Maintaining

[nomorecomebacks]

It’s been quite a while since the last time I said … “I did it!” I’ve got to now say that despite all my Zen approaches and my musings with regards to the sun rising and birds singing; “it’s no picnic keeping that damn weight off!” So it is that I have decided to create this thread to ponder new strategies as well as fine tune those changes I have been practicing since day one. The latter being Key to my success having thus far remained obesity free for more than 2 years running!

Speaking of which … I never thought it possible two years ago; but I’m now running. Hmmm perhaps running is not the correct term. I’m just slow jogging and it feels pretty good when I’m doing it right. I’ll no doubt be journaling on that as is pretty much my staple now with regards to my chosen form of maintenance. Of course dietary consumption plays a large role if not as much equal to energy expenditure to maintain my contented, moreover my easily sustainable weight.

For now I am allowing myself a few kilos either side of what I have termed to be my optimal weight. The forms of “running” I have researched are unlike what most of us are familiar with. Pretty much anyone can do it. This really surprised me considering the amount of anti-running campaigns currently littered across the world wide web. It was a real buzz for me to find information and books that support various forms of human propulsion that can be done well into old age!

The 3 buzz titles used to describe these forms (which are very similar to each other) are “Slow Jogging” “Chi Running” & “Pose Running” I’m still both investigating various books and also practicing.

Currently my main weakness is just how hungry I am getting with my new found fitness. I also need to re-examine my sleep patterns as well as rest and recovery.


These are but a few things I wish to contemplate over the next few months.

 

[nomorecomebacks]

I ended up with take away this afternoon.

What can I say, "I like my curves!"

I don't make excuses, but nor am I into beating myself up. Keeping active allows me to plunder every now and then without having to feel I've let myself down. Sometimes I seem to even have a better workout after letting go. If I get the balance with activity and healthy food choices right; there is no sense of giving in ... that is ... when the timing is right.

At least that is what I am telling myself tonight.

 

[nomorecomebacks]

My Weekly Long Run

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It's good to be jogging 10kms once more. Although this time around I'm not doing it everyday. Not that I ever lasted long doing that to myself.

Off to the Gym today as I missed yesterdays tick and flick on my to do list. Not to worry though ... I'm a lot more flexible these days. (although I do need to work on that in the gym today) I do beleive I have made the right decision having dropped my weight routine back to only twice a week. I am yet to work out my running days as I am still early in the transition from weights to running.

My sleep is still an issue. I think I am still getting used to sleeping in my own room. This is something the wife and I are trialing at the moment. Her MS has progressed more with temperature sensitivity being an issue. My body outputs a lot of heat (as does my wifes!) and I must admit we both seem to be getting more sleep since making that transition. It's a big "change" for a 26 year routine. Being summer and having no air con in our room has made sleeping in separate rooms cooler.

At first it was good, but now I seem to be struggling with the change is all. Is what it is I guess. I might of raised my single bed too much. Might take it down a notch. Generally like to be on a slight angle though.

Bla Bla Bla ... rambling today. Time to get off my but and go to the gym.

Heading off to the city for a few days (wife had to see a neuro specialist) ... Going to take a couple of eskies and our own food. Nothing worse than getting caught out in the city having to buy take away and or constantly eating out. The plan is to maybe eat out twice whilst making the healthiest choice. Moreover to have our usual whole and natural foods within easy reach. It's a hell of a lot cheaper doing it that way!

I will note that my daughter gave us some "Vegan" Food which was mostly just sugar! I really struggle with sugar when it's not in a form of fruit ... even then I still have to watch myself. I'm just feeling a little frustrated that my daughter seems to have fallen into the vegan club mentality. Paleo is not much different ... more meaning that whole fan boy thing with gourmet focus that's more about the sauce than anything else. Of course I am talking about all that online hype; the up voting and all that kind of thing. (each to their own of course and is only my opinion ... my perspective ... I am just an old skeptical cranky old bastard) I got sucked in early on with my own health delusions but putting myself through the grinder to give up that mentality.

