So, about that whole weight-loss plan I first wrote about back in 2011. Uhh, whoops? Needless to say, I win zero awards for blog posting follow-through.
Since then we've gotten married, traveled a bit, and I've certainly done plenty of flying. What I haven't done - at least until recently - is stick to much of a workout schedule. Hopefully this post is the (second) first of many. I certainly don't want to go 27 months between updates again! Oof.
On a much more positive note, I have made real progress this year. I'm down over 15 lbs since I wrote that post two years ago; I've actually lost over 10 lbs since mid-April! That means I have another 15 lbs to go to reach my ultimate goal - but it's not too far off.
I'm not using the gym much now that the weather's nice. Instead, I've been riding my bike a ton more. Since I started tracking my rides last summer with Endomondo (it's an awesome, free service - totally recommend it!) I've logged over 300 miles. I rode 58 miles in April and managed 74 miles in May despite an insanely hectic schedule.
I've always hated running (plus I'm flat-footed, so it's not very comfy) but I love a good bike ride. Our house is relatively close to the area's absolutely awesome trail system. It's just over 10 miles round-trip to/from the closest point on the trail. From there, I can ride almost anywhere, though I usually go 5-10 miles further towards the nearest towns. My next step is to get a hitch/bike rack for my car so I can hop on the trails at other points.
Beyond the exercise, the biggest thing that's helped me is tracking my food intake. It's so obvious, yet always seemed like it would be a pain in the ass. Turns out it's really not that bad. I've been using MyFitnessPal, which has both an app for my phone and a web interface. Just like with personal finance and budgeting, awareness truly is key. Recording what I eat and keeping it in front of me on a daily basis has absolutely made a difference. MFP is another free service I can't recommend highly enough.
So that's where things currently stand. I presume nobody cares too much, since I didn't get any crap for the lack of updates after that initial post, but maybe I underestimate my readers... ;-)
Well...now that you've reminded everyone, we WILL give you crap if you don't keep us up to date. :-D
ReplyDeleteI know you will, Chris - don't think you were even reading my blog back in those days! :-p
DeleteOh, I'm pretty sure that I was - maybe I was just less of a pain in the butt back then!
DeleteGood read....I'm going to look into both app's. I'm not sure who is on me more about my weight, the doctor or my Bride. I know I could use the extra pounds for fuel or even carry another human. I hope all the walking for golf helps shed some of my extra pounds.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!!
Thanks! And the apps really are handy. I've been using both overseas, too - they work everywhere.
DeleteTrying not to gain any weight on this trip, which can be difficult with all the tasty foods the world has to offer... :-o
I am a big fan of MyFitnessPal which integrates well with my FitBit as well. The two give me the right information and motivation to be more active and take in fewer calories.
ReplyDeleteYup, all the integration really simplifies things!
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