discussing Zacks (too high in Scott's view) body fat. Zack defends himself.
Food King - Eating Disorder (personal) story site
Here's an excellent site about (apparently) food eating disorders and art.
Nice Fellow Female Triathlete
Here's a nice fellow female triathlete in my area. She recently linked to me -- I'll add her to my links evenutally. . .
Low-Carb Diet Blog
Another blog that looks quite good -- from only reading it a second. Worthy of a second look for me.
REferrer Blogs
This is a good site about practical reality of trying to lose 100 pounds (showed up via a referral -- often the link to my best sources).
Oprah Advice
I saw this -- from a referrer blog -- and felt the need to discuss it.
This is one of those articles that is so general -- that it offers virtually nothing useful. If I could simply focus upon the road in front of me -- then I wouldn't be where I am now. I would be a healthy weight.
Hmmm.
This is one of those articles that is so general -- that it offers virtually nothing useful. If I could simply focus upon the road in front of me -- then I wouldn't be where I am now. I would be a healthy weight.
Hmmm.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Body Fat Calipers: 24.04%
A new HIGH body fat of 24.04% using calipers. At least the highest number I remember seeing in a while.
Bad times.
Though it's tempting to claim this as an inaccurate measurement due to just random shifting of data through multiple measurements. Even before taking the measurement I looked in the mirror -- and I appeared different. Furthermore, the recent scale weights have been in the upper 220s. . . so it would appear since weight is up by ~8-10 pounds -- that it could also very well be that body fat is up by 2%. . . I'm just surprised at how quickly it has risen.
Again, I think the magical formula isn't nearly as much exercise as it is kick-ass nutrition vigilance.
kc.
Bad times.
Though it's tempting to claim this as an inaccurate measurement due to just random shifting of data through multiple measurements. Even before taking the measurement I looked in the mirror -- and I appeared different. Furthermore, the recent scale weights have been in the upper 220s. . . so it would appear since weight is up by ~8-10 pounds -- that it could also very well be that body fat is up by 2%. . . I'm just surprised at how quickly it has risen.
Again, I think the magical formula isn't nearly as much exercise as it is kick-ass nutrition vigilance.
kc.
Driving Traffic to Blog
I began some research a few nights ago about how to drive traffic onto my blog.
The first question, I suppose is why do I even care who stops by this website (OK, if I could drive 150,000 people here, I could make a few bucks from google) -- but I honestly don't even have that sort of inclination.
I remember two key points -- and I do have the intention of doing both of them at some (hopefully soon-to-be) future date:
1. Write a kick-ass about me page. I have some biographical data buried in my blog (in the first month or so) -- but I probably need to sit down and smartly craft a 500-1500 word essay that tells all the readers (all 8 of you) who I am.
2. Write smaller entries with more frequency. I admit I do go to other sites, just to check and see how they're doing. If they never update, I'm not as interested. IF they update all the time, I'm much more interested.
anyhow. . .
k
The first question, I suppose is why do I even care who stops by this website (OK, if I could drive 150,000 people here, I could make a few bucks from google) -- but I honestly don't even have that sort of inclination.
I remember two key points -- and I do have the intention of doing both of them at some (hopefully soon-to-be) future date:
1. Write a kick-ass about me page. I have some biographical data buried in my blog (in the first month or so) -- but I probably need to sit down and smartly craft a 500-1500 word essay that tells all the readers (all 8 of you) who I am.
2. Write smaller entries with more frequency. I admit I do go to other sites, just to check and see how they're doing. If they never update, I'm not as interested. IF they update all the time, I'm much more interested.
anyhow. . .
k
More Blogging
More Blogging:
I would like to do more blogging, but I just can't seem to find the time. I considered dropping a quick entry tonight -- but gave up on it, because I didn't want to potentially flag myself as an internet abuser at a sensitive government job (I love the job -- but the particularities -- and the high profile potential image, are a bit tiring at times like these :-)).
I actually ate two (small) pieces of chocolate cake today. I did it at the end of the day -- and, yes, I did feel pretty guilty about it. It's not the end of the world, but it's not the get tough variety. I think I just feel powerless at times over the calling nature of sweets that get parked at the end of my desk. I honestly wish no one would bring that sort of food to the office -- I simply eat it. Period. If it wasn't there, I wouldn't eat it. Therefore, I guess in some measure I do feel a bit out of control about it -- much like an alcoholic who can't turn down a drink if it's put in front of him (I can easily do that. . . that's like nothing to me).
