Just a quick note to let you know the blog will return after the first of the year.
And with some stories to tell, for sure.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Plugging Away
Don't fret boys and girls. I haven't fallen off the wagon again.
Just been extremely busy and honestly when I've remembered that I need to update the blog I'm usually nowhere near my computer. One of the hazards of trying to do everything.
I'm hanging in there. The issue I've run into the last couple of weeks is having good results on the diet Monday through about 5 p.m. Friday. Then when my weekend of work and travel kicks in I've struggled. Big time.
So that's my latest challenge. Weigh-in day tomorrow, so we'll see where we stand and go from there.
Just been extremely busy and honestly when I've remembered that I need to update the blog I'm usually nowhere near my computer. One of the hazards of trying to do everything.
I'm hanging in there. The issue I've run into the last couple of weeks is having good results on the diet Monday through about 5 p.m. Friday. Then when my weekend of work and travel kicks in I've struggled. Big time.
So that's my latest challenge. Weigh-in day tomorrow, so we'll see where we stand and go from there.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Quick Off The Line
Hit the scales this morning, and for the first time in a long time they didn't hit back.
Lost six pounds this week. Now the trick is to keep the momentum heading in the right direction.
Yet Another Scoreboard:
Week 1 - Lost 6
Lost six pounds this week. Now the trick is to keep the momentum heading in the right direction.
Yet Another Scoreboard:
Week 1 - Lost 6
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Back On The Scales
Wednesday morning I weigh in for the first time in a week.
I've had a pretty good week. Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but a huge step in the right direction. As long as I see something positive tomorrow, I'll be happy. Then we'll focus on the bigger numbers.
Tune in for the results.
I've had a pretty good week. Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but a huge step in the right direction. As long as I see something positive tomorrow, I'll be happy. Then we'll focus on the bigger numbers.
Tune in for the results.
Monday, August 24, 2009
How I Get Motivated
Made it through my first workout back in the gym today.
Vernon took it easy on me. That's sure to change. I've also had a good day back on the Ultra Fit meal plan. So that's a start.
What is it I've said way too many times in the past? One day at a time. One meal at a time.
The problem, as I'm sure you're all well aware, is motivation. Or to be more precise, lack of it. Finding that extra gear I had for most of 2008 just hasn't happened yet, no matter how many different tactics I take.
Or no matter how much John or anyone else tries to motivate me.
John has been a God-send to me and so many others with his expertise, his caring attitude and his persistence. But the one thing that doesn't work on me is heavy motivational tactics.
They never have. I was never the type of athlete that needed a locker room speech to get me going. I had no problem being motivated to play when the time came, and I honestly thought most of those tactics by coaches were a little lame. That's being as honest as I can be.
That carries over here. John can only do so much. Vernon can only do so much. Ultimately it falls squarely on my shoulders, and no amount of rah-rah or finger-wagging is going to make one bit of difference.
I have to find motivation in other ways, and to this point in 2009 it's been maybe the biggest challenge I've had in my life.
Then, out of the blue, two seemingly innocent incidents - separate of one another - happened in the last two days.
The first, yesterday, was an email I received from a lovely girl named Billie who has been following me on this journey since Day One. She also has weight issues, has had success with Ultra Fit, and was thanking me for - in her words - all I've done for her.
Kinda drives home the point that there are others out there watching, waiting, hoping. Sometimes you feel like you're in this fight alone. Sometimes you don't want to hear from other people.
But Billie's email touched me, as many of her letters have in the past. Perhaps she's my guardian angel during this point of my life. I'm not sure. I just hope she continues to fight and fight and fight some more. Because she's been as much an inspiration to me as she says I've been to her.
The second incident took place this evening.
I was in line at the grocery store and a young man very politely spoke to me, inquiring if he could ask me something personal. It was about my weight loss, and how it was going.
I told him that the last seven months have been a struggle, I'm sure I've put at least 25 pounds back on, and that my shopping cart was full of Ultra Fit plan food, seeing as how I started back on the program today.
