Old Habits Die Hard

I haven't been here in a while and for those who might check this regularly sorry for that. One of the reasons that I think that I haven't been writing is that working out and trying to change my eating habits is just what I do. In the beginning it was kinda big deal to me. It has definitely gotten easier. I work out with Jeremy twice a week just as always. Each week we do something different. I have been pretty good about working out on my own the other days. Notice that I said pretty good. I have my ups and downs.

The eating is tough. I don't always search out bad food and when given a choice I do pretty good about choosing the right food. The problem is when me and the food are just sitting around the house together. The other day Jenny made the kids some cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls! When I came come and saw them on the counter it became a test of wills. The will of the cinnamon roll to have me eat them won. Also over spring break we made home made ice cream. Now I am sure that many of you have had homemade ice cream. That is something that is hard to eat in moderation. I also took a trip to see my parents and one of my brothers. We all went out to eat at a hole in the wall fish restaurant. I ate way to much fried catfish & fried redfish. I stayed away from the french fies not that it mattered but...

It is funny when i am used to eating good, i takes some time to start feeling good again. Bad nutrition is something that I feel. That is a good thing, it its another source of accountability in a sense. After eating bad it was harder to exercise as well. I still worked out over spring break but it didn't feel as good. The work outs with Jeremy were much harder the Monday and Wednesday following spring break as well.

I really must also say that I am getting discouraged. I feel like I have worked my butt off (literally and figuratively) but have not lost any weight. I have been loyal to the gym & really watching what I eat (with the exception of the ice cream and fish). So when the scale doesn't move it really makes me mad. Is this worth it? Is the pain worth it? Is all the time it takes worth it? I know my clothes fit better, People say they see a difference but man show me the scale!!!!! Everyone has really been supportive and telling me that muscle weighs more than fat, and its not always about the scale, and if you can see results its there etc, etc etc. But you know I am doing this to lose weight! I know its worth it, I am not quitting but it is discouraging.

Norene explained to me that since the working out and eating healthy is new, the body will hang on to the fat and water for a time. She said that once I reach the edge of the plateau I will drop a lot at once. She also said that the incident with the fish and the ice cream is enough to start the process all over. She said that the body says ahhhh more fat we can make it and it holds on to the fat for even longer.

So the way that I understand this, and I hope its true, The working out is good, but... my bad eating habits even though it was just once, caused me not to lose weight. Man I have to get it together.

At a group meeting with Eric and Lisa (the other big winners). I found out I am the only one that is not still food journaling. I am doing this again. I think this will be pretty good. I don't mind doing it and now see the benefits of it. That will be a start.

Life Happens

I haven't been back in awhile. This will be brief even though it's going to cover several days. I went back to the gym Monday. I went to the nutrition class. As always Norene was very insightful, and very informative. She spoke on how the digestive tract works and the importance of fiber in your diet to the whole process.

After the class I worked out with Jeremy. Jeremy kicked my butt this night. We did weights as a circuit. This was hard. I did a series of exercises and lifts for 30 or 60 seconds each. Today's workout was concentrating on the core. After the workout I was tired, sweaty, and worn out. The good thing is I felt good later that night. I was just a bit tired and sore but nothing like when it all started.

Tuesday I had a training and didn't have to be there till 830. It was for this reason I workout in the morning. I have been doing my running on a treadmill but on this morning I decided to run on the road. The road is much harder than the treadmill. I was feeling pretty confident in doing these treadmill workouts, not so confident on the road. I made it though. The bad part was the shin splints after the fact.

Tuesday evening Jenny, the kids and I went out to eat. I gorged myself on sushi, chased down with awesome homemade cheesecake that Jenny made for me.

Wednesday I skipped the cardio. Jack was sick, I had came home form school and relieved Jenny so she could go teach her art class. It was this reason that I missed my meeting with Norene. We did talk over the phone though in a brief conversation. When Jenny got home I headed to the gym and worked out with Jeremy. We had another good workout. This workout was also focused on the core and balance. Jeremy had me standing on one leg doing different exercises. Come on man, I'm top heavy, that doesn't work well! I made it through. At the end of the workout I felt fine.

Now-a-days the workout are hard during, but after the fact... I feel good, not that sore...

I'm looking forward to keeping on keeping on....

Two Days...One Post

Brief post today. Saturday I took the day off. Huguley was closed, I didn't work out at home. I did get up and work in the yard all morning. This is encouraging because I usually don't have that much energy. I usually wouldn't do anything I didn't have to. I was glad to get a lot accomplished.

On Sunday my Disciple class and my small group was cancelled so wasn't a real busy day. After church Jenny and I packed up the family truckster and went to Sam's club for some family shopping. Lauren was feeling bad all weekend. We thought she was over it but then at Sam's on Sunday she relapsed. When we got home we unpacked the truckster and all took naps. I woke up at 345 having to be up at church by 4 for the last session of the inquirer's class.

After the class I headed up to Huguley for my workout. I did day two of the running program that Jeremy had given me. It was much easier than Friday. At the end of the workout I felt good. I could have kept going. I've said it before, I don't how much is mental and how much is physical....but I'll take it.

