Mo Pasta Mo Rowin'

Want to keep this quick, as it's part of my weekend retrospective... (posting for Friday a couple days late)...

No big news at the close of the week.  I wanted to try to row a 10k, but my knee was a little sore and blisters were starting to develop pretty substantially, so cut it short at 7k. Distance: 7k row.  One of the reasons I like that silly rowing machine is because of all the fun readouts on th workout.  I'm a bit of a geek.  So it's interesting that I was pulling about a 185 watt average with 32-35 strokes per minute.  I have no idea if that was good or not... but hey, it's something.

Kelly went to Maggiano's on Thursday and brought back a bunch of delicious pasta.  Oops. It's been tasty, but obviously not super healthy.  I'm mostly trying to just keep portions small (because avoiding eating it all together is just a ridiculous notion).  Food: B-

Fat Friday weigh-in: 224 lbs.  (not bad).  So if I'm going with my estimated starting weight of about 245... unofficially, I'm under the "20 lbs lost" milestone.  Still some work to do to get there for the official weigh-ins on this blog...

Here is the progress for my Fat Fridays:



back on track...

Row Row Row Your... Machine?

You may recall (and by “you” I pretty much mean “my wife Kelly”, since she’s the only person who I know actually reads this drivel) I ended my last post in a bit of despair (not to be confused with a PIT of despair) about what to do moving forward for effective yet interesting/fun FRA’s (fitness related activities… we’re a couple more uses away from you starting to think “is he using that acronym seriously?”)

Well, I was brainstorming/researching, and did you know that rowing can be a better workout than running?!?  Let me stop you there.  It’s not.  This is the internet, and you can’t believe everything you read here, even if some lame crew-fanatic who never went out past 9pm in college decides something is a medical fact.

But it’s still a pretty good workout, and “something different”, so I decided to give it a shot.  Instead of running a 5k, I rowed a 5k.  Not bad.  I don’t know anything about speed, but it took about 21 minutes, and (I found out afterward) my “drag” setting was at 10… so… yeah?

Anyway, it was fun, I sorta wanted to have another go after a quick break--I decided to bike a (laughably) short 5k as a breather--but thought better of it.  Kelly was expecting me home for dinner… and what a dinner it was!  Distance 5k row, 5k bike.

I forgot to take a picture because it was so freakin’ good that I just ate it all before it occurred to me how potentially photogenic it might be.  We had marinated chicken (sort of a southeast asian marinade… lime, peanuts, spice, cilantro, that sorta thing) on a salad of spinach, pea shoots, red peppers, diced almonds, some harvest grain blend, and a delicious spicy peanut vinaigrette.  Seriously, best meal I’ve had at home in quite a while.  Ate healthy for breakfast and lunch, too.  Good day.  Food: A

Weight: 224.2 lbs.

Knee

I really do intend to keep regularly logging-via-the-web my progress… but it has been a crazy busy week for me and I haven’t been able to get around to it. On the upside, I’m still actually participating in fitness related activities (or FRA’s), they just haven’t been chronicled it in my typical hilarious fashion quite often enough. Sorry… hopefully you’ll find a way to cope. In regards to mechanisms for the aforementioned coping, I would recommend binging on Girl Scout cookies.

I had a good running week last week. 5k on Tuesday, Thurday, and Saturday, and then on Sunday had a GLORIOUS run outside. It wasn’t great because it was particularly fast (it wasn’t), but because it was outside. It was warm and breezy and colorful and everything smells like growing. And I was able to run to places instead of running like a hamster runs.

Treadmills are for suckers.

And, not that we’re too concerned, but my pace was a little bit faster than it normally is indoors. I like the out-of-doors. I also like saying “the out-of-doors”. Something about it is just askew enough to make it fun.

Anyway, the great post-run feeling of enjoyment and being one with the out-of-doors and running slowly and embarrassingly in plain view was quickly ruined when I was walking downstairs when I got home…

(quick backstory) My legs/feet/knees feel different amounts of “funny” while I run, but I usually chalk it up to being slow, fat, out of shape, wimpy, or any combination therein.

This was different, and I’m not sure how to describe it. It was not a rip or tear or pop… more of a *twinge* on the outside of my knee near the kneecap. And it was acute. I mean, a really really sharp pain. Stairs have been tough ever since, and every once in a while I’ll feel a much more faint twinge when changing direction. “Are you playing basketball or something? What are you talking about changing direction?” … yeah-no. Like when I’m walking. Changing direction like turning a corner at the office. Yup, that’s the state I’m in. Pathetic.

The really tragic part of the whole thing is that it’s been a BEAUTIFUL week. Really just gorgeous, more than you could ever ask for from a Chicago spring. And I’ve actually wanted to run outside. In the out-of-doors. And I legitimately can’t. It’s so cruel. Possibly my least favorite thing in the world has turned into something I’ve enjoyed in a matter of six weeks, and now I’m being deprived of it. I mean, if you approached me in January and told me I can’t run outside this spring, I would have laughed in your face… and then had about 27 more Girl Scout cookies.

