Looking at my latest measurements and weight I can now safely say that muscle weighs more than fat.
My measurements have all dropped significantly which is pleasing for me and I feel lighter but a glance at the scales confirms that I have not even lost 2kg. I know 89kg is a lot overweight and I have been doing everything to get it down but frustratingly it is not dropping as much as I wanted.
I didn't start the gym to get huge but I do put on muscle easy. Perhaps I need to stop going up in weights and try to trim up what I have got. I really don't want to look "stocky" a term I have had most of my adult life which I HATE.
I have really set myself to stay away from the booze after my latest show of weakness. It is testament both to the problem I had and the challenge I face controlling it. I knew it would be hard and I want to be disciplined but my mind plays tricks on me. Stupid mind I might poke you with cue tip. That'll learn you.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Shoulders & back (gym) 2km walk with dog
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 29 - 24/1/2011
A week can go by quickly and the last week has been like that. I must admit guilt yo some beer on the weekend which is not ideal. After a great week in the gym and my first 5km run, which was very tough I relented on the weekend to what I thought I had beaten.
It (alcohol) I have to accept is a constant thing which I must monitor. I went from doubting I would even have any before my birthday to having it two weekends in a row. Maybe that was the cause of my horror migraine on Friday and my fever last night which I still haven't shook. I awoke at midnight drenched in sweat and continued to boil and shiver throughout the wee hours until I woke at nine.
The gym has been a good constant having only missed Friday and this morning.
Alcohol - 3 x six packs of beer
Exercise - 4 days gym, 5km & 3.5km run
It (alcohol) I have to accept is a constant thing which I must monitor. I went from doubting I would even have any before my birthday to having it two weekends in a row. Maybe that was the cause of my horror migraine on Friday and my fever last night which I still haven't shook. I awoke at midnight drenched in sweat and continued to boil and shiver throughout the wee hours until I woke at nine.
The gym has been a good constant having only missed Friday and this morning.
Alcohol - 3 x six packs of beer
Exercise - 4 days gym, 5km & 3.5km run
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 22 - 17/1/2011
I have been really lazy this last week with updates I know. Lucky I haven't been lazy in my endeavours.
My first full week of the gym has yielded good results. But it was tough. By Thursday afternoon I was noticeably tired and Friday afternoon was very, very long. I actually left work early. I certainly felt all of my 36 years 364 days.
And so it was that I turned 37 and officially entered my "late 30's" according to my wife. She never lets me forget that she is 6 years younger than me. Doesn't bother me, my wrinkled dangly balls won't bother me when I'm old...
I have to admit to a fairly bad weekend as far as the sauce goes. I partook on two days with wine and beer and yesterday I felt it. Not that I was hung-over but I certainly knew I had been on the gas. Lethargy and rotten flatulence was the theme for the day and I even feel flat this morning. I look forward to another extended break from the poison.
I gave my legs a break over the weekend so I didn't run. They were still sore from the monster leg workouts at the gym. It is the one area I am equal in to my training partner. Usually he is lifting around 40% more.
Alcohol - 2 bottles wine, 12 beers (3 days)
Exercise - Chest & Legs
My first full week of the gym has yielded good results. But it was tough. By Thursday afternoon I was noticeably tired and Friday afternoon was very, very long. I actually left work early. I certainly felt all of my 36 years 364 days.
And so it was that I turned 37 and officially entered my "late 30's" according to my wife. She never lets me forget that she is 6 years younger than me. Doesn't bother me, my wrinkled dangly balls won't bother me when I'm old...
I have to admit to a fairly bad weekend as far as the sauce goes. I partook on two days with wine and beer and yesterday I felt it. Not that I was hung-over but I certainly knew I had been on the gas. Lethargy and rotten flatulence was the theme for the day and I even feel flat this morning. I look forward to another extended break from the poison.
I gave my legs a break over the weekend so I didn't run. They were still sore from the monster leg workouts at the gym. It is the one area I am equal in to my training partner. Usually he is lifting around 40% more.
Alcohol - 2 bottles wine, 12 beers (3 days)
Exercise - Chest & Legs
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 15, 16 & 17 - 12/1/11
Things have changed in what I would say a significant way over the last few days which I have not had the time to write about. I have noticed a distinct shift in my body and mind's attitude towards this project.