It also doesn't help that the new girlfriend likes to make ice cream -- from scratch at home. I don't think she understands that while I will gleefully eat it: a) I do actually wish she would NOT make it; and b) it's really NOT good for me.
I'm convinced more than ever that the road to abs (or 6% body fat) -- is paved with less food rather than more exercise. My demon is purely caloric -- not exercise.
On that note. . .
1 MILLION METERS - ROWING
In spite of (above), I made ~990,000 meters today -- another ~8,000 meters and I'm over the top. I'll be pretty stoked to get the t-shirt.
I would like to do more blogging, but I just can't seem to find the time. I considered dropping a quick entry tonight -- but gave up on it, because I didn't want to potentially flag myself as an internet abuser at a sensitive government job (I love the job -- but the particularities -- and the high profile potential image, are a bit tiring at times like these :-)).
I actually ate two (small) pieces of chocolate cake today. I did it at the end of the day -- and, yes, I did feel pretty guilty about it. It's not the end of the world, but it's not the get tough variety. I think I just feel powerless at times over the calling nature of sweets that get parked at the end of my desk. I honestly wish no one would bring that sort of food to the office -- I simply eat it. Period. If it wasn't there, I wouldn't eat it. Therefore, I guess in some measure I do feel a bit out of control about it -- much like an alcoholic who can't turn down a drink if it's put in front of him (I can easily do that. . . that's like nothing to me).
It also doesn't help that the new girlfriend likes to make ice cream -- from scratch at home. I don't think she understands that while I will gleefully eat it: a) I do actually wish she would NOT make it; and b) it's really NOT good for me.
I'm convinced more than ever that the road to abs (or 6% body fat) -- is paved with less food rather than more exercise. My demon is purely caloric -- not exercise.
On that note. . .
1 MILLION METERS - ROWING
In spite of (above), I made ~990,000 meters today -- another ~8,000 meters and I'm over the top. I'll be pretty stoked to get the t-shirt.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Management - Quick Thoughts
I'm trying to manage various spheres of my life today -- and there just isn't enough of me to go around.
I have 3 weeks of class -- then three weeks of finals. Then 2 weeks off. Then the professional exam that determines my entrance into the profession. It's the most high stakes gamble test I've ever taken (not to be melodramatic or anything).
So, that coupled with -- a new girlfriend, coupled with work at a nice government job (part-time) -- that should be a stepping stone to a future career -- all add up to a busy life. Hectic life. Too hectic at times.
I remember some point in the last year, where I endeavored to sleep 8 hours per night. . . I haven't been doing that lately. That's hard, because there just seems to be so little time to get everything on my goal sheet done. These days, it's a good night if I'm in bed by midnight. It'll all work-out (no pun intended) in a a few weeks though.
I do think I've (unhappily) identified the lynchpin of my weight loss problems: I very much fit the wikipedia definition for binging / compulsive overeating. I sometimes eat when I'm not really hungry and often feel guilty and self-conscious about eating. In some measure, I suppose, I should feel grand that I may have discovered the underlying cause of my affliction -- not sure whether I can develop a solution (or whether it will require professional intervention).
it's almost midnight, so I've got to go to bed.
cek.
I have 3 weeks of class -- then three weeks of finals. Then 2 weeks off. Then the professional exam that determines my entrance into the profession. It's the most high stakes gamble test I've ever taken (not to be melodramatic or anything).
So, that coupled with -- a new girlfriend, coupled with work at a nice government job (part-time) -- that should be a stepping stone to a future career -- all add up to a busy life. Hectic life. Too hectic at times.
I remember some point in the last year, where I endeavored to sleep 8 hours per night. . . I haven't been doing that lately. That's hard, because there just seems to be so little time to get everything on my goal sheet done. These days, it's a good night if I'm in bed by midnight. It'll all work-out (no pun intended) in a a few weeks though.
I do think I've (unhappily) identified the lynchpin of my weight loss problems: I very much fit the wikipedia definition for binging / compulsive overeating. I sometimes eat when I'm not really hungry and often feel guilty and self-conscious about eating. In some measure, I suppose, I should feel grand that I may have discovered the underlying cause of my affliction -- not sure whether I can develop a solution (or whether it will require professional intervention).
it's almost midnight, so I've got to go to bed.
cek.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Comments - Moderation: Good news / bad news
So, good news, bad news I suppose.
BAD NEWS:
It appears, the comments feature is being abused by spammers who want free advertising on blogs like mine. No thanks. It's super annoying. So, from now on, any comment will go through a moderator process. HOwever, there aren't that many comments, so it's pretty easy to manage.