I decided to go to the gym early this morning. I woke up at 5:15 and headed to the gym. I got my cardio done and headed to school. I heard something funny today. I heard two men talking in the locker room about how they are able to get the machines they want and It's not as crowed. The other man said yep, "looks like we're getting through the New Year's People". Then I asked myself, am I a New Years People? I thinks so. How long do you have to go, to not be a New Year's People any more? Anyway I left the gym and headed to school. I got here at 10 till 7 this morning. Man that's early. But here I am. I decided to do some blogging this morning. I go back to the gym tonight. At 6 I go to Norene's nutrition class. It is open to the public tonight and is in the Huguley Fitness Center Amphitheater. After the class I work out with Jeremy. Be back later.

Not much new today

I know it's an age old questions, but has anyone ever answered it? Why is that at 7 am Monday - Friday, getting my kids out of bed is pulling teeth and a battle? Come Saturday morning they're in my room at 6:30 bouncing off the walls!

Took the day off from any working out today. Jeremy told me cardio 6 days a week. Lauren didn't feel good so she laid around the house all day. Jack and I extended the flowerbed in the front of the house. We then moved a shrub in the front of the house to the extension. When that was done we spot treated some weeded areas with round up. My backyard is a jungle, I rounded it up, so soon it will be a mess! I am just tired of looking at weeds.

Jack was a big help today we filled in holes the dog and dug and just cleaned the yard and made it look better.

I really attribute having more energy to working out and diet. It is nice to not feel so lazy anymore. Whether it be physical or mental I feel like moving around and doing more. I was never like this before.

I was thinking of things I will look forward to and things I won't miss when I am down to a normal size. I will always be 6'4" but getting rid of 100+ pounds will make life better. At the end of some entries, (if i remember) I will put some of these. Here are a couple for today. If anyone can think of some please put them in the comments, or email them to me and I will add them. Also if you look to the right you will see a call me icon. I was playing with Google voice and saw that I can add a voicemail to my blog its more of a toy to play with, but because I could, I added it.. So feel free to call and leave a voicemail. Anyway; I digress, here are things that I look forward to- or won't miss.

I will enjoy being able to go to a store/ concert/ sporting event and be able to buy clothes or t-shirts that fit.

I will enjoy have a butt again. Right now the layer of fat on the bottom of my back is even with my butt. This give the appearance of having no butt. Worse than that my paints slide right down, even with a belt. This, my friends, causes plumber's crack. In a classroom full of elementary students it also causes, "crack kills Mr. Duke".

And the last for the list today is this. I will enjoy sitting in a booth at a restaurant and not have to be squished. Sitting in a booth is easier with kids. You sit next to them, you help feed them. You can control them and beat them without the world seeing. When you have a large protruding gut though, It can be uncomfortable. Luckily a lot of places the table's move so I am able to rearrange but some do not. When this is the case I have to suck in, and take shallow breaths. I am way to embarrassed to pull a chair to the end of the table or ask to move, so I just deal with it. I will be glad when this is not the norm anymore.

Git er Dun!

This morning was just like all the other. I woke up late, real late. I had time to either pack a lunch or a gym bag. I chose the gym bag. It is much easier to go straight from school to the gym, than to come home first. Plus on Friday, Huguley closes at 5 pm, so I wouldn't have a bunch of time after school.

I am lucky where I work. My school is near Hemphill and Berry, we are surrounded by good Mexican food, and near TCU area. There is a lot of good places to eat. For lunch we decided to go to Carshon's Deli. It is so good. I split a Rebecca with one of my co teachers. It is one of the best sandwiches ever! I doubt its real healthy, but its awesome. I also tried a first today. I had a bagel with cream cheese and lox. I split this with Christine as well, I really liked it.

After school I ended up staying way to long considering Huguley closed at 5pm. I stayed till 4 pm. I made it by 4:20, rushed in changed and went to workout. I went to the first level of machines to get on an elliptical. They were all taken so I went treadmill. Today I started the workout that Jeremy had given me so that I could start running. I made it through. At first I thought it was easy, the longer it went on, the more I realized it wasn't as easy as I thought. I made it through. It's gonna be a long haul to get up to running. The one thing that I found discouraging is the fact that I was dripping with sweat, and pretty tired, however, my calorie count on the machine was half of what the elliptical says after 30 minutes. I am not on the machine really looking for a specific calorie count but I do watch it.

Just read this post, it's pretty broing and poorl written, sorry for that but it's late and I'm tired. Be back tomorrow.

Another day down

Woke up quick at about noon.... or maybe earlier. Went off to work. I'm feeling a little sore in the legs today, dang lunges. Work was a long day, on and on and on. Left work went to the gym to do some elliptical. It was not quite as easy as I remembered it. I think part of the problem is that I have slacked a bit previously. This is more of a reason to stay at it and not slack off.

Yesterday Jeremy told me to start jump roping. I think I surprised him when he saw my light feet. 300 plus on the toes. I don't think that he was surprised when I only lasted 30 seconds a round. Of course it was after the workout that I was jump roping, so what did he expect? But now he wants me to work up to 5 minutes at a time! What????

I tell this part of the story here for one reason. After the elliptical I didn't do the jump rope. I had to pick up Jack by 6 and it was 5:20 by the time I left the gym. I was also supposed to pick up my neighbor's son. This was the the reason i left the gym a bit early, see they are out of town and a relative is in from Florida to watch the kids. When I wasn't there by 5: 30 I think she was a bit concerned, and she didn't have my cell. I really felt bad about this, but it all worked out in the end.

