Being released...

A new blog?? Maybe...

2011-09-18T10:04:00.000Z

Starting to blog https://anoceanblue.wordpress.com/ not sure if it will last - we'll see. Doesn't mean this ones dead, just experimenting!

Its been a few months of firsts...

2011-06-22T19:58:00.004Z

I got bored of blogging so it’s been all but forgotten. Thankfully my bike and I have seen a lot of each other and here’s a wee update!

1. Did my first ever 40 mile journey ever

2. Did my first ever 50 mile journey ever

3. Did my first 30 miles @ an average of 15mph

4. Did my first spin class & loved it.

5. Completed my first sportive (62 miles & a personal best for distance)

It’s been a massive spring and talk is we may do another sportive at the end of August called “Lap The Lough” at 81 miles. Loving my cycling and wishing I could get back to loving the blog. The only bad point is that my weight loss is a mess. I’m now 18st 4.5lbs, that’s nearly a stone heavier since Easter. Bizarre I know, I wish it wasn’t but it is and this week and seen a renewed focus on lossin it again!

Kettlebell...

2011-04-20T18:03:00.001Z

I bought one of these today - what have I done lol ;-)

My weight today

2011-04-16T06:35:00.002Z

17st 6.75lbs (244.75lbs)
1.25lb lost - 28.5lbs lost since January (273.25lbs)

* 2 Stone lost since January!!! YOOOOOOOO

My weight today...

2011-04-13T07:03:00.000Z

17st 8lbs (246lbs)
1.5lb lost - 27.25lbs lost since January (274.25lbs)

Video Log... (No. 3)

2011-04-11T12:47:00.006Z

What a great start to the week. It was windy & raining but I managed to do over 30 miles at an avg of 14.7 mph, thats a personal best and I'm over the moon with it.

My weight today...

2011-04-10T07:57:00.002Z

17st 9.5lbs (247.5lbs)
1lb lost - 25.75lbs lost since January (274.25lbs)

*Expected more but thats the breaks...

Video Log... (No. 2)

2011-04-05T18:37:00.009Z

A wee update on the first ride of the new training schedule (see below). I discovered that cycling on tow paths & on a turbo trainer hasn't done me a hugh pile of favors and that you can actually ride in the wind & the rain!

* For more details on the heel injury see the link below.

Video Log... (No. 1)

2011-04-04T12:48:00.006Z

Ok so the camera is awful and so is the accent but I thought I would give it a rattle just for the craic... enjoy! If I like it I may run with it for a while we'll see...

*Heel injury = Plantar Fasciitis

Is this the one...

2011-04-03T17:02:00.001Z

Week 1

2 x 20 – 25 mins

Sat or Sun: 1 ½ hours

Week 2

2 x 30 – 40 mins

Sat or Sun: 2 hours (25-35 miles)

Week 3

2 x 10 miles

Sun: 25 – 35 miles

Week 4

2 x 10 – 15 miles

Fri: 5 miles

Sat: 30 – 40 miles (2-2 ½ hours)

Week 5

Mon: 8 – 10 miles

Tues: 10-15 miles

Thurs: 10-15 miles

Sun: 40-50 miles

Week 6

Mon: 10 miles easy recovery

Tues: 15-20 miles

Thurs: 15-20 miles

Sun: 45-55 miles

Is this the training schedule I've been looking for?

Week 7

Tues: 20-25 miles

Thurs: 20-25 miles

Sun: 50-60 miles

Week 8

Mon: 10 miles easy recovery

Weds: 15 miles

Sat: 20-25 miles

Sun: 55-65 miles

Week 9

Tues: 15 miles

Thurs: 25 miles

Sat: 45 – 55 miles

Sun: 60 – 70 miles

THE WEEK BEFORE YOU GO!

Mon: 10 miles

Tues: 5 miles

Weds: 10 miles

Thurs: 5 miles

Fri: Rest

Getting ready for "Coastal Challenge"...

2011-04-03T15:45:00.001Z

We are now 11 weeks away from my sportive and I’m one minute riddled with doubt, the next minute fearless and then everything in between all day long. It’s ridiculous. I’ve been doing some serious enough training but I feel distracted by various conflict training notions, fears of injury, and an incredibly sore saddle so to speak, the pressure of work and of course the flaming weather. At times my mind is like living in a washing machine.

I’ve lost 25lbs since January so I’m a very happy bunny but whilst my weekly mile count has beaten many personal bests and now sits between 80-90 each week my speed has slowed down and I’m frustrated. I love the pushing the boundaries but with it comes tiredness & a sore butt. Last week to give my butt a break, I reintroduced swimming to my work out and a little walking. The time away from the saddle was very welcome; however you can’t help but feel that the only way to crack this nut is through time in the saddle and for that time to be on the road.

I think I need to man up & dump the turbo training. I need to improve my strength, stamina & speed and the turbo seems not to be delivering. Now I know there are ways to get it to do so however there is two main stumbling blocks to that. Firstly it’s now spring and I want to get out more and secondly when I’m on the turbo I always want to fat burn which whilst I need to be a lot lighter it won’t will deliver the attributes I need for the sportive.

I need to give a training schedule some serious thought. However I’m not great with schedules and my lifestyle doesn’t lend itself easily to it. Hence the overdependence on the turbo. Can you see my dilemma?

Bottom line is I need to quit the gurning and get out on the road. I need to remember the motto of my beloved Linfield FC – Fortune favors the brave…

My weight today

2011-04-03T11:41:00.003Z

17st 10.5lbs (248.5lbs)
3.25lbs lost - 24.75lbs lost since January (273.25lbs)

*Nearly forgot about my blog (lol) so much has happened over the past few weeks, must get back to keeping it regular!

My weight today...

2011-03-13T08:05:00.002Z

17st 13.75lbs (251.75lbs)
3.75lbs lost this week - 21.5lbs lost since January (273.25lbs)

Smashing a glass ceiling...

2011-03-08T16:01:00.002Z

I’m kind of scared to go public with this bit of news as I’m terrified of failure, however I need to commit to it to achieve a result and so going public with it on the blog should help. (Takes deep breath) The news is I’ve registered for my first ever public cycling event “The Bangor Coastal Challenge” run by North Down Cycling Club. I’ve wanted to do this event for some time but in previous years as a result of the fear I’ve put lots of self imposed hurdles in the way. In some respects at 100K it isn’t massive compared to what some of my blogging mates have done but for me its 22 miles more than my personal best. I seem to hit a glass ceiling at around 30 miles where I just conk out. I’ve been victim of it for two years now but it needs to go. More & more of my mates have taken up cycling and I want to get out with them. To do so I will need more speed & stamina and training for this event should really help. Watch this space.

