I'm sorry but I have to digress from my normal posts to post something that I just don't understand. How can you hate someone for the color of their skin or the religion they profess? I just don't get it. I can see disliking someone based on their actions towards you, but to just hate someone for the way they look is just wrong!
I had the TV on over the weekend and some news report was doing a bit of "in depth" reporting on the recent violence and they were interviewing a young couple in Virginia and the interviewer asked the woman point blank if she believed that Jews and blacks should be killed because they are Jews and Black. her response haunts me.
As she stood there with one young child in her arms and another playing near her feet, she flat out said "yes, they need to be killed." I couldn't believe I heard it correctly so I rewound (the beauty of having a DVR) and replayed the question and answer and that is what she said. I was and am dumbfounded. Not only does she have this belief but she is obviously teaching it to her children from a very young age.
I had hoped that they would follow up with other questions to get to the reasons she had for this belief but of course being a news program after ratings, they left it at that. What is scary to me is how easily she was able to say they should all be killed.
I will confess that I am not a religious scholar , but I have looked into the beliefs of several of the world's major religions and from what I have seen, at their heart, they all have a message of love and I cannot reconcile that with the hatred that so many groups profess int eh name of religion. I was brought up as a christian and no where in the teachings have I seen where we should kill. In fact it is one of the 10 commandments that we should not kill.
How can we get people to stop hating others? What can we do to promote unity and tolerance? I just don't know. One thing I do know is that we certainly need to find that answer before we wind up killing ourselves off.
Monday, August 21, 2017
Thursday, August 10, 2017
2016 100 MON straight off the couch in Las Vegas Edition
Here is a post I started to write last year, when I did the ride, but never published:
11/12/2016
So, today was the date for the 100 Miles of Nowhere, straight off the couch in Las Vegas edition. I won my division but it was a shortened event and was more like 100 Minutes of Nowhere. There is a lot to be said for conditioning and training when you are looking to complete an event like this.
To set the stage, I rode my bike a single time in the 6 months leading up to the event. Not what you would call an ideal training plan. I was also carb loading for a good 2 to 3 months before the event as well. So you can see, I was certainly ready for the big day - NOT.
The weather cooperated with abundant sunshine, temperatures starting in the low 60's and not too much in the way of wind. I had been scouting the area near the house for an appropriate course and settled on a tour of the cul-de-sacs in my neighborhood. It certainly made for an interesting Strava Track:
I chose the course, not for the art of the Strava track, but because it was right outside my door adn it was basically flat - 2 of my biggest criteria for the ride.
I started off strong but within the first 3 miles realized that I was no longer acclimated to riding a bike as it started to feel uncomfortable sitting on the seat. In fact that was the one thing that really impacted me and helped to shorten the event - I was not accustomed to sitting on the bike seat and it hurt!
I made myself continue on and didn't take any breaks until I had completed over 10 miles of the ride. I then headed into the house to hydrate, eat a little snack and give my rear a bit of relief. I then went back out and completed another 7 miles or so before taking another break. Then I completed the last 5 miles to get over 22 miles for the ride.
You might wonder why I chose that distance. Well, I had originally hoped to do an organized ride on this day the Ride to Recovery Honor Ride, but I had never signed up, so I decided that I would ride the same distance in support of 100 Mon instead. I'm happy I was able to do it and I know that next year I will be in much better shape and go for the whole 100.
-------------
That is what I wrote just after the ride. I had planned on going back and doing some editing and plan for the next year, but I never did. Now, here it is 9 months later and I have only been on the bike once since then. Time to get back on it and get ready if I have any hope of riding this year.
11/12/2016
So, today was the date for the 100 Miles of Nowhere, straight off the couch in Las Vegas edition. I won my division but it was a shortened event and was more like 100 Minutes of Nowhere. There is a lot to be said for conditioning and training when you are looking to complete an event like this.
To set the stage, I rode my bike a single time in the 6 months leading up to the event. Not what you would call an ideal training plan. I was also carb loading for a good 2 to 3 months before the event as well. So you can see, I was certainly ready for the big day - NOT.