But now, sans cookies, and sans running opportunity… there’s just a pathetic yearning. Yearning? Yeah, you’re right… that sounds a little off. But really, can’t ride my bike… can’t go for a run… it’s beautiful out.  Something's gotta give.  What’s a guy gonna do? Swim indoors like a MORON?!  I need to figure something out…

---

I’ve been eating pretty healthy this week, lots of smoothies, and some “small portion” cheese and crackers (deserves its own post soon)… Food: B+

As far as working out (or FRA's), I forgot where I’m keeping track, but I ran back to back 5k’s this weekend. Then I tried to run on Tuesday and went about to the end of the block before realizing… no, this really isn’t going to work. Then limping home full of frustration and shame. Distance: 5k, 5k, 500 feet

Weight: 224.8 lbs. getting under that 225 mark is a good milestone for me. I’ll be pretty excited to hit the teens, too. Then really, under 215 is back into the “acceptable” range. Getting into the “two-oh-…” range (sub 210) would be something I’m proud of.  Sub-200 would be awesome.  Not sure if I’ve spelled that out before, but yeah… those are my goals. For now.

last week

Yes, it's been a while.  But I've heard the outcry of the masses and I have triumphantly returned.  Wait... not triumphantly... what's the word that's like that, but with more embarrassment?  Unimpressively?  Shamefully?  Yeah... let's go with that.

I have shamefully returned.

So... a week in review!  Here we go...

We had a great time in Richmond.  And I mean, really, a great time.  Really.  It was an awesome wedding, a great reception, and just a ton of fun with good family.

[vimeo 21943610 w=400 h=225]

Tom + Steph | Photobooth! from tall and small photography on Vimeo.

Ah, but I know what you are thinking:  None of that really matters, Dan.  In fact, it sounds like a thinly veiled excuse for being fat & lazy... what really matters is your fitness goals.  How have THOSE been going in the midst of all this "fun" and "celebration" and "quality time with family you rarely see"?  C'mon, you sentimental sap, quantify something.  Give meaning to an otherwise fruitless and hollow weekend.

Fair points, to be sure.  I'll try to give an aggregate score not only for the weekend, but also the week that followed.  Essentially, from a diet perspective, I took the weekend off.  I had good food any time (and as much as) I wanted.  With a few notable exceptions, none of these transgressions were particularly egregious.  One of the many apparent (and perhaps comparably superficial) themes for the weekend seemed to be the partaking and enjoyment of fine craft beer.  Not only was the selection at the reception excellent, but our hotel was practically adjoined to a Capital Ale House, with 75 different beers on tap and over 200 different bottled varieties.  Delicious.

So, how to grade?  I intentionally took the weekend off, consumed food and drink that I thoroughly enjoyed with family... feels like a good grade, but the quantities (and especially the fresh-baked artisan donuts) maybe weren't the healthiest move as far as consumption goes.  Food: C If I balance it out with this week (where I ate quite healthy, in part trying to make up for the weekend), I'd probably put it at around a B-

I ran on Saturday, the day of the wedding, a little over two miles doing some interval speed work, which was surprisingly more fun (or at least "interesting") than I would have anticipated.  It beats just plodding away.  Then I ran on Tuesday and Thursday (yesterday) of this week.  5k each time, at what is becoming my "standard" pace.  Looking to improve on that... but first want to increase my distance.  Distance: 2mi, 5k, 5k

Weight was at a new low on the last Fat Friday... and it jumped up significantly from the weekend's events (back up into the 229's even).  But I was able to fight it off this week and am back to where I'm started.  Given the festivities, I'll take it.  226.8 lbs.

on our way to RVA

It'll be a short entry today. We're coming to you LIVE from O'Hare Airport via the iPhone. Kelly and I are on our way to the wedding of cousin Tom & (soon to be cousin-in-law) Stephanie in Richmond, VA. Lots of fun and extended family. Can't wait.

Ran 5k yesterday. Felt a bit sore, but still infinitely better than a month ago. (eventually it'd be a good idea to stop using "the worst shape in my life" as a measuring stick for my current fitness) Distance: 5k

Ate pretty well (out of pretzels.) Food: B+

Fat Friday weigh in... 226.8 lbs (probably not a great chance of that number staying down there thru this weekend...)

Back-to-Back

Because my schedule was slightly askew, I was faced with a dilemma ... skip a day, or double up.  I haven't run in back-to-back days yet, but have been feeling pretty comfortable with my running lately (and have eaten a truckload of soft pretzels)... so I figured I'd give it a shot.

I ran a solid 5k yesterday (no post, thought I'd get ya up to speed), and was feeling good today to start out.  Probably because of that, I got a little cocky.  Don't get me wrong, I know I'm slow, but still in my limited scope of speed, I decided to push it.  (that's my second female R&B reference in as many paragraphs...)