He proceeded to tell me that two years ago he lost 160 pounds, doing cardio at the YMCA (he has a heart condition that doesn't let him lift weights) and following a healthy diet. Great story.
Then one night after church, he tells me, he got a craving for pizza. Went and got one, and ate the whole thing. That began a downward spiral that has seen him put back on 250 pounds.
There was a sadness in his eyes as he spoke. He was near tears. He mentioned he enjoyed John's segment on the show, and again reiterated that he just wanted to know how I was doing.
As I left I wished him good luck, and drove home with an gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. Only this time it wasn't hunger.
It was motivation.
That young man, along with Billie, did more for me in a combined span of probably five minutes than I've done for myself in the past seven months. That's why I did this weight loss effort publicly beginning in Dec. 2007. I wanted to be held accountable. I wanted support. I wanted to share experiences with those going through the same struggles.
How long does the motivation last this time around?
I have no idea.
Again, all I can do is take it one day, one meal at a time. And so far, it's one good day in the books.
Back in the gym at 7:30 a.m. And for the first time in a long time, I'm looking forward to being there.
Vernon took it easy on me. That's sure to change. I've also had a good day back on the Ultra Fit meal plan. So that's a start.
What is it I've said way too many times in the past? One day at a time. One meal at a time.
The problem, as I'm sure you're all well aware, is motivation. Or to be more precise, lack of it. Finding that extra gear I had for most of 2008 just hasn't happened yet, no matter how many different tactics I take.
Or no matter how much John or anyone else tries to motivate me.
John has been a God-send to me and so many others with his expertise, his caring attitude and his persistence. But the one thing that doesn't work on me is heavy motivational tactics.
They never have. I was never the type of athlete that needed a locker room speech to get me going. I had no problem being motivated to play when the time came, and I honestly thought most of those tactics by coaches were a little lame. That's being as honest as I can be.
That carries over here. John can only do so much. Vernon can only do so much. Ultimately it falls squarely on my shoulders, and no amount of rah-rah or finger-wagging is going to make one bit of difference.
I have to find motivation in other ways, and to this point in 2009 it's been maybe the biggest challenge I've had in my life.
Then, out of the blue, two seemingly innocent incidents - separate of one another - happened in the last two days.
The first, yesterday, was an email I received from a lovely girl named Billie who has been following me on this journey since Day One. She also has weight issues, has had success with Ultra Fit, and was thanking me for - in her words - all I've done for her.
Kinda drives home the point that there are others out there watching, waiting, hoping. Sometimes you feel like you're in this fight alone. Sometimes you don't want to hear from other people.
But Billie's email touched me, as many of her letters have in the past. Perhaps she's my guardian angel during this point of my life. I'm not sure. I just hope she continues to fight and fight and fight some more. Because she's been as much an inspiration to me as she says I've been to her.
The second incident took place this evening.
I was in line at the grocery store and a young man very politely spoke to me, inquiring if he could ask me something personal. It was about my weight loss, and how it was going.
I told him that the last seven months have been a struggle, I'm sure I've put at least 25 pounds back on, and that my shopping cart was full of Ultra Fit plan food, seeing as how I started back on the program today.
He proceeded to tell me that two years ago he lost 160 pounds, doing cardio at the YMCA (he has a heart condition that doesn't let him lift weights) and following a healthy diet. Great story.
Then one night after church, he tells me, he got a craving for pizza. Went and got one, and ate the whole thing. That began a downward spiral that has seen him put back on 250 pounds.
There was a sadness in his eyes as he spoke. He was near tears. He mentioned he enjoyed John's segment on the show, and again reiterated that he just wanted to know how I was doing.
As I left I wished him good luck, and drove home with an gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. Only this time it wasn't hunger.
It was motivation.