The weather cooperated with abundant sunshine, temperatures starting in the low 60's and not too much in the way of wind. I had been scouting the area near the house for an appropriate course and settled on a tour of the cul-de-sacs in my neighborhood. It certainly made for an interesting Strava Track:
I chose the course, not for the art of the Strava track, but because it was right outside my door adn it was basically flat - 2 of my biggest criteria for the ride.
I started off strong but within the first 3 miles realized that I was no longer acclimated to riding a bike as it started to feel uncomfortable sitting on the seat. In fact that was the one thing that really impacted me and helped to shorten the event - I was not accustomed to sitting on the bike seat and it hurt!
I made myself continue on and didn't take any breaks until I had completed over 10 miles of the ride. I then headed into the house to hydrate, eat a little snack and give my rear a bit of relief. I then went back out and completed another 7 miles or so before taking another break. Then I completed the last 5 miles to get over 22 miles for the ride.
You might wonder why I chose that distance. Well, I had originally hoped to do an organized ride on this day the Ride to Recovery Honor Ride, but I had never signed up, so I decided that I would ride the same distance in support of 100 Mon instead. I'm happy I was able to do it and I know that next year I will be in much better shape and go for the whole 100.
-------------
That is what I wrote just after the ride. I had planned on going back and doing some editing and plan for the next year, but I never did. Now, here it is 9 months later and I have only been on the bike once since then. Time to get back on it and get ready if I have any hope of riding this year.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
I'm still here, all evidence to the contrary
Hello. I am still here and I check on my blog every once in a while over the last year or so. I just haven't felt like posting anything as I feel like I haven't done anything worth posting. I have been trying to do the right things and eat better and lose weight. One area that I have been neglecting over the last year has been the physical activity side of things. I know that I need to change that and as such I know posting here will help.
It will help me to set goals and measure progress towards those goals. I realize that without having a firm goal to strive towards I founder. I'm tired of foundering. I need to get myself in a much better place physically. I want to get off my medication for my blood pressure and the only way to do that is to lose the weight and increase my physical fitness and activity levels.
So, even if no one is reading this (and truthfully I will be surprised if anyone does after my neglect of this blog), I am going to try to post at minimum 3 times per week to work on getting my self focused and heading once again in the right direction.
This is but a short and sweet post to say I'm back. I will be posting more in a day or two about where I am physically and what has been going on during my absence from here.
Dan
It will help me to set goals and measure progress towards those goals. I realize that without having a firm goal to strive towards I founder. I'm tired of foundering. I need to get myself in a much better place physically. I want to get off my medication for my blood pressure and the only way to do that is to lose the weight and increase my physical fitness and activity levels.
So, even if no one is reading this (and truthfully I will be surprised if anyone does after my neglect of this blog), I am going to try to post at minimum 3 times per week to work on getting my self focused and heading once again in the right direction.
This is but a short and sweet post to say I'm back. I will be posting more in a day or two about where I am physically and what has been going on during my absence from here.
Dan
Monday, October 10, 2016
2016 100 Miles of Nowhere sign up
OK, I think I may have temporarily lost my mind as I've ridden less this year than any of the last 5 years, but I went ahead and signed up for Fat Cyclist's 100 Miles Of Nowhere ride this year. He reduced the sign up fee and I just couldn't resist. I guess that means I really, really need to get on my bike and ride!
The official date of the ride this year is November 12. That is the date I had been thinking of doing the Honor Ride, but I figure this might be a better choice. Now I need to figure out where I am going to ride and who might ride with me.
You may recall that in 2013, I did the metric version (100 km of nowhere). I had been shooting for the full 100 miles, but the lack of riding cut that short. I hope do acquit myself nicely this year, but am not holding out high hopes for a long distance as my total distance on the bike for 2016 is only 48.1 miles. that is over 19 rides. Certainly nothing near respectable so I will need to do some serious digging to get any kind of real distance this year.
Why not join me, either here or in your own neighborhood and do your version of this crazy ride. It definitely benefits a great cause and you get a t-shirt!
The official date of the ride this year is November 12. That is the date I had been thinking of doing the Honor Ride, but I figure this might be a better choice. Now I need to figure out where I am going to ride and who might ride with me.