My co teacher Christine has been going to the gym lately. She is walking around the class room like I did my first week. I think its funny. I felt a little good when i read on her facebook the other day that I inspired her to go. That is what this is all about. I have also been inviting a lot of people to hear Norene talk at the nutrition classes that she is giving. Please come, it is Monday at Huguley fitness center amphitheater , it is free and she is good, you can learn a lot. I've been getting some good feedback from people reading this blog. Feel free to become a follower or leave comments or questions. I would love to know who's reading and what you think.

One of Those Days....

I must confess.... With Jenny's aching mouth she is limited to what she can eat. She asked me on Monday to stop and grab her a malt on the way home, who can go buy one and not get them self one? Don't judge me! I had my alarm set to go off early Tuesday morning, but managed to snooze for an hour, as luck might have it i got up at my regular time. I was up and off to work. I felt sluggish all day.

After work I picked Lauren and Jack up and headed home. I changed clothes and jumped on the treadmill to work out. I am trying to work up to do some running, I figured that I do pretty good on the elliptical, lets step it up on the treadmill. Every time I cranked the thing up to a running pace though, the breaker would blow. So lets go back to walking, fast-ish. After I finally got the thing going and in stride the kids came in. Daddy how much longer? Daddy I'm hungry? Daddy can I try? Daddy... Daddy.... Daddy... Alright I'm done. I did around 20 minutes or so. That was not a good workout. For supper that night I cooked a good meal that I had talked with Norene about. That night Jenny, who still can't eat went for a milkshake. Don't judge me!!!

Today I woke up and headed off to work. I felt sluggish all day again today. I tried to figure out why the last couple of days were tough. I was almost falling asleep while sitting up in a conversation. The only difference I could think of was the milk shake before bed. I did not have one today, lets see how tomorrow goes.

After work I picked the kids up and we hung out here at the house till 6 30. We headed up to St. Matthew for the Wednesday lent service. Another great prayerful service. After the service I headed up to Huguley to meet Jeremy. I must admit I wasn't looking forward to it. I wasn't quite dreading it, but I wasn't looking forward to it. The workout wasn't that bad. Don't get me wrong he kicked my butt! It hurt, but I made it through and felt good on the back side. I still hate lunges....

Here's a couple of side notes. As I said earlier I want to start running. I would like to run a 5K or 10K. Jeremy gave me a workout to prepare. A few months ago I watched my brother in law Rob run the Houston marathon, it was so inspiring. I don't know if I will quite be ready to run a marathon but I have to start somewhere, Bit by bit, I will be running soon.

As far as me... There are good days and bad days. Some days I have to really make myself workout (see Tuesday). Other days I look forward to it. The leaving to work out is also hard around the house. I'm gone a lot of evenings. When I get home I read my Bible, blog, shower, get lunch for tomorrow packed, and on and on. I think that Jenny gets tired of me being gone and coming to bed late. I will try to get up early more often, but man do I hate getting up any earlier than I have to. I need a am workout partner who could meet me at about 5:30 am. Not sure if that would make a different but who knows.....

I have really been trying to work on eating slow, not eating when I'm not really hungry, and stopping when I'm full. It's not as easy as it sounds. I got into a conversation with a co-worker about this today. He said will-power, you just do it. He couldn't quite understand it's just not that simple when your 300 + lbs. If I could just have "will power" this wouldn't have ever happened. Step by Step though, just as with the working out, I'll get there.

7 secrets of....

We've all heard of the books. I learned a new one tonight, 7 Secrets of a Slim Person. I didn't read it but I got the Cliff's notes from Norene. Here they are:
1) Listen to your body not your mind. ie. ignore that little voice in your head if your not hungry don't eat. May sound simple to many but not as easy for a lot of us.
2) Eat with awareness and judgement. This is the meaning I took with this. Slow down and enjoy food. Be aware of what your eating and the flavors. This will help you enjoy it more. Also make food a part of your experience not your experience. If you go out to eat with your spouse, friends, etc; make the evening about the people not the food.
3) Eat only when your physically hungry. Many people eat with their anxious, nervous, sad, etc. You may even think your hungry. Go back to number one, listen to your body. If you just ate a big meal, your probably not hungry. Also if it's not meal time start with water. Sometime your really thirsty and not hungry.
4) Stop eating with your satisfied not full. I think this one is self explanatory but not always easy.
5) Eat what you want most. This will help you enjoy eating. The kicker is this, never eat it alone. Always eat a vegetable with your food.
6) Notice how your body feels after eating. On a scale of 0-10 you should always be between a 3-7. You don't want to be starved but you never want to over eat.
7) Honor your feelings don't hide them in food.

To many these might sound easy. To those of us who over eat and struggle with food; not so easy. We talked about many things tonight. So far it's easy because Norene has me taking baby steps. When she tells me where I will eventually be, I say good luck. I will get there. We will talk more on that later.

Let's talk a bit about my day. I took the day off for Jenny. She had a rough day and needed me home. She had a molar pulled and has been in a lot of pain. While she was at the dentist's office I went to the gym and did my cardio. I really must say it is getting easier and easier. I really believe that I hit my wall last week. I don't dread going, and it is easy when I'm there. I went and picked Jenny up, and took her home. I ran some errands and took care of some chores. I got my Bible study stuff done. When the car pool dropped Lauren off, She and I went to pick Jack up. We then ran another errand or two and came home. We were home for about an hour and I changed and went back to the gym.