GOOD NEWS:
But the good news is that I seem to have pretty strong traffic these days -- an average of 11 visits per day, at 3.5 minutes per day. So I'm happy to see that people are still reading, even though my comments are much more sporadic these days.
I'll keep posting though. Slowly but surely.
kc.
BAD NEWS:
It appears, the comments feature is being abused by spammers who want free advertising on blogs like mine. No thanks. It's super annoying. So, from now on, any comment will go through a moderator process. HOwever, there aren't that many comments, so it's pretty easy to manage.
GOOD NEWS:
But the good news is that I seem to have pretty strong traffic these days -- an average of 11 visits per day, at 3.5 minutes per day. So I'm happy to see that people are still reading, even though my comments are much more sporadic these days.
I'll keep posting though. Slowly but surely.
kc.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
Some of my coworkers (evidently) brought in their leftover candy. So I ate a bunch of it. And I feel bad about it.
Not only that, but my new girlfriend talked about being a binge eater -- and the diagnosis seemed to fit: See, article on wikipedia, binge eating.
And so today, I just kept eating candy after candy after candy (M&Ms and Reeses). Piles of it. And then, just like the diagnosis, I felt bad about it. I shouldn't be eating like that -- it's bad for me and I know it's bad for me. I'm not quite sure what to do about it, but I feel like I should do something.
But on a positive note, I currently have ~950,000 meters on the erg (I added 15,000 meters tonight). This means, probably next week, I'll get my 1 million meters done with concept2 and get the cool t-shirt (and plaque! -- well, certificate -- but the t-shirt is what I sort of really want).
Like I keep repeating -- I'm quite surprised (yet delighted) at how much I've enjoyed doing the indoor rowing (erg) for the past 6 months or so.
Not only that, but my new girlfriend talked about being a binge eater -- and the diagnosis seemed to fit: See, article on wikipedia, binge eating.
And so today, I just kept eating candy after candy after candy (M&Ms and Reeses). Piles of it. And then, just like the diagnosis, I felt bad about it. I shouldn't be eating like that -- it's bad for me and I know it's bad for me. I'm not quite sure what to do about it, but I feel like I should do something.
But on a positive note, I currently have ~950,000 meters on the erg (I added 15,000 meters tonight). This means, probably next week, I'll get my 1 million meters done with concept2 and get the cool t-shirt (and plaque! -- well, certificate -- but the t-shirt is what I sort of really want).
Like I keep repeating -- I'm quite surprised (yet delighted) at how much I've enjoyed doing the indoor rowing (erg) for the past 6 months or so.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Caliper body fat -- 22.286%
Measured body fat with calipers tonight -- 22.286%. Decent -- but still north of 20, which I want to get below.
Also, rowed an outstanding 6000 meter row which gave me a new record (23:39.9) -- which is, for those rowing enthusiasts reading -- 1:58.3 per 500 meters rowed -- not too shabby for a former wrestler that now does a bit of rowing.
DIET
As for diet -- still eating lots of meals out -- but trying to be smarter about what I eat. I've also been unable to record good data during much of this new (and fantastic) dating experience. Also, since I'm spread thin between work, school, girlfriend and exercise activities -- it makes everything a big challenge. Right now, what has given the most has been my exercise regimen. And my diet.
Although, I must say, I still at lots of salads and fruits -- and try to simply supplement with other foods. Although, I've also recently gotten into balance bars adn other supps.
Also, rowed an outstanding 6000 meter row which gave me a new record (23:39.9) -- which is, for those rowing enthusiasts reading -- 1:58.3 per 500 meters rowed -- not too shabby for a former wrestler that now does a bit of rowing.
DIET
As for diet -- still eating lots of meals out -- but trying to be smarter about what I eat. I've also been unable to record good data during much of this new (and fantastic) dating experience. Also, since I'm spread thin between work, school, girlfriend and exercise activities -- it makes everything a big challenge. Right now, what has given the most has been my exercise regimen. And my diet.
Although, I must say, I still at lots of salads and fruits -- and try to simply supplement with other foods. Although, I've also recently gotten into balance bars adn other supps.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Monday, October 10, 2005
Rowing: 800k
I officially passed the 800,000 meter mark tonight -- which means just a simple 200k meters to go before I have my million meter t-shirt.
Just nice easy paced 10k tonight to bring it over the 10k.
Just nice easy paced 10k tonight to bring it over the 10k.