That young man, along with Billie, did more for me in a combined span of probably five minutes than I've done for myself in the past seven months. That's why I did this weight loss effort publicly beginning in Dec. 2007. I wanted to be held accountable. I wanted support. I wanted to share experiences with those going through the same struggles.
How long does the motivation last this time around?
I have no idea.
Again, all I can do is take it one day, one meal at a time. And so far, it's one good day in the books.
Back in the gym at 7:30 a.m. And for the first time in a long time, I'm looking forward to being there.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Snooze Is Over
You can all rest easy. The world can get back to its usual dysfunction.
I go back into the gym with Vernon Monday morning.
I know I chose to do this weight loss program publicly, and that's been a big reason for the success I've had to this point. But you folks also need to remember I don't live everything in public. And like many of you, there are things that happen in my private life which can upset the ol' apple cart.
That's been the case this past month. Lots of stuff going on that I haven't shared with anyone, other than the brief snapshot I gave Vernon. My focus has been elsewhere. The diet has been non-existent. I don't know how much weight I've gained back, but we'll find out Wednesday.
But I'm going back to square one with this thing. No guarantees or pronouncements.
Just a man struggling with his weight and, in many ways, himself.
I go back into the gym with Vernon Monday morning.
I know I chose to do this weight loss program publicly, and that's been a big reason for the success I've had to this point. But you folks also need to remember I don't live everything in public. And like many of you, there are things that happen in my private life which can upset the ol' apple cart.
That's been the case this past month. Lots of stuff going on that I haven't shared with anyone, other than the brief snapshot I gave Vernon. My focus has been elsewhere. The diet has been non-existent. I don't know how much weight I've gained back, but we'll find out Wednesday.
But I'm going back to square one with this thing. No guarantees or pronouncements.
Just a man struggling with his weight and, in many ways, himself.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ugh!
My weigh-in on Wednesday showed that I've gained 18 pounds back in the last six months.
Time to get serious.
Time to get serious.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Slight Momentum
Went to workout this morning, and no Vernon.
It's possible that he told me he was going to be out today, but if so it completely slipped my mind. That sort of thing has been known to happen.
In any event, rather than packing up and leaving like I might have done in the past (and, truth be told, might do in the future), I stayed and walked for about 30 minutes around the indoor track. Got a nice little sweat rolling before I had to leave for this morning's radio show.
And while the scales at Coop's weigh on average about five pounds heavier than the ones at Clemson, I was at least able to see that I'm down about three pounds from this time last week. This despite a couple of bad meals over the weekend.
So, I'll accept it as a positive step forward. And I'll get a true weight on Wednesday, as long as the training room is open.
And awayyyyy we goooo....
It's possible that he told me he was going to be out today, but if so it completely slipped my mind. That sort of thing has been known to happen.
In any event, rather than packing up and leaving like I might have done in the past (and, truth be told, might do in the future), I stayed and walked for about 30 minutes around the indoor track. Got a nice little sweat rolling before I had to leave for this morning's radio show.
And while the scales at Coop's weigh on average about five pounds heavier than the ones at Clemson, I was at least able to see that I'm down about three pounds from this time last week. This despite a couple of bad meals over the weekend.
So, I'll accept it as a positive step forward. And I'll get a true weight on Wednesday, as long as the training room is open.
And awayyyyy we goooo....
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
No Luck At Clemson
Well, as I've tried to restart things again, I wandered over to Clemson today to weigh in and see, exactly, how much weight I've put back on in about six months of fooling around.
The training room was closed. So, I will try again likely on Monday.
Fighting the jitters and urges that come with re-launching this thing (again). But if I can push through it, I'll be okay. Things have calmed down as far as travel and the like, so the atmosphere is right to get back in the groove.
Also, as usually happens with me, I woke up the other morning with the unmistakable feeling that it's time. And that's been the case anytime I've had success in this arena. No forcing motivation. No pep talks. Nothing along those lines.
Just a feeling that the time is right to go. So, I'm going.