*Should you have any advice or helpful tips I'd really apreciate you passing them on!

My weight today...

2011-03-06T08:57:00.001Z

18st 3.5lbs (255.5lbs)
2.75lbs lost this week - 17.75lbs lost since January (273.25lbs)

This weeks tactics...

2011-02-27T13:13:00.004Z

1. Cycle a minimum of 50 miles (indoor and/or outdoor).

2. Do a set of 3 thirty second planks at the start & end of training.

3. Keep drinking plenty of fluids.

4. Increase sit ups to 6 sets of 20.

5. Increase weights to 6 sets of 9.

6. Refuse to buy junk for others – it always ends in me sharing in it.

7. Urgently consider how to increase protein intake.

8. Stay away from potatoes.

9. Try and fit a swim in

10. Blog more!

My weight today

2011-02-27T08:51:00.000Z

18st 6.25lbs (258.25lbs)
3.25lbs lost this week - 15.25lbs lost since January

My weight today...

2011-02-20T13:27:00.000Z

18st 9.5lbs (261.5lbs)
12lbs lost since January

Tactics this week..

2011-02-14T12:16:00.003Z

1. Cycle a minimum of 40 miles this week on the turbo trainer

2. Do weights & sit ups 4 days this week

3. Ensure I do 2 sets of 30 seconds of the plank 4 times this week

4. Ban both the personal eating & purchase of chocolate, crisps, chips, ice cream

5. Minimal lunch – fruit or a plain sandwich on brown bread

6. Small portion at tea time – avoiding potatoes.

7. Try to focus on increasing my protein intake – give this some strategic thought for next week

*Experiment with training twice a day if I get the opportunity.

My weight today...

2011-02-13T09:39:00.003Z

18st 11.5lbs (263.5lbs)
5lbs of this week & 10lbs since early of January

I'm a happy lad - lets have more of the same please!

My weight today...

2011-02-06T09:53:00.001Z

19st 2.5lbs (268.5lbs)
No movement this week but not bad considering I had only two training sessions due to time constraints and I ate a few treats. Happy enough...

New banner?

2011-02-05T22:49:00.001Z

Anyone fancy helping me with a new banner for this old blog? I know I need to get my act together with bloggin as its been poor to say the least for a while - a new banner may be the thing that may relaunch me into the world of blog!

My weight today...

2011-01-30T09:53:00.000Z

19st 2.5lbs (268.5lbs)
5.25lbs off in the month of January!

My weight today...

2011-01-22T09:44:00.000Z

19st 4.25lbs (270.25lbs)
3.5lbs lost since I restarted earlier this month!

My weight today...

2011-01-16T09:43:00.002Z

19st 5.5lbs (271.5lbs)
2.25lbs lighter than last week! Delighted ;-)

Last weeks targets were a little hit and miss due to injury. The 2 hours on the turbo was achieved and seems to have helped but the walks were a no go area as my foot wasn't having it! (see article below) This weeks goals to be published a little later!

Back to basics...

2011-01-11T09:40:00.003Z

If this past year has taught me anything it’s that I have I’m dangerously conflicted. Physically speaking I’m injury prone and with a low pain threshold. Psychologically I’m prone to losing form and self belief. Put injuries and mental wobbliness together and you get a formidable opponent in the fight to lose weight. Between knee, hip & foot injuries and an eating bender the likes of which I’ve rarely seen I’ve taken a hell of a beating over the past 6 months.

Given my lack of focus, considerable weight gain and loss of fitness I’ve decided to return to basics with small goals and build momentum up safely and in a way that is hopefully free of injury. I don’t want to under challenge myself but equally I’m sick to death of injuries. So today thanks to Gaz & the nagging of my mate Jeremy I’m back on the wagon and I’m setting goals for this week

Goals for this week

Train 3 times on the Turbo trainer (2 hours in total)
Walk twice
Ban Crisps, Chocolate, Ice cream

Injury prone...

2011-01-10T19:23:00.002Z

Reviewing the past year has highlighted that at 37 I’m starting to become injury prone (how old do I sound). Last April I wrecked a knee as I started to use clipless pedals for the first time, it took 8 – 9 weeks to heal and cost a fortune in physio. September seen Hip Flexor hell break out and in early December I got a foot condition called Plantar Fasciitis. As I understand it I’ve damaged the arch of my foot where it joins my heel. Every time I put weight on my foot its like someone is drilling up into my heel whilst putting my arch under a blow torch. As I move and the foot stretches the tore ligaments there is all hell to pay. What ever I do from here on in I need to give careful consideration to avoiding injury. (More to come over the next few days)
*

My weight today

2011-01-09T09:44:00.001Z

19st 7.75lbs (273.75lbs)
Half a pound on - at least weight gain has slowed down!

My weight today

2011-01-02T10:55:00.002Z

19st 7.25lbs (273.25lbs)
Time to get real. For the last 6 months I have lost my way, time to find the wagon and climb back on it!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T12:24:00.002Z

"The past is for reference not for residence, today is time to reflect on what to let go of that is not working for you & to embrace what will..." Kriss Akabusi would ya believe

Merry Christmas lovies...

2010-12-24T23:23:00.001Z

See ya for a more earnest effort in 2011, have a great Christmas!

My weight today...

2010-12-19T10:14:00.000Z

18st 11.5lbs (263.5lbs)
1.5lbs heavier than last week

Going the wrong direction... least said the better!

Struggling with the struggle

2010-12-17T11:08:00.002Z

Since the summer I’ve had more false starts than enough and its starting to get on my nerves. I can’t find my groove so to speak and I seem to have lost my passion for cycling! I could blame the cold, my busy timetable or yet more injuries all of which hold merit but none of which help you lose weight. I know my form will return but the more I want them to the further away it seem to get. I’m a ball of frustration and the more frustrated I get the more I want to eat. The more I eat the more weight I put on and the more frustrated I get and so the process goes round and round. Self loathing also seems to have dramatically increased, it ain’t pretty. It’s time for a rethink as the New Year approaches and its time for the pity party to stop. I need to get out for a walk into the mountains and carve out a new strategy. I want to be fitter than last year and 2 stone lighter for spring! I’ll let you know how I get on.

My weight today...

2010-12-12T11:11:00.001Z

18st 10lbs (262lbs)
1.25lbs heavier than last week

Strugglin =(

Hips as tight as the current weather!