I don't take photos of my food anymore. LOL - I guess it did spur me on ... but then I saw that Netflix Series Season One Ep 1 - Black Mirror. All about social media and how we BS ourselves. So True. Everyone just saying whatever to get that up vote ... to keep those hits ... to get those views. Kind of makes having a few curves a cool thing when you consider just how self centred we become with our own images. Hmmmm - Tis why I prefer to ramble and self reflect in such a way that not meant make a million friends ... less hits, less popular and all that jazz. My filtering process. (yep I still like to write like that) I like that way too ... being all social phobia and what not ... but that's OK ... I'm down with that. I generally don't do people. To be fair ... the world kind of sucks when you consider all the up voting and various others forms of being. The pretence and all that.

Eventually I will go back to hugging my own curves between the cycles of this or that ... thing is ... I am learning to maintain on a steady level with only fleeting moments of the odd bust. Still have not found the "balance" ... I've merely just been trudging forward if I am to be honest with myself. Having said that though - I've done well to give a few things up and accept my rigid way of living as just the way I be. Does not help having been an addict for so long. Now now ... if you're in a forum that involves watching what you eat ... your as much an addict as the one in the street. Not a nice way to thinking of one's self; is it? Smiles at such a thought.

I have no issue with seeing myself as such because I still subscribe to the fact we live in a society that thrives on selling drugs. People just like to validate their choices with more acceptable terms and joining whatever clubs.

OK - Time to stretch this body out and detox from all that vegan food.

 

[IAmGoingToTri]

Awesome to read that you have been maintaining for 2 years already. I hope to do the same one day, when I am done!

Cool that you picked up running! I love running too (and cardio in general). It's a great way to calm your mind and have some fun!

 

[nomorecomebacks]

Hey there. It took me quite some time to lose my weight. I’m only just entering the maintenance phase now. The changes I made took a while. I gradually came off a number of medications, reduced my intake of take away junk and processed foods. I kind of weaned myself off everything over a period of 12 months (little by little) without any dieting at all. I even water fasted for 6 days. That was an awesome experience I am yet to do again. (…this was not to lose weight –doing so is a huge mistake – I healed my digestive system [to a small degree and reset my clock) thankfully my wife and I went through this lifestyle change together and have not looked back since.


Our perspective to weight loss is a little different from the desire to shed a few pounds so that we may fit into a certain size, or look a certain way before whatever event. Age and Broken Anatomy generally spur a lot of us older (and some young) folk into a mind-set that sees food more as medicine rather than a means to curb one’s emotions or feed one’s desires. We do enjoy the taste of our food, but it comes a distant second or even a third; to other more important areas of our health.

Now the above perspective is not set in stone, however it does highlight our motivation to making a decision that’s set for life, gives us a view of food as both toxic and medicinal; above all inspires us to do what we have found to be true and know what works for us. It also expands a little more on why I often use the term addiction along side that of food ... but I leave that kind of talk for another time. I've been letting lose too much on our latest trip and don't want to depress myself or others.
_____________________________

I'll see if I can wake up early and get in a some light jogging to cheer myself up.

Indeed - You hit the nail on the head with how running makes many of us feel. Very glad you focused on that.

Steady State Cardio is for life: HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is great for quick results and those who don't have much time, however many people forget it also comes as a cost. The results are short term in as much the same way a diet works and the recovery times can in fact be longer than a longer steady run. There is a LOT of pseudoscience out there on what does and does not work. It's taken me awhile to learn how physical activity taxes and energizes the body as well as how to incorporate rest and recovery with factoring in one's nutrition on top of all that. Balance being the vital key as too; one's perspective and reason for being and doing what they do. Steady State Cardio really helps me with the latter - helps counter my predisposition with most of today's designer foods!

I shrug off the fear of "running makes you age quicker" as I know just how much higher my quality of living goes up with a more efficient cardiovascular system that boosts my immune function ... lympymthaic systems and yadda yadda for the long haul regardless of the aging factor that none of us - can avoid. Testosterone - Mesmostrone ... bla bla bla.