You may recall that in 2013, I did the metric version (100 km of nowhere). I had been shooting for the full 100 miles, but the lack of riding cut that short. I hope do acquit myself nicely this year, but am not holding out high hopes for a long distance as my total distance on the bike for 2016 is only 48.1 miles. that is over 19 rides. Certainly nothing near respectable so I will need to do some serious digging to get any kind of real distance this year.
Why not join me, either here or in your own neighborhood and do your version of this crazy ride. It definitely benefits a great cause and you get a t-shirt!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Dereliction of duties
I need to apologize for my lack of posts over the last couple of weeks. It seems that With the move and then the trip back to Michigan, there has been little of note for me to write about in terms of the target content of this blog. I have been doing very little over the last 2 weeks of note in terms of weight loss and fitness. I haven't ridden my bike, I haven't had weight loss, I am basically stagnant.
My weight, as of Saturday, is 402 lbs. I realize that is up a pound from my last reading but there are likely contributing factors, including a bit too much salt on restaurant food the day before (those sweet potato fries at Red Robin are great). I realized this morning that my excuses are just that - excuses. I will get my butt back on my bike and moving forward both literally and figuratively in terms of fitness and weight loss.
There is an upcoming ride - the 2016 Honor Ride, that I am thinking about doing and I talked to my grandson before he left for the summer and he said he might like to do it as well. this ride is scheduled for Saturday November 12 - Veteran's Day weekend. There are 3 options 20, 40 and 60 mile routes and I am planning on the 20 mile route. That means I have 2 1/2 months to get my butt in better shape to get out there and do the ride. I could likely suffer through the 20 miles at the moment but I want to enjoy the ride so I need to get in much better cycling shape.
My riding partner will be home tomorrow and I think we can get ourselves into shape for the ride in the time we have.
My weight, as of Saturday, is 402 lbs. I realize that is up a pound from my last reading but there are likely contributing factors, including a bit too much salt on restaurant food the day before (those sweet potato fries at Red Robin are great). I realized this morning that my excuses are just that - excuses. I will get my butt back on my bike and moving forward both literally and figuratively in terms of fitness and weight loss.
There is an upcoming ride - the 2016 Honor Ride, that I am thinking about doing and I talked to my grandson before he left for the summer and he said he might like to do it as well. this ride is scheduled for Saturday November 12 - Veteran's Day weekend. There are 3 options 20, 40 and 60 mile routes and I am planning on the 20 mile route. That means I have 2 1/2 months to get my butt in better shape to get out there and do the ride. I could likely suffer through the 20 miles at the moment but I want to enjoy the ride so I need to get in much better cycling shape.
My riding partner will be home tomorrow and I think we can get ourselves into shape for the ride in the time we have.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Mid-week update
I know with my posting schedule of late that this update will be a surprise to many. My wife and I are heading out early tomorrow for a quick trip back home and I just wanted to share as it is close to the end of the challenge I had set for myself and I'm not sure I will be near a scale on the 6th. as of this morning the scale said 401 lbs. That is an overall loss of 57 lbs. for the challenge and I am happy with that.
What I'm even happier with is that this isn't the end of anything but a time frame. I am not going to go out and pig out on ice cream and cake and nachos and chips. This has been a lifestyle change for me and I plan on continuing it. That's not to say that I won't enjoy an occasional treat, but they will be few and far between.
What I'm even happier with is that this isn't the end of anything but a time frame. I am not going to go out and pig out on ice cream and cake and nachos and chips. This has been a lifestyle change for me and I plan on continuing it. That's not to say that I won't enjoy an occasional treat, but they will be few and far between.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Week 25 update
It is amazing what 5 days of moving boxes and other items from one house to another will do for one's activity level. A few weeks ago I averaged 4496 steps per day. Last week my average was 7046 steps per day - a definite increase in activity to say the least. As a result the scale was favorable - 404 lbs for a total loss of 54 lbs. for the challenge. I am very happy with that after last week's number.
I had planned on riding my bike at least once over the weekend, but with moving and all the associated work, I just didn't feel like doing it. I was and am still, tired. I hope to get out soon and explore the new neighborhood and nearby parks, but it hasn't happened yet. It likely won't happen this week,either as it is a short week followed by time away. We will see, though.