2010-12-08T09:52:00.003Z

The current weather being -12 these days! Not sure whats up but with the return to some moderate training my hips are given me the message especially in the mornings. Time to investigate some stretches...

My weight today...

2010-12-05T09:36:00.002Z

18st 8.75lbs (260.75lbs)
5lbs lighter than last week
*Cycling in the snow must be paying off! =)

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

2010-12-02T10:33:00.002Z

Cancel that last post... I got feed up with this blog, went to a new blog format which I didn't like, stopped cycling for a variety of reasons none of which on reflection were significant enough and put on roughly 2 stone. What can I say - why fix something that wasn't broken, I'm back and its onwards and upwards...

But darn its -10 out there... (Reaches for the dusty turbo trainer)

Released & moving...

2010-09-18T17:56:00.004Z

Whilst I've loved bloggin about my weight loss campaigns I've had a growning frustration that I want to blog about more than them... So I now have a general blog which will chart everything from cycling to book reviews from weight loss to fishing... "Being released" has been good but its time for something new!

We may return but I somehow doubt it! My new address is http://thepmslogbook.tumblr.com/

Thanks again for all your support, I'm being complete genuine when I say I've deeply appreciated it all!

* Do me a wee favor please and if your blog is linked to mine change the link to my new one - ta!

Blogging

2010-09-17T08:42:00.002Z

It’s been a sparse two years in the land of blog and so it is with some surprise that I find myself missing it this morning. My mood has been unusually reflective of late and perhaps that is what’s brought me back to blogging. I now wonder in this season of my life if I need to I run two blogs? It used to make sense but not so sure it does now or that there is the energy for it. Is it time for an all new one that combines everything? In my weaker moments I used to worry that I would get less traffic if I changed my address or made any radical changes. However on reflection blogging is not really about traffic, whilst traffic is a nice stroke of the ego blogging is more about giving oneself the healthy therapeutic space to engage in some reflection. Watch this space there maybe some changes a comin…

My weight today...

2010-09-12T13:38:00.001Z

18st 9lbs (261lbs)
3.75lbs heavier than last month - 42lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

* Enough is enough back to the hamster wheel & rabbit food from today!

My weight today...

2010-08-22T09:04:00.001Z

18st 4.25lbs (256.25lbs)
13.75lbs heavier than last month - 46.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

* Holidays over its back on the weight loss trail!

My weight today... (wooooo)

2010-07-04T08:39:00.003Z

17st 4.5lbs (242.5lbs)
2lbs lighter than last week - 60.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Back to my lightest ever and back to having lost 60lbs!! Feels really good although the next fornight will see unavoidable weight gain as I work away from home etc. That said I'm chuffed to bits.

A brief run through of the past wee while...

2010-07-03T19:01:00.007Z

Life has been a little intense over the past week or so and blogging has had to take a back seat for a bit – here are the highlights of the aforementioned time period!

- I've been aiming to do 30 miles in 2 hours hitting an average of 15mph but as yet have failed to achieve it. On Tuesday I was out for a 27 mile run and in the first hour did 15 miles... BIG result for me especially consider the route was quite hilly!

- On Wednesday I had my heart monitored for 24 hours due to an ongoing complaint of a thumping heart beat at night. Results out next week.

- I rode 40 miles today and set a personal best for mileage.

- The weight/fat gathered around and above my hips seems to be reducing – happy days and at long last.

- I bought a bandana for below my helmet to protect my baldy head when out cycling. The minute I did the rain arrived.

- Talking of helmets I found a crack in my current one and need to replace it. Raging as its only 10 years old ;-)

- I found a website that people in Northern Ireland actually sell their used bikes through – is a winter bike around the corner for me?

- I was confused today for being part of a cycling club – what a compliment!

My weight today...

2010-06-28T06:27:00.002Z

17st 6.5lbs (244.5lbs)
1.75lbs lighter than last week - 58.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*I knew yesterdays weigh in didn't make sense - onwards and upwards!
**Another 2lbs to go and I will be back to the lightest yet of this campaign, beyond that is virgin territory so to speak...

My weight today...

2010-06-27T08:29:00.001Z

17st 8lbs (246lbs)
0.25lbs lighter than last week - 57lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

* Beat my personal best milage yesterday with a 35 miler... Report will maybe follow later!

With a little help from my friends...

2010-06-24T06:56:00.012Z

One of the things that have really struck me over the past few days has been the role of friends in this journey. Whether cyber friends or real friends you have played both a central and crucial role. Complementing the essential role my immediate family has played and for which I thank God for every day there’s been

Jamie Greer (above), a mate who trained with me regularly for my first six or so months. We swam, hit the gym and even got out for the odd bike run. Life made differing demands upon us and so we now don’t train together but his constant support and understanding got me of the sandbank of obesity upon which I had rested on for years.

Jeremy Biggerstaff (forgive the dodgy football top - scumball), a life time friend who decided to dig his very old mountain bike out of the garage one night for a laugh so he could go with me. That transformed from a one night only experience, to once a week, to twice a week and he now is the proud owner of a full carbon Limited Edition Team Boardman bike and is regularly doing 60+ miles a week.

Brian Rutledge, the last time I spoke to Brian was over 6 years ago but yesterday completely by chance we met. From talking we realised that we now live close by, both have developed an interest in cycling and we now plan to head out soon. I just know that this friendship will be a very significant one for the journey as Brian is one of the nicest most positive and level headed people I have ever met.

Charlie Knox (above), a friend who has a first class honors degree in Sports Science and who every now and then sits me down and gives me a dose of common sense. This has been invaluable during the times when I’ve doubted myself or have been pushing myself too hard.

Then there is my cyber friends which to be fair have played an equally significant role, if not more so. I owe a particular debt of gratitude to Gaz who has been an inspiration from close to the start. We have challenged each other, been of support and have even competed in weight loss competitions and yet we have never met.

More recent there has been a number of cyber friends who have been great at getting me blog again and share in the journey of mutual accountability. There is Toby, Christie and the Welsh Cyclist not to mention the other bloggers whose blog I read frequently.

Without all of this support I think to be fair I wouldn’t have made. Without the inspiration and boost in confidence you all have provided I believe I would be putting weight on not losing it. So its grateful heart I say thanks – lets keep journeying on together…

My weight today...

2010-06-20T07:48:00.001Z

17st 8.25lbs (246.25lbs)
3lbs lighter than last week - 56.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

* A hard weeks work paid off!

Quit when you're ahead...

