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.

Goals

Oh boy.  I have some catching up to do.  It has been a preposterously busy last couple weeks for me with all sorts of responsibilities/excuses.  For the most part I've been keeping up with the fitness side of things, but I can't say the same for the webcast log of said activities.

*** editor's note: this post was meant to reflect the previous Fat Friday (April 29), and I will probably lose track of tenses and/or setting as it relates to time.

*** note: I (clearly) do not have a editor.

I have a lot to discuss.  A lot.  It's been a full ten-or-so days since I've last posted.  Several things that I think you need to know.  I mean, not NEED need... but you know, American-style need.  Americaneed.  Like "I Americaneed that fedora".

Two important things from the end of the week last week:

1) I have a plan.  A plan for running.  A running plan.  Yes, straight from the expert... my oft-mentioned buddy Jeff.  I'm not very naturally disciplined or structured; it can be a bit of a stretch for me sometimes, so being intentional about artificially constructing that organization can help me stick to something.  Plus, I'm a numbers geek.... so it's fun to check off "yes I ran as far as I planned to today".  Speaking of which, I ran on Thursday... Distance: 3.9 miles

2) I hit a goal today (Friday)... on the way to more goals.  I finally hit the sub-220 mark.  Otherwise referred to as the "halfway" mark on my way to sub-200.

Weight: 218.6 lbs

I can "deal with you later" (said like a James Bond villain) in regards to myself and my increasingly unimpressive food grade... spoiler alert: it was a rough week.  Also, teaser alert: I have multiple pieces of news to "drop" in the coming days... (which were actually the previous days... they'll be retro-dropped, as soon as I can get to it)

Five

Yup, that is officially the furthest I've ever run.  After work today, I ran over 5 miles at a pretty decent pace (sub 9:00 miles).  The crazy thing is... I really felt like I could have kept going.  That's what's so frustrating about this nagging knee pain: I'm holding back because of this one little potential joint injury, but I'm not pushing the rest of my body to the kind of limit I want to.  I'm not slowing down or stopping short (not a Frank Costanza reference) because I'm tired or sore... it's just the knee.  And that is really frustrating.  What if I could be comfortably running much longer distances?  ... stupid knee.

Anyway, today felt good... a nice moderate/sustainable pace for 5 miles.  It's weird.  I'm actually kind of proud.  Although the primary purpose of this blog is to embarrass myself toward fitness, I've still found a way to brag.  Impressive.  Even for me.

I could remind myself that 9:00 minute miles are still pretty slow... my friend Jeff, for instance, runs them about three times faster than that, for like 40 miles at a time.  Or remind myself that I'd be a lot faster still if I'd drop some of that extra weight (of which there is still plenty).  That said, to go from someone who could seriously not run 2 miles a couple months ago, to be running 5 miles at a somewhat decent pace (relatively speaking)... it's not bad.  But I still have a lot of room for improvement.  Distance: 5.4 miles (the photo below is also a link, so you can check out all sorts of fun geeky stuff: splits, pace, heart rate vs elevation, etc)

Food today was good and healthy: small bowl of cereal for breakfast, small portion of cheese and crackers and small chicken salad for lunch, a recovery shake (after run) and larger chicken salad for dinner.  Not terribly innovative... but healthy and pretty tasty (thanks to our awesome new Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette salad dressing).  Food: B+

Weight: I gained just a tad, thanks to weekend festivities: 221.2 lbs.  I was thinking about this today... I've lost somewhere in the ballpark of 20-25 pounds (let's call it 22), but my legs are noticeably stronger looking.  It might just be a little more definition, but it's also not crazy to think I put on a little muscle, maybe even 3-5 pounds worth.  With that in mind, you could say that I've easily lost 25 pounds (of fat)... that's a lot.  (and hopefully just the start...)

Weekend in Review

You may recall my Row v Run post from a couple days ago... and by "you" I mean "probably not you unless you're Kelly".  This post will be a bit of a follow-up, as well as a weekend-in-review post, since I was busy (lazy?) and didn't get anything posted all weekend.

First, another exercise to compete with running... but is it really better for you?  Below are two workouts of about 35 minutes at a sustainable/moderate page ... You be the judge:

A)



B)



Any guesses on what the new workout is?  If you guess mowing, you got it!



For the record, "B" was a recovery run.  So yeah, running is probably a better workout than mowing.  In related news, I purchased, assembled, and used a lawn mower for the first time at our new house on Sunday.  And yes, I wore a GPS watch and a heart rate monitor to record the activity.  I'm a dork.  (also, the above map is probably my favorite GPS map ever).

The recovery run was a nice easy "twilight" (not a book/movie reference) run with Kelly.  Nice to have an easy run after Saturday... which was a good bit tougher.  I ran a 5k in 26:00, then had a nice easy finish home for the last 1.5 miles (mostly because it was against a headwind and uphill and I thought I should sort of take it easy).  The knee started to act up a bit just beyond the 4 mile mark, which was disconcerting.  Felt better on Sunday though.  We'll see...

Distance: 4.6mi on Saturday, 3.25mi on Sunday (not counting mowing)

On Friday, I attended my first ever Chicago Rush Arena Football League game.  Great seats... second row.  Tons of fun with Kel and Browning, but I had to have my customary beer and soft pretzel at the ballgame.  Probably not great for the nutrition.  Also, I had a big HUGE (and delicious) Easter dinner.  Saturday was healthy though.  Overall on the weekend, I'd have to try to average it out... Food: B-

Made good progress again on weight, although I was hoping to hit a bit of a milestone.  Just short... 220.6 lbs.