I had planned on riding my bike at least once over the weekend, but with moving and all the associated work, I just didn't feel like doing it. I was and am still, tired. I hope to get out soon and explore the new neighborhood and nearby parks, but it hasn't happened yet. It likely won't happen this week,either as it is a short week followed by time away. We will see, though.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Week 24
The scale was a little disappointing this morning - 409 lbs. I was expecting it, though with the heat and increased liquid consumption along with the salty foods over the weekend. I haven't gone crazy on the food front so I know that the increase is likely retained water and not an indication of eating gone wild. Speaking of heat, we have been at 110+ for the last 4 days and are forecasting another 5 days in that range, with a 115 on Thursday. Of course it will be the hottest day of the year on Thursday as that is the day we are moving.
We can't even put out there that it's a dry heat, since relatively speaking, the humidity levels are increasing all week leading to some likely thunderstorms this weekend. I was hoping to be able to get a ride or two in at the new house, once we get settled, but it may wait another few days withthe heat and humidity.
Not much else going on with fitness for me at the moment. I am hoping that a change in residence will help spur a resurgence in activity for me. We will wait and see.
We can't even put out there that it's a dry heat, since relatively speaking, the humidity levels are increasing all week leading to some likely thunderstorms this weekend. I was hoping to be able to get a ride or two in at the new house, once we get settled, but it may wait another few days withthe heat and humidity.
Not much else going on with fitness for me at the moment. I am hoping that a change in residence will help spur a resurgence in activity for me. We will wait and see.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Week 23
Another week and down another pound. I know I will not make the 80 pounds by 8/6 but I'm OK with that. I will likely have lost 60+ pounds and that is significant. Also my change in mindset about what I eat will be much better for me long term. I will still struggle with temptation and wanting to eat much more than I need to, but I believe this is a struggle I can win on a daily basis.
Our move is less than 2 weeks away and I am greatly hoping that the move will help with my riding motivation. I rode much more when the roads in my area were flatter and I think there will be flatter roads near the new house as well as less traffic on the roads. Its time to let this new house e a new beginning on our journey to more active, fit lives.
Our move is less than 2 weeks away and I am greatly hoping that the move will help with my riding motivation. I rode much more when the roads in my area were flatter and I think there will be flatter roads near the new house as well as less traffic on the roads. Its time to let this new house e a new beginning on our journey to more active, fit lives.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Weeks 21 and 22
I realized this morning that with the holiday and the busy week last week, I had forgotten to post an update. So this weeks covers the last 2 weeks. Not that there is much to say. Last week's weight was 409, a 1 lb. loss from the week before. Not much but still movement in the right direction. I am happy with that. This week I'm at 407, which is another 2 lbs. gone bringing my total so far to 51. At my current rate I don't think I will hit my 80 lbs. lost 4 weeks from now. I'm OK with that, though.
I realize this is a lifestyle change and not just a temporary diet. As such, I am just making sure I am making the right choices each and every day. the next few weeks are getting crazier as well. We are packing and moving and then have a trip back to Michigan for a reception and to see family. All that makes making the right choices important. As long as I keep on track and don't go off the rails, eating those things I know aren't good, I will be fine. I'm not going to obsess over the number on the scale.
I'm also hoping the new location will be conducive to more riding as the streets are quieter and a bit fatter than around the current location. It is amazing what a difference a couple of miles distance will make.
I realize this is a lifestyle change and not just a temporary diet. As such, I am just making sure I am making the right choices each and every day. the next few weeks are getting crazier as well. We are packing and moving and then have a trip back to Michigan for a reception and to see family. All that makes making the right choices important. As long as I keep on track and don't go off the rails, eating those things I know aren't good, I will be fine. I'm not going to obsess over the number on the scale.
I'm also hoping the new location will be conducive to more riding as the streets are quieter and a bit fatter than around the current location. It is amazing what a difference a couple of miles distance will make.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Week 20 Update
There has finally been some positive movement in terms of my weight. It was stalled at 415 for a few weeks, but I got on the scale and it said 410! That is a 5 lb. loss and I am happy with it. That puts me down 48 lbs. so far.
On the movement front I didn't improve on my step average. Last week I averaged only 4,496 steps per day. That is below what I was aiming for by a large amount. This week I will do better. In terms of calories, I was much better.