2010-06-18T10:41:00.004Z

This morning I woke up to find my legs have that uncomfortable muscular bussing going on. Not quite stiffness in its traditional painful format but more like hung-over with fatigue. It quite hard to describe now I put my mind to it but those cyclists reading this will no doubt know the sensation I’m talking about.

Today I had a recovery ride of 18 miles planned which would have taking me nicely to my weekly target of 60. You know something but my legs aren’t up to it and I suspect it would have ended up being a bit of a chore. Once something becomes a chore you’re into dangerous territory which risks robbing you of motivation and passion.

So today’s a rest day and tomorrow I hope to fit in a wee turbo session before or after work. On a high note the Halfords Tour series hits the streets of Belfast tonight and I can’t wait. Look out for me amongst the spectators on TV – so excited!

Smiled all the way home...

2010-06-17T14:28:00.005Z

For over a year I’ve wondered what it would be like to complete a 30 mile bike ride. If I’m honest I have been way too timid and lacking in belief in my own abilities. I’ve shied away from challenging myself and as a result have been under challenging myself with runs of 20 - 25 miles. I watch in awe as my mates complete 70 miles and upwards in one journey. I’ve spent hours dreaming of being as fit as that as I stay within safe limits for fear of failure, making a fool of myself and injury.

Today seen a personal best of 26 miles broke and a new record set at 30. An old mate of mine and I set out this morning to cycle along the Lagan Towpath, across the city centre (Belfast) and up Belfast Lough to Jordanstown and then back. What a morning we got, the weather was beautiful! The conversation was good and the miles just seemed to fly by. I’ve been training hard over the past three weeks and today it paid off. I loved it! Even when we hit a fairly serious hill at around 18 miles my legs and lungs were strong – I was chuffed to bits!!

As we set back on the journey home my butt was complaining and my quads were joining in towards the end but nothing like I thought they would be. As my mate left the path to cycle home he shared that the pace I had set had been a challenge to him. Now to be fair here’s were I get a little angry with myself. This was our first ride out together simply because I feared his fitness and speed. As I pondered what he had said I had a massive grin from one ear to another. The glass ceiling of 30 has eventually been broken. Here’s to breaking 40 soon!!

Melt down?

2010-06-15T18:39:00.000Z

What is it about the roads in Northern Ireland that on a mildly hot day the roads start to melt? 18 degrees and my bike is covered in tower – irritating as get out!

Back on the turbo and into the fat burning zone...

2010-06-14T10:10:00.003Z

Morning folks! The plan was to train this morning at 6am but as I woke unusually late at 6.30am I gave it a miss. I did the school run and then jumped on my turbo trainer. I’m now participating in a new weight loss competition with an old friend to see who can lose 10lbs the fastest. He has a strong record with this beating me 2-3 times in the past. I’m desperate for the win so I thought I would mix into my exercise regime a little training in the fat burning zone. So out came the Turbo trainer and on went the heart monitor – I’m not sure I buy the theory of it but desperate times call for desperate measures! ;-)

Time for a strategic rethink...

2010-06-13T08:00:00.003Z

In reviewing my progress or lack thereof I feel that my evening meal is consistently were it all goes to pot. In the first year when I was regularly losing weight I had programmed myself to run a tight ship all day but at my evening meal to eat as much as I wanted as long as it was healthy. To be fair this worked for a time but seems to have stopped and perhaps for longer than I care to admit.

I have always loved potatoes. It doesn’t really matter what shape or format they come in I’m your man for demolishing a pile or two of them. On reflection I need to get my evening meal under control and one of the ways I can see to do that is to ban the potato. So this week I’m going to give it a go. Even as I write this I can feel fear and insecurity coming on. Do I have the will power to say no? How will I cope without my comfort blanket? I guess you will have to continue to tune in to find out…

Thanks again for your support and for reading this again!

My weight today...

2010-06-13T06:52:00.000Z

17st 11.25lbs (249.25lbs)
Same as last week - 53.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*If I'm honest with myself there was two or three slip ups this week so I should really be happy with this result.

This is what it's all about...

2010-06-12T06:34:00.003Z

I’ve been trying lately to include some new routes in my training. To see new sights and to take the bike to places I’m fond of but have never cycled. Around two years ago shortly after I decided to get back on the bike I was challenged to do a route round Strangford and south down for charity. It scared me silly and so I offered my excuses and chickened out of it. Having worked in the area for many years I knew the terrain and in my ignorance thought I would never see the day when I was fit enough to cycle through it. Yesterday I decided to put that right.

I threw my road bike into the car and drove to Downpatrick, parking at the Quoile Basin. I did my stretches and off I set. Now I did 26 miles on my mountain bike on Wednesday and I went at it hard, I thought my legs had recovered but at this point it was obvious they hadn’t. It was like cycling through treacle; don’t ask me to explain this but going down hill felt slower than going up. Thankfully three or four miles into it my legs freed themselves up a bit and their performance returned to normal. As I approached my first target Strangford I hit a large decent. It seemed to go on forever and the fear started to grow as I thought about having to go back up it. As I dropped into the village the sight of the sea was very welcome.

A warm and fussy hit as the sense of achievement struck me. To be honest I never thought I’d see the day when I had the courage to cycle round these parts and I certainly never thought it would be on such a class act as my beautiful blue Trek Madone. I stood on the harbour for a while soaking in the sun, solitude and tranquillity.

Not wanting my legs to re-seize I jumped on the bike and started to head for my next target town of Ardglass. Dreading the hill in front of me I was delighted to see a sign post off to the left for Ardglass and even better it was before I started to climb and it would be on the coastline. A no brainer I decided to take it. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! This is what it’s all about, beautiful scenery, no cars and none of the demands being made of everyday life. I was enjoying myself when the road forked. There was a sign for Ballyhornan at 3 miles which continued down the coast and a sign for Ardglass at 6 miles through the countryside. My heart said Ballyhornan but my head thought it better to be safe than sorry. My lower back was starting to ache and I thought it better not to risk a detour that may add an unknown quantity of extra miles. On I went down the road for Ardglass, nice enough but I missed the coastal scenery which had been keeping me company for the past few miles. My back was really starting to hurt as I clocked mile 17 and so I was delighted to see the outline of Ardglass on the horizon.

As I cycled through the town on route for the marina all I could smell was chips. I was sooo tempted as all the reasons of the day why I should partake in some hit me. Thankfully I declined the temptation and focused on taking some fluids on board. It was at this point I thought I would take the opportunity to tighten up my rear brake. Up to this point it was weak but still useful, however after I had finished it was totally useless. Embarrassed by my lack of ability to get even a simple mechanical task right I jumped back on my bike to return to Downpatrick where I had left the car. The wind was starting to get up and the sun was starting to blaze.

