Take care of yourself

cjericho · Aug 24, 2018

The Big Ragu said: ↑

I used my 50th b-day last month as the impetus to try to get back into a semblance of shape. I wasn't totally out of shape, but I had really started a pronounced decline from where I was even just a few years ago. Add to it, head case problems (mostly intense anxiety and panic attacks that come and go -- I went for an annual physical recently and the doctor was alarmed because I hadn't been sleeping and I looked like hell and my blood pressure was elevated, but it came way back down on a follow up visit 5 days later), and intense cardiovascular exercise used to be a really good regulator for me. I just lost my way a bit.

It's only been a few weeks, but I have been running (more like jogging compared to what I used to be able to do) at least 6 days a week, splitting it between outdoors and a treadmill. I have been going anywhere from 3 1/4 miles to 5 miles, depending on the day and how the legs feel. I hadn't gotten obese, but I did weigh 168 at the doc's office, which is heavier than I should be with my frame. Some of the extra weight is already starting to melt off of me. The doctor even said this. ... if you have exercised in the past, the body remembers and takes to it again pretty quickly. Which I am finding to be true. It is also helping to regulate my mind -- endorphin highs have always been a good thing for me. Because of my work, I need to run early in the morning, like Rocky time. I then shower and do a guided meditation for a half hour. Then I am ready for work. I am not all there yet, but physically (and a bit mentally), I am already starting to feel a bit better.

I think the hardest thing is going to have to accept that I am 50 and I won't be able to run at the pace I once was able to, even when I get my wind totally back. But my goals are pretty simple: 1) Be the best I can be at this age, 2) just feel better -- physically and mentally.

When my conditioning gets a bit better -- I am guessing a few more weeks, but maybe it will take a bit longer -- I am going to add the rowing machine in, which was something I used to enjoy. I'd run 3 1/2 miles on a treadmill and then go right to a rowing machine and try to set a personal best for a half hour row. We'll see if I can keep it up and follow that routine. But for right now, it's just running to ease my way back.

One goal I have, and this won't make sense to anyone but me: I want to buy a tailored velvet jacket. Ron Duguay wears one (he's still in phenomenal-looking shape for a guy in his 60s) sometimes during the NY Rangers pregame shows, and even though he's a more handsome man than I am, I decided I wanted one. But I won't get one until I have the body for it. At this pace, maybe fairly soon. Then I have no idea where or when I will ever wear it, because it's not really me, but I have been telling people I am going to wear it everywhere -- if I can wear it in the shower I will.
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Does he still wear Sasoon jeans?

The Big Ragu · Aug 28, 2018

cjericho said: ↑

Does he still wear Sasoon jeans?
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Ooooh la la.

I dunno. He is sitting at a desk. I can see the velvet jacket, when he wears it, but not the pants.

BTW, I keep upping the pace on the jogging. I am not doing badly for an old man.

Songbird · Aug 31, 2018

Another 7 days in the book: 49.67 miles.

I strained my right calf this morning 18 laps into the track workout but didn't want to be done after 4.5 miles ... went to the gym and did 8 miles on the Expresso bike which feels like a letdown even though I was drenched. 12.5 miles counts, I suppose, yet it feels incomplete.

After 28 weeks: 886.02 miles.

Fluctuating weight: 245-250. Struggling to get to 240 and lower but maybe a few weeks on the bike will do it.

Songbird · Sep 7, 2018

Another 7 days in the book and I've added the Expresso bike to the mix, which works up quite a lather: 44.08 miles

After 29 weeks: 930.10 miles.

I've also dipped below 245 thanks in part to the bike, 243 after this morning's 11 miles (elliptical, bike, treadmill).

Fluctuating weight: 243-250.

Azrael · Sep 7, 2018

Great job.

Keep at it.

Spartan Squad · Sep 10, 2018

This morning I weighed in at 200 even. First time I could say that since 2010 I believe. Down 63 pounds since Christmas. Went clothes shopping today and actually tried on size 34 pants. Still a little tight but I'm probably 10 pounds or so from fitting them. It's hard to fathom after getting to the point where I would unbutton my size 38s because they were digging into my waist.

Azrael · Sep 10, 2018

Nice.

Severian · Sep 10, 2018

Spartan Squad said: ↑

This morning I weighed in at 200 even. First time I could say that since 2010 I believe. Down 63 pounds since Christmas. Went clothes shopping today and actually tried on size 34 pants. Still a little tight but I'm probably 10 pounds or so from fitting them. It's hard to fathom after getting to the point where I would unbutton my size 38s because they were digging into my waist.
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Nice. What's been your routine?

Spartan Squad · Sep 10, 2018

Raven said: ↑

Nice. What's been your routine?
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I recently left a job that kept me behind a desk all day to one where I'm on my feet more. I've also done simple things like trying to get out a little more to go for walks or play golf. On top of that, I've cut back on how much I'm snacking during the day and managing portions at meals. Mainly I've stopped gorging on chips, candy and other snack foods, stopped having heavy lunches and tried to keep myself moving during the day.

Songbird · Sep 14, 2018

Another 7 days in the book: 88.98 miles.

After 30 weeks: 1,019.08 miles.

I'll check the weight next Friday.

KJIM · Sep 14, 2018

Spartan Squad said: ↑

This morning I weighed in at 200 even. First time I could say that since 2010 I believe. Down 63 pounds since Christmas. Went clothes shopping today and actually tried on size 34 pants. Still a little tight but I'm probably 10 pounds or so from fitting them. It's hard to fathom after getting to the point where I would unbutton my size 38s because they were digging into my waist.
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That’s awesome. Congratulations.

Songbird · Sep 21, 2018

Another 7 days in the book: 105.4 miles.

After 31 weeks: 1,124.4 miles.

Still unable to dip below 243 pounds, where I am right now.

It's a loss of 62 pounds since the start of this and short of starvation I think this is where the body is settling.

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Take care of yourself

cjericho Well-Known Member

The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

Azrael Well-Known Member

Spartan Squad Well-Known Member

Azrael Well-Known Member

Severian Well-Known Member

Spartan Squad Well-Known Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

KJIM Well-Known Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

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Take care of yourself

cjericho Well-Known Member

The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

Azrael Well-Known Member

Spartan Squad Well-Known Member

Azrael Well-Known Member

Severian Well-Known Member

Spartan Squad Well-Known Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

KJIM Well-Known Member

Songbird Well-Known Member

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