Looking ahead it is going to be a busy time as we prepare to move into a new place. The lease on our current place is expiring the end of July and they are wanting to raise our rent $50 per month. On top of that we don't need that large of a house so we are looking for a new place and will end up moving in the next 5 weeks.
On the movement front I didn't improve on my step average. Last week I averaged only 4,496 steps per day. That is below what I was aiming for by a large amount. This week I will do better. In terms of calories, I was much better.
Looking ahead it is going to be a busy time as we prepare to move into a new place. The lease on our current place is expiring the end of July and they are wanting to raise our rent $50 per month. On top of that we don't need that large of a house so we are looking for a new place and will end up moving in the next 5 weeks.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Week 19
Time is flying by on this personal challenge. I have been remiss in my duties in staying the course. I am, again, at 415. This plateau seems to be a semi-permanent one. I know what I need to do and I am working on it. My eating has been more lax than it should be to meet my goal and the exercise has been fairly non-existent. Sure I rode 2 days last week, but that is it - only 2 days.
As of yesterday I have re-focused my attention on my eating and am sticking with my hard limit of 1800 calories per day. I am also going to up my activity and exercise game. My average steps last week were only 4,694 per day. That is less than half of where it really should be. I need to work on increasing that number in order to have a positive impact on my weight loss. I can and will do this.
As of yesterday I have re-focused my attention on my eating and am sticking with my hard limit of 1800 calories per day. I am also going to up my activity and exercise game. My average steps last week were only 4,694 per day. That is less than half of where it really should be. I need to work on increasing that number in order to have a positive impact on my weight loss. I can and will do this.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Week 18 Update
My weight seems to be holding steady at the moment. The scale said 415 again yesterday. That motivated me to get my butt out of bed this morning and go for a ride. It wasn't very far or very long at just 3.5 miles in just under 18 minutes, but it was a ride and got me moving more than I have been. I felt pretty good out there.
As for my eating, it hasn't been horrible, I've been staying away from the sugars and the grains and flour, etc. but I have been over my target number of daily calories. I am going to be much more vigilant this week and that combined with riding every day should reap some results and get my weight once again moving in the right direction. I need to get serious if I'm going to hitmy goal of 378 in a mere 8 weeks from now.
As for my eating, it hasn't been horrible, I've been staying away from the sugars and the grains and flour, etc. but I have been over my target number of daily calories. I am going to be much more vigilant this week and that combined with riding every day should reap some results and get my weight once again moving in the right direction. I need to get serious if I'm going to hitmy goal of 378 in a mere 8 weeks from now.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Week 17 Update
No weight to report this week as I have been traveling back to Michigan to see family and celebrate with my nephew and his new bride. In fact I'm writing this as we fly along at 36,000 feet. It was great seeing family and friends I haven't seen in too long of a time.
Our trip was almost non-stop running from place to place to visit. We put almost 600 miles on the rental car in the 5 days we were there. It seemed each gathering involved some type of eating and drinking. I must say that I stuck to my eating plan and didn't overindulge at all. There were temptations galore but I stayed resolute.
I have a reason to not get on the scale right now. I feel like I've retained a good deal of fluids due to not taking all of my medication as I should have. I know things will improve in a couple of days as I get back on schedule so to avoid feeling down at a possible higher number on the scale I will just forego this week's weigh in.
My plan is to really focus on getting in some exercise over the next 8 weeks before heading back to Michigan to celebrate again. It is time for me to get my buttons back on my bike on a consistent basis. 4:00 am and I are going to become reacquainted very quickly.
A non-scale victory this week was the fact I got the seat belt fastened on the plane without using the extender.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Week 16 Update
I'm late this week but that's because of lots to do and so little time. The good news is that this morning the scale was in a good mood as it showed 415 lbs. Heading back in the correct direction but I have ground to make up to hit my goal my August 7th. Being very careful with my food has done the trick. Looking ahead, though, next week might be a challenge in that I am traveling this weekend and it is a challenge to eat well while doing so, but I plan on it.
Things should calm down at home after this weekend as we are taking 3 of the four grandchildren to Michigan for the summer. It will be quiet at home and I will be able to get back into a routine. My riding has been non-existent for the last few weeks and the temps are topping out with daytime high in the triple digits so its time to get back to getting up early and enjoying the cool mornings.