When I got to the gym I met with Norene. after my meeting with Norene, I went and warmed up to get ready for my workout with Jeremy. The first words out of his mouth today was, "your gonna hate me today". I said "bring it on" (well not really, but it sounds good on paper). What we've been doing is called weight stripping. I got pretty comfortable with that. He said that we are going to be changing the routine every two weeks. This two weeks is call supersets. The first exercise out of the bag was leg press and the dreaded lunges. I do 20 reps of each exercise for 1 set. that is 40 reps a set. Three sets is 120 reps in all. On the first set Jeremy saw how I was struggling and said we'll only do 10. I stopped at 10, as I stood there for a few seconds I started working again. He told me I could stop... NO! you wanted 20 your getting 20! It might hurt, they might not be pretty, they might not be any where near the way they should be... but I am going to do it. I did do it. I made it through the rest of the night. It was hard, It's not all fun, but i am starting to enjoy it. When I leave the gym I feel like I've had a good workout but I can walk on my own.

This is one of the greatest experiences in my life. As I wanted; this is going to be life changing for me and my family. I see improvements in my physical and mental shape. It makes it easier that I can find a little victory in each day. I think of how hard its been and want to see more progress. I then look at the big picture, it's only been 2 weeks, Patience Grasshopper.!

No Excuses....or just 1 or 2

So..... Friday I got off work at the regular time. I came home all set to workout that afternoon. Jenny came home at about 6 and I headed up to Huguley. Only problem is..... They close at 5 on Friday. I did what anyone else would do. I went home and put off the treadmill till it got so late that I didn't do a thing. You know what.. no big deal Jeremy said that I need 6 days a week I'll just miss Friday.

Saturday Jenny worked and I had the kids all day. I really enjoy the day with Lauren and Jack. I had about an hour in there where I thought about getting on the tread mill. I then realized that a nap would be so much better. I really can't recall the last nap that I took. I had someone that I needed to meet Sunday morning so we went to church Saturday night. The kids and I went up there and Jenny met us there. After church we decided to go eat at Frescos, man was it good. When we got through eating and went got home it was 9:30, my belly was full with some really good Mexican food. As you may guess, no working out that day. That's two in a row....

Sunday I met the person that I had to meet in Cleburne. When I got done I headed up to church for my Discipleship class. After the class was over I headed home. We had left over Mexican food for lunch. Jack went down for a nap. I headed to the gym. I got on the elliptical and did my thing. It really was easy. I did my 30 minutes and then a just a little bit more. It sure is getting easier. I know that I missed two days that I shouldn't have but it really is starting to become something I do, and not the center of my day.

I got on a scale today and was a bit downtrodden with the results. I wasn't expecting miracles but I was hoping for a pound or two. My clothes are fitting better, I am in a new hole in my belt, and people are telling me that they can see a difference. Why is the needle on the scale not moving? I have been told that my body is retaining water because of the workout and the sweating, and it won't be long till the needle moves. I hope that this is true I intend on asking the nutrition counselor. The bottom line is this.... I do feel a difference and people are noticing. Its only been two weeks. This journey is just getting started and I feel great.

Tomorrow I meet with Jeremy and Norene. See you back tomorrow!

Busy Day, Not Much New

Today has been a great day. I got up early and met my guys from life group up at J.J. Mocha's. Had my weekly coffee and talked about life. I don't know what the deal is. I don't like coffee. I never have liked coffee. My parents don't drink coffee. I married a girl that drinks coffee and have never jumped on the band wagon. Here's the twist. Back during the summer Jenny asked me to go to Starbucks while I was running errands. While talking to the barista I told her I only like coffee when it's so sweet it doesn't taste like coffee. She made me a caramel macchiato and it was good. It is the only coffee I drink and I love it. In fact I have turned my good friend and co-teacher Christine on to them. She was a non coffee drinker who loves the Starbucks. Where does this fit into the Biggest Winner? Last night at the nutrition counselor's office, she noticed on my food log that on Thursday morning I had a Cinnamon roll and a Caramel mach. I was told that I had to choose one or the other. I went with the coffee.

In my coffee group there are three other guys. We are all in the same life group with our spouses. Several of us guys meet now for a men's study on Thurs. Today we started a study by Tony Dungee called Dare to be Uncommon. I think it will be pretty good. The first lesson is on forming a solid core. I look forward to the next lessons. The only thing I don't enjoy is getting up to meet the guys at 6 am, Man that's early for me.

I tried to eat the morning food as instructed. For breakfast I had wheat toast and peanut butter, accompanied by a boiled egg. Umm Umm Good. I am really hungry now. I am really trying to be good but I must say; here we are at 10 pm, and the Blue Bell in the freezer is really calling me name.

