Bachelorhood

Welp, my wonderful and beautiful bride has left me.  For a week, anyway.  She is up at the best place in the world: Camp Castaway in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota with Young Life.

Here's the deal though, and I'll do my best here not to be overly dramatic.  When Kelly leaves... I pretty much fall apart.  I mean, at least in regards to any semblance of discipline and responsibility (perhaps not my strong suits, to start).  I stay up late, I don't put stuff away, I waste inordinate amounts of time with superfluous and oftentimes completely avoidable tasks.

I ... I don't know... I am just generally irresponsible.  Maybe I've come to depend too much on her as a guide for typical adult responsibility, and I'm left thinking "free pass" when she's gone?  I don't know.  What I *do* know, however, is that bad discipline spells disaster for good eating.

Yesterday, even when she was here... she was out finishing up some work at the office and I saw that she had purchased some candy for girls in her cabin.  That's nice.  But then my eye caught something... the XXL bag of peanut butter M&Ms was open.

Oh dear.

If it had already been opened then certainly no one would notice a few more M&Ms missing.  Knowing full well that they were meant for girls in her cabin, I then proceeded to essentially steal from high school girls, and eat somewhere between 12 and 75 (it's hard to keep track, really) peanut butter M&M's.

resistance is futile

When she discovered my transgression, at some point during the ensuing scolding, she said something to the effect of  "you better blog about this and embarrass yourself!"  Done. (wwwwooorrrrth it)

Also, last night we had all the leaders over for a send-off dinner.  I ate far too much pizza (and chips).  And yet, there were still leftovers.  Today I had a plate of Cheetos for lunch.

Yup.  A plate of Cheetos.  I meant to make a grilled chicken salad.  But then I saw the Cheetos from last night, and ate a couple.  Then I thought "these are so good... I should have a small serving", so I poured a few out onto the plate that was meant for the salad.  But it didn't look like quite enough... so I poured a few more... then a few more.  And before long, I had a plate of Cheetos.  Then I ate them all.  (while watching Shark Week)

I felt so guilty that I didn't even allow myself to have anything else from lunch.  Great... so zero nutritional value there.  Also, then Browning came over and had left over salsa verde from Los B's... so I ate that with some chips for pre-dinner.  Yup, a banner day here at the ole Nicholas house.  I need to get rid of all this food around me (feel free to come by and pick some up).  That's my only hope for control.  This is a cry for help.  Food: F

The only good news from today from a fitness perspective was my run this morning.  It ended up being a little shorter than I wanted because of the heat.  But, I ran at a good 8:15 pace for about three and a half miles.  That is my previous race speed for a 5k, but today it was good as just a "good regular run" speed... not "easy" but definitely not at my limit.  It feels good to be improving.  Distance 3.4 miles

And the magic number... 204.2 lbs

Keep on Truckin'

Oh hi there, I didn't know you'd been sitting and waiting... for a month.

I'm not really sure what can be said about that lapse.  I mean, I didn't post for a month.

And yet, life goes on.

First things first.  I have been staying active, and probably been eating healthier than the last few months, too.  The hard work seems to be paying off and I *have* seen a solid decline in weight since I last posted.  So... yeah.  That's good.  I've officially crossed the "30 lbs lost" milestone (never to look back), and Last Friday I was on the cusp of an unofficial "40 lbs lost" benchmark.  That's a lot of weight.  For the official record, here are my last 5 Fat Friday weigh-ins...

• July 1 - 214 (last posted)


• July 8 - 209.6


• July 15 - 208.6


• July 22 - 202.4


• July 29 - 203.6

steady progress... mostly...

Some really good progress there... still more to go.  The current goal is to get below 200lbs before school starts on August 22nd.  Other non-weight related news from July includes:

• I ran a new 5k PR a couple weeks ago.  23:54 - which is slightly better than 8 minute miles... which is sort of a big deal for me because that's been a goal/plateau.  So, yeah... that's been good progress, too, I guess.


• Knee pain has been better (or, more accurately: less often and less severe)


• Kel and I have two kids from China staying at our house for the month


• I sold my bike, Vincent.

And that about covers it (without a single item seeming out of place).  On additional item... yes, I sold my bike, but also... I got a new one.  This one is not light and fast, but it's big and tough and will carry all my stuff.  It's the Surly Long Haul Trucker.

shown here with all the trimmings: fenders, rear rack, frame pump, brooks saddle, and crank bros pedals

So you might notice that this bike is significantly more... errrr... functional than my last rig. The plan is to commute with it to Wheaton Academy this fall.  (that's 15 miles a day, plus whatever I add on weekends... not bad for staying active, not to mention biking to work is awesome).  The Long Haul Trucker (as evidenced by the name) is also ideally suited for long self-supported tours... which might be a possibility in the future (more on this later).  It's also a steel frame, which means durability and longevity.  I'm planning on this being my bike for a long time.