Things should calm down at home after this weekend as we are taking 3 of the four grandchildren to Michigan for the summer. It will be quiet at home and I will be able to get back into a routine. My riding has been non-existent for the last few weeks and the temps are topping out with daytime high in the triple digits so its time to get back to getting up early and enjoying the cool mornings.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Week 15
I didn't get on the scale this morning but as of a couple of days ago, things are static in terms of my weight. I have been a slacker in the activity department and eating more than my goal, so my weight hasn't changed. Yesterday I indulged in some cake for my Grandchildren's birthday party, but resisted the pizza and other foods. I am not stressing about my weight this week and hope to have a good report next Tuesday. The reason I'm not stressing is because I know what to do and I will do it.
In my mind over the last few days, I had planed on doing a couple of longer bike rides but never got out there. The first day I didn't go was on Friday when we had winds gusting to 50 MPH. I just didn't think it would be fun to be fighting a wind like that. The second day I had hoped to get out was on Saturday, but ended up with little time once my grandchildren watching duties were over. Yesterday there was everything to do with the party and I wasn't feeling the best with a headache (I think it was from tension from all the noise). I recognize these for what they are - just excuses and I will do better this week.
In my mind over the last few days, I had planed on doing a couple of longer bike rides but never got out there. The first day I didn't go was on Friday when we had winds gusting to 50 MPH. I just didn't think it would be fun to be fighting a wind like that. The second day I had hoped to get out was on Saturday, but ended up with little time once my grandchildren watching duties were over. Yesterday there was everything to do with the party and I wasn't feeling the best with a headache (I think it was from tension from all the noise). I recognize these for what they are - just excuses and I will do better this week.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Week 14 Update
Well, the good news is I didn't gain any weight this week. Of course that means the bad news I didn't lose any either. I was expecting this, though since I pushed to get the scale down last Monday for the competition weigh out. On a brighter note, I did ride 5 of the last 7 days which is good. I had planned on 7 for 7 but it was just too blasted hot during the time I had to ride on both Friday and Saturday, we hit 99 and 97 respectively.
Yesterday we were cooler with only 92 for the high, but silly me, I went for a ride in the afternoon heat. Made it up one hill and had hoped to go farther when I left but it just was way too hot out there. I haven't acclimated at all to the warmer temperatures yet this year. I know in a month or two, 92 will feel refreshing but right not it was just too hot.
One thing I have been fighting has been the temptation to eat everything in sight now that the Biggest Winner competition is over. This is where I would normally fall of the diet wagon in the past but I am bound and determined to not have that happen this year. I am going to stay strong and get to that 80 lb loss by August. I'm also looking beyond that and towards the rest of my life as a healthier individual.
Yesterday we were cooler with only 92 for the high, but silly me, I went for a ride in the afternoon heat. Made it up one hill and had hoped to go farther when I left but it just was way too hot out there. I haven't acclimated at all to the warmer temperatures yet this year. I know in a month or two, 92 will feel refreshing but right not it was just too hot.
One thing I have been fighting has been the temptation to eat everything in sight now that the Biggest Winner competition is over. This is where I would normally fall of the diet wagon in the past but I am bound and determined to not have that happen this year. I am going to stay strong and get to that 80 lb loss by August. I'm also looking beyond that and towards the rest of my life as a healthier individual.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Week 13...Progress and Results
So, I am now 13 weeks into my personal challenge and also we've made it through the 10 weeks of the Biggest Winner competition which is part of the Las Vegas Corporate Challenge. I certainly had hoped that I could report more progress, but some was made. OK, I did lose 25 lbs. for the Biggest Winner competition. According to their scale, I weighed in at 438 lbs. and weighed out at 413 lbs. I am happy with that, but one of my teammates left me in the dust losing an impressive 41 lbs. over the competition - Well Done Glen!!!!
I would like to believe the scale as accurate, but my weight loss is measured against my personal scale at the house. When I got home, I weighed myself and it showed 416 lbs. I'll take it. that means at the halfway point of my personal 6 month challenge I have lost 42 lbs. Now I just need to follow through and keep losing more weight. In the past, once the competition has ended I've reverted to bad eating habits. I won't allow myself to do that any more.
