So lately I haven't felt as motivated to really push it when I am at the gym.  It has been difficult.  I've decided that due to that, in addition to working out at the gym I am trying to incorporate physical activity into my daily activities more so that I can spread out my activity more.  So this week I ran to Weight Watchers.  It started pouring on the way so I rode with Courtney back.  We went to Jump on It (A place filled with trampolines) to celebrate my birthday.  So fun but a little awkward when we walked by all the adults sitting on the side watching their kids.  I am taking walks at lunch and last week at 10 p.m. Debbi wanted to go to the store to buy candy so I made us run there and back.  I also need to play more tennis!  So anyway, until I get back my mojo, I will be searching for variety and fun.  But congrats to Carlie on her 1st marathon!!!

I am posting my victory tennis picture with Scott.  This picture taken at about 7AM by Clark on Tuesday May 7th.  Thanks to Scott's bad morning with many double faults I finally beat him.  I played well but he helped me out.  It takes a combination of me playing well and Scott playing poorly for me to win.   I have found that singles tennis is pretty good exercise,  especially since Scott knows how to place the ball and keeps me running back and forth.  I love the game.   The Saturday following the victory things went downhill fast for me from a fitness standpoint.  Somehow I ended up with what is diagnosed as back spasms.  It has been uncomfortable,  untimely,  frustating,  and inconvenient.  I am getting better finally but slowly.  My hearing is going bad too but I think the doctor told me back spasms are common for men in their 50s in the condition of someone in their 20s.   By the way,  I am thrilled at Carlie's marathon news and still waiting to hear if Lance made it back alive from his major hike.      Dad

Pre-Marathon

I thought I'd do a pre and a post. This is a huge moment for me. I have thought about this for a long time. Now that it's here I'm so nervous and keep thinking about a way to get out of it. I think my biggest problem is that I want to go in there and be super fast and that's why I'm nervous because I know I can't do the whole thing that fast (I've tried and ended up getting dehydrated and really sick). So I just need to chill and know that I am capable of doing the whole thing even if it is slow. Finishing is the goal, not speed. I've done pretty good on food this week. I had dessert Monday but havn't had it since. So my body should be functioning and feeling good. Man I have butterflies just typing this!! Wish me luck!!!

Yes,  Melissa is cool.  She finally had her baby...ole "what's her name".    I think that is what I will nickhame this pretty unnamed baby.  Very exciting.  Last week was a great week of fitness and eating right for me.  Four straight days with no sweets.  And some great exercise.  I have got to get in shape to carry the new baby girl up the to the peak in July. But for the life of me I can't beat Scott at tennis in our weekly match.  When I do,  I am posting a picture!  This week there are too many work luncheons which tempt me with sweets and interrupt my exercise.  I will do my best.  Kara,  Bryce Canyon looked so fun.  I can't believe I never took you there.  Further proof of your deprived childhood.    Dad. 

Bryce Canyon

Hey Ya'll!  So I went to Bryce Canyon this weekend.  It was super fun.   Lots of hiking but lots of eating too.  I felt pretty good though because on our first hike on the first day I overheard a guy say, "I feel like I'm doing pretty good for no working out in over 4 years!"  He was not interested in going on the hike the next day.  We had a great time though.  I hadn't been to Bryce Canyon before and I really enjoyed it.  I promise promise though that starting tomorrow I am counting my points.  And I'm so excited for Melissa!  Any second now!  I'm pretty sure it was all because of my fast.

So I know you have all been wondering what happened to me...but I'm back.  I did pretty terrible at the eating healthy thing this week, I didn't eat much...but mostly I drank a lot of chocolate milk which has 300 calories in it...yep.  But, I did work out quite a bit lately.  I ran with a new girl this week and she wouldn't stop so I just kept going...it was good for me.  And thanks to Carlie and Kara I ended up running the 10k with them...my legs are feeling it but it was fun.  I just shouldn't have eaten the cookies they were giving out at the end.  This week I feel excited to eat fruits and vegetables again:)  Also mom stole back Just Dance, but I always told myself that after I ran I could do a couple songs...makes working out awesome:)  So a new semester begins this week...so yay for a time for me to rededicate myself to being healthy:) Now I'm going to sleep finally.