This evening I had really planned on going to the gym. But here's the deal (don't judge me)! Last night I met Jeremy at 8 pm. It was 9 30 ish when I got home... kids asleep. This morning I left the house at 5 45 am. Kids asleep when I left. I then went to work. I picked Jack up and we hung out till Jenny got home at 7 pm. Now I had a choice, I could go to the gym or see my kids for a while. I told Jenny I would eat supper first. I ate supper, helped bathe the kids, told bed time stories, read books, played, and put them to bed. It's then 9 pm. I'm tired. I don't want to change. I don't want to leave. So I didn't. But I got on the treadmill here at the house.... Tricked you, you didn't think that I did it did ya? Well I did. I prefer the gym. I don't want to get burned out on the treadmill. I hate the treadmill. I much prefer the elliptical or the bike; however, the treadmill is nice because its at home and I can exercise in my boxers and tennis shoes. Ha Ha.

I was told today by a friend that this blog isn't funny enough. I didn't put much effort in to making this one funny either... sorry. I will try to improve and be witty and funny. Like I said on my first post, there is just to much pressure to writing this. Be funny, interesting, honest, insightful. Hopefully I hit at least a couple of these each time. In parting though since I am not funny I will leave you with a joke. I don't plan on doing many jokes but Francine says I have to be funny....so here goes. A guy walks into a bar.... Ouch!!!!!!!!!!11

Don't Be That Guy

Today was tough. The alarm went off 30 min. earlier than usual this morning. I don't want to put what time that is because I know a lot of people get up much earlier than I do every morning. In fact I got up earlier than that with my last job but I am now spoiled. As the alarm was going off I hit snooze several times. I thought about scrapping the whole treadmill thing. In my bed I made several excuses... 1. I'm tired 2. Jack crawled into bed with us at 3am and I don't want to wake him up this early 3. nobody will know 4. I hurt..... so what did i do? Well I thought about my goal. I thought about the people that are following me at church and other places. I thought about this blog. Last night I said that I will be getting on the treadmill and that's what I did. I am honest on here. I don't plan to stop now. There will be times that maybe I don't do as plan.... but I wasn't going to start today.

Today was the day, that if I wasn't on the program that I'm on; and didn't have an accountability system.... I may have stopped. I would like to think that I wouldn't have given up, I would like to have more faith in myself... but history speaks for its self. On the treadmill I wanted to get off. I thought at 10.....15.....20 minutes... this is enough. I though at least I did something today. I wanted off. I stayed on.

At work today I was sore. My legs and my arms hurt from Monday's workout. I think that every time I stood up at work I groaned. I didn't want to become the workout guy. You know what I'm talking about. "I'm sore, working out you know", or "every time I workout I hurt", " man I hut from working out", you can make up your own quotes form here, but I don't want to be that guy. I hate to say this but I may have been unemployed guy this summer. I was laid off in April and didn't get hired till August. I realized one day that I seemed to bring up the fact that I was laid off in many conversations. I think i was that guy! Definitely don't want to be him now.

After work I met with the nutrition counselor. We went over my food log and did some talking. Right now I have three assignment's for homework. 1. Eat a carb and a protein for breakfast. This starts the body off the right way. It will help with hunger throughout the day. Peanut butter on wheat toast. An egg on toast. Beans in a whole wheat tortilla. these are some of the suggestions. Also fruit in the morning is a good thing. Number 2. Slow down while I eat. Savor the food and take my time when I eat. this is easier said than done. I have tried before and my wife is always telling me to slow down. And 3. is to leave food on the plate. When I was growing up my dad had a saying. "don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach". If I put food on a plate I better eat every bit of it. To this day I can't leave food on a plate. If' I'm full I keep eating till the plate is empty. This is just a brief blurb about our meeting. Anyone that reads this and wants to know more feel free to ask in the comments are shoot me an email. Also my counselor will be holding nutrition classes every other Monday starting March 8.

When I left nutrition class I went to the Lent services at church. It was a great prayerful services. I am really finding strength and peace in God's word lately. Not only for working out but also life. After church I headed back to the gym for my meeting with Jeremy.

I'm going to be honest. I didn't want to go. I am sore (not as sore now as last week) I am also tired. I am ready for my workout and diet to just be a part of my life. You know just something that I do. Right now even with my family, work, church, etc. my life seems to be centered around working out. I know its because I just started, and things will be easier soon, I just need to get to that point. I like to think that I can just change the way I think and not put so much emphasis on this program, and just do it, but I can't. For me this is truly a lifestyle change and that is what makes it tough. Even though I want it, it will take time to get to that point. But lifestyle changes are the only way to MAKE IT STICK.........

Tuesday....

Today got off just as every other day. I woke up at 3 am with a 2 year old climbing into my bed. I sure liked it better when a crib was a cage and that didn't happen. Now he has a full size bed and comes to mine 2 out of 3 nights. I woke up when he crawled into bed, I woke up when he sleep kicked me. I woke up when he threw his legs over my chest. I woke up when he put his feet between me and the bed. I didn't wake up when the alarm went off. Finally got up and took a shower and off to work.

I wasn't very sore this morning. I felt as if i had worked out, of course I had, but no pain. I noticed my pants were a bit loser this morning so i cinched the belt another hole. I take this as a small victory. Several weeks ago I was on the Last hole, I am now on the third hole (granted its tight enough to cut circulation off to my lower extremities, but it is in the third hole.) One thing that helped me reach this is the Daniel Fast. Jenny and I started the Daniel fast mid way through January. I lost weight doing this and it was great start for the program that I am on now. When we started it I hadn't interviewed for the Biggest Winner yet. It worked out so that the 21 day fast was over the day I started the Biggest Winner. A great blessing from God.