Where at first it seemed a distant hope that I would be able to get where I want to be it now seems like an inevitable destination. My longing for beer and wine which was quite an issue in the first two weeks has subsided to the point I almost don't want to partake so I don't ruin the good work and gains I have achieved so far.
I have my birthday on Saturday which is booked in as an alcohol allowed day but at this stage I am not even certain I will drink anything. Unimaginable a few weeks ago. I couldn't even get through one day without justifying it. It is truly amazing the change in my psyche.
My gym sessions are improving exponentially every day. I am making gains in all areas and I can feel my body starting to change in quite noticeable ways. Things are firmer and I feel lighter and more energetic .
Even running although still slow is starting to get back it's familiar appeal of yesteryear. Don't get me wrong, it is still tough but it is becoming less of a chore and more an activity I want to do in order to improve.
My first goal has been set. Melbourne Half Marathon in October. It is 269 days until then so I have work to do. At present 3.5km is my best run although I am sure I can go further I don't want to risk stress injuries too early and have to stop.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Gym every day, 3km run
Where at first it seemed a distant hope that I would be able to get where I want to be it now seems like an inevitable destination. My longing for beer and wine which was quite an issue in the first two weeks has subsided to the point I almost don't want to partake so I don't ruin the good work and gains I have achieved so far.
I have my birthday on Saturday which is booked in as an alcohol allowed day but at this stage I am not even certain I will drink anything. Unimaginable a few weeks ago. I couldn't even get through one day without justifying it. It is truly amazing the change in my psyche.
My gym sessions are improving exponentially every day. I am making gains in all areas and I can feel my body starting to change in quite noticeable ways. Things are firmer and I feel lighter and more energetic .
Even running although still slow is starting to get back it's familiar appeal of yesteryear. Don't get me wrong, it is still tough but it is becoming less of a chore and more an activity I want to do in order to improve.
My first goal has been set. Melbourne Half Marathon in October. It is 269 days until then so I have work to do. At present 3.5km is my best run although I am sure I can go further I don't want to risk stress injuries too early and have to stop.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Gym every day, 3km run
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Days 13 & 14 - 9/1/2011
After my weakness of Friday night I set myself for a very disciplined weekend and I think I managed to achieve it.
I managed to do a make up run yesterday of 3km and also one today of just over 3.5km with some hills thrown in. The first half felt good until I realised that it was all downhill and obviously uphill on the way back. I had my ass hanging out just to keep the legs rolling over but I did manage it.
A nice soak in the bay at Williamstown to soothe the muscles was just what was ordered and it was awesome until the cool change swung by not long after we got there. I was fine in the water but the missus and kid were not so chipper. Got a good 30 minutes in though.
Really wanted a beer yesterday when it was hot but went to the beach instead. I am finding it is helpful to keep busy then I don't think about evil.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 3km run & 3.6km run
I managed to do a make up run yesterday of 3km and also one today of just over 3.5km with some hills thrown in. The first half felt good until I realised that it was all downhill and obviously uphill on the way back. I had my ass hanging out just to keep the legs rolling over but I did manage it.
A nice soak in the bay at Williamstown to soothe the muscles was just what was ordered and it was awesome until the cool change swung by not long after we got there. I was fine in the water but the missus and kid were not so chipper. Got a good 30 minutes in though.
Really wanted a beer yesterday when it was hot but went to the beach instead. I am finding it is helpful to keep busy then I don't think about evil.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 3km run & 3.6km run
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Day 12 - 7/1/2011
It should be now that I admit to abject weakness. I caved last night and partook in a long neck of Coopers Sparkling Ale and I am disappointed. As much as I justified it to myself last night it just doesn't sit right with me now.
Although my intention for this exercise was never to give up alcohol completely it still erks me that I had not planned to have any last night and then talked myself into it on the way home. I remain resolute that this will not happen again.
As for exercise I have been very disciplined. Apart from missing a run through what I will call injury I have excelled at firstly doing the exercise and secondly doing it well. Yesterday's chest and leg session at the gym was difficult but rewarding. My weights are going up quickly as my body remembers and my muscles get used to it again.
Sleep has become very easy now mostly due to tiredness but also because I am getting used to falling asleep without the sedative that was red wine. I am finding that I need less to get more benefit. Waking is also a joy now that I don't have to contend with the dry mouth and lethargy of a minor hangover every morning.