Thank you for your congratulations.  Slow and steady finishes the race.  If only Carlie could have waited for her cookies.  I'm grateful I had Alyssa running with me.  Officially the furthest I have ever run in my life.  I think I am doing another one on Pioneer day.  It's mostly downhill though so I'm hoping my time will be a lot better.  Now that the race is over I feel less motivation to run.  Whoops.  But lots of motivation to eat better.  Gotta be looking good for the family pictures in July!  So everyone don't forget to record your points.  It's a huge pain for me to add the dates every week so make it worth it please.  And Melissa, have your baby already!

In name of family and fitness,  congratulations to Alyssa,  Kara,  and Carlie for their 10K performance this past weekend.  I am most impressed and inspired by what they have done.  It inspires me to do better at my own fitness but no desire to run a 10K...and that is OK.   I got in two great workouts this past week...one short of my goal...but not bad.  But I did great on no sweets.  Four days straight with no sweets.  That might be a record for this dessert lover.  This is going to be a great week coming up...I can feel it.   And you know who else is going to get some great exercise this week....Melissa....having a baby is serious work and tremendous weight loss.    Dad. 

I have really enjoyed the recent posts of others.  Thanks for getting me back on. I was afraid the blogging  was all over.  That, combined with Jazz losses was really getting me down.  After bragging about being the last one standing if necessary until the end I dropped off in late March.    Before that,  this family challenge had me exercising and eating better than I had in a long time.   Consistent exercise and fewer sweets.    I have now started off this week pretty well.   I would like to extend a challange that if accepted will motivate me.  Coleman,  I will commit to 3 days of exercise and 3 days with no sweets this week if you will do one 30 minute workout.  Given your incredible genes,  that is an equal trade.  Melissa,  in the next week, write one post of 10 words minimum.  Come on...you can do it!   Nothing about fitness, just baby, baby, baby.      No pressure Coleman and Melissa,  just my motivation and health at risk.  In the meantime,  I am hitting the pool tomorrow.  Dad

Still here

So I would like to note that I never left.  I didn't write for two weeks but I was posting almost every week before that.  So, as you all know I was doing a program with my health insurance.  The time came again to check in.  I needed to lose 9.6 pounds in two weeks since I'd gotten way off track before that.  I got real serious two weeks ago and counted every point.  I tried not to eat any activity points or weekly allowance points.  And look what happened, I lost 5.2 pounds in one week! Amazing, it actually works.  A lot of what I did was cut out candy and heavy carbs.  The next week was trickier though because I had to go out to eat many times and although I looked up the menu beforehand and tried to make smart choices it was difficult to stay within my points.  Let's just say that I didn't make the goal.  Even after taking a colon cleanse.  Gross.  I will be suspended from the program now for a couple of months and can get back in after two months if I am lower than my last weigh in.  So still motivation to lose weight I just miss out on the reimbursement for the last two months.  Boo.  So much spent on PT.  Anyway, this weekend was awful because I was like, well, I didn't get it so who cares?!  But I'm back on this week.  The goal for this week is to consolidate my loss. 

I'm BACK!!! For Good!!!

Ok I am back, Carlie sent me a scolding text last night, and I promise I'm now back for good!  I actually had a decent week (After doing terrible up until this week) and lost 2 lbs this week.  I just ate less.
I am doing the Kalalau trail May 16-18, so I have something legitimate to try and at least get into slightly better shape for.  I really do enjoy this blog, its just the last few months of my life have been out of control.  In 3 weeks school will be over for good, and I should have more time.  Things will really settle down this fall after we are settled into Oahu.
So basically this may sound bad, but I have kind of given up on ever being a real good eater.  I think I will always eat about 3500 calories per day, so I have to make up for it with exercise.  Yes I'm aware everyone will roll their eyes upon reading that, but I'm in a low spot.  I can't control myself.  So my goal is to moderate my eating (avoid junk food mostly) and kick my exercising way back up to where it used to be before I started my masters and started working 3 jobs basically.
Anyways, glad to be back, hopefully we can keep this thing going, I enjoy reading everyone elses's posts.  I'll start doing better at tracking things too.