There was another 7 or 8 mile in front of me on what I remembered was a relatively flat road. It was until the last 3 miles. What a hill greeted me as I approached the Down Hospital. My back was now screaming blue murder in similar way to the Orange Lamborghini which had just accelerated hard past me. I’m glad to say I made it but what goes up must come down and with no back brake it was going to be interesting. As I negotiated the back streets of Downpatrick I said a silent prayer for journeying mercies, a prayer request I have often heard old men ask for but rarely used myself. Somehow it seemed appropriate as a headphone wearing road repair man walked in front of me. I just managed to avoid him and we exchanged relief filled smiles.

As I cycled back up Quoile I was delighted to see my car still there patiently waiting for me. I ate the banana; plum and apple I had left in the car, did my stretches and drove home with one of the biggest smiles I’ve had on my face for a long time. I had taken on a route that had intimidated me for some time and won. A happy day and another 26 miles notched up making a total of 62 for the week!

In a nutshell...

2010-06-08T09:47:00.003Z

Thanks Toby, I loved it so much I had to nab it off your blog!
*

T'was me or the dog...

2010-06-07T18:37:00.001Z

I picked the dog. I was cycling down the towpath on my way to work last Wednesday mumbling as I went about the lack of intelligent pedestrians. Suddenly this dog and its mate ripped up the path chasing one another. They where right in my path and so I slowed way down focused on the dogs at the expense of everything else. Suddenly I came to remember that my feet were still connected to my pedals but as that thought hit me it was to late and I fell over on my side. Kind off reminded me of that famous scene of Del-boy falling through the gap in the wine bar. It’s funny now but as you can imagine my mutterings didn’t stop for a while after!

Running a ground...

2010-06-06T09:39:00.007Z

I suppose the health professions would describe the last month as my body plateauing. Reaching a point where it resists losing any more weight. Plateauing can last for a time and can be very demoralising. This week I cycled 58 miles and ate in a controlled manner. I’ve now been 17 stone something for a very long time and if I’m not careful I’m going to believe the myth that this is it and I can’t loose anymore. To be fair that’s all a little scary but this I do know my exercise regime is good, my diet or food consumption is good and therefore I have to be a lot healthier than I was. Certainly more than two years ago when I was 22 stone and ate chips once or twice a day, every day. When food was my crutch and exercise my enemy, when I hated looking at myself in the mirror and hadn’t the confidence to exercise publicly.

Let’s keep on keeping on, and more importantly enjoying life to the full…

My weight today...

2010-06-06T09:13:00.002Z

17st 11.25lbs (249.25lbs)
1.25lbs lighter than last week - 53.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Exactly the same as I was in early May...

Understanding Your Eating

2010-06-03T11:13:00.006Z

*
*

As some of you will know I’m a counsellor by day and not the political type thank goodness. I love my work and I have particularly enjoyed the last 6 months of opening up my own private practice “Momentum Counselling” based in Belfast.

I have a particular interest in obesity, yes it’s an issue personal to my experience but I’m also interested in understanding it from a psychological point of view. I have often thought that obesity is linked to emotional distress therefore explaining why diets don’t work. The statistics for the medium to long term success of diets including Weightwatchers and Unislim are simply awful. Simply going on a diet whilst necessary, is only treating one aspect of a multifaceted problem. I’d even go as far as to say that going on a diet is a relatively minor aspect of dealing with the issue. To deal with and manage obesity effectively a holistic approach is needed. An approach that not only educates on calorie intake, but also informs on healthy eating, emotional welfare and exercise.

In researching this I came across the work of Professor Julia Buckroyd. She is recognised as one of the leading authorities in the field and has developed materials that help people to look at the whole area of using food to manage emotions. She has set up an organisation that delivers small group courses for the public called “Understanding Your Eating” and which has proven to be succesful. I have wanted to do this course for a long period of time but up until recently it only operated in England. To my joy I was offered a place on training course that enabled qualified counsellors to facilitate the “Understanding your Eating” course. Ok so my plan was to experience the course as a participant first but this was an opportunity to good to miss. I spent 3 days under Julia Buckroyd going through the materials and they are excellent. They confirmed a lot of my personal theories as correct. If you have the chance to get on one of these courses take it. I believe it will open many doors which on the past you have only really dreamt of opening.

For further details about the course and where it’s currently being offered hit this link. If you are from Northern Ireland feel free to contact me at Momentum Counselling and I will hopefully be able to wire you into a local course. Lets face it at worst you will learn a little more about yourself and it certainly won’t hurt. At best it may equip you to deal with obesity effectively!

I'm a celebrity...

2010-06-02T11:57:00.005Z

It’s been an eventful week on the cycling front with plenty of memory making moments. One that I will remember for some time to come happened on Bank Holiday Monday. Early morning saw me taking on a bit of touring on territory so far unexplored by myself. I decided to try some of Route 94 of the national cycling network, or Lough Neagh for the locals reading. I started at Oxford Island and followed the lakeside as close as the road would allow me with the destination of Charlestown or thereabouts in mind.
*
On the way to it however I had an “I’m a celebrity” experience when literally I came across thousands of flies. Some parked cars were literally black from the high number of flies crawling over them. It must be the breeding season for this particular lakeside living insect. Early on I looked down and seen around 20 of the blighters on me. I tried to switch off to this fact only to shortly after realise they had increased to 40 – 50. I turned a corner and hit a particularly dense swarm of them and all of a sudden I had triple figures over me. They were crawling over my glasses, through the gaps on my helmet and elsewhere. I was determined to keep my mouth shut and breath through my nose only but as I hit a steep hill the predictable happened and as I opened my mouth to breath I consumed a few… disgusting but a good source of protein ;-)
*
Interestingly enough the road shortly after Charlestown comes to an abrupt stop at where there once was a bridge over the river. The decision must have gone against replacing it many years ago and so I turned round and headed back. As I did disaster struck. I stopped to get of the bike for 2 minutes and stretch my back but as I did my brand new Specialized ¾ length bib shorts caught on my saddle and ripped. I came close to falling off the bike and after quickly gathering myself was relieved to note that no one had just witnessed what had just happened. I cycled off muttering to myself but as I returned to my car the sense of pleasure and of being at one with myself, the bike and the world told me that the events should be smiled at and enjoyed! Life’s often so much more enjoyable when you take a healthy positive viewpoint and to a certain extent it’s a decision we all have the power to make. Get out and enjoy life in whatever way you can and are wired to… We are only here once.