Friday, October 07, 2005
I got all of this at the Grand Central Market in downtown LA for $11.65. Super cheap. It probably would have been on the order of $30 bucks at Ralph. The next time I go to the store and downtown, I need to take the camera in to photograph the differences for fun. (Much dirtier at the Grand Central than Vons (safeway) grocery store though).
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Interesting Phenomenon - Desire To Row
ROWING PHASE
For whatever reason, I seem to be currently going through a pretty heavy rowing phase. I figure it's worthwhile to simply go with it -- I mean why fight that desire to do more of a particular type of exercise?
I figure it's a great aerobic (and, arguably some strength) type of workout. It provides me with valid exercise and I seem to be excelling more and more at the indoor sport. Also, the other perfectly valid reason for enjoying the experience is the dead-set ability to benchmark one exact performance against another: my 5,000 meters rowed last week, is nearly identical to the 5,000 meters rowed this week (the only minutely different variable is temperature in my apartment -- but even that is ONLY a difference of a degree or two (70-73 deg F typically); well, there is one difference between teh performance (which is the point): My body's ability to do the work -- and the ideal is rather pure: Increase the effort/work one's body can do and measure that difference and, arguably, one has increased their fitness. That seems like a nice feature of rowing -- and perhaps a bit understated by some.
I continue to attack records -- some with more success than others. It gets more and more fun the better shape I seem to attain ;:-0.
k
For whatever reason, I seem to be currently going through a pretty heavy rowing phase. I figure it's worthwhile to simply go with it -- I mean why fight that desire to do more of a particular type of exercise?
I figure it's a great aerobic (and, arguably some strength) type of workout. It provides me with valid exercise and I seem to be excelling more and more at the indoor sport. Also, the other perfectly valid reason for enjoying the experience is the dead-set ability to benchmark one exact performance against another: my 5,000 meters rowed last week, is nearly identical to the 5,000 meters rowed this week (the only minutely different variable is temperature in my apartment -- but even that is ONLY a difference of a degree or two (70-73 deg F typically); well, there is one difference between teh performance (which is the point): My body's ability to do the work -- and the ideal is rather pure: Increase the effort/work one's body can do and measure that difference and, arguably, one has increased their fitness. That seems like a nice feature of rowing -- and perhaps a bit understated by some.
I continue to attack records -- some with more success than others. It gets more and more fun the better shape I seem to attain ;:-0.
k
Saturday, October 01, 2005
TRIATHLON SEASON - GIRLFRIEND
TRIATHLON SEASON
My triathlon season has come to a non-eventful end for the year. I decided -- mostly because it's tomorrow -- that I'm not going to do the triathlon down in San Diego. Also becasue I've done little riding and swimming in the past few weeks.
WHITE PAPER - FUTURE TRI GOALS
So, I've been trying to workout my future triathlon goals particularly in the 90 days / 6 months, 1 year and 18 month ranges.
I finish school in the next 90 days. So, that's definitely a focus -- I need to ensure I dot all the i's and cross all the t's for school.
After school ends, there are holidays, followed immediately thereafter with a course and then a significant licensing exam. I take mine in February unlike many of my classmates. I'll get the results in May. Hopefully they'll be positive.
So I figure the month of January and February will be incredibly light months for me. Probably 3-5 hours per week of exercise -- so about 12-20 hours per month for each of the two months. No real training can go on then. Nor can any significant training occur during finals in December.
So, it leaves me with some base building potential in March / April / May, which I suppose is fine.
HALF-IRONMAN PROSPECTS
Though I haven't finally pulled the trigger on it, I would like to commit to doing a half ironman next year -- preferably in the fall. In fact, it might even be preferable to some degree to travel to do a high profile race. That's always fun and a powerful incentive to train harder/smarter.
There are a few half-ironmans in the spring, notably Ralph's down in Oceanside -- but because it's held in either Mar/Apr -- there's no real time to make it work. So I could either plan to do it in '07 -- or do a fall half-ironman in '06 -- which seems much more likely.
But what that really means is trying to schedule in hard training during multiple events:
* successful girlfriend;
* new job at Office (after pass test) (hopefully);
* multiple exams immediately before -- and trying to put everything together.
So I think I could commit to doing it, but I'm going to have to get the GF to sign on -- but that's not for a few months before I need to get her to sign on to that program.
