Sunday Bloody Sunday

1 month ago I took some body measurements as a baseline for my little project. Here they are with 30 days later updates.

I am typing this in real time, so whatever my reaction is, you can count on it being genuine. Of course, if you've read many of my daily blathering, you know, I don't exactly plan out what I'm going to say. On to the show:

- Chest: April 22nd - 43 inches May 22nd - 42.75(shrinking moobs is good)
- Waist (at belly button): - April 22nd - 40.5 in. May 22nd - 40.5 in. (arghh!!!)
- Hips: April 22nd - 38 in. May 22nd -37.5
- Biceps: 4/22 L -14.125 May 22nd 13.5 R- Aril 22 - 14.25 May 22 - 13.75 (not sure I measured correctly)
- Thighs: April 22nd L - 23.5 May 22nd - no change, R - Apr 22 - 23.5 May 22 - no change
- Calves: April 22nd L - 15.75 may 22 - 16 in., R- Apr 22 - 15.5 May 22 - 16 in.


So.... The evidence would see to say that there just hasn't been that much going on. That would fit with what the scale is telling me. My first reaction is frustration. Although I've never documented it so publicly before, I am doing things that have always met with some level of success before. Now after 5-6 weeks, I'm getting nothing....

I'm sure it's getting repetitive to read, but all I can do is refocus on my efforts. I know I've mixed in some not so great days with good ones, but why I can't see any change at all is a mystery. I know I'm getting older, but holy crap.

I think it's time to focus on some athletic events for a while. I'm a little too singularly obsessed with numbers currently. I'll still weigh in and measure on schedule, but I need to get my head focused on something I can accomplish. The July 23rd triathlon is just too far away. Maybe I'll find a 5k sooner than that or something. Hopefully the weight loss will take care of itself.

The good news is that I am definitely fitter. For a guy who could damn near be in the Clydesdale division at races, I move pretty well in the pool and even in my slow runs. I just want to look healthier too. Some people enjoy watching whales swim, but not at the Y:)

Exercise update: Ok, I'm done whining, so what do I actually do? I haven't worked out today yet (it's early),but I think I'll run on the treadmill tonight. I also will start finding subtle calorie burns this week. The easiest one will be to ride my bike to work when I can. Maybe that can be the key to getting some momentum.

Nutrition update: The plan is simple. Faithfully use myfooddiary.com and try to learn from it. I've had a mediocre to good 5 days according to my tracking. In two more days I weigh in and we will see how I'm doing. Whatever the number, I need to learn something. The whole point is improvement, not perfection.

Random Deep thoughts: Now that I've escaped the chaos of the semester, I'm hoping I can use this week to reflect and learn about all kinds of stuff. I'm assuming I should hear from Edgewood soon and that should make me move one direction or another. I think I've let that become too big a deal frankly. What's the great Sheryl Crow line (yeah I said great and Sheryl Crow) "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

I'm going to work on appreciating what I've got. In truth my problems are middle class problems and a privilege to have. In essence I have too many options and can't choose. I have a family that actually likes me and wants me around. I have work that pays well and people see me as good at it. I have supervisors who think I can accomplish more and push me to do so. I'm physically able to chase these fitness dreams. In short I have opportunities.

Many people I know aren't fortunate enough to be able to have these "problems." I just need to make up my mind and quite looking at other's people's grass for the color.