Clothing for the larger cyclist...

2010-06-01T07:15:00.004Z

Natural born cyclists are usually wafer thin and so the cycling industry produces clothing to fit that shape. XL is more like a medium and many brands don’t produce bigger than that. Therefore people like me who break the mould struggle and wear allsorts of gear not normally seen on a bike.

To date I’ve done a good job of ignoring this issue and finding ways to get around it but of late I’ve been getting a little restless. In my search of larger cycling clothing I came across this thread on a forum which discusses the issue and provides links to retailers who carry larger sized stock. Looks good and I think I shall shortly be ordering a piece or two from a link provided (Aerotech Designs). Here’s the link to the discussion if you like me and are an XXXL cyclist ;-)

CTC discussion thread on bigger clothing

The current state of play, pedals and a revelation!

2010-05-31T11:36:00.003Z

Nearly a month without writing – A shocker… Things are starting to go in the right direction. I’m back to training at the normal level and I have returned to doing some light weights and pilates. Feeling all the better for it to! My knee can be a little sensitive but nothing to worry about I hope.

I made a discovery on the pedal front. I was using “Look” style road pedals on my road bike however I had no confidence in my ability to get out of them in time. As a result it was affecting my desire to ride my new Trek Madone. I just couldn't get my head round the things and I believe my knee injury could be due in part to the amount of twisting I was having to do to get out of them.

I have been commuting a little to work on my mountain bike and for my birthday my wife bought me a pair of SPD’s and shoes for that bike. What a revelation – so easy to get in and out of I couldn’t believe it. So I made the switch for the Madone too and guess what I don’t want to stop riding it now. Brilliant! SPD’s - highly recommended for the beginner and those more interested in touring than racing.

Bitter Sweet...

2010-05-09T19:07:00.003Z

It was here at last – the day my physio suggested taking the bike out! So 7am came and I jumped, well closer to rolled out of bed and down to the Newry Canal I went. Out came the road bike for the first time in close to two months and out we headed. Those flipping shoes and pedals need frequent use to inspire confidence. There hasn’t been any use and so confidence was severely lacking as I wobbled off at the start. My destination was Portadown and my location was Scarva. The route deliberately chosen for its smooth service and flat terrain.

My car took the temperature outside at 2 degrees and by 5 minutes into the ride I was wishing I had brought my gloves as the cold air was slicing at my fingers like Freddie Krueger. Thankfully 15 minutes in saw my internal central heating kick in and my hands returned to normal. 30 minutes in and 8 miles later I arrived at Portadown feeling good and delighted my knee wasn’t painful. A risk perhaps but after getting off the bike and stretching I thought I would up the action by a few gears and sit at 19mph instead of the 15 I had done on the way out. I bumped into a couple on mountain bikes and initially thought they were going to slow me down but as I drew closer I realised they were on hybrid training bikes and were flying. It was good to sit behind them and when they pulled off the path I was so inspired I pushed on harder.

I was now two thirds into my journey and my legs had grown heavy. I felt ok but I knew fatigue was setting in. To my pleasant surprise I must have stopped thinking about it and Scarva came back into view without me realising it. It was a great ride out and my knee hasn’t hurt all day – that’s the sweet part. The bitter part is the realisation that my fitness is shoot to pieces, ah well you can’t have everything!

Today’s stats

Distance = 16 miles (Computer stating 14.88 – have checked settings, can’t figure out what’s wrong!)

Total time = 1:05’40

Avg Speed = 13.6mph

Max speed = 20.6mph

Avg heart rate = 145 bpm

Max heart rate = 173 bpm

Calories = 952 (40% fat)

My weight today...

2010-05-09T19:01:00.002Z

17st 12lbs (250lbs)
0.75lbs heavier than last week - 53lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*The weight gain baffles me - genuinely can't pinpoint a thing to explain it...

Little & often...

2010-05-04T11:22:00.004Z

To be fair my diet has been a mish mash of whats healthy and what I can get away with. It hasn't been well thought through at all and so I have been trying to rectify that. Over the past two weeks I have been trying to adopt the mantra of "little and often". I have been trying to eat a decent cereal for breakfast and a piece of fruit every couple of hours to carry me through to tea time. Over the weekend I realised that my protein intake is way too low and so I have decided to try and fit a chicken breast in over lunches. No bread or processed stuff just plain good basics.

Feeling good! ;-)

Time to return to the roots of this blog!

2010-05-03T18:16:00.002Z

Its time to jazz this wee blog up… perhaps even make it my main blog, lets face it the other one seems close to dead and ready to breath its last! So here’s to getting back to recording my journey out of obesity and onwards towards good health!

I’ve returned back to the gym these past two weeks and I must say I’m surprised how I’ve missed it. Truth be told I decided I couldn’t afford it anymore as the economic situation had not been the strongest. Then as winter started to change to spring I hit the bike hard and as a result of lacking the strength and general fitness the gym and cross training offered me this time last year I have more injuries that a A&E ward.

The good news is I think I’m close to being injury free but it was a harsh lesson to learn. Forgetting that injury prone is not something I want to do again! Respect for yourself or in cycling terms your engine, is not something that should be lacking…

It’s good to be back in the blogisphere! ;-)

My weight today...

2010-05-02T08:41:00.003Z

17st 11.25lbs (249.25lbs)
1.25lbs lighter than last week - 53.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Knee injury has been playing havoc with the morale and exercising - its been a very challenging few months...

My weight today

2010-04-25T08:45:00.000Z

17st 12.5lbs (250.5lbs)
1.5lbs heavier than last week - 52.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

My weight today...

2010-04-18T08:17:00.002Z

17st 11lbs (249lbs)
2lbs heavier than last week - 54lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*The aftermath of Easter and not being allowed to exercise on the knee... frustration personified! That said the knee appears to be making a recovery.

My weight today...

2010-04-04T10:39:00.000Z

17st 9lbs (247lbs)
0.5lb lighter than last week - 56lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Knee injury, easter & wedding anniversary - to lose weight is a minor miracle!

My weight today...

2010-03-28T08:30:00.002Z

17st 9.5lbs (247.5lbs)
1lb heavier than last week - 55.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

Least said the better! It's been a difficult week with galbladder pain accompanied by a heavy feeling of fatigue so I only trained twice instead of my usual 4-5 times. I expected not to lose weight but to put on is a little unjust!

My weight today...

