Back On Track

Quick update before first pitch of Clemson-Wofford here at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.

Weighed in today, and I lost 5 pounds this past week. Was almost close enough to round off to six, but not quite. Still, mentally seeing that crooked number on the right side of the scoreboard means a lot.

The motivation to keep it going has kicked back in.

So, that's five down on my attempt to lose 32 pounds by my birthday on April 14. It also puts me back to 103 total pounds lost.

The New Scoreboard:

Week 1 - Lost 5.

New Momentum?

Not to jump the gun, but a courtesy look at the scales this morning shows I'm back on the straight and narrow.

It's good to see. I've been working out hard with Vernon, and I'm really enjoying the morning sessions on Tuesday and Thursday. Seems to help get the day kick-started.

Also, last week was the first time I've worked out the scheduled three days per week in about a month. And getting the early sessions is going to keep me from missing in the future because of schedule problems.

I should also mention that my wife has played a huge part in getting me back on track. She has really gone above and beyond of late to go deep into the recipes provided to us, helping me get significantly more variety that the past 2-3 months. It has made a huge difference.

It's nice to be back on the right track.

Remember, the short-term goal is 32 pounds by my birthday on April 14.

Right now, I'm feeling confident I can pull it off.

The Truth Hurts

Well, hit the scales this morning. The results weren't pretty.

Weighed in at 381 pounds. That means since Christmas I've put on 14 pounds, which shows you just how quickly everything can go to hell in a handbasket. What's that, seven weeks or so?

Scary. And this is after dropping 2-3 pounds since Monday morning.

Oh well, there's nothing I can do about it except get back on the stick. Which I have been for the last two days.

So 381 will be the starting point for our second go-round. My short-term goal this week is to get 4-5 pounds off and get back above the 100-pound lost mark.

I'll begin with a new scorecard next week.

Back At It

Started the Ultra Fit diet plan at 100 percent dedication again yesterday.

I've also had my first morning workout with Vernon. That was today. Didn't really like getting up earlier than usual, but by the time I was done it seemed to have a positive effect on the rest of my day. Had a lot of energy for my show today, and just seem to be more upbeat.

Don't know how much of that is physical and how much is mental, but I'll take it. Any forward movement is welcome at this point.

I hit the scales in the morning, and I'll be back on my regular Wednesday weigh-ins.

No more ducking and dodging.

Gonna try to meet my mistakes head on and get the momentum rolling in the right direction again.

Getting Back In The Game

Had a long, long talk with John DeFendis late this week.

Just came out and flat told him what I've been dancing around here for the past few weeks. My motivation is waning. I'm struggling to keep moving forward.

I'm scared to death I'm going to undo all the good I've done and be miserable again.

Fortunately, as much as he likes to talk (and boy, does John like to talk), he's also a good listener. And during our two hours together he anticipated virtually every issue or roadblock I had. He had comforting, reassuring words for everything.

I can't tell you how much better I feel now. In the last six weeks or so I've gained back probably 7-10 pounds. Won't know for sure until Monday. But then I'll be resuming the program full bore, without excuses. My regular weigh-ins will resume on Wednesday.

One of the things we've done, at John's suggestion, is set some short-term goals to go along with my long-term goal - which is to be in great shape by late Jan. 2010 so I can participate in the Cincinnati Reds Fantasy Camp out in Arizona.

But the short-term goals are designed to keep me motivated along the way.

First up?

My birthday is April 14. He wants me to lose at least 32 pounds between now and then.

The game is back on.

Quick Update

I know it's been a week since I last updated the blog, but I've been trying very hard to keep my nose to the grindstone.

First of all, I've had the best diet week in a month. I know I've lost some of the weight that I put back on, but I still haven't gone to the scales. As I said earlier, I'm trying to focus more on getting the process back on track. If I do that, the results will come.

I've also been back in the gym with Vernon twice after a two-week layoff. That has helped matters immensely, though I would be lying if I said it wasn't hard going back.

Amazing how quickly one can get "fat and lazy" again.

Anyway, I will probably resume weigh-ins this Wednesday. I really want to have a strong finish to the week and see how things shake out.

After weeks of talk, I feel like I'm finally headed in the right direction again.