And again, I'm taking you all with me.
The training room was closed. So, I will try again likely on Monday.
Fighting the jitters and urges that come with re-launching this thing (again). But if I can push through it, I'll be okay. Things have calmed down as far as travel and the like, so the atmosphere is right to get back in the groove.
Also, as usually happens with me, I woke up the other morning with the unmistakable feeling that it's time. And that's been the case anytime I've had success in this arena. No forcing motivation. No pep talks. Nothing along those lines.
Just a feeling that the time is right to go. So, I'm going.
And again, I'm taking you all with me.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Back In Town
Got back in from Arizona late last night. I was gone for six days covering Clemson in the Super Regionals vs. Arizona State.
Talked to Vernon today. We are hitting it hard again starting with Tuesday's workout. Time to quite messing around and feeling sorry for myself. Time to get down to business again.
Had a lot of time to think in the car going and coming, and I think I've turned a corner with my motivation. We shall see.
It's now 7 1/2 months until the Reds Fantasy Camp in Goodyear, Az. Can't do it in the shape I'm in now.
Focus, Dan. Focus.
Talked to Vernon today. We are hitting it hard again starting with Tuesday's workout. Time to quite messing around and feeling sorry for myself. Time to get down to business again.
Had a lot of time to think in the car going and coming, and I think I've turned a corner with my motivation. We shall see.
It's now 7 1/2 months until the Reds Fantasy Camp in Goodyear, Az. Can't do it in the shape I'm in now.
Focus, Dan. Focus.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Catching Up
The quiet momentum I wrote about in my last post went to Hell in a Handbasket with my trip to Durham for the ACC Baseball Tournament.
Again, there is no consistency to be found. And there's still the overwhelming problem of trying to get motivated again. It just isn't happening.
I'm hoping that with baseball season ending sometime in the next 2-3 weeks, depending on how far Clemson advances, that some stability will lead to a routine I can follow.
Of course the bottom line here is that there will always be some obstacle to overcome. It's been true all 17 months I've been battling this thing. It's just that in the past I've been able to get through the abyss.
Now, for the last five months, it's been one step forward and two steps back.
And I'm certainly not going to get anywhere that way.
Again, there is no consistency to be found. And there's still the overwhelming problem of trying to get motivated again. It just isn't happening.
I'm hoping that with baseball season ending sometime in the next 2-3 weeks, depending on how far Clemson advances, that some stability will lead to a routine I can follow.
Of course the bottom line here is that there will always be some obstacle to overcome. It's been true all 17 months I've been battling this thing. It's just that in the past I've been able to get through the abyss.
Now, for the last five months, it's been one step forward and two steps back.
And I'm certainly not going to get anywhere that way.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sneak Attack
Shhh.
Don't tell anyone, but very quitely I've put together about four good days in a row.
Not earth-shattering by any means. But it's a start. And at this point, any movement forward is good news.
More later. But wanted to let you know I'm around - very busy, but around - and that maybe things are looking up.
Don't tell anyone, but very quitely I've put together about four good days in a row.
Not earth-shattering by any means. But it's a start. And at this point, any movement forward is good news.
More later. But wanted to let you know I'm around - very busy, but around - and that maybe things are looking up.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Back At It
Sorry for the delay in posts. Baseball has cranked up, and the restaurant in smoking.
I resume workouts tomorrow morning with Vernon after a week away. Then it's off to Raleigh this weekend for baseball at N.C. State.
I still haven't been eating the way I'm supposed to. I have however been extremely active, and that's helped me sort of maintain the status quo.
For some reason, I just can't get the engine running again.
Maybe I need a tune-up.
I resume workouts tomorrow morning with Vernon after a week away. Then it's off to Raleigh this weekend for baseball at N.C. State.
I still haven't been eating the way I'm supposed to. I have however been extremely active, and that's helped me sort of maintain the status quo.
For some reason, I just can't get the engine running again.