Coleman

Coleman is doing homework right now so he told me to write for him.  He has had a rough week. He did not work out at all and he slept in. When he sleeps in he owes me money. He has been doing that a lot so I got a new skirt and 2 new shirts this week. He did want me to mention that although he had 3 cookies for breakfast, at Pizza Pie Cafe he resisted 2 desert pizzas. I on the other hand ate all 4 slices and a cinnamon stick. That place is amazing. I figure what a better time to eat there than when you will be fasting for the next 24 hours.
The most exercise he got was playing soccer with Amelia in the yard tonight. She loved it and kicked and ran around with that ball for over an hour. Anyway I told him "imagine what you'll be like in 15 years if you keep doing what you're doing? You'll never be able to go play with the kids." And it is true. So let's all remember that we are not just doing this challenge for this July for a nice meal. We are doing this challenge to change our lives and to allow us to continue enjoying our children and grandchildren and to enjoy our daily lives without huffing and puffing and hating looking in the mirror every day. We are all so active and enjoy so many things, so let's build habits that will allow us to keep it that way for years and years to come!! (All of this was actually more stuff from me, not Coleman.)

Pep Talk

So it has been too long since myself as well as everyone else has posted. Have people been doing anything? This would be the down point. The beginning is over and our excitement has worn off and it is not the end when we are scrambling to do something. Let's not lose motivation!! We need to keep doing something. Even little somethings, at least every week. I am recommitting to not eating my treats every single night, and I expect you all to recommit to something this week! I'm serious!!

Now on a more positive note. I am still training for the marathon. I actually registered for the Pocatello Marathon on August 31. That is a long ways away, and I am still suppose to run the Blackfoot one on May 18. But I've been having a hard time finding time to get in my long runs. However, last week I got up before Conference and ran for 2 hours and 15 minutes. I ran 14.61 miles. Longest run of my life. This morning I was suppose to run about 19 miles. It did not happen because I had to go to a baby shower, plus it was raining and very windy. I did get 6 miles in, rain and all. Anyway, I think I'm still just going to go for it with the Marathon next month and just see how it goes...I have till April 31 to decide. And if I end up not, at least I've already paid for one and the Marathon will definitely be happening before the end of the summer. Sorry I'm using this blog as my Marathon blog.

KEEP GOING!!!

Breaking down Barriers

Well this has been helpful for me.  I hope it is helpful for others.  I did better this week.  Ate within my points on more days. I also had an awesome time working out.  I broke my record again.  Went to 30 minutes and 15 seconds for my 5K (3.1 miles).  It was a physical barrier as well as a mental barrier.  I never thought I could beat an average of faster than a ten minute mile for 3.1 miles.  But I did!  Well looking forward to most of you coming here this weekend.  We will have to find ways to have fun and not go crazy on the eating because it is crunch time!!!  Good luck to all this week.

Hitting it hard

So I ended up gaining at Indian Wells which was to be expected.  1.8 pounds.  I am happy though that we got in good runs everyday at the golf course every morning.  I have to get serious again though because I am approaching another checkpoint with my insurance program.  So I pretty much have 3 weeks to lose almost 10 pounds.  Yesterday I worked out really hard at the gym (got my best ever 5K time, 31 minutes and 50 seconds).  And we went and played tennis twice.  Courtney is really starting to get into it.  And I have eaten within my points two days in a row.  Possibly a record.  I also made a pact with my WW leader to go on a fast food fast this week since I ate out twice a day for almost 10 days.  So that should be helpful.  Log your points people!!!

Hello All. I enjoyed reading Carlie's post from Wednesday.  I had an average week.  Not super but not terrible.  It was definitely better than it would have been without the fitness challenge.   It really helps me make myself go to the pool or the gym.  I plan to keep posting and recording until July even if I am talking to myself.     In light of Carlie's announcement about a marathon,  I am thinking I want to make another run at Mt. Borah.  We will see.   DAD. 