Nothing beats the buzz of being able to lift two feet off the ground whilst moving forward; no matter how slow!!! Sometimes the slower ... all the more the buzz. In fact that cannabinoid chemical (just like pot) that's attributed to runner's high is more often more recorded during Longer Slower Steady States of Cardio ... Very Interesting Stuff. When you consider just how healing marijuana has been noted for these days, it kind of undermines all those negative claims. None the less you have to be fit to get into such a state. (Just yet another motivating factor) I've been there a few times before and looking forward to increasing my fitness so I can dose myself with some well timed bouts to clear my mind.

I best hit the sack so I can get up early enough to find myself in a more conducive state ... less traffic and people along the city river. It is good that I can go out and purge myself when taking in some of the things I know I should not. Looking forward to a good morning session of sweat - albeit in a short and steady stride.

Adio ... until next post.

 

[Cate]

Hi, Dave, I find walking really therapeutic. It helps clear my mind. It's good that you have such self-awareness & know what you need to do.

 

[nomorecomebacks]

Hi Cate. Hope you are well.

I think will I wind down later this afternoon with some walking. I did a nice 8.5km run this morning around Riverheads/Southbank Brisbane:

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I started my morning run from the Riverside Hotel, across the bridge into the city then doubled back. I ignored the bridge on the southeast side that goes under the highway which goes over the river and into the city. I kept going around the bend until such time I once again decided to double back. Total distance 8.5km.

Despite the trees and other greenery I must admit that the place was harsh on my nose. No offense to the city dwellers, but it kind of smelt like a dump. I think mostly because I live on the coast and only in town for a few days. When I say dump, that's comparable to someone switching from an air conditioned office job into a hot overworked abattoir. In fact I would consider even fast paced walking regularly along the river bank as pictured around that city as more unhealthy than someone working out in an airconditioned building. In fact, I think I will not go for that walk but do some stretching instead. The state of the river did not look any better ... the color of a dirt road leading into our local tip. The best part of the run was passing the pretend beach where the smell of chlorine overpowered the unpleasant smell.

Srry ... as is good as my review on that morning run can get. Speaking of Perspective ... was good to see my wife with a nice smile as I posed for my mate taking the following shot:

PERSPECTIVE - Brisbane Science Museum

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My wife's MS has progressed. Her name is on a list for some new fancy trial, but none of us are holding our breath. Her condition is Primary Progressive with more lesions having developed on her spine; thankfully those in her brain have not progressed.

Here is one last last snapshot I took as we walked into the Science Museum. As much as I would love to catch buses to avoid the smell of people and traffic, it all seems to confusing:

Brisbane City
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On the other hands If I had to live in Brisbane, I am sure I would eventually learn. Somehow I don't think I will live with all that hussel and bussel ... not now that I live in a rural setting on the coast.

That's about it for now. I think I will kick back in this air conditioned room and bide my time till I can traverse into our car and onward out of this city towards our nice smelling home. Truth be told, one has to pick good times in order to avoid the pollution in that growing town as well. The cleaner and fitter I have become, the more intune I am with just how much pollution we humans leave in our wake. Think I will look into a little trail running and shoot of some pics soon enough.

Sounds like a plan. Having said all that ... it was a good trip. You just need to be mindful of how much time you expose yourself outdoors is all. Won't be long before the Starship Voyager downgrades this planet from a class M to something less livable. I'll start looking into a breathing accessory to go with my hydration pack. lol. If more people were not so unwell, then more people would understand just how sick and smelly our planet really be.

Is not all bad - just is what it is ... makes me appreciate what little fresh air and water we have left.

Adios ... until next post.

 

[IAmGoingToTri]

Interesting story. Great to read about your run!

Btw I can tell you that there are people who are working on cleaning this mess of the planet. I am happy to be able to do that with my job (working in Geo-IT; so with maps, remote sensing, etc). My main focus is water quality.