2010-03-21T09:09:00.003Z

17st 8.5lbs (246.5lbs)
1.25lbs lighter than last week - 56.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

T'was a great week for exercise and a week with a slip or two on the diet front due to St. Paddy's Day. This week I smashed my personal best for "total miles cycled in one week". Yes this week I hit the total of 65 miles. I'm very proud of that indeed, a few weeks of that and I'll be match fit for cycling with my mates!

My weight today...

2010-03-14T09:19:00.005Z

17st 9.75lbs (247.75lbs)
1.75lbs lighter than last week - 55.25lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Been a good week and motivation is strong. Mind you the warning light is up on my dashboard as I think I may be training too hard. It's important to remember that it's about exercise and weight loss - not becoming Lance Armstrong. Walking about exhausted, hungry and agitated is not fun and can't be sustained! If I do burn out weight gain is inevitable. Time to remember the mantra - one step, one dinner and one day at a time...

My weight today...

2010-03-07T08:30:00.001Z

17st 11.5lbs (249.5lbs)
0.25lbs lighter than last week - 53.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Two birthday meals this week so doing good to have any loss at all!

My weight today...

2010-02-28T07:53:00.004Z

17st 11.75lbs (249.75lbs)
1.5lbs lighter than last week - 53.25lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Very encouraging for a week were I struggled with the exercise and diet. Don't you just love it when you get a pleasant surprise - Long may it continue...

My weight...

2010-02-21T09:31:00.006Z

17st 13.25lbs (251.25lbs)
0.5lbs lighter than last week - 51.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

* Not bad given that I've lost nearly a stone over the past month, perhaps it needed to slow down for a wee while!

*An interesting week as I started to eat fruit only for lunch for a few days, did my first pilates session, and trained twice a days on a few occasions!

My weight today...

2010-02-14T09:20:00.003Z

17st 13.75lbs (251.75lbs)
3.5lb lighter than last week - 51.25lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*I introduced a Davina McCall aerobics DVD to my exercise regime - hey I can't walk but I've lost weight!! ;-)

My weight today...

2010-02-07T09:24:00.005Z

18st 3.25lbs (255.25lbs)
4.25lb lighter than last week - 47.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*What a result - I'm putting it down to getting back to Crackerbread for lunch and commuting on the bike. ;-)

Prats, pedestrians & dogs...

2010-02-06T12:43:00.005Z

Yesterday I got my act together and decided to commute to work again on my bike. Wasn’t a bad day and so I decided not put on my lycra skull cap, 5 minutes in and suffering from brain freeze I regretted choosing vanity over practicality. The lesson – it’s better to look like a prat than be a cold and feel like one!

Commuting along the Lagan Tow Path is cracking and I love it. I’m a lucky man to be able to use it as I do but there is a down side, pedestrian idiots and unleashed dogs. To be fair the tow path is a publicly shared space and there will always be a certain tension between its user groups but seriously a little self awareness and common sense wouldn’t go a miss for some pedestrians.

My bike doesn’t have a bell but I do make sure I’m heard and yet they still refuse to move for a large brightly coloured blob travelling towards them at 16mph. Talking of bells I did have one on my last bike and when I used it some pedestrians looked at me like “And who do you think you are – do you think you own the path – why should I move for you?” You can’t do right for doing wrong.

Then there are dogs. Firstly I’m a dog lover and have one myself but seriously what’s the point of unleashing them if you can’t control them? They are danger to themselves and will only end up getting hurt or hurting others. I was even chased up the path by a boxer yesterday and after a hundred yards it still didn’t give up. It was with great delight that I watched its owner breaking into a sweat as he started to run after us; there was no way I was stopping for that thing and its jaws or his inconsiderate owner. And then there are those leads that extend at the owners discretion. You know the type that lets your dog walk 10 metres away from you. Well yesterday I came close to being taken of my bike by one as the owner wasn’t watching and the dog ran across my path.

The good news is I bought a bell this morning and boy will I be heard, so if you’re a pedestrian or a dog owner or both engage your brain please and consider other user groups of the public walk/cycle way – here endith the rant! ;-)

Commuting to work...

2010-01-31T09:02:00.006Z

For a long time I’ve aspired to commuting to work on my bike. Previously I either worked to far away from home to cycle or to close (like metres) to be bothered. It was with much jealousy that I watched a few friends blend there travel to and from work with exercise and lose weight in the process.

As you know I recently opened the doors of my new counselling practice “Momentum Counselling, Belfast” and its offices are on the lagan tow path. So I drove to Lisburn, lifted the bike of the car and cycled the 7 miles down the path to my office. Great exercise in a very safe and traffic free environment, you can’t beat it!

Friday was my first blast at it and it was great, so great that I didn’t seem to mind the snow blizzard that accompanied me on the way there and the hailstones that hit me on the way back. Thank goodness I was wearing my new cycling glasses. Now I’ve managed to do it once my plan is to as frequently as my hectic lifestyle will allow. Bring it on – its to be recommended!

My weight today...

2010-01-31T08:28:00.002Z

18st 7.5lbs (259.5lbs)
1lb lighter than last week - 43.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

* 46 miles cycled this week - biggest total ever!

Weekly exercise summary...

2010-01-31T07:33:00.000Z

Monday - Swim
Tuesday - Cycle 9 miles
Wednesday - Cycle 22 miles
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Cycle 15 miles
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Walk

My weight today...

2010-01-24T09:48:00.001Z

18st 8.5lbs (260.5lbs)
42.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

Apologies for the blog being so boring of late, I'll hopefully get the chance to address that this week.

My weight today...

2010-01-10T09:41:00.005Z

18st 7.5lbs (259.5lbs)
43.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

The post Christmas damage - keep on keeping on....

Things have been busy as I start my new business - a counselling practice (picture below). Check it out at www.m omentumcounselling.co.uk The Challenge is now to keep an eye on my weight and fitness as I invest all that I have (energy, money, mental focus etc) to get my new practice of the ground. More to come...
*

The mixed bag that was 2009...

2010-01-03T18:18:00.002Z

The first 6 months seen me lose 2 stone but I lost my focus somewhere last July and if I’m honest I’ve been treading water ever since. Thankfully I’ve managed not to lose the plot all together but I’ve now twice been down to seventeen and a half stone and twice returned to eighteen and a half.

I knew it was happening but I seemed to forget the vital ingredients of what made the last year so successful. Calorie counting and cross training. Somewhere in the summer I stopped swimming and hillwalking. I did at the time take up jogging but by week three my knees walked out on strike. I then solely focused on cycling at the expense of my other exercise arenas and to be honest I think I’ve suffered through injuries as a result. Cross training was bringing my whole body balanced strength. Simply cycling whilst being my first love and passion seems to have strengthened some areas and left others untouched and weakened. As they say if you don’t use it you lose it.

