Another year of abusing myself

[_Keith]

I need to lose some weight, so a little competition and public visibility never hurt, right?  Any one up a for a friendly honor system weight loss competition.?

[metalfan]

I'm already in the process.

I put on 15 pounds when I had to lay off running for almost 8 months due to my severe achilles tendon injury, even though I was still lifting weights and cycling.

Now that I have been back doing about 24 miles a week, and cut my calories from about 2000/day to between 1200-1600/day, I am down 15 pounds plus extra. I am going on with it to try for a lower goal weight.

It wasn't hard to remove the extra calories from my diet...I cut out cheese (which I don't really like that much anyway), started measuring salad dressing instead uf using 1/2 the bottle, cut out nuts (which I used to snack on by the handfuls, probably adding 500+ calories a day to my intake) and I ditched the old Vegetarian Standby: peanut butter.

Some of my clothes are literally falling off of me. Things I haven;t worn in years are moving back into rotation.

[spockvr6]

(metalfan @ Dec. 26 2007,12:34)

QUOTE

Now that I have been back doing about 24 miles a week, and cut my calories from about 2000/day to between 1200-1600/day,

Hot dang....those 25 miles a week alone probably burn off more calories than you are taking in!

[metalfan]

Larry,

I'd tend to agree if not for the fact that before my injury I was running 32-40 miles a week (plus about 50-60 miles a week cycling), LOL.

Not to be "vulgar",  :cool: but I can always tell when I am really losing weight because my bra cup size goes way down.  Boobs are all fat, y'know?

[Jeff Searle]

Jeff

My shortest reply ever!

[BS Man about Palms]

(metalfan @ Dec. 26 2007,09:34)

QUOTE

Some of my clothes are literally falling off of me.

Lets see!!  

OK, you can wear your new leather jacket.......  :cool:

[Paul S]

I can only assume that the expression 'abusing myself' has other meanings in England ???  ???  otherwise BGL would have pulled this thread (oh dear - again?) immediately.

[oppalm]

I don't want to make this sound too simple, because I know there are other factors involved in weight gain, but do "something"; run, walk , cycle, swim, etc.

I run/walk about 6 days a week, about 2 miles each time.   I also spend 15 minutes each morning stretching and lifting a few weights.     I am 47 and don't run as much as I used too, but it keeps me active plus I feel much better after a run or a walk.   I also watch what I eat and lay off the junk food, except Bud Light.    

Before starting any exercise program, see a doctor and start slowly.

[_Keith]

(Paul S @ Dec. 27 2007,06:16)

QUOTE

I can only assume that the expression 'abusing myself' has other meanings in England ???  ???  otherwise BGL would have pulled this thread (oh dear - again?) immediately.

Abusing oneself has quite a few meanings here.   I meant "not taking care of myself" but also making an attempt at humor knowing the "other" meanings.

[_Keith]

(oppalm @ Dec. 27 2007,10:31)

QUOTE

I don't want to make this sound too simple, because I know there are other factors involved in weight gain, but do "something"; run, walk , cycle, swim, etc.

I run/walk about 6 days a week, about 2 miles each time.   I also spend 15 minutes each morning stretching and lifting a few weights.     I am 47 and don't run as much as I used too, but it keeps me active plus I feel much better after a run or a walk.   I also watch what I eat and lay off the junk food, except Bud Light.    

Before starting any exercise program, see a doctor and start slowly.

For me it is pretty simple, watch the quality of what I eat, and get active.  I started 07 with a back injury, followed by pneumonia.   I have always been "very" active, and am only now being able to "get after it" again.  For me dieting will mean good quality foods with some portion control.  I like "The Zone Top 100 Foods" as a guide.  Next thing is to dust off the De Rosa, lube, clean and adjust the Campy stuff, and put on my Sidi's.  If you are into it, you know the sport to which I refer.

[Breadfruit Bill]

I've lost about 30 lbs. by simply counting calories... I put 5 back on last week because of Chistmas goodies!  :laugh: It was worth it!

I am 6'1" and have a target goal weight of about 180lbs.  I found a decent calorie calculator on the web and figured out my requirements to obtain my goal weight.  I stagger my daily intake so my weight loss doesn't plateau .  It works great!  I was 240 lbs. at the end of August and have slowly worked my way down to 210ish.  I still splurge on a couple meals a week and eat any kind of food in any portion I want.  By the end of May I am going to be at my target weight.  