But of course there is a lot of work to do. Fortunately, there is a also a lot of people working on these issues, which gives me some reason for optimism that we can learn to take better care of this Earth. Hopefully, our more ingenious, long-term thinking, wiser side wins it from our more stupid and selfish side.

Nice way to visualize your run by the way using Google Earth. Looks really good. Good use of perspective, and of the 3d buildings. Also good to see that I am not the only one who uses Google Earth for mapping his runs!

Sorry to read about your wife. I hope a treatment may be found!

 

[nomorecomebacks]

Yes of course. Focusing on what works is the healing way. Sounds like a really cool job! I was just reporting what I saw, smelt and felt. I apologize I did not balance my story with more appealing views. I guess I have been subject to too much Foxtel and or Netflix.

For all the man made checks and balances there is in my opinion way too much addiction to a self destructive value system. Therefore I only see one way this planet will reach a state of balance; I don't think humans will have much a say in it. My optimism is reserved for the planet as I trust it will prevail over us. Given my relationship with it ... that is good enough. My strength comes from nature - not from those that drain it. Having said that, your optimism is well received.

It's good to promote whatever can be done, to ease the pain, live and move on. Life is not a box of chocolates ... but if we can have the odd one without detriment; then why not? Watching my wife and seeing others deteriorate faster than what nature would of otherwise of seen has a way of draining one's positive state. Nonetheless regardless of my realist view (which I find less disturbing to that of others who momentarily become distracted from their embedded screens) I for the most part use the truth to motivate me in making healthier choices so that I can better serve. Just not in the conditioned way.

Delusion, Illusion and Creative Escapism are but just a few of the elements I map out when it comes to "the" long run. (Yep - manually doing so with Google Earth I find easier than using batteries and being permanently connected - Naked Running comes to mind [running without attachments]) I guess it depends on one's experience as to the ways in which we choose to see and be. Allow me to say that during that morning tained run, that I allowed my eyes to remain soft and gave the occasional nod and smile. My skepticism is not nearly as grey as it seems. I was however influenced more than I thought with less than favourable news.

As for my wife ... the report was not so good, but nowhere near as drab to that of our mainstream news. It was good to be away from the adult kids who require much of our time. The science museum gave us a few laughs. I caught up with on old boss friend who joined us for lunch. The Hotel dinner was exceptionally good. We have a late check out this morning and more than we need for the long road home. All in all it's been a really good trip.

We accept whatever lay at the end of the road. I don't blame my wife for giving in to so much pain - nor myself for the constant drain of what is, however I find good in your reply as to believe there is much that still can be done without the need to play into any kind of script.

We do what we can with what we have.
_______________________________

For now I will affirm one thing ... The giving in to eating out and giving way to comfort eating - Now Stops! It's time for me to return to Plant Based eating with emphasis on Lightening The Load!!!

No matter what lay in front ... it's all a state of mind! I sense some well timed and peaceful runs on the road ahead.

Thx for the positive influence.

 

[nomorecomebacks]

Is Good to be Home. I did an hour solid on the treadmill this morning. I ended up burning over 1000 Calories alternating intensity.
Currently detoxing ... I estimate it will take at least 7 days of plant based eating to make up for the relaxed eating whilst away.
We took our own food but ended up bringing most of it back. I am punishing myself somewhat ... however in that process I seem to be detoxing faster. No complaints here.

Weights tomorrow. I will turn it into a cardio circuit to burn even more calories. Will just do some light jogging for 30 minutes of so.

Just eating plant based and drinking LOTS of water. Might have a few herbal teas.

That's about it for now.

Looking forward to getting back on top of things and then dialing things back activity wise. Thinking of making a new goal where I do very light activities for a week to two weeks and concentrate on just using food to control my weight. Is good not to rely on activity as my sole means to maintain.

For now ... I'll burn off what I have gained because I am able.

PS - Working on quality sleep ... SLEEP HYGIENE!!!