First day of many long ones

So my goal is to run the Blackfoot "Tommy Vaughn" Marathon, May 18. That is coming up very, very soon. So I decided I'd better get serious about running. I've been having too much fun going to classes at my new gym. But I'm having to give some up or add on more time to run after the class. Anyway, I wrote up a schedule and I have to do a long run every week adding 3 miles to each week. So I did my first long run today: 10 miles. Wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it, but I did, and I don't feel like I'm about to die. I actually feel pretty good! Hope all is going well for everybody. We need more posts!

So Carlie caught me breaking my salty snacks rule.  The lady at the gas station talked me into it.  But this next week will be a new challenge.  I'm going to be super busy trying to work 40 hours before Thursday afternoon (which will actually probably be good, less time to sit in front of the tv and snack).  And then leaving town on Thursday for a week of eating out and snacking.  But I commit to run laps around the golf course everyday while we are there.  Weighing in before I leave and when I return.  So we'll see.

This was a good week for me.  I got in 3 hard work-outs, including one at Carlie's gym,  several days on the weights with Clark,  and NEARLY beat Scott in tennis.  I love trying to beat him.  And hey,  the extra 15 cents I give myself if I beat him is a tremendous motivator   (You think I am kidding).  I figured out how to freeze the columns in the chart for recording.  But I can't figure out how to fix the format in the dates.  Someone please do so.  And someone please record!!!  We are now 20% complete.  Man,  I can just taste that Big Mac and large fries now based upon our pace.  Maybe even a milk shake.   Love.   DAD. 

Small Changes

So the biggest challenge for me is not eating after 8:30.  That is when I always have my dessert and all those small little calories that add up to a lot. I didn't even really try the first couple weeks. However, as my pants have been getting tighter after quitting nursing I know I need to make changes. So I'm proud to say that I am actually trying that one out. Last week and this week I have not eaten after 8:30. I am usually very hungry but I manage. And as suspected, it has usually cut out my late night dessert. My goal is to make this a common habit Monday through Thursday as well as Sundays. I love reading this blog and seeing the changes everyone is making!
Also, Coleman has finally joined us...well sorta. He did finally try to work out a few times last week. Hopefully it will happen more often soon. Small changes!

No more salty snacks!

I managed to lose 1.2 pounds this week somehow.  I exercised really well, except missed Friday night, and I tried to plan and prepare healthy meals.  I made a Southwest Chicken Chili Mac which was really healthy (only about 5 points per cup) which was good and I ate it for several meals.  My downfall this week was salty snacks.  We bought several kinds of yummy hummus that I intended to eat with carrot sticks.  The problem is that every night as I was preparing my healthy meal my roommates got out the pita chips and pretzels and tortilla chips to dip in the hummus and then my points were blown.  So after the salty snacks are gone I am forgoing buying them until I leave for Indian Wells. 

Ok family.  I think we need to adjust a few things so that we can be successful and receive the desired results that we are hoping for as a family.  For instance, I cannot seem to track on a daily basis.  I have a zillion excuses but mainly that it is too hard.  If I don't track then I can't stay within my points because I have no idea how many points I have left to stay within.  So I am adjusting my goals so that I can continue to contribute money to the fund and hopefully improve myself and lose the lbs that I want to lose.  As of today, Feb. 24th, I no longer get 10 cents for tracking and staying in my points.  Instead I will get ten cents everyday that I don't eat sweets, candy, desserts, etc. and I will get 10 cents everyday that I eat 5 fruits and veggies and drink 8 glasses of water.  I know that I do feel much healthier when I do that and I do have to conscientiously think about it to do that.  I will still get 10 cents for exercising and 50 cents for attending my ww meetings.  Good luck family with your goals and please adjust if necessary.  PS. the tofu, spinach lasanga was really good.  In fact it was so good that Clark took the leftovers for lunch the next day and asked for more that night!  You should try it!
I love you all!  Mom

Brother, I'm Committed

Okay so there is this talk about how when need to commit to something it is like jumping off a cliff and you can't go back...problem is that I think I am skidding down the side of the cliff right now and am going to end up hurt if I don't commit myself a little more.  I am trying to figure out a way to keep track of my points on my phone so that I don't feel like I'm just making up a bunch of numbers...I mean I think I'm being honest...but I can't remember 5 days very well...so don't judge.
But ya, looks like we are all trying to re-commit ourselves to the things that will actually benefit us...but unfortunately I made no-bakes tonight. Hopefully I will give the rest all away tomorrow. Okay so next week be excited to hear an awesome inspiring story.