FFF: printed on the chainstay: "fatties fit fine" ... it means big tires (up to 45mm), but I like to think it also means riders

Anyway, I'm excited about the practicality (once I have panniers, I can take most things most places with just my bike) and essentially replace my car... at least until it gets really cold.

Just another way to fight the fat...

Belly of the Beast (Dumpster Fire)

Well... this is the last full day of being at camp with Kelly.  If you're wondering how, as a staff spouse, I did not find/make time to update this blog with more frequency (something I had planned to do)... I don't have a good answer or excuse for you.  I could say that I've been spending too much time serving others, or intentionally building community, or diligently reading/studying potential lesson plans for next year... and while there is some truth to each of those, I think the real reason is whatever else I've been doing, updating this blog just hasn't been that high on my priority list.  And that's okay.

(History will later show that it's easier to keep a regularly updated blog in the horribly depressing late winter months of February and March while living in Chicago than in the beautiful summer time of Northern #PureMichigan)

One other thing that has been keeping me busy has been working out.  No, really.  Here is some proof:

As you can see, (and if you can't... 21mi bike, 22mi bike, 10mi bike with 2mi run, rest day, 34mi bike, 20mi bike, 3.5mi run, 5mi run, 54mi bike, 27mi bike, and 10k run) I've been keeping busy.  Including a 10k run today (which I honestly feel pretty good about... my legs don't feel good about it, but I do).  Distance: 10k 

So, what do I have to show for my efforts?  I've had solid workouts for 10 of the last 11 days... and yet? 

Yes, that's right.  A weight GAIN on Fat Friday.

And what can account for this cruel and ridiculous twist in my fitness narrative?  My complete lack of personal will power, of course!  The really tragically embarrassing part of this debacle (and I'm not sure if "debacle" is strong enough, we are beyond "debacle" or "train wreck"... and might be moving into "dumpster fire" territory... as in "my nutritional situation is a freakin' dumpster fire".)  It's not like I'm gorging myself at every meal.  Many days I've had a healthy breakfast (oatmeal or something similar) and a carefully well portioned lunch, and skipped desert at dinner... only to throw back half a pizza and an ice cream Sunday at 11:30pm at an Assigned Team party. *sigh*

See what I mean?  Dumpster Fire.

Anyway, all my hard work has been summarily negated by my utter lack of nutritional discipline.  So sad.  Food: F

And the weigh-in?  214 lbs.  (although, after my run I posted a 210.8... but that's not the deal.  I weigh first thing in the morning... not after I've sufficiently dehydrated myself to near the point of death).

Hopefully I'll get back on track once I'm home... I'm hoping to make some significant progress in July (and feel off to a good start with the 10k)...

Ketchup*

It seems we’ve missed a beat.  In fact, we may have missed several… depending on how many beats you can fit into a month and a half.  (measured in “beats per month”… or bpm)

Anyway, a lot has happened.  Really, this time.

Firstly, and not directly pertinent to the particularities of this blog, yet not wholly unrelated: I have a new job!  Or to be more accurate, I *will* have a new job soon… At any rate, I’ve left the comfortable confines of Per Se Group to move on to the wild and unpredictable frontier of Wheaton Academy, where I will attempt to teach history to students I’m hoping will be able to stay awake.  Can’t wait.

Other things you may have missed since I’ve last posted:

• I (mostly) lost weight


• I gained some weight


• My eating habits have consistently deteriorated


• I’ve kept up with working out pretty well, mostly biking


• I haven’t run very much on account of knee pain


• I’ve seen a doctor for knee pain


• I’ve seen an orthopedic surgeon for knee pain


• I’ve seen a “chiropractic physician” (specializing in sports injury) for knee pain


• I am still experiencing knee pain when I run


• I have less money than when I last


• I’m currently up at Young Life camp (TimberwolfLake) with Kelly

… and I think that pretty much covers it… really, it’s mostly the job thing.

But since I missed so many consecutive weeks, I will now post all of my Fat Friday weights since my last weigh in.  Set faces to “nonplussed apathy”…

• 5/13 – 216.4


• 5/20 – 216.4


• 5/27 – 214.2


• 6/03 – 212.4


• 6/10 – 214.4


• 6/17 – 212.6

And today’s big number: 212.4 lbs

So I’m apparently back to where I started at the beginning of the month.  Not super encouraging.  We seem to be at a bit of a plateau.  Fortunately, I’m at Young Life camp where all the food is super healthy and staying extra nutritious should be… a piece of cake (see what I did there?)