 

[nomorecomebacks]

Suspension Training + Body Weight Exercise Books

I'm just a little before I head outside and start on my TRX suspension trainer. Rolls eyes at the impulse to mention the label on it. I'll also be using some push up handles in conjunction with this system this morning. Now whilst I am also rolling my eyes at the very thought of lifting my ass out of this chair, I have to say it's easier that prepping my mind to go to the gym. It's actually very convenient and takes less time that going to the gym.

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That suspension system I bought comes with a door latch, cd and exercise booklet. I bought it on eBay for $80.00 ... a good price considering it has the TRX trademark stamped on it. One could question its authenticity however it does the job and does it well. That's all that matters to me.

Everything I can do weight wise at the gym I can more or less do with this system. Body weight is more than enough for my aim and in fact can actually be more than I want under certain situations. There's pros and cons to everything in life. Working around them in body weight training is called "Regression and Progression."

Just before I head out my back door ... I'll share two good books on the subject of Body Weight Training:



First I researched what books were available on the topic of Body Weight Training - without the need for "more things" then sourced out a few that were reasonable priced for my means. Whilst the above book does mention the use of the odd chair, railing and table, it does make an effort to list things that are readily available to most people reading. Thankfully my little foldable/collapsible suspension system works in very well when a chair, railing or table is advised.

The above book is highly rated as a well descriptive guide and as someone like myself who does better following guides; I concur that it's well described. All the rest about this book can be read on the pics link.


The next one is more a resource ... to be used in conjunction with other Body Weight Exercise Books:


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I really like this book! It's NOT meant as an EXERCISE GUIDE - but I still use it as a guide when I want to target certain areas. I find the exercise described well enough and the pictures very good. One you learn more about strength training (with the body) and or have a little experience/history with body building, then imo this book is worth the money.

It really is amazing what we can do without all that "equipment" we are told we must have in order to .... bla bla bla and bla! Sure is can be useful in certain situations ... but the reason most people cry over their bodies and use it as an excuse; is because they don't bother to even use it ... case and point!
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Time has passed quickly making this post ... time for my to do rather than type.

Here's to a good day whatever your doing.

Adios ... until next post.

PS - Not time for edits ... please do excuse.

 

[nomorecomebacks]

Going well - Srry ... Nothing to Complain, Moan, Bitch or Cry about.

I'm off for a nice long walk ... Sun is a little high ... but better than what it's going to be. Adios ... until next post.


Photo courtesy of me and where I now tend to walk.

 

[Cate]

Nothing to Complain, Moan, Bitch or Cry about.

I sure hope no-one here thinks that is compulsory!

 

[nomorecomebacks]

Each to their own! Thanks for visiting My Space! I think I will now make that a RULE!!! for this HERE THREAD!!! If I may!

Is that enough !!! ?

Have a nice day. Hmmm ... somehow I think this thread is now derailed.

TY.

 

[nomorecomebacks]

In fact ... that's a YES ... THREAD DERAILED!!!

ADIOS ... last post for this thread.

PS - yes we already know ... about his sensitivities & yet ... still with the remark - bla bla bla and !
Journals are a private affair ... no need to make rules in my own thread. If anything ... I must of been close to the mark with all that "need"to moan and groan. Yet another plastic site that thrives on commiseration. Leave your moderation for someone else! BYE!!!

 

[Cate]

Wow! I think you have totally misunderstood what I was saying Dave.

 

[nomorecomebacks]

You forgot to distinguish between the two points I made with you obscure arrow:

Walking or the No Whining and Bitching. Given your presence on the boards I took the meaning to be the latter.

Yea I am touchy ... you already knew that. In my book given the dynamics ... I still think it was a tactless comment. There is no one in here that really cares except me. Your presence is more for show than anything else. Is what it is.

I hope I am at least being clear! ... here's a few more for good measure !!!

We need not all get along. I bid you and your "image" goodbye.

Have the last say ... either way ... I am feeling much better.

ADIOS full stop ... Over & out!