Weight loss is simple.  The body uses X amount of calories per day.  To lose weight you use more calories than you consume, period.  I am lazy and don't have the time, so I don't exersise... or want to; So I consume less calories.  I'm sure a bit of exercise would maximize my weigh loss, but I'm not really in a rush.  I am changing my lifestyle and am pacing myself in doing it.  This is not some fad diet to loose weight fast, it's a way to lose weight and keep it off.

[junglegalfla]

I hit 35 and all of a sudden I've had an extra 20 hanging on. I've made a resolution to be better. Today I walked 2.5 miles. Not much but a start. I want to be back in shape in time for the Costa Rica trip. I'm going to follow the weight watchers program. I've always been active but have always fluctuated 20-25lb.  

I used to lift weights too with great results but then I moved to Italy and the passion never returned. I think I'll start that again. I don't long to be a skinny minnie. It's not in my genetic make up. I'm a taller corn-fed mid western type girl. I just want to be able to maintain my small jungle myself for at least 30 more years.

[_Keith]

(keiththibodeaux @ Dec. 27 2007,11:43)

QUOTE

Next thing is to dust off the De Rosa, lube, clean and adjust the Campy stuff, and put on my Sidi's.  If you are into it, you know the sport to which I refer.

OK now,

Come on you Italians.  I worship this sport in your country, which should be evident by the equipment I have chosen.  Anothewr hint, I must see the Giro before I die.  Name it with pride.

keith

[Breadfruit Bill]

Another hobby I love....  Sounds a little like BICYCLES!!!  

No Spandex/lycra warrior for me...  I prefer to ride da choppa style. :cool:

(I have got to find a steady girl to occupy my nights :laugh: )

[metalfan]

PiousPalms,

your theory of counting calories is correct up to a certain point. Counting calories alone, however, only really works for people (especially men) of a certain age. Older women especially have many more variables to consider than just "Calories in and calories burned"...that formula is just too simplistic for us. Especially if we have borne children in the past. We have to consider genetics and especially hormonal balance (or imbalance) once we get to our early to mid-40's and on. Those play a very big role in weight loss/weight gain for older women.

When I was 20, I could eat everything I wanted and drink like a fish and I still weighed 118 pounds and wore clothes from the Junior's Department.

At 30 I noticed I had to watch what I ate, and especially what I drank...alcohol calories added up way too fast to extra pounds. I was running then, in California, so it was still pretty easy to keep it off.

At 40 I noted that I had to really, REALLY watch everything, and had to almost double my exercise to just break even

Now at almost 50, its even worse. But I am not giving up, LOL. I can still wear the same Junior's sizes as my 12 year old (since I lost the weight I gained after my running injury). That's my guide. If I can wear her clothes, everything's okay.

[BS Man about Palms]

I'm 44 and I keep debating just what I should start doing....  I never smoked or drank, so that goes in the plus column, BUT, I have a big appetite. I actually have to force myself to not eat "til I'm full".  I am 6 foot tall and 195-200 lbs, I know were it not for my job of a fair amount of physical activity, often under extreme weather conditions, I would weigh ALOT more.   I am always amazing people at how much food I can eat at a sitting, what they don't know is most of the time I don't stop because I'm full, its because I'm too cheap to get more or I think for some reason I should stop.  ???

Yep, I should be around 180-185 its true

[metalfan]

My husband is 6 ft too. I think he weighs about 170. He's a beanpole. He's a lifelong distance runner, so he's what I would term skinny. I lost track of the marathons he's run since I have known him...its over 15 marathons and 3-4 triathalons. He had to stop for a while right after we moved here to FL from CA because he had a series of injuries and with the responsibilities of his new job he found it hard to find time to really train. And a big thing was the heat and humidity. He wasn't used to training in 90 degree heat with 90% humidity after the "perfect" Los Angeles running weather. But he's got a system now. He's done 5-6 marathons since we moved here and no chance of stopping. He's running Boston in April. His idea of a Saturday morning 'jog' is 10 miles...that's my long run at the moment! His 'long run' is about 15 miles.