Maybe I need a tune-up.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Trying To Rally
Went back to the grocery store yesterday and reloaded on the proper Ultra Fit-type food. Trying to drag myself out of the muck and get this thing moving back in the right direction.
I appreciate the direct comments from some of you in recent days. Trust me, I welcome all sorts of feedback. When you're trying to find motivation, anything and everything written, said or even thought can be used as a weapon.
However, the unfortunate truth in this situation is that the thing that has made the most impact of late is the death of David Poole.
Poole, 50, dropped dead of a heart attack at his home earlier this week. He was a popular, well-read writer and commentator who made his living covering NASCAR. He was considered the best in the business covering the sport.
Poole was also a very large man.
So to see another person lose the same battle I'm fighting...well, let's just say it got my attention.
I didn't know David personally. But I did, of course, know Anthony Bell. If you've read this blog on a regular basis, you know the backstory there.
Bottom line, it shook me up pretty good.
I don't want to be next. So I've got to find a way to get my head out of my rear end and get rolling again.
For all the good I've done in the past 16 months, none of it will matter if I don't finish the deal.
I appreciate the direct comments from some of you in recent days. Trust me, I welcome all sorts of feedback. When you're trying to find motivation, anything and everything written, said or even thought can be used as a weapon.
However, the unfortunate truth in this situation is that the thing that has made the most impact of late is the death of David Poole.
Poole, 50, dropped dead of a heart attack at his home earlier this week. He was a popular, well-read writer and commentator who made his living covering NASCAR. He was considered the best in the business covering the sport.
Poole was also a very large man.
So to see another person lose the same battle I'm fighting...well, let's just say it got my attention.
I didn't know David personally. But I did, of course, know Anthony Bell. If you've read this blog on a regular basis, you know the backstory there.
Bottom line, it shook me up pretty good.
I don't want to be next. So I've got to find a way to get my head out of my rear end and get rolling again.
For all the good I've done in the past 16 months, none of it will matter if I don't finish the deal.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday Musings
It's becoming more and more apparent that my mind isn't in this thing the way it should be.
I've not had a good week. Only got to work out once because of travel/restaurant duties, and I'm finding it easier and easier to make excuses for making bad decisions with my nutrition.
It's mostly mental. I go back to Christmas Eve, when I did the 10-up and 10-down on the stairs carrying the 50 pounds in weights. Since then it's as if an internal switch flipped, and I can't get it turned on again.
No matter how much I beat up myself, no matter how much I encourage myself, no matter how logically or illogically I look at my situation, I can't find that same motivation.
I don't know what's going to happen, but something better. And quickly.
Because if it doesn't, all hell is liable to break loose.
I've not had a good week. Only got to work out once because of travel/restaurant duties, and I'm finding it easier and easier to make excuses for making bad decisions with my nutrition.
It's mostly mental. I go back to Christmas Eve, when I did the 10-up and 10-down on the stairs carrying the 50 pounds in weights. Since then it's as if an internal switch flipped, and I can't get it turned on again.
No matter how much I beat up myself, no matter how much I encourage myself, no matter how logically or illogically I look at my situation, I can't find that same motivation.
I don't know what's going to happen, but something better. And quickly.
Because if it doesn't, all hell is liable to break loose.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Quick Update
Just checking in before heading out to church.
Thinking perhaps I should be praying for strength to get me through these next few weeks. Because boys and girls, I'm tired. My feet hurt, my legs hurt, my back hurts...You name it.
Running around like the proverbial headless chicken on a concrete floor all day has been good for calorie burning, but bad for my physical condition.
Yet I think back to a year ago at this time, and there's no way I have done what I'm doing now. It would have been physically impossible.
So again, along with every bump in the road comes some type of encouragement.
It's just taking time to step back, pause a brief moment, and recognize the progress. And that's my issue. At it's core. I tend to look ahead and say, "Wow. I've still got a long, long road ahead."
Sometimes I forget I've come a long way, too.