TRAINING IN NEXT 90 DAYS
I think in the immediate few weeks, I'm going to modify the training a bit, notably:
* Try to get out on the mountain bike on the weekends to get some nice Pasadena rides in;
* More rowing -- it's easier on my body than running -- and much more convenient than swimming right now. I find it to be a pretty decent substitute for swimming too, because of all of the upper body work;
* I'd also like to get some real miles in on my new track bike too. It should be fun.
NOV-DEC
As Nov and Dec approach, undoubtedly due to less light, I'll be doing much more indoor training. Notably much more riding on the computrainer -- and perhaps a bit of walking here and there -- at least I wouldn't mind trying that.
My Dec goal is to complete my 1 million meters rowing goal -- which should come about pretty comfortably.
JAN-FEB
Light training - I'm going to plan for much lower hours due to the compactness and pressure of preparing for my upcoming proffessional exam.
MAR-APR-MAY
I think this is full on building more and more endurance phases -- with some significant rowing (for speed work) thrown into the mix.
JUN-JUL-AUG-SEP
The heart of the triathlon season next year.
I think I'd like to do:
1. Another xterra, probably in August or so (but I'd like to do it at 15% body fat or lower, not 23%);
2. 2-4 olympic distance tris;
3. 2-4 less than olympic (particularly enjoyed the ventura county tri -- also I'd like to get down to san diego; I also enjoyed the tri way out in san gabriel).
k
My triathlon season has come to a non-eventful end for the year. I decided -- mostly because it's tomorrow -- that I'm not going to do the triathlon down in San Diego. Also becasue I've done little riding and swimming in the past few weeks.
WHITE PAPER - FUTURE TRI GOALS
So, I've been trying to workout my future triathlon goals particularly in the 90 days / 6 months, 1 year and 18 month ranges.
I finish school in the next 90 days. So, that's definitely a focus -- I need to ensure I dot all the i's and cross all the t's for school.
After school ends, there are holidays, followed immediately thereafter with a course and then a significant licensing exam. I take mine in February unlike many of my classmates. I'll get the results in May. Hopefully they'll be positive.
So I figure the month of January and February will be incredibly light months for me. Probably 3-5 hours per week of exercise -- so about 12-20 hours per month for each of the two months. No real training can go on then. Nor can any significant training occur during finals in December.
So, it leaves me with some base building potential in March / April / May, which I suppose is fine.
HALF-IRONMAN PROSPECTS
Though I haven't finally pulled the trigger on it, I would like to commit to doing a half ironman next year -- preferably in the fall. In fact, it might even be preferable to some degree to travel to do a high profile race. That's always fun and a powerful incentive to train harder/smarter.
There are a few half-ironmans in the spring, notably Ralph's down in Oceanside -- but because it's held in either Mar/Apr -- there's no real time to make it work. So I could either plan to do it in '07 -- or do a fall half-ironman in '06 -- which seems much more likely.
But what that really means is trying to schedule in hard training during multiple events:
* successful girlfriend;
* new job at Office (after pass test) (hopefully);
* multiple exams immediately before -- and trying to put everything together.
So I think I could commit to doing it, but I'm going to have to get the GF to sign on -- but that's not for a few months before I need to get her to sign on to that program.
TRAINING IN NEXT 90 DAYS
I think in the immediate few weeks, I'm going to modify the training a bit, notably:
* Try to get out on the mountain bike on the weekends to get some nice Pasadena rides in;
* More rowing -- it's easier on my body than running -- and much more convenient than swimming right now. I find it to be a pretty decent substitute for swimming too, because of all of the upper body work;
* I'd also like to get some real miles in on my new track bike too. It should be fun.
NOV-DEC
As Nov and Dec approach, undoubtedly due to less light, I'll be doing much more indoor training. Notably much more riding on the computrainer -- and perhaps a bit of walking here and there -- at least I wouldn't mind trying that.
My Dec goal is to complete my 1 million meters rowing goal -- which should come about pretty comfortably.
JAN-FEB
Light training - I'm going to plan for much lower hours due to the compactness and pressure of preparing for my upcoming proffessional exam.
MAR-APR-MAY
I think this is full on building more and more endurance phases -- with some significant rowing (for speed work) thrown into the mix.
JUN-JUL-AUG-SEP
The heart of the triathlon season next year.
I think I'd like to do:
1. Another xterra, probably in August or so (but I'd like to do it at 15% body fat or lower, not 23%);
2. 2-4 olympic distance tris;
3. 2-4 less than olympic (particularly enjoyed the ventura county tri -- also I'd like to get down to san diego; I also enjoyed the tri way out in san gabriel).
k
Caliper Body Fat: 23.26%
Checked my body fat today and it remains "high" at 23.26%. I'd like to get it lowered below 20% as I keep saying. Mucho sushi last night (free) so hard to pass up -- but I did drink diet coke all night. Heading out for mountain bike today too.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Derelict in duty
Well, I've been derelict in my duty at posting. Mostly becasue I have a new (and pretty kick-ass) girlfriend.