On the cycling front, 9 days into the National Bike Challenge I have gotten in 9 rides. Last night's was a late ride. I realized at 9:00 pm that I had yet to ride, so I changed and headed out for a short ride. Now, I will be honest here and admit that all of my rides have been short so far, but the important thing is that I am riding.
I would like to believe the scale as accurate, but my weight loss is measured against my personal scale at the house. When I got home, I weighed myself and it showed 416 lbs. I'll take it. that means at the halfway point of my personal 6 month challenge I have lost 42 lbs. Now I just need to follow through and keep losing more weight. In the past, once the competition has ended I've reverted to bad eating habits. I won't allow myself to do that any more.
On the cycling front, 9 days into the National Bike Challenge I have gotten in 9 rides. Last night's was a late ride. I realized at 9:00 pm that I had yet to ride, so I changed and headed out for a short ride. Now, I will be honest here and admit that all of my rides have been short so far, but the important thing is that I am riding.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Week 12
So, another week has come and gone and I was hoping to report that I have lost all of the pounds gained last week and while that is not true, I have lost 1 lb. I'm a bit perplexed as to the reason for this as my eating hasn't changed significantly from my successful routine of the initial 10 weeks of this journey. All I can figure is that I've reached a plateau and I need to work through things and stay the course. I know that changes will come. The only disappointing thing is that Monday is the final weigh in for the Biggest Winner challenge and I feel bad that I am not performing better for my teammates.
On a positive note, I have gotten in a couple of short rides over the last 2 days for the National Bike Challenge. I am very happy that I am out and riding. Now I need to get into a steady routine and increase my daily mileage. there is a bit of frustration associated with the challenge as they are having big issues reporting the data they are collecting for the challenge. The post on the site yesterday says it may take up to 3 weeks for them to fix all of the issues. Seems like a long time to me. The good news is, though, it has given me the small boost I needed to get my butt on the bike.
My goal is to stay hyper-focused this week and see if I can't make a decent number on the scale for the weigh in on Monday. I know putting some time in on the bike will certainly help in that regard.
On a positive note, I have gotten in a couple of short rides over the last 2 days for the National Bike Challenge. I am very happy that I am out and riding. Now I need to get into a steady routine and increase my daily mileage. there is a bit of frustration associated with the challenge as they are having big issues reporting the data they are collecting for the challenge. The post on the site yesterday says it may take up to 3 weeks for them to fix all of the issues. Seems like a long time to me. The good news is, though, it has given me the small boost I needed to get my butt on the bike.
My goal is to stay hyper-focused this week and see if I can't make a decent number on the scale for the weigh in on Monday. I know putting some time in on the bike will certainly help in that regard.
Monday, May 2, 2016
And so it begins - National Bike Challenge 2016
Yesterday was the start of the National Bike challenge for 2016. It runs from May 1 through September 30 and the goal is to ride as much as you can, either recreationally or to commute, during that time period. You earn points which can earn you prizes from national and local sponsors of the event. I got my first ride for this year's challenge in yesterday morning. It wasn't very long but I enjoyed it and to be honest, it didn't wipe me out as I had feared it would with my lack of riding.
I chose to ride a bit challenging of a route as it was uphill all the way to the turn around. I spent most of the ride out in one of my lowest gears and just grinding away, but I made it and I enjoyed the downhill on the way back, if I was a bit timid. I did max out at 24.4 mph but with a stop sign at the bottom of the hill, I wanted to make sure the brakes were going to work well so I used them a few times on the way down. :)
My plan is to get in a ride every day that I can and to do that some days I will be riding before work and some days after. Today will be an after day as I will be helping my grandson get his tube fixed so he can accompany me on my ride this evening.
I chose to ride a bit challenging of a route as it was uphill all the way to the turn around. I spent most of the ride out in one of my lowest gears and just grinding away, but I made it and I enjoyed the downhill on the way back, if I was a bit timid. I did max out at 24.4 mph but with a stop sign at the bottom of the hill, I wanted to make sure the brakes were going to work well so I used them a few times on the way down. :)
My plan is to get in a ride every day that I can and to do that some days I will be riding before work and some days after. Today will be an after day as I will be helping my grandson get his tube fixed so he can accompany me on my ride this evening.
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