To be honest I’m frustrated at the moment with yet more holiday weight gain and some new injuries. I’m only thankful that it’s a new year and I can use it to draw a line in the sand and start again. At the moment my hips and lower back are painful and I wouldn’t be surprised if it has something to do with the lack of cross training and core strength exercises.

So its back to swimming I go and hopefully if it thaws out soon I’ll get back into the hills for some walking.

I should have lost 4 stone in 2009 and failed. I should be 16 stone now and heading for 14. Instead I’m 18 and a half. I now plan to be under 16 for the summer and 14 for Christmas 2010. Let’s push on with a sharper focus and more intense determination.

Caught...

2009-12-03T17:47:00.003Z

Yup caught in the act today out with my new lycra skull cap - sexy!! ;-) On Saturday's run I got brain freeze like I had eaten way too much ice cream wild fast so something needed to be done. I'm lovin the new bike although all the salt on the roads is worrying me. I know, I know but I've waited soooo long for this wee gem I'm not ready to risk any damage just yet.

Peter becomes a roadie at last...

2009-11-29T16:59:00.004Z

My blog has been a bit stale for a while. I’ve written nothing other than stats really without any significant opinion. I’m not sure what that’s about other than I know it’s been a real struggle over the past few months and I just wanted to get on without thinking about it too much.

Back in September I was gutted to realise that over the summer I had put over a stone on and to add insult to injury I’m still trying to reclaim the ground I lost. It’s too de-motivating to think that since September all I’ve been doing is playing catch up. Although to be fair whilst my weight loss has been in recovery my fitness has grown substantially.

Last week, a new day dawned. I’ve been continuing to enjoy cycling these past few months and I’ve wanted to take it to the next level for a while now. The next level is to get a road bike and seriously up my mileage. I’ve been scared of this as to be honest people who ride road bikes tend to be wafer thin and ultra serious about their sport. I decided to stuff the fear of what I would look like and what people would think and go for it, we are only through this way once in life and I’m already 36.

I came across an offer on Trek Madone that I couldn’t refuse. Lets be honest here, it’s the best looking bike on the market by miles and to get a 30% discount on it was not to be ignored. 2010 will bring price hikes beyond belief and if I was going to make the change the time was now. So I took the plunge and went for it lock, stock and two smoking barrels. I bought the fancy pedals and the shoes that make you walk like a penguin and I even bought some leggings. I’m so far out of my comfort zone its not even funny but it sure is exciting.

Enjoy the pics of the new bike and look out for updates on how I’m doing with the Madone.

My weight today...

2009-11-29T09:28:00.002Z

17st 9.5lbs (247.5lbs)
1.5lb lighter than last week! 55.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*A solid performance this week with some hard decisions not to eat having to be made. I also haven't been overly well so this is the icing on the cake.

Weekly exercise summary...

2009-11-29T07:38:00.000Z

Monday - Turbo trainer & weights
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Turbo trainer & weights
Thursday - Cycle
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Cycle
Sunday - Rest

My weight today...

2009-11-22T09:05:00.002Z

17st 11lbs (249lbs)
1.25lb lighter than last week! 54lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

*Given that I was 18st 1lb on Tuesday I'll take it and will be happy!! ;-)

Weekly exercise summary...

2009-11-22T05:10:00.002Z

Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Gym (50 mins cardio)
Wednesday - Turbo trainer & weights
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Gym (60 mins cardio + 20 minutes weights)
Saturday - Turbo trainer & weights
Sunday - Rest

My weight today...

2009-11-15T09:10:00.001Z

17st 12.25lbs (250.25lbs)
1lb heavier than last week! 52.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

Loving my exercise - struggling with my consumption levels...

My weight today...

2009-11-08T09:19:00.003Z

17st 11.25lbs (249.25lbs)
The same as last week! 53.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

Grid-loc, if I'm honest my eating hasn't been bad but neither has it been good so its a fair result. I think I'm at the stage where I need to take my dieting seriously and not just rely on my exercise to have an effect.

Encouraging news...

2009-11-02T13:22:00.003Z

On a weight loss & fitness front it’s been a very encouraging day. First of all I took a walk up Slieve Croob and was very impressed by how I physically responded. There was no sore feet, no sore knees and my heart rate and breathing were in a far better position than I expected them to be. Perhaps I’ve caught up with the fitness I lost over the summer, it even felt like I had surpassed it a bit.

Secondly I am delighted to announce that I’ve dropped a jean size down to a 36” waist. To think when I started 15 or so months ago I had a 44” waste. I’m chuffed.

The timing of both pieces of news is particularly good as yesterday I eat like a Hippo. I’m still very aware that for me food = comfort and at times I’m literally driven towards food. Will this ever go or will it always be something I have to wrestle with and manage? Truth be told but I’d rather manage it than ignore it which is what I’ve done for years.

My weight today...

2009-11-01T08:46:00.000Z

17st 11.25lbs (249.25lbs)
1lbs lighter than last week! 53.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

Weekly exercise summary...

2009-11-01T04:47:00.000Z

Monday - Gym (60 mins cardio + 20 minutes weights)
Tuesday - Swim (32 lengths)
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Gym (60 mins cardio + 20 minutes weights)
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Cycle (23 miles)
Sunday - Rest

My weight today

2009-10-25T08:17:00.002Z

17st 12.25lbs (250.25lbs)
3.25lbs lighter than last week! 52.75lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

Weekly Exercise Summary

2009-10-25T06:25:00.001Z

Monday* - Rest
Tuesday - Swim (20 lengths)
Wednesday - Windows
Thursday - Gym (50 mins cardio + 20 minutes weights)
Friday - Gym (60 mins cardio + 20 minutes weights)
Saturday - Cycle (15 miles - in the dark & heavy rain = double weight loss ;-)
Sunday - Rest

*On Monday I went for a run but my knees hurt so much I had to stop. Unfortunately I think running has been put on hold till I'm a lot lighter.

My weight today...

2009-10-18T07:50:00.001Z

18st 1.5lbs (253.5lbs)
1.5lbs lighter than last week! 49.5lbs lighter than Aug '08 (303lbs)

Weekly exercise summary

2009-10-18T06:56:00.002Z

Monday - Jog (2 miles)
Tuesday - Cycle (16 miles)
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Cycle (15 miles)
Friday - Gym (45 mins cardio + 20 minutes weights)
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Rest