And the Battle Continues

10-21-10: The last week has been very difficult for me. I am constantly craving food. I have picked up on my exercise since being sick, but the over eating is getting to me. I am so far staying at the 214 pounds mark, but worry that come Sunday the scale will go through the roof.

The exercising is getting harder to stay motivated to do. But guilt can be a wonderful thing as long as it keeps me exercising.

The change in the season is also hard for me. I really do not like winter. But guess you got to have it to have spring and summer again.

10-07-10: Well the Challenge is over and the dust is settling. Its been a fun ride. I and several others did the Mike's Mad Dash 5k and had a good time. I plan on doing it again next year. Will probably have several of my family members with me then.

As of to date, my weight is at 214 lbs. I've been sick the last six days so exercising went by the way side. I am hoping to start back up tonight when I get home.

Was in St. George over the weekend and had an opportunity to hike in Zion's Canyon. That was fun to do and beautiful to see. I commented to my wife Kate that at the beginning of the summer I would not have even tried to hike due to my weight an lack of energy. It made me feel good to be able to do it.

09-20-10: Well all good things must come to an end sometime and we are at that point with the 100 Day Heart Challenge. I want to express my sincere appreciation to all that is involved with and support this program. John, my personal trainer was great. I could not have asked for a better trainer and friend. Words can't accurately express the gratitude I have for him and his dedication.

As I mentioned to Steve Smoot and the Administrative Council, a few weeks ago, I know that programs take financial resources and in this difficult financial times we find us in, the question has to be raised is this program worth the cost? As I assured them and want to assure you that from my perspective it is absolutely.

For me, the 100 Day Heart Challenge was most probably a life saver. It provided me a vehicle and support to make some healthy changes that I needed in my life. I am saddened to think that it is over, but look forward to the next 100 Days to see what additional improvements I can make.

Hitting below 220 is a mile stone in my personal progression. I am hoping that within the next 100 Days I can break the 200 mark. That is my goal.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Rob Daniels and I won't be crossing the finish line together in Mike's Mad Dash as we had planned. But we have compromised, he will be holding a can of beer at his cabin while I cross the finish line.

09-14-10: Got an email from Janet Frank this morning saying only nine days left with this challenge. Time really did travel quickly and I have to be honest in saying I will miss those associated with the program. For me, this has been a great experience, even a life saving experience for me personally. The hard part is just approaching, that being to continue to do this on my own without the formal support system of the 100 Day Challenge. The true test of personal change, where the rubber really hits the pavement.

I feel like I hit a mile stone, finally broke the 220 weight range on Sunday morning, weighed in at 219. Obviously, I want to loose more.

09-07-10: Not much new to report. Been trying to get back on track with my exercising and eating since my New Mexico trip. I was surprised to see that my weigh in on Saturday morning was at 221 lbs. I really thought I had put on more poundage rather than going down some.

Not a lot to report on that I can think of. Today being a Tuesday sure feels like a Monday. I hope you had a good holiday weekend.

09-03-10: Its been a while since I have last blogged. Missed me??? I spent the last five days in New Mexico attending Homeland Security Training. Several of us here at the hospital have. It was extremely interesting but I hope I never have to use the knowledge here at the hospital.

Being in New Mexico really knocked my routine out of wack. It was hard for me to keep an exercise schedule and stay on track eating correctly since my main source of meals was fast food. I really don't want to get on the scales on Sunday. I know I have put some weight back on. I saw a two pound increase last week. This obviously is troubling to me. So the course of action is re-dedication and working a little harder, right????

I really don't want to believe its September 3rd. The summer is over, its getting darker earlier, the night temperatures are a little cooler, the car show are about over and I really don't like the thoughts of winter approaching. So we enjoy the good weather until then.

I went to the Wellness Center this morning to work out. I was very surprised that I was the only one there for most of the time I was there. I guess the Labor Day Holiday has started early. Funny, I didn't seem to get that memo. After taking most of Fridays off this year to get me PTO hours down, the first one I come back to work, and no one is here. Hummmmmm.

Talking about little successes. This morning I pulled out a shirt that I have not worn in years. It fit pretty good. More motivation to keeping working and reducing.

Well gang, have a happy Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy the end of summer.

08-16-10: It been interesting that the Heart Challenge is more than one half over, yet the routine of exercising and eating correctly still do not seem to feel like a habit. For me I guess they never will. It will be a life style change that I will have to stay on top of and force myself to do.

This week I have been craving food big time bad. Almost to the point that I want to binge. This weekend, I did take a couple of eating pleasures.

My weight show 222 lbs, yesterday which was two pounds less from last week. The family took another walk up Provo Canyon yesterday morning resulting in a 7.8 miles. My feet did better this week over last week. I got two blisters on two of my toes which resulted in loosing one toe nail.

This morning John, the personal trainer, was back from his vacation. I knew I was in touble when he walked through the Wellness Center door. He had the look and sparkle in his eys that said, suck it up fat boy, you're going to work your buns off.!!! And I did.