Thinking perhaps I should be praying for strength to get me through these next few weeks. Because boys and girls, I'm tired. My feet hurt, my legs hurt, my back hurts...You name it.
Running around like the proverbial headless chicken on a concrete floor all day has been good for calorie burning, but bad for my physical condition.
Yet I think back to a year ago at this time, and there's no way I have done what I'm doing now. It would have been physically impossible.
So again, along with every bump in the road comes some type of encouragement.
It's just taking time to step back, pause a brief moment, and recognize the progress. And that's my issue. At it's core. I tend to look ahead and say, "Wow. I've still got a long, long road ahead."
Sometimes I forget I've come a long way, too.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Time
One thing I've found in the last few days:
When you try to run a restaurant on top of having another job, you don't have time. No time to eat, no time to talk, and no time to waste.
We had our quiet opening Monday, then today had the official Grand Opening. It was a madhouse - which is good for the cash register but bad for any type of routine. It's been that way for the last four days, and though I haven't been able to get in all my meals or stay on any type of regular schedule, I've lost weight. I can feel it. It's all the running around, not having time to think about food.
Hopefully when we get through this week things will smooth out a bit and we'll settle into a workable routine.
In the meantime, it's possible all this has been a blessing as far as my weight loss goes. We'll find out Monday, which is the next time I can hit the scales over at Clemson.
When you try to run a restaurant on top of having another job, you don't have time. No time to eat, no time to talk, and no time to waste.
We had our quiet opening Monday, then today had the official Grand Opening. It was a madhouse - which is good for the cash register but bad for any type of routine. It's been that way for the last four days, and though I haven't been able to get in all my meals or stay on any type of regular schedule, I've lost weight. I can feel it. It's all the running around, not having time to think about food.
Hopefully when we get through this week things will smooth out a bit and we'll settle into a workable routine.
In the meantime, it's possible all this has been a blessing as far as my weight loss goes. We'll find out Monday, which is the next time I can hit the scales over at Clemson.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Fighting Through
Checking in quickly so you know I haven't taken the pipe or anything like that.
Trying to get myself geared back up mentally to hit this thing head on again. Spent some of tonight preparing food for the week. I need to keep good meals with me at all times, because now I have the added pressure of the restaurant - which opens at 11 a.m. Monday.
I will weigh in on Wednesday, assess the damage, and try to move forward.
I keep telling myself things are going to be just fine. I keep waiting for myself to believe it.
Trying to get myself geared back up mentally to hit this thing head on again. Spent some of tonight preparing food for the week. I need to keep good meals with me at all times, because now I have the added pressure of the restaurant - which opens at 11 a.m. Monday.
I will weigh in on Wednesday, assess the damage, and try to move forward.
I keep telling myself things are going to be just fine. I keep waiting for myself to believe it.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Naked Truth
I'm scared. Mortified, even.
No matter what I tell myself, no matter how much I set my mind, no matter what John or Vernon say, I can't get motivated and get that edge back.
I'm afraid the switch has flipped off, and I can't turn it back on.
It's frustrating. Good day, bad day. Good meal, bad meal. Over and over again.
I've wasted three months, and I'm beginning to think that maybe this is as far as I'm going to get. The train has left the station, and I feel like I'm left standing on the platform.
How the hell does this happen? I wish I knew the answer.
All I know is I feel that wall building around me again.
And that terrifies me.
No matter what I tell myself, no matter how much I set my mind, no matter what John or Vernon say, I can't get motivated and get that edge back.
I'm afraid the switch has flipped off, and I can't turn it back on.
It's frustrating. Good day, bad day. Good meal, bad meal. Over and over again.
I've wasted three months, and I'm beginning to think that maybe this is as far as I'm going to get. The train has left the station, and I feel like I'm left standing on the platform.
How the hell does this happen? I wish I knew the answer.
All I know is I feel that wall building around me again.
And that terrifies me.
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