Fitness Challenge!

[biblemonkey]

I haven't lost an appreciable amount of weight yet, but I have definitely put on more muscle, and I'm noticing the results of my cardio work as well. It is incredibly encouraging!

Good to hear, man! Hey, don't let the weight loss thing discourage you. I have discovered that weight is relative. Body Fat Percentage is where it's at. You can lose tons of fat and still weigh about the same. For instance, I used to weigh 165 on a regular basis when eating right and not lifting very heavy and I weighed 185 at my worst and most of that was fat and very little muscle. I had gained 8 inches on my waist in four months if that tells you anything! Now I weigh a steady 173, but my body fat is WAY lower and my muscle mass is up. Get a set of BFP calipers and remember, "Abs are made in the kitchen" and dial in that nutrition.

To everyone who has been so encouraging this last 6 months as I struggled to get healthy, "THANK YOU!" I am by no means done yet. My friend John and I are re-starting P-90X tomorrow and I am going to help him get the nutrition plan in gear so he can make the most out of his hard work. My year of "Bringing It" is only half over and the second half is more important than the first. The second half determines the final score of the game. Keep going ladies and gents. I know I'm not alone in working hard and I am pulling for all of you.

Hugh

[SeumasA]

I'm down 30 pounds from my all-time high; I figure another 15'll get me back down to fighting weight. I'm running 4-5 miles three days a week and weights plus elliptical (between sets) three days.
After I hit my goal, I'll be ordering a new kilt. The current one already is too big. I'll have to move the buckles before I can wear it again.

[xdepuydt]

Over the years my weight went from 108 kg to 70. My trick: concentrate on being healthy. The weight issue will solve itself after some time. Being healthy means being moderate about food restriction and sport. A little every day is better than a lot from time to time. And don't forget: weight loss is only effective if it is the result a change of lifestyle.

[biblemonkey]

Sorry I have been gone so long. Here's my update on the road to Warrior Dash NY on August 12th.

In the Warrior Dash, PA I came in
194/7549 over all and
50/1384 among males 30-34.
My time was 30:26.15.

I did not win the beard contest and in fact applauded my competitor, such was the grandness of his beard. I am growing mine still in hopes of taking the prize in August.

I have been trading out my cardio and legs days in P-90X with mountain road and hill running since the first of this year in order to prepare for 1.5 mile hill in NY. It has been slow progress, but progress is definitely being made. The other day my friend Dave and I ran the 3.98 mile loop in Williamsport to test our speed and I did it in 21:18. For those bad with math (me) that's 7.15 minutes per mile average over the course of the loop which is a personal best! I am hoping to do the mountain runs with a weighted vest soon to get some more power in my legs, but I might skip that if my endurance doesn't come up enough to do the 1.5 mile uphill all in one shot without walking.

I hope all of you are keeping up with your goals. Make it happen everybody! Every step forward is one less step you have to take later and before you know it you will look back on all your hard work and be glad you didn't put it off.

Hugh

[biblemonkey]

I am a full 7 days into my 3 week "dry" period leading up to the Warrior Dash NY and I have already noticed some drastic changes. My abs are showing better, my endurance and cardio health are improving by leaps and bounds, and my musculature is getting harder and sharper faster than ever. I knew I was drinking WAY to much, but being dry for one week brings THIS?! Wow. Definitely worth it.

[McElmurry]

Headed to hike Highland Peak this weekend. About a 12 mile round trip and 2000 feet of vertical. Tops out at just under 12,000 feet. Should burn a few BTUs.