His problem is that unless I constantly ride him, he will sacrifice everything for running. He won't do any strength training so he will have huge leg muscles and no chest or arms. I put my foot down, though, and told him if he wanted any he better keep his upper body up. I don't do 12 year old weakling. He got the message.

He eats whatever he wants, big portions... he's 48 and his metabolism hasn't slowed at all. If he had to stop running, I know he'd probably pile on 20 lbs really fast, though. That happened to his brother, who is 61 (and still runs 2-3 marathons a year). He had a knee injury and had to eventually have knee surgery, and he had to lay off running during that and gained a lot that he had to lose later.

Heck, it happened to me too! Can't stress enough the importance of diet AND exercise. Diet alone won't do it long term. You're fooling yourself if you think it will, male or female.

[Jeff Searle]

I'm sad to say that my piddly little running I was doing back in Aug.-Sept.- Oct. has stopped. I was doing 2-3 miles about 5 days a week. I lost 18 lbs. during that time which was great. I probably have gained half of that back.( I'm too scared to get on the scale).

  Andrea wants to seriously start training, but I know she can't give up her sweets yet. I try to get her to eat them in moderation. But she does no exercise, and she's feeling MUCH older than she is! She desperately wants to loose weight before the Costa Rica trip, we'll see. I need to start back at doing some running also.

Jeff

[oppalm]

Heres a goal for everyone.    Go to a local running store ,etc and ask about a 10K race or walk in April 2008.   Get invloved, sign up and start your training tomorrow morning.   You don't have to go 2 miles tomorrow, but step out the front door, walk or jog up the street, see how your are feeling, and set out on your first trip around the neighborhood.   Don't get too far from home the first few times because all that fresh air will probably trigger some bodily function and you may need to get home fast (if you know what I mean).

Nothing like having a goal and I just gave you one.

[_Keith]

(oppalm @ Dec. 28 2007,11:11)

QUOTE

Heres a goal for everyone.    Go to a local running store ,etc and ask about a 10K race or walk in April 2008.   Get invloved, sign up and start your training tomorrow morning.   You don't have to go 2 miles tomorrow, but step out the front door, walk or jog up the street, see how your are feeling, and set out on your first trip around the neighborhood.   Don't get too far from home the first few times because all that fresh air will probably trigger some bodily function and you may need to get home fast (if you know what I mean).

Nothing like having a goal and I just gave you one.

My back can't handle the running, but I'll look for a Century (100 mi. bike ride) in that same time period.  You are on.  Now that is the kind of encouragement I need.

Keith

[bgl]

Keith,

The key, as far as I'm concerned, to success is to do everything very gradually. Changing one's "diet" for instance should be done one step at a time. And when I say "diet", I'm simply referring to what you eat. Many years ago I gave up butter. I may use it occassionally now (if we're eating out for instance), but 99% of the time I don't. I had a habit of drinking a Classic Coke every afternoon. I gave that up about a year ago. I still eat sweets, but (I'd like to think) in moderation.

If your back can't handle running, try speed-walking, or power-walking (whatever you want to call it). I've run many marathons, and still run a few days a week, but I've been gradually getting into speed-walking more and more. MUCH easier on the body. Right now I'm training for the Hilo-Volcano 50K (=31.1 mile) race on Jan. 26. From sealevel in Hilo to 4000 ft elevation in the village of Volcano. Did 16.5 miles last Saturday in 2 hr 45 mins (=10 minute mile pace), and intend to do the same tomorrow morning. The weekend after that I'll probably do 19 miles. I'm 63 and I recover from these longer walks within a couple of days. If I ran them it would probably take my body a couple of weeks to recover. But the key is to really PUSH the pace the whole time, and you do that by starting out with short distances, like a mile or two, and then build it up to whatever your goal is. You'd be surprised how much you can get your heart going!

I'm 5 ft 11 inches, and my weight right now is 161 lbs. My target is 160 lbs. Seems like a realistic goal....

Bo-Göran

[Breadfruit Bill]

I don't know about giving up on butter!  :laugh:

[metalfan]

I've never really liked butter so that one was easy for me, LOL.

A great site to tune into if yu are trying to set small goals is ACTIVE.COM.

Its a website that lists, by geographic areas, organized events that you can sigh up to participate it. Anything from running to cycling to walks for causes like MS or breast cancer.