New area of focus

So if you notice on my part of the spreadsheet, I am doing awesome with exercise and terrible with my eating.  I had to take back the 50 cents I earned for losing a pound last week.  I am doing awesome with working out but it's not making enough of a difference.  I decided to devote my 3 day weekend to working out.  I stayed for 2 hours yesterday and am planning on working out for another 2 tomorrow.  So this week my goal is to eat within my points at least 3 times. 

Rough Start!

I like this blog.  What I don't like is how I've started off so far.  I've done bad.  Very bad.  I've made my calories just once and I've exercised 5 times.  Just completely unacceptable.  I've been in California on business so eating well has been very hard.  But starting Saturday I promise it will be nothing but meeting my goals each day.  I'm actually so frustrated with myself that there's a lot I'd like to say.  But hopefully next week I'll have better information to report. 

Signed,

Disgusted with myself in Caliornia.

Okay this blogging thing is really hard for me but I finally figured out how to get to this page.  So...I'm writing this blog at a bad time since I just got home to a Valentine's package from mom of chocolate and was really hungry and dinner wasn't ready yet....but....I did just get back from RIPPED.  It destroyed me.  My butt is already hurting me..and my inner things...and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to walk tomorrow.  When I showed up I realized I hadn't mentally prepared myself for the class, but it is probably for the best because I would chicken out if I thought about it too much.  My successes for this past week is I haven't been eating at night time.  Like after I eat dinner...I'm done.  Which is sort of a big deal for me.  My appetite for sweets is coming back though so I really need to be careful to not get too excited.  On to a better week!

I'm back to my lost love

I am kind of loving this blog. We should just keep this forever and make it our family blog!
But I wanted to share my success of today.
Over Conference weekend in the beginning of October I went on a long run, like 7 1/2 miles. But afterwards my knee hurt very very bad. I then was not able to ever run more than 4 miles, and by mile 4 I was dying in pain. So, I kind of all together stopped running. Then I joined the gym and started running about 2 times a week. But I always only ran for 4 miles max.
Until today...I finally ran my usual 6 miles! First time since October. And my knee has not bothered me at all. It was great and it got me encouraged to start my usual running again and begin training for my spring/summer marathon!

Military success!

So I had an awesome first half of the week.  As most of you know, I did the military diet and lost 3.8 pounds thanks to removing most my clothing and balancing just right on the scale.  But I got 150 dollars out of it!  The last half of the week was not so good on my eating though.  By the end of the week my total weight loss was only .8 pounds.  My goal this next week is to do two a day workouts!  The morning workout though will just be riding the exercise bike while reading my book for work though.  Thanks everyone for posting!

Let's Get Going!!

Ok, I think I have kind of figured this out. I put in my goals and I have kept track of what I've done, but all that math is extremely difficult for me so I'll work on that. Coleman does plan on joining us soon, hopefully this week.
I'd like to figure out how to do pictures. You should all get Google+ so we can all have pictures.
This blog was a great idea!!

I started out strong and tapered off a bit with the weekend.  Tracking is so hard for me to do when we eat out at restaurants that aren't chains.  Last night we had a lovely dinner with Kim and Gary Smith at the River Rock Grill.  Tonight we are trying to make up for it by making a recipe from Jill's cookbook.  Dad and I worked together to make her lasanga with tofu and spinach.  We will let you know if it is worth making again.

Here is Clark at the gym today.  Big day.  He set a new personal record for the bench press.  He has been an animal with his training the past two weeks.  Don't mess with Clark,  Coleman.  He has now exceeded  50% or your personal best.     Rob /  Dad

Dad's first post EVER.   Soon I will be posting a picture from my smartphone.  And recording my points. 

Fun activities we need to stay fit for!