It's always a struggle, though, to mix girlfriend and copious workouts (and diet). But I actually weighed 218 today, so in the weight department I think I did OK.
ROWING
Today I actually tried to set a new 30 min record (Personal Best, I should say) for myself on the rowing machine and I just didn't have it in me. I may go for it tomorrow.
I still really enjoy rowing as an additional method for working out. It gets a good sweat going and I get a pretty good full body workout from the machine. To date, I've rowed 734,000 meters -- I'm fast approaching the 1,000,000 meter mark (for which, the folks at Concept 2 provide rowers with a much vaunted t-shirt).
TRIATHLON
I think my triathlon season is done -- mostly by default. There's another race or two in San Diego, but to be honest, my training really hasn't been there with the new GF -- so it's tough to make that work.
I have seriously considered -- and I do imagine -- doing a half-ironman next year. I still have a serious commitment to breaking 200 pounds by my graduation date (and/or breaking down below 20% body fat). My goal, long term, in the next 6-12 months remains to get down into single digit body fat, ideally into the 5-6% range. This would definitely help the half-ironman prospects. I also think using the rowing machine as a way to maintain weight -- and to keep in decent shape over the dark winter months -- should work pretty well this winter. What a pleasant surprise that relatively simple machine has been for me.
Indeed, I think I'm going for my 30 min record in the am, when my food has fully digested :-).
k
It's always a struggle, though, to mix girlfriend and copious workouts (and diet). But I actually weighed 218 today, so in the weight department I think I did OK.
ROWING
Today I actually tried to set a new 30 min record (Personal Best, I should say) for myself on the rowing machine and I just didn't have it in me. I may go for it tomorrow.
I still really enjoy rowing as an additional method for working out. It gets a good sweat going and I get a pretty good full body workout from the machine. To date, I've rowed 734,000 meters -- I'm fast approaching the 1,000,000 meter mark (for which, the folks at Concept 2 provide rowers with a much vaunted t-shirt).
TRIATHLON
I think my triathlon season is done -- mostly by default. There's another race or two in San Diego, but to be honest, my training really hasn't been there with the new GF -- so it's tough to make that work.
I have seriously considered -- and I do imagine -- doing a half-ironman next year. I still have a serious commitment to breaking 200 pounds by my graduation date (and/or breaking down below 20% body fat). My goal, long term, in the next 6-12 months remains to get down into single digit body fat, ideally into the 5-6% range. This would definitely help the half-ironman prospects. I also think using the rowing machine as a way to maintain weight -- and to keep in decent shape over the dark winter months -- should work pretty well this winter. What a pleasant surprise that relatively simple machine has been for me.
Indeed, I think I'm going for my 30 min record in the am, when my food has fully digested :-).
k
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
No post in a while
I haven't posted in a few weeks now. Reason: Girlfriend, M, now in the picture. She's really good. But, as always seems to be the case with me, the first few weeks of courting removes a significant amount of my training time (though certainly not all of it -- I've done some pretty good running in the past 2-3 weeks).
Here are the current numbers:
weight ~223 this morning, I think 22 or 23% body fat (it's in the picture log of the past 3 weeks. (with sporadic entries for weeks 4 and 5).
Body dimensions, as of 09.21.2005, 1220am:
N: 15.75
B: 13.25
C: 43.25
uw: 41.00
lw: 38.00;
T: 22.25
H: 39.75
My body fat measurement via calipers is: 23.693%
I'm sure that's up from something.
I was also dreadfully sick over the past weekend. Indeed, I had a 103 deg fever. Bad times.
More to come I suppose.
kc
Here are the current numbers:
weight ~223 this morning, I think 22 or 23% body fat (it's in the picture log of the past 3 weeks. (with sporadic entries for weeks 4 and 5).
Body dimensions, as of 09.21.2005, 1220am:
N: 15.75
B: 13.25
C: 43.25
uw: 41.00
lw: 38.00;
T: 22.25
H: 39.75
My body fat measurement via calipers is: 23.693%
I'm sure that's up from something.
I was also dreadfully sick over the past weekend. Indeed, I had a 103 deg fever. Bad times.
More to come I suppose.
kc
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
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