That's how we found the Halloween fun run and the Jingle Bell run. We look at all the Gainesville-area events and everything from here to Jacksonville pops up.

Jeff, I'm gonna hafta come down there, I can see it now...DON'T MAKE ME BRING MY WHIP....

[Kim]

It's good to see people on the board getting physical!  Sitting in front of a computer just doesn't cut it.

Six weeks to go til my Big Hike, so I am hiking 2-3 times a week, average hike is 6 miles, and looking to gain 1000 ft. or more of elevation on each hike.  I need to be ready to hike 6 hours a day for 6 days (about 60 miles) at very high elevation.

For instance, last Saturday we hiked Cuyamaca Peak Loop, 6.7 miles, 1650 ft. elevation gain, and the peak is about 6500 ft. above sea level.  Then Wednesday we hiked Iron Mountain, a local quickie, 6.6 miles, 1000 ft. elevation gain, much lower elevation, maybe 2700 ft. above sea level.  This Saturday we'll do an 8-mile loop, 1500 ft. elevation gain, peak elevation about 4600 ft.  Then we'll do a short 3-miler early Sunday.

In January the plan is to hit some higher peaks around 9 - 11,500 ft., might need the crampons or snowshoes.

In between hikes I hit the gym for cardio and weights,  jog up and down flights of stairs 2 steps at a time, and take a yoga class twice a week for flexibility.

With this regimen, weight gain has not been a problem, but I do monitor my caloric intake fairly closely out of habit.

The best part is there is always the reward of a view at the top;  I've seen a lot of spectacular scenery, sunrises, sunsets, and even a lunar eclipse.  It's good to feel healthy, strong, and capable, and I have gained a lot of stamina in the process.

[palmmermaid]

I've been active all my life.  I grew up on a farm and all we had was hard work!  I ride 3-4 days a week in the fall-spring.  It is too hot in the summer for me and my horses.  When I can't ride, I walk my horses 45 minutes a day.  I know people in the neighborhood think I am crazy but oh, well.  I don't drink sodas (maybe 1 a week), don't put sugar in my tea or coffee.  But I love bread.  I only eat whole grain now - no white bread allowed in my house.  I only have red meat once or twice a week, mostly chicken or seafood.  I eat cereal most mornings with berries.  But I use whole milk, not skim or fat free.  I just can't adjust to the taste.  It tastes like watered down milk - yuck!  I'll have to give up calories somewhere else.  I use real butter, not margarine, when I use butter.  I cook with olive oil.

I have a goal for 2008 to get in better shape.  We are going to the Galapagos in October and I have a horse trip somewhere this year.  I will do it with more exercise and cut out calories.  I can't stand going to the gym so I will have to do more work at home, walk more.  I am looking for a good yoga class as I think that will help - especially with flexibility and balance.

[osideterry]

Kim - You might try San Gorgonia in the snow? I did it as a Summer overnighter, and it's a butt-kicker. I did the Vivian Creek Trail - 6,000ft of elevation gain in 7.5 miles. Great prep for Whitney-in-one-day.

Other nice local Summits in San Diego are Garnet Peak (3-4 miles) and Hot Springs Mountain (5 miles).

One of my favorite hikes is Tahquitz Peak via the South Ridge Trail. More fun and less crowded than Devils Slide.

[Zac in NC]

I need to gain weight. I'm a skinny little thing. I'd be glad to accept about 15 to 20 more of your pounds.

Zac

[metalfan]

You need to kick that meth habit, Z.

[Zac in NC]

I need to find something to slow down my metabolism. I'm almost embarassed to even admit my weight on here.cough 115cough

Zac

[BS Man about Palms]

(Zac in NC @ Dec. 28 2007,21:49)

QUOTE

I need to find something to slow down my metabolism. I'm almost embarassed to even admit my weight on here.cough 115cough

Zac

I've got palms in containers around here that weigh more!! ....  ???

[Kim]

(osideterry @ Dec. 28 2007,16:44)

QUOTE

Kim - You might try San Gorgonia in the snow? I did it as a Summer overnighter, and it's a butt-kicker. I did the Vivian Creek Trail - 6,000ft of elevation gain in 7.5 miles. Great prep for Whitney-in-one-day.

Other nice local Summits in San Diego are Garnet Peak (3-4 miles) and Hot Springs Mountain (5 miles).