I got home from work and changed to go to the gym to do my cardio. While in my closet hanging up my shirt I decided to try on some clothes on the right half of the closet. The right half is the half that I don't go to very often. It was another small victory. I tried on several favorite shirts that no longer fit. I am not ready to start wearing them in public, but i can button them without fear of the threads popping and buttons shooting out like bottle rockets on the fourth of July.

I got through playing dress up and headed to Huguley for cardio. I got to Huguley and went up to the top floor and found an elliptical machine to ride. I was looking forward to the workout. I am glad that I look forward to it and am enjoying it right now. I did 30 min. on the elliptical. I was tired. I wanted to get off and switch machines at about 10 min. I didn't switch and at 15 was ready to switch again. I held on and made it to a full 30 min. After I broke the 15 minute threshold, the exercise became easier. This is encouraging. It lets me know that if I get through the initial discomfort, pain, fatigue, or other adjective you want to throw in there, I can do it. I even got faster toward the end.

I got home and ate supper. After supper I played with the kids, bathed Jack, and put them to sleep. I spent 30-45 minutes on my bible study. After reading my Bible I did my at home exercises that Jeremy gave me. Eventually I will talk more about these exercises, but not now. I don't like it, I am not good at it, and a bit embarrassed at my performance in this basic exercise, but this is why I am doing it at home and need to work on it at home.

Its 10 pm, I love the Olympics but don't care for figure skating so I think that I will head to bed now. I have to get up 30 min early to get in my cardio in the morning because tomorrow night I work out with Jeremy. Tomorrow will be busy. After work i meet with Norene , the nutrition councilor, at 5, church at 645 and Workout at 8, so I need my rest. g'night

Starting the Second Week

I must admit that I didn't do any workout yesterday. Sundays are a busy day for us. That is an excuse that I am learning to shed. So lets get onto Monday.

Went to work, came home, met with Jeremy at 7 pm. The first thing that I want to say is this. The people at St. Matthew are so encouraging. When I workout I wear a Biggest Winner shirt (as do all the participants) to the gym. I hear several comments and get questions. The best part though is that so many members come up to me and encourage me. I have been truly blessed.

Now back to the workout. I got to the gym about 30 minutes early to warm up a bit. When Jeremy and I got started he told me that he was changing our schedule a bit. I will now be doing a full body workout every time! What??? O.k. lets do this. That is exactly what we did. Tonight hurt, it was tough. When we were done I felt great though. I was even able to raise my arms above my head this time.

Even thought the workouts are tough and they hurt at the time, I sure feel good when they are over. I am beginning to feel the difference day to day. I have more energy through out the the day. Weather it's a result of the exercise, or just in my head it's a great side effect.

I have also found comfort in reading my Bible. Reading my Bible is a lot like exercise. It is something that I knew I needed to do, but put off. Joining a disciple class was great. I now have an accountability to reading my Bible and studying it as well. Working out and reading my Bible a great combination.

Let's bring on Tuesday!!!!!!

Another First

I woke up this morning and just laid there as both kids crawled in to bed with us. I resisted getting up till about 8:30. Jenny had to work at the Artbarn at 5 this evening so we had most of the day together.

I'm going to talk a bit about today because it effects the night so bare with me. We had some errands to run and decided to go early so we wouldn't feel rushed. The kids were hungry so we decided on IHOP. I really try to eat fairly healthy, my instructions from the food counselor were to log my food, not control it. At my meeting with her she said the we were going to learn to identify the voice of rationalization for eating and it was there today. "Rob, your gonna be dieting soon so eat what you want today." and I did. The last errand we ran was Sam's. I'm not sure if you've eaten a combo at Sam's buts it's not bad. Jenny and I shared a piece of pizza for lunch. Then we went home.

Jenny and I worked around the house until it was time for her to go in to work. When she left it was just the kids and me. We played and did laundry all night. As I sit on the couch blogging about yesterday I started to feel guilty for not exercising. I watched the Olympics and read my Bible. In the Disciple class I'm taking we are studying Exodus. One of the questions in the workbook asked about something I've been delivered from. Now it might be a bit of a stretch, but.... I am being delivered from my belly... wow! Was God trying to tell me something?????

It was about this time Lauren came in and told me she'd finished her chores, and asked to play Wii Fit. I had promised her she could play when she was done and I set it up for her. As I sat there watching and wishing I was under the weight limit so I could play, I said enough is enough.

Lets back up to the fall of 2007. Jenny and I were shopping for a treadmill. My best friend Klynn told me I was buying an expensive clothes hanger. I said no way!!! This is all that's stopping me from looking like Brad Pitt. If I have this thing in front of the t.v. at home I'll be on it every day. I used it once. To Jenny's credit she used it far more than me. Fast forward to February 2008, we bought the house we live in now. My buddies Jason and Trey helped me move the heavy cumbersome thing. We put it in the Master bedroom so that we could use it everyday.

Again let's fast forward to 10pm tonight. After deciding if I was going to MAKE IT STICK, and heading all the signs and guilt I was feeling I went to the bedroom. I took all the clothes off the $800 clothes hanger. I searched for the little magnetic key that makes it go. I blew the dust off the control panel. I walked briskly for 30 minutes covering just under 2 miles. I feel great. I will be on that Wii fit in no time!