* this is the only correct spelling of that word.  I will not accept any of the following: Catsup, Catchup, Katsup, Catsip, Cotsup, Kotchup, Kitsip, Catsoup, Katshoup, Katsock, Cackchop, Cornchop, Cotpock, Kotpock, Kutpuck, Kutchpuck and Cutchpuck

The Culprit (Part 3): Founding Fathers and/or my Parents

(This marks another edition of my on-going series, "The Culprit", wherein I investigate, uncover, and eventually rightfully bestow proper blame for my lack of fitness on others... because this is America... so it can't be my fault.  Feel free to read Part 1 or Part 2)

Over the past week or so, a new and very powerful culprit has reared its ugly head, threatening my nutrition, health, and utter existence.  The root problem is a particular personality trait... I am still unclear on who exactly is to blame for this trait, but one thing is for certain: It's not my fault.

There a several apt descriptors for this particular idiosyncrasy that I possess... some perhaps pejorative, others slightly more gentle, but this is no place for delicacy: I am what Paul Ryan might call "fiscally responsible".  I am what coupons books call a "wise shopper".  I am what car companies call "economical".  I am what others might call "frugal" or "parsimonious".  I am what my friends might call "a cheap stingy bastard".

More specifically, I like free things.  More to the point for our purposes here... I cannot resist free food.  And when I say "cannot resist", I mean I am completely physically and mentally incapable of passing up free food.  And when I say "passing up", I mean not gorging myself.  Also, it's roughly 35 times worse if the free food item happens to be cookies.  If cookies are involved... all hope is lost.

"It's free!  I'd be an idiot NOT to eat as much as possible.  In fact, I should probably eat it all as fast as possible, just in case at any point it becomes un-free."

I was reminded of this character trait (flaw?) over the past week when I was blessed (cursed?) to be the recipient of a good deal of free food for various unrelated reasons.  It doesn't really matter if it's free donuts at the office or free dinner thanks to a visiting family member... if it's free I'm going to consume food until the situation is socially awkward... and then I'm going to at least double my previous consumption.  Free food supersedes social capital, not to mention self respect and any potential diet goals.

So, why?  Why is it so impossibly irresistible?

That answer is easy: I love freedom.

The question is, who is to blame for this insatiable love of freedom (especially in its food form).  As I see it, there are two potential culprits:

1) The founding fathers (of Amuricka)... Ultimately, they are to blame for inventing freedom before any other country or civilization even ventured a passing thought at the notion.  It must be, in part, due to their influence that I love freedom so much (and thus, freeness so much).  If I had to blame one in particular, I think I'd go with James Madison... mostly because he was a little guy and I could probably beat him up.

2) My parents, who (as you'll see) may or may not harbor communist tendencies, raised me in such a way that I should live within my means, save money, and try to spend it wisely on things that are "needs" not Americaneeds or "wants".  Obviously, this is not the Amurickan way... and I've since thrown off the ridiculous ideologies of my hopelessly outdated upbringing and plan to max out all my credit cards (don't worry, I'll pay the monthly minimum), purchase a(nother) house I can't afford, and buy whatever car is the current sponsor of the NBA... what's that?  oh.  Kia?  Well, then I'll just take whatever car is the biggest so I can complain more than my neighbors about gas prices.

Despite having distanced myself from these fanciful childhood principles, there is a chance that some relic has stood by... and in the category of "food", I cannot be swayed from my love of free...dom/ness.  However, if that is the case... if this particularity is unshakable... at least we can all agree: I am not to blame.

=======

Training has been going well, save for some troublesome knee issues.  (that might get its own post in the near future).  After a longer run last Saturday, I've just been cycling to try to give my knee a break.  Distance: 5.2mi run on Satday, 26.0mi bike on Sunday, 20.9mi bike on Tuesday, 20.6mi bike on Thursday.  Pretty soon I'll be looking to log that kind of distance in just a single ride, but it's been nice to start a little easy (although Tuesday's bike through the Arboretum was pretty tough...)

Food: C  see above

Magic number: 219 lbs.  Not bad considering the recent diet collapse...

Obvious Truths

Sometimes things are so obvious that they need not be said/written.  Other times, however, they bear repeating... either because of their resounding truthiness (copyright Stephen Colbert), or because you've started a self-defaming blog and you need material.

With that in mind, here are a few truths that are admittedly obvious... yet warrant mention.

1) My "posting frequency" on this webernet-hosted fitness-log (a name I've cleverly shorted to "netslog") has been lackluster lately.  Decidedly lackluster.  In my defense... a) no one really cares, right? and b) I have been busy with stuff and things, etc.