One of my favorite hikes is Tahquitz Peak via the South Ridge Trail. More fun and less crowded than Devils Slide.

We did Gorgonio in June as a day hike (killer), Whitney in August as a day hike.  Vivian Creek, was that San Jacinto?  We did that too.  And Baldy in October.  Will have to try Garnet Peak and Hot Springs. haven't done those.  Tahquitz is a beautiful view, but I'm burnt out on Devil's Slide, maybe South Ridge is the way to go next time.  Wanna come?

[Kris]

Dear Friends of the earth...

for me physical excersise was always not regular,though i try to take insprisation seeing bo goran's marithon stills...but last year was totally irregular running near the beach..and now after marriage_god heavens i cannot get up when day breaks ! i think you all know the reason.i hope i will be back on my regular running schedule in few weeks or a months time at the earliest...since i fully believe that health is the greatest wealth

that god can give.its left to us to take care of god's given health..

wish you all a very happy & energetic New-year_2008,

Kris  

[Paul S]

I would totally agree with what William says - weight gain and loss is purely mathematical.  My wife trained as a fitness instructor and took an extra couple of courses in nutrition and weight management - the shortened version is that if what goes in is less than what goes out you will lose weight.  

So, assuming you have reached a status quo with your weight: food intake, if you excercise you can most likely eat the same and lose weight.  But if you don't excercise you can still lose weight - just eat less.  For sure when the Russians opened the gates at Belson, they didn't find any fat people (I am a jew by birth and can maybe get away with saying that    ).

Hormones, metabolism, body type etc will all affect the rate at which the energy is consumed or how the excess is stored but, at the end of the say, the simple fact is that if you eat less than you use you will lose weight.  

Just as, in my case, if you eat too much - even if it is really good quality low fat, balanced diet (but portion control starts to waver...) you will add weight.  I have had a tussle with my weight all my life.  Every now and then I win a battle or two though, currently, I am stuck in a bunker under some serious cross fire at 5'11" and 215lbs.  I could say I am big built after many years of lifting weights, that I have heavy bones - whatever.  But the fact remains I should lose 25lbs - maybe this is the year!  7/8 years ago I lost 50lbs but, as my portion size insidiously crept up, so has my weight.

[metalfan]

When you die and come back as a middle aged woman, and have had children, and have inherited through some genetic joke of whatever supreme creator misdirects the lives of us puny humans for their own entertainment the body shape of the one parent who was short and stocky with really short legs, come talk to all the women in the world who have weight control issues, ROFLMAO.

[Breadfruit Bill]

Hey Paul... If your plan works, WORK YOUR PLAN!!!  

Gina, I understand that female chemistry certainly is different than men's...  My mother has thyroid problems and I have learned a great deal about it in her research...  She has to consume a far smaller amount of calories than someone who properly metabolizes with normal thyroxin levels.

Here is how meticulous (OCD?) I get...  I have a 3-ring binder and have menu plans in them for different days of the week...  I keep a written record of what I consume, I have a problem with portion control...  Problem being, I just tend to eat till I'm stuffed...  There's something about writing things down and keeping track of what you do that makes this easier for me...  Granted, all the planning, measuring and tracking does take some extra time out of the day, but I'll bet I'm probably adding a year or two to my life expectancy in doing so!

Here's what my typical menu looks like...  Hopefully one day I can get myself portion trained well enough that I don't have to bother with the cumbersome notebook...

(keep in mind my calories per pound is based on my age/height/activity levels...  It will differ for each individual)

I always feel so much healthier when I eat like this...  Why do i still crave nasty greasy taco bell, fried hot wings, and cheddar fries drenched in ranch dressing? :laugh:

[metalfan]

You're not OCD, I do this every day too.

I also calculate the number of calories I burn with whatever exercise i do (ex., run 8 miles at a 9:30 minute pace= X calories burned) so I can see my balance better. Of course I don;t try to calculate all the calories I use in just normal living, I only factor in the exercise calories. But it helps get a better idea.

I measure all foods, on a scale, or by volume (like a tsp of jam for a bagel)

I even measure my wine, in a measuring cup (4 oz servings!)

[osideterry]

Kim - The Vivian Creek Trail is San Gorgonio from Forest Falls. 15 miles round trip.