Ugh

As anyone that has worked out before knows.... its the second day when you feel it. I woke up this morning in some pain. I hurt from my neck to my ankles. I took to the day as any other. There were times when I didn't think that I could raise my arms above my head. I stretched often through the day and it helped. I teach in a special ed. behavior class for a living. I often have to sit on the ground to talk to or coax an upset/angry kid out from under a table. Or console a crying child. There was a coouple of itmes I wondered how I would get up off the floor, but I always did. The day got easier as it went on. By that night I felt a bit stiff but did't hurt.

I had good intentions of working out this night. As we know good intentions doesn't get it done. My wife works a lot later than me and we depend on the genourosity of others to take care of Lauren after school. Not wanting to burdon our friends that we rely on I needed to pick her up early. We then went and picked up Jack from day care and headed home. By the time Jenny got home at 7 pm it was time to eat. We ate that night and I didn't go work out.

The Day After

I woke up this morning and felt a bit tight. I wasn't Really sore but my muscles were a bit tight. As the day went on I kept feeling a bit tight. Walking up stairs wasn't a problem, going down the stairs, I felt it. That afternoon when I got off of work I went home to change clothes and headed up to Huguley to get my cardio in. Jeremy had recommended riding a bike, so that's what I did. I went up to the top floor (taking the stairs of course), sat down on a bike and took off. For those of you haven't been to a gym in awhile, it's nice. I sat down on the bike and plugged in my head phones. What did I plug my head phones into you might ask? I plugged them into my personnel t.v. I watched some news then over to ESPN. With the remote at hand, I was able to channel surf, not bad huh? After about 10 minutes on the bike (the goal is 30). My rear end was killing me. The seat I was on must have been tiny. The more I got to thinking about my discomfort, the more it hurt. I was thinking why would they put such a small seat on these bikes. About this time the girl on the bike next to me got up and I looked over to see just how tiny this seat is. Well guess what... wasn't that small of a seat, must be a large rear!

At the 15 minute mark I got off the bike, I couldn't take it any more. I got on and elliptical machine. I've ridden these things before, and like always it feels a bit awkward at first but I get used to it. I finished up my workout on the elliptical. I reached my target heart rate for 30 minutes. This was the goal that Jeremy had given me.

Walking down the stairs to leave was a bit painful. I was already a bit tight and soreness was starting. My legs were also a bit fatigued from the workout. Those folks walking down the stairs behind me must have been chuckling. I got to the bottom, did some stretching and headed home. Another good day.

The second First.

Can you say Jello? Well Wed. was the second first. The first meeting with Jeremy, the trainer that I will be working with. I arrived at the gym, checked in and got a key for a locker. I told them that I was to meet Jeremy and he was paged to the front. Jeremy came up front, we greeted each other and he showed me where the locker room was. I went and put my stuff in the locker room and returned to the gym area.

As I looked around I felt a bit out of place. Here were all these guys in here working out, most have arms the size of Hulk Hogan's Pythons. These guys are banging serious weight. The guys that didn't look like Lou Ferrigno were in shape and cruising on a treadmill or other tortuous apparatus like it was nothing. I saw a few other guys like myself, you know, the guys that were just starting our transformation, this made me fill better.

After I made my brief observation of the place Jeremy came over to meet me. I knew I was in trouble with the next words out of his mouth... "there's no other way for me to say this, today is gonna hurt!". ......I responded, "huh?". I was actually ready for this. I like to use cliches, and the one I will use here is one that was painted on the wall of my high school's weight room. "Pain is temporary, Pride is forever." I knew that the pain that I was about to feel would be the beginning of a transformation. Before we started he explained that we will do legs one day upper body one day. Because I was only gonna have one workout this week it was going to be a whole body workout.

Jeremy took me around the gym and had me do different exercises. I worked biceps, triceps, chest, abs, shoulders and legs. With each exercise I described my "discomfort" at the end of each. Some I started a bit to easy, so we had to add more resistance. Resistance is the word he used.... what he really meant is make it harder. I realized I was not doing enough of a workout unless at the end of each workout, the body part being worked out, felt like Jello.

There were some tough ones in there, I never realized that 25 1b dumbbells could whip me the way they did. Probably the most hurt I did was the lunges. If you don't know what a lunge is I will explain. You take a step a big step with your right foot. When you step out you go down as to touch your left knee to the ground. You pop up, and step with your left foot, touching your right foot to the ground. And you have just done 1. Now repeat the process 20 times, relax, start over, relax, start over. At the end of this particular exercise I felt like jello. The 6" step up to the water foutain must have been a 48" step. I felt like a new born colt standing for the first time. My legs and knees wobbled and shook I must have been a sight. I was thinking man, as I get smaller and lose weight I will have less "Resistance", so it will only get easier. I was then informed that eventually you get to hold dumbbells as you do. Woo Hooo, I can't wait.

At the end of the night, I felt like Jello. Jeremy said to do some cardio on my off days, and I will. I hobbled and wobbled out to the truck and went home. That night as i sit in a hot bath, (one of the first times I've used that thing, no wonder Jenny likes it) I reflected on everything. You know it feels good to feel a bit of pain and discomfort. I like it. Reminds me of the feeling after 2 a days in high school, it's a good thing. We will see what the next few days will bring (IE. how sore I will be). But I am sure that I will MAKE IT STICK!!!!!!!!!!!!