I have a certain (undisclosed) time goal I'm trying to reach.  And today I thought "let's just set the speed for that, and see if I do it."  In retrospect, a mistake.  I was good for the first 2 miles (which, considering where I started a month ago, is a minor accomplishment in itself), but ultimately, I was gassed and couldn't finish at that pace.  Had to limp down the homestretch with an ever-so-wimpy run-walk.  I made myself finish the last quarter mile at my starting/goal pace, just out of principle.  But ultimately, was pretty disappointed that I didn't either a) finish my run and hit my goal, or b) never start my run at that pace and just take an easy 5k since I ran yesterday.  Oh well, lesson learned.  It would have been a nice confidence boost if I had hit my goal in my first month of pseudo-serious running (in my first back-to-back effort), but this also adds a nice kick-in-the-butt for me to keep training.  I think I'll still work on endurance (maybe increasing some mileage) in the next couple weeks... and then start some light speed/interval training.  We'll see...

Distance: 5k (and 5k yesterday)

I'll give myself a two-day aggregate score for food, too, I guess.  Basically, mostly healthy with a caveat.  We went out to eat with friends last night and I kept it light with some tilapia and spinach on the side.  But I've pretty much finished off the pretzels from the other night... truth be told, that's pretty much been "lunch" for me for that last two days.  Probably not my proudest dietary moment there.  Food: B-

Magic number = 229.2 lbs ... a number I'm sure I still owe to my pretzel binging...

Pretzels!

A beautiful thing happened today.

wait... just a quick background (and ever so subtle foreshadowing): if you didn't know this about me, I love pretzels.  Love them.  In all their wondrous forms:  twists, rods, sticks, nuggets, bites, sourdough, honey wheat, "olde" fashioned, crackers (yeah, that's right pretzels crackers. they're delicious. get your facts straight)... and of course, the grand daddy of them all... The Soft Pretzel.  I get 'em at movies, I make 'em at home (you can buy a box of 10,000 of them--or some similar number--at costco), I get 'em wherever available from fine local retailers (formerly Einstein Bros until they bailed on that Cash Cow... fools!).  Most notably, they're a staple at the ballpark, even moreso that the ubiquitous hot dog.  I really love pretzels.  ... and with that in mind...

A beautiful thing happened today.

In what can only be construed as an obvious confession of guilt in response to my recent post exposing her as a diabolical genius, a heartfelt plea to make amends, and a desperate attempt to regain the upper hand in our battle of wills... all wrapped up into one undeniable act of love, Kelly decided to make homemade soft pretzels when I got home from work (I worked at REI... not the norm for Sunday, but a store meeting demanded my attendance).

The night began to unfold when I got this text driving home:



poop?  wait... that's guessing too far in advance.  umm... something unhealthy for me?  Well... yes, but not as bad as some alternatives (cake, cupcakes, pie, cookies, granola-bars-of-death, etc).

That's right.... PRETZELS!!!

I got to help make them when I got home.  It really was a fun little "couple project" (the kind of canned crap you would see on some lame dating show... except it was actually fun) ... rolling dough, twisting the pretzel, poaching, salting, baking, and of course ... eating.  mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... fresh-baked pretzels.

pre-poach/bake:


lots of pretzels

and post-bake:


Three things I'm "repping" in this image: the ludicrously useful "Ove'-Glove", a simply unfettered almost unthinkable amount of excitement, and... um... yep, a thumbs-up.  That's a winning photograph.

As you can see, they come in all shapes and sizes.  You might say this is because they were not rolled and twisted expertly.  But I'd like to think of it as an analogous object lesson...

"You see, son, pretzels are just like people... they come in all different shapes and sizes"

"Is that why you're so fat, daddy?"

"No, that's because I'm lazy.  Oh, and because I'm about to down this whole pan of pretzels in about 4 minutes"

... hmmm, my analogy is breaking down... let's move on... (cue "Cat's in the Cradle" outro)

Are they healthy?  I'm really not sure.  Obviously, they're pretty high in carbohydrates... but not much else.  It's mostly flour and water.  I did of course insist, after baking, that we give them the "Auntie Anne's treatment"... which mainly consists of brushing on some melted butter.  And then I may or may not have eaten a LOT of them.  Really, a jarring amount of pretzels.  So let's retry the above question with a more honest and accurate answer... Are they healthy?  I don't really care.  They're delicious.

Great day.

I didn't run like I was hoping, but between church, some work around the house, watching some basketball, and working at REI... I sort of ran out of time... in a cowardly, weaselly, wimpy sort of way.  Distance: 0

Food was good for the first half of the day.  Cereal for breakfast, veggies and hummus for lunch.  Had some pizza at REI at the all-store meeting (management splurge), and then of course ate half my weight in pretzels when I got home... might have even washed it down with a beer (c'mon... pretzels and beer!  I would say "that's like such and such foods together" and make some comparison, but literally nothing compares to the combination of pretzels and beer.  Who could blame me?!)  Food: B-

Weight: 228.4 lbs. (I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that number rises for tomorrow, considering I had roughly 40 thousand grams of carbohydrates after 10pm).