A curious thing in my everyday life has happened which has been a bonus. I am finding that I now have more time and motivation to do the little things that I always ignored. Even just then Griffin asked me to get the batteries out of the TV remote so he could use them in his Xbox and as I handed them to him I realised there was now no back on the TV remote. Whereas before I would have just put it down I found myself searching for it.
Although just a mundane example it is happening more and more. I like it.
Alcohol - Longneck of beer
Exercise - 95 min gym (chest and legs)
Although my intention for this exercise was never to give up alcohol completely it still erks me that I had not planned to have any last night and then talked myself into it on the way home. I remain resolute that this will not happen again.
As for exercise I have been very disciplined. Apart from missing a run through what I will call injury I have excelled at firstly doing the exercise and secondly doing it well. Yesterday's chest and leg session at the gym was difficult but rewarding. My weights are going up quickly as my body remembers and my muscles get used to it again.
Sleep has become very easy now mostly due to tiredness but also because I am getting used to falling asleep without the sedative that was red wine. I am finding that I need less to get more benefit. Waking is also a joy now that I don't have to contend with the dry mouth and lethargy of a minor hangover every morning.
A curious thing in my everyday life has happened which has been a bonus. I am finding that I now have more time and motivation to do the little things that I always ignored. Even just then Griffin asked me to get the batteries out of the TV remote so he could use them in his Xbox and as I handed them to him I realised there was now no back on the TV remote. Whereas before I would have just put it down I found myself searching for it.
Although just a mundane example it is happening more and more. I like it.
Alcohol - Longneck of beer
Exercise - 95 min gym (chest and legs)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 11 - 6/1/2011
Another huge day in the gym. Back and arms which canes the biceps and really wore me out. I left the gym actually feeling great with the rush of endorphins. Got to work and had my bowl of oats and protein and crashed.
What followed was the longest day that could be imagined as a I battled hunger and tiredness in equal measures. Not even caffeine could wake me up. My legs were also so sore from the workout two days ago I could hardly walk until the circulation got into them. Sitting on the toilet was an exercise in pain too. Dead lifts suck!
I didn't even feel the pang of thirst for a beer when I got home. Just the need for food. The missus had gone shopping and the cupboards were full of junk but I was disciplined and had steak and mushrooms. Mmmmmm, steak! A good Porterhouse too.
I did buckle later and had a melting moment (biscuit) while watching the TV. Slack indeed.
As for a run my legs were far too sore to even entertain it. I seriously thought I might do some more damage. Soze (dog) looked expectantly at me all night but I remained couched for the duration.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 95 min gym (back & arms)
What followed was the longest day that could be imagined as a I battled hunger and tiredness in equal measures. Not even caffeine could wake me up. My legs were also so sore from the workout two days ago I could hardly walk until the circulation got into them. Sitting on the toilet was an exercise in pain too. Dead lifts suck!
I didn't even feel the pang of thirst for a beer when I got home. Just the need for food. The missus had gone shopping and the cupboards were full of junk but I was disciplined and had steak and mushrooms. Mmmmmm, steak! A good Porterhouse too.
I did buckle later and had a melting moment (biscuit) while watching the TV. Slack indeed.
As for a run my legs were far too sore to even entertain it. I seriously thought I might do some more damage. Soze (dog) looked expectantly at me all night but I remained couched for the duration.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 95 min gym (back & arms)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 10 - 5/1/2011
Tough day of exercise. Tough. It began with my favourite body part at the gym; shoulders but soon followed by my least favourite; legs. I have never liked doing legs partly because I am always conscious that they are already too big but mostly because it make them so sore.
The burning began almost as soon as I left the gym and got slowly worse as lunchtime loomed. Little did I know lunch would throw in a cruel twist. Counter meal at the local. It was sprung on me on the spot and I nearly declined but it was with my old manager so I thought stuff it I can resist the urge.
I did too and am very proud. The only moment of indecision came when the guy across from me put his cold, frosty pint on the table in front of me. It looked so good and he assured me it was. I do miss a nice pint of tap beer. It tastes so good in a bar from the tap. It's probably been four or five months since I had one.