I've done San Jacinto from Humber and from the tram. I'd like to do it via the 7 Pines Trail some time, the trailhead is at the Dark Canyon campground.

Snow makes Tahquitz unhikeable until May or June usually. I'm up for Southridge Trail then. Wait until July and you hike through shoulder-high ferns in Tahquitz Valley.

[metalfan]

Keith,

this was my log for today.

I don't have a cool form like you, I don't use an internet calorie calculator. I use the Netzer paperback food count guide, and info on the food packages.

To calculate my calories burned in exercise (ballpark only) I use the Jumpstart fitness guide (online)

I just keep a running total of my food, I don't really plan out meals. I eat when I get hungry.

My upper limit for consumption is 1850 cals, but I almost never even get close to that

Today:

breakfast:

1/2 whole wheat bagel with 1 tsp peach preserves-148 cals

(10 mile run at a 9.5 minute mile pace)

after run:

soy chai latte protein shake (23 g protein)------180 cals

lunch:

meal sized salad with black bean patty (sub. for chicken)

1/4 cup fresh pineapple

chopped red bell pepper

salad dressing 2 oz

2 nachos (chip, cheese and bean spread)----------500 cals

dinner:

boiled shrimp 4oz (shrimp is the ONLY flesh I eat)-112 cals

boiled onion (cajun spiced)---------------------------------46

12 grain bread 1 slice------------------------------------120

hummus 1 oz------------------------------------------------80

Key Lime Pie--filling and topping only no crust------250

Total intake: 1436 cals

est calorie burn from the 10 mile run for my wt and time--1100

calories burned in just being alive, LOL--??

I think I did okay today, now that we're hanging around the TV I will do free weights (upper body) and 40 pushups. Then I am DONE!

[John Case]

(PiousPalms @ Dec. 29 2007,08:33)

QUOTE

Hey Paul... If your plan works, WORK YOUR PLAN!!!  

Gina, I understand that female chemistry certainly is different than men's...  My mother has thyroid problems and I have learned a great deal about it in her research...  She has to consume a far smaller amount of calories than someone who properly metabolizes with normal thyroxin levels.

Here is how meticulous (OCD?) I get...  I have a 3-ring binder and have menu plans in them for different days of the week...  I keep a written record of what I consume, I have a problem with portion control...  Problem being, I just tend to eat till I'm stuffed...  There's something about writing things down and keeping track of what you do that makes this easier for me...  Granted, all the planning, measuring and tracking does take some extra time out of the day, but I'll bet I'm probably adding a year or two to my life expectancy in doing so!

Here's what my typical menu looks like...  Hopefully one day I can get myself portion trained well enough that I don't have to bother with the cumbersome notebook...

(keep in mind my calories per pound is based on my age/height/activity levels...  It will differ for each individual)

I always feel so much healthier when I eat like this...  Why do i still crave nasty greasy taco bell, fried hot wings, and cheddar fries drenched in ranch dressing? :laugh:

Looks great!

But what do you get to eat?

[Kim]

(bgl @ Dec. 28 2007,09:16)

QUOTE

Right now I'm training for the Hilo-Volcano 50K (=31.1 mile) race on Jan. 26. From sealevel in Hilo to 4000 ft elevation in the village of Volcano. Did 16.5 miles last Saturday in 2 hr 45 mins (=10 minute mile pace), and intend to do the same tomorrow morning. The weekend after that I'll probably do 19 miles. I'm 63 and I recover from these longer walks within a couple of days. If I ran them it would probably take my body a couple of weeks to recover. But the key is to really PUSH the pace the whole time, and you do that by starting out with short distances, like a mile or two, and then build it up to whatever your goal is. You'd be surprised how much you can get your heart going!

I'm 5 ft 11 inches, and my weight right now is 161 lbs. My target is 160 lbs. Seems like a realistic goal....

Bo-Göran

Bo, I guess these races are run on paved roads?  Even so, it's difficult to imagine walking 31.1 miles at all, let alone as a race!  The longest distance I have done in one day is 22 miles, the Mt. Whitney trail, and I was dog tired after that (but fine the next day).

I was thinking you'd be a good hiking companion for going up Mauna Kea, but you would definitely leave us in the dust.   Hmm, maybe if we started hiking an hour before you...

Good luck on your race, be sure to post results and photos!