2) Sometimes coming up with a good excuse just seems like too much work.

3) Interval workouts are difficult.

4) I am slow at running.

In regard to item 3 & 4, fun nerd-evidence:



I had my first scheduled interval run on Thursday... Jeff prescribed a 3x3min timed interval workout (I'm supposed to do an interval day once a week).  So I warmed up for 10 minutes, then ran hard for 3 minutes, then a slow jog for 3 minutes, then did that two more times (for a total of 3 times, for those of you keeping score at home... starting to piece together all that crazy "3x3" talk from a couple sentences ago, eh?  Look at you.  So quick.)

The intervals were pretty consistent... and apparently when I "run hard" for 3 minutes, I run at about a 7:30 mile pace.  Roughly fast enough to almost place in the top 20 at your local middle school track meet.  Outstanding.

Also, I ran a 5k at a 8:15 pace... shouldn't my "fast" pace for 3 minutes be better than 7:30?  I mean, I don't know much about much, but it seems like those numbers should be further apart.

Anyway, it bears repeating: interval workouts are difficult and I am slow at running.

But hopefully getting better...

Distance: 3.3 mile run on Tuesday, 3.3 mile interval training run on Thursday

It was a TOUGH week for food.  I'll get to this in another post... but I've exposed a weakness that I've yet to discover an answer for.  We may be on the cusp of another confessional... Food: C-

And this is a heartbreaking first for a Fat Friday... the first RISE in weight.  Ouch.

219.6 lbs

I've sullied my otherwise mildly inspiring and/or embarrassing progress graph:



Dang.  I would have liked to not see a rise there.  But as you'll see in forthcoming posts... it may have been unavoidable...

The Prodigal Bike: A Celebration

My son has returned.

Take the cycle-computer with the cadence monitor and put it on his handlebars.  Bring the best spandex and put it on him.  Install the clip-in pedals where you put your feet.  Kill the leftover clif shots and gu packets... let's go for a ride and celebrate!  My bike was dead and is alive again.

But is it my bike?  Yes it is.  Or is it?

(same components: wheels, tires, crank, derailleurs, pedals, handlebars, brakes, bottom bracket, stem, headset... almost everything)  Just a new frame and fork.  But that makes quite a difference.  Let me introduce you to...

Vincent Black Lightning 1952 (potential alternate names include, but are not limited to: Vince, Vinsanity, 52, Black Lightning, Venom Greenzo, Green Goblin)

I really like the matte black... oh, and owning a bike again.  Also, kudos to you if you know the song reference.  If you don't, google if your friend.

Welcome home to where you belong, son.  No one will hurt you here... oh, except for that one fat guy who is going to pedal you over some of the worst roads in America for the next six months.  Other than that almost constant punishment, should be smooth sailing... nothing like being sawed in half by Cannondale Corp and then heartlessly thrown into a loveless scrap heap.

Anyway, I did take "my Vincent machine" for an inaugural ride on Sunday... to REI of all places.  It seemed only fitting.  Plus I needed new cleats for my cycling shoes.  But seriously, it's a good distance (about 20 miles), and it felt right to pay homage to the source of my cycling joy.

Speaking of cycling joy... I really (really) love riding my bike.  Even the parts I don't like, I like.  There is still just enough left over nostalgia and gratitude that it really is myopically positive and inordinately gratifying. If I were a talented writer who was in any way eloquent, I might attempt to try to "paint a picture with words" to describe what it feels like to be riding again... all the little things: click of gears, spinning up hills, fast starts, grinding into the wind, the glorious feeling of a strong tailwind, racing cars, the sights and smells of spring, the world rushing by yet all the while everything seems so much more noticeable and in-your-face... all the little things that add up to make cycling so great.  But I can't... I can list random things I like... but it doesn't resonate.  I can't make you understand.  The best I can do is implore you to go out and enjoy what little spring we get here in Chicagoland and ride your bike... see the world in a different way.  It's glorious.

What a celebration.

=======

This post is written as if it's Sunday as part of my "timetravel: I was busy for a week and am now catching up with what day it is" series...

I had a "longer" run in downtown Chicago on Saturday.  Actually had to stop because of knee pain.  Not good times.  But then after a while it was fine and didn't hurt at all running or even later.  Weird.  Distance: 4.3 miles (on Satuday), 5k run and 20.5 mile bike (on Sunday)... good workout weekend... trying to make up for some of the food...

We had a YL retreat this weekend, and I ate a lot of really good food that didn't necessarily equate to being good for me.  Oops.  Food: C+ (this helped me discover a revelation about myself, and uncover another culprit... but that's a subject for another post)

Haven't weight myself because we were gone all weekend.  Worried about the rise.