The First First

The first first was my first meeting at Huguley. At the fitness center I met with Teri Foreman the director of Fitness Services, Norene Sofranac the nutrition counselor, Jeremy Barnes my new trainer, Rick Carruth the cameraman, and an encouraging visit from Pastor Rick.

At this meeting I was given more information about the program that I would be starting. You see it works like this (you are about to see the way that Huguley stepped up because this is awesome). We get 12 weeks membership to the center, Two 2-hour meetings a week with a trainer, and a weekly meeting with a a nutrition counselor. Not to mention the entry and exit assessment. This is a great program, and i would like to take this time to thank everyone that made this happen.

So we are in a meeting room at Huguley and I was measured and filled out my membership paperwork. I then did a couple of questioners. Next I listened to Norene. As Norene spoke I was inspired. I am not sure if she said these exact words or if this is something that I imagined, it also sounds a bit cliched, but she is going to change my relationship with food. She talked about why people eat and how we are going to change this. (As I learn more I will share it here.) [{here's another side note}This morning I was in J.J. Mocha's and ran into Rick Carruth. Rick told me how inspired he was just from listning to Norene. He said he wanted to stop and ask questions. ( as I said this thing is awesome)]. The first thing that I will be doing for Norene is filling out a log of everything that I put into my mouth, the amount, hunger level, and emotion. The trainer I will be working with , Jeremy, was sick. He was kind enough to stop by and meet me. When Pastor Rick stopped by I overheard the two talking. I heard Rick tell Jeremy that he was glad that Jeremy was one of the trainers doing this. Hearing such praise from Rick really made me feel good about the trainer that I was going to begin my journey with. After my meeting I briefly met Lisa, another Biggest Winner.

I am on my 3rd day of filling out a food journal. In the past I knew that i ate when bored and restless, angry, etc. however having to write it down makes it different. As I put a cookie in my mouth and think WOW, I'm restless and bored.... and the hunger level is at about a two.... WHY am I eating this... its no wonder i'm a fattie! I am not suggesting that it's changed any behavior yet; but I at least think about it. I am looking forward to learning to change my eating habits, just the 3 days of logs are eye opening. If my eyes are already open, the changes that I make will definitely help MAKE IT STICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In The Beginning

Please excuse the post if it is a bit brief. As I mentioned in my first post, I really had no intention on blogging, but since I couldn't get out of it, I am having to back and do this after the fact. After being chosen I was excited. However, the more I got to thinking about it, and telling friends about it I became a bit nervous. Now don't get me wrong, I was and am still excited, but the thought of 100's of people following my progress... and holding my accountable... was a bit unnerving. I didn't want to let anyone down. So that was that, I decided not to let anyone down.

I AM GONNA MAKE IT STICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before I go any further, I realized I never explained my motivations for applying for this program. If you take a look at my family tree there are some pretty thick limbs above me (if you get my drift). I always chalked my size up to genetics and let it be. Oh sure, there were times that I would get a bit depressed or inspired to do something about it... but that would usually give into complacency. This is not what I want for myself and definitely not what I want for my kids (Lauren 6 and Jack 2). If we don't make a change in our lifestyles at home.... the chances of my kids suffering the same fate be great. I have lost weight before with dieting only to gain it again. The lesson I learned with this is that a diet will not work, this is going to have to be a life style change. A life style change for me, Jenny and our kids.

Alright so back to the story. I decided not to let anyone down. My first task was an assessment. I was summoned to the assessment center behind Huguley Hospital. When I arrived at the assessment center I was taken to the testing area. For those who haven't been there this a place where some of the greatest heroes in the world are tested. I am testing next to Ft. Worth firefighters. This was a bit humbling. It was here that I met Eric and Rick. Eric is one my fellow winners and Rick our fearless cameraman.

At the assessment we were given a battery of tests. The tests included blood work, sit ups, push ups, hearing, vision, flexibility, breathing and the dreaded treadmill. I did great on the flexibility test.

Since the assessment was over, it was time for the hard part. Waiting for the program to begin.

Hey I just realized this post wasn't so brief after all.

Getting Started

So, I'm new at the blog thing, and not much of a writer, but have decided... or should I say it's been decided for me to do a blog on my journey as the Biggest Winner. When I say that it was decided for me, I think that God has put it on my heart to chronicle my progress and tribulations. The more I tried to put it to the back of mind and to ignore, the more I couldn't stop thinking about starting a blog. Oh... the pressure of this. Not only do I have to try and be honest and put my self out there, I have attempt to be entertaining, funny, and consistent. The one thing that I will attempt to be is honest and forthcoming. If I miss a spelling, a punctuation sorry ahead of time. I hope not to forget any names or leave people out but once again I apologize ahead of time.

With all that being said I want to begin by thanking St. Matthew Church and the leaders that put this thing together, Huguley Fitness Center, the panel that interviewed us, and the members and congregation of St. Matthews for the prayers and support. Since the service that our intro videos were shown I have been showered with support and encouragement. This began before I ever even started!! I would also like to thank the most important person in my life, My wife Jenny. Honey I know that without you I will not be succesful. I want to thank you for past and future support. Thanks Jenny and I love you.