Anyway I resisted and managed to drag my sorry ass for my run which I have set myself nightly for this week. Lap one was torture as my sore tired quads and glutes screamed for mercy but as I pushed on the blood flowed and it wasn't too bad. I came home with a sense of achievement once again which is a lot better than remorse as I put the empty bottle of wine on the bench.
Still having trouble falling asleep as my mind gets used to calming itself but I'm not tired during the day so it's not really an issue.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 85 min gym (shoulders & legs) 3km jog
The burning began almost as soon as I left the gym and got slowly worse as lunchtime loomed. Little did I know lunch would throw in a cruel twist. Counter meal at the local. It was sprung on me on the spot and I nearly declined but it was with my old manager so I thought stuff it I can resist the urge.
I did too and am very proud. The only moment of indecision came when the guy across from me put his cold, frosty pint on the table in front of me. It looked so good and he assured me it was. I do miss a nice pint of tap beer. It tastes so good in a bar from the tap. It's probably been four or five months since I had one.
Anyway I resisted and managed to drag my sorry ass for my run which I have set myself nightly for this week. Lap one was torture as my sore tired quads and glutes screamed for mercy but as I pushed on the blood flowed and it wasn't too bad. I came home with a sense of achievement once again which is a lot better than remorse as I put the empty bottle of wine on the bench.
Still having trouble falling asleep as my mind gets used to calming itself but I'm not tired during the day so it's not really an issue.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - 85 min gym (shoulders & legs) 3km jog
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 9 - 4/1/2011
Just back from a slow but punishing jog. Only 3km but enough after a really good workout this morning (chest & arms). I also threw in my first day of work since my regime has begun.
It wasn't a real day of work with the plant not running and just catching up with some admin. My manager wasn't there which made it a lot less of a hassle so my need for a drink when I got home was minimal, but still there.
It is a constant thought in my mind when I go to the shop. I went for food after my run and had to literally stand in front of Liquorland with cash in my pocket while I waited for the checkout. Once again the reasons to get one blurted there way into my head.
You've been good today. A run and a workout.
It's been a while. Just one beer.
And so it continued until I finally walked out with food only! A small victory but a victory nonetheless. I like to keep reminding myself of the achievements especially at this early stage. Even though I faltered and weakened on NYE it was still five days since my last drink. I can't remember when it was that long between partaking. Sad.
And so onward and upward.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Gym (chest and arms) 90min, 3km jog
It wasn't a real day of work with the plant not running and just catching up with some admin. My manager wasn't there which made it a lot less of a hassle so my need for a drink when I got home was minimal, but still there.
It is a constant thought in my mind when I go to the shop. I went for food after my run and had to literally stand in front of Liquorland with cash in my pocket while I waited for the checkout. Once again the reasons to get one blurted there way into my head.
You've been good today. A run and a workout.
It's been a while. Just one beer.
And so it continued until I finally walked out with food only! A small victory but a victory nonetheless. I like to keep reminding myself of the achievements especially at this early stage. Even though I faltered and weakened on NYE it was still five days since my last drink. I can't remember when it was that long between partaking. Sad.
And so onward and upward.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Gym (chest and arms) 90min, 3km jog
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day 8 - 3/1/2011
And so apart from my brief hiccup I have remained blemish free for the new year. A bout of gastro yesterday made it a bit easier but spending the day on the can with it coming out of both ends was a bit much.
Managing to fit in exercise yesterday was impossible but my abs got a decent workout. Today I managed a swim with the tacker and a walk with the dog and a kick of the footy.
Tomorrow the real stuff starts with a solid workout at the gym and then a good run in the evening. I really am looking forward to getting into it.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Swim, walk, kick footy
Managing to fit in exercise yesterday was impossible but my abs got a decent workout. Today I managed a swim with the tacker and a walk with the dog and a kick of the footy.
Tomorrow the real stuff starts with a solid workout at the gym and then a good run in the evening. I really am looking forward to getting into it.
Alcohol - Nil
Exercise - Swim, walk, kick footy
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 5 - 31/12/2010
Not an ideal day for my new regime. It started innocently enough with a trip to the museum but ended in weakness.
I used the NYE and a fallout with a good friend as an excuse to drink and am not proud of myself.
Alcohol - 6 beers, bottle of wine
Exercise - Nil
I used the NYE and a fallout with a good friend as an excuse to drink and am not proud of myself.
Alcohol - 6 beers, bottle of wine
Exercise - Nil
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